Have You Ever Stood by a Giant Redwood?

ROADTRIP!

We rented a van, so there was plenty of space for each krew member. Only a few sibling scuffles ensued, but for the most part, we all survived. THANKFULLY, there were bags available for the 2 bag needy episodes poor little Joe had to endure. One episode we will blame on Jim who delftly overtook vehicles and passed them with speed, and dartness (is that a word?) And the other bag worthy event was due to very bad Mapquest directions that misdirected us through the mountains between Redding, California and the Coast. Imagine ..... driving on "roads" (for 7 hours. 7 H O U R S!) with increasing numbers of potholes, and loose gravel, and signs reading "Road Narrows" and "PRIVATE PROPERTY VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED" all while swaying left and right and left and right and ....., and then ....... BAG PLEASE! (Dispite the fact that we had taken our Dramamine.) Thankfully, we learned that Joe listens to his body and has very good aim!

Much better sights we enjoyed on our trip were:
- the Sundial Bridge and Kid's Kingdom Park (complete with erupting volcano fountain), 5 wonderful cousins and 4 baby kittens in Redding, California;

-The Avenue of the Giants in northern California - what a ride ..... so quiet and dwarfing! (how about that, is that a word?) Nevermind that the 2 teenagers in the vehicle dozed for just a portion;

-Highway 101 up the coast, ESPECIALLY southern Oregon - oh my goodness, the water was torquoise and the views were amazing! We stopped at Ophir Beach and Cape Blanco (the westernmost point in Oregon) where the wind nearly blew us over the edge;

- Hwy 138 along the Umpqua River - we figured it saved us 2 or 3 hours getting home, it was GORGEOUS, and it was only us and the 2 very fast semis in front of us for 30something miles. (Thank you gas man in Reedsport for telling us about this shortcut!)

In conclusion - it was a success (except for Mapquest day ....). As the remains of summer flashed by the van windows, I was truly thankful for dramamine and van rentals.

My advise to anyone planning a roadtrip -
1. DO NOT USE MAPQUEST
2. Bring Dramamine (and bags!)
3. DO take the time to dip your toes in the water EVEN if you are pressed for time to get home.
4. Get out of the car in the Redwoods, stand beside one of the Giants, and look up ....
you'll be glad you did .......