I wrote this about my Apple Watch before I took off on #CancerRoadTrip. And having used my watch for some time now, I continue to be pleased with it. I think the absolute best feature has been being able to answer my phone from my watch while driving. I have an older car without wifi, so my phone doesn’t connect to the audio system. This watch makes that connection for me and that has been invaluable.
Preparing for an indefinite time on the road has meant reassessing much of daily life. What has worked for ages, may not work for today.
My day to day watch, a Bedat isn’t exactly suitable for a road trip. It’s not water proof; it’s too expensive; it’s something I would hate to lose. I decided to integrate my other communications via an Apple Watch, and it’s been a very good experience. I continue to be amazed at the things it does for me.
I do see the irony of having to buy things for a minimalist trip! But how do I manage to write, film, communicate, produce and travel without some serious organization? Not to mention setting up #CancerRoadTrips for others! My Apple Watch is part of the organization.
I’ll put all this together in a download on #CancerRoadTrip packing and planning. But in the meantime, here’s a look at the experience (and Apple has not paid or supported me in any way as of this writing!):
#1 Personal Service
When Apple first opened their retail stores, I wasn’t sure it was a good business move. I mean really, who wants brick and mortar anymore?
I couldn’t have been more wrong. When it comes to technology, the ability to interface with both the salespeople and people via classroom experience is invaluable. The stores create both a cult and a community where help is available, along with every gadget under the sun.
#2 Knowledgeable and Comprehensive Help
I have found the staff to be incredibly helpful. They generally know their product or can find someone who does. With Apple Watch, the sales help made a significant difference in my final product decision. While at the store, I also was able to get an enormous amount of information on my other Apple products, such as using my iPhone7 as a primary point and shoot camera/video option; video stabilization and video drones.
#3 One on One
I had to wait a while, but when a salesperson became available I had their total attention. I learned about the product, got everything set up and was ready to start learning about my new watch purchase when I left the store.
#4 Touch and Feel Matters
Had I ordered my Apple watch from the website I would have made a different purchase decision. The ability to touch and try the actual product is very meaningful. I was able to see the exact color tone of the different finishes, and the look, feel and usability of the different sizes.
#5 Customization Options
Being able to touch and feel the product also meant I could look at the various bands and see how they coordinated with the watch casing. The easy exchangeability of watch bands was an unexpected bonus. This allows me to have some different looks, without adding any bulk or weight to my luggage.
The ability to customize the technology to your personal needs is well thought out, fairly intuitive and easy to use.
#6 Cost Less Than I Expected
Because I was able to try on the various watches and see both sizes, I ended up opting for a less expensive, lighter weight Apple Watch Nike rather than the Space Grey aluminum case that I would have chosen without handling the product. The weight difference was, for me, the deciding factor.
#7 Keeps My Phone More Secure
Being able to make phone calls, reply to messages (and more!) from my watch means that my iPhone stays securely in my purse. With travel theft always a concern, having a low profile way to pick up this information is an unexpected bonus.
#8 Community
Apple fosters a sense of community. The salespeople I dealt with were eager to share their knowledge and never arrogant. Sitting at the table getting my watch set up, I interface with other customers and tech reps who, once again, are truly helpful. And the classes are perfect for moving along the learning curve at an excelerated rate and getting the most out of your purchase.
#9 Entertainment + Convenience
My original reason for getting an Apple watch was simply that I wanted a useable, water proof, not-too- expensive watch for travel. But I found an added bonus: It’s just plain dumb fun. Playing with the various watch faces, I can watch flowers bloom and change Mini Mouse’s coloring. I can go with a minimal face or one with loads of information. And I’ve even re-introduced Siri into my life. She’s gotten much better over time. The sales rep made an interesting note: Siri is cloud based and thus constantly learning. It’s time to give her another try.
#10 Beautiful packaging that was easy to open and understand
The packaging (as always) is simple, elegant and understandable. The set up help is invaluable and a smart customer retention move on Apple’s part. Techie stuff just isn’t an issue. They’ve made the purchase and use of their products both easy and fun. Not necessarily an easy thing to do with consumer technology.
#11 The Antithesis of the GoPro Experience
I might have taken much of this experience for granted had I not had a very different technology experience with GoPro. Two companies offering technology based consumer products with two vastly different approaches. You can read about my GoPro experience here.
Follow up: After returning the GoPro, and experiencing the Apple watch, I decided to focus on really learning the capabilities of my existing Apple iPhone 7 camera before making any more film oriented decisions. Even though the phone has built in video stabilization, I added an DJI OSMO MOBILE after watching a lot of YouTube videos of very compelling film footage made with this combination.
Here’s some quick video that I put together from one of my favorite hikes. This is my absolute favorite Tahoe beach, accessible only by boat or foot. I used my iPhone and the Osmo to film this.
What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
Puget Sound, Seattle, and Vashon Adventures: Round I
Puget Sound and Seattle (and now Vashon) is an area that has always interested me. Early explorers such as English Captain George Vancouver, who first made contact with the Suquamish Nation in 1792, explored the Seattle area in a search for a Northwest Passage. The idea of a Northwest Passage–an inland waterway that would connect the east coast of the continent with the Puget Sound–was an idea that appeared in maps for many years.
“The Northwest Passage did not exist, and so could not be discovered, until Europeans invented it.”— Ken McGoogan, author of Fatal Passage (2001)
18th century map depicting the search for the Northwest Passage
This exhibit by Princeton University provides great insight into the cartographic history of this fallacious but pervasive geographic fantasy.
Maps, for centuries, were an important information source about the explorations of the world. And their word carried great weight. Think of them as art; as political propaganda; as a magazine; as a web page of what’s hot and new in the universe as it was known at the time.
Imagine how navigating the North American continent would have been dramatically changed by the discovery of such a passage. Imagine the impact on settlement and commerce. The idea held the imagination of many. Well regarded cartographers created imaginary maps, copied each other, and spread the word of such a passage. It would take years for such fantasies to be dispelled.
The settling of the northwest has many chapters. The entrepreneurial persona of the region struck me this week as I explored the Seattle area.
The original Puget Sound white settlers (the Indians pre-dated them by centuries) were an entrepreneurial group of people who founded the region to explore and exploit the rich natural resources. Many years later Boeing was an early innovator in aviation, and the company’s influence on the area, as well as on the history of aviation, has been profound. The daring spirit of original exploration, followed by the early years of aviation, the pilots and the cheering crowds, set the adventurous tone for this town. And more recently tech innovation has found a home on Puget Sound. This history of creative energy makes me wonder if I should reconsider the area for relocation down the road. Living on an island, near a city, has some real allure.
How do I contain my enthusiasm on this topic? If you are a space or aviation enthusiast, this is an absolute must do. If you’re not, go to this Seattle museum and you’ll become one! The 12 acre campus includes an outdoor hangar with a B-17, a B-29, a Concord, and old Air Force One and a total of over 150 planes, plus historic and space memorabilia.
The Entry to Boeing Building 105, Museum of Flight in Seattle
The main museum incorporates Building No. 105, also known as the Red Barn, the original Boeing Factory which was moved from its Port of Seattle Terminal 115 location and restored, and integrated into the museum’s campus. It contains a history of aviation and of Boeing’s evolution and growth.
From the Wright brothers, to the Boeing factory, through the history of both World Wars, memorabilia captures the timeline of aviation discovery and manufacturing.
One of the things I liked best about the Museum of Flight was the emphasis on the human story. Whether it’s the films about the shuttle that explore numerous vantage points of the launch that allow engineers to evaluate the technical aspects of the vehicle’s performance, or the Saturn V rocket, the ultimate story is about the individual men and women and their role in such historic forces.
#TheRightStuff of the original Mercury astronauts
And it’s an incredibly inspiring story, full of risks and ultimately success. From #The Right Stuff to the WASPs, these people made history. And the planes and memorabilia of these historic moment are here.
For example, eighty years ago, Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra went down somewhere in the Pacific. Conspiracy theories abound. Some say she was a secret agent spying on Japanese occupied islands. Others say she and her navigator Noonan were taken prisoner. And still others suggest that she returned to the states, changed her name, and lived in obscurity.
Remains have been found on the remote South Pacific island called Nikumaroro (know as Gardner Island in the 1930’s). At the time Noonan and Earhart might have landed, the island would have been uninhabited.
Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra had numerous modifications for her extended flights. But this plane from the Museum of Flight is the same type and model:
Lockheed Electra from the Museum of Flight, Seattle
It’s a substantial plane, but by modern standards, it is primitive. The bravery it took to undertake the distances and navigation, particularly over water, are not part of our modern day thinking. There was no GPS, and there were no satellite telephones to save the day.
One of the most interesting pieces of aviation history that I picked up was the Mercury 13, (not #The Right Stuff Mercury 7 pictured above), but the thirteen women who went through the identical psychological and physical testing that the Mercury 7 astronauts received. They were Jerrie Cobb, Bernice Steadman, Janey Hart, Jerri Truhill, Rhea Woltman, Sarah Ratley, Jan and Marion Dietrich, Myrtle Cagle, Irene Leverton, Gene Nora Jessen, Jean Hixson, and Wally Funk. You can read more about these amazing women pilots at www.mercury13.com and in the book “Promised the Moon” available on Amazon.
Both World Wars are well represented in the Museum’s collections, with planes from both sides. Triplanes, Biplanes, Mustangs and Corsairs. Zeros and even an Italian Caproni Ca20.
Italian monoplane, Seattle Museum of Flight
The main museum space has planes everywhere. Suspended from the ceiling, on the floor of the pavilion, in pictures and in the flesh. A photo exhibit also offers some beautiful pictures by amateur photographers who capture the passion of flight.
In the hangar, across the street are a B-17, a B-29, a former Air Force One from the Nixon era, a Concord and numerous other visit-worthy planes as well. In addition, you can (attempt to) land the space shuttle in a fun simulator (I crashed twice!). No matter what your age, this is one of those museums that truly has something for everyone. I was delighted to see many dozens of school children at the museum, getting a first had look at the history of aviation. I hope it inspires more than a few of them.
There is too much to comprehend in this Seattle museum. This is only a teaser. For those of you interested in vintage aircraft and aviation history, I’ll be adding a page with some of the pictures from the Museum of Flight (available shortly).
Island Hopping
Map of Puget Sound
Puget Sound is full of islands. I won’t have a chance to get up to the Orcas or the San Juans this trip. Or even to the many more nearby islands.
Ferries are key components of daily transportation in an archipelago of islands. Seaplanes, and simply small aircraft, offer other commuter options. On Vashon Island, the airport is a delightful grass strip, reminiscent of the early strips I flew from back east.
Vashon Island Airport
But these days, I’m not flying and being based on Vashon Island, every foray to the mainland starts with a ferry ride.
Some might see this as a hindrance, but I’m enjoying it enormously. The Vashon ferry offers regular service to Point Defiance (Tacoma) and to Fauntleroy (West Seattle). Passenger (not auto) service is available to Seattle on a few ferries early in the morning and back again at night. But the service is very limited.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge, on the other hand, is readily accessible and has been highly gentrified as a result. Multi-million dollar, eco-sensitive housing, restaurants and pricey shops have become the norm in this upscale community.
One person explained the difference between Bainbridge and Vashon as follows: Bainbridge was settled by doctors and lawyers. Vashon was settled by loggers and fishermen. And a few convicts. In many ways, that really does sum up the differences between these two Puget Sound neighbors.
Bainbridge is beautiful, and somewhat quaint, but at this stage of my life, I’ve seen enough perfectly beautiful, outrageously expensive towns. To some extent, they are all the same, regardless of their locale. These days, I’m more interested in the quirky, or something with possibility. I like the energy of the promise rather than the fait accompli; the journey rather than the destination.
But my trip to Bainbridge had an unexpected surprise! I drove up Route 16 from Tacoma and down Route 305, which took me through Suquamish. And in Suquamish, up the road from the Indian casino, is a remarkable museum. The Suquamish Museum.
Walkway to the Suquamish Museum
This stunning modern structure is nestled in the woods. The gardens along the walkway had just been mulched with cedar and the smell rises from the beds. Entering the building, I am directed to the exhibit room.
A pair of breath taking carved figures stand on either side of the doorway:
Carved figure (male) in the Suquamish Museum
Carved figure (female) in the Suquamish Museum
The museum has many fascinating stories to tell. One of the most interesting tales is the history of the Tribal Journeys. I first learned of this from a gentleman at Vashon Suds, the local Vashon island laundromat. He has participated in numerous trips and was getting ready to leave on this year’s trip. He encouraged me to join the trip at one of the stopping points.
These Tribal Journeys span hundreds of miles and can include ocean crossings at various points. This tradition was resurrected for the Washington State Centennial in 1989. Emmett Oliver (Quinault Tribe) brought old growth cedar logs to some of the reservations in the western end of the state, inspiring many to once again carve canoes. As part of the celebrations, numerous tribes, including the Quileutae, Hoh and Elwha, held an intertribal crossing of the sound, from Suquamish to Seattle.
The evening before the paddle, Frank Brown of the Heiltsuk Nation challenged all the Canoe Nations to travel to Bella Bella, his home on the central coast of British Columbia, four years hence. Twenty eight Canoe families answered the call. The Suquamish/Duwamish Raven Canoe made a three week journey of more than 500 miles over open sea.
Each summer, a different Nation hosts the Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey. From the museum here are “The 10 Rules of the Canoe”:
Ten Rules of the Canoe from the Squamish Museum
The Carriers of the Canoe
This amazing carving in the center of the museum’s exhibit room celebrates the Carriers of the Canoe, which include creatures and people, who Indian tradition have it, shape shifted. The two people in the front are Suquamish. Along with the otters, and the ancestors who are also represented in the carvings, these figures represent those that have carried the canoe through time.
This year’s Tribal Journeys schedule is published here. It culminates in a 6 day event, with a public feast on August 5. Visitors are welcomed, although picture taking may not always be possible, given the etiquette of the situation.
The museum underscores the ancient Indian connection to the earth. The theme of water and land is present throughout each and every exhibit, and is lovingly crafted and stunningly presented. Fish sculptures descend from the ceiling and are scooped from a beautifully woven “net”. Baskets seem suspended in mid air in a lit glass cube.
Beautiful Suqamish basketry
I had no idea this museum existed. (Had I thought to combine museums + Bainbridge in a Google search, I would have found it) I saw a sign about a tribal headquarters along the road and decided to follow it. Like many of my adventures, a chance meeting (this time in a laundromat), a sign and (a bit of ignorance), and my curiosity resulted in a wonderful adventure.
The trip to Bainbridge was definitely worthwhile.
Food For Thought on Vashon Island
I found myself chatting with a local shop keeper on Vashon about meditating in Thailand. She’d just returned from several months in Thailand and India, and had a marvelous time. “I wouldn’t hesitate to go to Thailand alone,” she advised me. This was good to hear. So far, I’m not getting a lot of enthusiasm from anyone about going to Thailand, and I cannot understand why. I think I just need to put the idea out there and be patient.
“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” -Moliere
May Kitchen storefront , with elephants on roof on Vashon Island Main Street
In the meantime, it is dinner time and I’d like to try the local Thai restaurant. May Kitchen and Bar is a very nondescript storefront in “downtown” Vashon. The elephants on the roof with raised trunks are the only real defining feature. And they don’t exactly inspire confidence. Dull beige curtains cover the windows. The place looks lifeless; and it doesn’t open until dinner time. It doesn’t serve lunch. It’s only open Wednesday to Sunday. In short, it screams, go away.
The stunning and unexpected interior of May Kitchen, on Vashon Island
When opening time finally arrives, usually with a few people waiting outside, the door opens. Be prepared. You are about to be transported to another world.
Inside, the space is transformed. Rich carved wood panels line the walls. A bar in the center has seating, which is in high demand since reservations claim the tables long before opening. And for good reason. The food is excellent and beautifully presented.
I ordered more food than I could possibly eat, but I just had to try the papia taud, the spring rolls. And they’re worth trying. Subtle, with a perfectly balanced burst of thai basil and mint, lettuce and finely shredded veggies, topped with fried shallots. And served with a spicy, slightly hot dipping sauce.
Spring rolls, May Kitchen style, Vashon Island
For dinner, I ordered the gaeng khi waan, house green curry with green thai chilies, galangal, lemongrass, thai eggplant & coconut cream with tofu. Other proteins available include chicken and pork.
House Green Curry, May Kitchen, Vashon Island
The attention to detail includes a banana leaf laid across the bottom of the plate for a lovely presentation. The dish was fairly mild, which I enjoyed. I ordered a side of red rice which was the perfect compliment. Leftovers obviously followed me home.
And I can’t wait to go back. I contacted the restaurant to ask a few questions, and when they get back to me, I’ll update this post. In the meantime, put May Kitchen and Bar, located at 17614 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon, WA 98070 to your Seattle area bucket list. Yes, on Vashon Island.
More Reading About Vashon Island, Seattle and Environs:
North from Healdsburg, across 195 to Route 5 North is a spectacular drive. It is a drive where you wear your car, through steep turns, and narrow, tightly winding roads over high hills with no shoulder for safety.
There are more direct routes, but I am not in a hurry to leave this part of the world, although I am ready to get on my way. I consider taking the coastal route, a stunning but slower trip, but I’ve been there, done that. I want to get to Vashon, rest, walk, and explore. The stress since September has been enormous, and I know that I need to set a side some time to simply take care of myself.
Healdsburg to Ashland is about 400 miles, give or take, depending upon your route. My route isn’t the most expeditious, but it’s fun driving and spectacular scenery. I dodge small rockslides, downshift through undulating roads with no shoulder, and generally avoid other drivers. The payoff is a spectacular view as I crest the hills and overlook Clear Lake.
Clear Lake is located north of Calistoga and has started to produce some good cooler climate vineyards of its own. It’s the largest natural fresh water lake in the state (Tahoe is larger, but is located across both California and Nevada) wth 68 square miles of surface water and it’s estimated to be possibly the oldest lake in North America at 2.5 million years old. It’s a mecca for summertime water sports, recreation and fishing. And for the expansion of the wine industry just to the south.
From Clear Lake, Route 20 heads east and feeds into I-5 North. I-5 is a typical interstate, but it traverses some amazing geography. From the relative flatlands in central California to the rolling country further north,
As I head north, it starts to rain at Shasta Lake. The lake is a popular spot to rent a houseboat and fish, play and cruise the waters. Once again, if outdoor activities are your thing, this is a great destination.
As I-5 winds north, the terrain becomes even more hilly and spectacular, even in the drizzle. This is the Siskiyou Mountain Range which feeds into the Rogue River (the river was featured in the film The River Wild), known for its Class III and one Class IV rapids. It teams with wildlife, ranging from bald eagles, osprey, bear, deer, various types of salmon and much more. The summit crests at 4,310 feet. And just to the north in the midst of all this wilderness, an oasis of civilization appears in Ashland at just under 2,000 feet above sea level. The altitude variances give one a sense of how spectacular this scenery is.
William Shakespeare
Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University. Gold discoveries fostered settlement in the area, and the resulting development of mills and support industries helped the area grow. In 1887, rail joined Ashland to San Francisco. In 1935, under the direction of Angus L. Bowmer the Oregon Shakespeare Festival was founded. It has become an award-winning and internationally known regional theater company that today hosts a variety of theatre productions.
Alas, on this Sunday, there are no evening shows! I had hoped to catch Julius Caesar, but no such luck. I settle into my room and set out for a walk. It’s after 4pm, and I am starved. I am too early for a dinner, so I look for other options as I cruise the streets of Ashland. Ostras! Tapas and Bottle Shop catches my eye, and I make note. I’ll come back here in just a bit.
The bar is already full, and I take a seat at the last remaining spot on the end. I like to eat at a bar. It’s both personal and impersonal; this service is usually great, and the food is often a bit less pricey. Plus it offers the opportunity to chat with others.
Tapas in Ashland, OR
A couple about my age sits next to me and we start talking. I learn that the gentleman that owns this restaurant is an Olympic Gold Medal Winner (!) who also travels the world coaching white water competitive kayaking.
The owner joins the conversation and we all trade stories. I tell them about CancerRoadTrip and we immediately start sharing tales of cancer in our families and among our friends. This may sound depressing, but it’s not. I actually find that most of us want to talk about these things, but we seldom do. Given the chance, it’s a catharsis and a bond between strangers. It’s all about life and how we manage the difficulties, as well as the triumphs.
Our conversation ranges across a variety of topics. To travel. To wine country tales. My companions at the bar live in Grass Valley, CA and like me, have been in and out of CA wine country for many years. I share my thoughts about living in the Russian River Valley for a month or two off season, and they enthusiastically chime in with ideas.
The bartender interrupts with some specials, including some tempura fried Brussels sprouts. Relatively healthy road food! For $5, a massive bowl of tiny little sprouts appear. I’ll only eat part, but it’s a good dose of cruciferous greens on the road. I also order some mussels, simply steamed in garlic, parsley and wine.
Healthy road food needn’t be too difficult. All the food may not always be organic; you may have to allow for a bit of flour or dairy (as little as possible!); but there are healthy choices to be made. And I find eating at the bar often allows me to graze and select an assortment of reasonable, good food.
After dinner, I walk a bit. I’m tired. Driving the back country of northern California is fun, but it also demands concentration. I’m interested in an early evening, and an early start the next day to Portland, my next stop. I’d like to arrive in time to spend a few hours in the city.
Day 2: Ashland to Portland
Ashland to Portland
Ashland to Portland is about 350 miles. It’s an easy highway drive. The drizzle continues, on and off. The road gains more traffic as Portland nears.
Portland is a town I’d like to spend more time in. This trip it is just an overnight stop. Thanks to excellent navigation from Google (more on navigation in a later post), I easily find the hotel I’d booked the night before. It’s downtown which I hope will give me an opportunity to explore a bit. I realize that there are many different aspects to this city, and I’ll have a limited chance to see them on this stopover.
I settle into the hotel and set off on a quest for some seafood. (This unrelenting theme of food in my life and this blog comes from a childhood of fantastic food. My father had an extensive wine cellar and European trips often centered around wineries, and Michelin restaurants, many of them 2 and three stars. It became a game to try to guess how these magical dishes were created. In time, over the years, this fed into my own cooking and culinary curiosity.)
Downtown Portland is home to many homeless. In my walk around town, I encounter numerous people on the sidewalk and on park benches. One seemingly crazy woman walking ahead of me is accosting people in her path. I slow down and let her move on. Across the way, another homeless person lies on the bench, watching. Homelessness is apparently a serious issue, even a crisis according to local government.
It’s too bad that this makes such an impression. Portland, I know, is an interesting city with many aspects to it. I won’t have the time to explore more on this trip. I’m on a mission to the north.
As evening falls, I realize I probably want to find a place to eat. A nearby seafood restaurant Ringside Fish House got good reviews, and with a little digging, I also found that Monday night was Dollar Oyster Night. Bar food again, this time raw oysters, steamed mussels and a kale salad. All for about $15. Looking ahead, I know I’ll be visiting farmers markets and cooking, and that will bring down my average price for food. So for tonight, I indulge and enjoy.
Day 3: Portland to Vashon
Day 3 on the road
Portland to Vashon is just under 160 miles. It’s early morning, and leaving Portland I watch the long line of commuters heading into the city. Thankfully I am traveling against the commute.
This last stretch is an easy drive. It drizzles, but as Tacoma approaches, the sky opens and the sun streams through. It is a beautiful afternoon.
I take a side excursion to Trader Joe’s. I’m not sure what the story is on the island with regard to food (or prices) and I want to arrive with some basics in tow.
With the car loaded with some fresh veggies and food, it’s Vashon ho! That, of course, includes a ferry ride!
Ferries aren’t glamorous; they are working ships that provide a bridge to otherwise inaccessible land forms. Relying on a ferry to provide connection with another land mass takes one back in time. No bridges, no direct roadways. The ferry tethers the island life to the mainland and so called civilization.
Yet getting away from civilization is what Vashon Island is all about. It’s a rural island, cut off from the bustle of the mainland. Many people are retired; some commute into the terminal in West Seattle, accessed from the north end of the island.
Rush hour on Vashon occurs every time a ferry arrives and disgorges her cargo. A line of cars courses through the main thorough fare. Then it ends. Life is back to island quiet.
For me, Vashon Island is a welcomed stopping point on #CancerRoadTrip. My friends are leaving for Greece and they have left me their house as a way station for my travels. For this, I’m deeply grateful. I need some time to rest and to plan. I need some time to focus on my health once again, after so many months of stress and uncertainty.
Vashon Island is the largest island in Puget sound, about 37 square miles. I enter the island from the south on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah ferry. There is only one main north-south road and I follow it to the north end of the island. Along the way, I see deer; rolling, heavily wooded country side; and signs for the occasional winery. The main town is a block or two in either direction, and has a Thriftway with anything one might need or desire.
I pass through town and find my friends’ Vashon Island home which nestles on a hillside. In the distance one can see the mainland, and between the lush landscape, downtown Seattle appears.
Seattle in the distance
Last night, my first night on Vashon, I slept like I haven’t slept in many, many months. It is quiet on the island. Except for the Seattle nightscape in the distance, softened through a bit of moisture hanging in the evening air, it is dark and it is restful.
“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.” ― Angela N. Blount
It is June 9, 2017 and #CancerRoadTrip officially begins.
I awake in the morning to the sound of birds outside, at Vanessa’s house. There are many types of beauty, she reminds me, and indeed there is. And beauty, which is in the eye of the beholder, can be found anywhere, or dare I say, just about everywhere.
It is early, but I am ready to get started. I say my goodbyes and I depart the area that has been home for 20 years. I can always come back, but I’m not sure that that is in the cards. Time will tell.
It’s uncharacteristically cloudy, which brings out the deep green and mauve tones in the mountains, topped with a cap of white snow. And a wave cloud bids me adieu, just as one welcomed me on my very first visit to fly here, over two decades ago. That trip, I had stopped en route from SSA (Soaring Society of America) convention in Seattle, to fly in Minden, one of the world’s top soaring locations. That trip was unworldly. I flew my first high performance plane, and got my first taste of western flying. I vividly remember this amazing wave cloud, that mirrored the western flank of the Sierras from Reno all the way down to Minden. I’d flown some wave before, but I’d never witnessed anything like this meteorological phenomenon. And Tahoe. Well, Tahoe takes everyone’s breath away.
Even after that trip, I never planned to live here. In 1995, after flying in Heber, UT, I was driving west on Route 80 when a sign for Truckee came up. I heard about some long flights from the airport, so I decided to simply stop and stretch my legs. I pulled into the airport, and a stop sign said “WHOA!”. So I stopped. And Les Seabold, a World War II vet who ran the glider operation, asked me if I’d stay for dinner. “And by the way”, he added, “the bunkhouse is $4/night. It’s an extra dollar for a hot shower in the morning.”
So it was I stumbled into Truckee, into the Sierras, and later on, into living in Incline while my plane Whiskey Oscar was based in Minden. I’d later move to Southwest Reno and buy my house of nearly two decades.
All this, and much more, goes through my mind as I head westward. This drive is so familiar-and so beautiful. I have to believe that I’ll drive it again at some point.
Tennis Time! As usual, I’m hiding in the back row.
The drive between here and Vashon is partly reminiscent, and partly new. I’ve driven this stretch before, but every trip has its own set of priorities. For years, there were tennis tournaments and flying forays; then wine clubs and parties throughout Northern California; runs to the Pacific; and cultural, food and business runs to the Bay Area.
This trip is more definitive. It is both an end and a beginning.
***
One of my first stops is Sonoma. I have loved the entire Sonoma Valley since my first trip around 1990. And among my first introductions to the area was Sonoma Mission Inn. Before the property was acquired by Fairmont Hotels, it had a bit of a spare Scandinavian feel, coupled with the amazing spa facilities. It was originally founded by Native Americans who found the underground mineral springs. Since then, it’s been through numerous iterations and upgrades, including recovering from a fire in 1923 and then serving as a convalescent area for soldiers after the World War II. The spectacular spa facilities were added in 1980. The resort has always been a popular destination for well to do San Franciscans (and others). Today it’s absolutely beautiful.
With my back hurting, I seriously considered seeing if I might get in for a massage. Instead, I opted to get out and walk, and see if that (together with the ice pad I had against my back) gave me some relief. So I headed to Cornerstone Sonoma where I could both walk and take some photographs.
I discovered Cornerstone Sonoma when I was re-doing the backyard. It was here that I found “Root”-a magnificent, if funky teak root, with a six foot wing span, standing about four and a half feet high. I’d been looking for something arty for the courtyard. I considered buying something; having something designed; but the cost of either was rather high. So I went on a quest, and part of that quest brought me to Artifact, and to Root.
The idea of Root might seem a bit odd. But he was (is) a magnificent piece of wood. His backside has a butt where the wood feathers in a way that cast magnificent shadows in the evening lighting. Nearly everyone oohed and ahhed once I had him situated on his half ton rock, and lit for the evening.
Artifact, where I found Root, is something of an architectural salvage company. Many of the finds are imported from Asian, and there is a stunning array of unique and arty items. Other stores in the complex offer quirky and attractive wares as well.
The other draw of this little enclave are the amazing gardens. This is what initially drew me here, as I was faced with re-landscaping my yard. The gardens are designed by highly regarded landscape architects/firms/designers and range from the herby to the hallucinogenic. And outside sculpture and art installations wind their way through the various garden vignettes.
One of my favorite is the eucalyptus garden which was partly under construction/maintenance today. But next door is a beautiful walkway to the lily ponds. and beyond that, the ephemeral cactus/veil creation. And next to that, the serene minimalist garden of birch trees and their shadows.
Cornerstone is an interesting collection of creativity, old and new. If you enjoy an eclectic, artistic stop, this is for you. There’s also a restaurant in the “village”, but I opted for the short ride back to Sonoma square for lunch.
***
On the square, people linger, and ducks play in the small series of ponds. On a Friday afternoon the throngs of tourists are mostly absent, and the sleepy sense of a once-off-the-beaten-path place lingers. On one side of the square, the original Spanish Mission sits, looking across the central park. Restaurants and shops line the sides of the small park, and a few people rest and eat in the shade.
Lots of restaurant choices; I opt for a familiar place and order mussels. A relatively quick meal at the bar, and I’m heading north on 121.
Vineyards line the road. Not stopping to explore the winery offerings seems vaguely sacrilegious, but this trip has other priorities. Like a walk on the beach.
Walking helps my back and hip and I am on a mission of sorts to get to the Pacific, and certainly to get healthy again. Dillon Beach is nearby, and I head in that direction. The beach is named after George Dillon, an Irishman who emigrated in 1826. It’s located at the end of Tomales Bay, an area rich in oysters and clams.
Dillon Beach is a great walk. Here is a short video, captured with my iPhone. At the end of the video, around the point, is where Tomales Bay resides.
Tamales Bay is home to numerous fishing operations. Hog Island Oyster, one of my favorite local seafood places, is located down the road a bit. It has an outdoor eating area that’s very casual, with absolutely fresh oysters. Friday nights are shuck your own; Saturday is service. You can reserve a picnic bench/table ahead of time and there are small barbecues if you want to bring additional food. Call ahead for details.
I arrived without a reservation and had quick access to the stand up bar, where I ordered Bourbon BBQ oysters and half a dozen on the half shell. If you like oysters, this is worth a trip. Or if you’re in San Francisco, Hog Island has a restaurant in the Embarcadero that has a more extensive menu including some fantastic sashimi.
I had intended to take a perfect picture of a plate of perfect oysters, but I was hungry, and I dove in without considering you, dear audience. My apologies! Please take my word for the perfection of the briny oysters with the shallot vinegar dressing, against the sounds of the coast.
From Dillon Beach, through spectacular Tomales Bay, I head back towards Healdsburg. I’m actually staying in Windsor which is just a few miles down the road and much more reasonable. If you want to visit this area and think $400+ a night is a bit much, check out Windsor. And in Windsor, check out Tomi Thai for superb Thai (think healthy!) food. I had Salmon with vegetables and some brown rice that was outstanding. This Thai restaurant is now on my permanent list for the area. Along, of course, with Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar, just off the square in Healdsburg.
This part of California has many wonderful memories for me. Among them are some great wine and food parties and experiences, from Hog Island to Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. It occurs to me that I would consider spending a few months here, off season.
***
Morning and it’s time to head north. The hotel offers a good buffet breakfast, but I prefer something healthier. So I head for Healdsburg and the Downtown Bakery and Creamery where I find a mushroom, spinach, herb and goat cheese quiche ($4.95) ; a whole wheat orange scone; and a soy latte. A seat at the breakfast bar lets me look through the window and watch the goings on of the square. After breakfast, a final walk around the square, and it’s time to head north, first to Ashland, then Portland, and finally Vashon.
Click here for some outtakes from this leg of #CancerRoadTrip.
What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
Electronic retail therapy! In theory, all I need is an internet connection. But in reality, being able to write, film, record, edit and share various social media venues and the website is a bit more complicated. And if it has much of a digital learning curve, I am a bit cautious because time is tight right now. Escrow closes in one week; the house is in the process of going into a series of storage PODS; and I’ve thrown out my back making packing very difficult.
So I’ve reached a compromise where my electronic travel entourage is made of somethings old and somethings new. Things can evolve on the road.
Somethings Old
My MacBook Air is perfect as it is. I added an automatic cloud based back up system, and freed up a ton of space on the hard drive. So no new computer purchase required. I moved from Windows to Mac some years ago and I’m glad I did. I still use Excel and Powerpoint (a cloud based version for Mac), but I love my Mac! This current computer is several years old and going strong. I expect to get several more years out of it.
A few years ago, I left my mouse in a hotel in Palo Alto and they refused to ship it back to me. So I went to the Apple store and reluctantly bought this “upscale” mouse. I grumbled. Over priced, I thought. Now I couldn’t function without it. It allows me to perform multiple functions quickly and easily. If you’re still using a low tech mouse, you may want to check this out.
This may be my single best “electronic” purchase EVER. If your back or neck get tired from computer work, GET THIS. It has revolutionized my computer life! It weights almost nothing and collapses into a tiny sack that’s easy to take along. Having my computer screen ergonomically adjusted is something I should have done long ago. Don’t wait; don’t be in pain. This item is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.
I have an old 12 GB iPhone6 Plus that would be perfectly fine, except that I’m out of space on it. Video, pictures and apps require storage! It’s time to upgrade. The camera in the new iPhone is also very promising.
I’m one of those people that is happy keeping a phone forever. One cell carrier once threatened me with a surcharge for obsolete technology! But those days have changed. I need to stay up to date on technology. So a new phone is a must do, with an automatic upgrade to the newest and latest every two years.
These clip on lenses give your iPhone a zoom and a wide angle lens.
The camera in the iPhone 7 Plus is excellent. This is going to be my point and click camera. The lenses simply slip over the camera eye on the phone and voila! A new lens for your iPhone camera. Set up/installation is simple. It can be used for video, time-lapse, panoramas and 360° VR photos.
However, if you have a case for your iPhone, this can be a bit of a hassle in that you need to remove the phone from the case to mount the lens. Olloclip makes a iPhone 7 Plus Case that gets around this inconvenience and still protects your phone. If you’re thinking about getting this to expand your photographic options, buy the Olloclip case, rather than the Apple case.
Cinematic video at your fingertips! The Osmo mobile holds the iPhone and allows you to make smooth video. I am happy with this purchase,and I’m still learning to use it, but it’s not perfect. The built in video stabilization in the iPhone 7 and in the Osmo sometimes collide, causing a very slight jerking motion as the two battle for stability control. It’s subtle. It could also also be attributed to my newbie status or the slow motion filming. It is a common issue based on Google search results. I’ll provide an update on my experiences in the video stabilization battles as I figure it out.
Another option would be to buy Digital Zoom Handheld 4K Camera Osmo with a built in camera, but this seemed to redundant to me when I already have an iPhone . And expensive. One could also use a tripod with the iPhone for better stability, but this takes away the spontaneity associated with point and click.
DJI Mavic Pro Yes, a drone. For fantastic video footage. (Remember, I am a pilot!)
I’ll do a separate post on my drone research, but I’m considering a DJI Mavic Pro. The reviews are excellent; it’s lightweight and collapsable; and has excellent features for videography.
My “serious” camera is a Nikon 5500. Combined with some good photo editing software, I can take both high quality film and video with this. Photography is an ongoing learning curve for me. Nikon even offers an online school.
The 5600 is the newer version, but the differences between the cameras are miniscule. For the added cost, I just didn’t see a reason to upgrade to the newest, latest, hottest model.
The 5500 comes with wifi which means I can download pictures directly to my phone. Given that I still do most of my editing on my computer, I tend to just use the port on the side of the camera to connect directly to my Mac. But for social media sharing, this is a great feature.
The only downside to this is that the camera does need some protection which translates into a somewhat bulky case for travel. This is where every ounce and every inch starts to count. I have a standard Nikon carrying case, but I’m on the lookout for sleeker, less bulky options.
Finally to keep everything organized, I store the various power cords on individual cord clips (left) in a plastic bag, in their own packing cube. This way, at the end of the day, everything is in one place. I also carry an adapter for different power sources.
What else goes into a decision to hit the road?
Aside from tuning up my old all wheel drive BMW 325xi wagon (a 2002 with only 114,000 miles on it–my last BMW went over 300,000 miles) and putting a Yakima Cargo Box on the car, I’m almost ready to roll. Escrow closes in one week.
Inspiration, joy & discovery through travel. Oh, did I mention with supposedly incurable cancer?
What's on your bucket list?
Thank you for stopping by!
CancerRoadTrip is about making lemonade out of lemons.
As you read my story, you may want to start at the beginning to "grok" how CancerRoadTrip came to be. You can click here to start at the end (which is actually the beginning) and read forward! The posts are chronological, with the most recent posts appearing on the front page.
Because I was able to try on the various watches and see both sizes, I ended up opting for a less expensive, lighter weight Apple Watch Nike rather than the Space Grey aluminum case that I would have chosen without handling the product. The weight difference was, for me, the deciding factor.
(not #The Right Stuff Mercury 7 pictured above), but the thirteen women who went through the identical psychological and physical testing that the Mercury 7 astronauts received. They were 
I discovered 
On the square, people linger, and ducks play in the small series of ponds. On a Friday afternoon the throngs of tourists are mostly absent, and the sleepy sense of a once-off-the-beaten-path place lingers. On one side of the square, the original Spanish Mission sits, looking across the central park. Restaurants and shops line the sides of the small park, and a few people rest and eat in the shade.
Lots of restaurant choices; I opt for a familiar place and order mussels. A relatively quick meal at the bar, and I’m heading north on 121.
eating area that’s very casual, with absolutely fresh oysters. Friday nights are shuck your own; Saturday is service. You can reserve a picnic bench/table ahead of time and there are small barbecues if you want to bring additional food. Call ahead for details.
Morning and it’s time to head north. The hotel offers a good buffet breakfast, but I prefer something healthier. So I head for Healdsburg and the 
is perfect as it is. I added an automatic cloud based back up system, and freed up a ton of space on the hard drive. So no new computer purchase required. I moved from Windows to Mac some years ago and I’m glad I did. I still use Excel and Powerpoint (a cloud based version for Mac), but I love my Mac! This current computer is several years old and going strong. I expect to get several more years out of it.
A few years ago, I left my mouse in a hotel in Palo Alto and they refused to ship it back to me. So I went to the Apple store and reluctantly bought this “upscale” mouse. I grumbled. Over priced, I thought. Now I couldn’t function without it. It allows me to perform multiple functions quickly and easily. If you’re still using a low tech mouse, you may want to 
This may be my single best “electronic” purchase EVER. If your back or neck get tired from computer work, GET THIS. It has revolutionized my computer life! It weights almost nothing and collapses into a tiny sack that’s easy to take along. Having my computer screen ergonomically adjusted is something I should have done long ago. Don’t wait; don’t be in pain. This item is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.
I have an old 12 GB iPhone6 Plus that would be perfectly fine, except that I’m out of space on it. Video, pictures and apps require storage! It’s time to upgrade. The camera in the new iPhone is also very promising.
Olloclip Active Lens Set 
Cinematic video at your fingertips! The Osmo mobile holds the iPhone and allows you to make smooth video. I am happy with this purchase,and I’m still learning to use it, but it’s not perfect. The built in video stabilization in the iPhone 7 and in the Osmo sometimes collide, causing a very slight jerking motion as the two battle for stability control. It’s subtle. It could also also be attributed to my newbie status or the slow motion filming. It is a common issue based on Google search results. I’ll provide an update on my experiences in the video stabilization battles as I figure it out.
with a built in camera, but this seemed to redundant to me when I already have an iPhone . And expensive. One could also use a tripod with the iPhone for better stability, but this takes away the spontaneity associated with point and click.
in a plastic bag, in their own packing cube. This way, at the end of the day, everything is in one place. I also carry an adapter for different power sources.
Aside from tuning up my old all wheel drive BMW 325xi wagon (a 2002 with only 114,000 miles on it–my last BMW went over 300,000 miles) and putting a 
on the car, I’m almost ready to roll. Escrow closes in one week.
