Oregon Coast - July, 2003 (Re-run)

 Before heading to the fabulous Oregon coast, we made a couple stops at places we had never before visited.  Salem, the state capital, and Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, were both interesting towns.  The capital building is unlike that of any other state, adorned by a golden statue honoring the many thousands of pioneers who braved the long and difficult trail to an unknown land and created their own "promised land".  On the campus of the university we found a delightful rose garden.

 

The famous Oregon coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations each summer with a variety of attractions and activities.  Whether it be lighthouses, rocky shores, gardens, wildlife, sunsets, seafood or quaint fishing villages, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Northern California - June, 2003 (Re-run)

 California is such a large and diverse state, it's likely that none of us will ever see the entire breadth of beauty and spectacle that can be found there.  While the northern part of the state is quite different, it is truly worthy of our time to visit.  Despite many trips there, I've yet to see it all, but the 2003 visit was probably my most comprehensive.

My first trip to the capital, Sacramento, I made sure to get photos of the state house and the governor's mansion.

In Auburn there is a monument to the gold rush days.  Not much has happened there since.

Placerville, also part of the gold rush, was once called "Hangtown" due to the vigilante justice that was frequently employed.  The stump of the Hangman's tree is said to be in the basement of the saloon.  At some point, the saloon changed course and became an "Ice Cream Saloon", but eventually went out of business.

 San Francisco is a tourist's mecca with many historic buildings, including City Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, Dolores Mission, Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park), Coit Tower, Ghirardelli Square and the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island.

Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge is a prime attraction, along with Fisherman's Wharf and the iconic cable cars.

Napa Valley has its own special charm with numerous vineyards.

 Among the beautiful mountains in Northern California, Mt. Shasta is an active volcano that rises more than 14,000 feet.

The region also boasts many scenic waterfalls.