Day Seven - Tualatin Oregon

On our way to the concert tonight we saw an historic lighthouse and spent time searching tide pools at Maxwell Spit after a walk through a tunnel to a hidden beach.  We saw sea stars and anenomies in the wild.  Very cool.  After that we toured the Tillamook Cheese Factory and enjoyed sampling cheese and eating ice cream.  The concert was another great performance at a beautiful church. Former ringers the Plimpton sisters, Pam #21 and Christy #40 were in attendance, and ringer #11 Susan Springer was our host. Peachy and Katya had family in town.   Justin obliged the crowd in their desire for an extra encore piece!  Tomorrow it's a day in Portland.

Day 6 - Hotel Night in Newport Oregon

Our day of rest started with the Sea  Lion Caves and an elevator ride down to see these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.  We followed that up with a trip to the beach and a bit of tide pool scouting. We had lunch at a park at Yachats and celebrated Mady R's birthday with cake and song.  In the afternoon we visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium - a favorite was the touch tank full of anemones and sea cucumber.  In the evening we strolled around Newport and ate fresh seafood!

  

Day Five - Arcata California to Bandon Oregon

Day Five started at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Redwood Forest.  Everyone went on the nature trail hike - it was peaceful and serene.  Also focused on giant trees was the "Trees of Mystery" our next stop which included a talking Paul Bunyon with his great blue ox Babe.   A gondola took ringers up and up to a great view of the trees and the ocean.  Bandon is right on the Oregon coast.  We arrived at 5 on the dot, and were met by John and Pauline Brown, parents of former WBR ringer Pat Brown, who is married to former ringer Michelle White.  Also in attendance was Justin's aunt and long time CUMC member and WBR parent Brenda Shurtz and her husband Jerry.  The kids played to another packed house - extra chairs were added to the overflowing sanctuary.  Another great performance, and after 5 concerts in 5 nights, day 6 is a fun hotel day.  Everyone is doing great on tour, keep those cards and letters coming!

Day Four - San Jose California to Arcata California

Day four was one of our longest bus days.  In between bus rides we, well, we ate lunch and got back on the bus.  Arcata is a small rural community.  The United Methodist church was very welcoming - the church is reminiscent of Camp Pinecliff.  The sanctuary filled up and the crowd was enthusiastic.  It was another great performance.   Day five will see us among the giant coastal redwoods.

Day Three - Part Deux

Just wanted to add a note on our night in San Jose.  The church was filled to capacity for the concert!  We had over 200 people in attendance.  Extra chairs were brought in, we ran out of programs and nearly sold out of CD's.  The kids rose to the occasion and played an amazing concert.  Our tremendous host Dave saw us off on the bus.