After an exciting weekend in Vancouver with Matt's cousin Kelly, we hightailed it to the northeast headed towards Banff. We've got a motel in this little town called Revelstoke, BC, a few hours away from Banff.
On our way up here, we stopped off at this little lakeside town called Kelowna. It looked like a really cool place, but we were there at the wrong time (Sunday night) and there appears to be some forest fire going on north of Kelowna that almost completely blacked out the sky. We had dinner in Kelowna, then got out of town fast to escape the smoke.
Tomorrow: Banff. Should be amazing.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Vancouver (and a little Victoria)
So, we've kept you all out of the loop recently. That's because, unfortunately, data charges for an iPhone in Canada are way too much. But, we've made it to Vancouver. Well, actually, we're in Point Roberts, which is not really Canada, but actually American soil just south of the 49th parallel. Check it out on Google maps, it's a pretty cool part of America that touches only Canada by land.
We spent the day checking out Vancouver, and are now back at Matt's cousin Kelly's place to relax before heading back out into Canuck-ville for a night on the town.
Before we got here, we spent Wednesday night in Victoria, BC. We had a pretty good night on the town, despite the fact that the town is mostly for newly weds and retired people. Needless to say, we're happy to be near Vancouver, a town that is more up to our speed.
Anyway, I finally got around to uploading pictures from Olympic National Park. Here's the link.
We spent the day checking out Vancouver, and are now back at Matt's cousin Kelly's place to relax before heading back out into Canuck-ville for a night on the town.
Before we got here, we spent Wednesday night in Victoria, BC. We had a pretty good night on the town, despite the fact that the town is mostly for newly weds and retired people. Needless to say, we're happy to be near Vancouver, a town that is more up to our speed.
Anyway, I finally got around to uploading pictures from Olympic National Park. Here's the link.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 26: Port Angeles
We're just hanging out in a coffee shop in Port Angeles, waiting for our 5:15 ferry to Victoria. Going to shack up in a hostel tonight and check out Victoria tomorrow. Then off to Vancouver for the weekend.
I'll get a full album of new photos up later, but here's a few pictures of the epic scenery in the Olympic National Forest.
I'll get a full album of new photos up later, but here's a few pictures of the epic scenery in the Olympic National Forest.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Forks ranger station
keeping us from hiking too far today so we're going to drive a little
south to the Hoh river and check out the rainforest (apparently there
is one up here). Then we'll drive back to the coast, hike in a mile or
two, and set up camp at what is called Third Beach. Tomorrow we'll
hike to Toleak Point.
Pictures finally up
We're at my grandparents' place in Suquamish. Had an interesting night at a local watering hole last night. Now we're headed out to camp on the west coast of Olympic for a few nights, then on into Canada.
Here's the link to the photos.
Here's the link to the photos.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Leaving Seattle
to meet Caley at his grandparents' place. Olympic National Park
tomorrow and then on to Canadia.
Mike starts work with his judge in Seattle tomorrow. Suckaaaa....
August 23: Seattle to Suquamish
[I wrote this at 9am, but apparently didn't post it, so, here it is, I still haven't uploaded the new photos, but I'm doing so now]After a nice couple of nights in Seattle with Mike (who is extremely nervous about starting his career come Monday morning) and my friend Jess, I jumped on the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry to hang out with my grandparents in Suquamish, WA.
I'm off to eat breakfast cooked by my uncle Sam (should be delicious) and then off to the local casino to play in a poker tournament with my grandpa.
Matt's still in Seattle getting in one more day with Mike, and will head out here tonight. Then we're off to Olympic National Park to go hike the Washingtonian west coast.
I'll update this post with a link to pictures when I get them organized.
Oh, and the shot above is from the ferry looking back at the Seattle skyline.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Seattle
neighborhood, which is similar to San Francisco's Pacific Heights.
Warm day, despite the clouds.
There should be a more comprehensive post coming, if we can get an
Internet cafe... Shouldn't be too hard in this city.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Nanzer Bed and Breakfast
We stayed the night at my buddy Kevin's place in Portland. That
picture you see above is the bar he designed and built by himself.
It's pretty awesome. And for all you headed up here for Labor Day,
he's made a couple new additions to the house since last year which
are pretty amazing as well. Especially given that he set a sliding
glass door into the wall completely by himself.
Now we're of towards Hood for some waterfalls and some more camping.
And tomorrow we're Seattle bound.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17
we spent some serious money on Oregon Pinot Noir... 100 degrees in a
Sonoma clone an hour southwest of Portland. Serious heat wave...
Oregonian wine country
four places to taste within walking distance so we're checking it out.
Pretty cool so far
Sunday, August 16, 2009
August 14-16: Medford, Crater Lake, McMinnville
Ahh, back to civilization (and internet access).
Since we last left you, we were in Medford, Oregon relaxing after three long days in California's Lost Coast. In Medford, we met up with one of my friends, Bryan, who recently moved up to Medford, and all three of us headed out to Crater Lake. Through some dumb luck, we went the wrong way to Crater Lake and ended up going all the way around to the north entrance of the park, even though our campsite was in the south part of the park. However, this mistake paid off as we got some great views of the area and the lake as we drove back down to our campsite at Camp Mazama.
We spent the night at Mazama relaxing by our fire. The next day we woke up planning to circumnavigate Crater Lake.
We first stopped at the Crater Lake Lodge to hike the short 1.7 mile hike to the top of Garfield Peak (8,054 ft) for a great view of the landscape. Then we hiked down and drove around the west side of the lake to Cleetwood Cove, the only place on the lake where you can actually get down to the eeriely clear blue water and touch it. We got down there and found people jumping off a 25 foot jumping rock, which we all three did not hesitate to dive off as well (check out the pictures on photobucket, link is below).
After an envigorating dip in the cold lake, we completed our circumnavigation of Crater Lake by driving around the east side of the crater. We got back to our campsite, armed with marshmallows, and enjoyed a night of smores by the fire. Great way to finish off a weekend at Crater Lake.
This morning we parted ways with Bryan, after he graciously loaned us his binoculars and a book of maps for our continued journeys. Matt and I headed north to Oregon's wine country, via Eugene.
We stopped in Eugene to check out the University of Oregon. Matt proudly wore his California Blue & Gold for the tour, just to let those ducks know we come from better stock.
After Eugene, we continued north with no real destination. We made some scenic detours and stumbled upon a little winery called Hauer of the Dauen (pronouned "Hour of the Dawn"). We tasted some Oregonian wine and got some tips from the guy behind the counter. He suggested we check out McMinnville, a few miles away, so we took his advice. And we're glad we did. McMinnville is a chill little town, a little like Sonoma, with a beautiful liberal arts college, Linfield, which we checked out.
Anyway, we're now back at the motel excited that we have HBO so we don't have to miss Entourage this week. So, goodnight all, I'm off to watch the best show on TV right now.
----
----
Oh yeah, here's the link to the new set of photos from the past few days.
Here's the link to the previous set of photos as well, if you missed them.
Since we last left you, we were in Medford, Oregon relaxing after three long days in California's Lost Coast. In Medford, we met up with one of my friends, Bryan, who recently moved up to Medford, and all three of us headed out to Crater Lake. Through some dumb luck, we went the wrong way to Crater Lake and ended up going all the way around to the north entrance of the park, even though our campsite was in the south part of the park. However, this mistake paid off as we got some great views of the area and the lake as we drove back down to our campsite at Camp Mazama.
We spent the night at Mazama relaxing by our fire. The next day we woke up planning to circumnavigate Crater Lake.
We first stopped at the Crater Lake Lodge to hike the short 1.7 mile hike to the top of Garfield Peak (8,054 ft) for a great view of the landscape. Then we hiked down and drove around the west side of the lake to Cleetwood Cove, the only place on the lake where you can actually get down to the eeriely clear blue water and touch it. We got down there and found people jumping off a 25 foot jumping rock, which we all three did not hesitate to dive off as well (check out the pictures on photobucket, link is below).
After an envigorating dip in the cold lake, we completed our circumnavigation of Crater Lake by driving around the east side of the crater. We got back to our campsite, armed with marshmallows, and enjoyed a night of smores by the fire. Great way to finish off a weekend at Crater Lake.
This morning we parted ways with Bryan, after he graciously loaned us his binoculars and a book of maps for our continued journeys. Matt and I headed north to Oregon's wine country, via Eugene.
We stopped in Eugene to check out the University of Oregon. Matt proudly wore his California Blue & Gold for the tour, just to let those ducks know we come from better stock.
After Eugene, we continued north with no real destination. We made some scenic detours and stumbled upon a little winery called Hauer of the Dauen (pronouned "Hour of the Dawn"). We tasted some Oregonian wine and got some tips from the guy behind the counter. He suggested we check out McMinnville, a few miles away, so we took his advice. And we're glad we did. McMinnville is a chill little town, a little like Sonoma, with a beautiful liberal arts college, Linfield, which we checked out.
Anyway, we're now back at the motel excited that we have HBO so we don't have to miss Entourage this week. So, goodnight all, I'm off to watch the best show on TV right now.
----
----
Oh yeah, here's the link to the new set of photos from the past few days.
Here's the link to the previous set of photos as well, if you missed them.
Friday, August 14, 2009
August 13-14, Medford, Oregon
Lost Coast was a blast. Definitely read Matt's posts below if you missed them.
After we got out back to the car around 3pm, we immediately headed north to Oregon. We drove up the California coast along US 101. More than once we had to rapidly pull over to check out some of the gorgeous views along the way (like the above photo). And somewhere along the way we saw a family of elk just hanging out along the side of the road.
We made it to Medford around 10pm and, after much needed showers, we made a night of it out in Medford which, surprisingly to a Californian, had beautiful night weather.
Right now we're just soaking in the civilization, uploading photos, and figuring out where to stay at Crater Lake (hopefully we can get camping reservations!).
To check out some highlight photos of the last week, check out this photobucket album I just set up here.
After we got out back to the car around 3pm, we immediately headed north to Oregon. We drove up the California coast along US 101. More than once we had to rapidly pull over to check out some of the gorgeous views along the way (like the above photo). And somewhere along the way we saw a family of elk just hanging out along the side of the road.
We made it to Medford around 10pm and, after much needed showers, we made a night of it out in Medford which, surprisingly to a Californian, had beautiful night weather.
Right now we're just soaking in the civilization, uploading photos, and figuring out where to stay at Crater Lake (hopefully we can get camping reservations!).
To check out some highlight photos of the last week, check out this photobucket album I just set up here.
August 13
Again from Medford, Oregon...
After spending Wednesday afternoon on the beach and a delicious meal of "Spaghetti and Meatballs" from REI, we were content to relax in our driftwood palace and watch the meteor shower from a beach that is miles and miles from any artificial light source. Apparently the raccoons, field mice, jack rabbits, and anonymous other animals that kept entering our wide open driftwood shelter also found it a perfect spot to star gaze.
But that was Wednesday. Thursday would be the true test of manhood that would give us both an excuse to partake of the bustling nightlife in Medford, Oregon, as only a weary traveler can.
The hike began with a harmless 3.3 mile walk across the beach that featured fresh bear tracks on the wet sand and a massive family of sea lions barking at us, although this was child's play compared to Rattlesnake Ridge. When we arrived at Buck Creek, we stared directly up at Saddle Mountain, which stands 3,000 feet above the ocean and seemingly right on top of the beach. Luckily, the trail did not waste any time, climbing almost vertically through the dense coastal redwood forest. If our legs did not already burn from 15+ miles of hiking over the previous 2 days, this trek would have been slightly easier. If there would have been any water source between the bottom and the top, it would have been a bit less terrifying. I guess the one positive I can mention is that we were never attacked by bears or rattlesnakes. However, the 3,000 foot vertical hike, without a single flat or downhill portion, was enough. Especially when our inaccurate trail map had us believing we were 1,000 vertical feet behind our true progress for the majority of the hike.
Instead of re-living this experience with a picture of the mountain, I will leave you with a beautiful picture of our 3 mile morning beach hike while spirits were still high. Love the Lost Coast.
August 12
Writing from Medford, Oregon, about to head to Crater Lake. I'm not sure if we'll continue to post updates for each day, but while we have the energy, what the heck... I'm sure our loyal readers will appreciate it.
On Wednesday morning we awoke to realize that we set up our camp right under a bee hive, which was a solid start to the day because it gave us a great excuse to sleep in and let the bees take off for the day's work. After the late start, we began our massive downhill hike from the coastal peaks down to the beach. Our route of choice was along "Rattlesnake Ridge." One might wonder if it gets its name from the 4,983,395 switch backs that give it a snake-like appearance. While this is possible, the 8-foot rattlesnake that scared the crap out of us from 5 feet off the trail may have something to say about it. Luckily, the experience took our minds off the nearly 4,000 foot drop in elevation over 5 miles on the trail that left our toes and knees destroyed. Whoever says downhill hiking is easy is selling something.
This picture was taken as we arrived at the beach, 2 miles after reaching Big Flat Creek and some semblance of a flattened out trail. Considering the voyage it took to get here, it was a beautiful sight. Caley will post several more pictures of the hike and the beach. They're worth a look.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 11 entry
around 3pm on Tuesday. We headed toward King Peak and 3 hours and 5
miles (including a 2,300 foot elevation gain) of hiking with 50-60
pound backpacks got us this ridiculous view of the Pacific. King Peak
stands at 4,088 feet above sea level, despite being only a few miles
from the ocean. We camped below the peak near a fresh water source
thoroughly exhasted.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
. . . and we're gone.
Golden Gate as we left. But, nonetheless, we are on our way. We've got
about a four and a half hour drive to Shelter Cove, the trailhead for
the Lost Coast.
-c
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
First post, trip itinerary
Hi friends and family,
So as you may know, my roommate Matt and I are headed out on our post-bar road trip soon. We leave August 11th and we'll be on the road until about October 1st or 2nd. Our itinerary is pretty loose and subject to change as we go. Also, I'm just reciting this schedule from memory, so I might be forgetting some stuff in here, but here's a rough sketch:
Aug 11-14 - Lost Coast, CA
We roll out from SF, headed to the Lost Coast in King Range to go backpack California's coast. This is a really cool trail area. I've been once before back in college and I'm real excited to head get back out there. We'll probably be there two or three days.
Aug 14-17 - Crater Lake, OR
Aug 17-19 - Eugene, Portland, OR
Aug 20-23 - Seattle, Suquamish, WA
We're going up to see our friend, newly minted 9th Circuit clerk Michael Esser in his new place in Seattle and see other friends in the area. And of course we'll have to stop off in Suquamish on our way to Olympic National for some of Grandma Anne's cooking.
Aug 23-25 - Olympic National Park, WA
This place looks awesome. We're likely headed out to Washington's west coast to go back packing and see some more of the Pacific.
Aug 26-30 - Victoria, Vancouver, BC
Taking the ferry from Port Angeles into Canada to see Victoria for a night, then onto Vancouver for the weekend.
Aug 30-Sept 2 - Banff, AB
From Vancouver we go east through Canada to see Banff. I've never been, but I've seen pictures and it looks amazing.
Sept 3-7 - Caley - Portland OR, Matt - Glacier National Park, MT
Probably the only dates that are currently set in stone (because I already bought my tickets from Glacier to Portland and back). Matt and I split up for the weekend. I'm headed out to Portland to hang out with all my college roommates. Matt's staying in Montana in Glacier with some friends.
Sept 7-14 - Glacier National, MT, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, WY
Dates are not totally determined, but what is determined is that we're checking out these three parks before heading to south Utah.
Sept 15-23 - Zion, Bryce, Arches, UT, Mesa Verde, CO, Four Corners, AZ, UT, CO, NM
Another big lump of dates. No set plan on where we're going or when, but we plan on camping all over south Utah and Colorado. We'll probably have to check out Four Corners too, just because we're in the area.
Sept 24-Oct 2 - Grand Canyon, AZ, Sequoia National, Yosemite, CA
So I'm going to have to find out what's the big deal with this huge hole in the ground they call the Grand Canyon. We're going to spend a few days to make sure we get to see the North Rim, which is apparently worth the extra long drive. After that, it's off to Sequoia to drive through a redwood tree, then to Yosemite (which Matt has never seen). If it's open and I've got the energy, I'd like to climb Half Dome.
Oct 3 - Home (GO BEARS!!! BEAT USC!!! And congratulations Alex & Olivia)
Finally home. Matt's off to see the California Bears dominate the spoiled children from Southern California and I'm off to see Alex, who I've known since fourth grade, marry Olivia, who I've known since seventh grade. Great way to finish off an amazing trip.
So while we're on the road, this blog will serve as our trip log, of sorts. We can post updates via iPhone when whenever there's coverage, and when we get internet access, I'll try to post photos as well. I'm also going to get a photobucket account or something to post all the photos.
Anyway, until August 11, I'll be either here in Sacramento or back in SF getting supplies together. Should be excellent!
So as you may know, my roommate Matt and I are headed out on our post-bar road trip soon. We leave August 11th and we'll be on the road until about October 1st or 2nd. Our itinerary is pretty loose and subject to change as we go. Also, I'm just reciting this schedule from memory, so I might be forgetting some stuff in here, but here's a rough sketch:
Aug 11-14 - Lost Coast, CA
We roll out from SF, headed to the Lost Coast in King Range to go backpack California's coast. This is a really cool trail area. I've been once before back in college and I'm real excited to head get back out there. We'll probably be there two or three days.
Aug 14-17 - Crater Lake, OR
Aug 17-19 - Eugene, Portland, OR
Aug 20-23 - Seattle, Suquamish, WA
We're going up to see our friend, newly minted 9th Circuit clerk Michael Esser in his new place in Seattle and see other friends in the area. And of course we'll have to stop off in Suquamish on our way to Olympic National for some of Grandma Anne's cooking.
Aug 23-25 - Olympic National Park, WA
This place looks awesome. We're likely headed out to Washington's west coast to go back packing and see some more of the Pacific.
Aug 26-30 - Victoria, Vancouver, BC
Taking the ferry from Port Angeles into Canada to see Victoria for a night, then onto Vancouver for the weekend.
Aug 30-Sept 2 - Banff, AB
From Vancouver we go east through Canada to see Banff. I've never been, but I've seen pictures and it looks amazing.
Sept 3-7 - Caley - Portland OR, Matt - Glacier National Park, MT
Probably the only dates that are currently set in stone (because I already bought my tickets from Glacier to Portland and back). Matt and I split up for the weekend. I'm headed out to Portland to hang out with all my college roommates. Matt's staying in Montana in Glacier with some friends.
Sept 7-14 - Glacier National, MT, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, WY
Dates are not totally determined, but what is determined is that we're checking out these three parks before heading to south Utah.
Sept 15-23 - Zion, Bryce, Arches, UT, Mesa Verde, CO, Four Corners, AZ, UT, CO, NM
Another big lump of dates. No set plan on where we're going or when, but we plan on camping all over south Utah and Colorado. We'll probably have to check out Four Corners too, just because we're in the area.
Sept 24-Oct 2 - Grand Canyon, AZ, Sequoia National, Yosemite, CA
So I'm going to have to find out what's the big deal with this huge hole in the ground they call the Grand Canyon. We're going to spend a few days to make sure we get to see the North Rim, which is apparently worth the extra long drive. After that, it's off to Sequoia to drive through a redwood tree, then to Yosemite (which Matt has never seen). If it's open and I've got the energy, I'd like to climb Half Dome.
Oct 3 - Home (GO BEARS!!! BEAT USC!!! And congratulations Alex & Olivia)
Finally home. Matt's off to see the California Bears dominate the spoiled children from Southern California and I'm off to see Alex, who I've known since fourth grade, marry Olivia, who I've known since seventh grade. Great way to finish off an amazing trip.
So while we're on the road, this blog will serve as our trip log, of sorts. We can post updates via iPhone when whenever there's coverage, and when we get internet access, I'll try to post photos as well. I'm also going to get a photobucket account or something to post all the photos.
Anyway, until August 11, I'll be either here in Sacramento or back in SF getting supplies together. Should be excellent!
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