Archive for category Travel
Death Valley – Zabriskie Point Sunrise
All the guide books say it’s the thing to do so we got up early and made the short drive from Furnace Creek to Zabriskie Point to watch the sunrise. It was definitely worth it. Death Valley is not nearly as colorful as Capitol Reef, Canyonlands or the Grand Canyon but the rising sun certainly painted some lovely tones on the mountains and weird geologic formations. ⇒photos
Death Valley National Park
Departing Santa Barbara in the morning we arrived in Death Valley in time to do a bit of exploring before nightfall. We drove the famous Artist’s Drive in the wonderful afternoon sunlight and took a few minutes to admire the stunning, star-filled sky before collapsing into bed. ⇒photos
Hwy 190 west of Death Valley
Channel Islands National Park
We spent a lovely afternoon cruising out to the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara. On the outward trip we were accompanied by a great number of dolphins who entertained us with their spectacular leaps out of the water. I wonder if they are having as much fun as it seems to us. Then there was a brief spotting of an enormous whale. Here’s a selection of photos (20).
East Anacapa Island
Santa Barbara beach
After our round of golf, Bill led me on a walk along the beach on an absolutely beautiful afternoon. ⇒ 11 photos
Off to California
We’re on our way to California today. First, to Santa Barbara to visit Trisha’s friend/colleague, Jean Schultz; then on to Death Valley National Park. I got this quick snap of Mt. St. Helen’s from the airplane.
Latourell Falls
After a stop at the Crown Point Vista House the route back down to I-84 took us by Latourell Falls so we made a brief stop there. Not quite as impressive as the Snoqualmie Falls back home, but lovely just the same.
Latourell Falls, 224 feet
Columbia River; Crown Point
Columbia River, looking east from Crown Point
Heading back to North Bend, we veered a little east to stop at Crown Point overlooking the Columbia River. It’s such a fabulous view, especially on a day like this.
Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge
It’s been many years since Trisha and I first visited Mt. Hood so we decided to make it part of our itinerary on our return from Crater Lake and Ashland. We were gifted another spectacular day and enjoyed the fabulous vistas and a yummy lunch at Timberline Lodge. I’m so impressed by the craftsmanship in these monumental WPA projects. It’s inspiring to see what people can accomplish with the right motivation and leadership. Thank you FDR.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival – “The Tempest”
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I thought we had to see at least one play at the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. We saw “The Tempest” and it was absolutely superb. The acting and the staging were just wonderful. We are already talking about going back for several days next year.
Day at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake, Wizard Island from West Rim
Trisha’s sister, Lisa, accompanied us on our trek to southern Oregon where we visited Crater Lake, making number 24 of 60 on our list of National Parks we hope to visit. It was a perfect day with temperature around 80 degrees, a slight breeze and beautiful blue skies.
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