Aug 27th, Santa Rosa, Ca.

Arrived here at Cloverdale,  north of Santa Rosa. We have had several days of sight seeing in the area along the Russian River and highway 101.

Have gotten to have dinner with my cousin, KC which has been nice to get reacquainted.

Toured Sonoma Valley touring Korbel winery where the #1 champagne is made, continuing our journey along the Russian River.

Took a tour of Castello di Amoroser a thirteenth century Tuscan castle-winery where you can sip Napa Valley wines made by a fourth generation wine making family in the tradition of 120 years. The 121,000 sqft Castello includes 107 unique rooms, 8 levels, 4 below ground, draw bridge, a moat, dungeon and torture chamber. For those that watch the Bachelor you might recall Jake staying in a castle on a "group date" this is where this was filmed.

Sunday we went over to see KC and she is grilled veggies and served up some pretty awesome Salmon for us. We really enjoyed it and the company was good and a relaxing evening before our departure on Monday.

Aug 23rd, Crescent City

We spent a couple days at Crescent City which has been impacted by 2 Tsunamis'. One was back in the 60's and of course at that time it was referred to as a "Tidal Wave" and then last year when span was impact, there were 7' of water that washed into Crescent City.

Toured a light house that was in service thru around 1965. The attendant ad foresight to bring to everyones attention that he was being retired and the lighthouse would soon be shuttered and dark. The City stepped in and began working with the authorities to acquire the lighthouse.

We also enjoyed the Red Woods from this location too, even got to drive thru one.

Aug 18th, Portland, Or

WOW, some how I lost my notes for the Portland area.

Two awesome things occurred,  one we met a friend and his wife for drinks and we saw the Pittock Mansion.

The Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 for the family. Only after living in the home 5 years both Mr. and Mrs Pittock have passed. The Family maintains ownership up to 1958 when the Pittock Grandson Robert decides the sell the Mansion and moves out.

In 1962 a storm tour more than a third of the roof off and damage to the interior made some think the Mansion would be too costly to repair. Portland was afraid the Mansion would be tore down and a group got together and began working on the plans to save it. The Mansion was purchased from the owner for $225,000 the cost of the 42 acres.

Once the City owned it renovation has began and contiunes today returning room to the way they are thought to be when the Pittocks lived there.

Saw the awesome Multnomah falls which would have sure been our miss if we hadn't stopped. The Vista house was a rest point when when people traveled on this highway from East to West over looking the Columbia River.

We hiked a couple the trails to get a closer look at the falls, one even required climbing over a log jamb and for those really on an adventure wade thru water waist deep or higher.

Portland was a nice stop and our visit with Brent and Christina really nice!

Aug 18, Seattle, Wa

We have spent the last week here in Seattle. We have ventured out to see 
several things that might be considered tourist destinations. The Boeing
plant tour, Pikes Fish Market, LeMay America's Automobile Museum
to name a few.

We have been lucky to arrive here when it is considered to be dry, with
none of the notorious dreary days you hear about in the Washington area.

The temperature has been a mild with some low 90's but the evenings
cool down very quickly.

We learned our start date at Amazon and will be headed that way very soon.

We start the week of Sept 16th. WOW just about a month away when we
return to being a working stiff again. 

We are anxious to get to Fernley and even are talking about working next
year, but maybe at their Kentucky location.