Keeping in touch with Jim

I made it to Crescent City, CA Monday evening and spent a chilly night at an RV park. I left early in the morning heading for Grant's Pass as the coast was very foggy. I arrived in Vancouver yesterday at about 2 pm and spent some time with my grandson Kris and started unpacking the van. It was a fun time on the road but now it is time for a break before "Round 2". Anyone up for lunch?

I had a very nice visit in Santa Barbara but it is time to get home for a few days. I left SB yesterday at about 2 pm and drove straight through San Francisco at about 10 pm on US 101. I made it as far as Santa Rosa where I spent a short night then headed north after breakfast. I am now in Crescent City, CA for the night and tomorrow I will head for Grant's Pass and home via I-5. The weather is cold and damp so I'm passing on the beach route for now. I need to get home and reorganize before I can start leg 2 of my journey.

Yesterday was wine tasting day. Ginger and I took in the Firestone Winery and the Wild Heart Winery. Afterward we went to the Cold Springs Tavern for delicious BBQ Ribs and were entertained by Sean Wiggins. She has a powerful style and the fun she has on stage is infectious. There is a lot of history at the Cold Springs Tavern too. http://www.coldspringtavern.com/ http://seanwiggins.com/

Saint Barbara, patron saint of Artillerymen I arrived in Santa Barbara yesterday at noon and had lunch with our dear friend Ginger Swanson. We talked for a couple of hours and then made our way to the residence she is caretaking for her friends while she is working on her masters degree. Last night we went to her yoga class and by the end of the session I realized that I have slacked off and need to get back to my routine. I really enjoy both yoga and tai chi. Ginger has kindly invited me to stay in the guest room and I have freedom to walk through the grounds which are beutifully decorated with statues, gardens and even an ampetheater. Later today I will take in the beach and view the old mission. This is a lovely area and is know as America's Riviera.

As I drove down into Los Angeles from the Mojave Desert on Monday I could see the forest fire ahead and to the east of the highway. That night we could see the glow of the fire against the night sky from Don's home in North Hollywood. Fortunately we are well out of harm's way. I've been doing the "tourist thing" while visiting SoCal. Boyd and Don have been good tour guides and we have had some fine dining experiences. The air is still a bit hazy due to the forest fires nearby but all in all it's not too bad. Tonight I will take Boyd to the airport so he can get back to Portland and in the morning I will head to Santa Barbara for lunch with our friend Ginger. Then I will continue up 101/US 1 (as much as I can) to enjoy the California and Oregon coast line. I'm looking forward to seeing the Redwood Forest and the southern Oregon coast for the first time. I'm also looking forward to getting home to reorganize and spend some time with Jaimee and Kris befor...

Lake Havasu to Barstow, CA Last night in Lake Havasu City the wind continued to blow from the north and was pretty chilly. I left fairly early and drove to Laughlin, NV as once again it was one of my dads favorite places. It has probably changed more than any of the other places I have visited as everything looks pretty new. I gave in to my urge to throw some money at the slots and the result was predictable. No big loss and it was entertaining for the afternoon. I left Laughlin and made it to Barstow and the north wind is still blowing strong and cool so it will probably be a chilly night.

Last nitght the wind changed from the southerly to northerly and it is definitely cooler. This morning I took a drive around Lake Havasu City and there are lots of homes for sale and lots of lots ready to build on. (I found this 3 br 2 ba with a two car garage for $171 k) . (The shot above is looking down on the lake about 3 miles away) There are shops, chain restaurants and taverns galore to choose from. The three main themes I see are boats, cars and food. There is a ferry to take you across the lake to gamble in Nevada if you want. And lots of sun!!! There are plenty of active retirees and the lake attracts the 30 something catagory too. During "Spring Break" the place is a zoo (from what I hear tell) but since the lake is about 90 miles long there's enough room for everyone.