Salem to San Fran

Hello again!

I've been in D.C. for a full week now but, as promised, here are some shots from my farewell to the west coast:

Road Trip to California

     

Brix Grill - Roseburg, OR

My dad found this really cute place called the Brix Grill for my last meal in Oregon. They had the most amazing menu - definitely a place to stop if you're ever in the area.

The little car we made the entire trip in. 
It may have been a convertible, but even with the top down it was killer with no air conditioning.

The lack of A/C turned out to be a blessing and a curse; we were baking in the 90+ degree sun, so my dad suggested we pull off the highway to take a swim in Lake Shasta. Normally we're pretty rushed to get down to the lake where we were meeting family friends, but this time we took it easy and enjoyed the ride, which leads me to:

Travel Tip #1: Forget the Agenda

If you can, leave enough unscheduled time to explore and find things you had
no idea even existed. Especially when you're road tripping, remember that it's not just about

the destination. It’s best if you can totally throw the schedule out the window 

and stop whenever you see something that looks interesting or fun along the way.

If you are in a hurry or need a little structure:

Make a point to make meals a part of the experience.

Even if you have to get something  to-go, avoid chain restaurants or fast food and
opt for a local option, especially if it specializes in the cuisine of the area.

This being said, you of course don't want to write off fast food places like In-N-Out Burger that aren't available in your home state -- you can't pass through California without stopping for a shake!

     

The view at sunset from our family friends' lake house on Clear Lake in Lake County, CA.

I know I said this wouldn't be a hiking blog (oops), but here are some shots from our hike up Mount Konocti:

Mt. Konocti is a really great hike, but as one woman we met at the top panted: "Definitely not for beginners."

It was about three hours up and two down. It can probably be done a little faster but we took it slow to take in the amazing views (and explore the incredible rock formations).

If you ever get the chance to do this hike, be sure to take a little breather at the top before you explore the amazing volcanic rock formations - you don't wanna be light headed while scrambling around up there.

Post Hike Meal (PHM): Pogo's Pizza - Kelseyville, CA

See you in six months, Oregon!