Category: Pacific Northwest

On the one hand, I’m bummed I didn’t take pictures of everyone I visited.  On the other hand, I tried to stay in the moment more on this trip rather than document every detail.  I have a few photos of friends, though, that I’d like to share.  Missing are…way too many people to list!  I send all of you, though, my LOVE – I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Lee captaining his boat – my first adventure on this vessel

 

Judi and Taffi – Judi and I have known each other for over 40 years!

 

Sunset at Qualicum Bay with Pamela

 

Steph and John demonstrating how retirees work hard!

 

Cottage Grove, Oregon, boasts six historic covered bridges many of which are along the nearly sixteen mile Row River National Recreation Trail.  I didn’t walk the full railroad trail, nor did I see all the the historic bridges.  However, I did see…

Currin Bridge, 1925

 

Mosby Creek Bridge, 1920

 

Stewart Bridge, 1930

 

I don’t know the name of this bridge on the Row River Trail, but it definitely retains its railroad roots.

 

A peek at the Sundial Bridge, Redding, California

With a choice between high temperatures inland or cooler weather on the coast, I chose to drive up the coast of California and Oregon before turning eastward to Portland.  From there, I explored two big islands, Bainbridge and Vancouver, and a few smaller islands, Denman, Hornby, Swan.  Thus, I have MANY photos of water!

Sunset at Qualicum Bay

 

Sunset from Judi & Lee’s backyard, Bainbridge Island

 

Niagara Waterfall, Goldstream Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

 

Little Qualicum Falls, Upper and Lower, Vancouver Island

 

Englishman River Falls, Vancouver Island

 

Views of Ocean and Bays

 

Sacramento River, Redding, California

 

Ferries, Hornby Island (British Columbia) and Swan Island (Oregon)

Goats on the roof!!!

Yes, this is a BIG DEAL!  They really eat the grass and hang out on the roof of the Old Country Market, located on the Alberni Highway between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.  From May through October, goats live on the roof!

Although Sheila and I hung out with the dogs (Taffi, Indy, Timmy, Benny) of friends, I only have a photo of Taffi.

In Pamela’s car, Sheila jumped from the way back to the back seat, looking quite crowded but also happy to be closer to us.

In Victoria, we left Sheila with Timmy and Benny, along with Pamela’s mother and son, and rode our e-bikes around town.  On the bike trail, I found this sign.

Flora

Posted on by Lisa

So much beauty in nature!

Although Sheila and I didn’t hike as much as I thought I might, we enjoyed hiking in…

Florence, Oregon

Forest Park, Portland, Oregon

Bainbridge Islands, Washington

Mount Douglas Park, Victoria, British Columbia

Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hornby Island, British Columbia

 

Wandering around Swan Island Dahlia Farm, near Portland, with Steph and John created a visual treat.

“Public Art” is a big category!  I see murals, sculptures, and knickknacks as public art.

On my drive from Victoria, where Pamela lives, to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Campground, Pamela gave me a big list of places to explore. One of my favorites, the town of Chemainus, hosts murals upon many of the village’s walls.  Viewers can follow painted yellow footprints to help find various murals.

I found murals elsewhere, including Portland…

…and Redding…

Sculpture, another type of public art, abounds.  Here are some from Seattle…

…and in front of the Parliament building in Victoria…

…and on a street in Victoria…

and Malahat Skywalk on Vancouver Island.

I crossed under this tunnel, painted with graffiti, at Goldstream Provincial Park to view Niagara Falls (Vancouver Island’s version!).

Pamela and I walked around Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park, Denman Island, and Hornby Island, where we saw…

We also saw the magnificent sandcastles competing at Parksville Park!

For three weeks, Sheila, Addie, and I headed up to Vancouver Island to visit my friend Pamela, whom I met five years ago at the Great Synagogue in Budapest.  The adventure included spending wonderful time with friends and family in Dublin, Portland, and Bainbridge Island.

I decided to not include a day-to-day itinerary or travelog for this 3,128 mile trip.  Rather, I’ve grouped my photos by topic:

A few reflections now that I’ve been home for nearly 24 hours…

  • I love traveling!  AND I love my home!  Although Addie is quite comfortable, my home seems almost luxurious in comparison. A big sink, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, large shower, TVs, reliable internet, couch for cuddling Sheila… I am so fortunate to have both the fun of Addie and the privilege of a wonderful home.
  • Sheila is a great traveler.  She’s flexible, friendly, and fond of exploring.  I hit the jackpot when I adopted her last October.
  • I’m bummed I didn’t take more photos of all of the friends I hung out with during this trip!  I know I tried to stay in the moment and not document every detail, but I wish I had photos of the amazing people I got to see.  Next time, be ready for me to snap your photo!