The Bridge to Oregon

It is a beautiful drive out of Washington heading to Oregon and as we reach the Astoria Bridge which will deliver us to the start of our coast drive, we start to truly anticipate the excitement that awaits. This drive has been on our wish list for quite awhile and it's about to become a reality! Yeah!!!








The bridge is the perfect entryway for our excursion, and after the initial traffic in Astoria, the coastal trail opens and peeks of the magnificent Pacific Ocean begin. It has been over three months since we left the Atlantic, and we are welcoming the ocean smells and sounds fully!


Though we've had rivers, sounds, canals, lakes and straits, along our journey, there is nothing like the ocean and we embrace it's magic! As different as the two coasts are in their terrain, it still almost feels like home for us and that feeling is just wonderful.

As we pull into Manzanita, the quaint little village proves to be the perfect first stop on our Oregon Coast adventure. Cathie, Linda's friend, has provided a cozy little beach cottage, complete with fire pit! (It's the same one we had back home - a gift from Linda, of course) and it finishes our nostalgic moments. Settling in for our stay here, the fire is lit, yes, a fire in August! Unheard of, we know. But, the 50 degree temperature on this balmy evening allows such a pleasure and we enjoy thoroughly after our busy travel day.




Welcome to Oregon!

Bridges to Denali

The grand finale has arrived! We board the train to Denali this morning. This is what we've truly been waiting for.











The train is all it's been promised to be. Our little group has an entire car to ourselves and the glass domed windows gives all of us an amazing vantage point, as well as a very comfortable ride. We will be on board for about 4 hours. The rain that has been threatening seems to be keeping at bay. We're ready for an amazing time!










Bridges abound on this particular rail section, making a beautiful route even more scenic.







Our train hostess keeps us informed of areas to take particular note. It's all beautiful, however.




Breakfast is served in the dining car below and we enjoy one of my truly favorite luxuries. Dining rail cars are just fun! And, the food served is very good - a bonus! A salmon burrito seems like the thing to have and it does not disappoint whatsoever.





Back in our domed seating area, our friendly bartender is serving Bloody Marys, spicy and delicious! Really, is there anything better than this? Oh yea, the destination is Denali!!!




Celeste continues to balance photography shoots inside and out the car, she and Stephen having particular fun today. He poses with his famed Mackinac Island hat (which, unfortunately, he loses en route.)


As we near the park, the last hour is a spectacular gorge. A section closest to our end point boasts rafters, who wave to us from our towering ledge. We will be in their seats tomorrow morning!

As the train makes it's final turn into the station, we are afforded a sneak peak of our lodge. It's been a beautiful trek in and we can't wait for what this amazing wilderness has in store.

There are pictures galore on this post, but it's the true feel of what we experienced and I want you all to enjoy, as well!

Waterfalls in PA

Our plans for the day take a detour early as we discover that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area is virtually closed for the season. Several wrong turns and unavailable facilities make it clear that an alternate destination is in store.




On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, skirting the Poconos, we discover a little gem for hiking and waterfalls at Bushkill Falls. Still off season, but quite open, we take a trip into a delightful park, in existence since 1903. Admission back then $.10, today $10.00, but the well-maintained trails and spectacular falls, caverns, boardwalks, and creeks certainly more than make this a good deal.



Truthfully, our first inclination is there are so many "free" waterfalls to view, why pay admission to an "amusement park" scenario, but what exists here is a nice mix of facilities to service all types of adventures. For the physically limited, wonderful vistas are easily accessible and all the trails are clearly marked with wide ranges in difficulty for a good variety of hiking choices. We, of course, choose the most difficult hike, which affords the best scenery. Once off the main boardwalk (Disneyesque provisions), amazingly we are suddenly transitioned into a rugged and serene terrain, offering breathtaking views and glimpses of 8 different waterfalls. The hike presents plenty of challenges throughout and it takes us the better part of 2 hours to traverse. The range of different waterfalls, beautiful little creeks and rocky trails makes for a spectacular hike. We enjoy it immensely.

































































We dare to venture further north from here in hopes of crossing the Delaware at one of the spots we had initially hoped to encounter when the day started. Luckily, our chance course works. The Dingman's Ferry Bridge is a delightful find, a single pedestrian operator collecting our single dollar bills as we cross. Travel into PA far busier than our route heading back into Jersey, affording ample opportunity for great photo documentation.




Knowing that facilities are closed, we plan accordingly. Two main attractions are on our list. The first is Walpack Center - a ghost town . We locate the spot easily and, indeed, find it deserted. Undoubtedly, this is a year round not seasonal condition. It is our gateway to yet another waterfall we have earmarked to view. Buttermilk Falls is a lone sight quite off the beaten track and the only encounters we have along the way are three fly fishermen along a beautiful creek. We are in a place of total serenity. It's absolutely stunning



We search diligently but to no avail for the promised black bear that are very popular in this area. Evidently, they don't awake until season either.


The route back from our day's excursion is peaceful as we ease into the hustle awaiting us in the city. Once again, a diversion in our agenda has proven to be quite fun. We're liking this flexible mindset!!!