Canada Trip - Tuesday 6-12

Driving north I stopped to visit one of my former coworkers (actually) my first supervisor who lives in Eugene, Oregon.  We started work for the City of Santa Barbara on the same day.  After a good visit he lead me to an  RV park just north of Eugene which worked out great.
The next day I headed north to see Mt. St. Helen`s.  I arrived at the visitors center about 3:00 pm only to find out that the drive out to the actual volcano (about 1.5 hours east) would put me there after their close.  There was a nice camp ground right across the road, that was like being in a tropical rain forest.

I thought I would work myself into a picture every so often.  The next shots are in the camp ground where I spent the night.  Below is one of the rhododendron which were nearing the end of their blooming cycle but this one was still perfect.

Above is a rhododendron tree which is about 15` tall.

This is a fallen log that is completely covered with a thick layer of moss - as is everything including the standing trees in the background.

Even this shade cover for a picnic area had a thick layer of moss on the roof.  In the background is one of several "yurts" or covered camping tents that could be rented for the night. 

This is my camp spot that night, complete with ferns and a large moss covered rock.  A little rain and a great nights sleep.  I will include a picture of the three foot high ferns that were through the camp grounds. 

The next day I found out that the view of the actual volcano was obscured (as it often is this time of year) by ground fog.  Due to that I decided not to drive the 3-4 hour round trip out to try and see more than I saw at the visitors center.
I headed north to visit with a dear friend who lives on Vashon Island, which is just southwest of downtown Seattle, Washington.  I takes a half hour ferry ride to reach the island and it is also very green out there.  There are a lot of wildlife on the island including: deer; bald eagles; sea otters; raccoons & crested blue jays. 
Here are some of the raccoons that get handouts every day at the house.  Very cute but still wild animals.

This is just some of the raccoons (masked bandits) that arrive at the first sign of life inside the house.
So much for now, so I will say (in Italian) - Ciao

Canada Trip - Monday 6-11

This was mainly a travel day heading for Eugene, Oregon to visit with a former co-worker.  Along the way I saw several old barns that I could not resist stopping to photograph.  One with part of the Cascade Range topped with snow.

North tomorrow to see the Mt. St. Helens visitors center and then drive out to see what is left of the actual mountain.  I hope it do not blow it`s top while I am there.
Adios

Canada Trip - Sunday 6-10

Two objectives today:  Mt. Shasta and Crater Lake. 

Getting off the highway I headed east (somehwere between Redding & Yreka, Ca.)  and found the road to the trail head for Mt. Shasta.  It ended at a place called "Bunny Flat" elevation 6950` with a great view of the snow covered mountain.

The parking area was loaded and a lot of them were either hiking or perparing to hike up the mountain.  This shot shows them with my truck on the right nearer the camera.

Time to hit the road again but on advise from a friend, I found a place about 30 miles north to see Mt. Shasta from the other side.  The contrast with the surrounding country is amazing.  I`ll let you be the judge of that.....

Into Oregon and a right turn at Medford, up Hwy. 62 to Crater Lake Nat. Park. This place is stunning but due to the elevation (6,450`) there was still a lot of snow.  There is a roadway around the lake (22 miles) but most was not yet plowed.  Here are  several pictures from on the south side overlook.

The island is named Wizard Island and is all that is left of top of the valcano that occupied this space.  It is hard to see the whole size of this lake.  The water surface is 6,173` and the deepest point is -1,943` below the surface. 

This is looking just right of the picture above and that shadow (bottom right) is a tree that looks like a photographer - no really it is a tree!
Did I say the snow on the rim was deep, this next picture really shows how deep!!!!

That night I camped down from the rim in the some of the only spots that had been plowed - but just enough for the vehicles.  When I woke the temp outside was 33 & the temp inside 34 , those vinal sides of the pop-up really do insulate, not.

That is all for today.

Canada Trip - Saturday 6/9/12 (again)

I know what you are thinking - didn`t he title the last post "Saturday 6/9" and the answer is YES.  I guess  that is what happens when one is retired and traveling!
Today really is Saturday 6/9 and it is the second day of my travels on the way to the Canadian Rockies. 
After nearly getting blown over last night, I continued north on Hwy. 5.  When I got to Red Bluff, Ca. (you are going to have a good map handy - if you really care) and truned east for Lassen Volcanic Nat. Park.  It is a 29 mile drive though the park and starts at 6,700` elevation (south entrance) / goes over 8,212` at the highest / exits at 5,900` (north entrance).  Lots of snow on the southern side - I know "show me some pictures".

I know "both hands on the wheel" but how could I show you what it was like to driving through a lot of snow.  It was also cold out - probably about 45 degrees or so and a good breeze......
No shortage of lakes and appropriately named Reflection Lake fits the bill.  It is near the north entrance.

I went to checkout Manzanita Lake and this goose must have thought I had some food.  It came within about five feet of me, so of course I had to get a picture.

I headed west back to Hwy. 5 and the town of Redding, Ca.  Then north and found a nice RV park about 25 miles up the road. 
I want to see Mt. Shasta (still in Calif.) and then north to Medford, Oregon where I will head northeast to Crater Lake Nat. Park.  It looks like there is a road all the way around the lake and I plan to stay there Sunday evening. 
I will leave you with a shot of the sign for the park including my truck / camper.

I will say "Sayonara"  for now.

Saturday 6/9/12

I am finally off on my road trip up the west coast and into the Canadian Rockies.  At the end of the first day I am just south of Redding Ca. in a RV park.  It is very windy and yesterday I drove into a head wind most of the day.  Due to that my truck / camper got only 14.5 MPG !!!!!
This morning I was rocked awake and it is getting stronger.  No fun driving in this but ......
I am heading for Lassen Volcanic Nat. Park and then to Mt. Shasta before heading into Oregon. 
Sorry but no pictures yet although I could have taken a lot of  pictures of the 2.5 hours slog through San Francisco traffic.  Of course I hit it a rush hour on a Friday - good planning.  I can not imagine how those people endure that every day. 
Heading north (into more head wind) but into every life a little wind must fall..........

Better late than never

I have been delayed with my departure date and am now hoping to leave on Friday 6/8.  This means I will probably not be posting anything until about Tuesday 6/12. 

Schedules just are not what they use to be..........

Until then-

Planning to hit the road soon

I will be heading north about the end of May for about 2-3 months.  Destination this year is up the west coast and then into Canada.  I hope to spend some time in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise & points further north) before comming back down to Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Park (Montana).
I have been busy with projects at home and for others but am ready to go for a drive.
I hope you remember the phrase "Carpe Deim" -(sieze the day) and enjoy life every day.