HOME AT LAST

Friday, August 7

Ann and I spent the morning visiting and I hit the road about 1:00. It seemed like a long day... maybe last night's wine and conversation took it's toll. I stopped and took a nap about 3 and then headed for the barn.

I rolled into Lompoc about 8:30 this evening. To quote Sandy... Home Sweet Home.

The total trip mileage is 8768 miles. Wow!

This has been a marvelous experience. Memories keep exploding like a kaleidoscope of friends, places and experiences. The Roadtrek is a great vehicle and I am sure we will be on our way again soon.

Now, I'd better get to sleep 'cause I get to go walking with my buddies in the morning. It's Saturday!

BACK IN CALIFORNIA... Redwoods and San Francisco!

Two great places to spend the night, above and below

An early morning view of the Oakland Bay Bridge from Ann's condo in San Francisco

Portland to the Redwood Forests

Wednesday, August 5

I said goodbye to Gunnel and Phil early this morning and headed south. Phil is on his way out too. He is off to follow the Continental Divide with his motorcycle buddies.

By late afternoon I was at the California border and traveling through the coast redwood forests that dot the Northern California Coast. I checked out a couple of campgrounds near the Smith River but they were to near the highway to suit me. As I went deeper into the park I began to see the dreaded "campground full" signs. At Mill Creek campground I took a chance even though the sign said it was full and drove down a winding road to the ranger hut. What a sweet gal... she let me in... I must have looked handicapped by that time of evening.

If you ever want to explore the Redwood National Park this would make a wonderful base camp. In a beautiful deep forest with Mill Creek running through it, the campground has toilets and showers and a full ranger program.


SAN FRANCISCO with Ann

Thursday, August 6

I "lucked out" with Ann being available just as I did with Mary Ellen. Ann could have been in Florida or Bend, Ore but she was in San Francisco when I called. Yea!

We met when we were in Lamaze class together before Laura and her Doug were born so I have known her a very long time. I was a little nervous about leaving the Roadtrek on the streets of SF but all was well and we had a glorious time catching up with each other after about five years.

The last time we saw each other was when we took a trip up to Mendocino County to one of the places on my "Bucket List". I had eaten dinner at the Albion Inn and had always wanted to stay there. We splurged and had a great time. IF you go through Mendocino try to stop for a meal at least. The place can't be beat!

Tomorrow I will sleep in my own bed!

PORTLAND...Family and Friends

Good food and company at Jake's with Mary Ellen and Gunnel

Monday, August 3... with Mary Ellen

I was so fortunate in Portland. I had three friends I wanted to see and in spite of their busy schedules I had time with each. I emailed my cousin Mary Ellen and was thrilled to find that she didn't have to work on Monday morning (Gunnel was busy that morning so it worked out perfectly). After leaving Cynthia's, ME and I met for breakfast and family chatter. We were discussing how I could get downtown to a special bookstore when she said "What the hey! I was just going to clean the kitchen floor today. Why don't I go with you."

The Seattle light rail is great and before long we were in Nordstrom's (for Clarins). We wandered around some of the downtown stores for a while on our way to Powell's Books. This is a bookstore that I've heard about for years. and it is a great find. I think if I lived in Portland I would spend half the winter here.

Gunnel called after her meeting and came on down and met us at Powell's. We ended up having a great time at Jake's which is one of Portland's landmark eateries. I wish I had seen their web page before ordering! I might have been more adventuresome. My salad was very good, though.

Tuesday, August 4 ... with Gunnel

This was a interesting display at Rex Hill Winery. Each glass contains an aroma that is discriptive of a characteristic that may be found in wine. Chocolate, figs, cherries, earth, spice.

Gunnel and I have been friends since Laura and Tina were about three. We have traveled together and always have fun. Today was no exception... we went wine tasting. We enjoyed the wineries we visited so much that we poked along and only made it to two places. Oh well, they were good ones.

Now it is really time for me to get home!

PORTLAND, OREGON….Visiting Friends and Family

Cynthia's has a friend who tranformed (painted) her dining area into a lovely gazebo. You can't tell if you are inside or in a beautiful garden. You can see a little of the art work to the right of the photo. The mirror behind Cynthia shows her real garden through the window.

Sunday, August 02

Last year about this time Laura and I were on a Gulet on the Aegean Sea. One of the friends that we met on that trip was Cynthia who lives in Portland.
I emailed Cynthia a few days ago and found that though she was committed on Monday that she was available to visit on Sunday and in addition I was invited to join her in late afternoon for a class she is taking on building bridges to Muslims. The Portland area in which she lives has a large Muslim population.
Afterwards we went to the Charthouse, high above Portland with outstanding views, for a light dinner and a good dose of catching up with each others lives.

SEATTLE - FUN WITH SCOTT

Seattle Skyline from Queen Anne Hill

Gutsy Mama.... at least I thought so. It was a great ride...
as long as I didn't think about what could happen.

Pikes Place Market.... every visitor comes here!

Saturday, August 01

Boy! Did we start slow today but then we had fun. Scott took me out on the BMW and we did some Seattle Neighborhood Touring. Up and down and all around with views of the city and some really upscale neighborhoods. Queen Ann is the only one I knew. Then we went down through town and Pikes Market on our way to Costco. Now we are back home with freshly made sausage and chard from the garden for dinner. Tomorrow I will head south.