Arches National Park
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Day 16 of the journey
Easter Sunday morning at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah
What a beautiful place! I could spend a lifetime exploring this region. The natural sandstone sculptures really come alive. We spend a couple of hours in the morning hiking and driving through the park.
With the Rockies looming east of us, we drove due south from Moab, Utah, on Hwy 191 to Interstate 40, and then due east stopping for the night in Gallup, New Mexico. We ended up having tasteless fast food as most places in Gallup were closed for Easter Sunday. All-in-all it was a pleasant day.
Easter Sunday morning at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah
What a beautiful place! I could spend a lifetime exploring this region. The natural sandstone sculptures really come alive. We spend a couple of hours in the morning hiking and driving through the park.
With the Rockies looming east of us, we drove due south from Moab, Utah, on Hwy 191 to Interstate 40, and then due east stopping for the night in Gallup, New Mexico. We ended up having tasteless fast food as most places in Gallup were closed for Easter Sunday. All-in-all it was a pleasant day.
Labels: journey
Salt Lake to Moab
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Day 15 of journey, cont'd (it's Saturday, Easter weekend, 4-7-07)
After "the incident", we get off Hwy 15 South and head east on Rt 6. Within minutes, we find a riverside park where we stop and slap together some cold cuts on bread. As you can see, it was another blue-sky pleasant Spring day.
We take Rt 6E to Hwy 191S. Somewhere along this route we came across a gas station selling biodiesel! Who would have thought.
We've set our sights on staying the night in Moab, Utah. Little did we know that the televised annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari was in full swing. The town was packed with hundreds of jeeps, and it took us some effort to find a room. The room we got was musty and waaayy over-priced (most expensive dive of my whole trip); and the owner was pleased to tell me he is originally from my neighborhood in San Diego. Scumbag.
It was amusing to me to drive amongst all the Jeepsters with my little biodiesel baby VW! It's nice for people to have fun outdoors, but somehow I don't think this crowd gives a rats ass about "nature". Two issues from my viewpoint: Fuel and Environment
We went to get dinner early while the majority of folks were still playing in the back country. Dinner was excellent at Moab Brewery. The chili was almost the best ever coming in at a close 2nd to a small downtown restaurant in Prescott, Arizona. The cornbread was melt-in-mouth moist and spicy. Yummmm!
Those of us eating on the patio got a good laugh when a jeep zoomed into the parking lot with an elderly women hanging on without seating in the jeep's rear bed. Someone told a mother-in-law joke, and we were all off and running. I laughed 'till I cried, partly as release from the stress of the day, and the beer didn't hurt either.
:D
I looked up a mother-in-law joke for y'all and discovered this:
"I find it interesting that if you rearrange the letters in the word "mother-in-law" you get the words "woman Hitler".
 |  |
After "the incident", we get off Hwy 15 South and head east on Rt 6. Within minutes, we find a riverside park where we stop and slap together some cold cuts on bread. As you can see, it was another blue-sky pleasant Spring day.
We take Rt 6E to Hwy 191S. Somewhere along this route we came across a gas station selling biodiesel! Who would have thought.
We've set our sights on staying the night in Moab, Utah. Little did we know that the televised annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari was in full swing. The town was packed with hundreds of jeeps, and it took us some effort to find a room. The room we got was musty and waaayy over-priced (most expensive dive of my whole trip); and the owner was pleased to tell me he is originally from my neighborhood in San Diego. Scumbag.
It was amusing to me to drive amongst all the Jeepsters with my little biodiesel baby VW! It's nice for people to have fun outdoors, but somehow I don't think this crowd gives a rats ass about "nature". Two issues from my viewpoint: Fuel and Environment
We went to get dinner early while the majority of folks were still playing in the back country. Dinner was excellent at Moab Brewery. The chili was almost the best ever coming in at a close 2nd to a small downtown restaurant in Prescott, Arizona. The cornbread was melt-in-mouth moist and spicy. Yummmm!
Those of us eating on the patio got a good laugh when a jeep zoomed into the parking lot with an elderly women hanging on without seating in the jeep's rear bed. Someone told a mother-in-law joke, and we were all off and running. I laughed 'till I cried, partly as release from the stress of the day, and the beer didn't hurt either.
:D
I looked up a mother-in-law joke for y'all and discovered this:
"I find it interesting that if you rearrange the letters in the word "mother-in-law" you get the words "woman Hitler".
 |  |
Oh My God!!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Day 15 cont'd (the journey)
This day turned out to be quite memorable as in "harrowing".
Before I tell the story, let's backtrack a week to a particularly frightening nightmare. Here's what happened in my dream:
I was standing alone. A figure in all black was approaching me and I was gripped with intense fear. "Who are you?", I asked. The figure continued to get closer. "Who are you? Who are you?? WHO ARE YOU???", I demanded. I knew, though, that this was death personified. I was in full panic as the figure in black was so close I could feel a soft deathly exhale on my cheek. Then, suddenly, the figure turned around and began to drift away. It was now all white. I woke up sobbing.
Fast forward to my freeway experience in Salt Lake City. It's the weekend and traffic is moderate. There are five lanes traveling in each direction, and I'm in the middle southbound lane. I had been following a motorcycle for many miles as he and I maintained the same speed. At one point I had the sudden thought that I should not be following that motorcycle. I dismissed my thought as foolishness, but in retrospect it was my instinctive voice trying to give me warning.
A car slipped into the generous space I had provided between the motorcycle and me. I'm one of those drivers....I really really like enough space to brake if necessary; and so I slowed down to 70 to create some space. Most traffic was traveling at 75 or 80 which seems to be the norm now everywhere unless bottlenecks prevent.
Anyway, now there is a car between me and the motorcycle, but not for long. When the car changed lanes, my brain snapped to emergency mode as I realized the motorcycle was stopping. Rough guess is that he was down to 20 MPH when the car blocking my view changed lanes. All I had time to do was brake as hard as I possibly could without losing control. It was not possible to change lanes; and even if I had, the car behind me would have nailed the poor guy.
The motorcycle came to a halt, and I screeched in behind him just a few inches away. Two lanes of traffic on either side are flying by; and as I check my rear view mirror I see that another small car has managed to come to a halt directly behind me. "Good", I thought....."now if we get hit, I have a slightly better chance of surviving."
My hands are tight on the steering wheel and I'm shouting "Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" The motorcyclist is fiddling with his bike and miraculously gets it started. (reserve gas tank?...I don't know) We're saved! I head to the next exit and drive to an empty parking lot where I feel I might throw up....no, wait....I'm going to pass out....no, not yet, it's time to cry.
Even before I exited the freeway for my breakdown, I remembered the dream and knew that death had just paid me a visit and decided to let me live another day.
---------------------------
Thank you, Briebanofsky, for making this picture available thru the CC license. I love your "Expression" set. Very nice!
This day turned out to be quite memorable as in "harrowing".
Before I tell the story, let's backtrack a week to a particularly frightening nightmare. Here's what happened in my dream:
I was standing alone. A figure in all black was approaching me and I was gripped with intense fear. "Who are you?", I asked. The figure continued to get closer. "Who are you? Who are you?? WHO ARE YOU???", I demanded. I knew, though, that this was death personified. I was in full panic as the figure in black was so close I could feel a soft deathly exhale on my cheek. Then, suddenly, the figure turned around and began to drift away. It was now all white. I woke up sobbing.
Fast forward to my freeway experience in Salt Lake City. It's the weekend and traffic is moderate. There are five lanes traveling in each direction, and I'm in the middle southbound lane. I had been following a motorcycle for many miles as he and I maintained the same speed. At one point I had the sudden thought that I should not be following that motorcycle. I dismissed my thought as foolishness, but in retrospect it was my instinctive voice trying to give me warning.
A car slipped into the generous space I had provided between the motorcycle and me. I'm one of those drivers....I really really like enough space to brake if necessary; and so I slowed down to 70 to create some space. Most traffic was traveling at 75 or 80 which seems to be the norm now everywhere unless bottlenecks prevent.
Anyway, now there is a car between me and the motorcycle, but not for long. When the car changed lanes, my brain snapped to emergency mode as I realized the motorcycle was stopping. Rough guess is that he was down to 20 MPH when the car blocking my view changed lanes. All I had time to do was brake as hard as I possibly could without losing control. It was not possible to change lanes; and even if I had, the car behind me would have nailed the poor guy.
The motorcycle came to a halt, and I screeched in behind him just a few inches away. Two lanes of traffic on either side are flying by; and as I check my rear view mirror I see that another small car has managed to come to a halt directly behind me. "Good", I thought....."now if we get hit, I have a slightly better chance of surviving."
My hands are tight on the steering wheel and I'm shouting "Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" The motorcyclist is fiddling with his bike and miraculously gets it started. (reserve gas tank?...I don't know) We're saved! I head to the next exit and drive to an empty parking lot where I feel I might throw up....no, wait....I'm going to pass out....no, not yet, it's time to cry.
Even before I exited the freeway for my breakdown, I remembered the dream and knew that death had just paid me a visit and decided to let me live another day.
---------------------------
Thank you, Briebanofsky, for making this picture available thru the CC license. I love your "Expression" set. Very nice!
Pedros Cycling
Day 15 of the Journey
Saturday 4-7-07 AM
While having breakfast in Burley, Idaho, I kept admiring the Pedro's cycling van and trailer. Now that I've seen their website, I'm even more impressed with their commitment to a healthy environment. For example, Pedro's sells a bicycle seat bag made from recycled bicycle inner tubes.
Before leaving town, I met a man in the hotel lobby who was taking his newly-arrived stateside military son home. His homecoming would be a surprise to the young man's mother. As it turns out, "home" was in North Carolina! We discussed our planned routes. I was dropping south to avoid winter weather. He was staying north to make better time (he thought). In typical male fashion, he proceeded to tell me I was making a terrible mistake. He was wrong about the weather; but he was right (in a wrong kinda way) that my choice to head south could be hazardous. See next post.
Saturday 4-7-07 AM
While having breakfast in Burley, Idaho, I kept admiring the Pedro's cycling van and trailer. Now that I've seen their website, I'm even more impressed with their commitment to a healthy environment. For example, Pedro's sells a bicycle seat bag made from recycled bicycle inner tubes.
Before leaving town, I met a man in the hotel lobby who was taking his newly-arrived stateside military son home. His homecoming would be a surprise to the young man's mother. As it turns out, "home" was in North Carolina! We discussed our planned routes. I was dropping south to avoid winter weather. He was staying north to make better time (he thought). In typical male fashion, he proceeded to tell me I was making a terrible mistake. He was wrong about the weather; but he was right (in a wrong kinda way) that my choice to head south could be hazardous. See next post.
Eastern Oregon
 |  |
Journey continued / cross-country drive in Spring 2007
Day 14, Friday 4-6-07
We're on the road at daybreak to watch the sun play with the mountains.
Today's drive was primarily over scenic country roads, the first of which was Hwy 30 (part of the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway) leading from North Powder to Baker City, Oregon. The two pictures above were taken in Haines, aka "the biggest little town in Oregon" and home of Chandler Cabin built in 1861.
We enjoy a slow drive, partly because we need to pick up a package in Boise, Idaho, and don't want to arrive at the post office too early. By mid-day our errand into downtown Boise is done. Traffic was not a problem in Boise and we still have the entire afternoon ahead of us. I get out the maps and begin planning our next scenic route.
North Powder
Monday, September 24, 2007
Day 13, eastbound 4-5-07
journey cont'd
Our first night eastbound was spent in North Powder, Oregon. We stopped here because, well....I liked the name. (Estimated population in 2003 was 488). We have turned away from the Columbia River and are heading south at the moment.
I was encouraged to find a clean, reasonable family-owned motel. They charged $37 for 2 queen beds. I take this as a sign that we will continue to find decent lodging off-the-beaten-path throughout the U.S. Boy, was I ever wrong!
We take a pleasant walk through town and visit a couple of historic sites: North Powder's first jail, an old wagon, and those lovingly-built monolithic stone buildings. Little did I know how weary I would become two months hence of seeing old pioneer wagons; but I'm sure I wasn't near as weary of seeing them as the pioneers were!
journey cont'd
Our first night eastbound was spent in North Powder, Oregon. We stopped here because, well....I liked the name. (Estimated population in 2003 was 488). We have turned away from the Columbia River and are heading south at the moment.
I was encouraged to find a clean, reasonable family-owned motel. They charged $37 for 2 queen beds. I take this as a sign that we will continue to find decent lodging off-the-beaten-path throughout the U.S. Boy, was I ever wrong!
We take a pleasant walk through town and visit a couple of historic sites: North Powder's first jail, an old wagon, and those lovingly-built monolithic stone buildings. Little did I know how weary I would become two months hence of seeing old pioneer wagons; but I'm sure I wasn't near as weary of seeing them as the pioneers were!
Labels: journey, Oregon Trail
Day 13
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
....begins the 2nd leg of my long journey in the Spring of 2007.
It is Thursday, April 5th 2007
Leg 1 - San Diego, California TO Darrington, Washington (see previous posts)
Leg 2 - Darrington, WA TO Burnsville (Celo), North Carolina
Leg 3 - Burnsville, NC TO Port Orange, Florida
Leg 4 - Port Orange, FL TO Darrington, WA
Leg 5 - Darrington, WA TO San Diego, CA
We left Mike's at 5:30 AM to beat the rush-hour traffic in Seattle. We breezed with the greatest of ease through Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, Washington. I was amazed with our good luck. "This is an omen!" I thought to myself, as my passenger snored through most of the morning.
Bypassing Portland, Oregon, we head eastbound up the Columbia River on the Oregon side, stopping for lunch in beautiful Hood River, wind surfing capital of the world (they tell me).
My excitement runs high as I fantasize about the many new experiences that await me in my new (temporary) home in North Carolina. I'm due to arrive at the herb garden on April 18th....so we have plenty of time to enjoy our cross-country trip. I struggle to put my "future" thoughts aside so that I can enjoy and experience the present.
Wagons East!!!
It is Thursday, April 5th 2007
Leg 1 - San Diego, California TO Darrington, Washington (see previous posts)
Leg 2 - Darrington, WA TO Burnsville (Celo), North Carolina
Leg 3 - Burnsville, NC TO Port Orange, Florida
Leg 4 - Port Orange, FL TO Darrington, WA
Leg 5 - Darrington, WA TO San Diego, CA
We left Mike's at 5:30 AM to beat the rush-hour traffic in Seattle. We breezed with the greatest of ease through Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, Washington. I was amazed with our good luck. "This is an omen!" I thought to myself, as my passenger snored through most of the morning.
Bypassing Portland, Oregon, we head eastbound up the Columbia River on the Oregon side, stopping for lunch in beautiful Hood River, wind surfing capital of the world (they tell me).
My excitement runs high as I fantasize about the many new experiences that await me in my new (temporary) home in North Carolina. I'm due to arrive at the herb garden on April 18th....so we have plenty of time to enjoy our cross-country trip. I struggle to put my "future" thoughts aside so that I can enjoy and experience the present.
Wagons East!!!
Labels: Columbia River, journey, Oregon
Resting in Washington
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Continued journey story-telling - Days 8 thru 12...
...were spent resting in Darrington, Washington. It was cold, and rainy. No surprise there. I visited a local coffee shop that I recalled had a computer available for patrons, but it was broken. "We have WiFi!", the gal told me brightly. This was a phrase I would hear repeatedly on my trip cross-country and back. Convenient internet cafes with PC's have come and gone, for the most part. Without a lap-top, travelers are pretty much SOL now, which is why a Spring journey is being told in Fall.
I also had a problem getting a decent cup of coffee at this once favorite coffeehouse. Putting on a pot of drip coffee was only done upon customer request, necessitating a 10 minute or so wait. Waiting was not a problem for me, so I went daily and made my request. So far, so good. But the shop owner wasn't too keen on wasting the remainder of the pot. That's my guess, because she began strongly suggesting I try "Americana" coffee (a shot of espresso with hot water). I didn't like the taste or texture, and I tried it two days in a row to be sure. I still like my REAL coffee.
I spent the few days in my old neighborhood reviewing my survival supplies:
candles - check
instant foods - check
gloves - check
portable toilet - check
....and so on...
I needed work boots and found a perfect pair at the thrift store for $2. I also purchased a hooded sweat-shirt and a summer pair of gardening gloves.
We would be back on the road Thursday, 4-5-07. On Wednesday, as my anticipation reached full height, it snowed big fat flakes. It was a welcome, lovely sight:
...were spent resting in Darrington, Washington. It was cold, and rainy. No surprise there. I visited a local coffee shop that I recalled had a computer available for patrons, but it was broken. "We have WiFi!", the gal told me brightly. This was a phrase I would hear repeatedly on my trip cross-country and back. Convenient internet cafes with PC's have come and gone, for the most part. Without a lap-top, travelers are pretty much SOL now, which is why a Spring journey is being told in Fall.
I also had a problem getting a decent cup of coffee at this once favorite coffeehouse. Putting on a pot of drip coffee was only done upon customer request, necessitating a 10 minute or so wait. Waiting was not a problem for me, so I went daily and made my request. So far, so good. But the shop owner wasn't too keen on wasting the remainder of the pot. That's my guess, because she began strongly suggesting I try "Americana" coffee (a shot of espresso with hot water). I didn't like the taste or texture, and I tried it two days in a row to be sure. I still like my REAL coffee.
I spent the few days in my old neighborhood reviewing my survival supplies:
candles - check
instant foods - check
gloves - check
portable toilet - check
....and so on...
I needed work boots and found a perfect pair at the thrift store for $2. I also purchased a hooded sweat-shirt and a summer pair of gardening gloves.
We would be back on the road Thursday, 4-5-07. On Wednesday, as my anticipation reached full height, it snowed big fat flakes. It was a welcome, lovely sight:
Leg One Done
Monday, September 10, 2007
Day 7 - 3-30-07
Leg 1 of my 4 month journey is now complete (as I continue to tell the story months later). We meandered for seven days from San Diego to the town of Darrington, Washington, which was my home for many years.
Mike, a family friend, was our host while we rested and re-grouped for the next leg of the journey to begin several days later. Thanks, Mike! Mike normally lives alone with his cool cat whatz-his-name. Really....I can't remember the cat's name. It was something original, like "Kitty" or "Whiskers"...
Cat was very relaxed, and wise beyond his years. You can see it in the eyes.
Leg 1 of my 4 month journey is now complete (as I continue to tell the story months later). We meandered for seven days from San Diego to the town of Darrington, Washington, which was my home for many years.
Mike, a family friend, was our host while we rested and re-grouped for the next leg of the journey to begin several days later. Thanks, Mike! Mike normally lives alone with his cool cat whatz-his-name. Really....I can't remember the cat's name. It was something original, like "Kitty" or "Whiskers"...
Cat was very relaxed, and wise beyond his years. You can see it in the eyes.
Labels: Darrington, journey
Westwynd Motel
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Day 6 cont'd
I wanted to stay at the Westwynd because I had met the manager online and was interested in learning more about her plans to help troubled teens. I was also attracted to this motel because I like Westwynd's pet policy.
The motel room was huge. I was told that the rooms were formerly apartments, but the owner realized that both he and visitors would benefit more by turning the apartments in motel rooms at a really reasonable rate. No price gouging here! For under $90 you can get a large, clean 2 bedroom with total sleeping space for eight people (2 in each bedroom and 4 in living with the pull out seating). Oh...and a full kitchen, too!
It turned out that the manager had suffered a recent personal tragedy (type unknown to me) and so we talked very little. I wish her well.
I wanted to stay at the Westwynd because I had met the manager online and was interested in learning more about her plans to help troubled teens. I was also attracted to this motel because I like Westwynd's pet policy.
The motel room was huge. I was told that the rooms were formerly apartments, but the owner realized that both he and visitors would benefit more by turning the apartments in motel rooms at a really reasonable rate. No price gouging here! For under $90 you can get a large, clean 2 bedroom with total sleeping space for eight people (2 in each bedroom and 4 in living with the pull out seating). Oh...and a full kitchen, too!
It turned out that the manager had suffered a recent personal tragedy (type unknown to me) and so we talked very little. I wish her well.
Labels: Gig Harbor, journey
Gig Harbor
Day 6, cont'd 3-29-07
Before leaving San Diego, I had plans to spend a night in Gig Harbor, Washington. For one thing, it is one of my favorite tiny, picturesque towns. In springtime, the bird wall is active; and I love the smell of rotting seaweed dockside. Another reason was my wish to stay at the Westwynd Motel. See post above.
We arrived in Gig Harbor later than I would have liked, and struggled to find an affordable, yet tasty meal. We ended up splitting a pitiful sausage sandwich from Spiro's Pizza on Harborview Drive. The bread was nasty mush and I had a hard time finding the sausage. That after my generous tip, too! I had ordered to go and was too tired to complain. I vote Spiro's as the worst sandwich of my entire trip. If they had a website, I'd link to it just to warn others away.
Before leaving San Diego, I had plans to spend a night in Gig Harbor, Washington. For one thing, it is one of my favorite tiny, picturesque towns. In springtime, the bird wall is active; and I love the smell of rotting seaweed dockside. Another reason was my wish to stay at the Westwynd Motel. See post above.
We arrived in Gig Harbor later than I would have liked, and struggled to find an affordable, yet tasty meal. We ended up splitting a pitiful sausage sandwich from Spiro's Pizza on Harborview Drive. The bread was nasty mush and I had a hard time finding the sausage. That after my generous tip, too! I had ordered to go and was too tired to complain. I vote Spiro's as the worst sandwich of my entire trip. If they had a website, I'd link to it just to warn others away.
Labels: Gig Harbor, journey, Washington
Columbia River Bridge
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Day 6 cont'd:
If it weren't for cell phones, we would have lost each other on the road at this point. JD was following me over the bridge. En route, I changed my mind about which way to turn after we got across the river. When I crossed the river and stopped at the light, I motioned to the driver behind me (thinking it was still JD) to turn right....but the blinker stayed on "LEFT". I waved my hands at him wildly....and then realized it wasn't JD. I was amazed. Where did he go? Turns out, he crosses bridges v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. I hope the stranger behind me at the light got a good laugh. I sure did.
If it weren't for cell phones, we would have lost each other on the road at this point. JD was following me over the bridge. En route, I changed my mind about which way to turn after we got across the river. When I crossed the river and stopped at the light, I motioned to the driver behind me (thinking it was still JD) to turn right....but the blinker stayed on "LEFT". I waved my hands at him wildly....and then realized it wasn't JD. I was amazed. Where did he go? Turns out, he crosses bridges v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. I hope the stranger behind me at the light got a good laugh. I sure did.
Oregon coast
Day 6 - Thurs 3-29-07
On the road early, we stop for one last look at Oregon's scenic coastline.
On the road early, we stop for one last look at Oregon's scenic coastline.
View from Room
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
...in Garibaldi, Oregon, at the end of Day 5 (3-28-07)
This is the only picture I took this day, even though the Oregon coast is stunningly beautiful.
The black line in the picture is a train track, and so I fully expected to have a rude awakening sometime in the night. I was wrong. There was not a sound and I slept well.
This is the only picture I took this day, even though the Oregon coast is stunningly beautiful.
The black line in the picture is a train track, and so I fully expected to have a rude awakening sometime in the night. I was wrong. There was not a sound and I slept well.
Beach Graffiti
Day 4 cont'd:
Rocks were decorated and placed at the bottom of a lighthouse-type structure near our hotel. You can see the fake lighthouse in the background of my picture below.
Some were sweet, others were goofy, and all the rock-art was fun.
Rocks were decorated and placed at the bottom of a lighthouse-type structure near our hotel. You can see the fake lighthouse in the background of my picture below.
Some were sweet, others were goofy, and all the rock-art was fun.
at the beach
Sunday, August 26, 2007
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What about you?
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What about you?
Oregon Coast
Day 4 - 3-27-07
My journal notes say "windy, rainy, cold"...and my memory concurs.
Chains on my tires were required to drive to Weaverville, which was the ONLY stop I had hoped to make on this northbound trip. Never mind, then. By 2 PM we were still trying to get to Oregon. It was Sooooo windy, and I was surprised to see a couple of RV's on the road. Huh? What were they thinking??
My journal notes say "windy, rainy, cold"...and my memory concurs.
Chains on my tires were required to drive to Weaverville, which was the ONLY stop I had hoped to make on this northbound trip. Never mind, then. By 2 PM we were still trying to get to Oregon. It was Sooooo windy, and I was surprised to see a couple of RV's on the road. Huh? What were they thinking??
Labels: journey
Cozy
Saturday, August 25, 2007
(the last of Day 3)
In real estate terms, this place is "cozy". I took a teeny tiny spiral staircase to get to the 2nd floor.
Back on the road...a storm is reaching the coast. We arrive in Fortuna, California, just before the downpour. This particular storm made news for days as it caused havoc all across the country.
In real estate terms, this place is "cozy". I took a teeny tiny spiral staircase to get to the 2nd floor.
Back on the road...a storm is reaching the coast. We arrive in Fortuna, California, just before the downpour. This particular storm made news for days as it caused havoc all across the country.
Shrine Tree
Day 3 Cont'd:
Further down the road is another drive-thru tree. Actually, it is the solid mass of the whole redwoods that take the breath away, but my photos always fall short of capturing their superior nature.
Part of our drive was along the route described in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXotDrPcYBU
-----------------------------
Myers Flat, California
Tree Height: 275 feet
diameter: 21 feet
circumference: 64 feet
age: 5000 years
Further down the road is another drive-thru tree. Actually, it is the solid mass of the whole redwoods that take the breath away, but my photos always fall short of capturing their superior nature.
Part of our drive was along the route described in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXotDrPcYBU
-----------------------------
Myers Flat, California
Tree Height: 275 feet
diameter: 21 feet
circumference: 64 feet
age: 5000 years
Mighty Redwoods
Day 3 Continued (3-26-07):
By noon we get started on the scenic Redwood forests on Hwy 101 past Willits. JD got caught off guard with this shot. Normally he likes to pose dramatically, trying to look majestic like the trees.
-----------
Chandelier Treet in Leggett, California
Tree Height: 315 feet
diameter: 21 feet
maximum age: 2400 years
By noon we get started on the scenic Redwood forests on Hwy 101 past Willits. JD got caught off guard with this shot. Normally he likes to pose dramatically, trying to look majestic like the trees.
-----------
Chandelier Treet in Leggett, California
Tree Height: 315 feet
diameter: 21 feet
maximum age: 2400 years
