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Not looking for replies in this thread because it's clearly nothing to do with Hawaii, but if any of you are familiar with Northern California/Oregon I'm looking for some tips. Assuming things work out as I hope they do (regarding UKIRT and employment) then I'm planning a road trip from San Francisco to Astoria/Portland and then onto Seattle. This'll be in November. I'd like to drive Highway 1 and know that'll be slow.
If anyone has tips on places to visit and anything else Pam and I might need to know, I'd appreciate it. Email address is tomhkerr at gmail dot com or you can contact me via punaweb's email connection.
I've never been north of San Francisco so this is something new, and given all the hassle we've both been through recently I'd like us to spend time on a relaxing trip along a beautiful coastline and then have some fun in Oregon/Washington cities.
Thanks!
Tom
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/
How much time have you allotted here Tom ?
aloha,
pog
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Humboldt County Avenue of the Giants gets my first place ribbon. Marin County (you can stand at the epicenter of the 1906 Quake) coastal area, Pt Reyes, Tomales Bay. Eat at the Sea Grill in Eureka if it is still there. Glass Beach FT Bragg. Once you get up to Mendocino (crowed, artsy), I'd go inland back to 101.
Peace and long life
Peace and long life
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Oregon Caves at Cave Junction, Oregon, along the coast nearing the Columbia River are several old military forts.
islandgirl
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Avenue of the giants (redwood forest) is a must. Redwood national park outside (arcata?) is a must. A little further inland is the petrified forest outside of Calistoga.
Up in Portland area you'll definitely want to stop for the gorge (huge canyon that's been erroded by the Columbia river) and multnomah falls nearby.
Olympia Washington is a great place to stop before you make it to Seattle.
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In addition to the other excellent suggestions above (particularly the redwoods), I'd suggest the sand dunes in oregon along the coast. North of that I'd probably take one of the side roads back to I-5. Eugene is beautiful. If you are a coffee fan, the espresso scenes in SF and Seattle are unbeatable.
Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike
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-Eel River brewery in Fortuna. Great food, staff, and, of course, beer!
-Jedidiah Smith Park around Crescent City-beautiful paths through the redwoods.
1 island 2 another
1 island 2 another
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Either (or both) of the antique steam trains:
Skunk (Ft Bragg/Willits). Easy to hit this one if you're taking the scenic 101 instead of the barren I-5.
Roaring Camp and Big Trees (Felton, not actually "north" of SF). This one also runs a "standard" train (with open-air cars) through Santa Cruz to the Boardwalk.
When you get to Portland: wander through Powell's, check out the downtown food truck scene (there's an entire city block of them, any flavor you can imagine).
Eugene has a nice Rogue Public House downtown (if you like beer).
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Anywhere on the Oregon coast is beautiful. First time in a looooong time I've felt homesick for the mainland! I do love the Eureka area north BUT Ferndale (just south of Eureka) is a wonderful little Victorian town to visit too. If you make this trip, DO allow plenty of time, at least a month. Even that, going from SF to Seattle you'll be hard pressed to see it all. When you get close to Seattle, be sure to stop in Tacoma. Go to the old Union Train station. There is a wonderful glass sculptures display there.
In Asotoria there is a great maritime museum that is very enjoyable. In Tilamook, Oregon (towards the north) there is an old blimp hanger that has a fantastic air museum. It is full of wonderful old planes. WWII vintage stuff the last time I got to go there. Like I said, if you want to enjoy this trip, plan a minimum of a month. You'll wonder where the time went!
Royall
Hale O Na Mea Pa`ani
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You are talking about Hwy 101, in November. It is very scenic during the summer. By November, it is pretty much raining constantly, with rain that feels like ice needles from the sky. It could be mild or it could be stormy. There is going to be ice, snow at the higher elevations, and it might not be that easy to just switch over to I-5, there is the coast range between 101 and I-5. A lot of people underestimate that in the winter. Also, fog so thick, visibility is less than 30 feet. The drive from SF can be done in one day with no stopping, about 15 hours. That's because the average speed is less than 50mph, each small town with a very strict 30mph limit, with at least one stater or sheriff that lives in that town and makes his livelihood from speed tickets. Hwy 101 washes out a lot during the winter, prepare for detours and water over the road. The DMV has a webcam site that you can go virtually up the highway.
http://www.tripcheck.com
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
