The Route 66 Juggernaut

Here’s one way to get your kicks. Our German travel friends, Robert Golle and Sabine, just finished a marathon, cross-country trek along the entire Route 66. Thankfully, they made it all in one piece. For those who don’t know, the storied Route 66 is a fascinating highway corridor that’s downright dangerous in some places.

Robert and Sabine during their 3-week Route 66 Juggernaut. Gesundheit!

Portions of the old highway have suffered massive deterioration due to neglect, and are riddled with potholes and rocks. In some areas, there’s no “route” at all. Imagine the terrain stagecoaches went across in the late 1800s and that’s present day Route 66 (the neglected portions, anyway).

Still, Robert seemed determined to drive it. We met them at the Grand Canyon this past June. They were a great couple, SUPER friendly, very informative. Moreso, we were amazed by their travel concept. Robert showed us his 30-page, 3-week trip intinerary he’d actually compiled into a loose-leaf binder: where to eat, where to sleep, when to get up, and all of it mapped out in exquisite detail. Incredible.

Right now, Robert and Sabine tell us they’re sorting through 4,000-plus travel pics. Told them we’d post a link to their photos when they’re ready. Cimmon, Robert, let’s see those photos…Schnell!

Buzz for Seattle Seahawks, Qwest Stadium

Seattle Seahawk fans are buzzing out here, and it isn’t from too much Starbucks. It’s football season again, and Seahawk fans are ecstatic over their big win against the Denver Broncos.

Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and those well-caffeinated Seattle fans

Everywhere you go, it’s Seahawks: Seahawks T-shirts, sweatshirts, car flags. Over in Pioneer Square, I saw a fan pursue a vagrant selling Seahawks caps, $10 each.  On the radio and TV, sportscasters on can’t stop talking about it. I know next to nothing about Seattle football, but now I’m curious. Makes me want to get over to Qwest Field and see about all this Seattle Seahawk hullabaloo.

I’m pretty certain the NFL has little to do with travel writing, but pro sports can reveal much about a city’s culture. On game weeks, Seahawk fans celebrate “Blue Fridays” by donning their Seahawk colors at school, home, the office.

Northern Oregon: Goonies, Beaches and Rainforests

Good-bye, Oregon. We’re really gonna miss you. We left last week but not without getting some great photos. Portland worked as a great spring board to amazing and awe-inspiring sights.  Just In: One of our Canon Beach photos has been featured on Schmap Portland Area Guide.

A great place to picnic

Cannon Beach. This place is really, really cool, folks. Lots of kite fliers, picnicking and people swimming. Yes, you heard me. Turns out you CAN swim in Oregon coastal waters. We saw plenty of people splashing around in water at least up to their necks. So it can be done. However, locals strongly urge swimmers to be careful as ocean waters can be mercurial and dangerous. One minutes you’re splashing around having a ball; the next, you’re caught in a deadly undertow. Swimming months are late July through August when the water is warmer. See photos. We also got some cool photos 1,100 feet above in a helicopter tour ride.

Walk into a FernGully rainforest

Silver Falls State Park.  Ever see that kid flick FernGully? Images from the animated 1992 feature kept popping up everywhere we turned. No, we didn’t see magical FernGully wood nymphs, though I wouldn’t have been surprised if we had. This place is so natural and green, it almost imprints itself on your retinas. It will forever be imprinted on our memories, fondly. Gorgeous waterfalls, cool mild temperatures, wild blackberries you can pick off the vine and eat.  This place is like the garden of Eden.  See photos.

Astoria, OR is Goonies Town

Rocky…Road? The Goonies, proudly displayed at the Clatsop County Heritage Museum

Hey, you guuyys! This picturesque and history-rich town will forever be recognized as the place “Captain” Chunk did his gut-busting “Truffle Shuffle” in the Goonies. Diehard fans of Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adventure comedy often make pilgrimages here to see where scenes from the movie were filmed.

The locals here wear it with pride. There’s even a Goonies display at the Clatsop County Heritage Museum, along with other fascinating displays. It will make you want to watch the movie again, for the hundredth time. See photos.

On a historic side note, drive about 15 minutes south and see where famed adventurers Lewis and Clark completed their 3-year, 7,680-mile trek across the Western U.S. The National Parks Service has built a replica of Fort Clatsop which is fascinating to walk through. The Visitor Center explains the Lewis & Clark expedition in vivid detail.

Beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon

A great place to picnic

Cannon Beach. This place is really, really cool, folks. Lots of kite fliers, picnicking and people swimming. Yes, you heard me. Turns out you CAN swim in Oregon coastal waters. We saw plenty of people splashing around in water at least up to their necks. So it can be done. Locals, however, strongly urge swimmers to be careful as ocean waters can be unpredictable and dangerous. One minute you’re splashing around having a ball; the next, you’re caught in a deadly undertow. Swimming months are late July through August when the water is warmer.

We also took some amazing photos 1,100 feet up on a tour flight with Seaside Helicopter Tour Company.

Discover FernGully at Silver Falls State Park

Walk into a FernGully rainforest at Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park. Ever see that kid flick FernGully? Images from the animated 1992 feature kept popping up everywhere we turned. No, we didn’t see magical FernGully wood nymphs, though I wouldn’t have been surprised if we had.

This place is so natural and green, it almost imprints itself on your retinas. It will forever be imprinted on our memories, fondly.  Gorgeous waterfalls, cool mild temperatures and emerald everwhere. The forest floor is lush with mosses, ferns and wild flowers, and standing tall overhead, hemlock, cedar and Douglas Firs with moss covered branches. In some areas, the moss is so thick, their branches hang down low. Wild blackberries grow along portions of the trail that you can pick off the vine and eat (although park rangers discourage it).

This place is like the garden of Eden. Now I see why environmentalist get so enamored. See photos.

Newport, Oregon

Sea Lions in Newport, OR

Check out our new photos from our trip to Newport, Oregon and Seal Point for a look at some craggy shores and breath-taking views. There’s plenty of marine wildlife for viewing here.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for California Sea Lions, we suggest skipping the Sea Lion Caves, which cost $11 per person and instead seeing them up close for free at The Bayfront in Newport, OR.

There’s also more stuff to do in Newport, such as the underwater aquarium, antique shops and a wax museum. You can even purchase fresh dungeness crab off an actual crabbing boat, $5 to $10 each.

Hip, hip, Ah-Chooh. We love Portland Roses! *sniff*

A rose is rose is a rose anywhere else, except the Portland Rose Gardens. Hundreds and hundreds of different species here, even new ones garden curators are developing at the International Test Gardens. The array of color and life is stunning.

Check out Portland's beautiful rose gardens

This is a playground for shutter bugs, with rows and rows of roses all right there for the picture taking. We’ve got a stunning digital pink rose as our laptop wallpaper, where the petals never fall and the bloom never fades.
It’s all of the beauty and none for the pollens. We love our digital roses. *sniff*.

The Oregon Coast

While not exactly swim weather, the sharp rocks and meadows makes Oregon beaches an enchanting find

If the California Coast is known for being buff, blonde and bare-all, then Oregon would be its more reserved, bundled-up neighbor. It’s far too cold to swim here (temperatures average about 65 degrees). But that’s okay. Oregon beaches are gorgeous in their own right with craggy shorelines and intimidating boulders and inspiring promontories.

Getting to the shoreline is a hike, but worth it.

Here, visitors stroll the beaches in khakis, hiking shoes and fleece jackets. Cloudy weather? No problem. It only makes for more interesting photos. It’s a different type of beach experience. On that you don’t have to strip down to your skivvies to enjoy. Like much of laid-back Oregon, the beaches here allow you to come as you are and enjoy life at your own pace.

Sights of San Simeon

The gateway to Big Sur from the south side is San Simeon, home to Hearst Castle and dozens of elephant seals. It gets pretty foggy during the summer and the temperature never gets above 70 degrees. Bring your jacket for the evenings and be sure to check out:

An elephant seal pup

Elephant Seal Beach: Dozens of these adorable (and laid back) sea creatures are regular fixtures along the shoreline year-round. These creatures are so cute, you’ll hardly notice smell of brine and animal funk. Bring your binoculars and keep your distance. Local law enforcement issues steep fines to those trying touch the animals. More photos.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle. This is what happens when a shopping addict gets a lifetime supply of blank checkbooks. William Randolph Hearst bought everything. Everything. Statues, artwork, zoo animals; 167 rooms and 127 acres of garden filled with stuff, stuff and more stuff. And you can see it all for around $100 a pop. Think that’s pricey? Wait until you see the gift shop. But hey, at least the parking is free. Hearst’s philanthropy lives on. More photos.

San Simeon State Park

San Simeon State Park: Pay $100 minimum for one of the hotels nearby or opt for a relaxing and natural stay for $20/night at this beautiful state park (no hook-ups). Not recommended for RVs over 35 foot. We managed to back in our 37-foot RV, but it was tricky; we had to unhitch our car trailer.