Headed West Day #2

November 9, 2014

One thing is for certain, this is unlike any other trip I’ve taken with these people. The last time we went across country, we stopped more often and smelled the roses, so to speak. Seems about the only time we’re stopping this time, at least this second day, is for food or rest areas. And then they often forget to let me get out and stretch.

Like this missed opportunity to have my photo taken with Superman.

Yep, a moment of humor at Ft. Massac Rest Area in Illinois.

Oh well, maybe tomorrow will be better. Tonight we’ve stopped in Mt. Vernon, IL. All seems well as we settle in for some rest and, hopefully, a good night’s sleep.

Headed West Day #1

Hello,

It’s Hitch. I’m back traveling with these people again. But let me tell you, something is very different this time. Very different indeed.

Understand, these two have been to lots of places since I started hanging out with them. They even carried me all the way across the country some six years ago. But even with that six week trip, they have never packed so much stuff to take along!

They are even carrying another whole car along. What is the deal?! I’m not sure, but I heard something about a move. About a new “call” for her. A new place to live and make home.

Well, all that matters to me is that I’m along for the ride. We made it to Knoxville this first day. So thanks for checking in and I’ll do my best to keep those of you interested in this new adventure updated with where we are as we make our way west.

Well, I stood it as long as I could. My traveling companions (her!) kept promising to finish posting the Oregon trip. And now, months - MONTHS! - later I have taken matters into my own hands (so to speak). I am going to keep it brief, but at least I'll GET 'ER DONE!


First, here's a nice long distance shot of a lighthouse as we continued south down the coast. It's nice because it really shows the terrain - in the forest by the ocean.




Then, still traveling south, we finally reached the final spot - Bandon. A really cool, pretty place! And I (well, we) watched the sunset across the street from our motel.





The next morning, we had breakfast in downtown Bandon next to the boardwalk. We took a few minutes to watch the folks fishing and enjoying the beautiful day.




But then, all too quickly, it was time to say a final good-bye to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and head back north to catch a flight. There weren't really tears shed, but a bittersweet moment, for sure.

 

And so ends the Oregon vacation. Who knows where we'll head next, but rest assured, we'll take lots of pictures and try to keep you all in the loop. 

As always, thanks for Traveling with Hitch. 

We're still here

First of all, we are still in Oregon. Sorry you haven't heard from us in a little while, but to borrow something mom used to say, and we've used before, our eyes have been full and needed a little extra rest. Everyday we see so many beautiful sights. Just amazing how the coast is on one side while we drive through a forest at the same time. Quite unlike anything we've ever seen - including in Alaska, Maine and even the Northern California Coast.

But there is more than just waterfalls, coastline and forest. Like this herd of Elk we spotted just on the side of the road outside Tillamook, right after leaving the Tillamook Naval Air Station. Here's Hitch getting a look. The Air Station was pretty cool, too. Lots of planes for at least one of us to drool over.

One of the fun things, too, has been seeing lighthouses. Here is Hitch (on the fence) at one called Cape Meares. Quite unlike lighthouses back home, this one is only 37 feet tall. Don't need so much height when they're up on huge rock formations. Unfortunately, this one has a sad plight. Two men took high-powered rifles to it a couple of years ago and did close to $500,000 damage. Most of the building is closed to the public while they get the repairs done. Such a crying shame!!! On the other hand, the second picture is the view from the Lighthouse. Such beauty.

Then there was the view from our hotel on Sunday night in Lincoln City. Hard not to get a good night's sleep after that sight!!


Today was more Coastline driving with more beautiful sights - like the Yaquina Head Lighthouse (the tallest on the Oregon Coast at 93 feet) and this interesting sight called Devil's Punchbowl. It's a circular rock formation that lets just enough water flow in from the ocean to swirl around the foam to look a lot like punch in a bowl. Well, not really appetizing punch. Guess that's why it's the devil's punchbowl.

Now, you know there is so much more. We've got pictures galore. And memories, too. And happy eyes and bellies (the seafood is awesome!). And more to come. So goodnight for now and thanks for joining us as we're Traveling with Hitch.

Another Great Day in Oregon

Today we take back the posting! It was beginning to sound like Hitch was in charge of the vacation agenda. So not true!! And since he's not in any of the pictures for today, we're even wondering if he just took the day off. But we sure didn't.

We set out this morning driving toward the Oregon Coast. But before we got there, we managed to check off one more state we have been through. Our route took us into a little bit of Washington. And after we crossed this bridge back into Oregon, we stopped for a photo opp. of Mount St. Helens. It was May of 1980 when this mountain blew its top, but it seems like only yesterday. And hard to imagine what it must have been like, having now seen it for ourselves.



Tonight we're staying in Seaside, OR. Of course, we spent some time on the beach. And "someone" got their feet in the Pacific Ocean (COLD!! water). Well, both of us did, but only one set of feet appear here.




But one thing is for certain, the sunset tonight was a beauty to behold. Now, we're not saying the Pacific has more to offer than the Atlantic, but it sure is good to experience this from a western perspective.

Thanks for Traveling with Hitch!

In Oregon?!

Well, much to my surprise, and after a VERY long flight, we landed in Oregon Wednesday night. Portland, to be exact. First a quick night's sleep, then off to breakfast and some sightseeing. Now pardon all these pictures, but it's been quite a while since I traveled, so I got a little excited. Well, to be honest, so did my traveling companions. So here are some highlights of the day on a trip east along the Columbia River.



This first one is of the Columbia River Gorge at a scenic vista somewhat off the beaten path.







Then there is this one of Latourell Falls.


Ooops - here I am. Way at the bottom.










And then to another falls - Bridal Veil this time. A little bit of a walk, but well worth it.






And one last one - Multnomah. The second highest in the U.S. It falls over 600 total feet in two sections. Amazing!



Then there was the stop in Cascade Locks and the bronze statue of Sacagawea and Seaman, companions to Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. Pretty cool.

But the day would not have been complete without seeing the famous Mt. Hood. They took me to Panorama Point, miles away from the mountain, yet it tends to dominate the landscape from wherever. The picture just doesn't do it justice.

Overall, quite a first day!

Let's Go Again!

Well, I may look a little blurry, but the picture had to be taken quickly. They've been packing and getting ready to go somewhere again, and by golly, I'm not getting left behind this time!!! I jumped in before they closed the zipper. So, keep checking and I'll let you know where we land. Should be fun. It's been a while since they packed this much stuff. Be in touch soon...off we go. Hitch