Author: Lisa

When thinking about Peru and where I wanted to visit, in addition to Machu Picchu of course!, I knew I wanted to see the Amazon Rainforest.

Rainforest…what comes to mind…?  Lots of plants, some different animals, and heat.  What did I experience?  A variety of plants, intriguing animals, and hot and humid conditions!  Over 102 degrees with 95% humidity!

Our G-Adventure group, consisting of 14 fabulous travelers and one amazing CEO (Chief Experience Officer), flew from Lima to Puerto Maldonado.  From the airport, we took a bus…and then a motorized canoe!  In the boat, Leo and Elvis, our rainforest guides, frequently asked the boat operator to stop so we could see tropical animals during our two-hour float. That evening, we went on a night walk to see what was hiding under the stars.  The next day, we walked into the forest.  Our final evening, we climbed into the canoe and found four caimans!

Some of the fauna we saw:  capybara, side necked turtle, quetzal, white caimans, parakeets, macaws, weber birds, jungle cows, horned screamers (birds) – plus a vast array of insects!

Only a few of my photos came out okay enough to share…

On the canoe…

 

Berry-painted face

 

Our gorgeous lodge – each bed had mosquito netting

 

Flora at the lodge and on our hikes

 

 

 

 

Brazil – I mean, Peru! – nuts

 

Lots and lots of fauna!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my final day in Lima before meeting my G-Adventures travel group, I walked down to the beach and then to the Huaca Pucllana pyramid and ruins.

Statue welcoming me to the beach

 

Surfers – and surfing schools – filled the waters off of Miraflores

 

Three people relaxing

 

Beautiful!

 

Hang-glider

 

Very dry climate!  I’m also curious how the hills don’t slide into the ocean…

 

Huaca Pucllana Pyramid: “Built by millions of adobe bricks, these ruins once served as an administrative center and a pre-Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the God Pachacamac.“

 

Huaca Pucllana is surrounded by modern buildings

 

Huaca Pucllana ruins

 

Llama hanging out at Huaca Pucllana

A few general observations before I share today’s meanderings:

  1. I am officially old.  On the bus, a twenty-something young woman gave up her seat for me – and I took it.  While walking back to the hotel from the bus station, a panhandler called me “abuela.” Nonetheless, if this is how old feels, I’ll take it! 😊
  2. Lima is a big city – 12 million people.  Not only does the mass of bodies remind me of New York, so does the number of people looking at their phones while walking remind me of NY!  Hey, people, everywhere – move out of the flow of traffic if you need to look at your phone!
  3. Colonial architecture is similar everywhere…Spain, Mexico, Peru… Traveling brings colonization to life…

Now, to today’s wanderings… My Lonely Planet book listed a Lima City Walk. I took a photo of the page, instead of carrying the heavy book, and traveled on the metro express bus from Miraflores to Lima. My general frustration with public transportation was somewhat abated after I spoke to my hotel’s receptionist. She gave me paper maps and explained to me, as if I were a third grader, how to maneuver the transit system.  Of course, I still went into a bank to get my transit card instead of the metro station! 🤦‍♀️

Once, I got off of the bus, I explored Lima – plazas, a cathedral, a monastery, central market, etc.

In the Cathedral of Lima, I had an English-speaking guide.  I understood maybe half of what he said.  In the monastery, I didn’t know if they had English tours, so I joined a Spanish tour, understanding maybe 5% of what she said…however, each room had a sign in English which helped!

Around Lima are public art pieces. My cathedral guide said that women in early Peru were covered up as much as women in Afghanistan, allowed to show only one eye.  These sculptures commemorate that time period.

 

Under construction…

 

Playing with Black & White photography while perambulating around Lima

 

Presidential Palace – guards on-duty

 

In the Cathedral of Lima, the remains of Francisco Pizarra are buried in this coffin. In preparation for this trip, I listened to The Trail of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie on Audible. The story of the Pizarra brothers – wowza!

 

In the crypt under the cathedral are many coffins, including those of children. My guide said children were buried closest to the top so they had an easy and quick way to heaven.

 

Due to the influence of Moors, the tile work is similar to Lisbon and other cities I’ve visited.

 

Across the Parque de Muralla, I saw these homes nested into the hillside, similar, according to the server in my restaurant, to Brazil’s favelas.

 

The old city wall, as seen from above the Parque de Muralla.

 

Outside the Franciscan monastery. Inside the monastery, we could not take photos. If I could have, I guess I would have taken photos of the bones and skulls laid out in the catacombs. There were so many!

Before leaving home, I found a self-guided walking tour posted by a blogger. What a wonderful way to see this part of Lima! The murals, especially those in Barranco, topped my sights for the day. Also very cool, while in the Museum of Contemporary Art, the curator chatted with me about their new exhibition on COLOR. So nice to talk with the person who chose the pieces about what she chose and why.

A little side note: I’m on Day 248 of “learning” Spanish on DuoLingo. Silly, I know, but after being the only one who spoke NO Spanish when I was in Mexico, I decided it was time for me to learn the language. I’ve been using what I know while here – with many smiles and some laughter exchanged between my conversant and me! It’s been fun and useful to have at least some familiarity with the language. 😊

Miraflores

 

 

 
Museum of Contemporary Art

 

 

Barranco

 

 

 

 
Chorrillos

In Alaska earlier this year to see the Northern Lights, I created a list of places I’d love to explore. I’ve wanted to return to South America after my visit to Chile in 2008. One of my best friends saw Machu Picchu last year, reigniting my interest in South America, especially Peru and Machu Picchu. So, of course, I included Peru on my list.

After a 21-hour travel day, I arrived – the beginning of a 16 day adventure!

Yes, unless eating or drinking, I wore my mask…

I love traveling.  I love exploring, seeing new places, meeting new people, making new friends…and I love my home.

For a bit, I’m “between trips” – and am enjoying having more space, being in my familiar surroundings, spending time with local family and friends, and relaxing.

I’m also appreciating taking my camera out in my neighborhood and seeing something “different” to capture.

Once in a “Blue Moon”: My attempt at photographing the moonrise

 

A wheelbarrow hanging out in a truck bed

 

Dew drops on a plant

 

Purple flower detail

 

The tunnel under the railroad is now open!

 

Neighborhood view from Righetti Hill

 

Beetle (not Beatle!)

What a trip!

I explored nine western states and traveled nearly 5,000 miles, basing the adventure on five “anchors”:

1) Hiking Bryce Canyon “Under-the-Rim Trail” with Nanine

2) Viewing and photographing the Perseid Meteor Shower

3) Participating in Fujifilm’s World Photography Day event in Seattle

4) Showering Kate and Chris as they prepare to welcome their Wee One

5) Upgrading Addie’s spare tire holder

During the 5.5 week trip, I boondocked at a Walmart for the first time, camped at 12 Elks lodges (having a Manhattan at several of them!), and dry camped on the Grand Mesa in a snow park for three nights.

Highlights are first and always, spending lots of wonderful time with friends!  “Lowlights” – missing my friends and family in SLO…

Other highlights include the beauty of the red rocks, playing bingo at the Ouray Elks, riding on the Telluride gondola, touching the Four Corners Monument, hiking on forest trails, seeing many waterfalls, playing with photography, and developing an appreciation for Portland.

There are many more trips in Addie’s and my future, but for now, it’s great to be home!

I left the wonderful home of Bruce and Marilyn Haag in Redmond, OR for my two-day drive home.  For about 250 of over 300 miles today, the skies were smoky.  So many wildfires plaguing the area!

Tonight marks my last night of this adventure on the road – and my third time during various excursions at the Redding Elks, a friendly active lodge next to the Sacramento River.  I considered hunkering down but instead grabbed my camera and walked to Sundial Bridge, snapping pics along the way.

Upon returned to Addie and the lodge, I stepped inside for my last Manhattan of this trip.

Tomorrow will be a long day, so time to finish this blog and go to sleep…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chevy Roadtreks, like my Addie, have the spare tire attached on the back of the van. To open the back left door, I would have to lower the tire. The problem with this setup is the tire weighs over 70 pounds when lifting it back into place.  Due to this, I try my best to never open the back left door.

On my Roadtrek owners’ Facebook group, I learned that a fellow Roadtrek owner, Bruce Haag, designed a swing-away modification to the tire holder, allowing one to open the back door without having to lower – and even more important, without having to lift – the tire.  Planning this trip, I knew I wanted Bruce to add the swing-away to Addie.

So this morning, I left Portland, drove through the smoke hiding Mt. Hood, and arrived around noon at Bruce’s six-acre home in Redmond, about 20 miles northeast of Bend.

Since each Roadtrek is slightly different, installation requires a bit of tweaking and customizing. While Bruce worked on Addie, I wandered around his property taking some photos.  

Curiosity, though, grabbed me – and I soon returned to Bruce’s shop to watch and take photos of him welding, filing, drilling, and whatever else he needed to do!  I enjoyed having Bruce explain to me what he was doing and why.  I may not be handy, but I am curious!

Not only is Bruce a skilled craftsman, he and his wife Marilyn are fabulous hosts.  They have hook-ups for two rigs, so I’m camping here tonight.  Marilyn made us a delicious dinner!  Afterward, we watched the moon and stars through their telescope.

Walkabout

 

 

 

 

Cars and License Plates
Bruce’s dad drove this car in many car shows and parades. Side note: his dad was the Exalted Ruler who approved women joining the Elks.

 

This is a Model…something a car enthusiast knows!

 

My favorite color is blue.  Guess what Bruce’s favorite color is?!

 
There are several “doubles” in his collection, increasing the value if he were to ever decide to sell any of these plates.

 

Bruce at Work

 

 

Final result!  Bruce also fixed my bike rack so it no longer wiggles while I drive.

 

The modified “arm” that allows the tire to swing out without lowering – and subsequently raising – the tire.

 

The chain allows the tire to be lowered just a bit – just enough to open the left door to grab what’s needed.

 

Magically both my bike rack and tire can be lowered just a bit, allowing me to access the back cargo area!

When I say today was action-packed, wow!, I mean it!

The day started with a terrific hike in Forest Park with Lauren, Danny, and their two pups, Cooper and Bug.  At 5,200 acres with more than 80 miles of trails, this park provides hikers, bikers, runners, and equestrians with so many beautiful options!

 

Based on Lauren and Danny’s recommendations – and after storing my bike in their garage to keep it safe – I next headed to Pittock Mansion. Henry Pittock, founder of The Oregonian, built his “mansion on the hill” on property that had panoramic views of Portland, the Willamette River, and the distant Cascade Mountains.

 

 

 

Next on my itinerary: Laurelhurst Park.  In 1919, the park was named the most beautiful park on the west coast by the Pacific Coast Parks Association. Thanks to the efforts of the Portland Historical Landmarks Commission, in February 2001 Laurelhurst Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Growing in the pond at the park is a tiny green plant, called Duckweed. Duckweed is a plant native to the region and is a great source of food for fish and birds. It’s not harmful to humans or pets. However, it has thrived in this pond.

Laurelhurst Park is located near shops and restaurants with many biking greenways.

In 2017, my colleague Kate and I took students on a college-supported trip to Morocco and Barcelona.  The trip, with its many amazing sites, challenging students, and fun experiences, cemented a deep and abiding friendship between Kate and me.  Kate and her partner Chris will become parents in October!  Today, her mother and friends hosted a fabulous baby shower for this Kate, Chris, and their Wee One. What a fun celebration!

Water in/water out.  It’s one of the required chores when having an RV. As with most campers, Addie’s gray and black water tank gauges often don’t depict reality.  What I’ve learned is to fill my fresh tanks and empty my gray and black tanks at the same time.  This Elks lodge’s camping facility is GREAT!  Level spaces, electricity, water, and – surprise! – reliable WiFi.  However, there is no dump.  This morning, I filled Addie’s fresh water tanks and drove all of two miles to Camping World to dump, waiting only a few minutes while another RV which had been camping at the Elks finished emptying their tanks. 

With those chores done, I went to Lauren and Danny’s house to see their beautiful home, pet their sweet pups, and take a hot shower.  🙂

Next, I visited my friend Kate and her partner Chris, meeting her mom, dad, and aunt and his dad.  They are having a wee one in October; the baby shower is tomorrow!

Returning to Addie, it was nap time!  A big thunderstorm – rain, thunder, and lightening – woke me up during the night, so my afternoon nap felt so good.

Feeling revived, I told Addie to behave herself and hopped onto my bike to ride on some local trails.  With temperatures in the 90s, I appreciated the breeze I felt while biking, something I don’t get when hiking.

Addie telling my bike to take good care of me

 

Rock Creek Trail

 

Orenco Woods Nature Park

 

The Malcolm McDonald House (Orenco Woods Nature Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2015)

One of those slow transitional days.  After the fun-filled day with the Ewans, I decided to take it a bit easy today.  I woke up slowly, did a few errands, and meandered about 20 miles to another Portland area Elks lodge, where I got – again! – the last space.  (I’m having great luck with FCFS at Elks lodges this trip!)

Over 32 years ago, when our eldest children were born, Astrid and I became the best of friends.  Her daughters, Lauren and Tessa, now both live in Portland.  I had the joy of having dinner with them (along with their fantastic partners – Lauren’s husband Danny and Tessa’s very soon-to-be husband Connor).  Not only was the food at Yalla delicious, but spending time with these kind, intelligent, and fun young adults filled my heart.

What a wonderful day!

I took the MAX (light rail) from the Elks to Pioneer Square and met Stephanie and John, long time SLO residents who moved to Portland just before the pandemic.  They shared their new city with me, showing me Washington Park, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Holocaust Memorial, and Elephant Deli!  Then, we took the MAX to their delightful home, walked around their beautiful neighborhood, and viewed the sunset from a park overlooking the Willamette.  Next, tasty, albeit a bit spicy, Thai food and delicious ice cream!  It was a fabulous day spent with terrific friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder…maybe I should have come to Portland yesterday… I thought the drive would be too long, but Longview had nothing to offer.  That Elks lodge, although providing a safe place to stay, was closed with no interaction among visitors or members.  The Milwaukie-Portland Elks lodge, however, is very active!  It might be due to the merger between the Portland and the Milwaukie lodges…or the swimming pool…or the recruitment of young families… Regardless, this is a busy vibrant lodge.

After arriving and settling Addie, I hopped on my e-bike and rode the bike trails along the Willamette River into downtown Portland. Of course, I found some of the tent cities and many unhoused people.  I also had (SURPRISE!) great ice cream!

Some Portland bridges

 

 

 

 

NW 23rd avenue, also known as Nob Hill

 

Telling my friend Judi that a “light” lunch or “easy” breakfast would be great…falls on deaf ears!

Yesterday, she made a delicious lunch with tuna salad and curry egg salad – topped this morning by homemade breakfast burritos.  Yum yum!

While Judi and Lee handled some household chores, I took my full belly and my almost full camera (I’m going through SD cards like they’re ice cream!) on a little photowalk.  Then it was time for some final photos of us – before I hit the road once again. 

I’m at another Elks.  The lodge is closed – no Manhattan for me tonight – instead some quiet time with Addie.