We interrupt this travelogue to share two special bits of news...

Many of you know that Jake and Beka have long been in the process of adopting a baby from Ethopia. Well, three days ago they received their referral of a sweet ten-week-old little guy. He is so precious - wish I could show you his picture, but we must wait a bit for that. Trust me when I say that we have seen his pictures, and that he is utterly perfect in every way. If all goes as expected, Baby Dorr should be home by Christmas (and hopefully sooner)! So - obviously Mark and I have been rejoicing ever since Monday's big news, as we contemplate the arrival of our dear grandson. And then, last night, things on the "grandbaby front" became yet more exciting. David called Mark from Colorado and asked him to check our e-mail while he waited on the line. There was an e-mail from Nikki, with a picture attached that just sent a tingling sensation through both of us. The picture? It was of the ultrasound of Dave and Nikki's little one. Yes, they announced that they, too, are expecting, and are due mid-April. Talk about emotional overload! Mark and I are overwhelmed, humbled, thrilled, and SO thankful to God for the miracles He is working in the lives of our kids. So... LOVE YOU, BABY DORR! AND LOVE YOU, TOO, BABY DORR!!!!!!

More summer fun, Part 1

A week before we left on our long trip, we were able to spend several days in southern Oregon at Diamond Lake, at the cabin of our daughter-in-law Nikki's parents. Mark and Nikki's dad Artie fished in vain for two days before Mark finally snagged this 16-incher. He was a very chubby fellow (the fish, not Mark!), and, once baked, easily fed the four of us. VERY yummy!
Nikki's mom Radwyn is snapping a picture of the fish before we devoured it, while Artie looks on in anticipation of the great meal. Their cabin is so cute, and we had such a nice time with Artie and Radwyn. Thanks, guys!
There is not much that is better than fresh-caught fish for dinner.
Diamond Lake is so very beautiful.

A week later, we hit the road for our long journey that would take us almost 4,000 miles. First stop was Fort Vancouver, Washington, where we toured the fort and learned about its history. I didn't take any pictures there for some reason. Suffice it to say that it was fascinating, and you should go there if you haven't already had the opportunity.
Next stop was Dayton, Washington, just north of Walla Walla. Above are some wild turkeys that descended into Mark's aunt's and uncle's front yard. They were fun to watch, but Uncle Bud soon unleashed his dog to scare them away, as they will eat everything in the garden if allowed to roam.
The next morning was Mark's birthday, which he enjoyed celebrating in the city of his birth! Here he has just opened a gift from Sarah, which consisted of two great books and all the supplies needed for dipping bread - the olive oil, the spices, and the dipping bowls. We have used them since arriving back home, and it is sure yummy!
We lived in Dayton for five years early in our marriage, and Sarah and Jake were born there. While we lived there, Mark worked for the City of Dayton as Park Superintendent. He made several signs at that time, and it is funny that this sign that he made still adorns the entrance to the City Park all these years later.
At church that morning, Uncle Bud led the signing (while Aunt Marilyn played the piano), and then called to the front all those celebrating birthdays that week. Of course, it being Mark's birthday, he had to go up front so they could sing their version of the birthday song to him.
Next they sang another birthday-related song.
And finally, they brought out a birthday bank, and Mark deposited coins equal to his age - 57 in his case - to be sent to missionaries. Have fun with your 57 cents, missionaries!
Aunt Marilyn baked Mark an angel food cake for his big day.
Dear Uncle Bud and Aunt Marilyn - we love you both sooooo much!
We spied this barbeque outside a hardware store in a neighboring town.
"Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain." The wheat was ready to harvest, and looks so golden and beautiful, especially when the wind gently blows the crop -it truly does look like waves.
Mark stands on a street corner in downtown Dayton.
The city was dedicating a memorial to all war veterans the last night we were in town, and we attended the festivities. There were speakers, singers, and refreshments. Great small-town American patriotism. We loved it.
Above is the new memorial. And below is a quartet that bravely sang their hearts out!

The next morning, Aunt Marilyn cooked us a huge farm breakfast before we hit the road to our next destination. I did the eggs. Very fun times in Dayton.

3,874.7

We are home. We traveled 3,874.7 miles through eight states over the past two weeks. Pictures to come soon. I need a nap.

Catch ya on the flip side.......

Mark and I are off to Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and California. We will return in two weeks. One last hurrah before school resumes. See ya later, alligators....

Vancouver Island, the Olympic Peninsula, and more... Part 5 - the final installment

When we left The Tudor Inn that morning, it was overcast and somewhat drizzly. We knew that Hurricane Ridge would offer the best view of the lofty peaks of the Olympic Mountains, but it looked doubtful that we would be able to see anything that day due to the heavy layer of clouds. But, ever the optimists, we nonetheless began our 17-mile ascent to Hurricane Ridge. A few miles before the lodge, we broke out of the clouds, and found the view to be absolutely spectacular. High peaks from left to right, and the clouds we had just driven through were lying in the valley below. AWESOME!

This deer was walking through the parking lot as we drove through. Not a bit afraid of the tourists.

We drove around to the west of the Olympic Peninsula, past Lake Crescent, and on to the Hoh Rain Forest, where we took a hike in the forest.

This split-log bridge was plenty sturdy enough.

The moss just hangs from the trees in the rain forest. Kind of eerie.

This adirondack chair was fashioned from skis. Very cool.

The fireplace at the lodge at Lake Crescent.

I want one of these madrone trees in our yard!

More hanging moss in the rain forest.

You've heard of the Hard Rock Cafe. Well, what about the Hard RAIN Cafe? It's right there in the rain forest!

The road on the west side of the Olympic National Forest goes right along the Pacific Ocean. Very lovely and wild.

Of course we had to stop and see the world's largest spruce tree.

This is Lake Quinalt Lodge, where we spent the last night. Staying in lodges at national parks is one of our favorite things to do. We love them!

On one of our hikes, we spied this little sluggard bravely making his way across the path. And below is a short video clip from Hurricane Ridge. The next morning we headed back home. A very wonderful trip! This coming Saturday we are heading to Colorado to see family there, and then on to California.

We interrupt this travel report to wish Jake and Beka a HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

Happy Anniversary, you two! Your commitment to your marriage, your love and devotion toward each other, and your excitement for the coming of Baby D to your home inspire all of us who know you. We love you! Have a wonderful day.

Vancouver Island, the Olympic Peninsula, and more... Part 4

After leaving those lovely Butchart Gardens, we drove across Vancouver Island to the western side, where we visited the quaint town of Sooke. We explored Potholes Provincial Park (amazing), and finished the day at Mom's Cafe, where the pies are apparently legendary. Yes, we indulged, and are glad we did! The picture below is from Potholes.
The following morning, our last in Vancouver, we visited the Royal British Columbia Museum. And here is where God really showed His amazing kindness. This is the story: many years ago (maybe ten), Mark took a group of middle school students to England, Ireland, and Wales. The day the group was in London, they were scheduled to visit the British Museum of History, where original artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome are displayed. At the time, Mark taught ancient history, and he was VERY, VERY excited to see this exhibit. But, that same morning, three students in the group disobeyed instructions and became separated from the group. Mark spent most of the day finding those girls, and in the process he missed the visit to the museum entirely. It broke his heart, and that missed opportunity has remained a disappointment to him to this day. Now, fast forward to last week when we went to the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. We paid our entrance fee, walked into the exhibit hall, and found, to our utter amazement, that the special exhibit on display was called TREASURES, and was a collection of more than 300 ancient artifacts on loan from... yes... the BRITISH MUSEUM in London. From May 1 to September 30, these priceless treasures are on loan, and once they are returned to their home in London, they will never again return. And once Mark grasped the fact that here, right in front of our eyes, were the very treasures he had been forced to miss in London, he turned to me and said, "Honey, I think I'm going to cry." We thoroughly enjoyed our exploration of the extensive exhibit, and although we weren't allowed to take pictures in that portion of the museum, we will carry in our hearts forever the memories we made. Isn't God good to give back to Mark what he'd missed so long ago? We think so!
Above is one picture we took in the museum. Apart from the special exhibit from London, the regular exhibits include many of the various life forms found on the island, including these sea lions. After leaving the museum we took one last walk around Victoria's harbor before boarding the ferry to Port Angeles, Washington.
Upon arriving in Port Angeles, we learned that we were in the area where the popular Twilight series of books are set. Neither of us have read the books or seen the movie(s), but after we checked into our bed and breakfast, the innkeeper filled us in. The city of Port Angeles is doing all it can to maximize its connection to the fictional series. There are even Twilight gift shops. We decided to eat dinner at Bella Italia, the very restaurant where two of the books main characters, Bella and Edward, had their first date. There were several sets of teen girls and their moms eating there as well, taking pictures and soaking up all the Twilight aura that they could. It was pretty funny, especially considering that this is a fictional book we are talking about, for Pete's sake.
Above is a sign on the window of the restaurant where we ate, and in the picture below, Mark sits in front of the place. He thinks he'll be showing these pictures to his middle school students - maybe make them jealous or something!
As I mentioned, we stayed the night at The Tudor Inn, a lovely place. The rooms were all booked by a large family, plus Mark and me, but the family had to cancel at the last minute due to illness among some of the family members. So, Mark and I had the place to ourselves!

Below I am standing on the front porch of the inn.

This is the front parlor. The innkeeper usually serves breakfast in the large dining room, but when it turned out that it was just Mark and me for breakfast, she set up this cozy table for two in the parlor. We were spoiled!

This is the lovely front porch area. This innkeeper is very patriotic, and she has a son in the Green Beret. We had some wonderful conversations with her.

Below are some shots from the breakfast. It was my birthday, and Betsy (the charming innkeeper) really did it up right. You will see the candle on the table, and if you look carefully, you will also see the small birthday candle in my scone. Fun!
I am holding the scone and some homemade soaps from the inn, which she gave me as a gift.
We had goblets of yogurt, topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream with a fresh cherry on top.
Also a scrumptious individual quiche and sausage.
And the yummy scones, of course!
And here we are with Betsy, and incomparable innkeeper of The Tudor Inn. We highly recommend her lovely inn.
Next we were off to explore the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. More later!