The Carefee Highway

Today was a very special day on my Oregon experience. I drove along the Pacific coast highway, from Newport to Florence. It has been an incredible day. I have named this section of Highway 101. "The Carefree Highway". This of course is the tittle of one of my all time favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs. Gordon's great song accurately describes the feeling of actually being on the Oregon Coast. Now enjoy some of the pictures that I shot today driving the Carefree Highway!!!!!

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Located in the town of Newport, Oregon. Is Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

The Yaquina Bay Light was built by Ben Simpson and first lit on November 3, 1871[1]. It was active for only three years due to the establishment of the Yaquina Head Light in 1873, located three miles north of Yaquina Bay. The bay lighthouse was decommissioned on October 1, 1874 because the Yaquina Head Light made it obsolete. The fifth order Fresnel lens was moved to the Yerba Buena Light for its opening in 1875 Here are a two shots of this historic Oregon Lighthouse.

The first picture on this post is of the Fresnel Lens that belongs to the still in operation Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Driving South, on the "People's Coast"

Today the weather turned wet. It rained all day. But I didn't care. After all I'm on vacation. Also I'm visiting another one of those places. Where you can only wish aloud. "Wouldn't I love to live here one day". Well I can appreciate the fact. That for one week of my life I am living here!!!!!!

The Oregon Coast is a well kept secret. Because it is one of the most beautiful and diverse places on our planet. Because of it's natural beauty, and because it is affectingly referred to as "The People Coast". The people that live in Oregon are not normal. If Oregon was part of Canada or any other political area. There would be condos and tacky resorts destroying the beauty of this natural treasure. However the people of Oregon passed a law that no one will ever own or build of their coast. There coast is to be enjoyed by the people who live here, and the people that come to visit. What a novel idea. Very well done Oregon. I will always be proud of you!!!!

Here are a few shots I took today, in the rain. Driving down "The People's Coast, from Garabaldi to Newport.

Garabaldi, Oregon

My first stop on the Oergon coast would be the quaint fishing village of Garabaldi. It located about 10 miles north of the town of Tillamook. It was a great place to call home for a day, and to begin my decent south. The weather was picture perfect for my first day of the trip. I have included a few shots from being in Garabaldi.

Only Fate!!!!

I was meant to own these great shoes. Here are couple of pics of The Ultimate Gore-tex hiking shoes, the 2nd.

Welcome To "Oregon"

Well here I am! Happily I writing this post to my Travel Wolfe blog from beautiful Oregon.

Overall the day has gone very smooth. There was only one minor glitch. Which I will talk about later. But is has been a very positive day. The experience at Toronto Airport was nothing compared the fiasco I and everyone else endured, on the 5th of February, 2010.

The flights were very much on time. I was very impressed with the airport located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The airport in Portland like the state of Oregon is fantastic. Very modern and clean with all of the amenities. You would expect from a airport located in a major city.

Here is the glitch. As always I was well organised for my departure from the family home, located in Brampton. I left the home at 3;30 am. To make sure to get a early arrival at Toronto Airport. My taxi was 5 minutes late. Also the taxi company did not give me a wake up call at 3am, that was requested. However that didn't matter as I was up anyhow.

When the taxi driver arrived. He was more then happy to assist in loading all of my luggage. On this trip I am travelling with one medium suitcase, one carry-on bag, and my camera bag. With all 3 items loaded in the taxi. I closed and locked the side door of the house. Five seconds after I had closed the door. I realized that I had made a mistake. I forgot to change my shoes. I was planing to wear my waterproof Gore-tex "North Face" hiking shoes. I left wearing a cheap pair of sneakers. Those are the brakes. I was planing to purchase a new pair of water proof hiking shoes on this trip anyhow. Oregon is one of those places where you will find a great opportunity to do so.

So everything fell right into place after I picked up the rent a car from Thrifty. A fellow working for Thrifty recommended a store named "The Sports Authority" would carry a large selection of hiking shoes. I went to purchase my new shoes. I was in for good luck. I found in the discounted shoe section a pair of "North Face" Gore-tex hiking shoes that I have been wearing and enjoying for the past 2 years. Also they were my size 9, and were selling for $70. A great deal because I paid $100 for them on sale in Vermont 2 years ago. Also this great state has no sales tax. Yes you are reading correctly. There is "NO" sales tax in Oregon. Wow are we ever being ripped!!!!!

After I purchased the shoes. Then I picked up my bike for this trip. More good luck. Mike W. who I came across selling a mountain bike on Craig's List. Was selling a rideable used bike to me. The deal is, that I paid him $20 to rent the bike for the week. What better deal can you get then that. There are a lot of good people left in this world. However they are not politicians. At least the politicians not calling Oregon home.

I then hit the open road for the Oregon Coast. I took route 6 to the town of Tillamook. From there it was 10 miles north to the fishing village of Garibaldi. The drive was a real pleasure.

I have included some great pictures on this post from my drive along route 6, and from flying along the Columbia River Gorge. I enjoyed some fine views of "The Magnificent One" Yes the great ambassador and symbol of Oregon, Mount Hood!!!!

The picture of the lake is of "Lost Lake" which lies below Mt. Hood.

One of the best parts of Canada- Niagara

Today will be a very enjoyable day. I will be traveling with a good friend to visit one of the best parts of Canada. Siobhan L. and I will going to visit the Niagara Falls region. I meet Siobhan 3 years ago during my Arizona trip. We met and became friends in Phoenix. We both stayed at the travel hostel, located there. Siobhan (her name is pronounced Chiffon) is from Ireland. Is a very nice person, and also a very talented singer-songwriter.

The planed itinerary is; drive out after breakfast to Ft. Erie. From there we will drive the scenic Niagara River Road all the way to the falls, and from the falls all the way to Niagara on the Lake. It should make for a very exciting day.

The day turned out very well. Despite an overcast and rainy day. It did not dampen the spirits of Siobhan and myself. After arriving in Ft. Erie we noticed that the line up for the people waiting to cross into the U.S.A. was huge. Very glad we had no plans too visit Buffalo on this day. It would of been an unbearable wait.

I showed Siobhan around Ft. Erie. We found a nice spot to view the Skyline of Buffalo, New York. Also it was a great place to view the beginning of the Niagara River. Where Lake Erie is the source for the river.

Then Siobhan and I drove to see old Fort Erie Racetrack. I was hoping to show Siobhan a live horse race. However there was no live races today. My how time has changed things. Sadly the popularity of mindless slot machines has replaced the popularity of enjoying live horse races. Lots of great memories for me being at Fort Erie. But a real downer for me, seeing what they have down to the classic grandstand, that use to exist at Fort Erie Racetrack.

Then it was time for lunch. We stopped at the Subway Sub shop for a fast and nutritious lunch. Then after enjoying lunch it was time to leave Ft. Erie, and to start the beautiful drive along the Niagara River to the Falls.

I haven't done this drive in a long time. So it was enjoyed very much by Siobhan and myself. After arriving in Niagara Falls, we found a good and cheap place to park. Then we set out on foot to get the impressive and intimate look at the Falls. Which is a sight you can never get tired to see.

Then after a nice visit at the falls, and the chance to get some great pictures. We completed the scenic drive. From the Falls to the town of "Niagara on the Lake". The very classy and European style town. Is a real Canadian treasure. The atmosphere and beauty of this town is unchallenged by anywhere else in Ontario. The location is hard to beat. As this town is located at the end of the Niagara River. Where it pours into Lake Ontario. Very beautiful place to be! Siobhan and I did a short walk about the town. Then we left to stop for dinner. Before we arrived home.

Our food choice on this day was a delicious chicken Souvlaki dinner at Master Steaks. Which might be the best value and taste, fast food restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area. This restaurant is located 5895 Dixie Road. The only criticism of this restaurant is the management. As the men's washroom is always lacking of paper towels to wash your hands, and yesterday as Siobhan and I looked for a clean table to enjoy our meal. We had a tough time to do so. The meal was delicious though.

It was a great day, enjoyed with a great friend. Travelling is always fun!!!!

Destination- Oregon

I am at it again. I'm happy to say. If all goes to plan. I will on my way. to experience another amazing journey. This time the destination will be the U.S. State of Oregon.

Why pick Oregon for my next holiday? Well the answer is a very easy one. You see, I was there briefly last summer. last June I had an excellent time visiting the Pacific Northwest. I did a brief tour in Washington State. One of the best days of that trip was my full day spent in Oregon.

During that fantastic day. I enjoyed a visit at Seaside, Oregon. Located on the Pacific coast. I then drove inland to Portland. From there I did a tour through the Columbia River Gorge. But wait I wasn't finished yet. I drove to the town of Hood River. To complete the drive around Mt. Hood. It was all spectacular!!!

The symbol of this incredible place that they call Oregon. In my mind is Mt. Hood. This wonderful mountain. Which I have nicknamed "The Magnificent One". Is the ambassador for Oregon. For Mt. Hood represents; beauty, peace, courage, and adventure. That is what Oregon offers the people who are lucky enough to live there, and also the fortunate people who get to pay Oregon a visit.

My planed itinerary will be. After arriving in Portland, on June 5th. I will head to the Oregon coast, and work my way south. Visiting various places along the way. At a undetermined point. I will head inland through the cascades to visit Crater Lake. This lake is touted as one of the most beautiful lakes on our planet. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America. Crater Lake is 1,949 feet deep. From there I will start my return trip back to Portland. I return back home to Toronto on June 12th.

My posted picture is of "The Magnificent One" Mt. Hood

Thank You Texas!!!!

Happily the beginning of this post on my Travel Wolfe blog. Is coming from "George Bush Airport" located just outside of Houston Texas. I left the Austin Hostel just after 5 am to allow for plenty of time. To arrive safely at the airport for my flight home. I did not want the return trip to be anything like the nightmare. That I experienced at Toronto's Pearson Airport, flying down to Houston.

It was night and day difference getting my luggage checked, and through the airport security, compared to Toronto. The main reason is that Houston Airport has 5 terminals to accommodate passengers, and the various airlines that fly in and out of the airport. Toronto's Pearson only has two! The only possibilities to make flying in and out of Toronto better. Is to build an additional terminal building, at Pearson International Airport. Or to build a second airport to serve Toronto.

When I arrived at the airport in Detroit. I was soon to realize that the Motor City even has a more modern and efficient airport then Toronto has. Detroit Airport has a neat express train, located in the main terminal building to move passengers around quickly and efficiently. Also there is a huge tunnel and lots of moving sidewalks to move people to there other main terminal building. My flight was an hour late leaving Detroit due to dicing the airplanes. To make the 43 minute flight back to Toronto.

Happily there were no curves thrown my way on the return trip. I returned back home very content and happy on a marvelous holiday and experience in the state of Texas.

I have always felt very lucky and fortunate that I have been able to go out and travel, and visit all of these fantastic places. I have lots to be thankful for.

On this trip I would like to say thanks to Helena Antonaccio. It is a pleasure to know you, Helena. Your zest and spirit for enjoying life are both contagious and inspiring. For all the people that are fans or friends. We are very lucky to know you.

I would like to always say thanks to my wonderful mother Charlotte. Who always will be a guiding light and a tower of strength in my life. Also I got the ambition to travel the world from her.

Special thanks goes out to my Garmin GPS system. You gave me direction to ever place I wanted to go. Without ever getting me lost. This special journey would not of been possible without your valuable support.

My "Giant" mountain bike. I was lucky to find you in Houston. The riding was sweet, and special!

Thanks to Stephenie Abrams and Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel. I was entertained and learned a lot. You both make watching T.V. fun again, for me.

Thanks to all the great people that I met during my Texas adventure. It was special and great to meet all of you. Hoping we will stay in touch and meet again. Don't forget keep traveling!

The last special thanks go out to William B. Travis and all of the defenders of the Alamo. Texas will never forget you. Also Donny Wolfe will not forget you any time soon. Thank You Texas!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures on this post are, from top to the bottom;
Playboy Magazine- Playmate for June 1969 Helena Antonaccio & book author "What's Your Secret" How to stay young and healthy past the age of 50.
My Wonderful Mom! Charlotte
My Garmin GPS
My "Giant" Mountain Bike
From the Weather Channel- Stephanie Abrams, and Jim Cantore
Last but not least, yours truly standing in front of the heart of Texas "The Alamo"