Magical Forests

(Becky writes) Dark forests with filters of glittering sunlight and huge misty ferns overlaid with foggy mist - this must surely be the home of fairies and elfkins. There were no sounds except the raven who followed us for a distance into the forest and then retreated after a while. As the sun peeks through the thick forest, the dew on the redwoods and ferns seems to truly sparkle like priceless gems. The redwood forest is a place that you can imagine time has stopped. Even the road that we drove on through the forest was a paved, stagecoach path from the 1800s.

Today as we hiked through the quiet forest, I knew my granddaugher, Addison, would absolutely love this place. Of all the places we have experienced, this is the one place I would love to be able to share with Addie. She writes wonderful stories about fairies and these forests would, I'm sure, inspire even more writings from this gifted little writer. So Addie, these words and pictures are for you!

To get to the Redwoods we traveled from Newport, Oregon on the Pacific Coast Highway 101, down the Oregon Coast and into California. From Newport to California the views are just incredible. We stopped at a scenic view to take pictures of a lighthouse and as soon as we stepped out the car, we heard the "barks" of the sealions. We walked over to the cliff to look down in the bay and there were thousands of sealions swimming, sunning or playing in the bay below us and on the beach. It was fascinating to see that many at one time.

Crossing into California, the views just continued to be beautiful. Crescent City, California is the first real town after crossing the stateline. This little town suffered almost complete destruction in March, 1964 from a tsunami that resulted from an earthquake in Alaska. The pictures we saw at the National Park office reminded us of post-Katrina New Orleans.

We decided to follow the National Park Ranger suggestion and drive the scenic drive through the redwood forest. We were so glad we did. We came to a meadow, aptly named Elk Valley, and came upon a herd of about 25 Roosevelt elk. Roosevelts are the biggest elk and these were quite the sight! There were small, young ones along with huge bucks with quite the racks of antlers. We pulled onto a small side drive near where they were and they just walked around our car.

We enjoyed the forest so much, we decided to go back to the forest this morning and spend the morning hiking and learning more about these majestic trees.

Bye OR, Hi CA!, (or Looking For Sleep in all the Wrong Places)

(Craig writes) With the beautiful Oregon Coast in our rearview mirror we cruised into the sunny state of California. Actually it was very foggy and wet but we didn't mind as this was yet another state we were excited to see! We had decided to try a "mom & pop" type of motel instead of a large chain type as we had seen several of the "mom & pops" advertised online that had a 1950's look to them. Since it was dark and we were hungry we decided to check into the first one we came across. Initially it seemed okay as it was clean and the desk lady was friendly but after getting settled in we discovered that the walls between the rooms were very thin and allowed sounds to pass through easily:( Then there was the big diesel wrecker truck that pulled in front of our unit at 2:00a.m. and idled loudly for a while before the driver got out and went to find the desk lady to check in, (next door to us). So much for our efforts to help support small non-chain hotels. We are resting in a Best Western tonight. Check back tomorrow for our report on sea lions, redwood trees and Bigfoot!

Rugged Beauty - The Oregon Coast

(Becky writes)
The past couple of days have been really interesting. When I think of perfection at the beach, I think of bright sunshine, the sparkling ocean, searching for shells, enjoying a good book but that is when I'm at my "home" beaches on the east coast, preferably Hilton Head or Oak Island or maybe Sanibel. This week, however, I've really been mesmerized by the rugged, harsh beauty of the coast here in Oregon.

Going to the "beach" here is very different than back home. Going to the beach here might mean observing the Pacific from cliffs hundreds of feet above the water, it might mean hiking down long steep paths just to be able to observe the rock formations that stand proud and covered in hundreds of sea birds, it might mean looking for agates while walking all the while watching the tide to make sure a "sneaker" doesn't get us, it might mean stopping at a scenic viewing area and being amazed at the water spouts spewing high into the sky and then blowing all the way up to where we are standing. Exploring the coast here in Oregon can challenge me both physically and mentally. Heights are not my favorite thing, but I found this week that the overwhelming desire to see and experience this awesome place has helped me overcome some of those fears.

We have based out of Newport this week which is about 1/3 of the way down the coast from the Oregon/Washington stateline. Monday was the only non-rain day that we have had and we used that day to drive north to see most of the Oregon coastline north of here. Yesterday and today we have explored the area here around Newport. We've braved hard rain (earlier today the report was 4-5 inches) and tremendous winds (40-50 mph) but we have seen so much of this lovely coast.

Here in Oregon we finally got to see elk, not just a couple as we had seen in Arizona, but a huge herd of them. On Monday, as we headed back to Newport from our drive up the coast, we decided to take an inland route through the valley. We were just driving along Highway 101 and there in an open field grazing was a herd of about 75. We stopped and were able to watch them for a while. Thankfully, we had the binoculars with us and it was very exciting to see those beautiful creatures up close.

In conversations with different people this week, they always ask how we like their coast. My response has been "it is beautiful, I love it, but our coast is amazingly beautiful in a completely different way." Tomorrow we leave and head south. We plan to take our time and enjoy the remainder of the Oregon coast as we head into Redwood Country.

From Sea to Shining Sea and A Thank You to Aunt Louise!

(Craig writes) "Thats one small step for Becky, one giant drive for Craig, (and Becky)!" Becky's first touch in the Atlantic Ocean was at Folly Beach near Charleston, SC when she was 4 years old. Now a few years and 3004 miles West she has touched the Pacific Ocean for the first time! (See pics). A momentous occasion for me as I saw the connection as a kind of milestone linking a lifelong desire she has had to "go West young girl". So here we are enjoying the Oregon coast and are savoring each moment doing it together.

We had a very nice visit with my Aunt Louise today. Aunt Louise did not have any children of her own so she was always a sort of second mother to me, my sisters and my Tinsley cousins. She loved to dote over us and spoiled us at every opportunity. She and Uncle Bill are in a nursing facility near Salem, Oregon. Even though Uncle Bill doesn't remember much these days he still remembers Louise and they seem to connect well in spoken and unspoken ways. Aunt Louise has suffered some strokes and the severe physical problems they cause but is still able to communicate very clearly. Always the gracious hostess, she introduced us to many of the people as they passed by and shared something personal about each one, always expressing loving care and concern for others and their problems. Her attitude continues to be one of thankfulness for what she does have and not bitterness over what she has lost. A great life lesson to learn from one who has always tried to be more of a "giver" than a "taker." Thanks Aunt Louise for your lifelong example of kindness and caring for others.

The coastline here in Oregon is vastly different from what we have back in the Carolinas and the huge waves here make the waves back home seem like ripples. We look forward to exploring this area for a few days and hopefully seeing some migrating whales pass by before moving on again, (of course the whales could be thinking the same thing about me)!

Waterfalls and Views

(Becky writes) Oohs and Aahs were the common sounds from our car again today as we took a leisurely drive out Historic Highway 30 east of Portland. One of the ladies at our hotel suggested this to us as the one "absolutely not to miss" sight around Portland. She did not elaborate on what to expect except that there are "really pretty waterfalls to see." We were not disappointed - pretty is quite the understatement.

The trees are still ablaze with color - lots of bright yellows and reds that are such an interesting shade - Craig says they look pink and I must agree. Highway 30 was first built in 1915 and it is narrow and very winding and up and down and all around but it was definitely worth the drive. We hiked down about 1/2 mile to see the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. We could hear the falls as soon as we stepped out of the car but had to work to actually have our breath taken away by the beauty and volume of it.

We saw a couple of other falls as well but the vistas at the top of the drive were really the most amazing. It looks like you are up in an airplane, everything is so small as you look down below on the Columbia River, the surrounding tributaries, Interstate 84, the orchards and houses. This morning there were lots of low hanging clouds and they were moving so quickly that the scenery was constantly changing. Once again, we tried clicking away at the camera but really feeling like it is just impossible to truly capture the grandeur of the views. A couple of times Craig asked if I got the shot I was trying for and I said no, there is no way to get it - I just have to file this away and remember it in my mind's eye forever. I hope I can!

Got Fish? or How To See Martha Stewart Without Really Trying

(Craig writes) We traveled from Victoria, British Columbia to Puyallup, Washington on Sunday. As much as we enjoyed beautiful Canada and the wonderful Canadian people last week I have to admit it felt like I was coming home when we crossed the border and were welcomed back by the border officer. Maybe it's that I felt a little closer to the 13 major reasons we are coming back (Laura, Matthew, Ashlea, Tim, Amy, Tom, Addison, Whitman, Natalie, Teddy, Nicole, Tyler and Isaac)!

We drove through Seattle with the idea of stopping off at Pike's Place Market to look around for a bit. After cruising by the Market for the fourth time looking for a parking place in pouring rain, we decided to save the Market experience for another day. Moving on to Gig Harbor, WA we enjoyed the beautiful Fall scenery and then got lunch at Kelly's Diner before driving to Puyallup and the "New Beginnings Ministry". We met Miles and Debi Musick, the directors, and our friends from the Carolinas, Nick and Jessi Connolly and Lauren Hogan. We had contacted them earlier about me helping remodel a bathroom at the home and Becky taking some photos for the ladies there.

Our plan was to visit Seattle on Monday and then begin the construction project on Tuesday. Seattle and especially the Pikes Place Market were a blast! Since our first attempt at parking in Seattle was a bust we decided to take the "Sounder" commuter railway system into Seattle Monday morning to avoid the hassle of having a car in the city. Wow, the commuter system is great. Fast, quiet, comfortable, affordable and safe. Soon we found ourselves at King Street Station in Seattle and had been given the advice to "follow the herd" which we did for several blocks before breaking off on our own. We found the people of Seattle to be very friendly and helpful in getting us headed in the right direction to the Market. Pikes Place Market is an icon of Seattle and a visitors paradise. You can feed all of your senses with great things at the same time! The sights, sounds and smells all added to an already festive feeling that seemed to be reflected by all. Speaking of friendly people, Jon Daniels of the City Fish Company went above and beyond good customer service by answering all of our fish market questions, suggesting some good places to eat lunch, handling our order as if it was the most important thing he was going to do all day and in general treating us like family. All this right after handling an order from Martha Stewart. Thanks again Jon!

(Becky writes) Monday night turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Several months ago, I made contact with my cousin, Will Ridgeway. Will is the youngest son of my uncle, Julian Ridgeway, who passed away about 5 years ago. Will lives in Gig Harbor with his older brother, Marlin and his wife Elizabeth. Will and I have communicated through FaceBook for these past few months and decided to meet in person since we are in the Seattle area. So last night we had the privilege of meeting, Marlin, Elizabeth, Will and his girlfriend Deanna for the first time! We had a wonderful visit, shared a great meal and I hope the beginning of a long time friendship. It truly felt like we had known one another forever and I look forward to the next time!

Galiano, Pender and REALLY good Sushi

(Becky writes) Galiano Island is one of the South Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia between the mainland and Vancouver Island. On Friday, we decided to use our BC Ferries sail pass and travel to Galiano for the day. Just the ferry rides are a treat, very relaxing and you feel transported into a past time and place. Galiano is a really small island and only around 1000 residents. This time of the year the tourists are mostly gone (except for us) and it is a great time of the year to experience these little islands at their best. We were on a little hike out to the south point of the island called Bellhouse Point and heard two eagles calling to one another. We looked up in the huge western cedar that towered above us and there they were perched in the top of the tree. It was just amazing. I've seen a couple of eagles from our car at a wildlife preserve in Florida but to be out hiking and hear their call and see those majestic birds was quite the experience.

Today, we traveled to another of the Gulf Islands, Pender. Pender is interesting because there is North Pender and South Pender but originally there was only one. Many years ago the residents decided it was just too far to sail around the island and so they "cut" a pass through a narrow section of the island. Then back in the 50's it was decided the "cut" had been a mistake and so now the two islands are connected with a small one lane bridge. You can drive (and drive the speed limit) from one end to the other in about 45 minutes if you had a really strong will and could drive without stopping to hike out to the points or hike down to the beaches. We are unable to resist the pull of the sea and so it takes us hours to cover one of these small islands. Fortunately, we are not shoppers or it would take us days. There are galleries and little roadside stands everywhere. Most of them are not open this time of the year so we didn't have too much temptation in that area.

Today as we drove through an apple orchard, we looked over and there maybe 10 feet from us was the cutest little fawn I have ever seen (I haven't seen that many, I will admit). It still had its spots and just stood there looking at us for about a minute. Very FUN!!

We discovered that from the south end of South Pender we could see Mt. Baker in all it's glory! The San Juan Islands (US islands also in the Strait of Georgia) are also visible but Mt. Baker is definitely the show stealer.

In between these two glorious days, which means Friday night, we decided to try out a sushi place, Shizen Sushi, that was recommended by one of the young ladies here at Rosewood. Definitely, the best sushi I have every had. We had, among other things, halibut, salmon, yellow tail, giant clam, and sweet shrimp nigiri. It was truly wonderful - I think my favorite meal since we left home.

(Craig writes) While on South Pender Island today we parked at one of the many beach access points and walked over to the observation deck. We were surprised to see a scuba diver, complete with wet suit and camera, making his way up the steps. We acknowledged each other but since he still had all of his gear and mask on it took a minute or so for him to be able to communicate audibly. Turns out the diver was Derek Holzapfel, a Pender Island native and Naturalist. He spent several minutes talking with us about his passion/hobby of photographing sea life, educating others about their wonders and his aspirations of encouraging the Canadian government to legislate more laws to protect the fragile ecology of the Gulf Islands. His website can be seen at:

http://naturediver.com/

Tomorrow, (Sunday 11-2), we leave Victoria for Seattle. Our time in the Victoria area has been a great experience and our Canadian friends could not have been better hosts. Thanks Canada!