Grand Staircase Capitol Reef Goblin Valley

Started out on highway 12 making my way through the Grand Staircase National Park via Escalante. Entered the Capitol Reef on highway 24. Decided to fore go the scenic drive of Capitol Reef and head directly to Goblins Valley. Good thing I didn't take the scenic drive of Capitol Reef, I was stopping every mile taking pictures. I spent the whole day going from the Grand Staircase to the Capitol Reef and Goblin's Valley. I ended up in Green River, Utah. Friend called and said to pick up some water melons from Green River, the best in the World. I sampled the melons first and bought them. I also bought a cantaloupe and Israeli melon, the best I tasted. Arches National Park is on for tomorrow.

Red Rock and Bryce Canyons

After spending a whole day at Zions', continued the next day traveling towards Red Rock and Bryce Canyons. Arrived at Red Rock Canyon on highway 12. It was a slow journey, stopping every so often taking pictures. Finally entered Bryce Canyon via highway 63. Spent the whole day at Bryce Canyon. Took many pictures. Found that heights is one of my phobia's, fared well despite it. Ended up in Escalante. Tomorrow will Visit Goblin Valley and Arches National Park.

Virgin River to Zion National Park

After leaving California, entered Arizona and took pictures of the area around the virgin river. Decided to stay the night with Earl and family in St. George. Got up early and started for Zion's. Spent all day at Zion National Park and took over 200 pictures. The next day I will visit Bryce Canyon and goblin valley. Lost track of number of days on vacation. Decided not to travel to Carl's Bad Cavern's in New Mexico. Beauty about vacations it changes from day to day.

California landscapes Days 11 12 and 13

Arrived in California and initially the oregon coast extended it self into California. Next took a tour through the Red Woods and visited Paul Bunyan and his ox. Decided that the trip was taking along time and decided to head inland to see Dave and family. Arrived in Bakersfield and was greeted by all. See slideshow above and video below.

Oregon Coast 9th and 10th day

Traveled down the coast of Oregon the next two days. Had car trouble and possibly the flue bug. Saw the Sea Lion Cave. Visited many cities along the coast. Iam still waiting to dry out my tent. See if you can spot the whale from the video below.

Olympic National Forest 7th and 8th day

Went to the Olympic National Forest after visiting San Juan Islands. Stayed in Sequim, Washington my first night. The day had been rainy and my tent was wet, so I stayed at the local motel. In the morning I started off with the sun above and visited Lake Crescent and took many pictures. Took a few hours to travel around the Olympic forest. Ended up camping out at Lake Quinault about 70 miles past Forks Washington on HWY 101.

I was hungry and I cooked up beans with corn and a roasted hot dog and marshmallows. I lost my first hot dog to the coals. After setting up the tent and letting it dry out it was getting dark. I decided to forgo the hike to the lake until morning, since it was partly cloudy. After going to bed that night I woke up in a rain shower again. Had to load everything in the car quickly to get out of the rain. I took the tarp off the tent at the time it was not raining. As I was putting the tarp in the car, the rain came and soaked my tent. Threw my tent in the car and left. Could not get any pictures of the lake due to low clouds and pore visibility. Again, I ended up in a motel, this time in Seaside Oregon. I really am enjoying the vacation despite the rain.

Day 6 - San Juan Island campout.

Fortunately was able to get directions to the San Juan Island ferry using my GPS app off my blackberry. The ferry lasted about an hour and a half travel time. In the meantime I took alot of pictures. Arrived at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Got lost while trying to find the San Juan county park. After asking directions found the county park and there I went to set up camp. Drove back to Friday Harbor and walked around the city. Reminded me of a New England town.
Got back to camp and went to bed. Got up early in the morning to find rain showers. Wrapped up my tent, wet, and put it in the car.