Friday, August 4th ~ Astoria, Oregon
Today we traveled from Newport to Astoria Oregon. I’m tired tonight so keeping this short and sweet…
The Yaquina Head lighthouse was made in Paris in 1868 and shipped to Oregon. It was first lit August 20, 1873, and automated in 1966.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Lincoln City ~ Tallest lighthouse in Oregon
Thursday, August 3rd ~ Central Oregon Coastline
Old Harbor ~ Bandon, Oregon
Today we traveled from Bandon by the Sea to Newport, Oregon along Highway 101. Here are a few highlights from our day: Continue reading
Wednesday, September 2nd ~ Southern Oregon Coast
Natural Bridges Viewpoint
In my humble opinion, there are not many places on this planet that are as beautiful as the Oregon Coast. I may be a little prejudiced, since I was born in Southern Oregon, but after traveling far and wide, I still get a little awed whenever I am fortunate enough to return here.
With a combination of large trees and beaches, looming cliffs, rocks and pounding surf, piled driftwood, gentle hiking trails, tidal pools to explore, shellfish to consume, and a comfortable climate, it offers up something for everyone. Continue reading
Tuesday, September 1 ~ Crescent City, California
Fort Ross
Did you know that there used to be a Russian fort on the California coast? I know I was surprised to learn about it. Continue reading
Sunday, August 30th ~ Shoreline Highway
Muir Beach
The wedding celebrations were over, friends and family were returning home, and the newlyweds were preparing to leave on their honeymoon.
Time for us to continue on our road trip… Continue reading
Saturday, August 29th ~ San Jose, California
Winchester Mystery House
Most of our time was spent with family as we continued to celebrate the newlyweds.
We did slip away for a few hours and joined our son and his girlfriend on a tour through the Winchester Mystery House. Continue reading
Friday, August 28th ~ Los Gatos, California
A lovely wedding joining two wonderful families
Today was one of the happiest days I can ever remember. My nephew, Ian Kennedy got married to Nadia Shraibati at the Regale Winery in Los Gatos, California.
The setting was picture perfect, the weather a little on the warm side, our family gathered together, the bride was stunningly gorgeous, the handsome groom was grinning ear to ear, wine was flowing, dinner delicious, a few happy tears were shed, bubbles popped, sunscreen and colorful sunglasses were in gift bags, ladies shed their shoes which were replaced by provided comfy flip-flops, bocce ball and crochet was played, dancing was lively, and a GREAT time was had by all who attended. Continue reading
What’s next for us???
WHAT’S NEXT: We have a month-long road trip planned that will first take us up to Los Gatos, California for my nephew’s wedding! That will be followed up with a week driving through Oregon and Washington en route to my sister and brother-in-law’s home on Whidbey Island. They have chartered a boat for a week so the four of us can explore the San Juan Islands, crossing the border up into Canada for a few days. Continue reading
Sunday, August 2nd ~ Lavender fields near Avignon
Provence, France
One of my biggest wishes for this trip to southern France was to see the lavender fields in bloom. I was so excited when I saw in our tour literature that our cruise was scheduled to have an excursion to visit a lavender farm. Sadly, France had experienced a heat wave for a couple of weeks prior to our arrival, and most of the lavender fields had already been harvested. Continue reading
Sunday, August 2nd ~ Avignon, France (part 1)
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Sadly our amazing Uniworld river cruise has come to an end. After enjoying our final delicious breakfast on board, we took a pre-arranged taxi the short distance to a local hotel located just off the main square.
Hotel De I’horloge, Avignon
The Hotel De I’horloge was basic, but the location was excellent. We like the window open at night for fresh air, but if you are sensitive to street noises, this may not be the right hotel for you. Thankfully Tim and I are both OK with street chatter, and are willing to give up a little for a great and walkable location. Continue reading
A Note From Abroad 