Devouring life, one bite at a time
After leaving Hurricane Ridge, we continued west on our drive around Olympic National Park until we reached our next stop at Lake Crescent. A hike nearby gave us a preview of the rainforest ecosystem we’d be seeing when we went on to Hoh Rainforest, and …
It was rainy on my last day in Washington last week and I found myself in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge to be specific. I didn’t mind at all that our view was obstructed. When you are at your final destination on a trip, one …
The next destination on our Washington itinerary was Olympic National Park, waaaay north just across the bay from Vancouver, Canada. Did I mention I have never been to Canada before? Or seen it, despite living in Northern Wisconsin for 4 years of my life.
My dad assured me it was a good 30 miles away and that I wouldn’t be able to see much. He was much more impressed by the giant ferry boat propellers-turned-art installation. And so, rolling into Port Angeles right at 5 when it was too late to do anything else, we got ourselves settled in and made the most of our time by taking a night stroll around town.
Blown glass sea creatures and sidewalk sculptures.
Ferry boats and boardwalks.
Locals …
… cuisine …
… and a beautiful town.
Autumn is behind in California but just beginning in Washington. It’s the evergreen state, for sure, but dramatic splashes of color are showing up. Along with the mighty Mount Rainier, which I’m seeing out my window for the first time. Outside Olympic National Park, the …
On the morning we left Yakima Valley, our family finally got together for a group picture, and also to show off some pumpkin carving artistry, namely from my dad. It’s been years since we carved pumpkins together, so I was pretty happy that we got …
A little fun on the road with the Android spinoff of Instagram, called Retro Camera.
Good news for mediocre photos and subpar photographers.
A boring old snap on the road looks like a unique and intentional shot. Glad I have a way to beef up those iffy pictures. Thanks, hipsters, for making bad pictures seem cool!
After cruising along the Columbia River Gorge and heading into Washington state on our way to my aunt and uncle’s house, a mysterious mountain loomed ahead. Actually, we had to exit and drive a ways first, but then we saw it … Mount Saint Helens, …
Before we left our brief introductory visit to Portland, there was something I had to do. See Bob’s Red Mill. Aka a baking pilgrimage of sorts. A paradise of organic bulked goods and health food products for bakers and gluten intolerants. My one bit …
When we woke up near Coos Bay this morning, we needed to get some more miles under our wheels and were quick to get back on the road. Of course, we did make a few stops on the way.
How can anyone turn down the chance to see the world famous sea lion caves? The sea lions weren’t inside, but we could still see America’s largest sea cave.
And some marine anthropology specimens throughout the cave.
Back on the road, I was surprised by the number of bridges in Oregon. This is one out of about a million.
My dad isn’t much of a city guy, but I’ve been aching to go to Portland for a while now so he had to yield. We kept it mellow with an obligatory trip to Powells Books, a stroll along the river and a fancy cupcake downtown.
Of course, we couldn’t forget the multitude of microbreweries and great food, either. At Hair of the Dog, a flight included an aged beer from bourbon barrels. Over Caesar salad and duck confit, my dad asked me to check the Niners score on my phone. Wow. I was not expecting their win to put us in such a great mood.
Little did I know it would lead to an involved explanation of how to read a box score. I guess anything to make me more well-rounded! What I love about beer is how much smaller it makes the world and all its problems, even if they are just about the intricacies of sports statistics.
Extra thanks to the Niners for making a 45-3 victory help a guy feel comfortable in a new city.
I’m on the road exploring the Pacific Northwest with my dad for the next week or so. Road trip! Adventure! I look forward to all this fall has to bring. My first photographic specimen is of Roosevelt elk as we entered Redwood National Park. Around …