Month July 2016

Fort Clatsop

St. Louis, MO celebrates its role as the launching point of the Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark expedition with the Gateway Arch. Oregon marks its position as the final destination of the Corps of Discovery with a recreation of Fort Clatsop: where Lewis & Clark wintered before returning to the East Coast and a place in the history books.

St. Louis, MO celebrates its role as the launching point of the Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark expedition with the Gateway Arch. Oregon marks its position as the final destination of the Corps of Discovery with a recreation of Fort Clatsop: where Lewis & Clark wintered before returning to the East Coast and a place in the history books.

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An Unwelcome Guest

There is something in the car. It scurries around the boxes underneath our bed platform. I can hear it thump and scrabble its way on top of hollow plastic boxes and scratch at the material that I hope is holding up. I imagine it tearing at the bed rug to make a nest and defecating in corners that we won't discover until months later.

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Avenue of the Giants

The Avenue of the Giants is is one of so many breathtaking and unique features that make California such an amazing state. Less than an hour ago, we were relaxing on the coast, now we are in the middle of towering redwoods—hearing them creak ominously.

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The Living Chimney Tree

While there isn't much left to see at Hobbiton, USA, there is more than just a defunct roadside attraction to access from the same parking lot. The Living Chimney Tree gained its titular characteristic in 1914 when a fire hollowed out this 78 foot tall tree without actually killing it. The resulting charred inner room is about 12 feet in diameter and stretches so high that it is difficult to see where the chamber ends. I wouldn't have been against setting up camp inside for a night. There certainly was plenty of room. When it comes to burnt out trees, this one is pretty remarkable. It makes for a pretty short stop: walk in, turn around, sing a song to test the acoustics, then exit.

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Hobbiton, USA

We are programmers. We've copped to that. So, I suppose it goes without saying that Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were not our first exposure to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. When I discovered that there was the remnants of an old hobbit themed roadside attraction in the redwoods, we were going there.

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Pacific Star Winery

Once we had explored Glass Beach, it was time to head up the coast and inland to the redwoods. Yet, not far outside of Fort Bragg, we came across the Pacific Star Winery tasting room, perched atop the ocean bluffs. Along with its stunning views and pleasant owner, the winery sports a solid Tempranillo.

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