Woke-up at the Coast Gateway Hotel at Sea-Tac yesterday and immediately went online to check the Juneau weather. Roh Roh. High wind warning. Winds at the airport gusting to near 50 mph. On Sheep Mountain gusts to almost 80 mph. Not auspicious for my scheduled departure three hours later. Still, the forecast called for diminishing winds before my scheduled arrival...
Got packed-up, turned-in the rental car and off to the airport. Checked-in...no hint of delay or weather problems. It took quite awhile to wind my way through security. The process was punctuated by a TSA goon slamming a big stack of empty trays on my thumb just as I was reaching for a tray in which to place my computer. Ouch! I am going to have one black-and-blue digit for a awhile. The goon apologized profusely. I pondered making a scene and filing a complaint/claim; but the prospect of missing my flight and spending six hours or so filling out federal paperwork deterred me. And god knows what kind of list you go on if you formally complain about TSA...
So it was with some trepidation and a throbbing thumb that I approached gate C-16 to board my Juneau flight. Figured the odds were good we would spend an hour or two hanging-out waiting for the winds to die down. Nope. No suspense at all. Just a smiling agent at the gate to inform me that the flight had been canceled due to high winds and I should hustle my buns down to the Alaska Airlines Service Center to be serviced.
The stroll gave me time to ponder what I should do...hang-out at Sea-Tac and try to get on the 3PM milk-run via Ketchikan and Sitka? Go into town for the day and come back for the evening direct flight? Would I have to collect my checked-bags including the bloody golf clubs?
One of the advantages to having a smart phone (a device I do NOT possess) is that in situations such as this one can leap online and change one's reservations before the huddled masses can be serviced one-by-one by an agent. I suspect half of my fellow would-be flight mates exercised this option. And most of those who had not were ahead of me in line at the Customer Service Center. An hour or so later when I am finally serviced by an agent the options for getting home on Friday had dwindled to exactly one: Take a flight from Seattle to Anchorage and then the Cordova-Yakutat,-Juneau milk run. And of course if I elected to remain in Seattle for another day - it would be on my own dime.
Alrighty then! I took the offered deal which did not, by the way, include any guarantee that I would be seeing my checked-baggage anytime soon. My bags, not requiring a seat, would most likely travel to Juneau directly from Seattle on the next available flight. What were the odds of both me and my bags arriving in Juneau before the day was out? Not high, I thought; but what the hell, it's an adventure.
The flight to Anchorage was quite pleasant even though I was in a middle seat. I got engrossed in a book I had purchased a few days earlier "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. Best novel I've read in some time...
Got off the plane in Anchorage just in time to hear the "boarding all rows" announcement for my flight to Juneau. Flight 66 operated as a combi yesterday - the first time I have flown on Alaska's new 737-400 passenger/freight aircraft. Departed on time and off to Cordova where the sun was shining brightly. A bumpy approach into Yakutat; but still on time. Dropped into Juneau a few minutes early. And miracle of miracles...my checked-bags joined me only a half-hour later on the flight from Seattle. A long day but all's well that ends well.
My bed felt real comfy last night. And I am resolved to take a break from super rich food and wine binging - at least until the official kick-off of the holidays at Thanksgiving. Is it possible to have a food hangover? I think maybe so...
But it was one mighty fine vacation!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Congratulations Leah!
Just got a call from Leah. She had just got off the phone with the folks from Sokol Blosser winery. They are making her a job offer. She was ecstatic. Adios mind-numbing insurance stuff. Hola a fun new job. She will be working with their wine club program - I see a link on their website to something called the Cellar Club. She met most of the staff at her second interview on Monday - including the co-presidents who are the son and daughter of the founder. Lots of young people there. Way cool.
In other news the wining and dining Portland experience continues. Went to Bamboo Sushi with Jim, Jane, John, and Amanda Monday night. We ordered a mess of yummy sushi - mowed right through it and then ordered more which also vanished without a trace. Good and good for you...but it was the company that stole the show. Dining in the city with friends is about as good as it gets in my book.
Tuesday was another serious carb-loading experience at Cafe Mingo with Amanda and Leah. I had beef braised in coffee and wine over penne pasta. It's about the best pasta dish I've ever had. And again, the company was extraordinary.
Last night was a huge steak at El Gaucho here at the hotel. I'm still feeling stuffed this morning. I think I will need to double my workouts when I get home...all this rich food and wine must be taking it's toll. Time to give it a rest methinks.
And indeed the party is coming to a close as I will motor up I-5 to Seattle today in preparation for catching the late morning flight home tomorrow. It's been a wonderful trip.
In other news the wining and dining Portland experience continues. Went to Bamboo Sushi with Jim, Jane, John, and Amanda Monday night. We ordered a mess of yummy sushi - mowed right through it and then ordered more which also vanished without a trace. Good and good for you...but it was the company that stole the show. Dining in the city with friends is about as good as it gets in my book.
Tuesday was another serious carb-loading experience at Cafe Mingo with Amanda and Leah. I had beef braised in coffee and wine over penne pasta. It's about the best pasta dish I've ever had. And again, the company was extraordinary.
Last night was a huge steak at El Gaucho here at the hotel. I'm still feeling stuffed this morning. I think I will need to double my workouts when I get home...all this rich food and wine must be taking it's toll. Time to give it a rest methinks.
And indeed the party is coming to a close as I will motor up I-5 to Seattle today in preparation for catching the late morning flight home tomorrow. It's been a wonderful trip.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Back to Portland
Well, back in the City of Roses after a wonderful trip down the coast. It couldn't have been a more pleasant road trip.
On Friday I drove from Arcata, California up to Ashland, Oregon. A beautiful drive through the coastal mountains. A fair amount of fall color in the hills.
In Ashland I checked-into an all suites hotel that was very nice. A room damn near as big as my apartment in Juneau. I wandered around downtown Ashland which is very quaint. The two major industries are the Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A very congenial atmosphere with lots of good food and beverages. Had supper and went back to my room where I booked a ticket to see Hamlet on Saturday afternoon.
My last encounter with the Prince of Denmark was back in the 9th grade - Mrs. Green's English class. I spent some time Saturday morning online brushing-up on my Shakespeare studies. A plethora of crib notes are now available online - a huge boon to modern day 9th grade students, I'm sure. Then I was off to the theater for a wonderful experience. A fun pub supper with lots of amusing company at the bar. A very good day.
The festival offers a range of theater - not just the classics of the Bard of Avon. The 2010 program included "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", a stage adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" as well as a number of offerings by contemporary playwrights. And there are several productions I'd love to see scheduled for the 2011 season.
So...just one more attraction to add to the Oregon desirability list which grows longer by the day...
Yesterday was a travel day. Drove from Ashland back up to PDX. There were HUGE thunderheads - I drove through three distinct storms that included lightning displays and serious downpours. There was a winter storm watch for the Cascade passes and I guess the Columbia River bar was shut-down as well. I checked-in to the Benson around 4 PM, had an early supper and was sawing logs by 8 PM.
Tonight it's off to Bamboo Sushi with Jim Larson, Jane, John and Amanda. Leah has a conflict but I will be joining her for lunch in an hour or so.
Life is good!
On Friday I drove from Arcata, California up to Ashland, Oregon. A beautiful drive through the coastal mountains. A fair amount of fall color in the hills.
In Ashland I checked-into an all suites hotel that was very nice. A room damn near as big as my apartment in Juneau. I wandered around downtown Ashland which is very quaint. The two major industries are the Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A very congenial atmosphere with lots of good food and beverages. Had supper and went back to my room where I booked a ticket to see Hamlet on Saturday afternoon.
My last encounter with the Prince of Denmark was back in the 9th grade - Mrs. Green's English class. I spent some time Saturday morning online brushing-up on my Shakespeare studies. A plethora of crib notes are now available online - a huge boon to modern day 9th grade students, I'm sure. Then I was off to the theater for a wonderful experience. A fun pub supper with lots of amusing company at the bar. A very good day.
The festival offers a range of theater - not just the classics of the Bard of Avon. The 2010 program included "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", a stage adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" as well as a number of offerings by contemporary playwrights. And there are several productions I'd love to see scheduled for the 2011 season.
So...just one more attraction to add to the Oregon desirability list which grows longer by the day...
Yesterday was a travel day. Drove from Ashland back up to PDX. There were HUGE thunderheads - I drove through three distinct storms that included lightning displays and serious downpours. There was a winter storm watch for the Cascade passes and I guess the Columbia River bar was shut-down as well. I checked-in to the Benson around 4 PM, had an early supper and was sawing logs by 8 PM.
Tonight it's off to Bamboo Sushi with Jim Larson, Jane, John and Amanda. Leah has a conflict but I will be joining her for lunch in an hour or so.
Life is good!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Big Trees
I went hiking in the Redwoods yesterday. A six mile loop (I took the Clintonia Trail bypass instead of the 11 mile route) through the old growth - Miner's Ridge Loop. Quite amazing...these trees are BIG. Unfortunately the weather was just so-so...not very good lighting and I am disappointed in my pics. It's also hard to get perspective. They are, after all, just TREES. And without something to measure them against...it's hard to appreciate their size. There were not a lot of folks on the trails; but finally I came across two gals who got to be my tree foils. Here you go!
Today I'm going to motor up to Ashland, Oregon to spend the night. Then probably Corvallis tomorrow and on into PDX on Sunday. It's partly cloudy this morning but it's supposed to rain most of the weekend. Sure can't complain though. The weather has been nearly perfect my whole trip.
Otherwise not much to report travel wise. Been having fun...although Arcata is certainly not as visitor friendly as the Oregon Coast communities. It is a college town however. Humboldt University is just a mile up the road and there is a cool square downtown with all the collegiate eateries and drinkeries around the perimeter. I had a decent meal there last evening.
Last, and certainly not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA AND LEAH - 27 years young today. I spoke to both of them yesterday and they were having good days. Amanda has secured an apartment in the Hawthorne District with which she is very enamored and Leah is scheduled for her SECOND employment interview with the Sokol Blosser winery on Monday. They were both quite pleased with themselves. BRAVO!
Well, gonna pack-up and hit the road.
Big tree...click on image for a larger pic. See the gals at the lower left.
Today I'm going to motor up to Ashland, Oregon to spend the night. Then probably Corvallis tomorrow and on into PDX on Sunday. It's partly cloudy this morning but it's supposed to rain most of the weekend. Sure can't complain though. The weather has been nearly perfect my whole trip.
Otherwise not much to report travel wise. Been having fun...although Arcata is certainly not as visitor friendly as the Oregon Coast communities. It is a college town however. Humboldt University is just a mile up the road and there is a cool square downtown with all the collegiate eateries and drinkeries around the perimeter. I had a decent meal there last evening.
Last, and certainly not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA AND LEAH - 27 years young today. I spoke to both of them yesterday and they were having good days. Amanda has secured an apartment in the Hawthorne District with which she is very enamored and Leah is scheduled for her SECOND employment interview with the Sokol Blosser winery on Monday. They were both quite pleased with themselves. BRAVO!
Well, gonna pack-up and hit the road.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Road Day
Well, another beautiful morning. Watched the sun come up. Have now had my morning coffee and need to pack-up and hit the road. About 5 1/2 hours to Arcata, California today. Will be hiking in the Redwoods tomorrow.
Another golf day yesterday. Didn't play worth a damn. Imagine that! Still, it was sure nice to be outdoors in the middle of October in the sunshine. Must have been near 70 yesterday. After golf I motored to "Old Town" Florence and had a burger at a sports bar. "Old Town" is pretty quaint...but only a couple of blocks long. The rest of Florence is a five mile long strip mall bordering Highway 101.
I watched the end of the Giants/Philly game last night and back at the hotel enjoyed seeing Texas demolish the Yankees. Dad would have really enjoyed the game.
Beautiful sunsets here on the Oregon Coast. Of course, it's not nice all the time as the locals have been honest enough to tell me. But after 55 years in Juneau - I know that drill - and they have a lot more nice days here than there.
There is a flock of seagulls that have made the Driftwood Shores Resort their home. They cadge a living by snatching food tossed-off the guest room balconies. Indeed I see a half dozen of the big fat buggers circling outside even as I type. Since it's a little after 8 AM, I assume this is the toast and English muffin course. The seagulls aren't as smart as mom's ravens; but they know a gravy train when they see it...
Dougie just posted some African Safari pics on Facebook. Sounds like he and Alison are having a wonderful time. Cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and icy cold Kilimanjaro Beer.
Well, the open road beckons kids...
Another golf day yesterday. Didn't play worth a damn. Imagine that! Still, it was sure nice to be outdoors in the middle of October in the sunshine. Must have been near 70 yesterday. After golf I motored to "Old Town" Florence and had a burger at a sports bar. "Old Town" is pretty quaint...but only a couple of blocks long. The rest of Florence is a five mile long strip mall bordering Highway 101.
I watched the end of the Giants/Philly game last night and back at the hotel enjoyed seeing Texas demolish the Yankees. Dad would have really enjoyed the game.
Beautiful sunsets here on the Oregon Coast. Of course, it's not nice all the time as the locals have been honest enough to tell me. But after 55 years in Juneau - I know that drill - and they have a lot more nice days here than there.
Sunset from my balcony in Florence, Oregon
There is a flock of seagulls that have made the Driftwood Shores Resort their home. They cadge a living by snatching food tossed-off the guest room balconies. Indeed I see a half dozen of the big fat buggers circling outside even as I type. Since it's a little after 8 AM, I assume this is the toast and English muffin course. The seagulls aren't as smart as mom's ravens; but they know a gravy train when they see it...
Dougie just posted some African Safari pics on Facebook. Sounds like he and Alison are having a wonderful time. Cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and icy cold Kilimanjaro Beer.
Well, the open road beckons kids...
Monday, October 18, 2010
Good News, Bad News in Florence, Oregon
The good news first. My golf game has not deteriorated from a year of inactivity on the links. The bad news: My golf game is substantially the same as a year ago. Still, had a very fine time playing 18 holes at the Ocean Dunes course. Very few people playing and beautiful weather. I have therefore elected to spend another night in Florence so that I might hit the little ball again tomorrow.
My drive down from Lincoln City was delightful. I pulled-off the road a dozen times or so to sight see. Saw a pod of gray whales from a great distance and lots of sea lions. Took a walk to the Hecate Head lighthouse which was very scenic.
The Oregon Coast is chock-a-block full of interesting place names. Among my favourites are Cape Foulweather, Cook's Chasm, the Devil's Punchbowl (I think this is where "he who must not be named" invented our collegiate party drink of choice, Purple Jesus), Cape Disappointment, and the Devil's Churn (this must be where you-know-who makes his creme fraiche). These names also give one a good sense of what the weather in this neck-of-the-woods must look like in January...
But I digress again. So to make a long story short I'm gonna hang at Florence 'til Wednesday morning. Then drive down to Northern California for a couple of days. At least one day of hiking in the Redwoods. The weather is supposed to hold through Thursday.
I will then work my way back up to Portland - probably via I-5. Maybe spend a night in Ashland and/or Corvallis. Then Sunday through Wednesday back in the City of Roses for more visiting and dining. My pal Arthur should be back in town and there are other folks I would like to see as well.
So, there you have it!
My drive down from Lincoln City was delightful. I pulled-off the road a dozen times or so to sight see. Saw a pod of gray whales from a great distance and lots of sea lions. Took a walk to the Hecate Head lighthouse which was very scenic.
Pelicans Chillin' south of Depoe Bay
Cool Rocks at Hecate Head just north of Florence
Hecate Head Lighthouse
The Oregon Coast is chock-a-block full of interesting place names. Among my favourites are Cape Foulweather, Cook's Chasm, the Devil's Punchbowl (I think this is where "he who must not be named" invented our collegiate party drink of choice, Purple Jesus), Cape Disappointment, and the Devil's Churn (this must be where you-know-who makes his creme fraiche). These names also give one a good sense of what the weather in this neck-of-the-woods must look like in January...
But I digress again. So to make a long story short I'm gonna hang at Florence 'til Wednesday morning. Then drive down to Northern California for a couple of days. At least one day of hiking in the Redwoods. The weather is supposed to hold through Thursday.
I will then work my way back up to Portland - probably via I-5. Maybe spend a night in Ashland and/or Corvallis. Then Sunday through Wednesday back in the City of Roses for more visiting and dining. My pal Arthur should be back in town and there are other folks I would like to see as well.
So, there you have it!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hiking Fool
God I love the coast. Particularly in excellent weather...
A great day yesterday. Took TWO hikes - the first to the summit of Cascade Head just north of Lincoln City. About 2.5 miles one-way and a rise of almost 1500 feet. This was an aerobic event...was huffing and puffing and sweating like a little piggy (to mix my faerie tale metaphors) before I reached the summit.
It was worth it though. Spectacular view looking south along the coast as well as east up the Salmon River. Lots of happy people hiking. No doggies though! The Nature Conservancy is restoring vegetation on the trail and four-legged friends are banned.
Got back to the car and decided I could use some more punishment so motored inland on Highway 18 a few miles and then up a very narrow and winding Forrest Service Road 10 miles or so to the Drift Creek Falls trail head. This trail was all through the woods down into a ravine with a small but beautiful waterfall and a 200 foot long suspension bridge. Truly a "bridge to nowhere" but a very pleasant hike.
After this second workout it was time to return to the hotel for a glass of wine and supper. Reckon I hiked about 10 miles during the course of the day. Was in bed by 10 PM and slept like the proverbial log.
Today I'll drive down the coast for about 2 hours to Florence, Oregon. Have a room for two nights on the beach. There are lots of State Parks along the coast on the way and will take my time for sightseeing. A couple from Corvallis I met last evening spent time watching some gray whales just south of here yesterday. Said they were pretty close to the beach.
Upon my arrival in Florence I will probably get the golf clubs out of the trunk and confirm that a year of abstinence from the game has NOT improved my swing.
Finally, a pic from Portland - lunch with Amanda and Maria...
Well, it's another spectacular day...gonna get this show on the road...
The classic northern coast pic
A great day yesterday. Took TWO hikes - the first to the summit of Cascade Head just north of Lincoln City. About 2.5 miles one-way and a rise of almost 1500 feet. This was an aerobic event...was huffing and puffing and sweating like a little piggy (to mix my faerie tale metaphors) before I reached the summit.
It was worth it though. Spectacular view looking south along the coast as well as east up the Salmon River. Lots of happy people hiking. No doggies though! The Nature Conservancy is restoring vegetation on the trail and four-legged friends are banned.
Lincoln City from Cascade Head
YIKES!
Elmo at the Summit
Got back to the car and decided I could use some more punishment so motored inland on Highway 18 a few miles and then up a very narrow and winding Forrest Service Road 10 miles or so to the Drift Creek Falls trail head. This trail was all through the woods down into a ravine with a small but beautiful waterfall and a 200 foot long suspension bridge. Truly a "bridge to nowhere" but a very pleasant hike.
A "bridge to nowhere"
Actually it's a bridge to give you this view
After this second workout it was time to return to the hotel for a glass of wine and supper. Reckon I hiked about 10 miles during the course of the day. Was in bed by 10 PM and slept like the proverbial log.
Today I'll drive down the coast for about 2 hours to Florence, Oregon. Have a room for two nights on the beach. There are lots of State Parks along the coast on the way and will take my time for sightseeing. A couple from Corvallis I met last evening spent time watching some gray whales just south of here yesterday. Said they were pretty close to the beach.
Upon my arrival in Florence I will probably get the golf clubs out of the trunk and confirm that a year of abstinence from the game has NOT improved my swing.
Finally, a pic from Portland - lunch with Amanda and Maria...
Lunch in the City
Well, it's another spectacular day...gonna get this show on the road...
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