BlaNics Waypoints

The Gathering Place

2010-07-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

“E komo mai. Nou ka hale”

Welcome, our house is yours.

Our trip to Hawaii would not be complete without accomplishing the main reason for us to travel there. It has been too many years since the last time we visited Brenda and Eric. Arriving in Oahu, we were met by thee Prince and Princess of Millilani (and surrounding areas), providing us a warm Aloha and beautiful Leis. This beautiful tradition is one that we cherish when returning to the islands. Leis are symbols of love, healing and respect or of a spiritual connection.

Our visit started in grand style! We had dinner at Chais Island Bistro which was wonderful…from the extravagant appetizers, artistic designed entrées and the most decadent desserts…all accompanied by traditional "okole maluna” spirits. To enrich the already perfect ambiance, we were serenaded by the renowned local recording artist Robi Kahakalau, Sistah Robi. As our evening came to a close, we left downtown Honolulu knowing that this was not just a welcome back celebration, but a homecoming.

Hale Nicolai sits on the edge of a verdant valley with views that extend all the way to Diamond Head. Recent renovations have brought a casual elegance and warm Hawaiian feeling to their home. Afternoons were often spent sitting out on the Lanai. As we shared our lost stories (talking story), with Longboards and Margaritas in hand, we occassionally paused the conversation to watch the wild parrots fly across the valley below to their evening roosts.

While we enjoyed many "hang loose" moments on the lanai visiting with our Hawaii Ohana, we also ventured out to some of our favorite spots: Kailua Beach, Koolina lagoons, the Shrimp Farms in Waialua and looking for "honu" the ancient sea turtle on the beaches near Haleiwa. Michael also found a new food to fall in love with ... the malasadas from Leonard's bakery truck. Warm, soft, sweet dough balls that are made fresh to order. Good thing we don't have those available nearby!

We also made a special trip out to the Lyon Arboretum botanical garden which has a world renowned collection of more than 5,000 tropical plant species. But of even more significance, it is where our mother volunteered countless of hours preparing rare palm seeds for shipment around the world. Over the 20-year period that our parents lived in Hawaii, she donated many days The gardens are nestled deep in the Manoa Valley. The grounds are quite unique, beautiful and extremely lush with many miles of walking trails. We did our best to hike as many of them and see as much of the grounds as possible in one day. We did come across a number of strange engraved markings on a few of the large rocks. The markings, L.N. ♥ W.N., a strange combination of letters and symbols must have been put there during Hawaii’s colonization period, but no one knew for sure of their origin and significance. We stopped at a few viewpoints with magnificent views of the valley, reminded us just how beautiful, tropical and revered these islands truly are.

And capping our wonderful vacation... Captain Eric Nicolai commanded our Hawaiian Air flight back to the Bay Area! We both felt quite proud of my "little brother", as it seems like it wasn't that long ago that we were just kids growing up...

We shall return soon...in the meantime,

'A' ohe loa i ka hana a ke aloha

Distance is ignored by love.

During our Hawaiian vacation, Sydney had her own petcation! She had a blast at the Creekside Pet Resort. Daily walks around the neighborhood, jumping over all the benches and scampering along the river. And, oh my, the awesome suppers with extra carrots and chicken not to mention those pant pockets filled with good treats! She's already looking forward to a return stay.

Mahalo nui loa and Aloha oe!

Volcanoes National Park

2010-07-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

“Ua Mau Ke Ea O Kaaina I Ka Pono O Hawaii”

(the constant wet rain gives life to the land
and brings goodness change to Hawaii…Iz -Hawaii 78)

We now head to Volcanoes National Park, one of the few places in the world you can come face to face with an active volcano.

Courtesy of Geothermal Education Office - Tiburon, CA

But first…big breakfast brah!!! Snuggled between Mauna Kea and Kohala Volcano in Hawaii’s scenic mountain heart, is Waimea. You gotta check out Hawaiian Style Café. Da loco moco is mean! If you’re not hungry, expect speedy service, can't have a meal where shoes and pants are optional, dislike eating “local” or require tablecloths and china…keep driving down the road! Only go when you have all morning to eat and an afternoon to sleep. "Ono" as they say here in Hawaii...really delicious!

As we drove the mauka route of the scenic Māmalahoa Highway, we were pampered with the quiet beauty of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country and the cooler temperatures of forested hillsides. The feel and look of “old Hawaii” is such a contrast to the heavily populated hustle and bustle of Kona…as if in another country…another era. And with our topless ride, we were able to breathe in the life of the land.

Our first scheduled detour was to the Waipio Valley, the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I. Known as the “Valley of the King," it is not only a special site of Hawaiian history and culture, but a place of dramatic tropical beauty. Waterfalls, taro fields and rivers permeate the fertile valley floor, while majestic cliffs surround and stand guard over this holy ground. Only residents are allowed to travel down the steep and narrow road entering the valley with their vehicles. Our options to enter the valley were limited; a guided van tour, horseback or a long and steep hike. On this trip we chose a brief stop at the overlook and a short walk down for a better view of the mouth of the valley, where the waters of the Waipio River cut across the black sand beach into the Pacific. When we re-visit this magical Garden of Eden, we will be sure to prepare for a full day of hiking and exploring.

Our next stop…The Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive on the Hamakua coast. After a fresh tropical fruit smoothie break, we took the time to drive this splendid detour. Just 4 miles long, the drive takes you through an exotic jungle, as it winds along the coastal cliffs. In between the foliage of the towering trees and snakelike vines you will see steep ravines as they drop into the crashing surf of the ocean far below. Blend the brilliant blues of the clear sea, with the deep rainforest green, then add a few golden rays of that bright Hawaiian sun…you had to be there.

With only a brief reminder of “reality”… a gas stop in Hilo, we headed up to the quiet village of Volcano and the garden retreat waiting for us…the Hale Ohia Cottages. Selected by the editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine to feature in their “129 Hotels We Love” edition, you will realize at once why this property is so special. Seeing for the first time the main house and cottages is like stepping back in time to the 1930’s. The property is nestled in the midst of a lush fern forest with immaculate botanical gardens contributing to the overall tranquil ambience of the estate. Our cottage was the Ihilani, meaning heavenly splendor in Hawaiian. This little sanctuary offered us a warm and cozy nest during our stay. As our host, owner Michael Tuttle provided us Kentuckian hospitality all during our stay, his cat “Dixon” made sure we were not lacking for some loving company. And as an added plus, these lush grounds were only a mile away from the entrance of Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii emerged from the sea millions of years ago…forged by the power of volcanoes. Witnessing the island’s continued evolution literally diminishes time as we know it…sorta like…experiencing the Grand Canyon for the first time or counting the endless strands of stars in a Wyoming night. Volcanoes National Park, a place where land is being formed everyday and life begins anew, is said to be Hawaii’s number one tourist attraction. Of the five volcanoes on the Big Island, three are active and you will find two of them in the park. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea, perhaps the world's most active volcano, has been continuously erupting since 1983. During our visit, the flow went underground, so we were not able to witness first-hand the streams of lava that slowly creep toward the sea, continually adding new shelves of shoreline to Hawaii. Check out this link showing a Kilauea lava flow. Video made by Volcanoechaser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNcXataE0YM

There is also a relatively new volcano, Loihi, located underwater off the southern coast of the Big Island. Erupting since 1996 and spawning an emerging seamount that may break the surface in about 250,000 years, a blink in the face of time, adding another island to the Hawaiian chain. As we passed through the park gates, we noticed this was not the typical National Park entry. Only a few cars were in line, versus the throngs of visitors awaiting entrance to any national park on the mainland. In fact the busiest time of day was in the early evening, when crowds begin to gather in hopes of seeing an eruption. Many were locals who come for the great mana, the spiritual power, that they believe is here.

The best observation area in the park is the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jagger Museum. It sits right on the edge of the rim of Kilauea Caldera. The evening views of Halema’uma’u crater’s “red glow” can be quite incredible. The observatory is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service and its purpose is to study the activity of Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanoes on a permanent basis. The numerous exhibits do an excellent job of explaining the history and behavior of Hawaiian volcanoes, while the working seismographs and webcams show you just how active they are. And the rangers conducting the free interpretive talks are quite knowledgeable, very informative, receptive to all questions and demonstrate a true passion and love toward their park…our reminder of the “old Ranger ways”.

The trailhead to the Sulphur Banks on the flanks of the Kilauea summit crater will lead you through what seems another planet. Volcanic gases, which are rotten egg stinky and hazardous to your health, spew out of ground vents along with groundwater steam. Through this fog of steam, we witnessed what seems to be a hostile environment, but flowering plants and native ferns flourish quite near each vent.

A short drive from the main caldera, lies the crater Kilauea Iki (little Kilauea). This was once the scene of one of Hawaii’s most violent volcanic displays, the eruption of 1959.

The Kilauea Iki trail is a very diverse 4 mile hike descending 400 feet down the wall of the crater. Once you reach the eerie crater floor of hardened lava flows with the intermittent sulfur banks and vents still steaming from the ‘59’ eruption, you are reminded that you walk upon an unimaginable force of nature.

As we climbed out from the crater floor, the trail took us through a rainforest engulfed in giant ferns and tree foliage. Along the way we encountered Kalij pheasant, Hawaiian honeycreepers and Black rats that stared at us as if we were made of cheese. Grunts of Feral pigs, heard within the darkness of the underbrush voiced their discomfort as we made our way up toward the crater rim. We agreed that this was the best hike in the Park as it gave us a real close up view of the remnants of a volcanic eruption.

As we continued our loop back to the Kilauea Iki trailhead, we decided to make a short detour to tour The Thurston Lava Tube. The first part of the tube, which is not very long, is lit by low intensity lighting and most likely meant for those “other” tourists to experience the inside of a lava tube. Pools of water shimmer on the floor, while dangling tree roots decorate the ceiling. It was pretty cool and a lot bigger than we could have imagined. It took a lot of lava to create this tunnel. The second part of the tube has no lights...and very, very, very dark…as in “I can’t see X!@#.” We would have walked the whole 500 feet, but darn…we forgot to bring our flashlights. Thurston Lava Tube is nestled deep within this beautiful rainforest with a canopy of thick and healthy vines and branches that shade most of the trail. Quite a hidden oddity and a far different landscape than the crater floor that we just came from.

A drive to the end of Chain of Craters Road took us down to the Pacific where previous lava flows poured down the slopes creating dramatic ocean cliffs. The Holei Sea Arch was once a lava tube that became eroded by years of exposure to the pounding surf.

Panau-nui Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Field consists of over 23,000 individual Hawaiian petroglyph images. The majority of the petroglyphs show a variety of human forms and animals, but we noticed all these holes...“dots” in the lava. Well these “dot” petroglyphs relate to a Hawaiian custom specific to this lava field. When a baby was born, the piko (umbilical cord) would be taken to this field, a hole would be made in the rock, the piko placed in the hole and then covered with a stone. If the piko was still there the next day, the child was said to have a long life.

Here you can witness that every aspect of Hawaiian life is full of spirit… based on natural laws, with a great reverence for and an understanding of nature. The message was clear to us… Aloha is not a mental concept or a rule, but rather a way of living life. As we walked this hallowed ground and observed the ancient writings, you saw that the spirit of Aloha and the spirit of Hawaiian ancestors are a natural part of Hawaiian life. It is of our hope that it will not be lost to future generations and as we return over the course of our lifetime, will will continue to see the Hawaiian heritage honored

As we return to Kona to catch our flight, we stopped at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.The City of Refuge is hundreds of years old, but yet beautifully preserved. Here you will step back in time to a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past where traditional Hawaiian lifestyle is preserved. Ancient temples and ki’i (wooden images), carved game stones will whisper stories from the past. On this day day the park was a peaceful rest stop for us, as well as a beautiful safe haven for the wildlife living here.

Now imagine you have just broken a kapu (a law) or were a defeated warrior. In old Hawaii your penalty would be death. Your only option for survival was to elude being captured and reach the nearest pu‘uhonua or place of refuge. If you reached this sacred place, you would be saved. The spirit of the pu‘uhonua was respected by all. As we walked these sacred grounds, gazing upon the endangered sea turtles in the waters of the clear cove, we had a sense that the spirit of peace and forgiveness will continue to bless this special place.

The “plate lunches” of Hawaii, are the bargain meals of the Islands. This traditional Hawaiian plate lunch consists of 2 servings of rice, a serving of macaroni salad and features a “generous” serving of a hot entrée (roast pork or fried chicken…which make the Bla in BlaNics knees shake). The cost…a tad more than a Value Meal. As we headed back to Kona International Airport at Keahole, we stopped at a recommended eatery…The Big Pine Café. A big Aloha to Larry and Jeanne for turning us on to this place (if it is a reputed Spam eatery, Larry’s on it). The fried chicken plate was huge, four big, juicy pieces, blanketing a generous layer of fries and then lathered with brown gravy…oh, and a cup of slaw on the side. After I finished that lunch, the stent had to be steamed cleaned...and anticipated that Hawaiian Airlines would charge us for an "extra baggage fee."

Prior to returning our rental car and catching our flight to Oahu, we could not resist one more visit to where this latest adventure all began. Although visions of Hapuna Beach will linger for some time, even more importantly to us, is that this beautiful strand of white sand will forever be our key toward unlocking the vivid memories the Big Island and its embodiement of the spirit of Hawaii. The historical, cultural and spiritual value that is preserved here can only be described as priceless.

Paradise of the Pacific

2010-07-04T17:16:00.001-07:00

“E Hoomau Maua Kealoha”…may our love last forever.

The lands of Hawaii have beckoned us for years and a visit to Hale Nicolai and a reunion with the Esona Ohana has been long overdue…so it was with much joy and anticipation that we finally boarded Hawaiian Airlines flight HA47 to Kona International Airport at Keahole

Welcome to Hawaii’s “Big Island”…the island of Adventure. The island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, yet by far the biggest. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes - Kilauea, the tallest sea mountain in the world - Mauna Kea, the most massive mountain in the world - Mauna Loa, and the largest park in the state - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But we started our trip with a romantic getaway to one of the most beautiful beaches to grace a coastline… Hapuna Beach.

Due to an unfortunate 2-hour delay at Hertz-Rent-A-Car because of a lack of cars for the July 4th Holiday, we were able to secure a free upgrade. Hertz threw us a bone for the wait and provided us a brand new Mustang convertible. We felt liked we scored…that is, until we counted 30 of those same rides on the Hwy 19 between the airport and hotel…oh well, it was still unique and fun!

Located on the Kona-Kohala coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and frequently voted the best beach in the US, is a magical stretch of Hawaiian sand…Hapuna Beach. If you have ever had a dream of a pristine beach in Hawaii, Hapuna would be the first picture that would materialize. Crescent shaped, fine white sand, clear, warm turquoise water and with a calm ocean, perfect swimming conditions.

Our room accommodations were provided by the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Nestled into the bluffs above the white sands of Hapuna Beach on the west and towered above by the majestic Mauna Kea on the east, this multi-terraced resort is situated on 1,839 oceanfront acres. The front desk upgraded our accomodations to a luxurious ocean view room that perfectly complimented and highlighted the surreal beauty and tranquility of the beautiful coastline. The staff must have looked at us, smiled, then whispered..."newlyweds".

Unofficial access to the 175 mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail can be found on the beach. The National Park Service indicates this trail is quite unique in that it focuses on the preservation of Hawaiian culture and heritage as well as promoting environmental stewardship and education, a path that joins the past to the present and the future. Although our short trek took us only to our sister resort, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the lava rock trail traverses much further north, including through the Pu’ukohala Heiau National Historical Site.

This site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii and is also now part of the National Park System. Built by Kamehameha the Great this massive stone temple was built without the use of mortar and it is believed that the lava rocks used to build the structure were passed hand-by-hand in a human chain some 25 miles away. And as you wander through these sacred grounds, you ask yourself, “How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king?”

Our "short" two days are now coming to an end and we now must bid a fond farewell to this beautiful beach. We leave with skin of bronze, souvenirs of sand hidden in those hard to get at crevices and the most vivid Kodak memories that will last into the after life.

We will not easily forget the many hours spent on this precious sand. Staring at drifting puffs of clouds, with a brilliant blue canvas as a backdrop, slowly evaporate from the heat of the sun or gazing upon an endless carpet of sea glass, swelling with the pulse of the tide can easily bring one to a state of meditation usually reserved only for those “highly evolved” beings...banana slugs.

One's life path should include these rest stops more often than not at all. We should all desire to experience these moments of reflection, creating new dreams and some vitamin E solar charging. The seldom used life gift of "just being" should be unwrapped more often. And although we yearn and say that we will return some day, we know that the world has far too many destinations yet to premiere for the eyes of these curious wayfarers...

Mukuntuweap National Monument

2010-04-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Mukuntuweap National Monument"...the original name given to Zion National Park.

How do you leave the Land of Paria without entering the House of Blues? The few days of exploration within the spectacular red rock canyons and among the wondrous formations of Coyote Buttes has heightened our senses and brought yet another reality to imagination. Now think what it would be like to go black and white from Technicolor, go odorless from aromatic blooms, go deaf from being in acoustic alchemy or become a vegan from a life long carnivore king? Hence, we decided to make a slow and deliberate farewell from this land of crimson…Zion would be our exit portal from southern Utah.

While en-route we made a short detour to visit Best Friends Animal Society. This is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. The shelter has always been renowned, with devoted contributors and a staff made up of dedicated professionals and volunteers. But the facility attained national prominence when they became involved in the rehabilitation of the pit bulls owned by the infamous Michael Vick. You may have also seen their TV series, Dog Town, on the National Geographic Channel.

Zion’s stunning beauty continues to champion it’s creator and it's first known inhabitants, the ancient Anasazi. As we drove through this magical cathedral, bright sunlight amplified the radiance of the red cliffs surrounding us. It had been almost seven years since our last visit to the park, a brief second in comparison to the ages of it’s existence…

Owning a dog changed the way we planned our travel lodging. No staying at the Zion Lodge this trip. Upon the recommendation of friends John and Diane, we stayed at the Canyon Ranch Motel in Springdale which turned out to be a perfect retreat for us and Sydney.

As our stay was only for one night, our exploring time was limited, so we walked the only pet friendly trail in Zion…The Pa’rus Trail (Paiute word meaning bubbling, tumbling water). This short and very easy 3.5 mile stroll, offers hikers and bicyclists the most perfect backdrop for first time visitors. Spectacular views will entice them, the soft wind will whisper, “do not to be shy” and songs of a civilization long gone will raise the desire to explore more of this unique Utah spectacle. Starting at the Watchmans Campground, the trail meanders alongside the Virgin River, up through lower Zion Canyon.

Wouldn't you agree this is a pretty nice view from our dining room? To pamper ourselves and celebrate our last evening in Southern Utah, we headed to the renowned Parallel Eighty-Eight Restaurant. Voted one of the top eateries in Southwest Utah, this highly recommended restaurant provided us with an evening of culinary delights…Seared Sea Scallops, Asian Pear Salads, Filet Mignon and decadent dark chocolate torts…and as is customary to us, each course accompanied by a nice glass of wine. This evening was not only a romantic treat for us, but a closing celebration to a wonderful trip, a reunion of friends and a tribute to the beauty of the red rock country.

We look now toward the west and our beloved Cambria…no doubt to plan our next adventure. And as it should be, California welcomed us with a carpet of gold!

A Land Called Paria

2010-04-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Over the years, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have provided us with some of the most vivid and cherished travel experiences. So it is no wonder that cache of memories is one of our most guarded and preserved. It is here that one enters the realms of Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon National Parks. And with the conclusion of this special trip, the areas of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument Wilderness that we explored - the Paria Plateau, Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon...will now be also embraced in BlaNic lore.

As we drove Highway 89, skirting our beloved North Rim, we could not have fathomed what lay in store for us within the red rock canyons of the Paria Wilderness. But thanks to Dick and Melinda’s foresight and planning, we were introduced to yet another western territory that can captivate you with it's magical beauty.

Close your eyes. Now envision what “Mars...the Red Planet" would look like. Paint it with a spectrum of brilliant colors, create a mosaic of abstract shapes and formations…Guess what? The Paria Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area is far more brilliant! No doubt that the words used here in creating a visual portrait for you will fail to mirror the geologic wonders, stunning panoramas and brilliant hues found in this high desert wonderland.

Our first stop was the Paria Outpost, situated on a bluff above the Paria River. Paria means “muddy water” in the Paiute language…and that is a perfect description of this river. Owners Steve and Susan, restauranteurs, innkeepers and wilderness guides showed us their rustic guest room that we were to use during our brief stay. It turned out perfect, as we were located right smack in the middle kingdom of this wilderness.

Dick and Melinda, who volunteered to be our own private guides, had their coach parked adjacent to the Paria Contact Station. As the happy co-hosts at this station, they offer valuable information on trails, road conditions, weather and “life” to any and all adventurers that have traveled from all over the world to explore this wilderness. They also manage the lottery used to determine who will be lucky enough to gain access to a world famous hike known as "The Wave".

Our reunion started with a short hike down a wash, up a canyon and over some steep sandstone to a secret treasure.

Melinda calls it her “Nautilus”…and we immediately realized why this unique place is shared in whispers…to protect, preserve and honor it's ancient beauty. We also got our first taste of what we fondly named, a “Utah sandblaster”…as high winds pelted us with fine sand, grit and anything else not tied down from the desert floor. It was almost impossible to keep your eyes in front of you, even with sunglasses on.

The next morning we entered the lottery for the Wave, but with the high number of entries, we missed getting the spots. Only 10 hikers per day are selected via this method and if your winning number has a group attached to it, say 4 hikers, it reduces the available spots by that number. However, fortune did find us. Cottonwood Cove of South Coyote Buttes had two permits remaining from the ten allocated. We snagged them for an early adventure the following day. But the rest of this day belonged to the Wire Pass trail.

Access to some of the most awesome sights in this wilderness is not made easy…thank goodness to fear, doubt and half empty glasses...emotional obstacles that eliminate crowds and one's chance to have a life experience. Adventure seekers must have the “right stuff” to tackle House Rock Road, a temptation full of trouble. Expect to be challenged by ruts that resemble fault lines, wet red clay that can all but erase the most vicious tire treads, deep, soft, vehicle swallowing sand and exposed boulders that can snap axles like twigs. Four wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle is mandatory for this trial by fire…and even with that, caution and off road experience is a must. Dick and Melinda offered all of that and more. With their brand spanking new 4-wheel drive Jeep, years of experience driving these wilderness roads and the patience of a rock, our jarring 8.3 mile ride to the Wire Pass Trailhead was scenic, but uneventful.

Wire Pass is a slot canyon much narrower and not nearly as deep as the acclaimed Buckskin Gulch. The canyon tightened to barely shoulder-width for short distances (with daypacks we had to walk sideways) and had a few steep drop offs of five feet or more. Hiker ingenuity aided us at these points with some well placed rustic ladders. The hike is a short 1.7 mile stroll from the trailhead to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch, the primary tributary to Paria Canyon. Melinda had indicated that Buckskin Gulch is recommended for only the most experienced and well-prepared hikers due to distance and difficulty. They’ve hiked it… and it would have been our first choice this day, but the water level through the canyon was far too high and fast.

Our trail followed a dry wash bottom, canyon walls along side of us offered a kaleidoscope of color and scenery. Because the canyon is not that deep, the sun was able to illuminate the curving sandstone walls more extensively, illustrating with vibrant clarity the designs of this canyon mural. Occasionally, you would see logs high above, jammed between the slot canyon walls; solid evidence that this bone-dry wash is not dry all the time.

As we came upon a small amphitheater, we noticed the many petroglyphs upon the canyon walls. The ancients were there to welcome us. We reached the end of the pass at the junction with Buckskin Gulch. We were not surprised to see the strong current of the Paria River. We had reached the end of our trail. After a short break we retraced our steps back to the trailhead.

Since we had hours of daylight left, our knowledgable guides switched gears and recommended yet another E-ticket ride. We exited the Paria Canyon Wilderness and embarked on a “preview” tour of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Grand Staircase is named for the five mesas (“stair steps”) terraced from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the top riser in Bryce Canyon. There are many viewpoints in this wilderness area where you can actually see the steps as they ascend toward Bryce. Dick and Melinda wanted to share a rock formation known as the Cockscomb. But like most other scenic gems in this wilderness, there is no easy way to see them…you have to earn it. So we motored a few miles down Cottonwood Canyon Road, a narrow, dirt and gravel, rut filled road, running parallel along the Cockscomb.

After driving but a short distance, we stopped to inspect something quite fascinating. Below where we parked was a huge shell fossil bed, with millions and millions of ancient oysters, layered who knows how deep below the surface. Many of the shells were entirely intact, all cemented to each other over eons. We were atop a prehistoric beach. Melinda indicated that this area, due to its size and remoteness, is quite renowned to roving geologists, paleontologists and archeologists for the amount of extraordinary opportunities that have been discovered in this area. Real neat!

The Cockscomb, is one of the most spectacular geologic features of this Colorado Plateau. The range divides the Grand Staircase from the Kaiparowits Plateau. Shaped like the crest atop a roosters head, the formation is a series of steep serrated ridges, the ancient rock uplifts that have been tilted up and folded, exposing its candy striped layers. Erosion over eons has created elegant details of its growth through time, a stark reminder of how brief our shimmer of existence is.
"South Coyote Buttes...the final frontier. These are the voyages of the crew of the Rausher Jeep Liberty. Their seven week mission: to explore strange new wildernesses, hike new trails and 4-wheel every dirt road, to boldly go where no man has gone before"...oops we are getting weird...

Cottonwood Cove of South Coyote Buttes…the day has come that are permits are now valid! We again must navigate whatever untold miles down House Rock Road, much further than before, to reach this magic kingdom. So be it…the Raushers are in the house and taking charge!

Reaching the trailhead, we could see the buttes in the distance. We were all alone here…quite amazing considering that all the permits had been issued. Most likely the latest weather report predicting a chance of snow flurries influenced the change of plans for a few. Although the storm clouds in the distance looked dark and ominous, we felt confident that clear skies would prevail. We were parked in a draw and the car would become invisible after a just few yards up the trail, so we set our GPS coordinates and scanned the horizon for landmarks. It would be quite easy to become disorientated in this land…as the landscape looked so similar. Outfitted for foul weather, our band of wayfarers, set off with the excitement and anticipation of seeing Cottonwood Cove.

So this is OZ…or was it an illusion? We entered a realm which at every turn displayed a eclectic collection of the abstract and beautiful marbled sandstone. Beehive shaped sentinels with their stone armor towered above us as we were engulfed in a swirling sea of color. Petrified waves of whimsical formations twisted every which way…contortions that only Mother Earth could have created. How do you describe the intricate detail of patterns and colors? From what hand did these brush strokes come from? Yet these arches, domes and the delicate and fragile fins…all are slowly crumbling as they succumb to the timeless touch of nature.

After an afternoon of being in awe, a light hikers lunch and the over-heating of our camera shutter we decided it was best to leave…snow had started falling. Dick called this hail "popcorn snow"…pea size, fluffy soft and pure white. It started as a light sprinkle, but quickly accelerated to seemingly blizzard proportions…With over a mile yet to hike back to the Jeep, we checked our heading and maintained a steady pace. I relished the opportunity to use our GPS to track the position of car as those visible landmarks were now hidden by moments of soft white snow. Visions of us being found huddled in the Jeep, frozen stiff with our lips affixed to each window, floated through my mind…a little drama for “seasoning”…in reality, the conditions made our hike even more memorable and provided more photo opportunities. The experience was playful and exciting for all of us. So with our entrée completed, we loaded up and headed off for dessert. We now headed for Paw Hole and our drive down was no less easier than our ascent…except now we were dealing with snow and water on the ground. Mix those two with that red clay and you have instant pottery mix…an evil combination for tire treads.

And just like that...clear skies again. Paw Hole is another kaleidoscope of scenery...a collection of sandstone “teepee” hoodoos located on the southern end of Coyote Buttes. The rich, multi-hued red color of these beautiful conical mounds amplified the swirling strata. Here we found more bizarre formations that only increased our wonderment of this land.

Our time with Dick and Melinda was too brief…so much more to catch up on and definitely so much more to see and do. We must return! Our friends will soon be wrapping up their stint in Paria and will begin their long trip to Alaska for some first time exploration. Ah…more adventures for true wandering souls! We hope to see them both upon their return.

We left the Paria Wilderness to the timeless ritual of re-creating more enjoyment for generations to come. These landscapes of spectacular beauty and geographical wonders define immortality and will forever attract the lifedancers of this world.

Death Valley National Park

2010-04-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

The largest national park south of Alaska, Death Valley is known for extremes. Considered North America's driest and hottest spot, that was hard to fathom when you are here during the spring time with an offering of clear skies, mild temperatures and an ice chest filled to capacity with cold, refreshing fluids.

We bunked at Stovepipe Wells Village, one of the few National Park Lodges that allow pets. Although our room was basic with no frills, it was very clean and comfortable. On site, the Toll Road Restaurant offered a diverse menu and the food was quite “tasty”…especially by National Park standards. The service was very good and the staff super friendly, most likely because they were full time retired rv’ers…spending a few months in the desert working for their space and a few bucks.

This park is huge, so seeing all the “sights” in one day would have normally been impossible. But, not surprisingly, we did manage to see many of the highlights.

Nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides, Mesquite Flat Dunes are tucked away a short distance from Stovepipe Wells. Judging by the number of photographers we saw with tripods and high end camera equipment, you would guess that the photo opportunities and lighting here must offer moments of perfection. You can see the sinuous sand dunes ripple in the horizon and come alive as changes of sunlight materialize throughout the day. Mornings are a great time to view hundreds of tracks of the nocturnal wildlife, while the afternoon sun accentuates the endless waves and patterns on the sand and then there is the night...where moonlight on the dunes can be magical.

Crowds and cars that were lined up waiting for a parking space prompted our decision to see this surreal landscape of a vast shimmering salt flat from a distance. Badwater Basin is considered the lowest point in North America. It’s pretty “moonie”…but a few years ago it did fill up with water during some heavy rains.

"Death Valley"...the name is a forbidding moniker that truly disguises the beauty in this vast desert. Here you will find rocks that are sculptured by wind and erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons, luminous sand dunes, a lush oasis, and miles of salt pan surrounded by mountains. But even in such a harsh environment, life flourishes and species thrive amid the brutal surroundings. We witnessed how the spring rains can trigger wildflower blooms amid all the varieties of plants, as the desert provided us an early preview of this color spot nursery.

There are even happy schools of fish here! A short walk on the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail brought us up close and personal with the facinating pupfish. This stream of saltwater is the only home to this rare inch long fish that defies the extremes and challenges even with the most difficult obstacles. It continues to swim and breed within these springs which can be as warm as 90°F and five times as salty as ocean water.

And as sunset neared, we took our evening walk among the prickly pear cactus and islands of creosote bush. Gazing at the valley’s landscape and striking copper colored canyon walls, the gentle breeze and peacefull stillness allowed us to imagine Death Valley's unseen wildlife. The elusive population of bobcats, kit foxes, kangaroo rats and chuckawallas venturing out in search of nourishment. Desert bighorn sheep, on steep mountain slopes surrounding us, foraging among the Joshua trees and scrubby junipers, while above us, Ravens gracefully soared on thermals rising into vivid blue, cloudless skies.

Soon we will be in Southern Utah, along side our dear friends, admiring and exploring the red canyons of the Paria Wilderness.

The Alabama Hills

2010-04-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Spring break has arrived and we wasted no time in planning an adventure for this holiday. Our decision was quite simple! Let's revisit our cancelled plans of last year...a tour to the Paria Wilderness of Southern Utah. For many years we have heard about this wondrous red rock region from our dear friends Dick and Melinda and the spectacular hikes that were available to the fortunate few. So our able navigator mapped out a scenic route (ensuring no unique sights along the way were overlooked), we packed up the bags, loaded up the dog and off we went.

For the young boys of our generation, the super heroes that they lived vicariously through, were not from the comic book, space age or cartoon genres. They were "real men"...flesh and blood, hard riding, hard drinking and hard fighting cowboys
of the wild west. Tom Mix, Roy Rodgers, Hopalong Cassidy and John Wayne portrayed many of those characters.

And so it was that the initial stop on our trip was non other than the legendary stage that these heroes performed on...The Alabama Hills of Lone Pine.

Shadowed by the sharp profile of the towering pinnacles of the Eastern Sierras and the majestic summit of Mount Whitney (it still amazes us that Susie completed a round trip hike to this peak in a single day), the contours and shapes of the Alabama Hills offer a landscape of timelessness, beauty and mystery.

A mere 100 million years old and 30,000 acres of limitless hiking trails, our camera aficionado was able to capture the magic of the grotesque outgcroppings and formations of weathered granite...etched by a millennia of wind, rain, snow, glaciers and eons of continual sand blasting.

We now look forward to a short drive east through the White Mountains and our maiden voyage to Death Valley National Park and Stovepipe Wells.

Switching Gears

2009-12-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Today we saw our beloved Country Coach...affectionately known as "Hannah" motor down the road to destinations unknown...the deep throaty sound of her diesel offering a fond farewell. It was the first time...and the last, that we had the opportunity to view our coach as curbside aficionados. What a beautiful looking motorhome! Proud new owners will now have the same wondrous tasks of plotting out what roads and adventures this marvelous coach will travel to and what unique experiences they will be able to draw to themselves.

Although a sad day for both of us, we recognized how much richer our lives have become by the incredible memories that we now own, the beautiful and fascinating places we visited and the special individuals we met during our tenure in the "fulltimer" club. This collection of life long friends would probably have never been created so effortlessly without the aid of our "home on wheels" calling card.

What will be next for the BlaNics? Well...creating more memories of course! No doubt that we will again seek out those country roads, explore some of the myriad number of unique natural wonderlands and make time to wear down more tread on those hiking shoes. And hopefully along the way, the winds we will again draw to us more of those unique vagabonds...the storytellers of life...our mentors, wizards and witches...who we will also embrace as members of our family.

As of this posting, we are again retracing the steps that eventually led us to acquiring our amazing motorhome. We plan on downsizing to a rig with the agility and size to seek out those hard to get to sites that tantalize us in most of our National and State Parks, but also possess the durability to travel the unpaved and isolated roads of the BLM Lands.

The Eastern Sierra's

2009-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”…John Muir

Driving north on California Hwy 395, we are again staggered at the sight of those Eastern Sierra pinnacles...a valley of craggy peaks plummeting to the forbidding desert floor below. And yet we know of few places that are more diverse, fascinating and beautiful than the Owens Valley. Although these stony mountains look so impenetrable, they offer hidden passages to canyons, valleys and pockets yielding luxuriant greenery and unparalleled scenery. One would never guess that west of those granite walls and silent sentinels lie the vast and beautiful forests of the John Muir Wilderness area. Primal creeks, pristine lakes and magnificent peaks are what await the backpacker, angler or casual day hiker. During the subsequent days and over 25 miles of hiking, we were able to see more of this wildernesses countless faces and magical sights. Some re-visited…many more new. And a new joy for us... seeing our cute new packmate...Sydney...a 1 1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog, find just as much joy romping up those mountain trails with her own little pack...designed perfectly to hold a six-pack of "emergency energy drinks".

A brief stop at the Big Pine Creek North Fork trailhead was like smacking your lips in a candy store…we could not wait to explore more. As we hiked along cascading Big Pine Creek, the views brought back many fond memories of our 2002 backpacking trip with John, Diane, Bud and Meg. During that adventure, our destination were the lakes of the Palisades...one of the finest hiking and climbing areas in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This trail retraces the path of ancient glaciers all the way to the top of the Big Pine Creek drainage. Here you will be in the throne room of the mountain gods, close up to the Palisades, one of the highest and most jagged crests in the contiguous 48 states. These colorful 13,000-14,000 foot peaks also hold the largest glacier in the Sierras, Palisade Glacier. While walking through a forest of lodgepole pine, you will pass a cabin built by movie actor Lon Chaney. All the lakes in this valley are fed directly by the Palisade Glacier and the beautiful milky turquoise color of the water is from the glacial powder carried from the melting glacier. And above the lakes sits the imposing dark mountain…the mighty Temple Crag.

As we entered Bishop, CA. we felt a wave of comfort...like you have when you come home. The town has welcomed our backpacking group every trip and then celebrated our safe return. Here was our true "base camp". Traveling a few miles north of town, we located the “dirt road to nowhere”...leave it to Jackie & "Do It In The Dirt" Bill to find such a place. A dusty, red carpet landscape dotted with shrubs and boulders, the Volcanic Tablelands is a gnarled expanse of boulders, serpentine ravines and volcanic bluffs. But also found in this high desert setting is an oasis…Fish Slough, a unique desert wetland ecosystem featuring the only natural springs remaining on the floor of the Owens Valley…and we saw fish. Apparently this area is also quite renowned for it’s many Native American petroglyphs.

Now we began some serious walking. Beginning at the 9,800 ft. South Lake Trailhead we began our hike up to the beautiful land of the Treasure Lakes. As we climbed and skirted South Lake, we gazed down upon the lake, nestled in a volcanic bowl…shaped as if it were cupped in one's hand. Direct sunlight and rays bouncing off the granite walls offer a full spectrum of the color blue, changing shades as the shoreline descends toward the dark depths. Adding to the brilliance of this canyon are the rich colors of green meadows dotted with wildflowers and a forest of pines that accent the gray mountain sides…oh yeah…here lie some breathtaking views.

As we completed the last slog, we entered a basin surrounded by those high Sierra peaks and there welcoming our arrival was the first gem of the Treasure Lake family. This 6 mile round trip hike to 10,700 ft. was difficult to say the least, but well worth the heavy air sucking. For the effort, we were offered a wealth of dramatic beauty…brilliant colored wildflowers lining clear streams and fern meadows provided some wonderful rest stops along the way. When you live at sea level, no amount of conditioning prepares you for the elevation. And thankfully, the new arterial stent was installed properly! As we took in the serenity of this place and the majestic views, the mermaid of our group realized she could not resist the alluring clear, blue waters on this warm day...so a "very" short dip in this invigorating 56 degree pool proved to be in order.

With our legs still full of fuel, another short walk was in order. Our hike to Long Lake again began at the South Lake Trailhead, but split at the junction that marked the way towards Bishops Pass. Another short 6 mile hike at 10,760 feet, the trail provided us a moderate climb with a more than a few switchbacks…and for us climbing can be very spellbinding at best. This lake is perfectly named, as its length is so much greater in comparison with its width. As the trail skirted the shoreline, we gazed at the Golden trout surfacing to the surface, rippling the lake’s reflection of the surrounding granite crags.

Our experiences over the years have proven that the Eastern Sierra weather is incredibly unpredictable…and one should always be prepared for the inevitable. Wanting to sample one of those renowned Lake Sabrina Cafe cheeseburgers, we decided to drive up to the lake for a late lunch…hunger pangs driven by a long hike. We arrived under bright, warm sun and clear, blue skies…but finished our lunch in solitude under the lone deck umbrella under dark clouds, protecting ourselves from pea size hail and a down pour of rain. The lake looked like it was being peppered with bb's. Temperature stayed constant though…hiking shorts and tee were perfect attire for the day…you needed a rain parka only if you did not want look as if you have been swimming.

This day we chose one of our favorite destinations. Little Lakes Valley offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Eastern Sierras and is one of the most photographed. The spectacular valley set in a glacier carved canyon is surrounded by some awesome peaks, while the valley floor is sprinkled with lush meadows and jeweled mountain lakes. A relatively easy hike begins at 10,300 feet and will take you over the Morgan Pass. This “Shangri-La” is a perfect introduction to all first timers to the Sierras. We chose a short 4 mile loop route along Rock Creek to a secluded picnic spot overlooking Box Lake.

Following up on another tip from Jackie & Bill, we headed up to the McGee Creek Canyon Trailhead. The single lane highway provided us fantastic views of the Owens Valley and Lake Crowley. Once into the depths of the canyon we saw it was far different from the other passes leading up into the mountains. It was like a giant slot canyon…walls close to you on each side. Once at the trailhead the canyon open up like a blooming flower to expose an alpine meadow leading up toward towering peaks.

The Sonora Pass was our chosen route over the Sierra’s. What a breathtaking ride. The road skirted the Walker River and climbed steeply through dense forests with stunning view points at each turn.

Sonora Pass Summit crested at 9,628 ft. At the summit was a PCT Trailhead marker…and another opportunity to explore. The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long and runs from the US border with Mexico to its border with Canada. We have day hiked this legendary trail a mere three times…and only have 2,632 miles left. Until we find those "black holes" of time to bite off larger distances, we will continue to dream of days and live vicariously through the hikers that are doin it now…such as the three comrades we met at the summit who were continuing their trek to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite.

Howard from Seattle, Jim from Maine and Rees from Arcata.…friends forever (yesterday, today & tomorrow) have been chewing up miles of the PCT over the last 28 years…finding those elusive windows around careers, family and commitments…etc…you know how it is…and then substantiating the time to do so. But what was so wonderful to hear and see was…they haven’t stopped…they are making tracks now, leaving their mark on us and all who meet them and all while they continue to plan their next adventures for the coming years. To our three champions…we wish you a safe trip to families and home...and we toast you now…with a few “ice cold beers”. Until we meet again!(8/19/09 update...after our brief rondevous, these three comrades reached Tuolumne Meadows after "110 miles of magnificent and at times challenging Pacific Trail Hiking)

The John Muir Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in California, has by far the most spectacular and highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada. Deep canyons, lofty peaks, brilliant meadows, pristine lakes and never ending alpine terrain await all that choose to see and experience. And with over 590 miles of maintained trails there is no lack of backpacking highways to stop anyone. It is no wonder that this saying exists..."you can take the man out of the mountains, but you can never take the mountains out of the man". May we meet you on the trail!

San Luis Obispo County

2009-05-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

The County of San Luis Obispo...

With well over a decade of living permanently here in Cambria, there are moments we catch ourselves taking it for granted of just how beautiful, healthy and nourishing it is to experience our life in such a wonderful part of California. Our firm belief that we are truly special and deserve the highest amount of love, joy and happiness in this brief existence has everything to do with the "habitat", the individuals and the experiences we are drawn to. Sometimes, we have brain farts and forget. But we have noticed that individuals often seem to remember the "negative" experiences and take for granted the wonderful ones. We all must try to stay conscious of our daily joys, surprises and good fortune during these trying times...for us life definitely is not just about living in Cambria. So, you won't see us serving liver for dinner!

Now that we are again settled (per the paradigm of many), have put that "heart attack" experience behind us and because we have a number of friends inquiring about our unique "Camelot", we have decided to share some of the highlights we get to enjoy as a so called "local". These select treasures may include some awesome hikes featuring an abundance of scenic vistas and wildlife, local nature sanctuaries and parks, spa, retreats and healers unique to not only nourishing the body and mind, but also the inner self and then maybe a few of our local dining treasures that some people may find should be excluded from the "fine dining" column, but definitely drawing to our taste in food, service and ambiance...our two thumbs up category.

Check out the link...Cambria, Pines By The Sea, noted in our "About Us" section for some short highlights and photos of these "best bets" throughout our Central Coast communities. You will agree with us, that Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Avila offer a multitude of outdoor activities, unique fare and recreation.
Fortune has indeed blessed us...for everyday we get to call this extension of "OZ" our home.

Never Say Never

2009-05-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

On the evening of April 1st, Michael was rushed via ambulance to San Luis Obispo with an apparent heart attack. His thirty minutes of denial passed quickly and fortunately... (wasted minutes will damage the heart - "time is muscle"), he quickly determined it was not heartburn, nor indigestion from the delicious pasta dinner I had made for us that evening. This experience was quite real...and yes...a rude awakening that it can happen...to anybody, anytime, anywhere...regardless of the physical condition that is "created" by the mind and alas the ego. we can never again think or say "that won't happen to me". Calling 911 instead of doing our own emergency transport turned out to be the best decision. It took only 6 minutes for the "team" to arrive...in full force...with their two fire engines and paramedic van barreling down the street, lights and sirens ablaze. A wonderful wake up and welcome call to our new neighbors that the BlaNics are back in town!

My drive to the hospital was the longest and most surreal 36 miles I have ever driven...as I desperately kept looking ahead for the lights of the ambulance, so many thoughts, feelings and questions come through you. Thank God for John & Diane for providing some much needed reassurance and strength that night...I cannot fathom to what depths my emotions could have traveled without our dear friends. Their professional knowledge detailing what was happening, the procedure that was being performed, the safeguards that were in place and above all the comfort and courage you offered me, made that night bearable...It was with much reluctance, that I left Michael's side at 3:00 that morning with the realization that we have not spent the night apart since we've been married!!

Reinforcements arrived in the following days ...bringing delicious meals, joy and laughter, never ending support, endless love, and the strength offered by their presence. STUNNED...the word most used when the news reached out. This was as much of a shock to our family and friends as it was to both of us!!! And not a day has gone by that someone from our circle of loved ones has expressed encouragement, offered their aid and included us in prayer.

It has been one month since that frightening evening and all is as it should be. Michael has recovered extremely well with his new coronary stent system...cardio therapists say his heart is performing at "textbook levels"...and he is biting at the bit to be "off leash". A regime of regular cardiac therapy and cardiologist oversight, daily mouthfuls of long term medications and the "fresh curiosity" to explore healthier recipes as a way to satisfy his culinary passion are now a part of this latest life change. Long walks through our local nature sanctuaries have always provided our meditational ride...but now this activity is a daily requirement and already we are posting at least 20 miles per week.

Our moments in this realm are just that...compared to a snowflake or a raindrop from our heavens...these beautiful breaths of life are truly precious...and as we have come to realize, at times fragile and so fleeting. Shame on us if we dare to squander them on what is not important, not relevant and not nourishing to our happiness and being. Life is a game, a classroom and an adventure...fun, exciting, breathtaking...and with it come surprises that may be meant to change the ending (beginning)...whatever experience we have, is what is meant to be.

And through all this, it was so ever evident that we are indeed family...not just biological, inheritance or by accident...but a family created by our love for each other...we are all brothers and sisters. We honor all of you...for our crisis was the crisis of many, our fear was your fear, our hopes your hope and our ultimate joy and happiness...your joy and happiness.

To all our "family"...we love you, we thank you...we have created a covenant to do everything we can to dispense of this kind of entertainment in the future.

UFN

2009-03-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

Until Furthur Notice...

With our "tree house" secured and the move of our stored belongings finally completed, we can now get to the very slow task of "nesting"...although anyone that knows us, is well aware that we are not nesters. We believe it will be a few weeks before all the boxes are emptied and every shelf, nook and cranny filled. Fortune is with us though...with the Spring Break Holiday upon us, we have some quality time for this "team" of lifedancers to work together. This "Suzanne" home is quite special though...forest views and starlit nights, while deer, squirrels, quail, wild turkeys and woodpeckers abound in their own communities right outside our walls. And with our windows and balcony decks providing close views of all their daily activities, we are rarely not entertained by nature's gatekeepers.

Seeing our beloved coach stored created sad moments...especially after 2 years and 3 months of living on wheels full time. There is something so tangible about having your daily living needs all within 20 steps of you...the compact/impact home and the simplicity of the lifestyle...all the while providing security and offering a true sense of freedom and independence...quite a contrast from the current paradigm we now have chosen to go back too. House payments, utilities, a high ceiling, a bathtub and added space seems foreign to us right now.

We are committed though to accept this change as a temporary "rest stop" (although we may re-define the meaning of temporary with this wonderful sanctuary)...no different than the many stops we had while living in the coach. We also are seriously contemplating summer plans to connect with fellow coachers and close friends and motor up, down and around any scenic byway that have a lure for adventure. Until then though, we plan on enjoying this little Alban house with some Weber grills, delectable wines and the company of our special family and friends.

The Year of the Ox

2009-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

The Year of the Ox, year 4706 in the Chinese lunar calendar, is supposed to represent prosperity through perseverance and hard work. As this New Year begins with uncertainty to many, the cure may be on the next horizon with the vision, zest and strength of a new President. And although we are also impacted by economic doldrums, we have chosen to rise to the challenges and seek out those rays of sunshine and opportunities that do exist.

We closed 2008 with a special Christmas visit from Mom & Susie. We spent many an afternoon in search of rare sea glass and moonstones. The Pelican Cove not only provided excellent accommodations, but daily all you can eat and drink meals…full breakfast buffets, a happy hour offering wine & many cheese selections and decadent evening dessert samplings. And once again, as with all the Blanco Christmas mornings, we practiced the finely crafted art of “gift unwrapping”…in which skill levels are now reaching the mastery stage.

The year began with a wonderful visit from our dear friends Dick & Melinda. Plowing their way out of Oregon and avoiding the flooding, they managed to reach the temperate shores of Cambria and San Simeon State Park. With an offering of warm temps, clear skies and brilliant sunshine, our days and evenings were filled with strolls on our beautiful shoreline and beaches, a tour of Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal watching, good food and even tastier wines. As we bid farewell to them, our yearnings toward the full-time lifestyle again reared up it's beautiful head as we saw their own coach, with a stunning backdrop of our deep blue ocean, drive south down Pacific Coast Highway.

Next, we greeted Mom & Dad who were enroute home after a week long vacation in Tucson, Arizona. It is always great to spend time them...but especially this visit since it was Dad's 75th birthday...a true milestone to a life set to add many more stories to an already storied legacy. We enjoyed Moonstone Beach, some fine local dining and the continued offerings of perfect weather.

Our plans now are to “hang loose” and enjoy San Simeon State Park for a few more weeks. Serendipity has drawn to us that special retreat in the woods…a home nestled in the trees...just right to ponder and plan our next path.

Giving Thanks...

2008-11-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

November 27, 2008…a thanks giving morning. We awake to clear and deep blue skies, a brilliant warming sun, the thunderous sounds of waves breaking upon our shoreline and the cry of a distant Red Shoulder Hawk soaring over our nearby hillside. We have reflected back upon all our episodes during the last two years…and cannot find an end to the multitude of things we are thankful for…starting and ending with the love, concern and support of our family and friends. The experience of full-time motorhome living, which is approaching our two-year anniversary, has drawn us to the wonder of so many serene and beautiful “rest” stops, introduced us to the most unique, friendly, courageous and loving souls, and witnessed the strength of a perfect partnership as it defied that perfect storm...
"Even with a broken wing...she still carries a dream and she never stopped flying..."
We are now back to where it all began…Cambria…Pines By The Sea. And in a short time we will be back living in a home with a foundation of concrete, five times more living space, a bathtub and of course... a toilet with unlimited holding power. We are looking forward to this “temporary” change…but will miss the wonder, comfort, companionship and protection of our beautiful coach.

We will not be idle though...for there will be no lack of adventures, no moments without dreams and always creative plans for tomorrow. We forsee ourselves staying very fluid and simplistic, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, continuing to seek out nature’s treasures and ensuring that no byte of camera memory is left un-used.

And we extend our sincere gratitude to those of you who have made a positive impact in our lives, who offered without conditions, kindness and wisdom, nourished us with your genuine friendship, shared many a glass of wine (there sure are bunch of “ya”), made us laugh, cry and inspired us with your life’s adventure …reinforcing that we must never stop making ours. To you all, which there are too many to name, a heartfelt invitation…“mi casa es tu casa”…the Blanics will always welcome you to our beloved Central Coast.

The McCloud River

2008-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

As we traveled south, we received some great news, Dick and Melinda…cross continental travelers extraordinaire, multi-hundred per day road warriors, off-the-grid magicians and our dear friends, are slowly…oh so very slowly…trying to work their way up north via Highway 5. Warranty work on their coach has been the culprit of their delay. It has been almost a year since we last saw them, so we are extremely excited about the chance for a possible reunion.

We chose not to stray too far from "river energy", so we made plans to travel south to Hornbrook and stay at the Blue Heron RV Resort. Nestled right on the banks of the Klamath River, our past experience reminded us that there would be no "bad" sites at this resort quality park. It was also a perfect opportunity to visit with resort owners, Bill and Cathy, still looking healthy, full of spunk, energy and dedicated to the dream of further developing their beautiful property. We enjoyed great meals at their riverfront restaurant, The Fishhook, and shared some interesting conversations with fellow guests. Although the weather was warm, the sound of rapids and hunting osprey, proved to be soothing, nourishing and relaxing...diminishing any discomfort the heat may have created. And as it turned out...we only needed to stay one night...a Rauscher rendezvous was set for the next two days in McCloud, CA.

The McCloud River is one of California's most aquatic jewels. Located near the top of California, north of the Sierra Nevada and at the southern end of the Cascade Range, the McCloud snakes its way down a scenic canyon beneath the rugged slopes of 14,000-foot Mount Shasta.

Well known to the river is a series of waterfalls which tumble over basaltic lava flows, known collectively as the Falls of the McCloud River.

These waters are also renowned for its legendary Shasta Rainbow Trout and exotic Brown trout. The river has been a fisherman's paradise ever since its original inhabitants, the Wintu Indians, speared and trapped salmon and steelhead as the fish made their seasonal journeys from the sea. And located nearby, in the town of McCloud, is Dance Country RV Resort...the site of our reunion.

Our visit with Dick and Melinda not only included months worth of catching up, but also a sampling of delightfully grilled meats & veggies and multiple glasses of tasty varietals. We did make sure though to schedule and devote some quality time to exploring this beautiful recreation area. But first we were honored to be invited to join our friends as they sadly bid a farewell to their longtime companion "Naz". No longer restrained to a leash attached to Melinda's hand during their daily walks...his romps are now painless...with infinite energy, freedom and joy...resting in his ethereal home as it stands guarded by Mt. Shasta, landscaped with beautiful trees and soothed by the sounds of a wild river...
We chose the Upper McCloud River Trail to provide us our daily dose of hiking. Considered a leisurely day hike along the upper McCloud River, this trail skirts three falls, Lower, Middle & Upper Falls. Fortunately there was plenty of shade and perfect river access to soak our feet in...for after a late evening of "tasting"...this round trip hike, with some steep climbs and long switchbacks emptied our tank at the 4.3 mile mark. It was time to get back to the rigs for some pupus and cold beers.

And as it is felt too often when in the company of such special souls...moments fly by and the time to say farewell arrives far to quickly...carrying some emptiness and sadness along with it. But memories always come to the rescue and we now look forward to seeing them after the New Year, when they again journey south to their winter "hunting" grounds...

Tomorrow we begin another leg home...

Thundering Waters

2008-08-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

There is an old proverb, “That all good things must come to an end”, maybe truth for some, but not yet for these BlaNics… And so we left Casey’s, the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, the endless National Forest trails and the many wonderful memories shared with our fellow travelers…and took our traveling show to Canyonville and the Umpqua National Forest.

After being parked on the banks of the Willamette for two weeks, you get used to the rhythm and sounds of the river…so we (she!) made sure that our itinerary for our return trip home included a dose of blue waters.

Seven Feathers RV Resort is beautiful, surrounded by layers of healthy forests, but no river, only the intermittent sounds of Highway 5 travelers in the distance. Our fortune though is that the beautiful Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River, renowned for its outstanding fishing environments and exhilarating whitewater challenges, is only a short distance away...just drive east on Highway 138. The road meanders alongside these legendary waters, deep into forests of old growth Douglas-fir. So off we went to explore a few of its hidden treasures…the spectacular rapids and thundering falls, aquamarine pools, the groomed hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.

There are 11 waterfalls on the North Umpqua…and although we would have loved to find the time and foot power (all required a hike in for viewing) to see all of them, we did manage to view a couple.

Deadline Falls, is a short but powerful cascade of water, that provided an opportunity to observe sea-run steelhead jumping up the falls, as they journey toward their spawning beds upstream in the tributary waters of the Cascade Mountains. We looked and looked…and looked again, but did not see any jumping fish…may have been too early in the season.

After a nice slog up the mountain side, we were rewarded with an excellent close-up view of Watson Falls. This majestic waterfall is the highest in southwest Oregon, plunging 272 feet over the edge of a basalt lava flow.

We continued our westward drive, following the river for as far as we could, stopping and admiring the flycasters, the rafters...the beauty of the land. We realized that we were a "short" 29 miles from Diamond Lake, so we decided to explore future rv resort opportunities around the lake. As we cruised through Diamond Lake RV Resort...we were again reminded that the world of motorhoming is indeed a small one. Who do we run into? But fellow Casey's RV Park attendees and Lompoc residents, Delores, Chuck, Meriam and Leo. And just in time too! Chuck needed a reason to stop cleaning his coach and nursing cold beers with us proved to be a perfect reason. Could have visited longer with these wonderful folks if a 129 mile trip home was not awaiting us. And since we were up in the general vicinity, we decided to check out and sample a culinary experience recommended by friends Jeff and Janice...the legendary Becky's Restaurant of Prospect, Oregon. And we do agree...great food...awesome pies!

The Umpqua Valley is Oregon's oldest fine wine appellation...home to 18 family owned artisan wineries. We chose HillCrest Vineyard to do some tasting, the state's first commercial vineyard and winery established in 1961. We love the small wineries...the hospitality is warm, you get to meet the owner/winemakers and as you taste their wines you are entertained by them as they discuss their cherised craft. This vineyard produced some very bold and distinctive wines and we did not leave without making sure we took a few "vines" for a future taste.

And a trip to the country would not be complete without a visit to the local produce farm. We have found that the organic vegetables and fruits sold at these rural stands is outstanding when it comes to selection, taste, quality and freshness. We also get to pick our own blackberries...we ate as much as we picked while strolling through all the vines...so it was even a better value.

Tomorrow we slide quietly across the border into California...but still the river beckons us...so let it! The Klamath River will be our "front yard" for a day or two...

Imagine....

2008-08-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Imagine a place...where you become lulled by the rhythm of a river...which in our realm of reality is defined as rhythm-less...or nothing less. Time becomes irrelevant...no reasons to get up at the "regular" time...no reason to change out of your pjs (if you wear any)...no reason to ask "What are we doing today?"...no reason to have an itinerary...no valid reason to do anything but allow this moment of existence to play out. Yet in this place, life is being broadcast now...calm and serene....real and alive...beckoning...calling... and then luring you to get moving, to see and experience everything. Do we need something called a "vacation" to reach this place? Do we even want to be at this space? It is definitely not scripted in our culture, it's too decadent...too mindless...time is money, no energy used is wasted energy. While on one of our hikes, we noticed some huge and mighty mature trees that had toppled over due to butt rot...a fungi that attacks the under surface of a tree's thickest core where it meets the soil. A metaphor as such today? No matter how strong, how abundant, how successful we are, the self, the body, the mind will topple without a moment to "imagine"...

As you enter the Willamette National Forest to the "place"... Casey's Riverside RV Park, it is not surprising how Oregon was able to lure us from Cambria, Pines By The Sea...and then live here for almost 9 months. Beautiful, breathtaking, panoramic, lush, vivid and vibrant were only a few of our words as we arrived at this latest waypoint. The land beckon us to explore it again...so we did again...and again.

The Willamette Fish Hatchery provides hatchling fish to the Willamette River and it's tributaries in the surrounding watershed. It is also the nicest trout/salmon hatchery we have visited to date (we have heard the Bonneville Hatchery is even more awesome). The site features a museum and interpretive exhibit, a brood rainbow trout pond with some fish you fantasize hooking up with and a Sturgeon pond with huge prehistoric fish...that have stamped our memory cells with a video of "Jaws" the next time we venture to swim in a deep river channel.
And then there are the trails... a hiker's candy store...a mutt's fire hydrant, a young man's Amsterdam...hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, deep into the heart of the Cascades...far more distance available then these half century legs will cover in a lifetime or two...but we did manage to sample a taste of a few of the more scenic trails that in no time flat had us walking to the beat of the river. Dick and Melinda....you would (and could) love notching the miles here.

The North Fork Trail is along the "Wild and Scenic" section of the North Fork Middle Fork of the Willamette River (in 1969, Congress passed the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Act declared that certain rivers possessing extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values shall be preserved in their free-flowing state, together with their immediate environments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people). The trailhead is located at the Office Bridge park. The trail meanders along the river's edge with many perfect overlooks and beach access points for all wannabe anglers. We were rewarded with many fantastic views of frothy rapids and deep translucent blue green pools... and if that is not perfect enough, your walk is mostly under the shade of a canopy of a young, yet dense forest. This trail section is also a very popular ride for mountain bikers, although we are amazed that the difficulty is rated as "easy"...we would not only be walking the bikes most of the way, but might be tethered to them also!
The Middle Fork Trail extends along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River and winds through dense stands of mixed conifers, cottonwood and big leaf maple. Beginning our hike at Sand Prairie Campground, we saw only a short segment of the trail, but it did provide us a glimpse of the diverse and changing ecosystems that can be found along the route...from riparian to high elevation fir. Multiple trailheads offer opportunities to customize the length of one's hike, dictate elevation the gain and difficulty and offer points for easy river access. We chose a casual, relaxed riverside route to satisfy our curiosity and afternoon walk "requirements".

The Joe Goddard Nature Trail is a short loop, but you can spend hours ogling the monstrous trees. You'll walk across a rustic log bridge over Black Creek and from what we gathered, a remnant of past logging operations. You'll stroll past huge Pacific yew, a nine-foot diameter western red cedar and several Douglas firs that are more than 250 feet tall (most tops have been blown off by high winds) and ten feet wide, with the reputation as the biggest trees in Lane County. These old growth trees range in age from 450 to 700 years.

Friends and fellow hikers, Janice and Jeff, found one of the picnic tables made of hand hewn planks and cut logs and patiently awaited those elusive forest elves to take their drink order...they are still waiting.
The Black Creek Trail trailhead was reached only after a long and dusty 8 mile gravel road drive. It's hard to believe after seeing this hike, you may be the only vehicle parked there. This hike soon rewarded us with a magical wayside. The trail begins through a grove of young trees and follows Black Creek up a gentle rolling grade for 2 miles to Lillian Falls of Nettie Creek, a series of beautiful small cascading waterfalls that tumble down over 100 feet.

Nestled in an old growth forest of giant trees, the setting is spectacular, with a lush growth of ferns and tree foliage surrounding the entry points of each waterfall. As the stream tumbles over boulders and logs draped with brilliant green moss, you easily visualize how nature's offering of a bed full of soft emerald cotton balls would look like... these comfy mounds nestled throughout the stream bed, beckoned us to sit and enjoy the beauty. The trail climbs steeply from the falls, through a tableland full of colorful rhododendrons, north to the Waldo Lake Trail.

Exploring a segment of the Salmon Creek Trail was like entering the "secret garden". Walk across the Salmon Creek Gorge Bridge and you enter a realm of filtered sunlight with the golden rays arching in every direction...tree moss 4 to 6 feet in length hang lifeless from overhanging branches... silhouettes of watchful scarecrows, without the crows. The soft, cushioned carpet, which is really the trail, is bordered with sword ferns and vanilla leafs and leads you deeper and deeper into the forest...and everywhere you look...you'll be treated to a color palette of every variation of yellow and green. Creekside access points lead you to some wonderful beaches to soak up the sun and deep pools to cool you down or snag a wary trout or two.

Our effort to log a few more miles on Oregon's segment of the Pacific Crest Trail proved somewhat disappointing. We drove miles on a beautiful paved roads, then onto a dusty washboard road and finally a pure mean and ugly 4-wheel drive slab of dirt to get to this high elevation access point on Summit Lake, aptly named for it lies virtually on the crest of the Cascade Range. We were then unceremoniously greeted and swarmed by hundreds of hungry fans....mosquitoes. We lathered ourselves in deet, then rubbed whatever other nasty, foul smelling goop we had, in every nook and cranny in hopes we could be a "turn off" to those pesky, blood sucking skeeters. Didn't work... all those repellents were like a dry rub on pork ribs. But we did make an honorable effort to put in a few miles before every orifice starting tinkling with unwanted critters. So we packed up, drove back 3,000 feet down the mountain and finished off the day with option #2.

The Larison Creek Trail skirted beautiful Larison Cove, a local jewel with its deep Persian green water. This is wonderful place to kayak or canoe for nestled strategically around the cove are small boat docks allowing access to those secluded boat in only campsites. We skirted the cove and then followed a feeder stream up a canyon through a dense forest. Upon our return, we witnessed the danger that many mountain bikers can encounter while on these narrow trails. A young woman bicyling up the path apparently lost footing on the loose gravel and plumetted with her bike 30 feet down the canyon...only to be stopped by the the thick layer of foliage. Miraculously, she was not impaled on the exposed roots of an upturned tree that she hit on her way down. Battered and bruised, confidence and ego shaken, she sustained only some minor scratches...we were amazed of her bilingual skills...as she demonstated her comand of that language that use only "4 letter words"... she used it as a mantra to eliminate her pain and embarrasment. Anyway, hearing here screams, we ran down the trail and scrambled down the mountainside to aid her boyfriend in recovering her and the bike. Fortunately, all ended well. She cleaned up nicely and the last we saw her she had already returned to the trailhead and was nursing her bruised face with multifple icepacks. Clear reasons here why with our bicycle talents we stay to flat, paved paths.

As our stay at Casey's came to a close, we decided to spend a couple of days, fine tuning technique and skill levels, while also wetting a few flies for any wary trout to gawk at. And yes...fish were caught...and then ceremoniously released to be caught again in the future.

So as our two week retreat in this beautiful setting slowly reaches a sunset...we can only reflect how much we have enjoyed this seminar in relaxation and mindlessness. We will miss the therapy sessions offered by this natural theme park...being lullabyed to sleep by the soothing sounds of the river 's rapids, watching the spectacular confrontations between eagles...osprey and the mighty bald... and then awakened to the golden rods as the morning sun filters through the canopy of branches. But most of all... we will miss our solitude in enjoying this wilderness alone... no crowds and lines on these e-ticket rides disguised as hiking trails, trout streams and vivid, never ending forest roads (Bill...you and your green Forester would be tearing up the gravel up here).

For everyone else, take heed to the advertisement;

"Oregon, we love dreamers"

We end the day with some river rockin', good food and a toast to all who partake in this lifestyle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE...SEE YOU ON MOONSTONE BEACH

The Return to Salmon Harbor

2008-07-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

We returned to one of our favorite destinations in Oregon, Winchester Bay RV Resort in Salmon Harbor. Although windy, for the most part, the weather was gorgeous...blue skies, warm temperatures and the smell of saltwater in the air. Our outstanding travel specialist was able to secure a prime water front view site for a just a pittance a day...and it offered a perfect setting to do "nothing". Compare our well appointed living quarters to any comparable suite on Moonstone Beach in Cambria and you would agree that we are saving $200-$500 per night. With that in mind, fuel prices may still not be an issue.

And speaking of fuel...you would never guess that there is a crisis on gas pricing after seeing all the rigs in this park. Every space in Winchester Bay is occupied. Row after row of parking sites feature high end diesel pushers or behemoth fifth wheels being pulled by monster trucks...a smorgasbord of license plates represent every state in the Union...and many of these coaches are brand new. Just another example that this lifestyle definitely draws a multitude of individuals that live life in the present, not with a glass half empty..."carpe diem". We did meet a few Californians that had no problem driving up north...escaping from the heat and the smoke from the hundreds of fires that have hit California so early this year.

Although the most difficult chores on our short list was to watch the tide go in and out each day and crack up some fresh crab...we did manage to squeeze in some time to explore some new locales. A few miles north of us were many magical trailheads, easy to strenuous hikes, into the thick coastline forests.

The Siltcoos Lake Loop Trail is a moderate level 4.5 mile loop down to the lake shore and back. The trail begins by following an old logging road for about a mile until the trail divides to form a loop. The northern route is narrow with rolling hills. After mile or so, a short spur leads to the lake and 5 primitive campsites equipped with tables, campfire rings, and a primitive toilet. You return to the main trail and turn south on the brushier southern route for a return trip back to where the trail divided. Trees dating back to the 1930's provide a dense canopy overhead, and you can explore the monster cedar snags and stumps and valley floor marshes. We stayed to the trail to ensure we did not lose our way out...the forest was pretty dense...thick enough to block most of the sunlight. You can still see on some stumps, evidence of the 1930s' logging practice of cutting springboard notches to hold planks for tree fallers.

A shorter hike just south of us is around the southern tip of Eel lake. The trail was well marked, did not seem to be used much since it was not well maintained, but beautiful none the less. We did encounter two beautiful snakes on the trail. One of them, a beautiful small Common Garter Snake, had just been attacked by another creature...left barely alive in the middle of the trail with a puncture wound in it's head....we moved it to a more shady and protective site to hopefully recover. We then spooked a large Northwestern Garter Snake on our return trip...it moved swiftly across the trail and into the thick fern cover...invisible again. Seems like a perfect habitat for these reptiles, cool weather, moist ground and a huge supply of their favorite foods...Banana Slugs.

We now go from oceanfront to riverfront and a short 3 hour drive west to the middle fork of the Willamette River located in the Willamette National Forest. After a few hikes, a few beers and many outdoor grills there should be a few more highlights for our next entry...

The Adventure Coast

2008-07-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Traveling up the beautiful Oregon coast reminded us again of just how beautiful and vibrant a landscape of trees can be when mother nature is so bountiful. With an seemingly endless water supply...and then coupled with the early morning marine layer and an afternoon session of bright sun...key ingredients that will always equate to the perfect recipe for a healthy forest. And what more can be said about that rugged coastline. A demonstration of pure power is on stage every moment...fierce white caps dancing to their own beat, wind blown ghostlike froth skimming upon the surface and high surf & waves pounding the off shore rocks and shoreline with unforgiving intensity...what a blessing to see that the land is being seen in such a natural state...and with the sparse population and lack of development, this may be a vision of ours for many generations.

Oregon and Coos Bay welcomed us with a full moon, high wind, patchy cloud cover and brisk temperatures in the low 60's...but still a very far cry from the winter days we experienced as we departed the state in March. But we did find a scenic site to park our coach, overlooking the bay, at The Mill Casino RV Resort.

This unique section of the Oregon oceanfront is known as Oregon's Adventure Coast. And with the exception of Coos Bay, there are some really charming towns on this southern coast. Bandon-by-the-Sea has always been one our favorite seaport villages, offering some unique attractions...located near the mouth of the Coquille River and overlooking the Pacific.

"Old Town" on the waterfront is an offering of cutesy art & crafts, tourista boutiques and small dining establishments.

Across the river is the picturesque Coquille River Lighthouse built in 1896. We both agreed it would be a lot of fun to be a volunteer in the lighthouse gift shop...when weather is more temperate. Maybe in the future.

Pristine white sand beaches, dotted with rock "castles and turrets" that stretch endlessly in each direction...showing no signs of any human presence...not even foot prints.

A short drive from Coos Bay is the small coastal fishing village of Charleston, located just inside the entrance of the bay. Have a taste for fresh dungeness crab, fish or clams?...then a visit to the Charleston Marina is a must. We found fresh albacore tuna for $2.50lb. and live crabs for $6.50lb., a bargain for these Californios to say the least.

Just a short 4 mile drive south of Charleston was a treasure of a find, and mind you, only if you possessed a "relentless passion to find every one of nature's theme parks" would you find this place...the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. A beautiful interpretive center welcomes you to the reserve and will provide you all the necessary information needed for your exploration. Miles of hiking trails will transport you through a multitude of habitats...forests, salt marshes, mudflats and channels.

A Banana Slug's Dream

2008-07-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

Spanish explorers arrived on Trinity Sunday in 1775 and upon their landing named this beautiful area “Trinidad”…thus came to be the smallest town in Humboldt, County. With its natural harbor, Trinidad Bay first served as an anchoring place for ships active in exploration and trade with the native Yurok Tribe, then as a point of entry to the miners during the gold rush, from then as lumber port, a whaling station and then a landing site for commercial and sport fisheries.

Today, fishing, timber and tourism provide the economic backbone of this charming coastal town. The harbor was picturesque…deep green, mirror like…almost surreal except for the occasional departure of the harbor taxi.

Adjacent to the harbor is the trailhead for the Trinidad Head Trail…a short one mile loop with beautiful vistas of the coastline, beaches and harbor. We saw cormorants nesting on the cliffs below us and Harbor seals resting on the offshore rocks.

Situated in the heart of California’s coast redwood country, Trinidad borders the 640 acre Patrick’s Point State Park. Along with the night and morning fog, blankets of redwood, spruce, hemlock, fir, pine and red alder create the perfect habitat for non-stop orgies, feeding frenzies or just an afternoon of laying around for the elusive Banana slug. Sharing these forests and calling it home are the “usual suspects”…i.e. deer, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk rabbit, squirrels, etc.

We took advantage of the miles of hiking trails that crisscross the park…a wonderful walk through old growth redwoods and Sitka trees, carpets of wildflowers (heaven for Jackie K. and John H.) and endless meadows of ferns. Some parts of the trail were so dense with vegetation that unless you were a “White Rabbit”, it would be impossible to penetrate…thus with walls of vegetation, our hike sometimes resembled a walk through a maze.

Winding down our hike, we took a trail back to the ocean bluffs where we began. We climbed the top of old sea stack, the 132 step Ceremonial Rock, that was once offshore. Shaped and isolated by pounding surf and uplifting, it now is left high and dry by the oceans receding over time, standing like a lone castle turret, guarding the meadow below.

The visual image that where we stood was once under water reminds us that time is truly an illusion for the human species…no energy wasted here by Banana Slugs…so lets materialize another illusion and create a trip north to the Mill in Coos Bay….

Washburn Re-run and San Simeon State Park

2008-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Washburn Campground in San Simeon State Park is referred to as the primitive campground within the park boundaries. It is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia Mountains toward the east and the Pacific Ocean facing the west. And primitive it is…by a "typical camper’s" standpoint…access only via a gravel road, limited grass areas, pit bathrooms, no showers, no hookups, no, no, no. But not surprisingly...the campground does bring to memory ones "primitive" desire toward experiencing the land and a natural beauty so rare to find these days….spectacular ocean views, rolling hills dotted with native plants and flowers, unique wildlife photo shoots and of course, our own brilliant sunsets are just some of the offerings in this tranquil retreat.

A hidden jewel on our central coast and this destination offers far more than just cooler temperatures during the peak months. In the off season when the summer crowds end, you can expect a stay offering some well deserved solitude, as only a handful of campers choose to visit Washburn. Witness a wildlife fashion pageant as deer, turkeys, coyotes, bobcat, raccoon, rabbits and those pesky squirrels strut their natural walkways daily. You can also walk among them via the 3.25 San Simeon Trail Loop as it meanders through five different habitats. Stop and take a break under the shade of a massive oak tree with its own patio of log benches.

And a short hike down the hill will lead you to your own sandy beach...filled with hidden moonstones, driftwood from distant shores and sheltered tide pools with it’s own saltwater communities. Offshore, you may see a feeding otter, the curious harbor seal or a migrating grey whale or two.

Cooler weather, rugged coastlines, vibrant forests, blue ribbon trout streams along with less crowds and cheap diesel will be our plan for the summer. We begin a five week loop trip starting in northern California, up the southern coast of Oregon, crossing to the central part of the state and working our way back down toward Cambria. And the only activities on our itinerary all begin with the letter “relaxation”…fresh Dungeness crab, Pacific sunsets, river rocking, tossing flies and bottomless wine glasses.

Salud, Dinero & Amor...Y El Tiempo Para Gozarlos

2008-05-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Health, Fortune & Love...and the time to enjoy them"...a famous Spanish saying...never have those words rung truer than today.

The return to our beautiful Pines By The Sea, Cambria, has again offered us a retreat, a "Shang-ri-la", to nourish our bodies, regain our health, offer a daily dose of celebration for our souls and provide a haven to prepare for all upcoming challenges...The warm sun, spectacular ocean views and diverse fauna and flora have always recharged our light and the compass that guides us on our many life paths.

Our Health...for all our years together we took for granted that a physically active and clean lifestyle, would bless our bodies with a cloak of invincibility. Returning to our central coast Vortex, a source filled with the raw power of nature, is aiding us toward the re-charging of that cloak. Hikes to the top of Valencia Peak provide us some of that "direct current" .

Fortune...we have always recognized that our true wealth has been in our dominion...we have each other, a healthy and active lifestyle, our family and friends, the red Webers... and the gift to manifest the fortunes of tomorrow.

LOVE...the depth of our love for each other and the love of our family and friends...has provided us the strength and willpower to ride out the few "storms" over the last year and honor the desire to return to our beloved coast with joy, excitement, optimism and always...yes always our faith. And Love will power us to meet head-on any obstacle with the confidence of our resolve to be triumphant. Sucumbing to the status quo has never been an option for us.

As we host at San Simeon State Park, we ponder the exciting path of tomorrow. Someday we will relinquish the life as a full-timer and move back into a traditional home - Space, comfort and stability being governing factors toward our decision. A constant certainty is that the beauty of our "backyard" will never be compromised. And although everyday living in this coach may come to an end, it is not without some wonderful memories and rewards. So, as another chapter awaits us on the horizon, we both share our unwavering will... to continue this "lifedance" without a missed step and hold on to the confidence that our stage will be only filled with happiness, zest, curiosity and courage.

And just as we started this adventure quest with our first post, "Farewell to Washburn"...we will begin another odessey to complete the set of bookends...our next post will be aptly titled..."Welcome to Washburn".

Hasta La Vista, Aloha, Sayonara, Tot Ziens....Farewell

2008-03-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

During these brief months in Oregon we have managed to say these words to so many wonderful new friends and peers. Individuals whose home may be "mobile", whose lifestyle may be nomadic, but all whose dogmas include zest, happiness, sincerity and integrity...free spirits that offer truth instead of judgment.

Through these experiences, we are again reminded that friendships are not solely created over months or years and that length of time does not define the depth of any relationship.

Friendships are not drawn to us by sharing our financial statements, highlighting the neighborhoods we have lived in, dressing toward a style or trend and advertising what we drive. Friendships are not nurtured by creating an illusion, fostering deception or being artificial.

Oh, and what joy, wisdom and love we have found from our fellowship of friends...neighbors, healers, life teachers and kindred spirits! Relationships amazingly developed and nourished over just a few days or a long month. Our passings have been brief, but through lively conversations, evening gatherings, a shared meal or two and many illustrative emails...we have created a bond strong enough to withstand the distance of land and time.

And like raindrops descending to mother earth, the time will come for us all to disburse to those special "waypoints", drawing us at any given moment, may it be north, south east or west. But just as the sunshine breaks through the clouds, we know we all will again gather to create a rainbow...of contrasting colors, beliefs and identities... joined in union to celebrate friendship.

To these folks we wish adventure, safe travels, calm harbors, good health...and "warm sunshine".

The You Turns

2008-02-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

We have just returned to beautiful Champoeg State Heritage Park. It seems that a wayward park host had gotten lost…a no show, no call… and thus leaving the park without a second B-loop host. Since we were currently available and located nearby, the park’s Visitor Service Team Leader put us atop his short list of candidates to call. With some adjustments to our schedule, a request for our assistance was easily consented. It is a pleasure to realize that our past efforts were appreciated and valued enough to be asked back again.

There will also be some additional changes to our scheduling this year. We have decided to return to the Golden State earlier than planned…back to our beloved Central Coast…an oasis that offers nourishment, health and healing.

As we settled into the New Year, we pondered at our decision to travel north to the State of Oregon. We reflect back on all those roads to adventure that we were drawn to. How can we ever forget all those “alluring” landscapes that graced our camera lens and have enhanced our consciousness of this planet’s natural beauty? And then we sit back and ask…what desires and promises were realized?

Not surprisingly...the answer comes easy to us. Our desire toward adventure continued to be realized…and we honored the promise we made to each other that our life is boundless and must be lived unabashed, with enthusiasm and passion.

For those that truly know us…they will say…that’s just who they are…life and the “experience” guide and dictate their choices…and for those that question…maybe we are quite challenging to comprehend and understand.

The State of Oregon is gorgeous…a natural wonder unto itself…
But right now, it is but a vacation destination to visit…to explore, enjoy and appreciate all the natural beauty…not the place we dream of to settle…if indeed there is such a place. Ah, but we are good travelers…"to have no fixed plans and are not intent on arriving”.

So for now we stand firm…we will continue to create our tomorrows by what we believe in today…and will always have the “eyes” to dream of new adventures. We definitely are not living these moments for any promises of tomorrow…but instead we choose to be here now, knowing that our tomorrows will always be promising...

We end this post on a quote from novelist Marcel Proust, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”...

We look forward to our full circle and sharing this familiar sunset with each other.

Farewell...Champoeg

2007-12-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

The month of December opened up with one of Oregon's worst storms in the last twelve years. After being battered by a category 2 hurricane with winds up to 129 mph, major flooding, hundreds of trees toppled, road closures and week long power outages, it is no wonder that the majority of the northern Oregon Coast was declared a State of Emergency. Our friends Dick & Melinda had a ringside seat during this spectacular weather show, watching in awe as nature flexed its magnificent muscles of raw power. Although trees fell all around their rig, they sustained no damage and departed safely…carrying with them an unforgettable experience.
We managed to fare much better…almost boring compared to the coast. Hannah did stand up to 60 mph gusts and 2 days of continuous rain. And the Willamette River had at least 10 more feet of bank before cresting. We did stay warm, dry and very snug…but this definitely was a vivid reminder of what a winter in this Valley can offer.

Our rookie year Park Hosting at Champoeg State Heritage Park is now a memory. No longer will we occupy “B1”, greet the faithful Champoegnites and provide our daily TLC“ to its cabins. Oh …how we fell in love with this beautiful park and the serenity it offered. How can we forget the dazzling fall colors that the forest canopies provided , those peaceful, mindless walks on the river trail and the daily serenade from all the joyous song birds? We had a wonderful experience here and will always be stewards of this park. We hope to be invited back some day in the future.
We will also miss the camaraderie and friendship of a special band of happy souls...the camp hosts…who year after year dedicate their lives to volunteer in parks nationwide. We hope our membership in this unique “club” will do it honor. So here is a sincere thank you to our mentors and friends…John & Joan, Jim & Virginia, Dick & Melinda, Kent, Nancy, Patrick & Cheryl, Mel & Bonnie and John & Nancy. Until we meet again, may the roads you travel be safe, your adventures bring joy and those “potlucks” fill you up.

Faith, Hope and Charity

2007-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

We currently know and often meet individuals who see hope, faith and charity as elusive beliefs or forces…abruptly created by despair, sadness and turmoil. Is the desire for hope, the power of faith or the offering of charity exclusively available to only those individuals that are surrounded by joy, happiness and abundance? Does one reach out to “a higher power” only when one experiences fear, doubt, trials or tribulations? We choose to believe that hope for our world…a world without war, hate, hunger, homelessness and pollution should begin from within, demonstrated in our own life, breathed every moment and then shared with our brothers and sisters. We choose to believe that faith must only be a validation of what already is, what will be and what we deserve. We choose to believe that charity is but a word…for with the giving of one’s self, one’s love and one’s commitment without judgment or ego…our beliefs, our actions and our words…can and will naturally provide abundance to all.

Although November was a "typical" month for us here in Champoeg State Heritage Park...teaching, park hosting and “field testing” rain gear, we did decide to go on a short getaway to provide us a respite from these daily routines. The eastern Cascade Mountain Range and the high desert plateaus of central Oregon have always drawn us to explore…so east we journeyed…for the power, beauty and peace the mountains and rivers bring us.

As we made passage through the Santiam Pass atop ice covered roads, we had our first glimpse of Oregon’s winter wonderland. We marveled at the brilliant displays of frozen “ice trees” and the vistas of snow covered peaks. As we drove down to the gateway to the Cascades, Sisters, Oregon, we came to realize, that although completely prepared with cold weather gear, these winter conditions reminded us that we were in very unfamiliar territory. People drove through town with studded tires. Temperatures during the day were well below freezing and a bone chilling 11 degrees at night. Although outside conditions were somewhat extreme for us (wanna-be Oregonians), weather did not prevent us from having a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. The Three Sisters, South, Middle and North peaks (also nicknamed the title of this post), give Sisters its name and identity. Rising out of its literal back yard are mountain peaks towering to more than 10,000 feet, creating an incredible skyline over this small western town.

During this trip, we not only managed to explore Sisters and many of it’s unique shopping boutiques, but also Camp Sherman on the Metolius River, Downtown Bend, the beautiful High Desert Museum, the Tumalo State Park on the Deschutes River and Black Butte Ranch. We also were able to have dinner at historic Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill and Saloon. The building built in 1912, was a hotel, drug store, an antique store and now a restaurant, is one of the most photographed in Central Oregon…food was good too!

As we close out November in the fields of Champoeg, we begin our last month of park hosting in Oregon. We also bid a goodbye to our fellow hosts and friends, Dick & Melinda. We wish them safe travels, new adventures and more opportunities to pass on their “lifestuff” to those that have the good fortune to cross their path. Their wisdom and talent is featured at stonyhill.com

Trick or Treat

2007-11-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

October…the month of spectacular fall colors...and of course.... trick or treats. The month began with a wonderful visit from Eric & Brenda. And then we were provided with a special trick... early one afternoon, our friend Mateo from San Simeon State Park surprisingly showed up at Champoeg. We knew he was traveling the Pacific Northwest visiting friends and had hoped he would have some time to connect with us. Seeing his camper parked behind our coach brought more joy to our day. It was a very special visit and we thoroughly enjoyed his company, the sharing of his Guatamala adventure and photos he took and then of course... a conversation about our beloved Central Coast which was our "dessert" to close the evening.

We bid farewell to October with a very timely and nourishing visit from the Nicolais of Cloverdale. Along with their visit, they also brought some very special treats... the bright, sunny and warm weather of Sonoma County, a "few" choice pounds of delicious tri-tips for the grill and some tasty samples of locally grown "grape juice". Just what the doctor ordered...mom and dad!

With an offering of fantastic weather we all escaped to the outdoors to share and explore some of our local landscapes and sights. With the folks being drawn to nurseries and gardens...and then some more nurseries and gardens, how could we have ignored the hilltop views of Red Ridge Farms Nursery or beautiful landscaped grounds at the Oregon Gardens? Well we didn't.

The hilltop vistas from Red Ridge Farms in Dundee definitely showcase the beautiful fall colors of this part of the state. Set in a very tranquil and peaceful setting, you could browse through the boutique, share a picnic basket and a bottle of local wine or just relax and be.

The Oregon Gardens welcomed us with 20 specialty gardens and features. We strolled through waterfalls, quiet ponds, fountains, a unique display of conifers, a 400-year old Signature Oak, a garden just for children, beautiful vistas and some pretty cool art.

Although it is a hidden gem in the dense coastal forests of southwest Oregon, we are in close proximity to the largest state park in Oregon, Silver Falls State Natural Area. The park gives one many reasons to stop...but since the Nicolais never miss any opportunity for adventure... what a perfect way to stretch our legs, walk behind, through and around breathtaking South Falls...all the while savoring the crisp clean air, autumn colors and taking a "few" choice photos of the park.

The beautiful Evergreen Air Museum proved to be quite unique and showcased an excellent collection of military and civilian aircraft...with the centerpiece being Howard Hughes' magnificent Spruce Goose. You could easily spend an entire afternoon marveling at all the exhibits and historical data.

But just as November sunrises begin, they also set...and we sadly had to bid a farewell to mom and dad...but they take with them a vivid memory of the beauty of the Willamette Valley. What a comfort it was to see them both.

Hellooo...Champoeg

2007-10-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

After a seemingly long stay… one month and eight days, at Olde Stone Village in McMinnville… our home on wheels has changed locale. We have arrived at Champoeg State Heritage Park...and what a wonderful breath of fresh air! The tree lined roads and brilliant fall colors are akin to beacons of the season welcoming all visitors to "our" park. Every hue and then some, of green, yellow & red radiate as sunlight filters through the branches. Quite a beautiful sight!

And with a bike trail and walking path along the Willamette River, coupled with abundant wildlife throughout the park…a nourishing environment now embraces the BlaNics.

The transition to our new park began on a wonderful note…a long overdue visit with Eric and Brenda. Just back from an Alaska cruise, they took a few extra days to drive down from Seattle for a two day visit. We managed to share stories, catch up, check in on families, reminisce…and thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. We look forward to our return to Hawaii to spend more needed time with “brodah” & sister.

Over the years we have come to realize that sharing our passion for the outdoors has been truly enjoyable and rewarding. Volunteering as state Park Hosts fulfills those desires of offering our joy, experience and wisdom to new, as well as seasoned campers. One of our many goals as hosts is to highlight an array of reasons to the next generation of youth for why they should continue on the same path of their elders toward preserving, providing and perpetuating our parks, natural resources and outdoor recreation for their future families.

As Park Hosts in Champoeg, we will be the eyes, ears and voice of A Loop Campground. Greet, answer questions, sell firewood & ice, some light grounds maintenance and yurt cleaning will be our primary responsibilities…definitely more fun times then work time…but what a beautiful place to punch a timeclock.

We plan on moving to B Loop Campground November 1st and will host until there until December 31st. The only change to our routine will be the replacement of cabin cleaning instead of yurts. This loop offers wide open vistas versus the lush canopy of ash and oak we now have...but also quite beautiful views.

"Mac" and Memorial Elementary

2007-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Our first few weeks in "Mac", as locals call McMinnville, have been quite pleasant and we are anticipating getting to know our new area. Being on the road and traveling during the past few months has given me a taste of what it is like to be in a myriad of different locations, seeing new sights, meeting fellow travelers, experiencing new adventures. Most of all, I have been inspired and awed at the ability and confidence that Michael demonstrates when driving our home from one location to another. There have been more then a few instances of curvy single lane country roads, construction sites, logging truck traffic, steep grades, backing into parking spots, etc. I sit by his side and am filled with confidence and the peaceful knowledge that all is well. The transition to being stationed in one place has been an adjustment…I’ve been bitten by the traveling bug that seems to dwell in both our gypsy souls.

Yet, I embrace the idea of diving back into school and am excited to be surrounded again by the enthusiasm, innocence and joy of childhood and learning. I find myself surrounded by passionate, positive and enthusiastic colleagues and have settled into my classroom. It has been quite different…not preparing for one group of kids that will travel through the year with me. Instead, I will have the opportunity to make many connections!! Already the smell of work in the air and visions of highly amped mothers competing for parking spots, loud chatter of excited kids scurrying down hallways looking for their new classroom and so begins another journey.

Re-Discovering Country Coach

2007-08-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

As happened in the past, a trip to Country Coach headquarters in Junction City, Oregon, the home of the "Worlds Finest Motorcoach", again reinforced our decision to exclusively seek and own a CC motor home. Completing another tour of the factory (our initial tour was six years ago), it was again validated to us that Country Coach offers the finest and safest chassis in the industry today, provides only state of the art design and construction (hand built one at a time), demands the highest quality of craftsmanship while using only the best hardwoods, counter tops and flooring and reasearches and utilizes only the finest materials and premier appliances...but above all else...and without any hesitation toward cost...ensures that they are second to none in providing unequaled customer service to all of their owners.

Our visit included only some minor servicing (after hearing other owners discuss their problems...ours was indeed minor) and warranty work. But even a legendary Country Coach motor home can have the consequences of being built one coach at a time by human hands. We immediately realized our coach was the oldest and the least monetary investment of the owners lined up on the lot. Next to us was a 2002, 1.3 million dollar, Prevost Bus Conversion that had water leak issues and had ruined the red silk wallpaper, then there was a 2007, 800k, Affinity with an electrical meltdown (not good for an all electric coach) or on the other side of us, a new 470k Allure (same as our Hannah) with slide out failure. Although each one of these owners was unhappy that their coach required servicing...each one of the owners agreed... "Country Coach takes care of us and will make it right".

We visited the number one Country Coach dealership in the U.S. for a free lunch and to look (drool) at the 36' 2008 Inspires and 37' Allures...flat out gorgeous! Upon our return to the manufacturer, we shared our interest toward a new purchase with the technicians assigned to our coach. Service writer and technicians responded the same...WHY? But WHY? WHY would you? They proceeded to provide us the facts about our mature, but wonderful coach;

"The 2002 line of Country Coach was one of the best years of coach production (2000-2002) for the company. For 3 straight years that traditional style, the floor plans and the best proven components were used...and the company only produced 400 total coaches each year....and that is combined....all models. Since 2003, the body styles, components, electronics (which our now out of this world) and slide out operation has changed each year...resulting in limited "seasoning" of each new model to totally get all the kinks out. Plus, you now have Country Coach producing almost 900 coaches per year (still the lowest of the large high line production companies...i.e Monaco produces 9,000), so production schedules, personnel and quality control are now being strained to meet this high demand. Look at it this way, your coach was "slow roasted" using a tried and true family recipe, until completed to perfection".

Did that dialogue make us beam even more about our Allure. And with that perfect report card, we gave our coach a hug, saddled up to mosey up to McMinnville for some green pasture, blue skies, a soothing spray wash, followed by a deserving hand massage of wax.

The Middle Fork of the Willamette River

2007-08-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Our final vacation stop finds us parked with another spectacular view, a duplicate to the view we had days prior to our crossing into Oregon...a beautiful river, rushing whitewater. greetings from Ospreys overhead and Hannah parked only yards from the rocky shores.

Casey's Riverside RV Park in Westfir is located right on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The largest membership rv club in the nation, Good Sam, rates this park in their top 10. Although not the same size river in volume or width that flows through the Willamette Valley, this upper section of the Willamette mirrors the look of most renowned blue ribbon trout streams in the West, fast, deep and blue.

The historical Office Covered Bridge in Wesfir is the longest covered bridge in the state, as well as our starting point for a beautiful country drive...

A drive on Highway 19, the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, proved to us that it's reputation as one of the prettiest roads in Oregon, is not just a tourist marketing ad by the state and if anything, very underrated. This road is one of the nations first Fifty National Scenic Byways. The spectacular scenery goes on for 58 miles, an up close and personal view of rivers and lush ancient forests...and the fact is... we actually whispered..."lets keep this a secret"...now we are already sounding Oregonian. The road meanders along the North Fork of the Willamette River on the West side and the Roaring River on the East side...and we won't discount the 30 or so creeks we crossed. And even though it is such a beautiful, peaceful and renowned byway, it is truly remote...no gas stations, no homes, no stores, no cellular, no people...we only saw a handful of cars (4) in a 31 mile stretch...all during summer vacation time!

The Mckenzie River...WOW! This river is beautiful, perfect in every way and crystal clear...no joke...the river is so clear, every single rock on the river bottom could be seen...magnificent.

Zigzagging its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) boasts the greatest elevation changes of any of America's National Scenic Trails, allowing it to pass through six out of seven of North America's ecozones including high and low desert, old-growth forest and artic-alpine country. Indeed, the PCT is a trail of diversity and extremes. From scorching desert valleys in Southern California to rain forests in the Pacific Northwest, the PCT offers hikers a unique, varied and challenging experience. The Oregon section of the PCT is not only the shortest, 441 miles, but the easiest to hike. Strong long-distance hikers will cover 30 miles or more per day!
Well, a portion of this legendary trail is located here in the Willamette National Forest, so we decided to add some extra adventure and discovery to our day by going on a short 3 mile (6 miles round trip) day hike to three pristine mountain lakes known as the Rosary Lakes via the PCT.
This was an easy wilderness trail to navigate, well groomed and shaded by a thick canopy of trees. With a steady climb through a
formidable stand of old-growth Douglas fir, the trail gained 600 feet in the last 2.2 miles to a ridge overlooking heart-shaped Lower Rosary Lake. Pulpit Rock towers above, reflecting in the lake’s clear water. Arrived just in time for lunch.

Nestled in an old growth forest is Waldo Lake. This lake is Oregon's second-largest natural body of water and dwells in a basis scooped out by ancient glaciers. The lake is famed as one of the purest lakes left in the world...pure and clean enough to qualify as distilled water. The astonishing visibility enables one to see down 100 feet to the bottom.

Salt Creek Falls is a gem of complete magnificence. Regarded as the second highest falls in Oregon, a perfectly placed observation platform offered us a prime view of its spectacular drop to the bottom of the canyon.

The early morning on the river is calm and quiet, with nothing but the sounds of nature and the ratcheting of my reel breaking the serene silence. The air is thin and crisp, with the faint smell of fir and river moss. The beautiful mountain canyon embraces me with its canopy of trees. It’s cold, yet the skies are so blue, the sun so bright. My fingers are already numb. The river is clear and pure, the water so frigid. The pools are deep blue and mysterious. Although the river moves fast, the clarity gives off an illusion of it having a lazy, peaceful pace. You see the trout, facing upstream, so wary, so confident, and so beautiful. It’s time! A hatch of mayflies is on, and I am ready to match the hatch. Casting upstream over rifts and pools, I wait for the first strike. I imagine, I dream, and then believe that this is all that is required to experience a moment of life, that this is truly Being.

But on the other hand...depending on the day, place and weather.... this is truly Being...

We now must bid so long to the Willamette National Forest, a natural wonderland, with so many wonders to see, visit and experience...a return stay will surely be necessary. So on this, just our 2nd rainy day in Oregon, we are off to Junction City for Hannah's "day spa" appointment at Country Coach. From there we return to our long term stay at Olde Stone Village in McMinnville for the start of the school year and "normal" everyday living.....

The County of Yamhill

2007-08-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

We have ARRIVED! After a year of planning, completing some major downsizing and then the aggressive lifestyle change...yet another dream has become a reality with our arrival to McMinnville, Oregon. We will be here at Olde Stone Village RV Park, which is very close to the downtown area, for only a week to initiate some relocation business toward becoming official Oregonians. From here we have plans to continue our exploration of the Willamette Valley, before returning to McMinnville and settle in for the start of the school year.

Our entrance into town would not be complete without a visit to the historic downtown district...and a toast to our moment, with a McMenamins Hammerhead Ale in hand, on the legendary rooftop bar of the Oregon Hotel. Here one has a 360 degree view of historic downtown McMinnville, the surrounding vineyards and the lush tree covered hills.

Every morning McMinnville has greeted us with few threatening clouds, but as we awakened, so did the day. Sunshine matched our joy and enthusiasm to explore and then warmed our soul for a day of exploring our new surroundings. A country ride brought us to the doorstep of a beautiful 50-acre working estate named Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn...and our first "tasting" in this wine region, a 2003 Pinot Noir...in the land where this varietal is Queen. Each summer, wineries from every corner of the world gather in McMinnville for the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Our very "tasty" fruit juice was an excellent sample....
The Yamhill Valley is home to small town hospitality, picture perfect farms, wild berries lining country roads, friendly front yard fruit stands, tail waggin' dogs and more than a third of Oregon's vineyards ...so much rural charm...the land beckons you to stay, as it dares you to relax while offering you more and more nourishment... and then teases you with illusions of this being home...so much more to explore, see and taste.

We have many things and places here to keep us occupied...for a week or for months. With a location in between Portland & Salem, imagine the possibilities...just outings to Portland alone could fill every "rainy" weekend for the rest of our year! Eateries, museums, bookstores, downtown boutiques and those awesome parks...

Mallard Creek

2007-08-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

On the last day of July we once again ventured away from the Pacific Ocean (our home shore for the past decade) and headed inland to fertile valleys, healthy forests, dozens of rivers and a multitude of lakes..all will be our new playgrounds. We drove east on meandering highways through Corvalis and towns with names like Lebanon, Waterloo and Sweet Home... Here tucked amid rolling hils and scattered pine forests, bordered by a beautiful river and dotted with small ponds being fed by small mountain streams sits the Mallard Creek Golf Course and RV Resort...a par 72, 18 hole championship golf course. Now it just added a Country Coach Allure, a beautiful Dutch Babe with fantasies of golfings greatest and a patient dream maker...we have arrived at Camelot.

One of the beautiful lakes perched in the foothills nearby is Foster Resorvoir. Featuring a key hatchery for the Santiam River, we were able to see huge Rainbow & Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, Salmon and White Sturgeon...hence we have chalked up this river for a return fly fishing visit.
Since the golf course offers a full service pro shop and driving range, we were able to fine tune lost skills (or no skills) from a previous lifetime. Although we pre-warned fellow golfers on the range that they were in the "splash zone"...the tragectory of our balls were most often above our knees, sailing relatively straight and surprising long...very surprising. Will this be another hobby for the BlaNics to partake in? We plan to do some research and check out the investment.

Since crossing into the Oregon on July 18th, we have used the word "WOW" a minimum of once per day. All of our destinations have been wonderful...a smorgasbord of sights, color and flavor. And this resort was no exception. The area, nourished by the Santiam River, gets a few WOWs.

We now look forward to visiting our new "headquarters" for the coming school year...McMinnville and Olde Stone Village RV Resort.

Yaquina Bay

2007-07-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

"Travel Day"...is far more than starting the ignition and driving off to the next destination. To be road ready, Hannah is dusted and wiped free of any dirt...a clean coach equals a happy driver...all coach fluids and tire pressure are checked, holding tanks are emptied and hoses cleaned and packed, cable and electric service disconnected. Next the interior. Imagine putting your home on 6 tires, driving roads with stop and go traffic, winding curves and up to speeds of 65 mph. What would you have to do to prevent precious cargo from breaking? No different here. All items are removed from counters and packed snugly in our cabinets. Plants are placed in a box to prevent toppling over. All "air space" in our refrigerator is organized with food, cans, storage containers, etc. to prevent toppling over. All drawers, cabinets and pocket doors are locked shut. Slide outs are retracted and turned off. Now then, just maybe...yes maybe...we have not overlooked anything and our coach is ready to move out.

Outdoor Resorts Pacific Shores in Newport, Oregon…self acclaimed as “The coast’s finest exclusive Motorcoach Resort” does offer stunning ocean views, pool , spa and sauna, manicured pads and very “orderly and quiet” surroundings…but falls a little short of being the best of the rest (minimum $50.00 per night and still a fee for wireless). Our perspective on this trip is that this resort is “black & white”…not the “tapestry” of colors we so much enjoy to experience while on the road. Part of the joy of being in a motorhome, is the opportunity to not only experience scenic wonders, but also to meet a rainbow of unique fellow travelers. Here we found little contact with our neighbors (we tried), who seemed to prefer to hold court in their high line coaches or sitting alone in monogrammed lawn chairs…this felt like a pre-planned community without much personality...during this visit.

But we do have some very nice takeaways from Newport. The wide, white sand strands are gorgeous and uncrowded…you are truly a lone “castaway” as you walk the shoreline. Standing alone and bold on the point of Yaquina Bay is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.

A tour around the Otter Crest Loop brought us to Cape Foulweather, a 500-foot high point named by Captain James Cook in a blustery March day in 1778. Backward leaning shore pines give witness to the 100 mph winds that still materialize along this shoreline. We could easily entertain ourselves for a week, but we now must head our nose east over the coastal range toward the Willamette Valley…next stop the…the RV Resort at Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon.

Winchester Bay

2007-07-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, we thoroughly enjoyed our drive on a country road as it followed the Umpqua River west to the sea. No steep climbs or descents, only a handful of menacing logging trucks and tight curves...but mostly just pure, scenic beauty. Here in the Lower Umpqua Region, on its last rush to the sea, the river widens and moves lazily, slipping quietly by densely forested hillsides, rich bottomlands, through tide flats, salt marshes and vast sand dunes...then into the Pacific at Winchester Bay.

This spectacular bay, surrounded by pine forests, welcomed us with clear skies and beautiful sunshine. Temperatures here were almost 20 degrees cooler than Canyonville...aided by the strong sea winds. The Winchester Bay RV Resort is located on the upper end of the harbor in the photo below.

Known as the "crab capital" of Oregon, Winchester Bay provides prime breeding waters for delicious Dungeness crab, which can be caught right off the rocks. After parking Hannah, we rode our bikes to Salmon Harbor to purchase a 2lb fresh crab for our evening dinner (its sweet meat was delicious). The harbor, which is adjacent to our resort, is also one of the largest recreational facilities on the Oregon Coast, offering fishing trips, water tours and mooring slips.

Our surroundings are beautiful!! The photo above is taken right in front of our coach... a glimpse of Salmon Harbor, while behind us the Pacific greets the Umpqua river. In the hills above the bay sits the Umpqua lighthouse and just a short distance, north or south, are dunes, lakes, trails and ....

The Dean Creek Elk Viewing area is the year round residence for a herd of about 100 majestic Roosevelt Elk...Oregon's largest land animal. Believing that all living things had a spirit, the Indians of the coast range had a great respect for the elk. This bond between elk and humans has existed for thousands of years. This mosaic of mountains, meadows, marshes and creeks is also the home to Black Tail deer, beaver and Canadian geese.

The Umpqua Discovery Center is a unique interpretive center that offers it's visitors an opportunity to "Hike the Pathways to Discovery"...an indoor trail that features beautiful hand painted murals illustrating the different habitats, animals and plants of the Lower Umpqua Region. Next, you can visit "Tidewater Country" and glimpse how the Native Americans and early settlers impacted the cultural history and shaped this area.

The largest expanse of pure sand in North America extends over 40 miles of shoreline in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. A four mile hike on the John Dellenback Trail, led us to these wonderful rolling hills of sand.

The grains of sand in the Oregon Dunes have traveled 55 million years to get here, starting with the building of the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Following the mountain's formation - glaciers, rivers, wind and rainfall began to grind these peaks down to tiny grains of rock and carry them to the ocean. There currents push the sands back onshore, where the wind sculpts them into dunes.

As we walked up and down 147' high dunes, we looked back at our isolated tracks...in minutes...blowing sand fills footprints, in hours...flat afternoon sand gives way to intricate evening patterns, in days...huge dunes move many feet in one storm and in months...summer soft, rolling dunes become winter's hard angular scuptures.

Perched on a scenic bluff high above the Pacific Ocean is Shore Acres State Park. It all began as a luxurious private estate for pioneer lumberman & shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson. His summer home featured a three-story mansion and five acres of formal gardens. Fire destroyed the mansion and the depression caused the grounds to fall into disrepair. Purchased by the state of Oregon in 1942, the formal gardens were beautifully restored and now features year round displays of floral and scenic beauty.

Mail Delivery!! When you are on the road fulltime you need to have your mail forwarded to you via General Delivery to the local US Post Office. In Winchester Bay, the post office is located in the General Store and our mail arrived just as arranged.

After picking up the mail we went to visit the Umpqua Lighthouse, one of nine historic lighthouses that light the way down the Oregon Coast. Perched on a hillside high above the mouth of the river in Winchester Bay, the Umpqua River Lighthouse signals it's location to mariners as far as 21 miles out to sea.

The rhythm of a harbor...the sounds lull you into a quietness…a fog horn in the distance, sound of outboard motors, as fishing boats make their daily pilgrimage to and from the ocean, the splash of a crab pot landing in the water, clanging of ship's line against the mast, gulls squaking, ospreys calling.

This "neighborhood" is quite unique for it's soothing personality overcomes you. No matter where people come from , what they do for a living or what they thought they would do when they got here...the coastal life tranquilizes one into timeless pace. Our days and nights just melt into each other, with no defined boundaries other than a sunrise or a sunset...

Cow Creek Band...A Tribe Of The Umpqua

2007-07-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Seven Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville offered our first glimpse of a true motorcoach "resort." The park is surrounded by pine covered hills..creating an illusion that you are actually nestled far and away in the mountains of Oregon, isolated from all of civilization. But actually, you are less than a mile from Interstate 5 and the large gambling casino who owns this park. A wide array of ammenities are available for it's travelers...landscaped extra long pads, an indoor pool,spa and fitness center, showers, laundry facilities, walking trails, wi-fi, cable tv, free shuttle to to the casino, etc.

No sooner did mom and Pete disembark from their bus, when the search for the winning machine commenced. We managed to win enough for a tank of gas for our car...but they ended up contributing to the tribe's retirement fund. Fortunately for Seven Feathers, "One with the Machine Cha-ching" Susie, could not make the trip up here, otherwise we'd probably have to pay for pool and internet use to cover their losses...and Sus...the "Dueces Wild" were so wild, they took the night off. The next morning we had to bid "hasta la vista" to mom and Pete, wishing them a fun-filled Canadian Rockies tour.

But the most beautiful attraction in this area is a legendary flyfishing river ...The Umpqua. The river attracts anglers from all over the world in search of brown & brook trout, chinook, coho & sockeye salmon...and the king of them all...the native steelhead, which makes its run to the sea in the summer. The clear emerald waters flow literary wild, with miles and miles of uninhabited shoreline. And we were rewarded for our search for wildlife. Our short drive following the river west showcased a mighty golden eagle (the size of a turkey) demonstating it's hunting prowess as it flew over the shallow bedrock of the shoreline with its most recent catch in its talons.
We now ready ourselves again for the road, as we head west toward cooler tempertures and Winchester Bay...

The Valley of the Rogue

2007-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 18th, Hannah traveled only 61 miles, up and over the Siskiyous…a trip that would have taken Scratch 4 days to complete.

Crossing into another state was just that…a state of illusion. No boundary lines (just lines of trucks at the weigh station), no fanfare, no second thoughts ... but isn’t that how adventures begin? We have the dream, we create the vision, build the foundation and then make it reality! When it is all said and done…we can then celebrate, share the photos, tell the stories…take that deep breath…and then start planning another adventure anew. And since Oregon leads the way when it comes to stewardship of natural resources and advertises that it “loves dreamers”…this move may be a good fit.

The Valley of the Rogue State Park is situated right on the Rogue River. Campsites are quite large, surrounded by lush green lawns and pine trees, river walking paths, play areas and for the car camping enthusiast…offer flush toilets and free showers. Whoopee! We did notice throughout our stay that the campers were here to experience “true” camping. No generators, no loud music or shouting (yes, kids are kids and we did notice the occasional dog barking), no nonsense…and only friendliness and courtesy demonstrated to your neighbor. To say this is the norm for state parks in Oregon would be a stretch…but for our first experience
of an Oregonian state park…we graded the stay an “A”.

After years of keeping our bikes in storage, we decided to rack them onto the CRV and use them on the wonderful paths featured in Oregon. The park had access to the Green Way Trail which followed the bank of the river northward right into the town of Rogue River. Although a 10 mile bike trip may be a warm-up to some, it proved to be just perfect for these two novices…especially when the entire ride had river views and every new turn provided beautiful murals of the forest and mountain peaks surrounding the park. A late afternoon stroll to pick dessert yielded 4 cups of wild blackberries…a perfect foundation to a thick topping of whipped cream.

A daytrip to the headwaters of the Rogue led us up to Crater Lake…the only National Park in the state of Oregon. How many hues of blue have you ever seen? Now, try to recall how many hues of blue have you seen in a moment? Behold Crater Lake live! It is truly breathtaking…surrounded and guarded by magnificent 1,000 foot cliffs, it is the clearest and deepest lake (over 1,900 feet) in the United State. With a combination of sunshine, as it is able to penetrate to depths of 400 feet…add a little cloud cover, some shallow coves and voila…you will see before you an irridescent and brilliant living sapphire. Quite stunning!

Although the lodge is not a Jackson Lake Lodge or El Tovar, the Crater Lake Lodge is poised right on the rim of this caldera, so views of the entire lake are spectacular….

and lunch wasn’t too bad either.

Following the Rogue downstream, we managed to stop at two beautiful spots, the Farewell Bend Campground and the Rogue River Gorge. Steep rock walls sheltering deep pools and cascading waterfalls highlight this part of the river…quite a contrast to the scenic banks at the state park where we are staying. And all along this byway of forests, rivers, lakes, hiking trails and bike paths are signs…BlaNics, please, please stay.

Next stop…a brief reunion with mom and Pete in Canyonville…

Blue Heron at River's Edge

2007-07-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

The roadquest continues...with an overnight stop to see Cathy & Bob at the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. We looked so much forward to seeing our “Camp Host Mentors”…for they did enable us to truly embrace this new volunteer effort called “hosting”. We had a wonderful evening of conversation with them and then an awesome all you can eat seafood buffet. As they headed home and the vibrant sunset disappeared we both agreed that the next time we were in the area we would connect with our friends again.

The name Klamath is taken from the Native American word Klamet…meaning swiftness and the river and it’s fish are considered sacred by the Native Klamath Tribes. The Blue Heron RV Park proved to be a hidden jewel on the banks of the beautiful river. With high end resort quality pads positioned just 50 feet from the river’s edge, each site offered us an unobstructed 180º view of this beautiful river. Owners Jim and Kathy Burney, and the entire Blue Heron staff, not only welcomed us to their wonderful resort and tasty dishes offered at their Fish Hook Restaurant…but demonstrated the true meaning of “Mi Casa es Tu Casa”.

Each morning we awoke to the “stressful” task of choosing what form of relaxation to try and what to barbeque. Watching the wildlife, lounging, wading, walking, reading or just visiting with our neighbors were among our most popular choices. We were introduced to two delectable wines by vintners Joe and Shirley. Their Lobo Loco Shyraz and Viognier are superb! And then Country Coach Inspire owners, Don and Linda, provided us free “consultations” toward some innovative solar energy upgrades. We look forward to seeing our new friends on the road again.

Sitting on the bank of the Klamath, we became observers of life on this abundant river… Osprey soaring above as they taught their young to catch trout, the Blue Herons, statuettes patiently stalking their prey, Canadian geese floating through the rapids, the Kingfisher scanning the pools for small fish…and as this swift river flows west, providing haven to it’s sacred salmon and steelhead, we prepare to head north to our “new home state”…
Tomorrow the BlaNics invade Oregon!

The Nicolais of Cloverdale

2007-07-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

Our arrival into Cloverdale was greeted by deep blue skies, mild summer weather and tree covered hills. The fertile Alexander Valley is lush with vineyards as evidenced by acres and acres of healthy vines that surround the many world renowned wineries.

As we entered Clover Springs and meandered our way through the neighborhood to "Creekside Motorcoach Resort", we drove with anticipation at seeing mom and dad. As we rounded the last corner, there they stood in front of their home! Mom with her ever present camera in hand, taking photos and dad looking on with smiles of joy...or maybe it was the of look of...Wow, that sure is huge! When you have over 60 feet of motorcoach and car pull up in front of your home, it can be an imposing sight.

Although our width filled almost half of the street, there was ample room to safely park...and with the entire block of homeowners aware and so receptive to our visit, our perfect "pad" was secured for our stay. And as always mom and dad had the red carpet rolled out for their favorite daughter and son-in-law (as they only have one daughter). Chilled wine, ice cold beers, thick steaks for the grill & decadent desserts awaited our always grateful and "empty" palettes.

As is the norm, the home was immaculate and the gardens meticulously maintained. The rear garden tantalized your vision with a rainbow of vivid colors and the sound of a burbling waterfall soothed you into complete relaxation...one could say this is the Shangri-La of Cloverdale. And we did relax, eat, relax and then eat again during our stay...with only minor "interruptions" to burn off some of those great meals with walks on the serene hiking paths throughout the neighborhood. We shall return many times to the only 5 Star Motorcoach Resort in Clover Springs!

Visits from the many loving friends that mom and dad have met during their years in Cloverdale also provided some wonderful conversations. All were quite impressed with our coach and enjoyed the 5¢tours we offered them. And we found a common bond with these dear friends…they too are adventurers…with a stage not of the highways of the U.S….but of the world.

As usual time was too short here and our morning of departure snuck upon us. Although our hugs and waves may be interpreted as a “goodbye”…we both know that miles, states or countries are insignificant when it comes to our parents, brothers and sisters. Staying connected is as simple as a keystroke on the computer or dialing a number on our phones, but our daily thoughts and love transcend all forms of communication and is the most direct link….that of the heart.

Always...Just Being Leif

2007-07-09T20:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Leif’s memorial held at the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living. What a wonderful celebration of this man’s life. Stephen and Orlena created a beautiful slide presentation of photos highlighting special life events, those happy places and candid moments in his life. It was the first time I viewed Leif as a toddler, “kid” and teen…god, he was such a beautiful boy…one whose beauty only deepened as he became a young man. I do believe all in attendance left touched and impacted by Leif whose message in passing was a parable for the living. This gathering of family and friends cannot be called a “final” tribute to Leif for he will continue to provide us vivid memories of his childish joy, experiencing life on his own terms, his vibrant displays of emotions and his curiosity for the unknown.
Again this morning…my first opening thought was of Leif…with the same questions…where you be? What is it like Leif? Although all my moments or days with Leif over the sixteen years I knew him were unique, happy and many times insightful, Our last visit together was a weeklong, 277 mile rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon during the summer of 2005…which proved to be the final time I saw him prior to his untimely transition (Untimely?… I never saw Leif wearing a watch…time was irrelevant…days timeless). And if there ever was a time when I could create an example of “lifedancing”, providing a pictorial slide show of Leif experiencing the Canyon over these 7 days would be it. Jumping off cliffs and waterfalls, embracing the waves rapids head first, being the last one to arise in the morning even as we noisely broke camp around him, habanero sauce drizzled over anything labeled food, collecting scorpions in his clothes bag, forgetting or losing gear…he was “typical” Leif on this trip (Leif was anything but typical). Over the years I realized that Leif had this attraction to what most people would classify as bizarre, grotesque or even weird…but think about this…don’t many people see life with their eyes closed, with fear and judgements, half empty versus half full? Leif viewed the unseen…and to my knowledge he saw with no man made filters or barriers. And in his 36 year lifetime, he offered himself to more experiences than those twice his age, those among us who live life with blinders on…those with daily duplication of habits, creative talents used only mastering the functions on the tv remote and whose “pictures” of life are dictated by the same control. Life is food for the soul. We are offered choices to sample it…through a feeding tube, a straw or on an “all you can eat” platter. I always choose the latter…but Leif chose to be the tastebud…seeking and experiencing life in its rawest form.

My simple remembrance of a very loving and complex friend...who will be missed and thought of often...

As a memorial to Leif...on the one year anniversary of his passing...we celebrated his life under a "timeless" Cambrian oak tree (and so fitting that it engulfed us with its loving canopy of branches), sharing Leif stories, his writings and honoring his being.

Jellies, Hawgs and Trees

2007-07-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

A short morning drive up Highway 101 finds us tucked in on a tree line pad at the friendly and very quiet Betabel RV Park...quite the change from the recent highly active weekends at San Simeon Campground. The nice pool was supposed to provide us an opportunity to "activate" those hidden pigmentation cells and elimate any hint of our albino ancestry...but the weather was Cambrian...a cool 55-60 degrees, overcast and a persistent breeze.

Complimentary tickets from a generous soul to the Monterey Bay Aquarium provided us an opportunity to spend a wonderful afternoon on the Monterey Peninsula. The Aquarium offered us a reminder to be playful, carefree and thankful of our life experience...like the otters... and to sometimes just float around like the jellies. A recommendation to dine at the Fishwife Restaurant in Asilomar proved to be a perfect way to exit this beautiful sanctuary. We also highly recommend this eatery.

We visited the town of San Juan Bautista which again made us realize how much we love small communities founded by courageous pioneering families. On this 4th of July weekend over a hundred thousand (yes, 100,000) bikers rode their "hawgs" through this the town on their way to Hollister as part of a two day rally...one could almost picture horses instead of "Harleys" lined up outside the saloon. Many of these motorcycles are being towed in enclosed trailers behind motorhomes which are also being parked at Betabel.

Our state docent/volunteer experiences continue to provide rewards and enrichment...a tour of San Juan Batista State Historic Park was offered by the park rangers on staff as a thank you for our services. Upon reflection of our docent experience, volunteering has fueled our love and passion toward our state and national parks and motivated us to continue to be strong stewards of these beautiful parks, caretakers of the natural resourses they provide and guardians of the flora and fauna they provide homes for. At the mission, you can visualize in one compact area, the several "successive phases of California history", the Native Ameriancs, the Spanish Missionaries, the Mexican Californios and the early American settlers...all leaving a rich, colorful culture filled with many stories.

A yearning to walk among the "big trees" led us to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains. Strolling through the trees quiets our mind "chatter", while the power of the old growth groves humbles our existence. It is magical how our senses become heightened in this realm of living giants...the scent of pine, the sponginess of the earth beneath your feet, distant sounds of a stream as it flows over a bed of stones and the strands of sunlight filtering through the tree tops. We wonder how individuals CANNOT find the time to experience this soul charging. As we wandered off the main trail and explored the "less advertised" paths, we found ourselves enjoying this beautiful sanctuary with peace, quietness and harmony....a mirror of what can happen everyday when you choose to live life "out of the box".

We filled out our week here with a visit from our dear friend Joan, catching up on stuff and enjoyed an early grill with a nice bottle of wine. We also became acquainted with a few new friends, fellow travelers on the road to anywhere.

Cambria...In the Rear View Mirror

2007-07-01T22:04:00.001-07:00

This morning we bid a fond farewell to the Central Coast and a warm hello to the next destination. As we drive eastward and see the deep blue coastline in our rear view mirror slowly disappear we can both agree that the “Pines By The Sea”, was truly the first waypoint that we created together. Although we arrived at separate times, we were both drawn to the of lure Cambria, for rest, healing and strength for the “unknown” paths and destinations that we knew awaited us. Little did we know that a decade of growth would pass before the moments were right to depart on this wonderful adventure. Over the years here, the enchantment of the Central Coast filled us with many joyful moments, provided a myriad of loving friendships and leaves us with the knowledge that it will indeed be a place that we will call “home” and shall someday return to.

For now though, all road leads us north...