Today was the Fourth of July! We spent the day in the little town of Port Orford...population of 1,200 people. Port Orford is the western most city in the continental U.S. The town, nestled along the coast, is a working fishing village (crab, cod, salmon, and sea urchins). The fishing boats are lifted in and out of the water each day by giant cranes at the dolly dock. There are only 2 docks of this type in the U.S. and 6 in the world. Our day started with a big parade through town. Although the sun was out, the cold wind is always blowing. We saw fire trucks, horses, motorcycles, pioneers, youth groups... and even a couple that just got married. For a tiny town, we were impressed by the length of the parade. It was ... read more

Today was our first day to explore the coast...all along the Cape Arago Loop. The Loop explores 3 state parks, has the largest haul-out of seals and sea lions, and provides breathtaking vantage points all along the way. Bastendorff Beach - A favorite among surfers & kiters for its uninterrupted beach. Sunset Bay State Park - Sandy beach & amazing tidepools all protected by towering sea cliffs. Shore Acres State Park - The jewel of the coast. It is perched on a scenic bluff high above the Pacific Ocean. It began as a private estate with luxurious gardens featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants from around the world. Simpson Beach - Situated directly below Shore Acres, a winding path takes you to this secluded ocean cove where you will find crashing waves and views of hundreds ... read more

Today our adventure took us through the Willamette Valley wine region for visits to numerous vineyards to sample their award-winning wines. It was easy to find our way after several tasting…we just followed the arrows to the next winery. We were feeling no pain by noon. The rolling countryside of Willamette Valley has row upon row of grape vines as far as the eye can see. Each winery was unique...and we enjoyed them all. Mom wanted to stay longer at the last winery, but we convinced her it was time to move on.... read more

Can't believe it has been a year since our trip to Paris. It only seems like yesterday when we were being serenaded on the steps of Sacre' Coeur, Basilica of Montmartre. This year we decided to keep our adventure state side...continuing on a Pacific coast tour that Mary & Mom began several years back. While we are going to meet up in Portland, we will pick up where they stopped, Florence Oregon. We will then continue down the coast to the Redwood Forests in California. On our way back up, we will tour through the mountain and lava fields of central Oregon, and then end our trip along the Lewis & Clark Trail at Mt. Hood. Planes, Trains, and Automobile. That is how our adventure begins. Nancy & Mom fly from Michigan. Mary takes the train ... read more