Redwoods...just drivin' through

I had my doubts on the weather when I left Crescent City, CA this morning. It was overcast, rainy and windy. As I drove south on US Hwy 101...also known as Redwood Hwy...I observed the ocean was rough and churning. No time to stop for pics, though...I had a lot of miles to cover. My plan for the day was to travel on the Avenue of the Giants...a slow route through Humboldt Redwoods State Park...which is the way to go if you want to really get up close with redwood trees. By the time I got there, it quit raining and the skies were clearing, to my great relief. I was hoping to do some walking along the trails to see the various redwood groves. But, it quickly became evident that I didn't have the time because I had to make it to San Francisco for the night. I stopped a couple of times and took photos, then sought out a couple of cheesy tourist attractions.

In a previous road trip, I visited the Tour-Thru tree in Klamath, CA. Basically, you drive your vehicle through a live redwood. Well, it turns out there two other similar trees located right off the Avenue of the Giants. I had to check them out! The first was the Shrine Drive-Thru tree in Myers Flat. This tree had a really tight opening and I had to take it really slow to get through. Afterward, I asked the guy working there if many people got their vehicles stuck in the tree. He replied it happens occasionally. Recently, he had to let the air out of the tires of a Ford F-150 truck. Turns out it DOESN'T fit in the tree, as the owner of the truck found out! I was happy my little Blazer had no trouble negotiating this redwood! The Chandler Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett was not quite so tight, but a much nicer looking tree. That's my groupie mobile with the tree in the photo.

With the afternoon flying by, I traveled onward to San Francisco. I didn't have much daylight left to enjoy, so I decided to spend it getting a closer look at the Golden Gate Bridge. The Vista Point at the north end provided me with a great view of the bay and gave me an opportunity to take some photos of the bridge. It was nice and sunny...something I hadn't seen in awhile back home! Perhaps in the future, I'll have more time to actually walk across the bridge like the many people I observed doing so today.

Tomorrow, I do less driving and more sightseeing as I travel down the California Coast. Weather is supposed to be perfect...I can't wait!

Fair weather and furry faces

I left Wilsonville, OR to cloudy skies. It rained a bit as I traveled south on I-5, but not much. I was crossing my fingers that the weather would be favorable for my visit to West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR. It was early in the morning...just after 8:00 am...but the road was filled with cars decorated with window flags and large magnetic banners with beaver logos...Oregon State fans on their way to a game, no doubt.

It took me about 4 hours of driving to reach the zoo, and I was relieved to find it was not raining. As I entered the grounds, I just missed seeing a couple of tiger cubs available for petting. That's OK...I got up close and personal with baby tigers last year. I was eager to see what else they had. And, it was better...MUCH better! First, I got to hold a opossum again. This one was younger than last time, and such a sweetie! Next, a beautiful, 3 month old black leopard cub named Diesel. I got to pet AND play with him! Awesome! After walking around and taking photos of the other animals on display...more one on one! A half grown caracal named Cadence...a desert cat similar to a serval...was brought out for petting. So beautiful! Finally, more babies! Two lion cubs just a few weeks old. They were too young for holding, but I did get to pet them. I got pics of myself with the lion cubs and the leopard, too. Every visit to this zoo has been so rewarding! I mean, where else can you get so close to animals? And, it's kid friendly, too!

Tomorrow, I get up close and personal with nature...redwoods! I had seen some before on previous road trips, but I want to experience it more. So, I'll be taking the Avenue of the Giants instead of US Hwy 101 through the redwood area. And, I have a few other things on the agenda, too. Ah, it's raining outside...please don't rain tomorrow!

If the shoe fits...

Had a terrific first day on the road. Rush hour traffic through Seattle was not too bad by the time I got there. When I arrived in Portland, I picked up lunch from Pacific Pie Co. I had a very tasty beef & stout meat pie. I had heard about this place on Food Network's Meat & Potatoes show. They specialize in Australian style meat pies, and they did not disappoint...my lunch was downright tasty!

After my meal, I went directly to PacWest Center, location of KINK FM's Live Bing Lounge. This would be the site of Joan Osborne's live performance lounge appearance. I found myself second in line for the show and had a nice conversation with a couple of other attendees while we waited. We talked music and yes, they both knew who Five For Fighting was! I must admit, I really only know Joan by name...with the exception of her hit song, One Of Us. I was impressed by her singing talent...it was really nice to see Joan perform live. She sang three songs, accompanied by Keith Cotton, who backed her up on piano. I was hoping there would a meet and greet afterwards, but Joan had to prepare for her concert later tonight, so there wasn't. Still, I have to say my first live performance lounge was pretty neat!

My other plan for the day was a trip to the Nike Employee Store in Beaverton. This place is an invitation only store, and I got my invite care of the Washington State University Alumni Association. My support for my alma mater is strong...despite the fact their football team is struggling right now. I was happy to take advantage of the opportunity to add to my shoe collection. After perusing the aisles of men's athletic shoes...theirs is SO much nicer than the women's offerings...I found one that I liked. To my disappointment, my size was not available, but I took a shot at the next bigger size...and they fit! I'm now the proud owner of a pair of shiny blue Air Max Hyperdunks!

When I checked my emails this evening, I had an unexpected surprise waiting for me. I had FINALLY been granted an opportunity to interview IN PERSON a certain awesome singer-songwriter. You can probably guess who that might be. I don't want to give away too much until the time comes, but it's an understatement to say I'm excited. This is truly a dream come true! In the meantime, my road trip continues...

On the road again...

Well, my groupie mobile is all loaded up and I'm ready to get some sleep before an early start tomorrow morning. I had barely finished my road trip itinerary and programmed my GPS when I had to make a last minute change...but, it was a GOOD change! Turns out luck was smiling on me and I got picked to be in the audience for Joan Osborne's visit to KINK FM's Bing performance lounge. It will be my first for such a thing. I tried entering a similar drawing last August when Five For Fighting appeared at the inaugural Bing lounge. But, alas, I was not chosen, to my huge disappointment.

As always, I will blog about tomorrow's radio lounge show, as I will throughout my road trip. Of course, the highlight will be the three Five For Fighting shows when I reach Los Angeles. It's been six months since I last saw John Ondrasik perform live, and I'm SO ready to see him again! I have an extra special gift to give John...something that I KNOW he'll like! What is it? Well, you'll just have to wait to find out!