Travelers show off the size of one of the redwoods. Pictured (l-r) are Ray Kent, Sherry Kent, Carolyn Hancock, Rodney Gillen-Hall, Tommy Leadbetter, Edye Gillen-Hall, Suzann Leadbetter, Jerri McBay, Sally Wilkerson, Diana Bradley, Sharon Garber, Alden Garber. (Submitted Photo)
Twelve members of Let’s Travel began the Collette Pacific Northwest tour in Seattle, Washington. Several members followed the welcome dinner with a ride to the observation deck of the Space Needle. They enjoyed a spectacular view of the area as the sun was setting on Mt. Ranier, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains.
The next morning began with a city tour which, of course, included a visit to the Pike Place Market. Yes, some travelers watched as fish were tossed and secured for purchase by some locals. The local guide shared that Seattle was the beginning or headquarters of Nordstrom Department Store, Amazon, Starbucks, and the early collaboration of Paul Allen and Bill Gates.
The group left Seattle by way of the Washington State Ferry across Puget Sound.
Everyone was reminded of the devastation experienced when Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980. Time was spent at the Visitor Center and actual viewing of the mountain. The weather cooperated so that the travelers could actually see the top and notice how the top is flat compared to other pointed peaks.
Then, on to Portland, Oregon, for two nights. The first stop the next morning was a short visit to the International Rose Test Garden. The travelers enjoyed walking through the garden and viewing the beautiful roses.
Back on the bus to visit the Mighty Columbia River Gorge. Time was spent at the beautiful Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring cascade. Many travelers climbed the trail to the bridge across the lower section of the falls which was built in 1914. This bridge gave the travelers spectacular views above and below.
More beautiful viewing was experienced as everyone visited a farm growing fields of lavender. Travelers were treated to an introduction to the growing process of lavender, homemade ice cream, a gift shop, and brewery all run by one family.
As the tour continued south on Highway 101, the travelers enjoyed the beauty of the Willamette Valley, the Cascade Mountains, Cobble Beach, the seaside town of Newport and the scenic Coos Bay at North Bend.
Day 5 of the tour was exciting as the group participated in a cruise up the Rogue River. They didn’t see eagles during the cruise but there were several osprey nests and ospreys and blue herons for everyone to enjoy.
After lunch time was spent in the Redwood National Park. There were several walking trails that led the travelers through the maze of these tall trees.
A second visit to the redwoods was made the next morning as the bus drove along the “Avenue of the Giants” and stopped long enough to once again walk amongst the tall, beautiful trees.
The travelers experienced the fog moving in several times during the ride down the 101 including when they reached the Golden Gate Bridge as they entered San Francisco.
The last full day began with time at the Presidio Tunnel Tops Garden with wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
The farewell lunch on Pier 39 was the official ending of the tour. While some travelers chose to stroll along Pier 39 after lunch, others went to Fisherman’s Wharf while others chose to ride the ferry to tour Alcatraz. The Alcatraz tour was highlighted by the audio tour that guided the guests through the facility relating stories of past inmates and happenings on the island.
This tour was special in many ways. The weather was just perfect. The temperatures remained in the 50s and 60s almost every day. The travelers were able to see the tops of Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood with beautiful views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains as the tour worked its way south from Seattle to San Francisco.
Those participating in this tour were: Rodney and Edye Gillen-Hall, Tommy and Suzann Leadbetter, Jerri McBay from Fairfield; Carolyn Hancock from Mexia; Sally Wilkerson from Thornton; Alden and Sharon Garber from Tehuacana; Diana Bradley from Waco; Ray and Sherry Kent from Tyler.
Let’s Travel has several more opportunities to travel in 2025. The next tour on the calendar is a bus tour from Fairfield to Williamstown, Kentucky. Why there? That is where the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter are located. This tour is scheduled for September 8-13. There are a few seats left on the bus. Contact Jerri McBay if you want more information.
Later in September there will be a Premier tour to Sedona, Arizona. This tour will have participants staying 5 nights in one hotel. This will be a special treat to the travelers. Often times several hotels are used as the group moves through the country. This time each night is spent in the same resort in Sedona. One included excursion will be a train ride through the countryside to the Grand Canyon. Another day will be a second train ride to a second canyon. The travelers will have the opportunity to spend time in the artist-centered area of Sedona plus enjoy the beautiful rock formations of the area.
In December travelers have the choice of two Christmas Market tours. December 1-9 will be a Premier tour to Montreal and Quebec City. The Collette Christmas Market tour is December 2-10 and will visit France, Germany, and Switzerland.
2026 has two tours on the calendar so far. On August 14 there will be a meeting at Sam’s Restaurant in Fairfield to see a slide show presentation of a Collette tour celebrating our country’s 250th Anniversary. This tour will include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and a few other exciting stops. This tour will be in April of 2026.
Then, in September of 2026 travelers will have the opportunity to visit more of California. This tour will begin in San Diego, work its way north and inland some to walk through the trails beside the giant Sequoias. Those participating in this tour will arrive in San Diego one day ahead of the tour in order to spend time at the San Diego Zoo.
Please contact Jerri McBay at 903-388-2243 if interested in learning more about any of these tours.
