Return to WA, Day 7

The last was spent driving from southwest Washington to our new home in Port Orchard, WA, and unpacking the car.

Crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, once called 'Galloping Girtie'

Looking across the water at Bremerton Naval Base.

That night we took the Southworth-Fauntleroy Ferry to West Seattle & spent the night celebrating with friends.

Return to WA, Day 6

We drove from Newport, OR to Battle Ground, WA on the 6th day. We were headed to spend the night at my parents house & go through some things. The Pacific Ocean was grey & blue & green and the sky was so gloomy.

Eery trees

We stopped at a small town & took pictures of the Ocean:

Here is a 1 second film we took of the waves while fooling around with the camera: hope it works!

Return to WA, Day 5

Day 5 we drove from Eureka, CA to Newport, OR. It was a long day, lots of photos. I had a hard time picking just a few:

I looked forward to seeing Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox the entire trip.


It's sad to see how faded they've let the plaque become.

Ben & River


So tall!!


A closeup of our little family.


Me & River


The Northern California Coast


1 state left


the mist was so beautiful


look at how calm that pool is


We saw this random T-Rex statue, it kept us laughing for a few miles.


Pretty fall colors on fun windy roads.

Return to WA, Day 4

On day four we Left Ben's family in San Fransisco to see my sister in Eureka, CA

Caught the dog in the middle of the yawn

Driving through wine country

Trees!!!

It was a short day for us. We ate dinner at my sister & her husband's and spent time with the nephews.

Return to WA, Day 3

On the third day we headed up to Navato, CA to stay with Ben's Aunt Mary& Uncle Brett. We passed through San Fransisco and took a bunch of pictures. Here are the best ones I got of the city's iconic landmarks:

Alcatraz Island

Coit Tower

The Golden Gate Bridge

River had her bed set up in the back seat. She was supper interested in what was going on when we crossed all the bridges & I was crazily taking pictures.

We had a wonderful evening eating great food & enjoying good wine with family. The dog had a great time playing with the cousins & running around in the back yard.

Ben & I would love to go to San Francisco for vacation to explore the city. We would also love to spend more time with Mary, Brett, Elsie & Tess.

Return to WA, Day 2

On the second day of our trip we went shopping after breakfast. The outlet mall was across the street & the Disney store was open nice and early. Ben got a grumpy the dwarf hat, which became a halloween costume along with a red shirt. He also got a beanie cap that had grumpy on it that looked rather dashing, but I think it has since been lost. I got a cute Tinkerbell sweatsuit.

We set back out on the road again north through southern California. You can see the progression of taller vegetation as we get closer to the agricultural area of the state:





That night we stayed in a comfortable hotel in Tulare, CA. When we woke up the next day, the dog had crawled into bed with us. I was greeted with doggy kisses! That sealed it. She started out on the floor every night but by morning was in bed with us.

Return to WA, Day 1

A year ago today Ben & I began our week long drive to Washington State. We were so happy to be moving back! We were able to take a week & make a great vacation out of it. The first day we drove from Scottsdale, AZ to Las Vegas, NV.

In case you've ever wondered, this is what fall looks like in the southwest; barely a hint of orange.

There are some pretty interesting rock formations in the southwest.

High desert of Northern Arizona.

When the sun sets, the landscape blazes orange.

Hoover Dam at Sunset.

We got to Hoover dam just as the sun was setting. We stopped at the lookout & let the dog stretch her legs. Ben took lots of photos; 95% of which came out blurry.

We stayed at a pretty comfy hotel off the strip, across the street from the outlet mall. They gave us a coupon for the Italian restaurant across the street where we had a decent meal & enjoyed some wine.

Farmer's Market

Today I biked down to the Proctor Farmer's market & brought back this organic bounty:


1.5 pounds whole hazelnuts $5

1 bunch kale + 1 lemon cucumber + 1 pattypan squash $3.25

1 bunch basil $1.50

1 giant zucchini $0.50

1 bouquet $8


Natures goodness, some sunshine & a 3 mile bike ride/walk, it doesn't get much better than this!