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

Back on the Hill

As we were reminded just today, all good things must come to an end - and so has our journey westward. We arrived home Friday evening, just before dark, and you can tell at least Hitch was anxious...he's right up in the windshield watching and waving as we pulled into the drive. And by the way, we know it's not safe to ride in the car without seat belts, but they just don't make miniature ones, so we were forced to make exceptions for him.

We've had a great time - and sharing it with all of you through this blog has been such fun. Many times we would think, let's take a picture of Hitch here so the folks checking in can see. And THANK YOU to all who have kept up with us - and sent messages, prayers and thoughts. It's our final blog for this trip - but who knows, there's probably more to come - - AFTER we recover from this one.

We've racked up the memories, the laughs, the tender hellos and goodbyes to friends we don't get to see often enough, and the miles. That's the other thing Hitch was amazed at - the final number driven...9,608.3. WOW!!

Thanks to God for the time, ability, and safety to make the trip.

And thanks to everyone who's been,
Traveling with Hitch

Blessings one and all!

From Poolside to Tableside

For more than three days, we relaxed around the pool (Hitch LOVED the slide and we LOVED the peaceful setting) and caught up with friends. It was a taste of what life is like back on the hill in NC - and we suppose it's time to get back there.

But...one more stop in Savannah has found us busy - very busy. In the last two days, we've enjoyed everything from eating a fantastic 27 item "home-cooked" lunch at Mrs. Wilkes and an outstanding dinner including charcoaled (yep, you read that right) oysters at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House (who happens to be the brother of Paula "ya'll" Dean) to a tour of Fort Polaski, a long walk on the beach at Tybee Island, and a trolley ghost ride late into the night yesterday. Today included some time for shopping, a long tour through the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, more delicious food and ending the day with a carriage history tour of downtown.

We can honestly say we have packed as much into two days as we could - what fun!! Our feet are sore, we're a little sunburned, and as momma used to say, our eyes are full (not to mention our bellies).

Goodnight for now,
Traveling with Hitch

Cowboys and Kings

Thursday we arrived in Oklahoma City early enough to spend some time exploring the Cowboy and Western Museum. It is a wonderful museum and well worth the time spent there - in fact, there was too little time to do it justice. Tributes to "cowboys" like John Wayne and Will Rogers are included, but so are the real mccoys (pardon the pun) - the actual cowboys and cowgirls who really wrangled the west. And the traveling art shows were unbelievable. Like I said, not enough time, but an afternoon well spent. (By the way, Hitch had to stop for a photo opp as we were leaving.)

Tonight we are staying in West Memphis in Arkansas. But...who could resist the quick trip over the Mississippi River into Memphis, TN, to eat at Marlowe's Ribs and Restaurant on...

Elvis Presley Blvd. Yep, fantastic food and the chance to see Graceland from the street all in less than a mile stretch - what more could you ask for??!!

Tomorrow we are headed to Alabama for a couple of days to visit friends and then back on the road to be in NC soon. We'll catch you up next week.

Goodnight for now,

Traveling with Hitch