Lane Ahead Closed

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It seems that no matter where we go there is road construction. Yesterday we couldn't get into Oregon because it was closed. Sorry! Actually it was just the bridge from WA but it has become a joke. No matter how small the town, there is road construction. Orange barrels rule America!

Thanks for the info. Windie. We were in Astoria last night, which seemed pretty nice. Cannon City is close by so we'll check it out today. We drove along Lake Crescent twice going to Olympic but we didn't stay there. Maybe next time. It reminded us of Loch Lomand in Scotland (except the hills had trees instead of being bare). Olympic was great. We had marvelous views of Mt. Olympus and the Olympic Range and did two hikes in the rain forest. Incredible! I cannot describe the immense trees and the lush growth of the Hoh and Quinualt River Valleys. I love big trees! It's the Hobbit in me.

We have gone from the mountians to the beach. It feels a bit odd. Today we are in Seaside, which is like a human being overload after being in the mountains. Whoa! We've scrapped Portland because I just don't feel like going into a city. I can barely stand this place and it's crowds. I told Susan I would go if she wanted, but you know she's a social worker. She said she didn't care. You Portland-lovers will no doubt shudder. Oh, well. The rule of travel (other than that there are no rules) is always assume you'll return. We'll do it next time. We are not sure how long we will be traveling the coast but we are looking at findiing another place to stay for 2 or 3 days around Crater Lake. There are a few B&Bs near there. If not, then we will do that in N. California. We also have to solve a slight money problem (our ATM cards are expired!). The weather continues to be great so we've been lucky. This is just a quick note while we figure out where we're going. We're trying to "let the things happen" but you know, it takes some effort.

Looks like there will be no winners on the trivia question. The answer was: Audrey Williams. We met some folks from Athens who knew her mother. Better luck next time. Did they tell your mother, Audrey? Did you know? I want to know if we made an impression. Okay, take care everyone!
Moose

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Comments

[Vanessa]

Stay Gone
"Stay Gone"...it's the title of a current country song but , like most country songs, you can make the lyrics work for just about any situation......but, back to my point. As I have commented before, I am living vicariously thru you (aside from that week at the beach.....sorry but you can have your tent and sleeping pad that I usually enjoy....I'll take big comfy bed followed by morning coffee on the beach anyday!!!)...anyway, it occured to me as I read this last entry and realized you have turned south and the next turn is east and home, that I really don't want you to come home because that means the end of this journey....MY journey.....the one I am I am vicariously enjoying....hence...."Stay Gone" !!!!!!!!! (Seriously, I wish only safe and fun travels!!!!!)

[Audrey]

I just KNEW it...but didn't take the time to guess
But, we thought she was just wanted in the Eastern US!! Actually, I just KNEW it was my mom.....she knows everybody and everybody seems to know her!!! I just didn't send in my guess from outside my head. Oops.

[Windie]

Not going to Portland!
What do you mean you're not going to Portland? We have tickets to fly out there this weekend! Don't you have a house lined up for us? Aren't you meeting us at the airport? Well, if you're not going to Portland, we're just cancelling our plans. So there. Okay, so I'm just yanking your chain. We haven't purchased any tickets; the deals haven't been great and the timing is a little difficult. We still wish we could meet you SOMEWHERE along the way, but it's looking less likely. You might recall that I'm going to be in Texas part of October (my Fellows program). Mark is going to go with me for part of the time, and we'll visit with his brother a bit. That is adding a little bit of complexity to travel options, but it sounds like your plans have been a little more fluid also. Are you going to be willing to spend any time in Knoxville when you return? It sounds like you might have to move immediately to Hermit's Lodge! I hope Cannon Beach turns out to be good. If I recall Seaside is pretty touristy; I thought that might be the case when you mentioned you were there. I'm glad you got to Crescent Lake even if you didn't stay in the lodge. We thought Olympic was pretty amazing, too. Do you know what date you'll be back in town?

[Lindsey]

I think that you are ruling out going to Portland, because you are supposed to go to Sequoia! Dear Lord- if you love big trees, then you gots to go there! (and pick a cabin for Christmas already!!!) love you both soooo much!