Leaving LA Behind

Our room at Loews had a great view of the beach and Santa Monica pier, and we woke to a beautiful blue winter day. 

We had several places we wanted to see but today being Monday, they weren't open. 

We drove past Petersens Automotive Museum (will return next visit) and via a lovely drive through the hills to the Griffith Observatory. We had an excellent view of LA and the Hollywood sign, but restricted access to the building itself. 

There were trucks, and trailers for actors and catering tents, and tight security as there was a film being made. 

We drove to the Beverley shopping centre, which had a Macy's and a Nordstrom Rack (the best place to buy labels at incredible prices). We valet parked, costing us $7 for 2 hours! So cheap compared to parking in Australia. 

Back to Loews to pack and change, then a quick wander into the 3rd Street Promenade for a last look at the shops. 

The trip back to Alamo to drop the car and then on to the airport was swift. Check in was a breeze and then it was into the newly renovated Tom Bradley terminal for departure. The line through security was very long and slow, but luckily we were allowed in the fast lane (thank you Gold Velocity membership!). 

There's no outbound immigration in the states. Just walk straight out. 

The new terminal is fantastic, with duty free and other high end shops, an eatery and a fabulous Star Alliance lounge on the 6th level, which we enjoyed very much. 

We departed on time, the aircraft more occupied than on our flight over. 

Neither of us wanted to leave the USA. We always enjoy our visits and have barely started down the list of things we'd like to see. 

Super Bowl Day

We flew over snow capped mountains and frozen lakes on the 2 hour flight back to LA. No drama with bags and car hire - Dom chose a Lincoln Navigator this time.

 

We decided to stay at Santa Monica this time, instead of returning to our favorite Long Beach hotel. We checked into Loews Hotel on the beach at Santa Monica, with an ocean view room and late check out. It's a lovely hotel, and the room is very nicely appointed. We asked the concierge where the best place to watch the Super Bowl was, and he pointed to the hotel bar. 

Dom watched the whole game on the big screens, while I watched the beginning and the end and checked out the 3rd Street Promenade shops in the between. 

Bye Bye Seattle

Dom and I left the Girls with our lovely Rellies and headed off to the airport. The GPS unit has been such a great help on these journeys; it removes a lot of the stress. We returned the car to Alamo and hopped on the waiting shuttle for the short ride to the terminal. 

Check in was easy. We travelled with Virgin America, and had to pay $25 for each checked bag, all of which had to be 50 pounds or less in weight. Through security, and a tasty breakfast at 'Anthony's'. 

We pushed back from the gate a little late, but the departure was spectacular past the snow capped mountains of Washington and Oregon. 

Oregon, into Washington

Our Holiday Inn Express experience was excellent. Interestingly, the cheaper the hotel, the more extras seem to be included (wi-fi, breakfast). The rooms were clean and comfortable. Terrible coffee, though, but that's a US issue. We definitely don't come here for the coffee!

Another early start, with everyone excited and keen to start the day. We drove north on the I-5 through mist and fog and beautiful morning light on the fields, farmhouses, and beautiful dense forests. 

We stopped at Woodburn to visit the outlet mall, where everyone found bargains to make them happy. Some of the outlet malls are huge establishments, with hundreds of large stores. 

From there it was a 3 plus hour drive on the interstate to our relatives' house in Seattle. The traffic was present but steady, on a 3 lane each way road. We passed Mount St Helens, but couldn't see it from the road. 

Portland, Oregon, looked like a great city to spend some time in. It had many bridges crossing the Columbia River. 

We arrived into Seattle at 4.30pm, to our relatives who live in a beautiful house, high above the lake with impressive views of the city and surrounds. 

Seattle looks like a fascinating place to spend some time wandering around, and  I'm a little sad that we're leaving so early tomorrow.

Steve drove us around town on a quick tour of the sights, including Pike Place Market. I was really keen to see the market as I've heard so much about it, but it will still be there next time. We went to another market where they sold oysters and wine, and we all perched around a small table and shared some tasty local treats. 

Golden Gate Bridge to Roseburg, Oregon

We set off early again and arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge just on sunrise. I had crossed the bridge twice when I last visited, but both times it was so heavily shrouded in fog that I never saw it! I was delighted that it was a perfect, clear morning. 

We drove across in light traffic and parked at the viewing area on the northern side to take photos. 

It was a beautiful day for a drive and we all enjoyed the variety of scenery on Highway One. The redwood forests were beautiful - trees as old at 2400 years, and some big enough to drive through (unless you have a hired suburban!) 

The road from Crescent City to the I-5, across the Oregon border was walled in spectacular scenery of canyons, rushing rivers and majestic trees. The air has been very aromatic - cool forest smells, freshly cut wood, and quite cold. 

The rain set in as the sun set and we met up with the I-5 and turned north. We stopped twice looking for accommodation, the first place was fully booked. We found a Holiday Inn Express at Roseburg with friendly staff, great rooms and a Denny's across the road. I think we were all hoping for a different place to eat, but there wasn't much else available. It was cheap and tasty. 

These have all been very long days. Today was 12.5 hours on the road. We knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but it has been thoroughly enjoyable for all of us. Tomorrow we will arrive in Seattle and stay with our relatives, and Dom & I will fly back to LA on Sunday morning.