Pacific Northwest Travels

I took a solo road trip to Seattle at the end of September, hoping to enjoy the the Pacific Northwest scenery before Summer shut it's doors. Strangely, it's the first time my car has really left the state of California, unless you count Reno, which I don't. I felt bad that she's lived her life in the gilded cage of California. Cars need road trips out of state, and apparently, so did I.

It was two 8-hour days from San Francisco to Seattle, with an overnight in Crescent City, CA. My relationship with "Linnea" has grown. Seeing her again each morning was like having a trusty dog, or horse. Crazy, but true. After a beautiful urban weekend in Seattle (thanks Emily), I was excited to drive again, and see more new things.

From Seattle, I took three leisurely days on my return, stopping with more frequency. I drove to Olympia, then crossed west to get back on 101. After a few wet and misty hours on the coast, I drove east on Route 26, enjoying a fabulous Peruvian meal in downtown Portland (thank you Lana).

Waking early the next day, and after a few hours south on I-5, I turned west for the Oregon Coast, and roadside crab cocktails, fried oysters, and Pinot Gris along the route. Once In California, I stayed overnight deep in the Redwood Forest at Patrick Creek Lodge and the next day meandered off and on The Redwood Highway with much happiness until familiar territory got me motivated to return to San Francisco.


Yes, I took photos, both in-car and out. The scenery was beautiful. The roads were new, twisty, challenging and fun! I didn't drive very fast, but took much pleasure in spirited driving, and being both humbled and enlightened with the joys of traveling, and a perfectly-suited car.