The Popeye Express: May 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Visiting San Juan Island

Dear friends Ron and Melanie Kuhnel drove up to Whidbey Island to spend 4 delightful days with us. They arrived Tuesday afternoon and we kept an ambitious schedule. The next morning, promptly at 7:15 AM they picked us up to take us to the ferry terminal for a trip through the San Juan Islands. Our stop today is on San Juan Island, and the first thing we did was to visit the Whaling Museum.

From San Juan Island

Here Melanie and I wait for our Ron and Bob to join us.

From San Juan Island

Our next stop was at Roche Harbor, and the beautiful old hotel where we enjoyed lunch.

From San Juan Island

Our next stop was at the Alpaca Farm, but due to the rain, no usable pictures were taken. From here, we went to the British Camp, but it hadn't opened yet for the season, and again, the rain prevented decent pictures. From the British Camp, we drove to the American Camp, which is pretty plain as compared to the British Camp, and then backtracked to the Lime Kiln Light House, usually an excellent whale watching point. No whales swam by today. Bob did get one group picture in front of one building housing displays (also closed) prior to going back to Friday Harbor for our return ferry. What an awesome day!

From San Juan Island

Ron, Melanie, me, and Gracie, the world's best behaved Border Collie!

From San Juan Island

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Visiting the Barretts

While in the Eugene area, we have the opportunity to meet with Steve and Sandy Barrett, Sandy being the sister of one of my clients. In spite of leaving for Utah the next morning, they take roughly 6 hours of their time to show us around the area. First, we enjoyed a late lunch and we had this picture of the 4 of us taken:

From Visiting the Barretts

Next came a visit to a fabulous winery Steve is familiar with. Regrettably I didn't get a picture of a sign and can't remember the name of the winery or the owner. Help!

From Visiting the Barretts

The Pinot Noir I do remember - it was delicious. Wish I had a glass right now.

From Visiting the Barretts

It was a delightful afternoon which came to a close all too soon. We even had this unnamed musician play for us.

From Visiting the Barretts

The owner of the winery (name also forgotten - oh well!) came over and gave me a great big smooch. His naked photo adorned one of the walls. It was a photo op I believe, for a calendar, which raised over $650,000 for the school district. Remember the movie Calendar Girls?

7 Feathers RV Resort

From Seven Feather's RV Park

You can see why Bob and I enjoy the Seven Feather's RV Park. It's like staying in a garden. Every Rhody, Azalea and Dogwood was in full bloom.

From Seven Feather's RV Park

Now it's time to go north to Coburg for more maintenance. After that, we spend 3 nights at 3 different casinos: Three Rivers, in Florence OR; Spirit Mountain in Grand Rhonde, OR; and our favorite, Tulalip Casino, just north of Everette WA. They have the best food!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Umpqua Falls Scenic Byway

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

This byway lies entirely on the east side of I-5, whereas the Cow Creek Byway lies to the west.

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

This historic home has been moved to the Tiller Ranger station. The rhodadrendrons are in full bloom and are everywhere!

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

Several of these buildings and historic lookouts have been moved to this location for display. The pictures of the interior were taken through glass, but were the only way I could see what was inside. Notice the stairs and the navigation table. As to the historic trail, could this be where I picked up the poison oak???

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

We stop and enjoy the sights along the Umpqua River. Bob is happy!

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

Not at the Umpqua Falls picnic sight, we are surprised to find the water flows along solid flat lying rock. It is a nice picnic sight, however, even if the falls are very short, but I can't help wondering, is this where I got the poison oak (most likely!)???

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

There is a very interesting fish ladder at this location, and a sign explaining the migration of the Chinook Salmon.

From So. Umpqua Falls Scenic Drive

Our last stop is at the Milo Adventist Academy with the covered bridge. It's a lovely campus but we only went across the bridge to take a few pictures.