Portland, Oregon

When I started writing this blog-post on Oregon, I came across the website Travel Oregon.It mentions the Seven must sees of Oregon, which are Mt. Hood, The Columbia River Gorge, The Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, The Painted Hills, Smith Rock and The Wallowas. To our delight we had already done some of them. Below is a glimpse of our trip.

After spending a few hours at Crater Lake National Park, we headed towards Portland. Below is a  glimpse of our trip route map.

View Portland Roadtrip in a larger map

1.) THE GROTTO: 

It is a popular name for the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother. The heart of the Shrine is Our Lady's Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110 ft cliff with a life size marble replica of Michelangelo's Pieta featured in its centre. It's a place that welcomes all religions. Whilst we were there, there was a large Asian melodious choir that performed and they were fantastic.
The Grotto is a peaceful place to reflect, pray or just enjoy the garden.

The Grotto also has an Upper Level Garden that you can visit. If you are going...
Location:  8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR.
Website: http://www.thegrotto.org/

2.) COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE HIGHWAY AND SCENIC SPOTS:
The best way to experience it is to drive on it. This is definitely a recommended must do. The views from various scenic view points are simply break taking. Below is a picture of the road as soon as we had entered the highway.

Columbia river gorge scenic highway

3.) PORTLAND WOMENS FORUM STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT:

The picture of the Crowne Point Vista House from this location with the vastness of the Columbia River gorge is one of the reasons for our visit to Oregon. It is one of the most frequently photographed pictures. Sunset from here is beautiful.

Crowne Point from womens forum vista point

4.) CROWNE POINT VISTA HOUSE:
A little history of the house taken from this website. Please check the link for latest weather and other updates.

Crowne Point Vista House

5.) MULTNOMAH FALLS:

I have always wanted to visit Multnomah after seeing a write up on it on one of the travel magazines. This is one of my favorites without a doubt. We were lucky that day as we got a chance to experience a group of Native Americans in their traditional colorful outfits performing traditional dances in front of the falls.

The dance troupe at Multnomah Falls

Dancers at Multnomah Falls

After the show, we headed to go to the bridge over the falls. Take a snails pace walk and go uphill to Benson Bridge. You can hike further for about 14 miles ( to and fro ) and complete the Multnomah Falls Hike! For more details on this hike and the Larch Mountain Hike check this link.

Multnomah falls

entrance to multnomah falls

Multnomah Falls

We had planned to visit about 3-4 falls near Multnomah but due to lack of time we planned to skip it. Here is a website that gives you a list of all the waterfalls in the vicinity along with their distances and accessibility.

6.) BRIDALVEIL FALLS:

We stopped by the Bridal veil falls state park: our intention to do a short hike. We decided to take the Upper trail (vista point trail). Now I wish we had done the falls trail. This led us to the precipice of the cliffs of the gorge. There were pretty purple wildflowers on the trail. The viewpoint from the end of the trail was this gigantic river paving its way around the mini islands of the Columbia River Gorge. In the below picture, the left side of the island is Oregon and the area on the right is Washington. For details on the hike to Bridalveil Falls click here. 

View from Bridal View state park looking north west.

7.) BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM:

The Bonneville Dam is worth viewing if you are in the area as it is a National Historic Landmark. The project’s first powerhouse, spillway and original navigation lock were completed in 1938 to improve navigation on Columbia River and provide hydro power to the Pacific Northwest. To read more about the dam facts visit this website. Visitors can watch the navigation lock in operation when commercial or recreational boats are traveling up or downstream. 

Included within the Lock are Adult Fishways:

The best months to see the fish climbing the fish ladders are as follows:
Chinook Salmon ......... September

Coho Salmon .............. September

Sockeye Salmon ......... June

Steelhead Trout .......... August

American Shad ........... June

Lamprey ...................... June

8.) BONNEVILLE FISH HATCHERY:

Viewing area to watch fall spawning activities.

9.) HOOD RIVER WATERFRONT PARK:

This could be the entry point to the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. Have a lunch or picnic here. This is a good place to unwind, have a picnic or just relax. 

10.) MOUNT HOOD SCENIC BYWAY:

One of the many things learnt on taking road trips is to go with your gut feeling.What may be a good drive for someone may not be yours and vice versa. Whilst making the itinerary, we read about Mt. Hood Scenic Byway but missed out on the duration of the drive. That was one of the biggest errors made in terms of our planning. The drive to  the base of Mt. Hood was so different from the pictures above that we saw on the Columbia River gorge highway. We passed by vineyards, farms and were almost at the base of Mt Hood. We drove the entire byway for around 5 hours.

Mt. Hood

We drove this way sometime in July. We were probably the only car going in the south direction and was very lonely. We did enjoy the drive but in hindsight if we were well prepared we would have probably preferred to do about an hour or two on this highway upto the base of Mount Hood.

11.) CANON BEACH:
We missed out on driving to the Canon Beach due to lack of time largely because of the long drive along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. So this maybe for another trip. However we want to mention it here as the pictures we have seen are just breath taking. For more details on Cannon Beach click here. The closest to seeing the Canon Beach landscape is probably Morro Rock in California.

On the whole, Portland is worth visiting, The Columbia Gorge is surely a 10 star rating with Multnomah Falls. The drives were scenic in July, I can just imagine what it would be like in fall! 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

There is nothing that can prepare you for this one. It is 277 river miles long ( 446 kms ), 18 miles ( 29 kms wide ) and one mile deep ( 1.6 kms ). Carved by the roaring and majestic Colorado River, it has for millions of years carved out one of the most spectacular sights. You can see the river but it is a mile down and continues to carve the Grand Canyon. This is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and is all about the marvellous and mysterious Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, USA about a 1 1\2 hours drive from Flagstaff or Williams. In 2013, the Grand Canyon was in the news, as millions around the world watched Nick Wallenda Live on television, make his incredible, daredevil tightrope stunt walk across the Grand Canyon. To see the clipping, click on this Youtube link.

GRAND CANYON:

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited by millions throughout the year.

If your planning just driving through Grand Canyon and do not have a lot of time there, here are some suggestions. Either use the free shuttle from point to point or park and walk the trails of your interest. The Rim trail is good to experience the Grand Canyon from various viewpoints. It is paved from Pipe creek vista point to Maricopa point. Some places are unsecured.

• Evening may have a nip in the air specially in spring and in fall. Winter be prepared for cold, windy temperatures.
• Take the shuttle. It is an easier way to get around without having to worry about parking. 
• See the sunrise\sunset if possible. 
• Winter you could expect snow and rain, whilst in summer, as hot as an oven. 

Panoramic views from different points will enable you to see the amazing canyon. Far below, you will be able to see the Colorado river that snakes its way through the canyon. No pictures or videos can make you experience this fascinating wonder of the world. Take a drive along the East rim and be amazed at how wide and large the canyon is! Hire bikes and enjoy views from the various vista points along the trail.

Some of the vista points worth seeing are:

Canyon View
Mather Point
Yavapai Observation Station
Powell Point
Hopi Point ( for sunset )
Yavapai Point: There is a glass viewing area that gives you a perspective of how far below the bottom of the Grand Canyon is.

Visit the NPS site for indepth guidance and information regarding the Grand Canyon. Sharing some pictures from our drive from San Francisco all the way to Arizona.

Layered look of the canyon

Visitors at the Canyon

cloud shadow over the Grand Canyon

I have gathered some travel itineraries of ours if you would like to visit other places too. Williams in Arizona, Flagstaff in Arizona, Page in Arizona, St. George in Utah is where we stayed while visiting the Grand Canyon. If your staying in and around the Flagstaff area, its worth checking out the night sky!

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon ( about 5 1\2 hrs driving time ):

http://www.savsmich.com/2012/12/las-vegas.htm

Grand Canyon National Park to Page ( about 3 hours ) : details in this post.

Page ( Horse Shoe Bend & Antelope Canyon ) to Bryce Canyon ( about 3 hours drive ): 

http://www.savsmich.com/2012/05/antelope-canyon-horse-shoe-bend-arizona.html

Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park ( 2 hours )

http://www.savsmich.com/2012/07/bryce-canyon-national-park.html

Zion National Park  back to Vegas ( about 2 1\2 hours drive ) http://www.savsmich.com/2012/07/zion-national-park.html

Monument Valley: http://www.savsmich.com/2012/03/monument-valley.html

Till our next post, cheers to yet another drive!!

Twin Peaks, San Francisco

Viewing places from a height is always captivating whether it is from a flight, a blimp or a skyscraper. The place could be blanketed in fog for a few minutes and the next moment you see the city lights, vehicle tail lights and downtown right in front of you. What is it about viewing places from a height that brings people to photograph and visit these places? San Francisco, the city of lights, fog or love ( or any other name you want to call it ) has the most perfect place to sit and relax and marvel at how the city transforms hour by hour each day.

San Diego Attractions, California

Sunny San Diego.. One of our favorite places in Southern California. You can grab a beach towel and head for the beaches, laze around building sand castles or sit in the amphitheater and watch a whale, dolphin pet show or just gaze in wonder at underwater sea creatures. And if that is just not enough you can go from viewing underwater creatures to viewing pandas, exotic animals and birds from around the world at the San Diego Zoo. How about visiting The Old Town of San Diego which will take you back in time. Sharing these adventures with you in our fabulous San Diego road-trip.

Location: 2 hours from Los Angeles and the last big city in Southern California before you head into Mexico.

• SEA WORLD:  http://www.savsmich.com/2013/11/sea-world-san-diego.html
• SAN DIEGO ZOO: http://www.savsmich.com/2013/11/san-diego-zoo-california.html
• POINT LOMA MONUMENT: http://www.savsmich.com/2013/06/lighthouses-in-california.html
• OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO: http://www.savsmich.com/2013/11/old-town-san-diego.html
• MARITIME MUSEUM & TUNA PARK:  http://www.savsmich.com/2013/11/tuna-harbor-park-maritime-museum-san.html

• LA JOLLA COVE:
This is one of those places that you would like to spend a great weekend. The location and the panoramic views drives people here to enjoy the sea, the views, birds and relax. Parking spots are in plenty if you know where to find it. Here is a website where you can find all the tips on parking in this gorgeous location. Parking in La Jolla. 


Spend some time at the Scripps Park. Stroll along the waterfront or just sit and relax and enjoy the views. For more information on visiting this place click HERE.


• CORONADO BRIDGE: Take a drive to the other side of downtown San Diego via the Coronado bridge. From the ramp of the Coronado ferry landing enjoy views of San Diego, the Coronado bridge and Seaport Village. 

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town is a state owned Historic Park and is considered the birthplace of California. Located just off highway I 5 ( exit Old Town ), sign boards guide you to the park. The address is 4010 Twiggs St and the intersection is San Diego Ave. We found free parking just opposite the Old Town sign board behind the Immaculate Conception Church. Parking is limited.

The Market place has tons of stuff to buy, restaurants, a leather Depot, Toby's candle soap shop. Visit the many museums and experience Old Town during yester years.

Tuna Harbor Park & Maritime Museum, San Diego

A quick stop on the last leg of our San Diego tour took us to The Maritime Museum and the Tuna Harbor Park. The Maritime Museum is located at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. 

Metered parking is available along the docks for 12 mins to 2 hours. Carry coins. Take pictures at the "Star of India " ship that was a three mastered bark and one of the oldest iron hulled merchant ship from Great Britain. This was used early as California's maritime commerce, circum navigating the earth 21 times stopping in San Francisco in 1873 and 1883 before being purchased by the Alaskan Packers Association. This is registered as one of California's registered landmark. Tickets can be purchased to go on board.  

Star of India

HMS SURPRISE:

Take a picture of the HMS Surprise. It is a detailed re-creation of a 24-gun British frigate.

HMS Surprise

TUNA HARBOR PARK:

Location: Tuna Ln, San Diego, CA 92132. It is located after the USS MIdway Museum on N. Harbor Dr.
Metered Parking is available here. Enjoy views of the USS Midway. Take pictures of the tall statue of the Sailor kissing the Nurse. The park gets its name due to the commercial fishing industry of San Diego. 

Unconditional Surrender San Diego

This above architecture is at the Tuna Harbor. Reviews about this classic piece of art history has been positive and negative on the internet. I do not know which story is true, however if you are in that area it is worth checking it out.

Sea World, San Diego

One Ocean Shamu Show

Get the family together and go and have fun at the fun, amusement theme park that features orcas, dolphins, pets, aquariums, dolphin viewing, rides, and much more. Located in beautiful sunny San Diego this is a very popular attraction which will require a day to see the shows and the exhibits. 

Blue Horizon

"SAVSMICH THOUGHTS" 

• Get there early. 
• The lines get long at the bag check. NO food is allowed except for water. 
• Lines for popular shows open about 15-30 mins before the show starts. Get there early and grab your best spot. 
• Some shows have the splash zone. If you intend to get wet, carry ponchos and an extra pair of clothing\ shoes and protect your Cameras and other electronic gadgets.
• Various stalls are located within the park for a quick bite.
• Don't miss Shamu the Orca show.   
• Check the flamingo exhibit. Carry coins if you would like to purchase a tray to feed them.
• Feed the sea lions. View them from a close distance and enjoy their company when feeding them. They are super cute and have an attitude when you have food in front of them. They are really cute to hear. Watch for the birds surrounding them who vie for the fish in your hand.
• Catch the Blue Horizon show. Much more appealing and attractive with dolphins, birds, aerialists and dancers performing to music. 
• Check the timing before you book your tickets. Some weekends ( specially in summer have extended hours and fireworks ).
• Have toddlers and kids? I highly recommend strollers. It is a blessing to have it around as they may tire after walking the long distances within the park or if they fall asleep after a few hours. 
• Click on THIS LINK for Know before you go details to Sea World.
• Take pictures/video to capture the memories.
• Enjoy and have fun !!

Soak Zone at Shamu Show

POPULAR SHOWS TO SEE:

1. One Ocean
2. Blue Horizon
3. Sea Lion Live
4. Pets Rule
5. Shamu Rocks ( Night show viewing with lights and sound )
6. Dolphin Point
7. Penguins Encounter
8. Turtle Reef
9. Shark Encounter
10. Sesame Street Bay of Play for Kids

MUST SEE ANIMAL EXHIBITS:

• Shamu underwater viewing
• Polar Bear
• Sea Lions
• Flamingos
• Penguins
• Overhead Shark walkway
• Beluga whale
• Walrus
• Tidepool Area

Here are some of our pictures from our trip in August 2013. 

Flamingo Exhibit

Dolphin Encounter

Sea Lions

Pet Show

Exhibits

Exhibits

Before you exit, remember to take a pic near the entrance with "Sea World" to add to your list of places visited \ diary.

San Diego Zoo, California

Enjoy viewing animals, birds, reptiles from the Amazon forest to the Australian outback koalas. See elephants, giraffes, pandas, meerkats, sun bears, experencce elephants, polar bears, apes, cats hippos and exotic birds, tapirs, jaguars, pronghorn, hornbills, porcupines and much much more. All at the San Diego Zoo located in Southern California.

Pandas

Mark's Steel Art Exhibit, San Francisco

A leisurely walk on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California got us wondering about the array of what looked like miniature structures against the city's skyline. Since we had ample time, we decided to take a closer look.

Mark di Suvero, Figolu, 2005-11;

Another amazing scupture

Mark Di Suveero's steel sculpture

Mark di Suvero, Will, 1994

Mark Di Suveero's sculpture

Located in Crissy Field, San Francisco. This is Mark Di Suveero's Art Exhibit. He is an American abstract expressionist sculptor. Not that much int art, they looked just like some steel logs attached together. Only when I viewed them closer did I appreciate the intricate work involved in putting them together. 

It will be on exhibit for a year till May 26th, 2014. For more information about this internationally renowned sculptor click here. The steel structures are unique and are his collection from 1967 -2012. 

If you are going .. 

- Crissy Field is located are 1199 East Beach , San Francisco. 

- Admission is free.

- Metered parking is available just across the field.
- For more information on transportation and other details.. click HERE

Other places to see around: 

Golden Gate Park ( includes North Dutch Windmill, South Murphy Windmill, Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of flowers ) : 
http://www.savsmich.com/2013/03/golden-gate-park-san-francisco.html

San Francisco ( includes Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, Crooked Street, Conservatory of flowers: 
 http://www.savsmich.com/2012/08/san-francisco.html 

Polynesian Festival, Santa Cruz, California

UPDATE: 23RD AUGUST 2015 

23rd Annual Aloha Races & Polynesian Festival

Sunday, August 23, 2015 | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Date:08/23/2015 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Location:Santa Cruz Wharf
  21 Municipal Wharf
  Santa Cruz, California 95060

MORE INFO : Click HERE


Celebrate summer at the pier and escape to The Polynesian Islands for a couple of hours in Santa Cruz, California.

Head over to the Santa Cruz Pier, Santa Cruz, California this August and enjoy Hawaiian music, food, performances and even Aloha canoe races. You can also buy Aloha outfits. A number of artisans display their crafts. You can buy some Hawaiian dresses, art or craft, earrings and much more. Enjoy an afternoon of music and dance and seeing the young and young at heart swaying to the rhythmic Hawaiian music. Below are some pictures taken in 2009.

If your going.. the festival is on August 18th, 2013. Here is the link for the schedule.

Dancing to the hawaiian rhythm

Cute and adorable kids

Splendid performance

Kids displaying their talent

Dancers

Dancers

** Carry a jacket. Cool temperatures towards evening is typical.**
Click here for parking locations: Santa Cruz Parking
**Coin operated parking is available on the streets, all day parking is available near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Lighthouses in California

California boasts of some pretty lighthouses. If you are lost of options of what to do for a weekend, this might help. With summer nearly set in, the coast is a perfect place to be on a hot day. The lighthouses below are along California Highway 1. Driving along this highway is an experience with amazing views of the coastline and the ocean, however be prepared for lonely, single lane curvy roads and not many gas stations. So fill up whenever your tank is half and check for any road closures on THIS website.  

The lighthouses mentioned below have been visited on various single day or overnight trips. Read on for details.


View California Lighthouses in a larger map

1.) CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE, MENDOCINO, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Our previous post has all the information you need. Click HERE for the information.

For latest and upto date information regarding timing and other events planned for 2013, click on this link: http://www.pointcabrillo.org/events.htm.

2.) POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE, POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA

Visit our previous post. Click HERE for more information.

3.) POINT BONITA LIGHTHOUSE, SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA

Still an active Lighthouse, this is a short drive from San Francisco ( about 30-40 min ) to the Lighthouse. From the parking lot it is a steep 1\2 mile trail that has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

Timing: The tunnel to the lighthouse is open SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY FROM 12.30 - 3.30 PM. Our trip was completed in July 2009. Latest updates on yelp, confirm that the old bridge has been replaced with a new one. In 2009, limited peopled could pass the bridge and there was always a wait. Things may have changed since then with a new bridge. We haven't been there after 2009, but if you have do let me know details so I can update it on the post. Parking is limited. Carry a lunch \ snack and enjoy the views.

Trail to Point Bonita

Pt. Bonita  Lighthouse

San Francisco 

4.) PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE, PESCADERO, CALIFORNIA:

Location: about 50 miles south of San Francisco on CA Highway 1.
The lighthouse is currently closed to the public however the grounds are open. For more information here is the LINK for timings, and guided tours.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

You can check out other places en-route on CA-1 by clicking on this link : http://www.savsmich.com/2012/11/ca-1-central-coast.html

5.) SANTA CRUZ LIGHTHOUSE, SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

Location: About 30 miles south of Pigeon Point Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Parking is available in a parking lot close to the lighthouse.
Address: W. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca

Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Enjoy the day at the beach or a walk along the Pier. Enjoy some sea food and watch the pelicans, pelicans or watch for a stray sighting of dolphins swimming.

In winter, visit the Natural Bridges State Beach to view the Monarch butterflies. More details on the butterflies and when you can see them can be found HERE.

6.) CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT \ OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

This lighthouse can be visited throughout the year. This lighthouse has been restored to look what it was like in the 1800's. Get a glimpse of what the rooms looked like. Read stories of the past in its exhibits. Read stories of San Diego's efforts during the World War II, of the 19th Coast Artillery and the army's efforts to defend the harbor.

Enjoy some beautiful views of San Diego skyline. Latest information can be found HERE regarding the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument.

Cabrillo Monument, San Diego

Lens at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse

If your going to San Diego, the Cabrillo Monument can be found at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego, CA

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr  San Diego, CA

Fruit Picking

"UPDATED" May 24th, 2016

"Get the kids to pick their own vegetables and fruits and there are higher chances of them eating it". Don't we hear this at every doctors visit?

How about doing something exciting and fun together. May\June is a start of the harvest season where many farms offer  "You Pick" which means the public can go and pick their fruit and take home. Brentwood, Gilroy, Salinas valley have certain months allocated where you can go and pick your own fruit! Strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, oranges, nectarines, apples and more.

Cherries

I've compiled a few " Farms for You Pick" Here are some links to help you pick your pick for ""You Pick""! Get your sunscreen, water, cash, snacks, sandwiches and head over for some fun and excitement and cute pics. Please click on the respective links and check for their opening dates and other details.

BRENTWOOD: This has a list of all the farms in Brentwood
http://harvest4you.com/
http://www.everythingbrentwood.com/brentwoodcherrypicking.html

BRENTWOOD: Find a farm: http://harvest4you.com/find-a-farm/

PESCADERO: SWANTONBERRY FARM
http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/upick

SAN FRANCISCO AREA:
http://redtri.com/san-francisco/u-pick-fruit-in-the-bay-area-3-juicy-farms/

Peaches

WATSONVILLE: GIZDICH RANCH
http://www.gizdich-ranch.com/indextwo.php?gr=pikyorsef

PORTOLA VALLEY: WEBB RANCH
http://www.webbranchinc.com/farmers_upick_straw.htm

Check out this link from Webb Ranch on how to be a good berry picker:
http://www.webbranchinc.com/library/upick2013.pdf

> Pick inside the bush for the best flavor
> Ripe berries come off easily
> If you have to pull hard, berries will be sour

"Have fun Fruit Picking " - Savsmich

Peaches