THE PACIFIC COAST - VIEWING AND VISITING

Left Billings on Oct. 28, worked in Bozeman, drove to Missoula, staying with a friend and visiting a third cousin, Saxon and her family. 

With Saxon and kids

Next day drove on to Spokane, stayed with great niece Mikal and her family.

Took the Lake Coeur d'Alene scenic by-way.

Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

On to Bellingham, staying with first cousin Ted, also visiting with his daughter Gayle and her husband.

down to Seattle with two nights with niece Laurie and Deane, and a card game with their son Chris.

then to Portland for two with nephew Eric and fam and also saw niece Julie.












Devil's Churn, Oregon Coast

                                                                          

 Rainy and foggy coastline, but stopped by to see the Devil's Churn along the way,  as well as the Oregon Dunes.

Oregon Dunes

The Big Tree in Redwood Forest

The Big Tree, as it is called, in the Redwood Forest in Prairie Creek Forest.  It made me feel young and small. :) It is 1500 years old and a little over 300 feet tall; the third largest redwood in the world.

Today's one-day drive needed to be about a five-day trip to do lots of little hikes and strolls on the beach and exploring.  In a couple of years....

These rocks near the shore are called "seastacks" and are quite intriguing to view.


Seastacks

Friends Eric and Steve.

While in Marina Del Rey, we arose early and roamed around the Santa Monica Pier, which was the end of Route 66.  A great ferris wheel is there, as well as other amusement things.

It was fun to watch numerous rowing teams practice in the bay, lots of dolphins, a few fisherman, and a monk seal swimming around.


Fisherman at Marina Del Rey Pier



Manny, Heide, and Jasmine

Next was Northridge, CA, where I stayed with daughter Heide and her husband Jim.  Granddaughter Jasmine also joined us for the weekend, as did her dad, Manny, for dinner.

Superstition Mountain near Apache Junction

On to AZ and a visit with my oldest sister Patsy, who lives in a mobile home park that has tons of activities, including hikes!  I went on a short hike with the club and then a little longer hike with one of the women, who was kind enough to take me to Superstition Mountain.  We didn't go to top...maybe next time...

The Brown family in Herriman, UT

Last visit was to UT (a 12-hour drive) and the weekend with daughter Marci and family.  Just hung out, did some cooking and card/game playing.  Left Monday morning the 18th for Bozeman, worked a day in the office before heading home after about 4400 miles.