oregon & northern california

Fleeing the Vancouver "summer", our two week 'vacation' lead us to travel southward to hunt for some much needed sun!
We embarked on a road trip, of which the first stage entailed driving down the US-101 along the coast of Oregon and Northern California. Windswept seascapes, amazing bridges and of-course the giant redwoods were amongst the highlights.



Not an engineering marvel like some others along the road, the bridge in Florence, Oregon has a nostalgic and quasi gothic appeal. Photo taken from our favourite coffee spot "Bill's Auto".



Northern Californian rocky seascape



Giant Redwoods - did you know minute crustaceans live in the tops of these trees?



Leighton in among the redwoods



Ro and the Boy Scout Tree

vancouver burning

A quick reminder of the Vancouver riots some 4 months ago, from which the city is still reeling.
The healing process is going to take a long time, especially it goes against the way the locals like to think of themselves: happy-go-lucky, relaxed and friendly.

Subsequent outrage at the riots has been such that some of the perpetrators (and their families) have had to move house, or take extended summer holidays after being victimised due to their names and addresses were being listed on social networking sites. Oops.

The inquiry is in full flight and the collective nose is being rubbed in the shame on a daily basis on tv, radio and in the papers.

And all over a hockey game.....





































First photo taken from out balcony at around 9.45pm.
The second photo was taken 20 min after the first (note the second plume on the left!)