       |
|
Copyright © 2001-2007 Novey Chou |
Northwestern Trip Log, August 2007Russ's parents came over from New Zealand for a visit in August and we decided to go on a road trip together. It was tricky planning the trip. With two small children we didn't want to spend too much time on the road each day, but it had to be enough to get to interesting places. Initially we had planned to go North to the Shasta Lake region, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle and then turn back. After a couple of days on the road (with screaming kids) we decided that for our sanity it was best to skip Seattle, spend an extra day in Portland, then the kids and I would fly home and Russ would drive the car back (a 12-hour trip). Vern and Sally drove back separately and were able to visit a couple of more places in Oregon. Redding, Shasta Lake, Lassen National Volcanic Park Loading up the cars.  Taking a lunch break at a rest stop on the way to the Shasta region.  The kids enjoying our hotel room in Redding.  An all American breakfast.  Calvin showing me his boo-boo.  Walking over the Shasta Dam. Due to security measures resulting from 9/11, we couldn't bring anything except keys to the tour, so we decided to pass (Damn you Osama!).  View of Shasta Lake from the dam.  The other side of the dam.   Sun dial bridge in Redding.   It was a hot day...  ...perfect for a dip in the hotel swimming pool.    Owen looks on curiously.   A quiet moment on the drive to Lassen National Volcanic Park.  Manzanita Lake.   The gang.  I think this is Lassen peak.  Rocks spewed from the volcano many decades ago.  On our short hike to Summit Lake  A very dirty but happy Calvin.  Talk about riding in luxury...   Summit Lake was my favorite spot in the park. It was clear, peaceful and beautiful. A perfect place for camping and swimming.  Taking pictures of them taking pictures of me taking pictures of them taking pictures of...    Calvin and I took a short hike to some volcanic activities. We waved hello to fellow hikers and stopped frequently to snack.   Smelly, steamy sulphur.     Back in the hotel, time to act silly again! Florence, Oregon Sand Dunes  Driving by Mount Shasta on the way to the Oregon coast.  Elks grazing away.  Hmm, nice angle for a pose.  Calvin doing his trademark dance.    We went on a ride on the sand dunes. It was awesome!  Calvin always gets that serious look when he knows he's about to have big fun.  Riding on the beach was exhilarating.  Calvin's expression captured while going down a huge sand dune.  You think we can make it?     That looks fun, maybe next time....  A cute specialty toy store in downtown Florence.  We took advantage of our location and had us lots of seafood. Portland, Columbia River Gorge  For a different kind of fun, we went to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland.   Calvin playing in the Physics Lab.  Learning all about irrigation (well...getting wet at least).  One of many waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.   Nature calls...  After a gloomy morning, the sunshine finally decided to grace us with its presence.  Multnomah Falls, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the country. Apparently it turns into a giant icicle when the temperature gets unusually low.  Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.   Fish ladder.  In an underground room we could watch salmons swim upsteam.      Owen had a sudden urge to lick his brother.   A panoramic view of the Columbia River (click for higher resolution). |