Back on the Mainland

I'm at my parents' house in Newport Beach this week, adjusting to the pace of life on the mainland and getting ready to drive up the coast. I've decided to drive the Pacific Coast Highway along the California and Oregon coastlines, then to head inland around Portland and head up toward Seattle through the Columbia Gorge at some point. The goal is exploration rather than speed... I'm hoping to poke around all the cute little towns along the way, and stop to hike and/or paddle promising bits of wilderness. I'm looking forward to a pleasantly idle journey. And hey! if I find the perfect little town along on the way, who knows? I just might settle in and stay awhile.