The University of Connecticut (UCONN) Huskies Mens Basketball Team won the NCAA Championship for the second year in a row.  In honor of this awesome accomplishment, I’m calling this my “Slam Dunk Adventure”.
This is my second time in a row traveling with Collette Tours. Hawaii was amazing and I have set very high expectations for this Tour.
Joel, our  Collette Tour Guide,  is a three pointer shooter.  3 points for a fun filled introduction email two weeks prior to the trip, 3 more pts for a follow up email the day before and 3 more pts for greeting us in the Lobby of the  Thompson Hotel  in Seattle Washington and getting the trip started well before “the tip off”.

Day One ….. started at 4:15 a.m. with transportation from Connecticut to Logan International Airport, Boston, MA.  A none stop flight takes us to Seattle Tacoma International Airport.   From there, next destination Thompson Hotel,  Seattle.  approx 2:30 p.m..  Do you think we’re tired?  Not after meeting Joel.  His pre game pep talk, filled with enthusiasm gets us right out  “on the court”.
It is a beautiful warm sun shiny day, with crystal clear blue skies.  We were forewarned that the weather in the Pacific Northwest is very fickle.  No matter how tired we are this day is not one to be wasted.

Our Hotel is two blocks from Pikes Place Market and a quick walk to “The Seattle Great Wheel”.     Up, up, up we go to magnificent views of Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay and the Seattle Skyline.

No “Air Balls” at Pikes Place Market, each flying fish is an “Alley Oop” at the fish market.

Dinner is a meet and greet with Joel, Tim, our Coach Driver and our 38 “new team mates” at Cutter’s Crab House, 4 blocks from the hotel.  Joel surprises us with a quick detour on the walk to dinner.  The Gum Wall!   He supplied us all with chewing gum. One might think this would be a foul,  but it’s a Gum Ball and hits the Wall for 2 points!

Game Note … we have a full blown rivalry, loaded with banter going on  between Our Team Captain, Joel, a true blue Washington fan and  Co-Captain, Tim,  Oregon all the way!

Day 2   6:00 a.m. wake up call!  Breakfast on The  Rooftop, score 2 points for the early morning view.

We explore Seattle’s colorful waterfront area and historic Pioneer Square with Theresa, a local guide.  I couldn’t pick a favorite thing we did today if I tried. I could have spent the whole day at  Ballard Lock’s Great Blue Heron nesting area.  It’s time for the fledglings (young)  Heron’s to leave the nests.  Simply amazing to watch!
Note: Notice overcast grey skies.  What a difference a day makes!

The overcast and slight drizzle didn’t put a damper on The Washington State Ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bremerton or the  Spectacular Seattle Skyline views.

Rain clouds hid magnificent views of Mount Saint Helen at the Visitor Center, but her majestic remembrance was everywhere.

The Portland (Oregon) Marriot Downtown Waterfront is our home for the next to nights.  Our day ends watching Dragon boat races and taking a walk at Tom McCall  Waterfront Park

Day 3 …. First stop is  The International Rose Test Garden.  We are a month or so early for full bloom, so it takes a “Full Court Press” to make this play.

The very scenic Columbia River Gorge scores an easy 2 points.

Multnomah Falls 611 ft roaring Cascade is amazing.  The 11 switchback, approx 1 mile hike to the top would have been a slam dunk, but I fouled out with less than a quarter mile to go.

Enroute to visit the Hood River Lavender Farm, Mount Hood is visible under cloud cover.

Day 4 …. Yaquina Head Lighthouse (93 ft) and Cobble Beach

 

We make a quick stop,  only a hour, at the Seaside town of Newport for lunch.  I generally don’t comment much about food.  I am such a picky eater,  my critiquing would not be fair. BUT,  I have to mention Mo’s Seafood and Chowder in Newport.  It is two “Slam Dunks”.    I have no photos, because I took a “Time Out” to enjoy the best ever warm Marionberry Cobbler, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.  From our table, the picturesque views and wharf activities “stopped the clock”.   I was mesmerized watching sea lions frolicking in the wharf waters and fisherman treating pelicans to the scraps from their freshly filleted fish.
The next hotel on or itinerary is at The Mill Casino North Bend, Oregon.  The staff was amazing, but the facility was out of bounds,.   The sunrise views from the boardwalk the next morning took the ball onto the court after half time.

Day 5  ….  Brandon State Natural Area Beach is amazing.

 

Next on our itinerary is a stop at interpretive trails, through the Redwood Forest, at the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, Oregon.   Thank You, Collette!   I would never have stopped here on my own.  My roadside impression would have been “tourist trap”.  Instead it turned out to be a highlight of the trip. The 3 tiered tree top rope bridge course, was something I’ve always wanted to try.  It both thrilled and scared me.  I loved every minute!

After traversing the rope bridges, we were treated to Tree Top views and a gondola ride.

Traffic Jam!

We stop for the night at Best Western Plus Bayshore Inn Eureka, CA.   Dinner is a treat!  In and Out Burger is a must when visiting California.

Day 6  …  Tim our coach driver, switched sides and guided a walk through Humboldt Redwoods State Park while Joel set up a special “Mimosa” picnic.  These two never miss a shot.

The Golden Gate Bridge is our gateway to San Francisco and our final two nights are at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA.

Day 7   … The final “Tip Off” !  We have another hop on guide, Yvonne, take us on a Couch Tour of  some San Francisco highlights.

Japanese Tea Garden

Fishermans Wharf

Time on our own we take a Ferry ride around the bay enjoying views of Alcatraz,  the Golden Gate Bridge, the fabulous Sklyline and no trip to San Francisco would be complete without the sights and sounds of the Pier 39 Sea Lions.

Collette gets to take down the net for this Championship Tour.  Of course, they couldn’t have won it without the great Team effort of Joel, Tim and 40 fabulous Teammates!