PNW Roadtrip 2011 - Part 3

The Finale.. The last leg of Seattle, one more stop in Portland and then we we're headed southbound.

I feel inspired to start making postcards. The city lights over the water is just so beautiful.




It's year two of New Year's Eve in Seattle. And another year of pre downtown celebration prep at the Coleman's.






And then add a few layers and take a bus downtown..










Happy NEW Year! From the space needle. It's really great to enjoy fireworks in a street full of people celebrating as well.






New Year's Day Breakfast... Delicious. Unlimited fruit toppings.


And exploring:






How brilliant: Bring your Christmas Tree to the shore, pack some snacks and have a bonfire! Why don't we all end the season this well?






Exploring the fish ladder.. new places each time I visit!


And then we began the decent. Sad. But at least we got to stop in Portland and hang with Ryan!


One last Stumptown


And then we tried to keep our spirits up on the long drive home. It was seriously tough as we returned to flat land, warm weather and dingy skies. But we tried:


The end... for now.
Thank you Washington, Oregon, friends and new places for a week full of memories. I am grateful to travel with and to such great people.

PNW Roadtrip 2011 - Part 2

.... and Seattle! Friends, food, exploring, new places, familiar ones and more.

Of course, you have to explore the market.








Bubble Gum galore




They're great. And cute too. Friends and host: Kaleb & Melody.


Not bad.


 I am glad they like drinking lots of coffee as well.






Late night exploring in Ballard. It was quite chilly which was lovely.


One more is coming...

PNW Roadtrip 2011 - Part 1

Part 1: Fullerton to Lake Isabella. Lake Isabella to Shasta. Shasta to Portland.
... And so begins the 2nd annual roadtrip. In a search for weather, good coffee, friends and adventure we set off on the 20 hour drive.

We were the guest of quite a few rest stops.. They are much prettier in Oregon.


Oregon is so inviting!




Kennedy School - Rubinator!


Peacock Lane in Portland is almost too great.






The beginning of many, many coffee stops.


Night lights on the burnside bridge.






Will was a perfect host and partner in exploring! (We're all a tad tired now).


Oops.. The car is far and it's really raining. Oh wait, Awesome!


On our way out we stopped at Multnomah Falls. We had hopes to hike to the top but dark and rain rolled in. It was adventure none the less.




It's so great to walk Portland. I love the many unique shops, restaurants and new areas to explore. And the green moss, trees and plant covered porches are so lovely and unique. I could sit in a fabulous coffee shop and drink coffee, people watch, read/write and ponder all day long. Oh, and I am pretty sure it's never 78 in December like SoCal.
To be continued..