Heading South

We left Seattle this morning, but not before saying goodbye to the Parker family. Dave was Matt's youth minister and he performed our wedding ceremony. It was so good to reconnect with them! Ella loved Suzette and would not leave her side. They must have liked the kids, because they kept them overnight for us when we went to the wedding. Such nice folks!

Then, we headed south to Oregon. We could take the easy route and jet on I-5 through Portland, then into California, but no we are on the scenic route on Hwy 101 down the Oregon Coast. We started by cutting across to Astoria - the setting of the movie Goonies. Ella and I walked up to the "Goonie house" and even met a little girl that lives there now.

Then we took the Astoria Bridge, across the mouth of the Columbia River and back into Washington. Yes, we did it on purpose. The bridge is amazing - take a look at th pictures. It's like a rollercoaster! Then we turned right back around and did it again to get back on our route south.

We stopped in a seaside village for some fresh seafood and kept trying to stay on the road, but the scenery was just so beautiful, we kept stopping to take pictures. The one stop where we didn't take any pictures was at Tillamook - yes, where they make the cheese. What I didn't know is that they also make the most wonderful ice cream! Yum! It was a fun break.

After stopping to see the sun set, a light house and even sea lions, we are finally going to sleep. OK, everyone else is already asleep. I just need to join them.



Tomorrow is the rest of the Oregon coast and the Redwood forest. We should end up in Sonoma wine country. I'm trying to extend our stay there an additional night.

All in all, we've had an exceptional trip so far!