After leaving the redwoods of Humboldt County we made our way back to the coast, camping at three parks north of San Francisco: Van Damme State Park, Navarro Beach and Doran Regional Park.

We enjoyed sunny and warm beach days, exploring, playing frisbee, walking, searching for sea glass, running from waves, reading, watching an injured sea lion get rescued and just relaxing. At night we enjoyed campfires beneath star filled skies.

Our return to Washington was a bit jarring. After almost four months in Alaska we were not accustomed to the crowds, the traffic or the full campgrounds.

After some quick errands in Bellingham (oil change, Trader Joe’s) we headed south in search of available campsites. We found some lovely, and unpopular, spots.

We had camped for several days near the coast, until heavy rain was predicted. After looking at maps and checking forecasts we decided to head inland towards Lassen National Park where clear skies were predicted.

After more than three years of being Covid free, we all finally got it. Thanks to the many vaccinations the three of us have had, plus Paxlovid for Pa and I, we all recovered fairly quickly.

We holed up at a lovely La Quinta in Fairbanks, and got back on the road once we were feeling better. It was a three day drive thru Canada to get to Haines, Alaska.

There is so much to love about Kodiak Island! We are surrounded by breathtaking scenery (green hills, rocky beaches). The people are friendly and welcoming. There is even a Spaceport. And bears!!! Lots of bears!

Becca celebrated her 19th birthday with us in rainy Valdez. We began the day with a short hike, followed by Becca going for a swim in an icy glacier lake. In the afternoon we all enjoyed a late lunch at The Potato, a second location of a restaurant we frequented the week prior in McCarthy. We ended the day with birthday brownies.

The next day was even rainier, so we went to see the Barbie movie. Fun for all!

We left the campground at five in the morning to catch our six-hour ferry to Whittier.