California/ Catalina cruise

We took a 4 day cruise out of LA that stopped in Catalina, San Diego, and Ensenada. It was on the Royal Caribbean line. We added the pickup at the airport, which made it much easier. Leave plenty of time to get from airport to ship. If you are early on the ship, you can still board and hang out on deck or get lunch. We did it in April of 2006. But if you are late, no one will ever wait for you!

The Royal Caribbean food and service were good. We had no kids on this trip so we don’t know about the kid activities on this cruise. One of my best tips: do the free stuff on the ship. There are constant games and shows. You can watch or participate.

San Diego was our first stop. I really needed to see a panda, so we went to the San Diego Zoo. It was a great day. The cost for the excursion was very little more than the ticket price for the zoo. I couldn't believe they didn't boost the price immensely for the ride over and back. It is a huge zoo, and ethically one of the best. Good housing for the animals, many conservation projects evident. I would gladly support them.

Catalina was wonderful. My mom had taken this cruise before and did a tour of Avalon (the town). We did a tour that ended up at the island airport. It was a thrilling fun ride of death defying turns. You shouldn’t miss it! Lots of great photo opportunities. Then we spent time downtown shopping. Very touristy and California upscale. There are very few cars, 10 year waiting list to be allowed to get one, so everyone travels via golf cart. Interesting to see them in driveways. Lots of land conservation so people have to be packed into small space. Makes for the whole island being so beautiful.

Our next stop was Ensenada. After the day on Catalina, it was shocking. Wretched girls/women begging on the street. Dirty town. Tragically sad. And we were supposed to be on vacation. The bathroom cost money: We would never wander freely there again. We will only book excursions that are controlled.

I’ve said it before, with mobility issues, cruising is the way to travel. April is a good time to be there, also. The weather was nice, with moderate temps, so I didn't get overheated or sick.


When we landed in LA, it would be hours until our flight. so we booked an excursion bus tour around town We went to the major sites, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, Grauman's Chinese theater, Beverly Hills, etc. It only cost about $30 and was lots of fun.

North Cascades Highway

Our favorite way to go across the state (Washington). Highway 20. This highway is closed in the winter. We did these pix during July. Snow still by the road in the Cascades. You can come from Spokane on Highway 395. We start in Colville and go to I-5, then on to Bellingham or Seattle. Starting from Colville:

The first pass is Sherman Pass. We see moose from the road there sometimes. There was a spectacular forest fire in this pass and there is a pull out view spot with information about what happened in the fire.

Republic is the first town on the way. It has a picturesque main street. We like to stop at the Stone Rose fossil site. It is very unique. The fossils date from millions of years ago, but after dinosaurs. You get to dig on an easily accessible hillside. They get to look at your finds, and unless they are noteworthy, you get to take them home with you. It was an ancient lake or ocean bottom, so there is a lot to be found. Everyone will go home with something. You can walk to the hill (a couple of blocks from the center) or drive right there (good for folks with issues with mobility). Cost is minimal.



After Republic, there is another pass type area. Another food stop. Depending on our timing, a hearty meal can be had at the Wauconda Café. Roadside eats. The best thing, however, is their homemade pie. They are truly homemade with a homemade crust. My favorite is the rhubarb strawberry. If we are not there for a meal time, they will do take out pie. Really not to be overlooked.

Then Tonasket. Watch out for the hill approaching town, speed limit is 25. I missed it once and got pulled over!

Omak is the next big town. There is a fabulous restaurant that should not be missed. The Breadline Cafe. They have their own bakery. Funky atmosphere. Fresh local food. Healthy, even.



Winthrop is the next major town. Very tourist trap like. Hard to park. Accessibility was hard for me. Tight stores. Steps. It is beautiful. People stay there, I think, for nature activities like hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting. Good food. We tend to drive through.


Now we are heading up into the Cascades. Stunning views abound. Countless hiking trails start from the highway. Waterfalls drop along the road. Snow alongside, also.



The road ends at Burlington on I-5. A secondary path to Bellingham is the Chuckanut Drive. It can be found off of I-5. Such views. It ends in Bellingham, near Fairhaven district. Bellingham has a wonderful college town atmosphere. There is even a counter-culture “downtown”. I believe it is Fairhaven. Continue on in Bellingham, or Seattle via I-5.

Enjoy.