A pretty sunset tonight in Missouri. Of course, there are always trees and houses between me and the horizon here. It’s not like standing on a beach in California where it feels like you can reach out and touch the sunset. I’ve taken too many sunsets for granted — never again! Grab happiness where you can and enjoy the moments. It’s all about hope.
Another beautiful day on Highway 101…
http://www.prehistoricgardens.com/
This one was a surprise. I automatically stop at all roadside attractions — just can’t resist the kitsch. But I didn’t expect an education. The gardens here are so well-maintained, and the information about the gardens and the dinosaurs is presented on friendly, easy-to-digest signs along the way. The most fun thing was to see the real size of dinosaurs in person (yep, they were huge).
Gold Beach is really all about the beach. Make sure you find a hotel with an oceanfront view and access (I loved the Pacific Reef Inn), and spend your time beachcombing and watching gorgeous sunsets.
Eureka, California to Klamath, California
65 miles
Gas $3.02/gallon (why is it going up?)
Holiday Inn Express in Klamath (great, brand new hotel attached to a tiny Indian casino)
$117/night + $25/pet fee
Just north of Eureka is the Samoa Cookhouse – I love finding unique places like this (thanks, Roadtrippers). It’s off the beaten path, but worth the 15-minute drive from Highway 101. Built circa 1893, it’s the last lumber camp-style cookhouse still in operation in North America. Established by the Vance Lumber Company, Samoa is one of the last company-owned towns in the US, and the cookhouse was operated for the working lumberjacks. Today, they still encourage you to eat like a lumberjack. Continue reading
I can’t wait to check out Cars Land and see the Disney versions of all the spots I’ve visited the past couple of years…
Flo’s V-8 Cafe Entrance in Cars Land
Nearly everything that Pixar touches turns to gold. When Cars Land opened in Disneyland’s California Adventure, the atmosphere matched the original films’ vibe so closely that as you strolled to each attraction in Radiator Springs, you couldn’t help but feel like you were sightseeing in another world – a community of sassy vehicles cruising somewhere along Route 66.
I always get a little sedimental around the Holidays.
The most impressive feature may be Monument Valley: a massive sprawling rock formation that houses the “Radiator Springs Racers” track. It’s so detailed that you’re almost fooled into thinking that the towering behemoth occurred naturally. The lone restaurant in Radiator Springs, Flo’s V-8 Cafe, is right across the “street” from Monument Valley. You can enjoy your grub as you watch racers lose their hats as they speed around the curves. With the jukebox blasting oldies-but-goodies and…
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Deer on the trail…owl hooting nearby…lovely quiet fog…
obsessive hobbyist 