Today I’m back in the Netherlands for two weeks. I think that’s a good moment to write again. I do miss the travel blog when I’m here. It’s just harder to write when I’m back in ‘normal life’. Perhaps that’s not a writing issue, but more a living issue. As after almost any journey, it’s a bit challenging to adjust to being back home. Physically I’m landed here, but part of my heart it still in the United States. I think it’ll always be.
Ready to go home
On Tuesday morning (now two days ago) I say goodbye to Matt and drive to Laguna Beach. When we were there the other day I spotted a cool looking coffee place called Bear Coast. I love bears and I love the coast, so that must be a winner. Indeed, it’s a great place to spend some time. It’s right by the beach and I make sure to also walk on the sand for a bit before I leave.
Last day in LA
There are a few days before I fly back home. On Monday morning I work together with Matt at one of his favorite coffee places, Hidden House Coffee, and when he goes to the office I drive to Los Angeles one more time. I hadn’t thought I would go back there on this trip, but since I have the whole afternoon to myself I figure that I might as well.
Wonderful day at Disneyland
If you’re friends with Matt and Nancy, there is a good chance that you’re also a Disney fan. Nancy works at Disneyland and is there every week, which comes with the benefit that from time to time she can also take people with her.
Griffith park and catching up with friends
From Beachwood Cafe I drive back to Griffith Park where I visit the visitor center. I haven’t been there before, even though I’ve visited the park many times. The visitor center is interesting as it shows a lot about the history of the area.
Back to Hollywood
The vacation is over, it’s time to go home and I’m ready for it. Another great adventure with seeing beautiful places and meeting friends and family and driving many miles. I’m in the airplane now, so I have plenty of time to write.
Oregon and Lake Tahoe – Part 2
— This is the second part of the story, read the first part here —
In the morning I get a large cappuccino at the Starbucks in the grocery store and drive about 15 minutes to Natural Bridges, some scenic rocks at the coast. I had skipped it a few weeks ago when I was here to go straight to Secret Beach, which is just about a mile north from there. Of course I go there again today as well, because it’s one of my favorite places.
Oregon and Lake Tahoe – Part 1
While I’m traveling I do more things than I can remember or all write down, but fortunately I also take a lot of pictures. At the moment I have a few days in a hotel to relax and not do so much. So, time to update the travel blog.
Discovering Oregon
It’s a few days and hundreds of miles since my last story. When I look at the pictures of just yesterday and the day before, I’m amazed by how much I’ve done in so little time. After I posted the previous story I went outside the coffee place and just at that moment the trolly arrived, perfect timing.
The North Cascades and Olympic
As I think this morning of all I’ve done since the last blog post a few days ago, my mind spins a bit. Fortunately I have the pictures still to remember it all. After my visit to Winthrop I continue on highway 20 through the North Cascades. I try to go on a hike that someone recommended, but the whole trail is still covered in snow. After sinking knee deep into the snow and losing track of the path several times, I decide to turn around. I don’t mind walking in the snow, but I don’t feel like getting lost in the snow with the possibility of bear encounters. So, I just enjoy the beautiful scenery from my car.