Heading South from Seattle we stopped in the “capitol” of Washington State, Olympia. Here we came across a mini White House which is used as the state legislative building.
It was pretty fancy pants inside too, with the largest collection of Tiffany chandaliers.
We found a great farmer’s market and sampled lots of local apples. Apparently 60% of all US apples are grown in Washington – they make some great cider here too!
And then we headed down the coast through some interesting country towns.
Pete loved this covered bridge (apparently covered as it was too slippery for the cattle crossing it when it was built in 1906).
We also loved some of the out-houses we passed on our travels.
We stopped in Long Beach for some lunch and doughnuts….
And then some history as we learned about Lewis and Clark who lead an expedition in 1805 from Idaho to find the The Pacific by riverway. It took nearly two years for them to find the Columbia River and build winter shelter on the coast before a six month return journey. Wow, those guys were tough!
Next we crossed a 4.1 mile bridge and entered The state of Oregon.
We had been recommended a lovely place called Cannon Beach and it did not disappoint. What a chilled little seaside town! Even if it was raining while we made our dinner.
At least we got a lovely sunset afterwards………
This was however the first night that we got moved on by the Police. How rude to wake us at 11pm to tell us we coudn’t stay overnight in the van in that huge, empty car park. Oh well, a forest side road it had to be.
But we’ll be back ………… the next afternoon actually. We decided to splash out for a hotel with a gym and swimming pool. How I’ve missed swimming this winter! It was fab and we had the whole place to ourselves while it drizzled outside. Not that the wild rabbits seemed to mind.
A perfect day finished off with an amazing spicy pizza topped with refried beans and chicken on one side and a meat feast on the other.
Oh and the largest beer selection in the liquor store. What more could you ask for (she says writing this on a really comfy bed in which she can sit up in, while the laundry is in the process downstairs)?
