Faces of the children of Thailand

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
Children of Thailand

Children of Thailand

It has been almost two years since we explored the highlights of Thailand. It is a mystical country with ancient history. Enormous Buddha statues can be found everywhere, mostly sitting, but some of the largest are reclining. Stupas dot the country and can be pointed and covered in gold, ornate and colorful, or dull and well weathered.

We instantly fell in love with Thailand. All of our senses got a daily workout. Everything was vibrant, alive, moving. But the movement was not frantic, instead it flowed with a rhythm all its own.  Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Thailand | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Crater Lake National Park

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
Welcome to Crater Lake National Park

Welcome to Crater Lake National Park

If ever there was a crown jewel for the state of Oregon, it would have to be Crater Lake.

Crystal clear deep blue water, towering cliffs, a mysterious island in the shape of a wizards cap, rock formations that mimic a castle or phantom ship, surrounded by miles and miles of forested hiking trails.

Having grown up in Oregon, I was fortunate to have visited here several times over the years. Each time is still magical.  Continue reading →

Posted in National Parks, Oregon, United States | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Final Lap of our Road Trip – Columbia River Gorge

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
View from Vista House (Crowne Point)

View from Vista House (Crowne Point)

Relaxing in our tiny mountain cabin here in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, I am astounded to find myself another year older, but not necessarily another year wiser. I wish I could reverse that last statement – you know, “Another year wiser but not another year older”. Has a better ring to it doesn’t it?

Oh well…  Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, United States, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Where would you turn for help?

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Sunday, September 27th

Today I am drifting away from our normal travel related topics to shed some light on a difficult subject.

Most of my friends as well as our family have all been touched by autism, mental illness, blindness, hearing loss or deafness, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, MS, Cerebral Palsy, and/or a variety of other life limiting or challenging handicaps.

When the symptoms start or a diagnosis given, especially if it involves your child, grandchild or someone else dear to you, panic can set in, as well as a need to do everything possible to find a solution, get help, find a cure.  Continue reading →

Posted in Central America, Guatemala, Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Whidbey Island in pictures

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Wednesday, September 23

Coupeville

Coupeville

Cabbage like flower

Cabbage like flower

Deception Pass Bridge

Deception Pass Bridge

Continue reading →

Posted in United States, Washington | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

A whale of a good time boating through the San Juan Islands!

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Thursday, September 17th ~ Oak Harbor, Washington

Early morning about to depart from Ganges

Early morning about to depart from Ganges

Our week-long boating expedition through the San Juan Islands was a huge success! The weather could not have been more cooperative, the scenery was magnificent, the crowds had departed and we got to have some wonderful family time with my sister and brother-in-law.  Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, United States, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Gay Pride Parade ~ Ganges, Salt Spring Island, Canada

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Day four of our San Juan Islands adventure continues…

Ganges

Ganges

After a very relaxing afternoon the day before where we each found a corner for reading, or taking a nap, we were ready to get out and get a little exercise today.

Arriving in Ganges on a Saturday so that we could attend the local Farmer’s Market to restock our fresh fruits and pick up a few more perishables to take us through the end of the week, we were surprised to learn that our visit also coincided with the local Gay Pride Parade.  Continue reading →

Posted in Canada | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Stuart Island and South Pender Island in pictures

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Day 2 and 3 of our week boating through the San Juan Islands…

Morning light showing a variety of colors, fog to clearing

Morning light showing a variety of colors, fog to clearing as we departed Sucia

A colony of seals on the point

A colony of seals on the point

The San Juan Islands are so pretty and offer up a nice variety of scenery as well as things to do. On day two of our boating adventure we stopped on Stuart Island.  Continue reading →

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Yachting in the San Juan Islands

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday, September 12 ~ Ganges, Salt Spring Island, Canada

Approaching Echo Bay on Sucia Island

Sucia Island

Last Sunday we traveled the short distance from Seattle to Whidbey Island. My sister (Jan) and brother-in-law (Mark) have invited Tim and I to join them on a one week motor boat trip through the San Juan Islands.

The two of them took a training class a couple of years ago to learn how to operate a similar vessel and then last year chartered a 36 foot boat for a week. They enjoyed it so much that they wanted to do it again and we are pretty excited for a new experience.  Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, United States, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday, September 5th ~ Astoria, Oregon to Seattle, Washington

We woke up to a light rain this morning that continued on and off throughout the day. It was refreshing and a welcome sight after enduring such a drastic drought up and down the west coast.

Just a short drive from our hotel in Astoria we spotted the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It had great reviews on Trip Advisor and our hotel also recommended it so after breakfast, off we went.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Fort Astoria was originally established as part of the lucrative fur trade industry in 1811 by John Jacob Astor, becoming the first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific coast.  Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, United States, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments