Eureka, California

Mile 5815:

We arrived in Eureka, California.  As we left Portland this morning, we drove downtown and strolled through a park there.  We saw a sculpture of a fish swimming through a building.  It is called "Transcendence".  It is on the corner of Salmon St. and Park St.

From Portland, we eventually made our way to the Pacific Coast Highway, US Route 101 at Newport, OR.  There we saw the Pacific Ocean for the very first time.  We had many excellent views of the Pacific Ocean on the drive to Eureka.  This route also took us through a couple of the redwood forest state parks.

First sight of the Pacific Ocean at Newport, OR

Pacific Ocean at Newport, OR

Lighthouse at Newport, OR

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Pacific Ocean along U.S. 101

Finally arrived in California!!



Traveling through Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park

Beautiful Falls Day

Mile 5336:

We left Seattle today in the pouring rain.  Went through the Mt. Rainier National Park to get a glimpse of Mt. Rainier through the clouds.  It was still a majestic peak rising snow/glacier covered above the mountain range.  We went on to Oregon and rode through the Columbia Gorge along historic U.S. Route 30.  We saw numerous beautiful falls along the gorge.  At end of the scenic travel today, we arrived in Portland, Oregon.

Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier peaking above the clouds

Close up of Mt. Rainier

Driving along Columbia River through Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area

Clear Creek Falls on White Pass Byway - 228 ft.



Horsetail Falls - 176 ft.

Multnomah Falls - 620 ft.

Wahkeenah Falls - 242 ft.

Latourell Falls - 249 ft.

It's Raining in Seattle

Reminiscent of our visit to Chicago a couple of weeks ago, it was raining this morning when we went downtown.  We went to the historic Pike Place Market on the waterfront.  It featured a prominent Fish Market----which, other than smelling fishy (which you know I love)-- this market place was very enjoyable.  There were artisans and vendors with fresh foods of all kinds, flowers, herbs, etc.

Arriving at the Pike Place Market downtown

Another view of the Market

Inside the Market

Fresh fish on ice

Colorful chiles at the Market 

Across Pike Place from the Public Market

The very first Starbucks

Jansen ordering at the very first Starbucks

Kerry Park had the very best view of the Seattle skyline--capturing the downtown buildings AND the Space Needle.

View of Seattle from Kerry Park in the Queen Anne Hill area

Seattle, Washington

Mile 4871:

We left Vancouver this morning and headed back to the USA.

Alex Fraser Bridge leaving Vancouver

Directions to USA border

Peace Arch at US/Canada border

Welcome back!!

We arrived in Seattle.

Seattle, WA skyline from the Space Needle

Iconic Space Needle in Seattle.  It was built for the 1962 World's Fair.

Monorail - also built for 1962 World's Fair



Me at the top of the Space Needle.

Then we toured the Chihuly Garden and Glass.  This "museum" features the work of Dale Chihuly and has the most beautiful display of blown glass art work I have seen.  It was incredible.



Chihuly Glass sculpture in Sealife Room

Close up of Sealife sculpture

Closer-up of Sealife sculpture

Persian Ceiling room - these are sculpted art glass pieces artistically placed on clear ceiling panels above the viewer. 
These were incredible.

Another panel in the Persian Ceiling room.

Persian Ceiling room - light from ceiling creates interesting patterns from the glass above.

 Panoramic view of Milli Fiore room

Macchia Forest room.

Ceiling sculpture in the Glass House 

Glass sculptures in the outdoor gardens

More glass sculptures in the outdoor gardens

Even more glass sculptures in the outdoor gardens.  The visit to this garden has inspired me.