Saturday 29 September 2012

The Giant Redwoods

Oops - forgot to send this post off!

This is a very brief post but had to share with you this magic spot on the Northern Californian Coast - The Redwood National Park. It's like nothing you have ever seen and reminds you that Mother Nature is really boss. We did a 16km walk here and so far has been the best hike on the trip. You will see why...

Driving into the wise ones.
Our first Redwood we come across - wow!
Not much sun gets to the bottom because of the giants but we did find this little slither.
Fern Canyon. This is where a scene from Jurassic Park was filmed
Grant struggling with the creek crossing while I just stomped past him in my hiking boots. Determined to wear his holey no soul shoes everywhere.
Halfway point - Northern Californian Coast. Wild.
That's me - the little ant!
Lighting Strike.
A Redwood Feast.
Grant wanted to pose like this to emulate the wisdom of the tree - hmmmm
One of our favourite places so far. Could spend days here just in amazement. Thank you Redwoods.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

The Wild Oregon Coast

Very excited to reach the Oregan Coast after being away from the surf and sand for over 6 weeks. Doesn't sound long but for us beach dwellers it felt like an eternity. Spent a lovely night at Devils Lake State Park which was just out of Lincoln City.

Sunset at Devils Lake
 
Then we head on south through some lovely seaside towns (can't believe how untouched this coast is) and some rugged coast. The awesome 101 highway gets so close to the sea you can almost touch it!

This was taken out the window while we were driving - amazing views
Kelp tossed out of the sea
Of course we needed to stop for the obligatory fish and chips. After some google research we really did find the best F&C on the coast.

Fresh Halibut!
After all that oil we needed to retire early to a beach campground just north of Florence. Blissful evening spend sand wandering and reading my 7th novel.

Expanses of sand perfect for cartwheels. If only I was skilled at this area.
Found ourselves a beach hut from all that ruggedness
Grant and I have packed on a few kg's so intensive training session was required on the beach the next morning. I can't believe I am doing couple exercise - something I am not keen on - you can imagine how it goes with boss Wearin. Rolled on out and had another amazing day of scenery. Wow.

View from Cape Pepetua. If you visit the Oregon Coast - this is the one vista stop you have to make
A little tentative...
Not sure if this counts as planking
A beautiful serene walk through the start of the redwoods/sequoias
Yes this is how I get around now. Goodbye heels, hello Lycra and far too sturdy boots. This is for you Mum and Sash.
Spot our first Sea Lion - look out for the small speck in the water - ha!
And here they are doing what they are best at - baking
This cave is where they will be heading in a few weeks once it gets cooler and the surf becomes really wild
After an intensive workout, hike, sea lion spotting and a few miles in Sheila the day ends with twilight golf at a rundown links course in Florence
I know I a really waffling on here so am trying to wrap this up (just so many beautiful things to share you see). Last day on the Oregonian Coast was rather special. Amazing rock stacks along the coast, sunny pit stop for lunch, picking up fresh oysters and a glass of wine (or bottle) to say goodbye to the sun. check it out.

To surf or not to surf. No friends, freezing water - it was a no.
Just another day in paradise.
Those specks are stand up paddlers. You wouldn't dare swim - water at 12c
What a highway hey
Lunch stop off. All to ourselves.
No shucked ones left so GW required a quick lesson. Will we have oysters???
All smiles on Sunset Beach before the shucking adventure begins
And we have success. Am quite impressed considering he was using a pocket knife that keep threatening to fold back on his wrist.
All done. Still have another 2 dozen in the fridge over so I am coping.
Goodnight Oregon - you are quite the spot.
Next stop Cali Coast. Can't believe we are down here already. This trip is going too fast!!!

Monday 24 September 2012

Willamette Valley, Oregon

For those of you who know me well - you know my favourite drop is a Pinot. So when I discover that Willamette Valley in Oregon is Pinot Noir Capital - I do feel my tastes buds start salivating. There is so many wineries to choose from that it almost gets overwhelming, but I persist and pick a few randomly off a map.

First stop is Lange Estate Vineyard which was voted best 2012 winery by the Wine & Spirits magazine. Let's see about that. Hmmm ok they were pretty good. Nice range of Pinots. Two were from different sites/wineries over the valley (a lot warmer down south) where as the grapes here (Dundee Hills) are quite elegant, which the last bottle at $60 was. It was yum.

The flight...
Doing what he is best at...
 

We noticed as we left that the vines were heavy with grapes so presume picking is not far around the corner.

 

Next stop was Torri Mor. They had some of the oldest vines in the region so you can imagine that it was rather a top notch drop. The wine maker is third generation Bordeux so I guess you could say he knew what he was on about. But again, a very boutique winery so not sure if we will ever come across these guys again.

 

Third and final stop was in at Dobbes Family Estate which is one of the bigger ones around here. We took the Premier Pinot flight here. What can I say - it was heaven. I thought these guys really knew what they were on about. I am not a very good wine snob so don't have all the terminology required, but I can tell you they would be awesome on a Friday night, with your GF and a plate of cheeses and chocolates. Oh and trash mags.

That mow... Hmmm... Not so sure about it...
 

After all that liquid it was time for some lunching. Stumbled on this Red Hills Deli which was a sensory delight! Sorry about all the pics!

Nothing like getting smacked in the face with fromage. We of course required take-aways.
Picked up this little bottle of Pinot... I had to have some token!
This is for you little brother. X
Best margarita I have had for $6!
This was sublime - oh how I missed you cheese
 
This was sublime - oh how I missed you cheese
Could have easily spent a couple more days exploring this area but to be honest after all the beer tasting we have done - I need some time out. So we are off to the Oregon Coast for some fresh air, some alcohol free days and exercise to work of all the indulgences!