The Great American Road Trip: Day 12

We'd stayed in a lovely Holiday Inn Express in Eugene, but were warned at check-in to remove all valuables from our car because they'd had break-ins in the area. 

Well, we removed the valuables, but not every item from the trunk, since it was jam-packed with all the things you need on a two-week trip.

Wednesday morning, sure enough, Violet's window was smashed in. Stace cleaned it up with the hotel's shop-vac. The staff was helpful and apologetic, but what could they do?

We went to the Eugene Safelite location, and the guy taped up our window with plastic wrap, so we could get on the road. We were able to make an appointment to replace the window in Reno, which we'd be driving through the following day.

We got on the road and drove south through Oregon. As we entered California, we hit an awful thunderstorm with rain so hard, everyone was slowing to 20 mph and pulling over. 
 

Our drive took us hundreds of miles, through Lassen County and beautiful country.

Violet was looking for bears and deer for mile after mile. On a desolate road with big trees, they must be out there! 

We spent the night in Susanville, and then got on the road for Reno, where we got our window replaced. 

While we waited, we walked down to a little coffee shop and happened to hit Buy One, Get One Thursday. What luck! Then, the adventure continued - this time, on the 395, to June Lake.

The Great American Road Trip: Day 11

On Tuesday, we left Redmond and started our trip south. We veered west to check out the beautiful Oregon Coast, where the sea meets the big trees.

This was Lincoln City. 

This was Depoe Bay.

 

The town bills itself as the world's smallest harbor. This tiny inlet leads to a larger dock area.

We ended up in Newport for dinner. This fishing town reminded us of an English coastal village.

We had fish and chips and clam chowder at a restaurant that opened a parking lot tent to expand its seating, because Covid rules diminished the inside seating so drastically.

Another great road trip day!

We then drove to Eugene to spend the night.

The Great American Road Trip: Redmond III

On Sunday night, my parents flew up to join in the family fun. And on Monday, most of us went on a horse ride through the trees.

Violet almost had as much fun playing with the barn cats as she did on the horse. But, she did have fun on the horse - the group trail ride was her idea.

Here's Stace meeting his horse - he was really nervous since it was his first time on a horse.

Stace eventually warmed up, and his horse was lovely. It went really well.

Such a beautiful ride!

Meanwhile, Cora and Aunt Patty did a private lesson with a karate master, the man who actually taught Sensei Rich. He taught her a very cool staff technique.

That evening, we went to Will and Anna's house for the first time - they bought it a few months ago. Alison and Tyler came out, too. It was a great night together. I love my cousins!

Violet made a very good friend in Oakley, with her pizza in hand.

 It was sad saying good-bye to everyone, but this was our last night. Until next time!

The Great American Road Trip: Redmond II

On Sunday, we went to Cottage Lake with the kayaks. We all enjoyed our tour of the lake. The weather was perfect!

The dock was perfect for diving off of.

We did a little fishing, too.

Shoot, we only have one oar... Guess I'll have to sit back and relax! 

In the evening, Aunt Patty made an amazing lamb dinner and Will came over. It was great!

Stace and Uncle Bill enjoyed some time in the fully stocked garage, too, and did some welding.
 

The Great American Road Trip: Redmond

We left Casey and Bradley's house and drove around their Vancouver, WA, suburb a little before getting on the road for the three-hour trip to Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty's house.

We wanted to see Fort Vancouver, and the main part was closed because of Covid, but we were able to walk around the English gardens outside the fort.

This sign talks about the English cider apples grown at the fort. Washington is the U.S. center of apple growing, and cider, too.

Before getting to Redmond, we made a stop in Tacoma because Stace has wanted to check out Bass Pro Shops for a long time. We were looking at the fishing and archery gear, in particular. But Stace was disappointed with the selection - perhaps because of the virus, there were many empty shelves everywhere. 

Then, we happily settled in at Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty's house. After being on the road for a few days, it was lovely to unpack and rest. Obviously, it was great to see them, too!

On Friday afternoon, Stace, Uncle Bill, Violet and I took a walk in the nearby woods.

Our nature lover loved it! She hadn't eaten lunch but filled up on blackberries.

On Saturday, we grownups went to a nearby whiskey distillery. It was great to get out!

We also stopped at a Big 5 Sporting Goods and bought a bow and arrows for the girls. 

How awesome is it to have a yard big enough for archery??

Violet was a natural - I love Uncle Bill's reaction to Violet's near bull's eye, in a rifle target, no less!

 

Meanwhile, Cora had fun baking with Aunt Patty. They made some yummy treats!

And pizza dough!