After the Olympic Trials - Enjoying Portland and then the Trip home

I decided to extend my trip an extra two days. First so that I could take Joe and Judy to Portland where they had to catch a plane the next day. Smitty decided to go with us and we made a day of it. Our first stop was the famous food trucks in Portland where I had a great Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich. We found a wall to sit on and eat and then went to my favorite bookstore, Powell's. When we left Powell's we walked to the 10 Barrel Brewery, a brewery that my son in law was instrumental in acquiring for AB. Then it was time to take Joe and Judy to their hotel and for us to get into Portland traffic and head back south. John, Denise and I went out for the final time because I was leaving the next morning with the intention of driving to the coast and taking two days to get home.

And that was that for the VA 23 portion of the trip.

As far as the trip down the coast on the way home it was really nice with a lot to stop and see. I could, and probably will someday, take the trip again and take even more time. Even before I reached the coast I stopped at an elk viewing area and saw a herd in the distance laying in the grass. I just thought it was cool how they set up an entire viewing area that was large and easily accessible. 

When I reached the coast I started at the Oregon Dunes and then stopped at a Lighthouse and then I stopped at Lake Marie and took a 1 mile hike around the lake to stretch out and work my knee some. Just before Coos Bay there was a nice Veterans Memorial overlooking the water and bridge where I stopped to pay my respects before going on into Coos Bay. In the area I went to Sunset Bay State Park for some beautiful views of the ocean and to listen to the sea lions.

I stopped for fish and chips at a small place with a line out the door and it was well worth the stop. Then drove to the Port Orford Head and Coast Guard Hill (the museum was closed so that's a stop for another day). Continuing down the coast I stopped at a pull out and overlook for the Natural Bridges and then stopped at another elk observation site. I still can't believe the size of the herd that was literally right next to the highway. Beautiful animals. I spent the night in Eureka.

The next day I drove the Redwood Highway and made a side trip to drive most of the Avenue of the Giants. It was unbelievable how you drive through different groves of redwoods. Truly amazing how big the trees are.

It was a great trip and even though I didn't walk my usual 3-5 miles daily for fitness and knee rehab I walked plenty to the meet, at the meet and I got back to daily walking as soon as I got home and raced the Escalon Park Fest 2 mile. Surprisingly even though I am still just walking in "races" I placed 2nd in the 60 - 69 age group and my walking times keep improving. 

And that wraps up this year's blog. My next step is deciding whether to do one for the next year.