Tuesday, June 26, 2018

June, 2018 - Day 14

Wouldn't you know that before we left Spokane Valley, we had to make one more stop. I'm not certain what this food thing is about with these two humans, but they seemed super excited when they saw this place:



A few more hours on the road and we were home. Who knows how long it might be before they take me on another road trip, but I sure enjoyed this one. At least when they plan, they do it right!

Hoping your summer includes a little time enjoying our beautiful and diverse country. America truly is a land of beauty. 

June, 2018 - Day 13

Well, we got the niece to the airport and I kept watching the sky to see if I could spot her plane after taking off - but I get confused about whether they are coming or going, so no luck. After we braved the crazy (even though it was not so bad on a Saturday morning) traffic, we headed east toward home.


It was fun to have the niece along on this trip and I'll certainly miss her. 

After we got out of town and through the scenic Columbia River Gorge area, one last view of Mt. Hood was a nice bonus:


There is one final stop to make in Spokane Valley. We'll be back in MT soon!!

June, 2018 - Day 12

The last stop before the niece getting on the plane for home is Portland. At dinner, a beautiful sunset!!


An absolutely gorgeous sunset! LOTS of miles in the car, tons of beautiful views, animals and flowers and water and mountains and sun and clouds and fog and trees. Think it's been one for the books, for certain! And fun having the niece along, too. 

June, 2018 - Day 11

Please forgive the comments about "where is the sun?" We had mostly beautiful weather, so a little "cloudy and foggy" isn't something to complain about. 

Especially when there is another beautiful lighthouse....and seals - even a baby having some breakfast. Awesome!!


But then, all too quickly, it is the last moment at the coast - Seaside Beach. Fortunately, we were both able to put our feet in the Pacific. What an amazing trip it has been!


June, 2018 - Day 10

And then there were sea lions - LOTS of sea lions. We stopped at a cave to view them. I enjoyed this statue above ground:


Yes, that is a lighthouse to the left of the picture - here's a better view:


As the day ended in Newport, more fog and clouds - maybe tomorrow there will be sun again?!?!

June, 2018 - Day 9

This is called Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge near Crescent City, CA. Very pretty!


The weather beautiful, the niece enjoying the view and the ocean, and I'm excited to be out and about. Ahh...the ocean!

Then we took a little time to go through the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. The trees are amazing, the trunks of the fallen giants enormous. I certainly feel small.


Then the day ended in Bandon. With clouds at the coast. Oh, well. Tomorrow is another day.

Monday, June 18, 2018

June, 2018 - Day 8

The day began with me wondering if I was going to be left in the car - again!! But they were just having breakfast, something I can do without:


The day got much better! The coast is gorgeous:

 

So are the flowers. Wild orchids - wow!


And more redwoods - rather eerie looking in the fog that rolled in again:


All in all, another gorgeous day. And more to come. 

June, 2018 - Day 7

Certainly less people today - but lots more trees. Big trees! Giant redwoods!!


I just couldn't resist trying to climb one. Haha!!! Didn't get very far when I had to be rescued!


One thing is for certain, they are gorgeous, majestic and even spiritual. God's work is amazing!!!



June 2018 - Day 6

Day #6 took us into San Francisco. It doesn't make sense to be so close and not experience the Golden Gate Bridge and the sights of the big city. Or at least, that's what they told me. They left me in the car - crowds make me nervous.

They saw the seals at Pier 39:


And took a cruise of the bay:


That Ghiradelli's in the background - oh, yes, they had some. Would you expect otherwise?!

All was beautiful until the fog rolled in - so they said - and the bridge was lost in the clouds. 

Oh, well, tomorrow is another day - with a few less people, I hope!

June 2018 - Day 5

On Day #5, it was time to meet up with the humans' niece and tour some of Napa Valley. When in Napa, they did what you do in Napa - a little wine tasting:


They did take me to one of the two stops they made:


It is certainly pretty here in this valley!!! And beautiful weather!!! I think I'm having a very good time.

June 2018 - Day 4

On Day #4, we went over the Donner Summit as we entered into California:


None of us can imagine doing this "back in the day" traveling by way of horse and wagon. But after the long desert drive through Nevada, the green scenery was very welcome. Although, I'm not sure what they were thinking with this "thin ice" stuff (that's what is on the sign on the tree in the background) - after all, it was a little warm for there to be any ice.


Then, I suppose winter is another story. Today we are certainly enjoying the sunshine!!! More to come.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

June 2018 - Day 2/3

June 13, 2018

After leaving Idaho Falls, we stopped along the road at the same rest area we hit 10 years ago. 


They looked for the same spot (See July, 2008) where we took pictures along the California/Oregon Trail on that first trip. Things have changed in the 10 years (no surprise!), but we think this is close. (Look close, I'm in the weeds.)


The next stop was Elko, NV, also a second time here. They went to eat a basque meal at the Star and came back stuffed - again! But smiling. Seems to be a theme on their adventures. Haha!


Next day, on the way to Reno, we stopped at the California Trail Interpretive Center. Interesting stuff, especially since we had been on the trail the day before. 


I’m very glad to be with them again! On the road is a good place to be! 

June 2018 Day 1

June 12, 2018

After several years of simply hanging out at the house, the humans have finally taken another adventurous trip and brought me along. Oh, they've been places in these nearly four years, but just haven’t taken ME. This time, I insisted, and they agreed! 

So far, so good. Lots of car time, but our first stop they enjoyed - Idaho Falls and a Chick-Fil-a. I personally don’t understand the attraction, but they were all smiles.


Will keep updating as we go - I hear the coast is calling. Happy trails!!

Oh, I almost forgot - we went through a snowstorm this side of Butte, MT. Yes, a snowstorm! In JUNE! Pictures to prove it. Not sure what this means for the rest of the trip, but quite an adventure!