Collier Tunnel through the mountains in Del Norte County, California

Just south of the Oregon/ California border where we were allowed to
keep our Oregon produce.

On the wild and scenic NorCal coast.

From here the highway moves inland a very short distance and we will find
ourselves among the majestic Redwoods.

The sight, sound, feel, and smell of the Wild Northern Cal coast

Incomparable!

Wild Beauty of California's Northern coast

Just before the fog rolled in...

Tumultuous ocean of Northern California's Coast

Great view for lunch.

Behold the Creation!

Can anything compare to the view of the majestic Redwoods? No matter how many times you may have seen them in the past, they continue to inspire awe as they come into view!

Just Enough Room

This redwood giant has been down longer than you and I have been alive.

This log supports it's own forest of ferns and assorted plantlife.
Size? Mongo! 12 feet at least.

Gonzo at the Gonzo Giant

M&M dwarfed by the Giants

Michael is in Awe

I feel so skinny!

Think I'll hang here a while.

Path to the Federation of Women's Club Monument

Federation Heartstone

The unique monument designed by Julia Morgan to honor the women who
began an effort to preserve the Redwoods in the 1920s. See more info
below.

Julia Morgan-Architect of the Federation Hearthstone

Julia was an internationally known pioneering feminist architect who
had to fight to be accepted into further study in Europe, after
graduating from UC Berkeley. She was eventually the creator of over
700 buildings, including The Hearst Castle, and thusunique 4 sided
Heartstone in a beautiful grove of Redwoods. This monument honors the
45,000 women who began the effort to spare and protect the Redwords.
We had a lovely peacful picnic there with no one else in sight.

Federation Hearthstone monument plaque

Quote from monument

Quote from monument

Women's club monument sayings

and don't forget the marshmallows, Graham crackers and chocolate!

I'll stay here and get the pot of porridge going.

She didn't want to leave!

A Redwood Chief among The Redwoods

Miss Caryn meets her Man!

Fortunutely he wouldn't fit in or on the trailer.

A Redwood woodsman among the Redwoods

And yes, we did spot Bigfoot among the Redwood (gifts)

Reconnection

A highlight of our trip was reconnecting with our good looking, smart,
and buff nephew, Jeremiah, and his lovely sister, Crystal.

Chance Solomon

Crystal's smart, sweet, charming little man- almost 4.

On the way to the vineyards

The Garmin (GPS) takes us by ferry, across the Willamette River.

The Willamette Valley

Miles and miles of lovely vineyards and many many wineries

Orderly vineyards

Mike shot this one and said, "I have to send this to Jim. Like me, he
would appreciate this tidy and ordered vineyard.". ;-)

A day amongst the vineyards

The Willamette Valley is Oregon's well known wine producing area with
vineyards everywhere... as far as the eye can see...

Inside a winery

Huge vats for fermenting wine

Flowers everywhere ...

The Willamette Valley is lush with flowers, shrubs, huge trees, fruit.
Vegetables, hops, and grapevines. Absolutely beautiful area with many
charming small towns and eateries.

Cool Chairs

Made from recycled retired wine barrels-beautiful.

Mike and Maggie gazing at the vineyards

Pinot Noir vines

A few clusters still on the vines with the leaves turning beautiful
colors.

Dobbes Family Winery

Wines by Joe-a line of wines by a vintner who prides himself on making
both high end wine and great everyday table wine (the wine by Joe).
Cool idea.

Shipment of new wine barrels

Here's to all of you

Caryn and Mike out for a bit of "wining"

Hotel Oregon-McMinville

Another lovely restored McMenamin's property. If you are not familiar
with them, check out: www.mcmenamins.com

Hotel Oregon

Another Mcmenamin's for a bite to eat

Scoop of ice cream to end the day

Reconnecting with family

While Traveling in Oregon, we had a chance to reconnect with Mike's
Aunt Tila and Uncle Richard, and their 2 daughters and their
families. They made us a great dinner, and we enjoyed laughing and
sharing stories with them. A lot of fun!

Funny Cousin Olivia

Mike enjoyed getting acquainted with Olivia, the 2nd grader of his
cousin Liz and husband Chris. Here she is in her Jim Bob teeth and
funky bird glasses. Cousin Debbie calls her "The entertainer of the
family.". She and Mike have a similar humor...

Michael and Aunt Tila

At the Rest Stop with the Big Boys

Warning: Western Toad Migration

While traveling in Washington, we found ourselves in the very midst of
The Western Toad Migration. These wee creatures are about the size of
your thumbnail, so you really must be careful where you walk... I am
happy to report that Mike did not end any creatures lives with his
#13s. See next photo for a pic of the wee creature.

Wee Western Toad

Look close for the thumbnail sized fellow.

Leaving the Airstream behind on a lovely Fall day

to climb higher into the mountains for better views of Mt. St. Helens Volcano National Monument and the beautiful Toutle River Valley below.

Just Before the Blast Zone

Some information, photos and a map from the 1980 blast of Mt St Helens, just before we enter the Blast Zone at Mt. St. Helens Volcano National Monument.