It was a great trip and now that it is done this blog will be stopped. Well, OK we will be going back and adding more details and thoughts (and days we missed altogether) but this was intended to be a record of our trip and perhaps helpful for anyone else planning a similar trip.
To Start at the beginning of the trip go to Day One.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day Seventeen: Oakdale - Dunsmuir, CA
Trying to figure out where to stay on our last night in California we thought that Dunsmuir looked like a largish town and a good spot to stop. Just before we got there a road sign advertised the Dunsmuir Lodge! We had to check it out and when we checked in they had had someone from "our" Dunsmuir Lodge stay there already!
Even more odd: on the way I wondered if this little railroad town had any connection to "our" Dunsmuirs. Imagine my amusement when I found out the town was named for Alexander Dunsmuir who, accordning to local legend, visited the town in 1888 and offered to donate a fountain to the town if they changed their name to Dunsmuir. Alexander appears to have been a son of Robert Dunsmuir who is so very familiar to anyone in Victoria.
Very nice town BTW. I bet "Railroad Days" are a hoot!
Even more odd: on the way I wondered if this little railroad town had any connection to "our" Dunsmuirs. Imagine my amusement when I found out the town was named for Alexander Dunsmuir who, accordning to local legend, visited the town in 1888 and offered to donate a fountain to the town if they changed their name to Dunsmuir. Alexander appears to have been a son of Robert Dunsmuir who is so very familiar to anyone in Victoria.
Very nice town BTW. I bet "Railroad Days" are a hoot!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day Sixteen: Lone Pine - Oakdale, CA
We traveled through Yosemite National Park today and what a difference! The temperature was a delightful 72 degrees at the Visitor Center we stopped at. The air coming in the car windows was actually cool!
Oh, and the mechanic we spoke to just before the park (in a place called Lee Vining?) said our concerns about the van were probably nothing major to worry about. Hopefully he was right but the van had no trouble through Yosemite and out the other side to lovely Oxdale where we found a room around dinner time.
Yosemite is huge. Sean wants to come back and go camping. There is so much to do that one could spend a week or more and just scratch the surface. A busy place as well with cars in every picnic area, viewpoint, visitor center and even parked along the road near small signs for hiking trails. A short stop for a paddle in the lake was not nearly enough. That said, no way would we want to drive there again from either side. Eleven degree inclines down twisty mountain roads? No thanks.
At the hotel Ted chatted with a lovely family from Minnesota out here on a two-week road trip. They are heading towards Yosemite having been in San Francisco the last couple of days. The people we have chatted with at the hotels and sights have been friendly and helpful. Manuel, the nice front desk clerk tonight, has even visited Victoria and would like to retire there! Mexican family, works in California and wants to retire to British Columbia. NAFTA for individuals, eh?
Oh, and the mechanic we spoke to just before the park (in a place called Lee Vining?) said our concerns about the van were probably nothing major to worry about. Hopefully he was right but the van had no trouble through Yosemite and out the other side to lovely Oxdale where we found a room around dinner time.
Yosemite is huge. Sean wants to come back and go camping. There is so much to do that one could spend a week or more and just scratch the surface. A busy place as well with cars in every picnic area, viewpoint, visitor center and even parked along the road near small signs for hiking trails. A short stop for a paddle in the lake was not nearly enough. That said, no way would we want to drive there again from either side. Eleven degree inclines down twisty mountain roads? No thanks.
At the hotel Ted chatted with a lovely family from Minnesota out here on a two-week road trip. They are heading towards Yosemite having been in San Francisco the last couple of days. The people we have chatted with at the hotels and sights have been friendly and helpful. Manuel, the nice front desk clerk tonight, has even visited Victoria and would like to retire there! Mexican family, works in California and wants to retire to British Columbia. NAFTA for individuals, eh?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day Fifteen: Las Vegas - Lone Pine, CA
I am sitting here in the delightful, charming and reasonably priced Dow Villa Hotel. Earlier today I was hot, nervous and trying to imagine what ever possessed me to drive into Death Valley in July.
The temperature was an unseasonably cool 110 degrees at Stovepipe Wells Village in the middle of the park but at least twice the engine was struggling and a nasty gasoline smell was wafting into the van. Added to my increasing fear that the engine would fail in the middle of the desert were several miles of really windy roads that dropped off quite steeply at the side.
Needless to say I was mighty relieved to arrive at the Dow Villa so perhaps my perceptions of the place are a little skewed but I find the place delightful. Old fashioned (we actually have KEYS!), two rooms with a little hallway and bath to join them and lots of character. This place used to house people like John Wayne who were in the area to film westerns and other desert location movies.
If I was bigger into movies (and had the budget) I would love to come back here to their annual film festival in October.
Brigid declared this the second best pool of the whole trip. I'm not sure which one was the best but this one was nice. Of course, we were swimming after the sun had gone down over the mountains and it was still 80 degrees which felt quite cool.
On through Yosemite tomorrow.
The temperature was an unseasonably cool 110 degrees at Stovepipe Wells Village in the middle of the park but at least twice the engine was struggling and a nasty gasoline smell was wafting into the van. Added to my increasing fear that the engine would fail in the middle of the desert were several miles of really windy roads that dropped off quite steeply at the side.
Needless to say I was mighty relieved to arrive at the Dow Villa so perhaps my perceptions of the place are a little skewed but I find the place delightful. Old fashioned (we actually have KEYS!), two rooms with a little hallway and bath to join them and lots of character. This place used to house people like John Wayne who were in the area to film westerns and other desert location movies.
If I was bigger into movies (and had the budget) I would love to come back here to their annual film festival in October.
Brigid declared this the second best pool of the whole trip. I'm not sure which one was the best but this one was nice. Of course, we were swimming after the sun had gone down over the mountains and it was still 80 degrees which felt quite cool.
On through Yosemite tomorrow.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Day Fourteen: Williams, AZ - Las Vegas
A nice easy drive but surprisingly wet. Yep it rained almost the whole way from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. Only slightly cooler but it was kinda nice driving a day that wasn't blazing hot.
Today was another crappy day for the Trip Tik and navigation into a town. Not since Monterey, CA have we had such a hard time with the directions once we hit town. Luckily the Circus Circus hotel is well marked on the regular map and right on the strip.
Gotta say, Las Vegas seems pretty tacky. OK, maybe just this Casino but the kids liked the pool best and Jacquie and I were not really impressed. Hiking a half-mile through a multi-level maze of slots and gaming tables just to get to the "show" area only to find a small, infrequently used stage surrounded by carny games was not our idea of fun.
It might be that we are all ready to head home and this is just a stop on the way, but it is not even 9:30 and all the kids are in bed (at their request) and Jacquie has decided that if she really feels like playing some slots she will go in the morning.
For my money, I wish we had stopped at the Hoover Dam and taken the tour. That looked interesting.
Today was another crappy day for the Trip Tik and navigation into a town. Not since Monterey, CA have we had such a hard time with the directions once we hit town. Luckily the Circus Circus hotel is well marked on the regular map and right on the strip.
Gotta say, Las Vegas seems pretty tacky. OK, maybe just this Casino but the kids liked the pool best and Jacquie and I were not really impressed. Hiking a half-mile through a multi-level maze of slots and gaming tables just to get to the "show" area only to find a small, infrequently used stage surrounded by carny games was not our idea of fun.
It might be that we are all ready to head home and this is just a stop on the way, but it is not even 9:30 and all the kids are in bed (at their request) and Jacquie has decided that if she really feels like playing some slots she will go in the morning.
For my money, I wish we had stopped at the Hoover Dam and taken the tour. That looked interesting.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Day Twelve: Carlsbad - Williams, AZ
750 km.
100+ degrees.
One very long drive. No wonder I woke up with some minor back spasms. Thank goodness there are no more days with that much driving. Also, lets give thanks for portable DVD players and Disney DVD's.
100+ degrees.
One very long drive. No wonder I woke up with some minor back spasms. Thank goodness there are no more days with that much driving. Also, lets give thanks for portable DVD players and Disney DVD's.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day Ten: Legoland
What a day! Lots of fun, decent food, reasonable lines and more fun places for Colin to play than Disneyland. Overall I would rate Legoland a better family park and worth a second day. Actually since it will soon no longer be simply Legoland California two days may be just perfect but I could even see three for a family with young kids.
It is now Legoland California Resort and has taken a page from Disney and and added a second "park". We were too early as Sea Life Aquarium will not be opening until August 11 but the ticket booths already advertise "Park Hopper Tickets".
I have to say I was disappointed in the Miniland section. I thought it would be much bigger. And I was choked when I was told late in the day by a sales clerk that the ENTIRE PARK was sold out of Indiana Jones Sets. The ONE set I was counting on getting was not anywhere to be found!!! Ah well, I spent $100+ on Pick-a-brick and got a copy of the Green Grocer (10185). Thankfully this should be our last big shopping day as the van is filling up (and so is our VISA card).
It is now Legoland California Resort and has taken a page from Disney and and added a second "park". We were too early as Sea Life Aquarium will not be opening until August 11 but the ticket booths already advertise "Park Hopper Tickets".
I have to say I was disappointed in the Miniland section. I thought it would be much bigger. And I was choked when I was told late in the day by a sales clerk that the ENTIRE PARK was sold out of Indiana Jones Sets. The ONE set I was counting on getting was not anywhere to be found!!! Ah well, I spent $100+ on Pick-a-brick and got a copy of the Green Grocer (10185). Thankfully this should be our last big shopping day as the van is filling up (and so is our VISA card).
Friday, July 11, 2008
Day Five: San Francisco
We ended up driving to a public parkade by Fisherman's Wharf because it was too far to walk. After getting Colin into the buggy and down to the water, we remembered that the diaper bag was back at the hotel. Doh!
We wandered through some stores in a square marked "Del Monte" and then down to Hyde Pier. I was very impressed with the set-up here. The main building was free and very informative. Lots of hands on things for the kids and Ted to do ;) They all raised the sails on the model ship, and we learned all about the tug called the Hercules.
Then we wandered down to the docks. Alcatraz was really something to see from the pier, and the ships were quite intriguing. There was a car ferry which was part of Highway 101, complete with cars from the '20's. We visited the gift shop, dropped a bunch of money, and headed for the cable cars.
We're in San Francisco, so we had to travel by cable car with the ( hundreds) thousands of other tourists, but it was fun, and the kids enjoyed it. They stop on the middle of the street - the level part, and the inclines were quite steep at parts. We then got off to see the Cable Car Museum, which was also free and I highly recommend. Now, I actually understand how the cars work. Again, we bought some keepsakes (including a wooden cable car for Colin), and moved along.
We ended up walking down the street a fair distance, which was much better than walking up, and then got aboard the car to Fisherman's Wharf. After lunch at BK, we found the wharf proper and wow... what a stench of fish and crabs and people. We stayed long enough to appreciate that maybe we'll come back sometime sans children and turned around and boarded the cable cars again.
We got off far away in the middle of the city, and then found a park for the kids to play in... well, a bunch of trees and grass and they were happy. It turned out the park was a Martin Luther King memorial as well. Then we headed back again on the cable cars, picked up the car and crashed at the hotel. We picked up dinner at a local restaurant and Ted noted there was about 30 people in line for the iPhone, and there was a four hour wait to get one. He really wanted to be one of them. Too bad!
We enjoyed our day in San Francisco, and it was a welcome rest from driving half the day.
Kilometers driven: 4
Barf Blog: 0
We wandered through some stores in a square marked "Del Monte" and then down to Hyde Pier. I was very impressed with the set-up here. The main building was free and very informative. Lots of hands on things for the kids and Ted to do ;) They all raised the sails on the model ship, and we learned all about the tug called the Hercules.
Then we wandered down to the docks. Alcatraz was really something to see from the pier, and the ships were quite intriguing. There was a car ferry which was part of Highway 101, complete with cars from the '20's. We visited the gift shop, dropped a bunch of money, and headed for the cable cars.
We're in San Francisco, so we had to travel by cable car with the (
We ended up walking down the street a fair distance, which was much better than walking up, and then got aboard the car to Fisherman's Wharf. After lunch at BK, we found the wharf proper and wow... what a stench of fish and crabs and people. We stayed long enough to appreciate that maybe we'll come back sometime sans children and turned around and boarded the cable cars again.
We got off far away in the middle of the city, and then found a park for the kids to play in... well, a bunch of trees and grass and they were happy. It turned out the park was a Martin Luther King memorial as well. Then we headed back again on the cable cars, picked up the car and crashed at the hotel. We picked up dinner at a local restaurant and Ted noted there was about 30 people in line for the iPhone, and there was a four hour wait to get one. He really wanted to be one of them. Too bad!
We enjoyed our day in San Francisco, and it was a welcome rest from driving half the day.
Kilometers driven: 4
Barf Blog: 0
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Day Four: Eureka - San Francisco
I Left My Harp...in Sam Frog's Disco
After the hottest day EVER we arrived in San Francisco for a two-night stay in a classic Highway 101 motel.
As we drove south from Eureka the temperature rose and the smoke started to become overwhelming. By the time we stopped in Uriak (sorry I 'm sure that is wrong) it felt like we were stepping into a sauna outside the car. Picking up a local paper while we had lunch at a Carl Jr's (very nice burgers BTW) it said the day before was a record of 110F yesterday and was expected to be 106F today. Yes, we turned on the A/C this afternoon.
A brief stop to get Colin out of the car for 15 minutes and find some ice cream became more amusing when we discovered we had pulled off at the home of Charles M Schultz. Santa Rosa is proud of their association and sure wants to let you know about it. Good thing the whimsical statues of Peanuts characters are so cute.
Now we are settled into our room and ready for a day of just touring. No driving tomorrow! Hooray!
After the hottest day EVER we arrived in San Francisco for a two-night stay in a classic Highway 101 motel.
As we drove south from Eureka the temperature rose and the smoke started to become overwhelming. By the time we stopped in Uriak (sorry I 'm sure that is wrong) it felt like we were stepping into a sauna outside the car. Picking up a local paper while we had lunch at a Carl Jr's (very nice burgers BTW) it said the day before was a record of 110F yesterday and was expected to be 106F today. Yes, we turned on the A/C this afternoon.
A brief stop to get Colin out of the car for 15 minutes and find some ice cream became more amusing when we discovered we had pulled off at the home of Charles M Schultz. Santa Rosa is proud of their association and sure wants to let you know about it. Good thing the whimsical statues of Peanuts characters are so cute.
Now we are settled into our room and ready for a day of just touring. No driving tomorrow! Hooray!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day Three: Florence, OR - Eureka, CA
A long day of mostly driving. We did have a couple of pleasant stops but we had to push to get to Eureka and bring San Francisco under the 300 mile mark (just barely.)
We got into Eureka around 4:00 pm and ended up at the Super 8. Again, Wi-Fi and a pool were top on the list of requirements.
Eureka seems nice. Mostly it feels like James Bay with Palm trees. We saw several houses from Government Street transplanted here as we took a walk into the Old Town in search of dinner. Opera Alley Bistro would be a recommended stop if you are passing this way. We sat outside and enjoyed a very nice dinner (even if they thought Sean wanted cheddar on his fries instead of his hamburger) Jacquie enjoyed the Filet Mignon sandwich special.
We got into Eureka around 4:00 pm and ended up at the Super 8. Again, Wi-Fi and a pool were top on the list of requirements.
Eureka seems nice. Mostly it feels like James Bay with Palm trees. We saw several houses from Government Street transplanted here as we took a walk into the Old Town in search of dinner. Opera Alley Bistro would be a recommended stop if you are passing this way. We sat outside and enjoyed a very nice dinner (even if they thought Sean wanted cheddar on his fries instead of his hamburger) Jacquie enjoyed the Filet Mignon sandwich special.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day Two: Long Beach, WA - Florence, OR
We started the day by just barely crossing into Oregon and stopping at Fort Clatsop in Lewis and Clark National Park.
An entertaining reconstruction of what the "fort" might have looked like when the expedition wintered at the mouth of the Columbia River. The "staff" were fantastic and really brought the fort to life. It was funny seeing James Townsend and Sons products in the gift shop. Sean got a jaw harp he saw one of the staff playing.
Spending almost two hours at the fort early in the day really made for a looong day of driving. We limped into Florence and took a room at the first place we saw with free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool. It was pricey but really refreshing and it did include a buffet breakfast with the make-your-own-waffles!
An entertaining reconstruction of what the "fort" might have looked like when the expedition wintered at the mouth of the Columbia River. The "staff" were fantastic and really brought the fort to life. It was funny seeing James Townsend and Sons products in the gift shop. Sean got a jaw harp he saw one of the staff playing.
Spending almost two hours at the fort early in the day really made for a looong day of driving. We limped into Florence and took a room at the first place we saw with free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool. It was pricey but really refreshing and it did include a buffet breakfast with the make-your-own-waffles!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Day One: Port Angeles - Long Beach, WA
That was a loooooong day but I cannot have imagined taking the later ferry. We pulled into the motel @ Long Beach about 3:00pm which was just enough time to get settled in and explore the beach for a bit before dinner.
What a windy place! I dropped a paper receipt when I got out the video camera and felt obliged to chase it. It must have looked pretty funny as I chased the paper and would dive after it only to have it blow just out of reach. Good thing I was hodling the video camera or there would be evidence!
Dinner was great! We went to a place called the Loose Kaboose which was an old railway caboose fitted out with a kitchen. Inside was a train-lovers wonderland including a large-scale model train running around on a shelf just below the ceiling. Perhaps the only restaurant ever where Colin did not make a fuss. So that's the secret!
What a windy place! I dropped a paper receipt when I got out the video camera and felt obliged to chase it. It must have looked pretty funny as I chased the paper and would dive after it only to have it blow just out of reach. Good thing I was hodling the video camera or there would be evidence!
Dinner was great! We went to a place called the Loose Kaboose which was an old railway caboose fitted out with a kitchen. Inside was a train-lovers wonderland including a large-scale model train running around on a shelf just below the ceiling. Perhaps the only restaurant ever where Colin did not make a fuss. So that's the secret!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Packed!
Yep, after a day of running around for last-minute bits and bobs and some last-minute laundry we are packed and ready to go.
Good thing we decided to pay the $11 extra for a reserved spot so I didn't have to park the car tonight in the lineup.
Off to be bed now so we can get up @ 4:00 am and be in line @ 5:00 for immigration checks.
-Ted
Good thing we decided to pay the $11 extra for a reserved spot so I didn't have to park the car tonight in the lineup.
Off to be bed now so we can get up @ 4:00 am and be in line @ 5:00 for immigration checks.
-Ted
Friday, July 4, 2008
Documentation Ahoy!
I picked up my passport this morning. And my BCID came on Wednesday, so I can now prove who I am and get across the border. :) Alli and I went to the Mothering Touch and I bought two new nursing bra/tank tops by Bravado, which I highly, highly recommend. I expect to live in them throughout our trip! We're getting ready to go. Finished cleaning Brigid's room yesterday. Did our room this morning and now we're working on Sean's. I don't want to come home to an untidy house.
I'm starting to freak out a little about the trip. We haven't been anywhere in a long, long time. Let alone driving and taking three children with us. I hope we'll be able to rest here and there - we need to remember to take breaks.
Eeek. Only 3 days until we leave. I have market all day tomorrow, and then the series finale of Doctor Who! Then it's shopping and packing all day Sunday. :)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Van should be ready
Took the van into Tires Unlimited to replace the two tires that I didn't replace before Xmas. After that it was over to Mr Lube where a quick filter and oil change was joined by a change of transmission fluid after the inspection. App. $500+ later and I am actually feeling better about driving 4,000 miles.
Oh yeah, that was the other stop. I picked up the Trip Tik book (actally two books) which says the total driving is app. 4,000 miles. 21 days. That is an average of 190 miles a day. I think I had better not think about these numbers anymore.
Time to get packing. LOL!
Oh yeah, that was the other stop. I picked up the Trip Tik book (actally two books) which says the total driving is app. 4,000 miles. 21 days. That is an average of 190 miles a day. I think I had better not think about these numbers anymore.
Time to get packing. LOL!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Trip Map
We decided to join the BC Automobile Association for a little extra security on our trip. Part of the service is the TripTik map books with directions. I mapped out the trip online and this is the general outline map.
Hopefully the printed book will be ready today or tomorrow. I might have printed it myself until I tried to download and it came up as something like 190 pages of .pdf file!
It doesn't have every single stop we are making but does have the cities/attractions we will be visiting.
Hopefully the printed book will be ready today or tomorrow. I might have printed it myself until I tried to download and it came up as something like 190 pages of .pdf file!
It doesn't have every single stop we are making but does have the cities/attractions we will be visiting.
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