From San Francisco to Seattle Part Three: Portland Oregon (Day 2 and 3)

For more Portland, See my Album on Flickr.

A night drive through the redwoods (Beginning of Day 2)

An enchanting drive through the ancient Redwoods

From San Francisco to Seattle Part Two: Manchester State Beach (Day 1) - Photos

From San Francisco to Seattle Part Two: Manchester State Beach (Day 1)

Manchester State Beach off of California Highway 1. If you travel north along Highway 1, you'd see a KOA camp site entrance just to the side of the state beach entrance, if you follow the road in just a bit, you will find the state beach camp ground. The KOA site is very well equipped with shower and a convenient store. The state beach facility had a chemical toilet. But, it cost about half the price. In 2009, that was $35 for the KOA and $18 for the state owned. Both have access roads and enough space for your car.

From San Francisco to Seattle Part Two: Point Reyes Light House - Photos

From San Francisco to Seattle Part Two: Point Reyes Light House

If you are planning to visit Point Reyes Light house, be sure to budget at least 3 hours ( From highway 1). It is in fact 20 miles off course from the 1, most of the road has 35 MPH realistic traveling speed with bumps, pot holes and cattle crossings. Interesting drive, never the less. I saw cows leisurely chewing grass with the ocean to their background. Open space, loosely fenced. The phrase "happy cows come from California" rushes to mind. To me, the light house itself wasn't that interesting. A couple of V-twin driven generators that are obviously decommissioned and not much else. Great view of the ocean though. 

From San Francisco to Seattle Part One - Highway 1, North of San Francisco

A drive through the clouds, is how I would describe the winding roads that twist in and out of Northern California's coast line. Glimpses of rocky shores through smoke like layers of fog. Temperature was just right to crack open the window and set the heater to low. Being a weekday, there was not much traffic, if you dare, and the car's capable, it could be such a life affirming experience... once you make it through safely....

More of Pigeon Point Light House - California

     

Pigeon Point Light House - California Coastal Highway 1

The view was great. One of many light houses along Highway 1 and perhaps the most beautiful in my opinion.

Paying a night visit: City by the bay - San Francisco California

Moon Rise over San Francisco Bay.....

Sunset - La Jolla California

La Jolla (Black's Beach) at the crack of dawn

 

White Sands National Monument

Suffering from "motor-lag", I woke up at 5:30AM local time. Had a drink of water and headed to the White Sands. On my drive there I had a friendly little chat with a security officer, whom kindly pointed out that San Diego is the other direction... I arrived at White Sand's Loop drive minutes before it opened. Since it's a weekday, the place was essentially deserted, just 3 cars, including mine. Gate opened at 7AM.

This place is nothing like anywhere else I've ever been to. From time to time it tricks my brain into thinking that it's winter and what I'm looking at is actually snow. There wasn’t any obvious frame of reference, if I didn’t bring a GPS, it would have taken me much longer to drive out of there. For an early morning, it was surprisingly bright.

 

Dehydration: quite real and easily over looked. It was a rather brisk morning. I'd say no more than 20C. For someone who's used to the Houston summer heat and humidity, it felt quite chilly. Surprisingly, after barely half an hour, I found myself light headed. I noticed how chappy my lips were, and my mouth was dry. If you are visiting white sands, be sure to bring plenty of water and drink in regular intervals even if you don't feel thirsty.

A little detour on my way home - White Sands National Monument

Anxious to get back to California, I opted for a 2 days drive of 800 miles each, lodging at Las Cruces New Mexico in between to check out the White Sands. My original plan was to be there by the evening of day 1, take some sunset photos and possibly some starry night shots, however I completely underestimated what effect a 800 miles drive could have on me. By the time I reached Las Cruces and finally found that "Mirage" of a hotel, I was completely pooped... So I just took a photo of the sunset and went to sleep.