What a busy couple of days I have had! On Friday morning, I had my termination phone call with work. It was a little bizarre but very nice – since I was leaving as part of a massive downsizing there was no personal ill-will on either side – and I have a generous severance package to make the parting even less difficult. Immediately after the call, I jumped into the car and left for California. Two nights (and 2,250 kilometers or around 1,400 miles) later, we are safely arrived in Palm Desert.
It was a beautiful drive, though I didn’t take many photos. We stopped in Portland the first night and, yes, of course I visited Powell’s (details about what I picked up to come later this week). Portland is such a wonderful city. We were only there for the evening and early morning but packed in a lot of activity. After leaving rainy Vancouver, it was so nice to see all the flowers in bloom in Portland.
Portland was our only tourist-y spot along the road; after that, we just pushed on through Oregon and California. The weather was beautiful, the traffic was light, and the scenery was ever-changing. I know flying is faster but it is so fun to do this drive every couple of years and remember how stunningly large this continent is. 
I haven’t picked up a single book since Thursday but will have plenty of time to read now that I’m on holiday. And hopefully that will also mean I’ll have some time to catch up on my reviews for all the books I read in February!
The Captive Reader 
I have always loved the west coast of the USA. So beautiful to drive. Continue to enjoy.
I have never actually travelled along the coastal route – we took the I-5 which runs inland – but I do hope to travel along the water one day and much more slow; those roads can be awfully twisty!
Oh, Powells! A continent away but still my favorite book store. Looking forward to seeing your finds. Susan E
And I am looking forward to sharing them!
Such breathtaking views, Claire! Sorry to hear about your job loss but here’s to new beginnings. Looks like the timing couldn’t be better!
I’ve known about it since December, Darlene, so had plenty of time to prepare myself and, yes, the timing was perfect!
Gorgeous pics! Enjoy your vacation.
Thanks, Susan!
Oh I would love to drive up to Vancouver from here (Northern Cal) and we had considered doing it last year but with an under-two, it wasn’t exactly the best thing to do in winter! One day!
Have a wonderful time!
It can be an unpredictable drive in winter. We had great weather through the mountains this trip, thank goodness. I hope you do come up to Vancouver one day!
If you are still in palm desert on Friday I will buy you and your friend lunch if you have the time. I’ve been following your blog for months and love it. I’m a 60 year old woman, former author actually, and quite harmless.
Thanks for the offer, Sally. I won’t be able to meet up on this trip but I usually make it to Palm Desert once a year so maybe we’ll be able to meet another time!
I’m so glad you went through Portland and got to Powell’s!! I live right here in Portland, about a 10-15 minute drive from Powell’s and feel very lucky. So glad that your job leave-taking went smoothly and that you’re on vacation now. I would love to hear about what you’re reading when you have a chance.
You lucky woman! I love Portland and every time I visit leave wanting to go back. It is such an interesting, welcoming city.
Glad you were here, even if only on the way through. Which Powell’s did you visit, Burnside or Hawthorn? Enjoy the warmth in Palm Desert!
You have a wonderful city, Richard! I visited the Burnside store on this trip.
I’ve managed to travel to the US a dozen times and visit eight states but I’ve never been to Portland. And I call myself a vegan, tsk. Honestly though it looks a gorgeous drive to do at any time of year. 🙂
Hope you make it to Portland on your next trip to the States, Alex!
That second photo is breathtaking. I hope you’re enjoying your trip. 🙂
Thanks, Diana! I am so far!
It never ceases to amaze me how large my adopted home state (CA) is nor how much more enjoyable long drives seem to be on the West Coast. And Alex, never fear, I still haven’t been to Portland despite numerous trips along this coast!
I love long drives anywhere! And California is definitely large – it is always so interesting to see how much the scenery changes as you work your way down it.
Oh, what memories those photos bring up to the surface! Every spring throughout my childhood & early teen years we drive from Williams Lake in central BC down to Fresno to visit my maternal grandparents & a collection of aunts, uncles & cousins. We usually did it in 3 days, but a few marathon trips were made in two, driving before dawn to well after dark. This has left me with a great appreciation of how big a country we live in, and an amazing variation in climatic zones & scenery. Quite wonderful!!
Enjoy your holiday & the anniversary celebration for your parents! (Nice book haul, too.) 🙂