Portland, Oregon, United States of America

Today was yet another normal day for me, which is to say, it was jam packed with fun. We started the day on the Oregon coast and drove through the rain for a while before we finally got to a point where there was sunshine. We stopped the car and got out for a walk at Perpetua Cape. We discovered Devil Churn which turned the ocean water into a milky foam. We were on our way back to the car when we saw a sign for a blowhole and went to check that out as well.


After that stop, we traveled a little further up the coast before heading inland for Portland. The hotel we found is on an island in the middle of the Columbia River and our room is spectacularly big. We also got a free breakfast and free drinks at the bar. Anyways, we spent a few hours wandering around downtown before settling in for a great dinner at a restaurant called Southpark.

On tap for tomorrow is Seattle and GOOOOLLLLLLFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!

Coos Bay, Oregon, United States of America

My trip around America marches on as we now approach the final few destinations. Yesterday we awoke in northern California, to sunshine for once, and started driving towards Redwood National Park. We managed to get in a short hike before the rains began again in earnest. That didn't stop us from seeing a few other random stops along the way, including some random beach where we were able to see the true force of the massive surf. The waves we so big that the water was being turned into a foamy lather and at one point they just about came completely over the tall beach where we were standing.


We then proceeded up into a new state (Oregon) to see the coastline. We made a few stops along the way, in between the rain, to experience the coast. I tried to get a few videos to show what it felt like to be standing there. Words and pictures have failed to do it justice.

Eureka, California, United States of America

For most of the day we were slowed by rain
We visited the wineries to ease the pain
And then we spent the rest of the day
Winding through Cali, driving away

Eureka

San Francisco, California, United States of America

Since I last checked in with you I was in eastern California but have been very busy since. We traveled through Yosemite National Park yesterday stopping at a multitude of scenic spots. We saw snow, water falls, high elevation, and fire remains. We started that day by driving up to 10,000ft and ended it by sleeping along the San Francisco Bay. The next day we did a complete day tour of San Francisco that included the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Macy's, etc, etc.

All of these wonderful things that I have seen in the last 2 days seems wholly trivial because of some news. The last 4 days I have been impatiently waiting with my mothers cell phone awaiting news on my sister who was about the give birth to my newest nephew. I was secretly hoping he would not be born till I got back, but I am glad he was for my sisters sake. This is yet another moment in life that I wished would not have happened while traveling, but nothing could damper my excitement. And in an unexpected twist, I was able to see all my family back home and the newest member of the family a mere few hours after he was born (via Skype). Very proud and happy for Helen, Regan, Jae and Ry.

To celebrate the good news, I have a mountain of photos to show you from the past two weeks. Enjoy.