Wednesday, August 8, 2012

a road trip - dejavu?

Well, it isn't really "dejavu".  But, we did pass this way once before =).
Last year, during the summer, two grandboys and I took a road trip.
It was an adventure that we thought would be worth repeating. 

It does add almost an hour to the drive to go thru Portland and up the I-5.  I drove
the Yakima/Renton way last year and I wasn't as comfortable driving that route as
 I am going the I-5 corridor thru more cities.  We used to live in Eugene (almost 20
years ago). The Portland, Oregon and Columbia River routes just feel more familiar.
  The grandboys are great travelers.  They get along well in the back seat.  It's quite
a long drive, but with DS games and individual DVD players...it makes the trip
 go faster for them.  I listened some of the time to a  Eragon , and some of
the time, I talked with friends. 
It was getting dark as I approached Olympia, Washington and there was still
about an hour or more drive...that would end up being in the dark.  I really feel
lost when driving in the dark in unfamiliar territory.  So, our son was nice
enough to load 3 little girls in the car and drive about 45 minutes to meet me.
I was glad to follow him to his house.  He lives on an island


and in a forest-ee, country area. 


 I would've been totally lost in the dark without his help.
===
After a good nights rest, we got up and went downtown Seattle.
(about 50 minutes north of their house)


The Jade Garden serves some really yummy Chinese "tea cakes" or...Dim Sum
Then, we went to the Chinese Bakery for more YUM stuff...to take back
to their house. 
=====

We will be headed back home at the beginning of next week.  I'm hoping I'll
have more time to write about our Road Trip adventures before ...
we get back home =)
Do any of you "out there" know of some fun places or things we should do
while in the Pacific Northwest?








12 comments:

Anonymous said...

no Annie i cant wait to see what you all do,have fun.xx

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I'm planning on listening to Eragon while traveling to my sons college to drop him off this weekend. Funny!

Chatty Crone said...

I have never ever been there - would love to - but can't wait to see your adventure. sandie

Sheila said...

In Oregon I strongly suggest you do 242 and 126, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. In places the road is cut through black lava fields. Also Crater Lake. I've been to Oregon once and I will never ever, EVER forget those places!

Linda said...

My son lives in Gresham, a suburb of Portland. We were there just a few weeks ago and he took us to Multnomah Falls (gorgeous) and a few other falls nearby. We drove down to the Tillamook Cheese Factory on the coast and sampled cheese and then drove up the coastline through several beautiful little seaside towns. Of course, there is also Mt. St. Helens, which you should go up and see if you haven't done that. Go to the visitor center and watch the video. That is a great experience.

Love Of Quilts said...

I can be of no help, never have visited this area before. Have fun and be safe.

Jean(ie) said...

You're up in my neck of the woods! I live just over the hill near Woodinville (the wine country). We moved here in January and just love it to pieces!!!!!

The area up near Sequim (on the kitsap Peninsula is beautiful!). Cool quilt shops all over (Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Vashon Island). There is a quilt museum in LaConner up 1-5 in the Skagit valley. LaConner is a cute artsy town! Take a ferry ride to the San Juan islands.

SOOOOO much to do!

P.S. If you like beads, Shipwreck beads is in Lacey. It's a HUGE retailer and their showroom is open to the public. Best idea? Drop hubby off at the nearby Cabela's and shop for beads!!!!!!

Jean(ie) said...

P.S. We did something really fun over the weekend near Sequim. besides the the scenery and fresh lavender fields, we took a drive through the Olympic Game Farm and fed the animals. We were like little kids, feeding the animals. It's a drive-through deal. That might be something for the boys. :-)

KatieQ said...

I have never been in that area of the country. I look forward to you sharing your adventures with us.

Barb Neiwert said...

You should take a ferry ride! Lots of choices from Seattle, or points down south, too. You can see the city from a different perspective, and it's fun to be on the water. Enjoy!

Miss Hillbilly said...

I remember when you went last year too! Fun times for you and the boys!

Michele said...

It all sounds great. Now I'm hungry for some Dim Sum myself.