We are finally in Tacoma!

We ran into unexpected road closures and had to re-route ourselves up the coast to avoid mountain passes requiring tire chains, but we made it! We never made it to Portland but the drive up the western coast on 101 was worth it. We drove through redwood forests, along winding windy coastal bluffs, and through sleepy little seaside towns in Oregon. The drive was really beautiful, even when it started snowing in northern CA and all I could think to do to keep from hyperventilating was sing "Jesus Take the Wheel" on a continuous loop for 2 hours straight. Donkey was less than thrilled.

Tacoma is great. We have already discovered a super cute neighborhood here and I am researching a glass blowing class. I'm so excited. I have run into a few issues with my housing department so the 3 of us are still living at the La Quinta Inn, but it looks like things have been smoothed out and we will hopefully be in our permanent housing by next week.

Our Vegas Hotel

The Strip

Gondolas at the Venetian

The Fountains at the Bellagio with the Eiffel Tower in the background


Blue Man

Chihuly glass ceiling at the Bellagio

'Jesus Take the Wheel' Snow

Oregon Coast on 101

Next Assignment

After a fair share of road blocks, I got my next assignment in Tacoma, WA. I am super excited to be moving to a new progressive area and finally getting to see Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. We are stopping in Vegas, San Francisco (to confiscate a Donkey and some meatless chicken), and Portland on the way up.

The last few weeks have been more relaxed than we're used to. We went camping one weekend by the Salton Sea. It was the first time I'd slept in a tent since the AT. It ended up being stinky and the image of a decapitated pelican haunted me for much of the trip, but it was nice to be outside and build a successful fire to roast marshmallows on.

Last weekend we conquered Sara's crack...which is a thin winding passage through high walls of rock. At some points there wasn't enough room to squeeze past someone else. After walking a few wobbly planks, scrambling over boulders, and crab crawling backwards up a 7 foot slide of rock, we made it to the other side. With all of its obstacles, this was one of the most challenging hikes I've ever done. I'll put some pictures up later.

Our Campfire!


The Salton Sea


To put it in perspective, the top of this slide was above my head.


Suck it in!