South of Crescent City on the 101

Don and I drove south on the 101, down the coast of northern California.  Gorgeous ocean views and old growth forests along the way1

We hiked a fern grove trail in the giant redwoods.  We rested at the half way point and had a picnic lunch.  Very quiet and peaceful.  Huge logs covered in moss!

Later we stopped along the ocean to see huge breakers rolling in.  Amazing power!

We did so many stops that our trip through part of the Napa valley was in the dark.  Ended up staying at a quaint little cottage for the night.

(I'll upload photos later.  I am posting from Yosemite National Park where I have very limited Wifi signal.)

Crescent City

Stopped for the night in Crescent City, California. Just passed the Oregon border. Got a hotel room on the ocean. Gorgeous view!

Hiking at Bandon Dunes

Don left early to golf, so I had a late breakfast, reorganized the car and went for a long walk. I began on the Woodlands Trail that went by some ponds, thru deep forest and to a labyrinth.

The labyrinth is beautiful. Set deep in the forest in a small clearing. It is modelled  after a well know one in France. I walked it. When I got to the centre I took a photo straight up to the sky. Also, saw a few of the largest slugs I have ever seen - yellow with black spots. What a peaceful and meditative experience. 

On my return hike I got turned around and ended up on Ridge Loop which led me to the top of a ridge overlooking Pacific Dunes Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Nice detour!  Saw Don finish up the 18th hole and we had lunch. 

Bandon Dunes

Along the coast of Oregon there is a jut out in the coast line that is very sandy. At this area are four world renown links golf courses. Of course Don got the itch to golf!!

We checked into the Bandon Dunes Lodge in the late afternoon. There was just enough light left to walk the Ocean Trail. We walked thru lots of sand and tough grass, saw some deer browsing. Then we got into an area of pine trees and spiny ground cover plant called gorse that resembled juniper, but with two inch long thorns.  You sure would not walk thru that!!

Eventually we got to a sand dune ridge over which we climbed at get to the ocean. Gorgeous!  Waves crashing into the shore line. 

Seattle to Portland

Got a glimpse of the Space Needle as we drove thru Seattle on our way to Portland. Crazy amount of traffic!!

Stopped at a Mt St Helens viewing centre. Very quiet and serene. 

In Portland, Don dropped me off at Fabric Depot where is spent a couple of hours ogling over fabric!  Got some gorgeous silk and cotton/silk blend. 

La Conner Washington

Don and I traveled to LaConner Washington after we left the ferry. What a quaint tourist town. StYed overnight in an historic hotel, looked thru the artisan shops and I toured the LaConner Quilt and Textile Museum. Great stop!!

Ferry from Victoria to Vancouver.

A gloriously sunny day for a ride on the ferry. Also seems to be a good day for the Blue Jays!!

Emily Carr Exhibit

Don and I stopped at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery to see an exhibit of Emily Carr's works.  I hope the following photos tell the story for you.