Day 11.

We can now officially say we have driven the entire length of the State of Oregon on US 101 along the coast, from Crescent City to Astoria. This has always been a bucket list item for me and it was worth it. We left Lincoln City and met our Niece Tiesha for breakfast in Pacific City. As locals know, beach weather is unpredictable, and this most of the duration of our time here has been amazing, sunny and warm. Pelican Brewery had a yummy breakfast with pairings and seafood. This beach is where my Step Mom Carol wanted to go when she was alive and after she passed. Lots of good memories with Grandma here for the kids. We walked out to the waves, I only cried a little, and luckily Tiesha was there too. Carol was such a beautiful p5erson inside and out, and we miss her terribly. She was divinely there, she reached out and showed is right where the good beach swag was. We collected sand dollars whole, clam shells, oyster shells, barnacles, and saw anemones, and fish in the tide pools. She was with us. We said Farewell to Tiesha and pushed on. We stopped to see the cabin that my Grandpa Harris built for my Great Grandparents in Manzanita, Or. Uncle Mark helped me find the street online because when it was built there was no address. My Great Grandma passed when I was 5, but I remember the house vividly. I wish now it would have stayed in the family. It is now the tiny house amidst giants, where the median home value is $445,000. It is a one bedroom, one bath, A frame built in 1963, my uncle helped put on the original cedar shake roof when he was young. A few blocks from the beach, we found it! Exactly as I remembered, updated of course. Next, we drove through Canon Beach which seemed very high end and busy. We stopped in Seaside and walked out to beach. This town has grown as well, the cute little main street became home to restaurants, and boutique shops. We ended up at my Godmother's "Aunty Jan" home in Astoria and parked the trailer. We met Lance, Nicole, and baby Evelynn down on the pier where they had gotten an Airbnb. Such a cool unit right over the water of the Columbia River Gorge by the bridge in an old fish cannery building. This area has been developed with upscale restaurants and lofts. Right next door we went to Rogue brewery and then met Jan after work at Mo's. We went back to the house to visit and see all the renovation progress on her house. All the finishes are classic of the 1930s era and fitting for this sweet dream home. The house sits right on the local slough (water way), ten minutes from downtown Astoria and the beach. We dozed off listening to the lone Bullfrog croaking.

Day 10.

Camping at the KOA was not too bad. Showers, laundry and a playground the kids could still play on. The campground is centrally located in town, near lake, town, ocean and Dad's house. We had an easy breakfast, and ventured to the beach. The waves were huge and kids were determined to seek them out. We found a good spot and I think our crazy kids were the only ones swimming. The water is always cold, and the wind was brutal. A curious sea lion even came over to see what they were doing. Dad and Jerrie came out too and watched the kids play. We tried to have a picnic lunch but it literally became "sand"whiches and not surprised the kids got cold. We gave up and pleaded mercy from the wind and decided to go. Chris and I found a new local brewery The Rusty Truck and restaurant and tried a flight of samples. Chris enjoyed the Double IPA avg I liked the Mango Cream Ale. On down the 101, we stopped at The Red Cock. I know, the name is silly, my Dad calls it The Red Chicken. Jewelry, and unique gifts from all over the world, it has always been a must stop for. I found out during the visit that the owner had passed away and the store is at risk for closing. My heart sank, this was a clear indication that Lincoln City as we knew it was changing. Luckily, no change to Candyland that makes the fresh salt water taffy. Mmm. We met Grandpa Ray Bob back at the camp site, had to show off the Lovebird. We stayed and played the afternoon at camp waiting for Patty, Zack, and Michael to back out to celebrate Michael's 22nd birthday. We went out to Pier 101 for dinner and stayed until closing. It was awesome to be able to chat with the nephews and my sister. Watching these young adults grow, establishing their own lives, and jobs has been an adventure. We wish them nothing but the best, but now it is their turn to fly. They have all the tools, can't wait to see what they construct. Said "See ya later" to Dad, Sister and family, always in our hearts.

Day 9.

Roseburg to Lincoln City, Or. Beautiful drive on a Sunday, no traffic, Sun is out and sky is clear.  Stopped only for coffee. Devil's lake KOA was our destination, where we set up the trailer and camp then left to meet family. Dad's house is 10 minutes down the road, where we had a little BBQ. Sister Patty, Nephew Zack, Niece Ashley, her boyfriend Tyler, Dad, his girlfriend Jerrie, Niece Tiesha, her boyfriend Spencer, all made it out. We had an awesome time catching up and watching the kids soak each other with water squirters. Thanks Aunt Patty! It was a little emotional being there without Grandma Carol but we could also feel her with us. We explored the creek behind the house, the water was much lower and changed direction a bit. It was so nice to have everyone together again, this has not happened in so long. Carol's passing has really been hard on every single person in a different way. She really brought us all together, and always had us smiling and laughing. We will all have to figure out this new phase of life, in her physical absence. She was the one that showed us all to Live Laugh Love Always, hard to remember sometimes.

Day 8.

Took a long beautiful drive up the coast of Southern Oregon. This was well worth the extra hour en route to Roseburg. The cliffs were impressive, the beach sprinkled with large rocks and hardly a soul, even on a Saturday. The fog burned off and the sun came out and sparkled on the water. Gold beach seemed like  someplace we need to pay another visit. So picturesque. We met the kids' Grandpa Maurie (my step Dad) and Nannie Debbie at  Logger's for lunch, and had yummy pizza and local beer. Roseburg is bigger than I thought offering many services but still had a small town feel. After lunch we went to see the land they purchased in which they are building their dream home. Such a gorgeous spot, on rolling hills over looking the Callahan range. Mature trees, some grapes, raspberries, and a view to die for. The land was marked where the house would be and building starts next week. Such an exciting journey for them and we can't wait to come see the finished product! Dinner of Ahi poke and Tri tip with grilled veggies hit the spot. We had a great visit and are so thankful to have these two in our lives. We took a walk on their road and saw goats, ducks, pigs, chickens, deer, dogs and cats. After walking the dogs with Dad and enjoying Debbie's breakfast this morning, we bid our farewell. And as we drove away, Lily said, "I already miss them!" We love you!!

Day 7.

Waking up in this magical place was such a gift. The birds were chirping, owls calling, woodpecker echoing through the valley. Fog set in, it was cool and humid. Due to the nature of acoustics the trees blocked all noise, no others were heard even though spots were close. It was just us. After breakfast, we drove into town to find the best lunch, best hike, and National Park passports stamp. The best hike was at the Old growth forest Jedidiah Smith day use area along the Smith River, across a footbridge to Stout Grove. The fog broke, and gave us sunshine and 74 degrees. We amongst others could not find it at first, then at last ditch effort walked the shoreline a but further. This. Place. Is. It. An International park, people all over the world come here, and we made it. As you stand at the base of these ancient towers you feel small, and young. Over 300 feet and 2500 years old, harboring their own ecosystem, they have endured so much. This place does something good to your soul. We found the perfect lunch spot at Chart Room off the harbor with fresh clam chowder, grilled crab sandwich and local beer. After lunch, we promised the kids to beach time. The fog had not lifted at the beach and it was 60 degrees. The kids swear the water as warm as a heated pool and convinced us they were fine to body surf for two hours. We watched Piper birds swarm, fly, swoop, all synchronized in their motions, eating what the waves were bringing in. Chris stood in the waves watching the kids, as I lay on the beach taking it all in. The tide was coming in quickly, as high tide was marked for 430pm. The kids reluctantly came in and we made our way back to camp. We did not want to leave this place. This was where dreams are made, or dreams are fulfilled, depending on how you look at it. We got invited to another ranger talk in which the kids were persuaded to become Junior Rangers. They fulfilled their duties and were sworn in. We're such proud parents. :-) Ranger Brad was funny, and spoke about his journey in Finding His Park. He shared the pictures and details from hiking from the southern most part of The Redwoods Forest to the Northern tip. He backpacked 80 miles in 9 days. He saw Elk, Black Bear, River Otter, Rough Skinned Newt, Stellar's Jay and much more wildlife in the park. He was changed by this adventure and after swimming in the Smith River visiting from Michigan became a permanent move. I could see why. I vow to return. I would hope anyone reading this is inspired to go. We must preserve the parks for future generations to be connected with the land.

Day 6.

Early start to begin our journey to the Redwoods. While looking at her National Park Companion guide, Lily found the Oregon Caves National monument, and so glad she did. The road was straight up and windy, not for those with motion sickness. We made it up, checked in and went on the cave tour. We were educated about white nose syndrome that is plaguing the bats. Apparently if you have been to a cave east of the Rockies, you carry a fungus on clothes, shoes, camera, that may kill the bats. We went on a mile hike up and down, 500 stairs, and 1 mile. This is a very unique cave of Marble, much of it is still active and growing. The tour was very strenuous and challenging, with small corridors, slick walkways, and uneven hand cut stairs. But the adventure proved to be awe inspiring, mysterious, and majestic. The natural lighting showed the beauty of the stone and demonstrated the forces of time, and nature.  We enjoyed yet another road side lunch thanks to prep and the road trip meal document. This time we had Caprese tortellini stack. Mmm. After the long road down, in Cave Junction, Or we came to The Great Car World Park. If you have ever been to the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, Co, and attended Endangered Cat Show, this is the home of those cats. This facility works like a zoo, specializing in breeding and educating to save certain species of endangered cats. Lily learned that the species Amur Leopard only has 23 in the wild. Mason learned the smaller the cat the more aggressive they are. And Servals are the third fastest cat in the world. We watched Sugar and Spice the white  tigers swim in their new pond, Sugar slashed and tried to bite the water. Spice was chatty and chuffing expressing playful behavior with the handler. We were introduced to Shaka (shaw-ka) a 20 year old male Lion, he was asked to "be strong" and roared so loudly that everyone jumped, shrieked, and the lady behind me yelled "Oh Sh*t!" Then Shaka went back to sleep like the king of the jungle should in 90 degree weather. We ventured down to the beach to find our camping spot. We settled in Del Norte coast Redwoods National and State Park. We set up camp with the Lovebird, made dinner, and took in the whole experience. We attended a ranger presentation to find out more about our area. The portion we are in is considered new growth Redwood forest, only 100 years old due to logging in the 1920s. The Redwoods have the capacity to connect to each other, and grow other trees off their branches. When cut down the reseeded themselves in groups called fairy circles or Cathedral trees where they were very close together. We learned there are entire eco systems in these giants in which some species live that do not ever touch or see the ground. Such creatures as the Tree Vole, Wandering Salamander, and Marbeled Murrelet. The area and the State Parks are making an effort to educate and conserve this species making it a "crumb free zone." Fyi. The tallest Redwood is 380 ft. We had a canopy covered evening in a wild and wonderful surrounding with only a glimpse of stars. It seemed that the world under the Redwoods was full of Fraggles, unicorns, and of course Banana slugs.

Day 5.

Another excellent night sleep provided by our dearest friend Linda. She invited us in due to the heat, as nighttime might still be warm. It was supposed to be 100 yesterday but ended up in the 90s. Linda is an amazing storyteller, speaker, writer and runs a book club out of her home. She was having 18 people over to read and discuss so we went off to explore Ashland, Or. We found Waffle Barn for breakfast, and the famous Lithia Park. Lithia Park was built in 1892 and seems it is right out of a storybook. The designer, John McLaren, who also designed Golden Gate park in Ca, was commissioned in 1914. He created a community place, including all normal park aspects, but with an enchanting flair. A bit of the forest was preserved in the center of town, where we were sure we would see fairies and unicorns but instead found ducks, turtles, and dragonflies. The park is 100 acres and 1.5 miles long. We walked for an hour and only made it halfway. The name comes from a local spring found in 1907 that contains Lithium or "happy water." The city piped the Lithium water in to the park, and yes we tried it. It's horrible. Very salty, bitter, alkaline in taste. It did not make us happy. Back in town, we found Tree House books, with an actual secret vault of young adult books in back, the kids loved it. We had a simple roadside lunch and found a swimming hole at the end of the park. The water was fresh and cold, a good reprieve from the heat. And Good Luck to the poor soul that had built a cool little cave of tree branches and set up camp there. While we played he was asked to pack up and move on. I actually did enjoy the butterfly art he made and hung in the tree, and at least they let him finish his lunch. Later that night, out to brewery dinner and we attended a free concert "On the Green" by Eight Dollar Mountain. Bluegrass and pretty groovy. These shows are the preview for the outdoor play that takes place at the replica of the Globe Theater. The plays are Shakespeare and otherwise and are a destination for people all over the world. The evening ended with games and catching up back at the house. Thank you Linda for your hospitality and everything you have done for me. You are a treasured friend and I hope to see you again soon. I owe you a trip to the tea house.