Day Eight and Nine, Yosemite National Park

After a short 3 hour drive later we arrived at Yosemite National Park. We were able to squeeze in 7 miles of cross country skiing on the trail Dewey Point. The weather wasn't amazing, but o well; light rain wasn't going to stop us.



At the top due to the weather there wasn't much of a view, but I'll just have to trust Dave when he says it's spectacular. So instead of taking copious pictures of the beautiful landscape we took copious pictures of ourselves.

After skiing we pitched Dave's fancy new tent. The vestibule was the same size as the sleeping area. We were able to blow up a queen size air mattress which got us off the very cold ground. Even though it continued to rain all night I'd have to say it was the most comfortable camping I've done.

In the morning we packed up real quick and were bound to get somewhere, anywhere where the sun was shinning, but first we made a pit stop at Bridalveil where a ginormous water fall was.

Coming down the trail from the water fall was fun. It was like ice skating down hill minus the skates.

On the way out of Yosemite we found sun real quick. Approaching the grape vine on I-5, where the road started twisting up the mountain, I snapped a shot where this tractor trailer truck was tailgating this car. Almost looks like he was hitting the car. Craziness.

Day Seven - San Fran

We woke in the city to find a beautiful day full of activities.  Since we are both mariners, we thought it would be fun and interesting to visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park down on the bay.  It was a good collection of old ships which were involved with San Francisco's history one way or another.

The Balclutha moored port side to the pier

On the bow of the Balclutha with the city skyline in the rear

View of Alcatraz Island from the stern of one of the boats

After our daily dose of history, Chrissy was a good sport and tagged along while I visited two of my friends since kindergarten.  The drive to the meeting place wasn't all that bad and it provided some city site seeing at 60 mph.  Luke and Mike are both doing well and were glad to hear that all my fam is doing good, they say hi.

On the way back to the city Mike took us by the painted ladies, a row of Victorian houses which are a major tourist attraction.  We also drove through Golden State Park, a park so large it even had a buffalo range in it.  Overall it was a quick visit to a large city, there were plenty of activities which we missed but that saves us something for the next visit.

Day six, Napa -> San Fran

Breakfast on the banks of the Napa River

 

 

 

Another beautiful day, and we were again the epitome of tourists.  After a relaxing beginning in Napa we took the quick drive down to San Francisco. 

             

The Golden Gate bridge provided the scenery of the day.  We were one of lucky ones who were actually able to see the whole bridge without the usual fog and windy conditions.

 After walking around Fisherman's Wharf and devouring a plate of mussels on Pier 39, Chrissy agreed that Ghirardelli Square was just what the doctor ordered.  Tomorrow is another day of San Fran fun.

Day five, Napa Valley

Today we payed 5 whole dollars to get stuck in a tree while a Russia tourist laughed at us. I think it was way cooler than driving through the tree.















On the way out we spotted a turkey. Gobbel gobbel. I thought of you Grammy Marr. We took a snap shot so you could compare Maine turkey to California turkey. heee heee











I thought I'd share the view of northern California coast line. I'd recommend this drive to anyone. Highway 1 may make you a little nauseous due to the excessive turning, but the views are simply amazing.












Groupon lead us to a winery St. Frances. Upon pulling up was Mr. Peter the rabbit. He leaped he ran, he greeted us with joy. Mr. Moehl is insisting that I call Mr. Peter the rabbit either Peter Rabbit or Fiver. I refuse. The wine is good though and so we must go and continue to drink the wine. Good night my friends.

Day four, Redwoods National Park

Fun times in California. Ignoring the rain we had a great time exploring Redwood National and State Parks. We even manged to hike a little to a place called "Big Tree", um ya, there were a few big trees.

The Benbow Inn (On the Historic Registry)

Got a good mid week deal at my mothers favorite place in Garberville. Forgot to SPOT the overnight location.

More big trees.

Day three, Coos Bay

The rain stopped and so we geared up for a walk on Bastendorff Beach, Oregon. The sand was chilly, but that's ok with me. Grandpa Oot and Lucy treated us out to Chinese tonight and it was oh so good. Well, we all had Chinese and Grandpa Oot got the meat loaf. This place was my kind of place. I mean when you can that kind of variety who can say no thank you. Thanks for the chow Grandpa Oot and Lucy.

I'm determined to get some snap shots of Dave tomorrow in the Redwoods; so far he's been the main man taking the shots. Wish there was more to tell, but we're still just hanging ten and relaxing till tomorrow.

Day one, Coos Bay

"Where's that second gear?"

Made it thanks to amazing driving by Chrissy who's learning to drive a standard.  Two hours and many stalls later we made it to Newport to see the future NOAA base and enjoyed some local Rogue brews. We made it to the house in Coos Bay and the weather is raging..  High winds and white capping seas..  It's real nice to be inside next to a warm fire place than riding the ocean blue.  Looks like we'll be camped out for a few days here relaxing, organizing and shaking off the daily working blues then we'll be off for the Redwood Forest in northern Cali.  Stay tuned...