Last Tuesday we began our journey. We were bound for the Redwood Forest and Portland Oregon.
On our way we stopped off in Burns OR, because haven't you always wanted to say you've been to Burns? We also hit Crater Lake – which was breathtakingly beautiful. After that we made it to our first two day destination, Crescent City, CA. We stayed at the Penny Saver Inn (the name says it all). It is here that I believe JT developed some illness that would cause him to puke & fever over the duration of our trip. The rest of the crew loved swimming in the pool, walking the cold beach, and of course taking in the giant Redwoods of Jedediah State Park, and also checking out the Trees of Mystery (where you also get to see a giant Paul Bunyen and Babe). Stephen was especially excited about this part as nostalgia set in. It was a beautiful place to be and see, in person, the magnificent, thousand-year-old trees.
We spent Friday driving the winding roads along the coast to Portland. It was a long journey in the car with a throw-up episode involved. We made it to our hotel. This time being very impressed. We felt like we had arrived. It was an extended stay Inn with fridge, sink, couch, two beds, free continental breakfast, & outdoor pool. We would highly recommend this option with a large family. It was also in a fun part of town with many stores and yummy places to eat close by.
After driving so many days in a row, going to bed late, and waking up early, Stephen was totally wiped out the night before he was to ride 100 miles in the Tour de Cure. As all know, he has a lot of heart and pushed through the pain! I dropped him off and took some pictures at the start. I was tearing up with pride as I saw him in his red rider jersey. Most people wouldn't set out to do a 100 mile bike ride, especially if one has an auto-immune disease and a permanent shot in your backside. All of these red riders were inspirational and just made you proud! He has tough blood rolling through his veins though and is – mentally and physically. We were all so excited to cheer for him along the route. Mason hopped on his bike and rode the last 16 miles in with Stephen. We celebrated by eating at "On the Border" last night!
After considering JT's recent sickness and suspecting Olivia to possibly follow with something similar, we decided to make a marathon drive home from Portland without our planned night over in Boise. Instead we stopped in for delicious chocolate cake and ice cream at Eric & Magan's house and continued on down the rode. Olivia has practically slept the entire day and only had 3 caprisuns, 1 glass of oj, and 1 popscicle to eat all day. Hope she is just really tired and keeps sleeping all night long…poor thing! She gets the award for best traveler today!
It has been a wonderful vacation to record in our memories. Our children have been outstanding travelers in the car – even JT (when he wasn't puking)! One thing is for sure – We have gotten very familiar with the inside our our car and I'm certain that our rears are more flat & wide. 🙂
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 Cresent City Beach |
 Beach Bums |
 this is a really cold beach – 58 degree, she’s trying to smile! |
 Charming lighthouse, no? |
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 proud of her find |
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 Vidael Falls @ Crater Lake |
 Rougue River Gorge |
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 trees of Oregon line the road |
 tin foil art |
 tin foil art |
 Happy to make it this far! |
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 dip baby dip |
 wizard island @ crater lake |
 Everyone should go here – it is a beautiful spot on the map |
 Wishing he could climb this baby |
 Crater Lake |
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 feeding the friendly chipmunks |
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 Pristine Water – so beautiful! |
 Phantom Ship Rock @ Crater Lake |
 JT hiked the entire 1/2 mile of this hike! |
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 Mom Surprise was something looked forward to each day. It was a little something to make traveling in a car more fun. (coloring books, tin foil, pipe cleaners, a card game, etc.) |
 did a lot of picnicing |
 trying to get warm! |
 Stout Grove – the place Jurassic Park was filmed and also Return of the Jedi |
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 Shot from the sun roof |
 Our whole family fit inside this tree! It was also hollow the entire way up. |
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 monkey |
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 ring around the redwood |
 The man who got us places |
 Our van in Jedediah State Park |
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 We found duct tape @ the dollar store – it made for hours of car enjoyment |
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 He is really tired here! |
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 Stephen actually rode 112 miles because he took a wrong turn. 🙂 |
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 had to be at hillsboro stadium @ 5:30 am |
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Comments:
Mom and dad Parker said…
What a beautiful trip. You have a great family. Any lack that you might have in physical strength, you make up in heart. We’re proud of you guys
Monday, August 02, 2010 8:26:25 AM
Michelle said…
Looks like a great trip filled with memories. Poor JT, that is the worst kind of sick for traveling. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon at Bear Lake.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 3:08:28 PM