I have spent quite a bit of time on the A1A on the east coast. I really like the A1A especially in S. FL. Well now I am on the 101 which is kind of the same thing as the A1A but on the west coast. I had been on the 101 in Washington a number of times but never south of there. We jumped on the 101 in mid-Oregon. To get there we headed SW from Portland. OMG, there are a ton of wineries, vineyards down that way. I mean a ton. We also drove through the Willamette and Tillamook area. It reminded me of Ohio, well at least the people. Drive throughs were not for expediency but because the people were to big to get out of their cars!
The true magic came when we hit the coast. Everything you have heard about the Oregon coast is true. Amazingly beautiful but unfortunately it is still pretty chilly chilly. The 101 on the coast is an amazing drive. Many, many spots to pull off and take pics or even walk down to the beach. The road in many places gets pretty serpentine, almost Grand Pri-ish. You will be going 65-70 and then all the sudden have to slow down to 25-30-35 for curves. There were also a lot of little towns you needed to slow down to 25-30 to pass through.
When we hit Californication it seemed either the smog had moved north or the ocean mist had not burnt off. It is also quite pretty in N. CA with the Redwoods and all but the mist is pretty heavy. It is late afternoon and it is still here. We stopped at a Redwood tourist trap and got pictures with Paul Bunyan and Babe (see Denise ‘boxing’ babe). We will hit the Avenue of the Giants tomorrow before San Fran to see the real trees.
For now we are staying in an Indian Casino Hotel overlooking the Ocean at a distance. Our room faces the Ocean. We actually could see it if it was’t so damn foggy/misty out. For now we are planning our invasion of San Fran tomorrow, drinking mimosa’s and then Makers when that is gone. Finally we will see what the live entertainment in the Casino Lounge has to offer.
BTW – our last night in Seattle was shared over dinner with Katie and Sean at Ivars Salmon House on Lake Union with a view directly back onto downtown Seattle. It was a great meal and a beautiful location for a ‘Last Supper’. The company was great. We are so proud of both of them.
For now – Good Day
RB