Catch Us If You Can

Today's day in San Francisco tested our teamwork and we passed this leg of the Amazing Race with flying colors. After crossing the Golden Gate bridge, we decided to spend the morning following what is called the 49 Mile Scenic Loop of the city. We thought it would give us a great sampling of the city, and really, how long can 49 miles take?



It did give us an amazing driving tour and I swear I will never again say a bad word about Donnie's driving. He was a professional! As the navigator, I got him lost a few times but you should have seen him on those narrow lanes, congested streets, and the ups and downs that are in NO way exaggerated in the movies! I will include a few photos of things we saw along the way but it took almost 5 hours.









We then made our way to Pier 39 in Fishermans Wharf to complete our assignments. We were to watch street performers, listen to live music, and do at least one other thing (we did 2 - enjoyed the sea lions as they barked and basked off the pier and had a fabulous local lunch; a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder!). Then, thanks to April McCown who planned today's adventure, and her mom, Lavon Colbert, they had purchased us a catamaran cruise in the bay around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate. It was a gorgeous day and this was a brand new experience for us; one of the most awesome things we've done! Once again, we have generous, loving friends who have blessed us over and over!














After we returned from the cruise, we agreed that no trip to San Francisco is complete without riding the cable cars up and down the hills. We hung on the sides like we were skilled (and those cars coming at you in the next lane come close!)



As the sun started to go down and the fog rolled in to cover the bridge and the bay, we crossed over the Bay Bridge into Oakland and headed north toward Napa. With our AARP discount, we got a great rate on a nice room just 15 miles from Napa so will be close enough to do some exploring and sampling tomorrow (also April's suggestion) before we head toward Yosemite. Our California missions are complete but Donnie and I have a few more ideas before we tackle Nevada. Of course this is Labor Day weekend coming up and we made no plans or reservations so whatever comes next will certainly be a new adventure.

Stats:

181 miles
Parking $30
Tolls $11
Transit passes $28
Meals $20
Hotel $53


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The Explorer Gene

Our first California mission thanks to Kelly Dodson was to drive the coastal highway from the Oregon border to San Francisco. We invested just over 12 hours on this assignment but still came up about 45 miles shy of San Fran. It is difficult to summarize everything we saw on this tour so I will just include a sampling of images.

Our first stop of the morning was at Jedediah Smith State Park in The Redwood Forest. Your history lesson for today is this - Jedediah Strong Smith was a mountain man, cartographer, and trailblazer of the west. He was also my Grandma Smith's great, great, great uncle so my traveling lineage is strong. I truly do get my unquenchable thirst for travel and new experiences, as well as my appreciation for the natural world from my mom and grandma and I've never properly thanked them so a photo op seemed the least I could do.



As we journeyed into Redwood National Park, the fog from the coast was still there. Watching the sunbeams, that were able to break through the thick forest, light up the fog was spiritual!



There is no way to describe the size of those trees and how small you feel among them.






And then the occasional wildlife moments....



But of course the coast is all about this:



We found a black sand beach (and yes my toes got their pedicure since my last toe pic)



And we thought we were going to be camping on a beach with a gorgeous Pacific sunset but as we entered what ended up to be the last hour or so of the day, a dense fog rolled in fast. This was the new view



Driving was almost perilous and we debated camping but the temperature was dropping quickly and the idea of camping / cooking dinner in the cold fog and waking up damp after a long day wasn't that appealing so we found our way inland to a cheap motel and cheaper dinner! All is well and we are ready for mission 2 (Donnie and Lisa take San Francisco) tomorrow.

Stats:

457 miles
Gas $86.45
Ice and dinner $7.40
Rodeway Inn $45.59

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Roadies

I realize that a roadie refers to someone who travels with the band but it seems to me that if a Foodie is someone really into foods, then a Roadie should be people like us who have a passion for the road! Obviously I have had contemplation time today.....Funny how quiet the day seemed.

After an early trip to the airport to send Whit and Kevin home, Donnie and I traveled to the Columbia River Gorge. Although it was rainy and overcast, the views of the waterfalls were still magnificent. Yes, this is going to be another day of water pictures.






From there we headed south, stopped along the way to grocery shop so we can get back to our simple ways, and headed off in search of Crater Lake. This is the deepest lake in the US formed when a volcano erupted and then collapsed. The color is extraordinary (seemed totally unreal) and there is still snow on the edges. Last winter they got over 53 feet of snow here and the road just opened last month. You have to really be looking for this place to find it.






With that being said, let me say how glad I am that we spent time around other people this weekend because if Donnie had been growing weary of me, this was the perfect day to ditch my body. I tried to take a picture of the roadside but couldn't capture the depth or my fear. We were on roads that had a white sideline and then NOTHING; no rail just straight down into the abyss. We were also on mile after mile of dense forest roads where we didn't see another soul (and no cell service). Anyway, happy to report we are still here together and ready to hit California tomorrow.



Kelly Dodson has given us the mission to travel the coastal highway from the northern tip of California to San Francisco. Originally she was assigning us to go all the way to LA but since our second mission from April McCown is in San Francisco, Kelly graciously modified hers allowing us more time in the city and able to then turn east and head toward Yosemite.

For tonight, I am looking forward to a peaceful night back in our tent with stars overhead (it cleared up beautifully this afternoon).

Stats:

399 miles
Groceries $38.91
Gas $55
Camping $19


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Sampling Part 2

I am a public transportation junkie; it is one of the things I love best about cities and Portland didn't disappoint. We found a Park and Ride close to our hotel, invested the $4.75 each in an all day pass giving us access to trains, streetcars, and busses, and were ready to roll. We have made it this far with no real plan but when you try to absorb a city in a day it may be helpful to have a plan.

Figuring out the stops, transfers, directions, and routes can be a real challenge as you get started. As we were heading into the downtown area on the train, we met a very kind lady who gave us a heads up on all the must-sees and even marked them on our maps. Yes, we obviously looked like tourists! While she was assisting me, Donnie was taking part in the other thing we love about cities and public transportation; people watching.



Our first stop (well it was supposed to be our first stop but we got a little confused about our exit) was the Bridgeport Brewery to toast with the wedding party before they head to wine country.



Now that our thirst was quenched we were ready to tackle our remaining Oregon tasks assigned my Caryne and Greg Salyer. First up, food trucks! We located blocks full of them, browsed several times around just astonished by the selections and diversity, then made our choice and had a delicious lunch for 8 bucks.



We had to get our daily hike in, even if it was on pavement, so we wandered various areas and quaint neighborhoods along with hopping on and off different streetcars and trains. I'm pretty impressed with how much of the city we were able to see in an afternoon. We even happened upon an Italian festival taking place in Pioneer Square with food, music, puppet shows, and of course wine! This is a city we could definitely come back to and enjoy.

Per the wise advice of our friend on the train, evidently Portland is known for their happy hours. What luck that one of the best happy hours was also one of the best views of the whole city atPortland City Grill. I know it sounds like we drank our way through the city, but we paced ourselves!

After our treats, we caught another train and transfer bus to WashingtonPark through a neighborhood of huge stately homes. In Washington Park, our assignments included the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. We wandered the rose garden enjoying the beauty and serenity but I made my first blunder of this Amazing Race. I had read the garden hours wrong and thought we had until 9 to see the Japanese Garden. By the time we reached it, we only got as far as the entry. I suppose that means we deserve a penalty task and Caryne and Greg have given us a park of waterfalls south of Portland to check out Monday as we are leaving. But maybe it just means we really are supposed to return here to finish what we started.





This will be my last post for a few days as this weekend is all about Crystal and Troy instead of us. We are so pleased to be here to see the start of their Amazing Race called marriage! I am also excited to be at the airport picking up Whitney and Kevin. This is the longest we have been without seeing our kids!

Stats for our 2 day adventure:

243 mikes Thursday, 13 miles Friday
Gas $68.50
Parking, postcard and ice cream Thurs $3.70
Transit passes $9.50
Lunch, snacks, and liquid refreshments Fri $48

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Sampling Part 1

Before we headed out this morning we stopped at the local Jiffy Lube - we have gone over 4500 miles! Mr. Practical got the oil changed,the air filter replaced, the tires checked, and the fluids topped off. Have I told you what a great travel companion I have?

For our Oregon missions, Mike and Val Spirz assigned us a few tasks which gave us a chance to experience the Oregon coast. Caryne and Greg Salyer have chosen sites to show us the Best of Portland. We left Washington and crossed into Oregon and followed the Columbia River (still following Lewis and Clark) to where it met the Pacific in the town of Astoria. Per our instructions, we located their famous tower to soak in the view.



Next we drove the coastal highway stopping at a few beach accesses. The sand in the northern most part of the state was grey and felt so warm and soft it was like walking on velvet. (Please allow me a moment to apologize to my toes for not featuring them in any of my travel photos as I usually do until now and also for displaying them without a proper pedicure). As we worked our way further south, the color turned paler.



We made our way through several seaside towns and stopped to spend a few hours in Cannon Beach. We explored this adorable town and then did a long hike on the beach down to Haystack Rock. We timed it perfectly to be present for low tide when we could search the tide pools for sea creatures. Amazing!!! The Spirz gave us the tide pool task and the Salyers told us about Haystack Rock so we got to streamline our missions.






To complete our tasks today we headed further south down the coast to Tillamook and toured the cheese factory. We got to sample plus treated ourselves to some delicious fresh ice cream. Thanks for that stop Mike and Val.



We are now settled into our hotel inPortland ready to finish our tasks tomorrow. We will be in hotel rooms for 4 nights! Yes sirree, I am about to get spoiled and city-fied! Maybe I'l even buy my toes a pedi.


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Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun

Today was the start of week three and the end of our time in Washington. We awoke at our campsite in Olympic National Park in a very quiet (yes, and chilly) lowland forest at the base of mountains but this is only one of three different ecosystems in Olympic.

We circled the Olympic peninsula to reach the Hoh rainforest. Along the way, our frequent visitor, Road Construction, showed up again uninvited. However, seems to me that if you have to be standing still along the road, under a canopy of trees among the ferns is a great place to hang.



On our hike (got to love a nice level one at only 500 feet above sea level; easy compared to our past few weeks) we went through rain forest landscape and came out by the river to find a herd of elk grazing on the other side. Nothing truly dies in the rain forest. We saw trees, moss, ferns, and carpet like growth on everything! Trees growing on downed trees; fascinating.






We then headed to the third ecosystem, the beautiful Pacific Beach. I love the look and sound of the surf but I prefer my beaches warm and water tropical. After a nice picnic lunch overlooking the Ocean, we headed on our way.



The remainder of the drive took us south central to Mt St Helens. It is hard to understand the devastation but what we first noticed on the long winding road in was how surreal the forest looked. I finally figured out it was because all the trees are the exact same size and shape. They are all the same age, planted after the eruption. As you reach the top you get a staggering view of all the regrowth and green against the bare grey huge volcano with a side missing. They built the visitors center directly across from the opening so if you watch the short video documenting the carnage of the event (so sad but also could really turn kids on to geology and the power of nature), when it concludes the screen rises to leave windows with the most incredible view of her.



Washington has been a great 4 days but tomorrow we will move on to Oregon. We have two missions to complete compliments of Caryne and Greg Salyer and Mike and Valerie Spirz. We also will be witnessing and celebrating the marriage of Crystal Bowyer and Troy Pierce in Oregon wine country. I wonder how we top these things in the weeks and states ahead?!

Stats:

376 Miles
Ice $2.54
Gas $55.80
Camping $ 22

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Island Adventure

Today actually felt like an episode from the Amazing Race. We hit the ground running ready to complete our tasks. There were multiple options for ferry times and since we were awake at 5:45 we decided we could catch the 6:30 rather than wait until 9. Suffice it to say in fine Donnie and Lisa style (the way we used to fly until all those restrictions were put it) we were running up the ramp just after they called Final Boarding and were trying to close the gate.



After a smooth and peaceful hour long ferry ride, we walked off on San Juan Island to find out that "island time" isn't just in the tropics. Not much opened until about 10! We got a good morning walk in around town, found the post office, and stopped for mocha overlooking the harbor.



Our first task was to find and feed Popeye the one-eyed seal. We were able to discern where she normally hangs out (the seafood float at the Friday Harbor Marina) but the owner told us she hasn't been around for the past few weeks. Evidently this time of year she heads north for awhile chasing salmon. We had to settle for a photo with her commemorative statue.


Next we were to locate Dan of San Juan Transit, as he was responsible for our on-island transportation. After Jane had explained to him about this crazy recently retired couple doing their own Amazing Race, he generously donated 2 all day shuttle passes so we could explore and hop on and off at our leisure.



Our driver, Buzz, was both helpful and delightful and the fact that she drove wearing racing gloves showed me what a professional she was so we felt in good hands. With her service we were able to explore all 4 main roads, visit the quaint fishing town on the far side of the island, learn about the former industry of lime production, see the lavender farm, and make it to our last task.

We spent time in Limekiln Park, better known as Whale Watch Park because the orcas are known to swim within a stone's throw of the rocky shoreline. We hiked, checked out the lighthouse, and had a wonderfully serene picnic lunch. Sadly, the orcas decided not to come visit today. We did see some porpoises, a seal, and lots of jumping fish but no whales.



The good news is we were able to find a perfect rooftop location to drown our sorrows on this otherwise beautiful day. Thanks Jane and Becky! Donnie thinks you sent us on a snipe hunt :). Seriously, though, great day and much appreciated.



We are heading tomorrow into the rainforest of Olympic National Park (and the drive takes us through Forks, Washington for all you Twilight fans as well as the Pacific coast) and then will check out Mt St Helens before we leave Washington. Looking forward to Oregon - one of the three remaining states I have never seen.

Stats:
98 miles
$12 camping
$10 parking
$18.85 beers, mochas
$1.96 ice and postcard
$14.75 ferry to Olympic peninsula (we are now officially ferry fans!)

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Love Affair with my Camera

I knew I went a little crazy taking pictures in Glacier but today in Mt Rainier, I took crazy to a new level. If I promise not to bore you with water, will you tolerate me droning on about trees, volcanoes (yes, Mt Rainier is NOT a mountain, it is an active volcano currently hiding under glaciers), and alpine meadows of wildflowers? The meadows made me think of my Mom's favorite move "The Sound of Music" but I did not go twirl in the field and sing!






We did a few hikes that involved some interesting bridges; one a suspension bridge to an island in the middle of a low-forest area where 1000 year old trees live. I know that in the weeks ahead we will be seeing the Redwoods and Sequoias in California but for now I am terribly impressed. By the way, that black speck in the photo on Donnie's back is formerly his coaching whistle, now retooled as our bear whistle.









We also took a log bridge (yep, single file tree trunk with a handrail) across a glacier river that looked like milk because of the sediments called glacier flour.



We went up to the highest drivable peak called Sunrise to get an up close and personal interaction with her (Mt Rainier - I love the fact that we give those things in nature a female gender!). It was an excellent choice for a "side trip"






We headed to Seattle with a quick stop to browse one of my favorite places; the Pike Place Public Market. The fresh flowers, vegetables, fruit, and fish/seafood are such a treat for all your senses.

It was raining so rather than head on to camp, we decided to find a laundromat and take care of that chore for a bit. That is an adventure all in itself!

Tomorrow starts our Washington mission. We will take the ferry (tickets already purchased for us by gracious hosts Jane Andrews and Becky Lavy) from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island then tour around by bus and foot where we have several tasks to complete. If we are unable to see the whales from shore, we may take a whale watching excursion in the late afternoon. Lots of photos tomorrow of this great adventure and the completion of our assignments!

Stats:
235 miles
$5.50 laundry
$40.20 gas
$34.65 market treats and parking

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