Travel – Page 19 – Random Connections

The Lost Coast

July 29, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom 1 Comment

Coastal Redwoods and Fog-101 — Fog Rolling In on the Lost Coast

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

It was hot. Driving along Highway 101 the thermometer read over 100º. We had left the top up on the convertible, hoping to cool the car down a bit.

From San Francisco Highway 101 takes a more inland route than Highway 1 until it gets to Eureka. Highway 1 ends at Leggett, so it looked like our coastal road had ended. However…

We had seen several smaller roads that got back over to the coast, so we decided to check those out. From Garberville we took a very small twisting and turning road up over the coastal range. The road ran for many miles, winding through more redwoods over some amazing switchbacks.

One thing we noticed was that the temperature was dropping drastically. As we topped the range and headed down toward the coast the temps reached the low 60s. By the time we reached the little town of Shelter Cove, it was down to 58º, a far cry from the 100º temps just an hour or so earlier.

Tide Pools and Redwods

July 29, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Photography, Travel

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

After my morning walk it was time to get on the road again. Yesterday’s drive had turned into a mad dash through late night coastal fog in order to get to our hotel. I was hoping to avoid that this time. Little did I know we had an even more extreme adventure ahead.

We drove through the coastal town of Fort Bragg, stopping briefly for more coffee. There is something about these coastal climes that calls out for caffeine. I can see how Starbucks got its start in Seattle, and why there is an espresso stand on every corner.

As for the town itself, Laura admitted to some confusion. She thought there was a large military base around here. I told her I didn’t think so, that there was one in Fort Bragg, NC, and that this one was a historical fort. Turns out I was correct.

Read More “Tide Pools and Redwods” »

Morning Walk at Fort Bragg

July 29, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Photography, Travel

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 Having grown up in Los Angeles, Laura switches over to Pacific Coast Tme with no problem. I, on the other hand, wake up on Eastern Time, which is far, far too early. Then again, I’ve always been an early riser, so time zones may have nothing to do with it. Regardless … Read More “Morning Walk at Fort Bragg” »

Bodega Bay to Fort Bragg

July 28, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Photography, Travel

Wine Country and Coastal Highway-043 — Highway 1 – Pacific Coast Highway

Monday, July 28, 2014

I had no vestiges of my headache. Neither had the wine tasting brought back the sickness from earlier in the day. Laura and I decided to leave the Napa Valley and explore the coast. We drove back up to Calistoga and crossed the mountains over to Santa Rosa. From there we continued on through Sebastopol, then down to the coast and the little town of Bodega.

It had been clear sunshine in Wine Country and across the mountains. We were enjoying the trip with the top back in the convertible. However, as we approached the town we could see clouds of fog gathering along the coast. It looked very ominous.

Bodega is a quaint little town. There were some interesting buildings, such as an old church and school. There was quite a bit of activity along the main highway. However, we had a long way to go today, and we didn’t stop for photos. These were shot from the car as we drove.

Read More “Bodega Bay to Fort Bragg” »

Wine Country

July 28, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Family, Travel

Monday, July 28, 2014 It was time to leave Laura’s cousins and head north. We got up early enough to pack the car and have one more excellent breakfast at Bill and Linda’s house. We thanked them for their hospitality, then headed on our way. We weren’t in a rush, though. We waited long enough … Read More “Wine Country” »

San Jose with Family

July 27, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Family, Travel

Sunday, July 27, 2014 Sunday was a non-travel day for us. Breakfast was a leisurely affair, and we spent more time catching up with Laura’s cousins. We spent the rest of the day at Linda and Bill’s house staging for the next part of the adventure. While others headed off to church we headed to … Read More “San Jose with Family” »

From Greenville to San Francisco

July 26, 2014August 21, 2014 Tom No Comments

Family, Travel

Greenville to San Francisco — Taking off from Chicago Midway

Saturday July 26, 2014

It was time for another epic road trip. Laura had finished her summer research with her students and I had finished…well, whatever it is I was doing during retirement. We had planned this trip since the beginning of summer, and with my Mom’s passing last week, the need to get away and see different scenery was even more imperative.

The plan was to fly into San Francisco and rent a car. We would spend a couple of days in the San Jose area visiting Laura’s cousins, then drive north along the coast. Eventually we would reach Coos Bay, Oregon, and spend a couple of days with Laura’s Aunt Ellen. We would continue along the coast and up Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, finally reaching Laura’s mom’s place on Samish Island, north of Seattle. We would spend several days there taking care of things around her place, then would fly back from Seattle. The 1200 mile trip would take two weeks.

Lost in the Mangroves in the Old Inlet

June 2, 2014 Tom 1 Comment

Paddling, Photography, Travel

So far it had been a great week in Florida. I had gotten out on the kayak for at least one paddling trip each day. In some cases, twice. Doesn’t hurt when you’re staying at a place with a boat ramp right into the Indian River.

This was our last full day in Fort Pierce, and we were going to jam it full of activities. The morning started with a trek out to the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Fort Pierce. We got some vegetables, did some people watching, and Laura was even able to find a cool hat to wear in the Mini Convertible out on the artists section of the market.

When we got back from the market, Laura and Amy headed out for some shopping, and I headed out on the kayak. Most of my treks had been averaging about four miles, and I was determined to get at least one long trip in.

Gadding about in Florida – Part Two

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 Tom No Comments

Family, Paddling, Photography, Travel

Kissimmee Prairie-016 — Kissimmee Prairie

This is one of those weeks when I forget when I did what. We’re continuing our travels in Florida, mostly kayaking, but getting out and doing some other exploration.

I’d been out paddling most of the morning Thursday morning, but by the afternoon it was time for something different. All of us loaded up in the car and headed to Kissimmee Prairie on the interior of the state.

Gadding about in Florida – Part One

May 30, 2014 Tom No Comments

Family, Paddling, Photography, Travel

Indian River Paddling-002 — Indian River near Fort Pierce, Florida

We’ve been spending a few days down in Fort Pierce, Florida, at Laura’s sister’s place. Amy had to go away on business, so we cam down to keep her mom company. I brought toys. The Subaru was loaded with more camera and kayak gear than luggage.

Every morning I’ve been getting up and down a short paddling trip before the heat and afternoon thunderstorms hit. I’ve also managed to get in an evening paddle.

I brought the Tsunami because it handles rougher water with ease and is quick enough that I can go some distance. First trip out I headed out to the spoil islands. The morning was clear with a light breeze. The water was relatively flat.