2009 08 20 CA, Lassen National Park - A Volcanic Park

We didn't know much about Lassen National Park when we decided to visit, but once there were we ever glad we did. It is a really neat place, dedicated a national park in 1915 following the eruption of Mt. Lassen. Eruptions continued over the next 3 years, and a hundred years later the photos below reveal how the park appears today.

We learned that Lassen is unique to other volcanic parks, as it contains 4 different types of volcanos.

Cyclops Rock




















Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney State Park - California

2009 08 18 CA - The Ancient Redwood "Immortal" Tree

Another glorious Redwood! Wow!

2009 08 18 TOO Cute!

2009 08 15 CA, The National Redwood Forests

There are a few things in the world that make folks feel spiritual. Yes, yes, our spouses, kids and grandkids...mountains, oceans, birds, bears, lakes and streams - yes, they all certainly do. But I cannot think of a more peaceful and spiritual place on the planet than the Redwood Forests.

The majestic giants take you to another place and time. As soon as you enter into the forest a calmness...a peacefulness takes over. The air is cool and the clean fragrance of the trees envelops you. Every tree possesses unique features. The massive giants tower peacefully in thick stands for centuries, watching in silence as season upon season pass them by. After long lives the big giants topple and pass on life to new redwoods....and lots of other plants and animals in the forest. Who knows, maybe a simple visit to view them gives us a longer life....

2009 08 13 Oregon, Newport - Views of the Pacific Ocean from the Bus

We stepped-up for a stay at an Outdoor Resorts RV Park while touring the Oregon coast. We've seen pictures of this park in magazines and thought it would be fun to spend some time here. When we rolled in the weather was gorgeous, sunny, clear skies - even had time for a walk on the beach.

as Nancy prepared dinner fog started rolling in from the ocean. Within a couple of hours we were surrounded. It managed to stay that way the entire time we were there.....what luck. As we prepared to leave, the clouds began to part and the sun did shine again....as I said, what luck! Oh well, we managed to see a few whales spouting so it was worth the stay.

2009 08 09 Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach

2009 08 09 Peace Sign in the Sand

A Sign for Peace in the Sand













We were enjoying a walk on Cannon Beach (on the Oregon coast) and saw this young man creating a sand sculpture of a peace sign. He was with his little boy and I was absolutely touched by what I saw. I can't think of a better way for a father and son to spend a Sunday afternoon - let's all send out good vibes out 4 Peace.

2009 08 07 Report from the Diamondback!

Great Ride on the Diamondback! Lisa and Eimhin up front, Heather behind Eimhin.

The kids and grands report their day at Kings Island was terrific fun and although the weather was hot and humid, they had a great time together! Can't wish for anything more - except to say it would have been better if we'd been with them. Aw shucks...maybe next time.

2009 08 02 The Camping Trip

Lisa and Eimhin were up for a big adventure with Justin and Peyton so they decided on an overnite camping trip down by the river. They packed-up and headed out, secured a campsite, put up tents, built a campfire, then the adventure started. They played in the river, discovered rainbow trout, attempted to build a dam, climbed trees, grilled out and of course - slept outside, in tents, overnite. Temps got quite cool during the evening, and of course everyone got cold. There were bumps and scratches, and chiggers and mosquito bites abounded, but everyone had a great time. This will be a great memory for the boys to take back to Indiana.

Mimi and Papaw drove to visit them at the camp this morning. We all enjoyed a short hike before heading to another park nearby. We had to explore a larger lake for swimming and lunch.