Hi Yet again

We have driven up the coast from SF northwards stopping in motels along the way. We have found some really wonderful spots along the coast, some out of the way and some a little strange. We stopped of at Monterey for 2 days and explored an old Spanish mission San Carlos visiting a ancient building in America, a rare opportunity, something we share with the late pope! The weather has been excellent on the whole apart from fog in San Francisco and a day in the forests its been hot and sunny and even a bit muggy as we travel inland at times.

The coast has kept us entertained with stops in search of seashells for the girls and Rowan has taken to trying to sculpture with driftwood, the bigger the log the better! Our best bit of the coast was the Redwoods from just above SF to the southern regions of Oregon . We have taken a few walks and even driven the car through a tree twice to lots of camera shots and giggles of laughter. R even earned $2 by taking a photo for a older couple who were on a trip to celebrate their 40th wedding. Its the only money anyone of us has earned the whole trip.

Excitement was in order when we crossed the state border and stopped for the necessary photos with some strange looks from other passing motorists. Life suddenly seamed to get slower and more relaxed and in some places possibly a bit backward. We are happy to report no bear sightings and no elk, which we were promised when we visited the elk meadow for a walk. The trees were awesome really huge and wide. We kept just pulling over and looking never getting fed up, well AL and I never, not sure about the kids.

So yesterday we ended up in Portland after heading inland from the coast. We managed to head towards the airport and found a place near the MAX local transport system. So we can walk across the road and head into downtown, no trouble. We even headed over the river to catch another state, Washington but no Fridge magnet fro the colection I'm sorry to report.

So a quick trip around the Saturday markets was in order and then a look around some of the downtown. The weather is hotter inland and we never had the stomach to wander too far so did not get to see everything.

So we fly to Seattle next Friday then its 3 weeks in Canada around Vancouver Island with Neil and Peggy then its almost touchdown in Manchester at the end of the July. Get the kettle on to warm the teapot.

Watch this space.

J