The Great American Road Trip: Day 13

Our drive Thursday down the U.S. 395 was full of gorgeous countryside. We actually were in Nevada for a while (including our stop in Reno), though this pic looks like Montana Big Sky Country.

Before reaching June Lake, I had us make a detour to the old ghost town of Bodie. It's an amazing place to wander, with dozens of buildings still standing, after the mining town was abandoned decades ago.

Cora was anxious to pick a lock and get into one of the many homes and shops. But, alas...

The mortuary, like most of the buildings, was still full of items from the town's heyday. The grocery store had cans that looked like they were 100 years old, the saloon still held a billiards table, the homes had furnishings and clothes hanging up. Very eery, like a Twilight Zone episode. Where'd everyone go in such a hurry, and why didn't they pack up their things?

 

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.