The other big trip of the summer was to the west coast. THAT was an adventure. Remember way back in 2012 when DJ and Rob had their adventure on the USS Stennis aircraft carrier while Aidan and I shadowed them by land? We had known ever since that the four of us needed to experience that trek on land together.....and to finally get Aidan to Fort Clatsop after the first ill-fated attempt. So, during the very last week of summer break, we flew to San Francisco and ended up in Portland when all was said and done.
Disclaimer: If you do not looking at people's vacation pictures, you might want to skip this. Consider yourself forewarned!
We began by exploring San Francisco with my great friend Kevin for the afternoon. The requisite Cable Car ride was great! As Aidan and I got to do a few years back, we clung onto the back, near the brakeman's station for the best views. We lunched on Fisherman's Wharf at Fog Harbor with a view of the bay and an excellent cup of clam chowder. Twisty and steep streets were navigated and street performers were watched. A day to remember forever as a family with one of our very best friends.
Lunch at Fog Harbor. We had left our home at 3 a.m. that day, and this was about 2 p.m. on the kids' inner clock. Meet Tired (DJ) and Hungry (Rob and Aidan).
Kevin and DJ showing their guns.
Hang on, Kids!
Later that day, we followed Kevin across the Golden Gate Bridge toward his home in the Sonoma area. Dave and Winslow were there to welcome us, and thus began one of the best two-day periods of any vacation, ever. We explored Sonoma, enjoyed the awe-inspiring views from their mountaintop home, attended a Broadway medley show under the stars on Jack London's farm, and we laughed until our sides hurt.
Bonus (?): We experienced a 6.0 earthquake, which shook us around with some broken glass and jangled middle of the night nerves. It left us without power for awhile, but it shattered Napa.
A welcoming committee with style.
Sunflower Cafe, Sonoma
Me and DJ
Earthquake Veterans
Good bye! Sob!
After leaving Glen Ellen, it was northward. We drove and stopped to appreciate the beauty of this niche our of beloved United States of America with only a few specifics on our list. Lots of driving, lots of breathtaking beauty.
Before leaving California, we played around
and drove through a tree.
A visit to Lady Bird Johnson Redwood Grove was an unexpected treasure along the way.
humbling and comforting
Tree Hugger
(I always suspected this to be true.)
As we moved into Oregon, we enjoyed the ocean views. Here, we are watching grey whales (some of the biggest whales!) as they
frolic and dine.
At long last, Aidan experienced Fort Clatsop!!!!
We crossed the longest tressle and ended up in Washington.
We spend the day here, at Cape Disappointment. Hiking and soaking it all in cliff to beach.
One of my favorite days. Ever.
Astoria Column....not for the faint of heart!
And then, after awhile, Portland.....and to one of the best places on the face of the earth:
Powell Books
I do believe that Aidan and I would have been content to live here forever.
Rob likes Portland too.
The trip was a great adventure. I wouldn't say I was ready to be finished with it, but heading home felt good. Until the next one.
