Author Archives: noconbach

Sonoma – the other wine valley. Starting November 1 and still going

Posted on November 16, 2014 by noconbach

Two years ago we celebrated another Christmas with California O’Connells and decided that it would be great to move to Sonoma when we retired. So here we are, moved to Sonoma…for one month. We’ve found our new favorite winery, Buena … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged biking, Buena Vista Winery, Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, John Jacob Astor, Sonoma, wine | 8 Comments

A Salute to Our Troops November 11

Posted on November 11, 2014 by noconbach

On our travels we are realizing how privileged we are to live in the United States and be able to make this kind of trip. We recognize the sacrifices that have been made by so many troops to protect our … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Burlington, California, Glen Ellen, New York, Plattsburgh, Vermont, Veteran's Day, veterans | 2 Comments

Winery Hopping in Napa November 3 (Day 63)

Posted on November 9, 2014 by noconbach

We’ve reached the promised land, the promised land of vineyards at least. We’ve been told that there are 1,000 wineries in Napa and Sonoma…and we’re going to try them all! (even if it kills us) Yesterday was a total veg … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Beaulieu Winery, California, Hall Winery, Napa, Robert Mondavi Winery, Sterling Winery, wine, wineries | 4 Comments

From a very deep hole to very tall trees October 28 to 30 (Days 57 to 59)

Posted on November 2, 2014 by noconbach

Another day, another national park. (But nothing ho-hum about it.) Here we are at Crater Lake in Oregon. Snow and volcanoes don’t seem to go together, but this park has both. There are more than 40 volcanic cones here! The one … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged California, Crater Lake, elk, national park, Oregon, Redwood National Park, snow, volcano | 1 Comment

Cape Blanco Light (Oregon)

Posted on October 30, 2014 by noconbach

Near Port Orford, on the westernmost point of Oregon: The Hughes family, Patrick and Jane, built a very large (over 3,000 square feet) Victorian home near the river in 1898. They raised seven kids (two others died early) and over 100 … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Cape Blanco, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Hughes House, lighthouse, Oregon | Leave a comment

Rain, rain go away. Our soggy Oregon saga. October 25 to 27 (days 54 to 56)

Posted on October 29, 2014 by noconbach

This weather is for the birds! And speaking of birds, one lady was trying to recreate Tippi Hedren’s role from The Birds. Let’s get all our ducks in a row (or maybe gulls). When it rains it pours. Now what does that … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Bandon Dunes, birds, crab, dunes, golf, ocean, Oregon, Oregon Pioneer, sea lions, wildlife | Leave a comment

Willamette wine and coastal cheese (Oregon) October 24 (Day 53)

Posted on October 26, 2014 by noconbach

Cows don’t mind rain. In fact, they probably appreciate the green grass it produces. Rain in Tillamook is one of the big reasons they make the greatest cheese in the world. (At least it’s Chris’s favorite!) We learned that Tillamook is the name … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Blue Heron cheese, cheese, Domaine Drouhin, Domaine Serene, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Stoller, Tillamook, Willamette, winery | Leave a comment

Beautiful Day on the Oregon Coast October 23 (Day 52)

Posted on October 26, 2014 by noconbach

The massive Pineapple Express storm was predicted to ravage the area, but we ended up with beautiful sunny skies as we drove from Portland to Astoria, Oregon. Astoria was again named after that fur trader, John Jacob Astor. The family … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged bridge, John Jacob Astor, Oregon, Peter Iredale, rain, shipwreck, wind | 2 Comments

From Sea to Shining Sea!

Posted on October 24, 2014 by noconbach

After 52 days and more than 7,000 miles, we have reached the Pacific Ocean! Another writer has described this journey more poetically than we ever could: O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged America the Beautiful, Atlantic Ocean, From Sea to Shining Sea, Pacific Ocean | 2 Comments

Back on the Oregon Trail to Washington October 21 (Day 50)

Posted on October 23, 2014 by noconbach

We followed the Columbia River Valley on our way from Yakima to Portland. This meant heading west across the Cascade Mountains. So we had a big revelation: East of the Cascades = dry. West of the Cascades = wet, very … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Journal | Tagged Bonneville Dam, Columbia River, fish, Oregon, rain, river, salmon, Washington, waterfall, windmill | Leave a comment