Olympia to San Francisco

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24th and 25th October 2009

Olympia to Portland
We set off to Portland via Mt Saint Helen’s the famous volcano that blew up around 1983 to view the scene first hand. On arrival at Pine Creek the Rangers informed us it would take two hours to get to the viewing point time was running out for our appointment in Portland. How ever they suggested another viewing point that would save some time. On arrival we discovered that the volcano was covered in cloud and not able to be viewed.

On the way to Portland I notice a sign that made us aware we were approaching the “Bridge of the Gods” and this conjured up all sorts of pictures as to what we might encounter. All was to be revealed with a sudden turn to the left and there she was high above the river and us out in the clouds zooming across to the other side.

We then pushed on to Portland to keep and appointment with the Shearers, Ann and Dave to spend a couple of days with them. Dave and Ann were friends we had met years ago in Esperance and spent a lovely couple of days with them out at the beautiful location of Cape Arid.

On arrival at the Shearers, Dave treated us to a wonderful boutique local beer tasting session. Later that evening we all went out to a local restaurant to dine and continue the local beer sampling. A pleasant way to enjoy the company of old friends.

Sunday morning we began the day with breakfast at Ann and Dave’s and left Ann to watch her local football team while Dave took us out to view the Spruce Goose at the Aeronautical and Space Museum. It was all I expected and more with the added bonus of and incredible display of many fighter planes from the beginning of flight.

On leaving the museum we wend for a delightful lunch and you might have guessed more wonderful beer tasting of the local micro breweries. And if that was not enough Dave showed us many vineyards and one in particular that twisted our arm behind our backs and forced us to taste their wares. The day concluded with a nice meal at the lovely home of our very kind hosts. We must also mention Anne’s lovely purpose made Lazy Suzan that made the fare much more accessible on the large dining table.

26th October 2009
Monday morning was on the road again and off to see Mt Hood, Timberline Lodge, Reno and The Tahoe Lakes. Well that was the plan. Firstly on arrival Mt Hood was covered in cloud and not visible. Secondly on arrival at Timberline Lodge it began to snow and was soon 4 inches thick on the ground. This caused us to look around the Lodge in a hurry and allowed for a quick retreat before we got snowed in. Well there was always the Lakes at Tahoe to see after a delightful drive through of Reno and the glitz and glam of the miniature Las Vegas. And see them we did (the lakes that is) and the beautiful surrounding villages and flora made for a delightful sight seeing drive.

After leaving Tahoe it was to become a push to gain a day or so and aim to reach Sacramento that night. It was nine thirty at night when we knocked on the door of the Parkside guest house to find such lovely people that offered to put us up for the night, but unfortunately the rates were a little out of our budget. However they showed us around and the rooms were set up for doubles not singles and all had a en-suite and beautifully furnished. Breakfast was included in the rate of $120-00 per night.

Eventually we located a Motel 6 and booked in. Motel 6 have a special rate for a room with two double beds at 53-99 for seniors.

27th October
Towards San Francisco