tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32872450539089940552024-02-18T19:42:11.663-08:00Pacific Coast with Big SisAn adventure from Seattle to San Diego with Big Sis.Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-74753641056212106892014-06-05T11:00:00.001-07:002014-06-05T11:00:56.606-07:00Final ThoughtsJune 5, 2014. Home sweet home. <br />
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You know, I always love to go on a trip. There's always some adventure to experience, places to see, things to do, and to eat good food. But, in the end, there's no place like home. I always enjoy getting home and sleeping in my bed.<br />
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The flights home went just fine. The 3 hour layover at San Francisco turned into a 5 hour layover, due to delays by United (I'll try to avoid them in the future). But once on the final leg home, the flight was a bit bumpy, but it went well. <br />
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At RDU, we disembarked, went to the baggage carousel, and in just a bit, our luggage arrived. Called the GF and she picked us up and we went home to Clayton. Got home about 1am, so we were tired but happy to be back.<br />
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Over the course of 13 days, we drove 2,651 miles with the rental car. It was an adequate car, but lacked some punch once underway. But it gave us no problem or cause for concern, so all was good.<br />
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The weather was just wonderful. Only a couple bits of rain, and they came at times when it didn't interfere with our activities. I think the trick is to carry an umbrella so it won't rain. We both carried one, and they fended off the clouds and rain very well. We also lucked up on very little fog along the way. The Pacific coast is famous for having cool, foggy days anytime of the year, and we had just a little fog a couple of days. We could still see the ocean, so it was very light.<br />
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Food was good everywhere we went. I think Big Sis had one meal she didn't like; I think the pigeon strutting around, casing the joint and us, was part of the reason she was not fond of the meal. Mine was good, but I didn't like the pigeon trying to get my food, either. Otherwise, all the meals were good, and some were excellent. I think the brunch of eggs and razor clams might have been my most unusual and one of the best meals of the trip. <br />
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Scenery was unreal. From the cliffs over the Pacific to Mt St Helens to the huge trees, the scenery was simply beautiful. I think my favorite spot was on the dirt road near Crescent City, CA, where the ferns covered the forest floor and gigantic redwoods formed a canopy over the land. It felt like being in a sacred place; so peaceful and calm. <br />
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Alcatraz was a great visit. Listening to the voices and noises in the earphones provided by the NPS, seeing how the inmates lived, and realizing just how isolated they were on the rock made me appreciate freedom again and made me thank my mother for teaching me right from wrong. I would not like to be locked up in that place. I'm sure it was cold all the time, and the cells are so small. <br />
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It was a good place for the worst of the worst criminals.<br />
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And, again, Big Sis was such a pleasure to travel with. We talked about childhood and growing up in our family, things each of us did. Laughed at the things that we did for which we never got caught. And wondered together about a lot of people from our childhood--where they were, how they were doing, and how their lives had been going. She is such an easy traveler, she doesn't complain, she gets ready to go in a hurry, likes adventure and doing goofy things, and truly is a great person to travel with. I am so glad that she agreed to go to Alaska ten years ago when I asked her if she was interested in going. We've now spent 10 weeks together on the road, and still actually like each other! That's pretty amazing, in my opinion. <br />
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I"ve posted a few pics in this final post, just to let you see one last glimpse of what we saw on the trip. I'm hoping we'll be on the road together again in 2015! Ciao....Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-59387487518957650342014-05-26T19:27:00.001-07:002014-05-26T19:27:00.343-07:00San DiegoMay 26, 2014. Our last day on the Pacific Coast. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAiKBYcUyNU2AUhMnXXMQZJ1kcU1ZyKcw1d7On2s_xhI6CcSyzhqKnKbJ4hRp39rPQjA6TXZD_bY6OBmetO5xuIBHipTteGQRrx3xswchIqMS-iimRBYH0vfchKfFRAMhu2zg50jhHbM/s640/blogger-image-805704913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAiKBYcUyNU2AUhMnXXMQZJ1kcU1ZyKcw1d7On2s_xhI6CcSyzhqKnKbJ4hRp39rPQjA6TXZD_bY6OBmetO5xuIBHipTteGQRrx3xswchIqMS-iimRBYH0vfchKfFRAMhu2zg50jhHbM/s640/blogger-image-805704913.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>I think I'm running out of gas, because I have very little to write today. We both are tired. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEVRNgqzA-2bTYGr8Q5VoKHzwN8XqDPYN1odpzK4MZ9tufSDaN-NrRijSGZBoSS-NxaPtyGIy-xsKExSJ4XQqiTAvzfW5qSrKV5O6XKuixb5ZCa9pMzwH9sXckUqkfPgIR1ihyHx86hE/s640/blogger-image-1357742187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEVRNgqzA-2bTYGr8Q5VoKHzwN8XqDPYN1odpzK4MZ9tufSDaN-NrRijSGZBoSS-NxaPtyGIy-xsKExSJ4XQqiTAvzfW5qSrKV5O6XKuixb5ZCa9pMzwH9sXckUqkfPgIR1ihyHx86hE/s640/blogger-image-1357742187.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We got up, got dressed, and ate breakfast at the hotel. I had promised Bar that we'd go to a Goodwill store today if we could find one, so we went to 3 Goodwill and 1 thrift stores between when we left our hotel until we checked into tonight's hotel. She found several items that she had to have, and I found some kitchen items that I liked and a couple of surprises for my GF. I just hope I'm not overweight in my checked bag... <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuSrl1YKxoAygxKOEN2GsjpxNKOjKxPw8L2ys23P6-jQvp7CXJXUfmyI1MMhGB7P_ACMJ4SssdWM2UgeXJ73-tfrovjRSrbuF5Z_cbT_hyphenhyphenP5aCEuQaB14UKCZjPtuOrw8rsDgsix69U0/s640/blogger-image--2054810263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuSrl1YKxoAygxKOEN2GsjpxNKOjKxPw8L2ys23P6-jQvp7CXJXUfmyI1MMhGB7P_ACMJ4SssdWM2UgeXJ73-tfrovjRSrbuF5Z_cbT_hyphenhyphenP5aCEuQaB14UKCZjPtuOrw8rsDgsix69U0/s640/blogger-image--2054810263.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Because of fatigue, we decided to rest and pack bags this afternoon and evening rather than sightseeing. I think it was the right thing to do. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMjUFWq_L42F9eJRILKWy8e7DTaB14ujiNIEtrTCRQG7YrO0NAj2H-4Dno2C6MHh51PQWe8lHyPW8dD4kgmrGNgqQhXFi17GGsYZ59wEfyXSIT9gQLdHS64b6sZ1RbdvlPJUesQDYM6c/s640/blogger-image--661144350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMjUFWq_L42F9eJRILKWy8e7DTaB14ujiNIEtrTCRQG7YrO0NAj2H-4Dno2C6MHh51PQWe8lHyPW8dD4kgmrGNgqQhXFi17GGsYZ59wEfyXSIT9gQLdHS64b6sZ1RbdvlPJUesQDYM6c/s640/blogger-image--661144350.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Our hotel for tonight is located very convenient to the car return area, and they have a shuttle to the terminals, so tomorrow should be easy to turn in the car and get to where we need to be to fly home. Our flight leaves San Diego at 10:15am and flies to San Francisco. Then we kill 3 hours in the airport before our flight home takes off. We're scheduled to arrive at RDU at 11:03pm. GF is picking us up and we'll go to Clayton for the night. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONVv_G1AcJkPjW2js598vSXLUsC2zgD-FHZvMCv-2GNH6nfEIp9Wgc3YVGcQxpFiMFzQsVQk4-Tx1uSyNDJhyphenhyphenyr80PMo_p8X69mZK1DqUg1Zx9sVn8xNUer_er6t78_JU5DPdEytA27w/s640/blogger-image-301293279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONVv_G1AcJkPjW2js598vSXLUsC2zgD-FHZvMCv-2GNH6nfEIp9Wgc3YVGcQxpFiMFzQsVQk4-Tx1uSyNDJhyphenhyphenyr80PMo_p8X69mZK1DqUg1Zx9sVn8xNUer_er6t78_JU5DPdEytA27w/s640/blogger-image-301293279.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Big Sis and GF each go to their homes on Wednesday. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaHg-B7vJ-clLyCY8v3AbN74LjU5LB4Mrq7ceIVy3Y_aTQudnkCJGLEYDJgZOC1ZkPUeuJnaC_Hs6BUSymQGDNDFJx79KiGvCIpSRxwsFFsKzlEfUNtjS71R3QETiHYRUQQZazjiDKNo/s640/blogger-image-1006558982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaHg-B7vJ-clLyCY8v3AbN74LjU5LB4Mrq7ceIVy3Y_aTQudnkCJGLEYDJgZOC1ZkPUeuJnaC_Hs6BUSymQGDNDFJx79KiGvCIpSRxwsFFsKzlEfUNtjS71R3QETiHYRUQQZazjiDKNo/s640/blogger-image-1006558982.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>So, the trip is almost done. But not the blog. I'll write a final post before the weekend to record some overall thoughts about the trip as well as to record some trivia for the final post. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKa5hJ3DZ71paeV1IjclBOy8FmW1gGWV2L21HfgTHfigow-T8XGRPgjhVSdn77YIZ9IJ1EQ4VR5tDcGpP2lE705ZvtCO601I60OCI5abQGkg27GHsSD-uwvndSiT-_7J6HOY4UIm5fno/s640/blogger-image-611099010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKa5hJ3DZ71paeV1IjclBOy8FmW1gGWV2L21HfgTHfigow-T8XGRPgjhVSdn77YIZ9IJ1EQ4VR5tDcGpP2lE705ZvtCO601I60OCI5abQGkg27GHsSD-uwvndSiT-_7J6HOY4UIm5fno/s640/blogger-image-611099010.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>BTW, I'll post some pics of earlier times so you will have something nice to look at to compensate for my pitiful writing. Enjoy! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G9wKeBN1Ch_2XXTBlvBdIMsVvgc0-UayEAqf2ic5FQjVJ9k2M9Xd-hws0YS94223NCelTX4d363vf3liypb9lodxwrMPTE1O0bL7ITTa_9eJQCk5CVRBI6VFq_VCV02UpNd2umTrcVc/s640/blogger-image--1603731729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G9wKeBN1Ch_2XXTBlvBdIMsVvgc0-UayEAqf2ic5FQjVJ9k2M9Xd-hws0YS94223NCelTX4d363vf3liypb9lodxwrMPTE1O0bL7ITTa_9eJQCk5CVRBI6VFq_VCV02UpNd2umTrcVc/s640/blogger-image--1603731729.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-35891460905958592692014-05-25T21:31:00.001-07:002014-05-25T21:41:44.490-07:00LA to OceansideMay 25, 2014. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4pDeePu_E7u8hWeh-PtlNC2T0GY1dgA1VqoiO0dvJ3T8UHO2oKR2jyyWQHAnsdKcO1sVrnKUKaXC8xR6KhV5KmT6Vfuxqh_8v5GHpCor1-Oy-3s5ydGTEahYZC2BWgmfPo5FMBPFrqk/s640/blogger-image-994493325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4pDeePu_E7u8hWeh-PtlNC2T0GY1dgA1VqoiO0dvJ3T8UHO2oKR2jyyWQHAnsdKcO1sVrnKUKaXC8xR6KhV5KmT6Vfuxqh_8v5GHpCor1-Oy-3s5ydGTEahYZC2BWgmfPo5FMBPFrqk/s640/blogger-image-994493325.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgcIMyIk3rPUzmNiq37oGWqw0ml1tgMAQb9ZouVjnT7a6dIMWv-BCUod5cujM_hoU46SIR-Mm-dKTH2FLvaXROCjrxVAxe-Xh1QOo1k6CKHHayU167myWHskzzY6AA2BXMXXdWAxehrs/s640/blogger-image-2016195393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgcIMyIk3rPUzmNiq37oGWqw0ml1tgMAQb9ZouVjnT7a6dIMWv-BCUod5cujM_hoU46SIR-Mm-dKTH2FLvaXROCjrxVAxe-Xh1QOo1k6CKHHayU167myWHskzzY6AA2BXMXXdWAxehrs/s640/blogger-image-2016195393.jpg"></a></div>Today was the day for our city tour of Los Angeles. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzYSfd0BXanJbkgJe4kJrCjeGBCyBAKmI_ASG5vgs2yA3GUGFyJ6loO3gqe528IXx2w6vwf13dk9rORcQG57uZLWbm7so1tXokKkbgEtNp4OLnnUL3bfrkv-6vSM8nX7J3hUxKyoqIvc/s640/blogger-image-1380912652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzYSfd0BXanJbkgJe4kJrCjeGBCyBAKmI_ASG5vgs2yA3GUGFyJ6loO3gqe528IXx2w6vwf13dk9rORcQG57uZLWbm7so1tXokKkbgEtNp4OLnnUL3bfrkv-6vSM8nX7J3hUxKyoqIvc/s640/blogger-image-1380912652.jpg"></a></div>We did it; it was good, and we enjoyed the tour, the scenery, and the information. Hollywood Bowl below.<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP1MVR1GHIT7Mb98Jz6vD5K9BbQBpE2mka7dh9p9forQMsEzIulv6dtCMYTSAKogQartNhdjtwCV42soYX4KKB5wpBS4Ajk9I28-u8Z0hwQmqrEimm2zlkmsT4cbRJGYwr5aPUX41dio/s640/blogger-image-1645360707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP1MVR1GHIT7Mb98Jz6vD5K9BbQBpE2mka7dh9p9forQMsEzIulv6dtCMYTSAKogQartNhdjtwCV42soYX4KKB5wpBS4Ajk9I28-u8Z0hwQmqrEimm2zlkmsT4cbRJGYwr5aPUX41dio/s640/blogger-image-1645360707.jpg"></a></div> I took the Ipad, so I have pictures to show. Me and Big Sis at Hollywood Bowl.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CddsrbeGmp5eX7lvCSTzB8XebzedT7FgDUM6zi3x773GL-AzlWHqQsjGwC-PcN0wpz_pmhC_iO1WUsIs9aO0wLAAE0mZ_d2YYoq-O8zW0jDZAgE73XP47r3UcRA-uEA2apJgHQZevw/s640/blogger-image-118665584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CddsrbeGmp5eX7lvCSTzB8XebzedT7FgDUM6zi3x773GL-AzlWHqQsjGwC-PcN0wpz_pmhC_iO1WUsIs9aO0wLAAE0mZ_d2YYoq-O8zW0jDZAgE73XP47r3UcRA-uEA2apJgHQZevw/s640/blogger-image-118665584.jpg"></a></div> I'm not going to write about the tour; it's probably best to just post pics. Where the pretty people spend their money. Bar and I didn't buy anything...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktsnv35n3t1FtVaGo6QvpsGs_3f3TOeqJ6G8ybJdidAFdK7PjWkEGq7RmCpf9JaaVbgc9AlEHe4UxYezECN74-QNy6hylYF8ooZYyvF-uF7YM8ASl4f07AvLTYUcubA_CXDBEOZfckkc/s640/blogger-image-782015576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktsnv35n3t1FtVaGo6QvpsGs_3f3TOeqJ6G8ybJdidAFdK7PjWkEGq7RmCpf9JaaVbgc9AlEHe4UxYezECN74-QNy6hylYF8ooZYyvF-uF7YM8ASl4f07AvLTYUcubA_CXDBEOZfckkc/s640/blogger-image-782015576.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>After the tour, we walked back to the hotel, retrieved our car, and drove south to Oceanside Beach, where we're staying tonight. It was another pretty day in California. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipV1J-ekqXZ3j_TU8gBAoQHYM0FJKLcV3IVWFjWmmbu2LvuIHGl57vhdP0erLkzanTEFZErJtUpPnpKtaPDmhuWbzIpT8wl1bF9Tkp0rMpjfnDP7eTzPXXlfpWM1Dl7lTe3TD690Cq_M/s640/blogger-image--1840512218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipV1J-ekqXZ3j_TU8gBAoQHYM0FJKLcV3IVWFjWmmbu2LvuIHGl57vhdP0erLkzanTEFZErJtUpPnpKtaPDmhuWbzIpT8wl1bF9Tkp0rMpjfnDP7eTzPXXlfpWM1Dl7lTe3TD690Cq_M/s640/blogger-image--1840512218.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--last day in California. </div></div></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-54115025048397625852014-05-24T20:36:00.001-07:002014-05-24T20:36:54.416-07:00Felton to Los AngelesMay 24, 2014. Today was a day of travel mostly. We had a good breakfast at the hotel and hit the road south, headed to Los Angeles.<div><br></div><div>A few miles down the road, I pulled into a parking area to take Big Sis down to the water so that she could feel the temperature of Pacific Ocean water and be able to answer the question others might ask: "How cold is the Pacific Ocean water?" Only she can answer that question now, but I can say that she did not tarry while her pinkies were submerged in the water. Her shoes are shown behind her to show that she actually did get her feet wet. But I also have to say that she did it only under duress...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTleYxK6XwyI6PI3JEgbKKPNyQ1ILRMcZMXNmWl9J_I44m4lE48s-6TKC3vb4VUC-0tPVjAd1kfORdc-ZQGSOzWHH80XhtRnHexPXJtf0IwO-KLwDhK03A6LwkdmWsg_jP5cVyjrVF9SE/s640/blogger-image--1272939384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTleYxK6XwyI6PI3JEgbKKPNyQ1ILRMcZMXNmWl9J_I44m4lE48s-6TKC3vb4VUC-0tPVjAd1kfORdc-ZQGSOzWHH80XhtRnHexPXJtf0IwO-KLwDhK03A6LwkdmWsg_jP5cVyjrVF9SE/s640/blogger-image--1272939384.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>From there, we simply pointed the car southward and drove down Hwys 101 and 1 to Los Angeles. </div><div><br></div><div>We decided last night to do a city tour in LA if everything worked out. We looked on the web to find a tour that we liked, and found one that suited our tastes. And I looked on the map to see where the pickup place was located. So, when we were approaching town, I pulled off the highway and drove to where I thought we needed to find a room. Whew, traffic was packed bumper to bumper as we approached some hotels.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_876F5SPiQhtbHXkw7jHLe6a1wk1QQulY3A6Eapi9khL_rHguEO6ZxYJTCkAVykgSe1HKfcyx3SS98rCHJwUBlRX49TDeT7qZUcfobF4oeniX_IBp55_FFPwXbUyuLYpdmj9asBOleSk/s640/blogger-image-140805714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_876F5SPiQhtbHXkw7jHLe6a1wk1QQulY3A6Eapi9khL_rHguEO6ZxYJTCkAVykgSe1HKfcyx3SS98rCHJwUBlRX49TDeT7qZUcfobF4oeniX_IBp55_FFPwXbUyuLYpdmj9asBOleSk/s640/blogger-image-140805714.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The one I was looking for was not there or had changed hands, so we pulled into another one. Long story made short, we found one that met our needs but almost broke the bank! Expensive, to say the least, but it's only money, so we stayed there. Tomorrow, we'll not need to move the car until we leave town, and we can walk to the pick-up place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDxxxoPXLKqPDU49dIKxYdThyphenhyphen0gZ32pW5MJdRLs43FmPOElbMBIDwADmpfeYrPaBUlGrrfgg-piqVhDsab1r5msens3J3xPyJ48-2CXAYn4g2izGBro2FKgbiblOev3gVjevCDwJcEzc/s640/blogger-image--629878325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDxxxoPXLKqPDU49dIKxYdThyphenhyphen0gZ32pW5MJdRLs43FmPOElbMBIDwADmpfeYrPaBUlGrrfgg-piqVhDsab1r5msens3J3xPyJ48-2CXAYn4g2izGBro2FKgbiblOev3gVjevCDwJcEzc/s640/blogger-image--629878325.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>After checking in, we decided to walk down to Hollywood Blvd to see where the pick-up place was located. Man, what a mix of people. People of every description everywhere! Packed sidewalks, people in costumes, all races of people, and all nationalities of people. It was crazy-wild. Not dangerous at all, but just a huge mix of people everywhere. Quite a show.</div><div><br></div><div>We stayed for about an hour and then walked back to the hotel for the night.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3c3ItMcmmQ0b-GRUV3JbJv6WKqL-SK8XDVk9cp4lL2RVzFjXt_Ir_bDWi05sA2_Vt12KlvPcNptOZN3jDjPFADPzozZ4TJId0ZlVr0teI-gNLTAe1oSEU9N9lcK61LE73CNpkOh-Gyo/s640/blogger-image--1631806838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3c3ItMcmmQ0b-GRUV3JbJv6WKqL-SK8XDVk9cp4lL2RVzFjXt_Ir_bDWi05sA2_Vt12KlvPcNptOZN3jDjPFADPzozZ4TJId0ZlVr0teI-gNLTAe1oSEU9N9lcK61LE73CNpkOh-Gyo/s640/blogger-image--1631806838.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I forgot to carry the Ipad with me, so I have no pics of the people to share. I'll have some for tomorrow. Instead of pics from today, I'll post a few from earlier in the trip. Enjoy....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngYfrPU7s8BbL9exG-fMRmC13Z08RELNkyY0Yrxo4Dyxp4TM9MPrY_Xa-SOrAq-sWkLLmDr1zPHrWaLVb2L7UYqHXDRBYnRTYFKphbe8dWfOM1r_298xoKvjNpg-rwXWjk13obaBt71s/s640/blogger-image--1756246909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngYfrPU7s8BbL9exG-fMRmC13Z08RELNkyY0Yrxo4Dyxp4TM9MPrY_Xa-SOrAq-sWkLLmDr1zPHrWaLVb2L7UYqHXDRBYnRTYFKphbe8dWfOM1r_298xoKvjNpg-rwXWjk13obaBt71s/s640/blogger-image--1756246909.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--City Tour.</div><div><br></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-46889044097407431542014-05-23T21:47:00.001-07:002014-05-23T21:47:24.809-07:00Oakhurst to Felton, CASorry, but another twofer. Yesterday was a long, tiring day,.<div><br></div><div>The day started with a good breakfast. Eggs and sausage is a good way to start any day. I love a good breakfast (or lunch or dinner)!! After breakfast, we drove the 15 miles to Yosemite National Park, used my permanent pass to enter, and drove to a grove of the huge trees. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS77sVvlbXIxaGXZDWmXJrR8bScIa56SeXf-OxK2AiOf1Hur-dMhePtbdNdmmpDNOp80mIO3wEj_wQUAD_s5zGNFsaGdApWbKOy2Uz_ntW6CY-6NtzVlm94cqZuqCWaRBoDk620M3l4cM/s640/blogger-image--750515581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS77sVvlbXIxaGXZDWmXJrR8bScIa56SeXf-OxK2AiOf1Hur-dMhePtbdNdmmpDNOp80mIO3wEj_wQUAD_s5zGNFsaGdApWbKOy2Uz_ntW6CY-6NtzVlm94cqZuqCWaRBoDk620M3l4cM/s640/blogger-image--750515581.jpg"></a></div>These trees are known as the Sequoias, slightly smaller cousins to the Giant Redwoods seen earlier. To me, they looked the same, huge, with deep bark, and all the foilage way up high in the trees. Beautiful trees. And, it was pretty cool; 51 degrees in the grove of trees.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-ODiGrnGof7dbCxLkYxosKZcxIOyQeohPAf6N5-UkpOhdM4lXXPzIQcHLv1Q0JNTiO5Nt-prh36cEAz6FMgBXH6rRm21coLqsZPj-RZHnJ8le9oMnof_5tN_qZG0Y5RmGiL7CB17JeQ/s640/blogger-image--1088345181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-ODiGrnGof7dbCxLkYxosKZcxIOyQeohPAf6N5-UkpOhdM4lXXPzIQcHLv1Q0JNTiO5Nt-prh36cEAz6FMgBXH6rRm21coLqsZPj-RZHnJ8le9oMnof_5tN_qZG0Y5RmGiL7CB17JeQ/s640/blogger-image--1088345181.jpg"></a></div><br>A jacket was necessary to be comfortable.</div><div><br></div><div>Then to the main attractions; the features known as Half Dome and El Capatain. To view them from a great angle (accoprding to the literature), we drove to Glacier Point, where a huge valley (the Yosemite Valley) separated us from the Half Dome. Awesome is what it was. Just awesome. I can't describe how huge the granite monolith comprising Half Dome.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq_U1QNtPMg68ybsbIKECHy_yK-CQS0gYFr8sgQL_Ip7Bl9mX34jPA2vAmaJ8vmrtk_crD9qqi4jmwB0YsOVNp9tW2m48wW3N0yWwwNGiRhsMqj7s2cDbqq-SbT1YNzkfz2aCzYiqZts/s640/blogger-image-1528628948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq_U1QNtPMg68ybsbIKECHy_yK-CQS0gYFr8sgQL_Ip7Bl9mX34jPA2vAmaJ8vmrtk_crD9qqi4jmwB0YsOVNp9tW2m48wW3N0yWwwNGiRhsMqj7s2cDbqq-SbT1YNzkfz2aCzYiqZts/s640/blogger-image-1528628948.jpg"></a></div> It is something to see.</div><div><br></div><div>Then back to the main road to enter Yosemite Valley, to be able to see El Capatain. The drive was nice, and in a while, there it was, all 3,000 feet of solid granite just off the side of the road. I think what really gets me amazed is the size of the granite cliff, and knowing it is one solid piece of granite. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjie2wQ7RrFdCjxLWmU7d3p2MjS_j78FEhS1LrYY8l2wZp5qexssSxQculekY8u-i47fgONMpcLDVtDti0jrkNZZ0s9UC1sSh62MRaIMJ7KCwBdjIJLgVVZJZmAF_eY3jlQmn5KqXI0g/s640/blogger-image-1320670470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjie2wQ7RrFdCjxLWmU7d3p2MjS_j78FEhS1LrYY8l2wZp5qexssSxQculekY8u-i47fgONMpcLDVtDti0jrkNZZ0s9UC1sSh62MRaIMJ7KCwBdjIJLgVVZJZmAF_eY3jlQmn5KqXI0g/s640/blogger-image-1320670470.jpg"></a></div>In most places, the granite is in many smaller pieces, but here, it's all in one piece. Huge doesn't describe it well.</div><div><br></div><div>We saw what we came to see, so we headed back across the state. The central part of the state is agricultural in nature, and we saw a lot of big agricultural operations. Strawberry fields as far as you could see, orchards for literally miles on both sides of the road, other crops we could not determine what was growing. Big, big operations, all being irrigated along the way. I knew California provided a lot of vegetables and fruits for the nation; now I see where they were grown.</div><div><br></div><div>Finally, back near the coast, we went through a city that Bar's sister in law lived in years ago, Sunnyvale. A neat, pretty town from what we saw.</div><div><br></div><div>Then southwest towards the coast. We got on one road, Old La Honda Road, that had no lane or side markers, no guardrails, but was as crooked as the Tail of the Dragon, a world-famous motorcycle road in western NC. I was enjoying the drive until we met another car in a hairpin curve and missed it by mere inches. Very close call. That happened two more times in the 5.5 miles of the road. Pretty unnerving, to say the least.</div><div><br></div><div>That road emptied in La Honda, a small community not too far from the ocean. By now, it was getting dark, and we needed a place for the night. Using the gps, I found a motel near Santa Cruz where the office closed at 9pm. I reserved a cabin, and took off for the motel on dark, curvy roads. Even though we had an hour, and the motel was 54 miles away, and I drove absolutely as hard as I could on the mountain roads, as we looked out for deer (saw 2), we got there at 9:08. Thankfullly, they waited up for us. Whew, that was close.</div><div><br></div><div>Once in the cabin, we crashed for the night, both very tired. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0mAOCRzUGNm6T-0vd2aPLfzKo8hJCxLStyWLmMGpY27lEN5xZwXuVZIPapyhzcDMlinssWYba2T1PHUITaht7VD4jWbQG4X9xdh2KnTLW_Ft0yM5YKI0Vuq04hPQgoxR8FrPFLVr2uc/s640/blogger-image-1239054457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0mAOCRzUGNm6T-0vd2aPLfzKo8hJCxLStyWLmMGpY27lEN5xZwXuVZIPapyhzcDMlinssWYba2T1PHUITaht7VD4jWbQG4X9xdh2KnTLW_Ft0yM5YKI0Vuq04hPQgoxR8FrPFLVr2uc/s640/blogger-image-1239054457.jpg"></a></div>Last night's dinner was a bag of peanuts and a granola bar for me, and a granola bar for Big Sis. We were too tired to go into the little town to find anything to eat.</div><div><br></div><div>this morning, we slept in a little, and left the motel, rode into town, and found Rocky's Grill for breakfast. Yum! Bacon and cheese omelette for me, and pancakes for Bar. Actually, I ate one pancake, too. Very good with delicious coffee. A great start for the day.</div><div><br></div><div>Then down to US 1 to go south on the coast.</div><div><br></div><div>The first 25 or so miles were not on the coast, but instead, through medium sized towns and busy areas. Finally, the road became a two lane road again and meandered onto the coast. Through Big Sur, and on southward, with the road following the cliffs over the ocean below. The road was from 50 feet to about 700 feet above the water, with sometimes only a couple of feet between the pavement and the cliff. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdsjhylcgdlBxKX7FQ_Rm8JUEul5erhpjHPY3iv0CZTPZaukCYy9k_7l0z6XmLcPooMuNeGnsVwDkhAv3BHEW1Eo-CMbu8HwSzFowId2kvp4juDRmAsgXND1lC2z099nt4_x3FQwgKB4/s640/blogger-image-1814618173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdsjhylcgdlBxKX7FQ_Rm8JUEul5erhpjHPY3iv0CZTPZaukCYy9k_7l0z6XmLcPooMuNeGnsVwDkhAv3BHEW1Eo-CMbu8HwSzFowId2kvp4juDRmAsgXND1lC2z099nt4_x3FQwgKB4/s640/blogger-image-1814618173.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Big rocks protruding up from the ocean floor, it made for a beautiful drive. Big Sis liked this a lot. So did I.</div><div><br></div><div>Near the night's destination, we stopped at Elephant Seal beach, where hundreds of elephant seals laid like sunbathers on the beach. Big ones, little ones. Black and brown; they were quite a sight and sound as they bawled at each other. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zirwLIWE6AvTF63duZAN6xF3nyrEh7St_0crxMG4oRcsuyt5tK9p52M-RmKqWuMyDQ9kynnueFyMYpe6UzfQvX5GaCTn-4fDw99nAiM40iYuMtf0M1cXBDaUSbMUOSc9ixIhQcvauA4/s640/blogger-image-941751370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zirwLIWE6AvTF63duZAN6xF3nyrEh7St_0crxMG4oRcsuyt5tK9p52M-RmKqWuMyDQ9kynnueFyMYpe6UzfQvX5GaCTn-4fDw99nAiM40iYuMtf0M1cXBDaUSbMUOSc9ixIhQcvauA4/s640/blogger-image-941751370.jpg"></a></div>We watched them swim in from deep water and stop in the surf, waiting for another wave to help push them ashore. Once ashore, they used their front flippers to flop onto the dry sand. They would squirm a few feet, stop to rest for a few minutes, and then wiggle a few more feet. After several stop and gos, they stopped and went to sleep.</div><div><br></div><div>Just a few miles south, we stopped for the night. </div><div><br></div><div>It was another very good day with perfect weather again. We've had outstanding weather on the trip.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--down the coast to Los Angeles.</div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-71053949500407931662014-05-21T21:34:00.001-07:002014-05-21T21:34:26.742-07:00San Francisco to Oakhurst, CA<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">May 21, 2014 Another day in Paradise! Today was a good day with perfect weather again. We got up, got dressed, and left the hotel. Since we did not do Lombard St yesterday, it was first on our list for the morning. In case you don't know about Lombard St, it's billed as the crookedest street in America. It's straight up a very long hill. at the top, the road starts downhill with a series of hairpin turns and undulations. The road surface is made up of brick, and each level of the road is planted on the sides with beautiful flowers and shrubs. It's just a unique ride down the hill.</span><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp1VcfxdgEw2VCtJ_c9zSfM7Lq2PJE75umxiFCgEGoWbHoh_kx61fwRYKeJnAfByYRTB9ZCy_-Jf39ZbfB9B_QGeyggYVGUJf_2xB7CVIFxs9uUBNJvoBKr5Ra0cisZnrv3iOm5MLLTU/s640/blogger-image-1668786097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp1VcfxdgEw2VCtJ_c9zSfM7Lq2PJE75umxiFCgEGoWbHoh_kx61fwRYKeJnAfByYRTB9ZCy_-Jf39ZbfB9B_QGeyggYVGUJf_2xB7CVIFxs9uUBNJvoBKr5Ra0cisZnrv3iOm5MLLTU/s640/blogger-image-1668786097.jpg"></a></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After doing Lombard St, we headed to the San Francisco REI store. It was across town, taking us through the business district into an industrial looking area. In the store, the customer service desk was friendly, looking up my account and asking what I wanted to do about the problem. I told her I wanted another pair of pants, so she sent me to get what I wanted, allowing full credit for the pair that was broken. I found the more modern equivalent to the pants, took them back to her, and she charged me only $11 for the replacements. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1Oh4WH03v3gH2kvkhHZ4GbkLJORaryo2gpwZRwbtkLD1O6WwR8Sqy1EWOpfD8r93ESnYAfA7nLPA2NCNtGM7DVQznsHHBnLDy_7Ao_YHd8lYYeQZH2xACMF779tF3dlZcpTDflifO_M/s640/blogger-image--280662794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1Oh4WH03v3gH2kvkhHZ4GbkLJORaryo2gpwZRwbtkLD1O6WwR8Sqy1EWOpfD8r93ESnYAfA7nLPA2NCNtGM7DVQznsHHBnLDy_7Ao_YHd8lYYeQZH2xACMF779tF3dlZcpTDflifO_M/s640/blogger-image--280662794.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The original pair of the pants were bought around 2005. I took them to Alaska, and the zipper broke while in Anchorage, so I took them to the store there. They allowed full credit for the original pants and the replacement pants were exchanged for no cost at all. But they were exactly the same as the original pants. So, in essence, I got this pair, nicer than the originals, for $11. That's why I buy from REI. You pay a little more, but they stand behind their merchandise.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX8Zsa6zgRGypisSWYZxZFSRanwkyXHWPDKRjLoAnub9f-4_yeUZx5R6n6MTeqcngZcdXvd0IPqOIaqnHC-wmR4AjZMcCD7dCRGoG4WYo_pLrhqmkLdjMiOUtZvIuXRRGMY6BoLLUyt8/s640/blogger-image--1145194196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX8Zsa6zgRGypisSWYZxZFSRanwkyXHWPDKRjLoAnub9f-4_yeUZx5R6n6MTeqcngZcdXvd0IPqOIaqnHC-wmR4AjZMcCD7dCRGoG4WYo_pLrhqmkLdjMiOUtZvIuXRRGMY6BoLLUyt8/s640/blogger-image--1145194196.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">From there, we crossed the Oakland Bay bridge, a high, long bridge that has 5 lanes going into San Francisco, and 5 lanes leaving San Francisco. They are on top of each other, with those leaving San Francisco being on bottom, and those going into on top. Leaving San Francisco is free. You pay to go into the town.</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then, we rode east to Oakhurst, CA, just south of Yosemite to stay for the night. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gvn17OpUDalGY02elYjIjSwa1LjLFMQG2vv-lmVyAyxVNxtLrmm-OWVF8ujt8Oso-G9Rb0z0elcjGMaeN1E52UMxB7hPMSpKnOMyxxfaPlBdBQX9P8Sg1JqjwT3g4uzcwKEoRczaG5E/s640/blogger-image--88492576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gvn17OpUDalGY02elYjIjSwa1LjLFMQG2vv-lmVyAyxVNxtLrmm-OWVF8ujt8Oso-G9Rb0z0elcjGMaeN1E52UMxB7hPMSpKnOMyxxfaPlBdBQX9P8Sg1JqjwT3g4uzcwKEoRczaG5E/s640/blogger-image--88492576.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I took no pics today, but, to keep this post interesting, I'll post some pics from earlier in the trip. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdUK6hlL3fzdgOjkJVgrG2l25htOSCcKS3mV-yHRFNnbHTHvPgtThPefiFPtb-gf-XBJHZnr1XeaNbpNBOM9-rW4iRcNuqszEaEQ3SjhmF4zahCdl8PhKr7hP1csqC83BpXU4DDSKnaU/s640/blogger-image-1047379814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdUK6hlL3fzdgOjkJVgrG2l25htOSCcKS3mV-yHRFNnbHTHvPgtThPefiFPtb-gf-XBJHZnr1XeaNbpNBOM9-rW4iRcNuqszEaEQ3SjhmF4zahCdl8PhKr7hP1csqC83BpXU4DDSKnaU/s640/blogger-image-1047379814.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow will be Yosemite.</div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-22382999879027031352014-05-20T21:39:00.001-07:002014-05-20T21:39:03.885-07:00San FranciscoMay 19 and 20, 2014, Well, here's another twofer. Both yesterday and today were long, busy days, so I'll just hit the highlights. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZDPG7jN1gjoXwv2mPJm6zDLqnXEchoV0VBpRbI0ibTLCJrTTqsnbG-MUDAhmNq7EI0dACGmg6KRNKyAQs1gFXW9t_zhNzD6z4lGdUn_TLN2D93TYHigXVz4JYTGIwXRps_fjmcRqJ2o/s640/blogger-image-271845063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZDPG7jN1gjoXwv2mPJm6zDLqnXEchoV0VBpRbI0ibTLCJrTTqsnbG-MUDAhmNq7EI0dACGmg6KRNKyAQs1gFXW9t_zhNzD6z4lGdUn_TLN2D93TYHigXVz4JYTGIwXRps_fjmcRqJ2o/s640/blogger-image-271845063.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We drove the coast south, taking in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, with huge rocks and cliffs, combined with blue skies all the way south to the Golden Gate Bridge. Just before getting on the Golden Gate Bridge, we pulled off 101 to get a better look at the bridge. I'm in awe every time I see it; not really gold in color, but magnificant in its size and height over the bay. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxhxV74uOeV0bK1kE0zi6dKJDeykaAhHptVWFRat1w4AbRYDrhYBkfiDDR3V_NxALTmt_04pdsuIcz3TouIhG9caO9aK2ZyWTKbXhBERJZjCMOQmbWCDaB-pYMYnbZEtlTyIz3gkoxjE/s640/blogger-image--746591589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxhxV74uOeV0bK1kE0zi6dKJDeykaAhHptVWFRat1w4AbRYDrhYBkfiDDR3V_NxALTmt_04pdsuIcz3TouIhG9caO9aK2ZyWTKbXhBERJZjCMOQmbWCDaB-pYMYnbZEtlTyIz3gkoxjE/s640/blogger-image--746591589.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Then back down the hill to go across the bridge. When we got to the bridge, we learned that they no longeer collect tolls prior to crossing; they bill the owner for the toll. I hope the bill is not too high when Bar gets the bill from Avis. Oh well, that's a change from when Gary and I crossed it just a few years ago.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVyFdCq8GIW7r6k1rs4p62DTHqOITNSqSVEtM07e6RjqUL0iHt9_rX_YcsjXbRDdVNWcbG96hq7u_6E3qKsY0Q1An6Dm7HOPvis56JBKRilpQ0y1oSsjdUFOxd3CUYhSf_C3OovVK0hc/s640/blogger-image--1215123094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVyFdCq8GIW7r6k1rs4p62DTHqOITNSqSVEtM07e6RjqUL0iHt9_rX_YcsjXbRDdVNWcbG96hq7u_6E3qKsY0Q1An6Dm7HOPvis56JBKRilpQ0y1oSsjdUFOxd3CUYhSf_C3OovVK0hc/s640/blogger-image--1215123094.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We found a hotel near the tourist part of town and crashed for the night after walking a block to an Italian place.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, we got up and talked to the clerk at the desk of the hotel about ground transportation to the Fisherman's Wharf. After some discussion, she said we could walk a few blocks, catch a city bus, and pay $1 to ride there. And it was possible to return the same way. While the walking was a bit more than I expected, it still worked as she told us.</div><div><br></div><div>Down at the wharf, we went to Pier 39 to see the sea lions that lay on low platforms down on the water. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVD7tC4Vc90GlEt4kQDOCWm_WzG_6mfUltVUCshkUp5BA2rGiG__kRe_Nd8ismzJMJfH4xK5BdirW9kDeJHgtxV2jvjQZE0cdE6-6d8bAFnYfyrquUdJi8hCueVAskpK7nri-h6GvRPA/s640/blogger-image-1597053176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVD7tC4Vc90GlEt4kQDOCWm_WzG_6mfUltVUCshkUp5BA2rGiG__kRe_Nd8ismzJMJfH4xK5BdirW9kDeJHgtxV2jvjQZE0cdE6-6d8bAFnYfyrquUdJi8hCueVAskpK7nri-h6GvRPA/s640/blogger-image-1597053176.jpg"></a></div>There were at least a couple hundred sea lions out on the platforms, barking and playing king of the hill as we watched. Quite entertaining to watch and listen to them.</div><div><br></div><div>Then we decided to go to Chinatown so that Big Sis could see and experience this unique place. It was a long, hard uphill and downhill walk to Chinatown. It just about did both of us in, going up those steep hills that you used to see in "The Streets of San Francisco". </div><div><br></div><div>We walked a couple of blocks in Chinatown, and I could tell that she was just about to throw up from the odors, so we turned the corner to see the general merchandise they had to offer. Much more pleasant!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsedMwonoyAv82Enpayzs6GxYKMGWXobQLKATPkOkRo0wuJBZtHaMdfOfXq1aKycHq3Eg8H6-QsE6FpgyPnitEhSNCRD7e7pQXD1S1YdEHzyHRumLSwK7FrKYZmljwJEEA8GEV0Q8Sfw/s640/blogger-image-1495944404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsedMwonoyAv82Enpayzs6GxYKMGWXobQLKATPkOkRo0wuJBZtHaMdfOfXq1aKycHq3Eg8H6-QsE6FpgyPnitEhSNCRD7e7pQXD1S1YdEHzyHRumLSwK7FrKYZmljwJEEA8GEV0Q8Sfw/s640/blogger-image-1495944404.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Since it was lunchtime, we walked a couple of blocks to the Mona Lisa Ristorante, the same place Gary and I used when we were here. Delicious as I remembered!</div><div><br></div><div>Then we walked back to the waterfront and Pier 33, where we were to pick up our tickets to Alcatraz. We got there early, but since we were both pretty well bushed, we decided to rest there for an hour or so. A good decision.</div><div><br></div><div>When it came time to board the ferry, we got on-board and enjoyed the 1.5 mile ride to the island. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5XVtii4S7fBRzMjIPjwAKAMsthlmaHjY2DeITTcIzXN1drTQKCSrwyKJig-3qG7GuwUmX2Ier1F3HIc5p_CXXfxZvjf7LRqc_Z9kED-iWSJM1UY2tUy7XCbXf4XL1X1Y_wMIuIDsgrM/s640/blogger-image-1084166181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5XVtii4S7fBRzMjIPjwAKAMsthlmaHjY2DeITTcIzXN1drTQKCSrwyKJig-3qG7GuwUmX2Ier1F3HIc5p_CXXfxZvjf7LRqc_Z9kED-iWSJM1UY2tUy7XCbXf4XL1X1Y_wMIuIDsgrM/s640/blogger-image-1084166181.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>On the island, we walked up the long hill to the prison itself, got our audio tour headphones, anddid the 45 minute tour. Quite interesting and entertaining. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3oYYKMIaC3B_Nn_Lvo-m-JpjOCehbBHHh2RLko61nrpf8fnCCMfnPyJQhpTJ9MSIAEDEppwg9PmZAqRnsiV_Q86YQBBw89a4Dq067b_Ry3h275KmNFuxjveHhx6plyxJ9ERgYamX_w0/s640/blogger-image-1214759607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3oYYKMIaC3B_Nn_Lvo-m-JpjOCehbBHHh2RLko61nrpf8fnCCMfnPyJQhpTJ9MSIAEDEppwg9PmZAqRnsiV_Q86YQBBw89a4Dq067b_Ry3h275KmNFuxjveHhx6plyxJ9ERgYamX_w0/s640/blogger-image-1214759607.jpg"></a></div>It was all I had been told it woudl be. Very well done, with good narrating sound effects to enhance the story. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpv0WXFP5x34-My-G6R9Sp4A7QRoMY_IVQ0vk0Azz7UcAVXMmntesBoLh6_opksJj8Sq6weJUtIMFL7oihnZDNm1p6782xs8-QE_z2Caj8qHxaS-sd_Un9F2eHH1YvZaYRo1NhXx6ieY/s640/blogger-image--1007420653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpv0WXFP5x34-My-G6R9Sp4A7QRoMY_IVQ0vk0Azz7UcAVXMmntesBoLh6_opksJj8Sq6weJUtIMFL7oihnZDNm1p6782xs8-QE_z2Caj8qHxaS-sd_Un9F2eHH1YvZaYRo1NhXx6ieY/s640/blogger-image--1007420653.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>But it was time to catch our ferry back to terra firma, so we did just that. We met a nice couple from Australia who was at the end of a 8 week visit to the USA. It sounded like they had visited everywhere that is good to visit, and were planning a visit to South America or Russia for their next excursion. Talk about world travelers...</div><div><br></div><div>Back on land, we walked back to Pier 39, found some dinner, and after asking for directions, walked the 8 or 9 blocks to the bus stop. The bus ride was great, and we got off about a block and a half from the hotel. Two tired, but happy tourists.</div><div><br></div><div>So, the day was good. We didn't do the cable cars; we just didn't have time, and we were disappointed that they were not the same as we pictured from pics made earlier. Maybe tomorrow, or maybe not at all.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--Lombard Street hill, REI (to deal with broken zipper), and east to Yosemite NP.</div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-54906675730413538612014-05-18T21:53:00.001-07:002014-05-18T21:53:09.802-07:00Avenue of the GiantsMay 18, 2014 Today was another great day. We did the usual morning dance of coffee in the room, getting up and breakfast, packing, and getting on the road. It had rained overnight, but by the time we got in the car, it had stopped. We did hit some light showers several times through the day, but no real rain along the day.<div><br></div><div>Our first destination was the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City. Located just out of town on a big rock, it's unique in that you can walk to it at low tide, but not at high tide. Very pretty and unique plce.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TorxQeGJk0hS9qLoyomH7OKGZOtqKhYQ-EMuwrkavhbL3TNDhdVYCJ9WPMHrz0-BHS_4JoLG-CzjpHZwXmu5BbipMIbZDRkcwvd8Z8WsjsV5gMiNVrgjzSI99cc-z5vMQHZOyqkef1I/s640/blogger-image--689282822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TorxQeGJk0hS9qLoyomH7OKGZOtqKhYQ-EMuwrkavhbL3TNDhdVYCJ9WPMHrz0-BHS_4JoLG-CzjpHZwXmu5BbipMIbZDRkcwvd8Z8WsjsV5gMiNVrgjzSI99cc-z5vMQHZOyqkef1I/s640/blogger-image--689282822.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The flowers near the parking lot were also beautiful. And with the blue skies and crisp, cool air, it was a perfect way to start the day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G-nXAgNfu1LLxbqP8mRVihVjhwS9Pwlkvxn74NJn21rGaVAGkQKmAAZDpusWGikbj9DacQ4GBmaIIpsgn4QyjgtbYKV4w_tNLvrUaDDzO3UWSmBDqncXqUTdiQVeNGH5dt-hkXR1s4c/s640/blogger-image--285094425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G-nXAgNfu1LLxbqP8mRVihVjhwS9Pwlkvxn74NJn21rGaVAGkQKmAAZDpusWGikbj9DacQ4GBmaIIpsgn4QyjgtbYKV4w_tNLvrUaDDzO3UWSmBDqncXqUTdiQVeNGH5dt-hkXR1s4c/s640/blogger-image--285094425.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Leaving town on US 101, we traveled south, viewing the huge redwoods lining the road and extending deep into the woods. I wanted to go to Klamath to show Big Sis the tree so large you can drive a car through it, so we headed there. Here I am in the car, with photographer Bar taking the pic.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUuLLIceXbQRf4aPqaDeqKnKL3U6mqNqWWhW_Q3nO3J_Y-HeOY8ynzIZ02Pq4-5pF37P8Z-jRxHnk-9MllLirswuNjX_MjUsCKkRvPchP7vHshLNygQ8bG6HmueTMqLcTWp6Lh7o9lHo/s640/blogger-image-612400583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUuLLIceXbQRf4aPqaDeqKnKL3U6mqNqWWhW_Q3nO3J_Y-HeOY8ynzIZ02Pq4-5pF37P8Z-jRxHnk-9MllLirswuNjX_MjUsCKkRvPchP7vHshLNygQ8bG6HmueTMqLcTWp6Lh7o9lHo/s640/blogger-image-612400583.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Leaving there, we drove to the Steelhouse Lodge, where Gary and I stayed when we were in the area. It's still there and has not changed a bit in the 6 years since we were there. And, the grill with the ostraches (big birds) were still at the grill in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>Cntinuing south, we took our time, enjoying the huge trees and winding highway for many miles. We found the Avenue of the Giant Trees and got off 101 to take a more leisurely pace through the trees. At the sign that said "Twisted Tree", we stopped. I had not seen it before, so we walked the 1/4 mile or so to find a HUGE tree that somewhere centuries ago, it split and twisted, to form a really unique sight as it grew to the sky. </div><div><br></div><div>A few miles further south, another sign caught our eye, the "Big Tree". Of course, we had to stop to see what it was about. Well, it was about 21 feet in diameter! Pictures don't do justice, but here are a couple. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rm8szkreV_T2zWs7Oh0jNJKjQoCDSxNNs7bsd1nG7o31Xqz1ZqFTAgASklPgiACLOjX7CXgxHundT8CNrc9DjP_j6bY-GvOQoUY5vwvN3qzWo_6xRjqtsZ1rxzZK8FIjyePn3S_gNyY/s640/blogger-image--1028175994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rm8szkreV_T2zWs7Oh0jNJKjQoCDSxNNs7bsd1nG7o31Xqz1ZqFTAgASklPgiACLOjX7CXgxHundT8CNrc9DjP_j6bY-GvOQoUY5vwvN3qzWo_6xRjqtsZ1rxzZK8FIjyePn3S_gNyY/s640/blogger-image--1028175994.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP51WGudOQDHfdhBaK1Y2kI6FBb4wQ67wj356M3Hp6ZAV_rhhwVa8qPiNhQdfbHrR3nTn2naDHyeqI00KZyhUNhjKmYVMSxCUcYrfdAcbWr0XcGLRfAXipA5IQhS8VimA-3_ilDv1RtE/s640/blogger-image--1659259252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP51WGudOQDHfdhBaK1Y2kI6FBb4wQ67wj356M3Hp6ZAV_rhhwVa8qPiNhQdfbHrR3nTn2naDHyeqI00KZyhUNhjKmYVMSxCUcYrfdAcbWr0XcGLRfAXipA5IQhS8VimA-3_ilDv1RtE/s640/blogger-image--1659259252.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>And we saw the "Cathedral of Trees", an area where the trees seemed to form a huge ceiling far above our heads. Pretty doesn't describe it at all. These trees are just unbelievably beautiful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxvP4CgZ7Oa8gmHmnq6jgBBL8Q_dgkbQhObzya2V1C9anbHwNIVSpmiSovxdqOK2Vcw3TsSEsmbxNDXI8z1neqniXXpNjVGXzvPwoJHzPfEzcLZh0k1UbXrPMLikPyQffbwfp-nVQY78/s640/blogger-image-780688286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxvP4CgZ7Oa8gmHmnq6jgBBL8Q_dgkbQhObzya2V1C9anbHwNIVSpmiSovxdqOK2Vcw3TsSEsmbxNDXI8z1neqniXXpNjVGXzvPwoJHzPfEzcLZh0k1UbXrPMLikPyQffbwfp-nVQY78/s640/blogger-image-780688286.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>At some point, we saw a road leading to the Rosevelt Grove of trees, an area where he donated millions of dollars to preserve years ago. Because we didn't know what we were doing, or where we were going, we got on a narrow, paved road that went about 8 miles or so before it turned to dirt. The next 10 miles or so on the dirt road carried us up and down mountains and valleys, showing us the true beauty of the land. Narrow and twisty, it was fun and challenging to drive. Thankfully, it was fairly smooth, so I never worried about getting stuck or having trouble as we sped down the road. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtER4v16jganpw_NZwFoplL3s-kDOnkFsG4QUrGHGA4Gj1hUnR1pXDH7QhqI3iUJ4IfGXAxPlQ0Dhu6B67QUOgxfDRPOsqDQ88VEBygdkK892jETd0Ezh6gINPvoy8TFo-jPNq7sLSuv8/s640/blogger-image-341862305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtER4v16jganpw_NZwFoplL3s-kDOnkFsG4QUrGHGA4Gj1hUnR1pXDH7QhqI3iUJ4IfGXAxPlQ0Dhu6B67QUOgxfDRPOsqDQ88VEBygdkK892jETd0Ezh6gINPvoy8TFo-jPNq7sLSuv8/s640/blogger-image-341862305.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We had lunch in Eureka, CA, at the Lost Coast Brewery. Bar ate Halibut and Chips, and I got a hamburger and fries. Both were delicious with the locally brewed beer.</div><div><br></div><div>At day's end, we stopped in Wilits, CA for the night. It was an absolutely beautiful day with Big Sis in the big trees. I am so fortunate to be able to do this with her. God is good to me. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi165aAQAP0h3ZtnSC4p_3WGMS4940Q3UbPFZKzRX4ZAp7OHAjYACgdZbmrKpHC2-GMzsyFO1HrrkOuiIvPV5acEViMsF6lNl_XPHer_BzxxFpsIkNVfxa2DTa7CYsek2vxhwM7VoDh0_A/s640/blogger-image--136143069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi165aAQAP0h3ZtnSC4p_3WGMS4940Q3UbPFZKzRX4ZAp7OHAjYACgdZbmrKpHC2-GMzsyFO1HrrkOuiIvPV5acEViMsF6lNl_XPHer_BzxxFpsIkNVfxa2DTa7CYsek2vxhwM7VoDh0_A/s640/blogger-image--136143069.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--San Francisco or Bust!!</div><div><br></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-59351720811319533472014-05-17T17:32:00.001-07:002014-05-19T06:41:00.706-07:00Oregon CoastlineMay 17, 2014. Today was basically a day of riding to get from where we were to Crescent City, CA. Oh, and to stop in a Goodwill or other thrift shop so I could find a pair of pants to replace <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the ones with the broken zipper. </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We got up, ate some bread pudding, drank some coffee, and hit the roas still south on US 101. Our stay at Yachats was good. Our room was very large, our dinner was very good, and it was very reasonable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Continuing south, we rode through small towns and villages, in search of a Goodwill or thrift store. On virtually every day prior to today, each community had one type of thrift shop or another, but alas--today they just were not there. It was weird that we could not find one all morning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnFX2GCXdmGNZoEt5_BgsgK_UDBJATBRtEcI2J9VTDrSYHl5PunqMDL35m-pEAcI8oVdVuFg-VX-beD9L12ca6xs2istcb6EAwxptO9aiMerznrenz0XEQYhSJ-DI-D2sjk_S0SDLgH0/s640/blogger-image--2068786771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnFX2GCXdmGNZoEt5_BgsgK_UDBJATBRtEcI2J9VTDrSYHl5PunqMDL35m-pEAcI8oVdVuFg-VX-beD9L12ca6xs2istcb6EAwxptO9aiMerznrenz0XEQYhSJ-DI-D2sjk_S0SDLgH0/s640/blogger-image--2068786771.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Finally, after lunch I spotted one. We went in and, after some looking, found some shorts and a nice knit shirt I liked. After giving the clerk $8, it was mine. Big Sis couldn't find anything she liked..</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Along the way, we pulled off Hwy 101 to stop at a state park, just to see what we could see. Thus park included a lighthouse, so we walked out onto the beach to a spot where we could get a clear view of the lighthouse.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><img src="webkit-fake-url://55E920B8-E5C0-4B5F-A584-E15C245576AA/imagepng" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We also talked to an old man who was clamming with his grandson. While we were watching, he caught two razor clams! That was pretty neat. </span><img src="webkit-fake-url://02496385-3579-4D1E-8B2F-C8D940FAABDA/imagepng" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After that, we mostly drove down the coast towards California. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mid-afternoon, we left Oregon and entered California. Soon, we came to Crescent City, where I planned to stop for the day. We found a hotel, checked in, and rested a bit. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After a short while, we got directions to the Jedediah Smith State Park and a dirt road that meandered through a number of giant redwood trees. Gary and I rode the road on our earlier trip, and I wanted Bar to see them. She was dumbfounded by their majesty. I was too! Words and pictures do not do justice to these magnificent trees. Awesome. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEh7_OWf4DkqDH2Kx8toXC01JvVZF-OG0LEaNuc20xKzEtgnhQMhD5pVFM2WwOoe4vftP-ju8FgVvtVORR24b4wevzpwaj-dv1XFLWxT0hf3knnAGkRP7BYbC4Tp12V1JPWlhReZKCAM/s640/blogger-image--534847163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEh7_OWf4DkqDH2Kx8toXC01JvVZF-OG0LEaNuc20xKzEtgnhQMhD5pVFM2WwOoe4vftP-ju8FgVvtVORR24b4wevzpwaj-dv1XFLWxT0hf3knnAGkRP7BYbC4Tp12V1JPWlhReZKCAM/s640/blogger-image--534847163.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then, we came back to the hotel, had dinner, and crashed for the night. Another great day..</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, more big trees.</span></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-17490895032798113752014-05-16T21:14:00.001-07:002014-05-16T21:29:57.792-07:00Mt St Helens/Seaside Beach/Yachats, ORMay 15-16, 2014. My first twofer of this blog. Yesterday was a good, but long day, so I didn't feel like blogging last night. So, this entry will cover two days.<div><br></div><div>Yesterday we got up, got dressed, had breakfast, and was on the road about 9am. When dressing that morning, the zipper on my pants broke. They're convertible pants from REI, so I thought I'd go by a REI store to see what they could do about them. I found a REI place along the way to Mt St Helens, so we went there first. Only one small problem; it was a distrbution center, not a store! So, I still have broken zipper pants.</div><div><br></div><div>On to Mt St Helens, about 1.5 hours south of Kent. Almost there, we found Patty's Place, a restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Since it was lunchtime, we stopped. Big Sis had an Elk burger, and I had a regular burger, and both were excellent. They were famous for their cobblers, so we each got one to go! The owner was an interesting guy; a logger who said he was approached to be a part of "Ax Loggers", a TV show that I enjoy. He said he did not do it because the show liked to have a lot of excitement and risky maneuvers, and he said he did not want to take unnecessary risks just for the show. Now, I don't know if he was telling the truth, but he convinced me that it was true.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aywlj0YaxH3D7HHliHQ8BLCSH9Z21SJLpBp60_waPudK1xfavd_6M66HB4nkS9xFoRnt9FCUHhww7RpY59Pkrx_gH8_uJMVIRuJAfQyBZmCbC-crL5gJNTrwpPaWRQrmhcY7AyIp1Hc/s640/blogger-image-1959885050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aywlj0YaxH3D7HHliHQ8BLCSH9Z21SJLpBp60_waPudK1xfavd_6M66HB4nkS9xFoRnt9FCUHhww7RpY59Pkrx_gH8_uJMVIRuJAfQyBZmCbC-crL5gJNTrwpPaWRQrmhcY7AyIp1Hc/s640/blogger-image-1959885050.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>On to Mt St Helen. All I can say is WOW! That was one huge explosion in 1980. As they said, the side of the mountain just went away in a matter of about 10 minutes. Largely snow covered, it was just unbelievable to see how much of the mountain disappeared. A definite highlight of the trip.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__CXaslO77z_am-fBpCaRuqq0bq8ypTV6sA0tXKhcunfLReTUpxpfEkQord20dHs17nvm7ioRMx_FfEQpadk0REs4wNe3HzemlKZCXXOotC-NHnierOqXF1qDDwb1ZDV9W6TKBN386tE/s640/blogger-image--470995480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__CXaslO77z_am-fBpCaRuqq0bq8ypTV6sA0tXKhcunfLReTUpxpfEkQord20dHs17nvm7ioRMx_FfEQpadk0REs4wNe3HzemlKZCXXOotC-NHnierOqXF1qDDwb1ZDV9W6TKBN386tE/s640/blogger-image--470995480.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Then south and west towards the coast of Oregon. We crossed the Columbia River, a huge river that separates Washington and Oregon and traveled to the Oregon Coast. As always, beautiful green scenery all the way.</div><div><br></div><div>We drove through a couple small seaside villages and then came to Seaside Beach. As the first settled beach in Oregon, it's a neat little place. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We looked at only one lodging place and I was able to talk them down to $75 for the oceanfront room! It was a nice place and a great bargain. It was actually a condo, and had a full kitchen, separate bedroom, and oceanfront. Here's the view through our front window.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGGqchL736gdEsj7MDzpII_I89bNiFv4fLP_XQ5Q-a9brguX27j8u85WzKymdzRubEFUzQnMy1XgBe_a9YVBedMVnKHLEUM1kJaYehatBZqBkKBQrJWBzLJugwBo3kqdPFF6h0ZzEPEU/s640/blogger-image-190974295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGGqchL736gdEsj7MDzpII_I89bNiFv4fLP_XQ5Q-a9brguX27j8u85WzKymdzRubEFUzQnMy1XgBe_a9YVBedMVnKHLEUM1kJaYehatBZqBkKBQrJWBzLJugwBo3kqdPFF6h0ZzEPEU/s640/blogger-image-190974295.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I was very tired, and went to bed around 11pm and slept until 8am, the most I've slept on the trip. That sleep helped today.</div><div><br></div><div>After we checked out, we walked out to the beach where razor clam diggers were at work catching raor clams. I talked to one of them to understand what they were doing, and he explained and showed me some he had caught. Pretty neat, and convinced me to try some razor clams if possible (I had razor clams and eggs later at the Pigs and Pancakes in town. Very good!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOkBk6B4ua6DR0e-QAOuW8T31YauUdg67rGH1PGNNpMzJkWKwnGKTqakTv8eZbOvkJIoT8gUoKWBKNxPawGyX2EJyjoJ3dTzuiK7Wkpwrl3-4HIB5vvtGjbpHlGGUIWhGKDzHBFfq328/s640/blogger-image--1709258621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOkBk6B4ua6DR0e-QAOuW8T31YauUdg67rGH1PGNNpMzJkWKwnGKTqakTv8eZbOvkJIoT8gUoKWBKNxPawGyX2EJyjoJ3dTzuiK7Wkpwrl3-4HIB5vvtGjbpHlGGUIWhGKDzHBFfq328/s640/blogger-image--1709258621.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We also took some time to walk around in the touristy part of town. Bar found a thrift shop and picked up a couple of things she liked. I didn't...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs82cOx2EbhXNdESCAkUV9aIOWC8ziaydizzl7VlYmYOv7ffh98Dib_25YgmjgkEinJFIldmW3PX6HTACXOsCsAkHJtDa13jlQmKSRyGKQCWrmySV9NUXNF4WGspvhkfnEsdV24qdkU7g/s640/blogger-image-1447116860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs82cOx2EbhXNdESCAkUV9aIOWC8ziaydizzl7VlYmYOv7ffh98Dib_25YgmjgkEinJFIldmW3PX6HTACXOsCsAkHJtDa13jlQmKSRyGKQCWrmySV9NUXNF4WGspvhkfnEsdV24qdkU7g/s640/blogger-image-1447116860.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Then south on US 101. The 101 hugs the coast of Oregon down to the California line, and is one beautiful road on which to travel. Gary and I rode down this same road in 2008 on our way home from Alaska. The scenery is stunning, with the road running along the coastline and then meandering inland as it goes south. Then back to the coast. Back and forth the entire length of the coast. It also goes through or by many small coastal towns and villages. </div><div><br></div><div>About 6pm, we were tiring and decided to stop for the night. In the town of Yachats, we found the Adobe Resort, a very large (for the area) hotel and settled in for the night. A good meal in the restaurant, and then back to the room for rest and sleep a little later. <img src="webkit-fake-url://CA0F5C67-9D76-415D-90C7-2288D14A104D/imagepng" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow--south to the California State Line.</div><div><br></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-8379774750772667652014-05-15T20:09:00.001-07:002014-05-15T20:13:22.087-07:00Pike Place Market/Olympic PeninsulaMay 14, 2014. It was a good day. But before I write about the day's activities, I wanted to write about my thoughts as I laid in bed earlier this morning. I did not write last night (5/14; it was too late when we got in the room).<div><br></div><div>It is such a joy to spend time with Big Sis. I look back at my life, and regret so much the more than 55 years that we were not friends. I won't go into all the whys about the situation, but I/we were foolish to waste so many years with contact usually only at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There's nothing we can do now about the wasted years, but we can and have discovered each other over the last10 years and have been proactive in trying to make up for the lost time.</div><div><br></div><div>This is our 5th major trip together. The first, a week in Alaska, traveling in a rented motor home, was a gamble that paid off. We had not spent any time traveling anywhere together ever, except as young children. So, neither of us knew if we'd leave wanting to do it again, or whether we'd have had enough of each other. Thank God, it was the latter, and when we get home, we will have spent a total of 9 weeks on the road together in the USA. And, we've made wonderful memories along the way that soften the regrets for the wasted years.</div><div><br></div><div>Two significant facts I've learned by traveling with Bar--One is how much we are alike. We really are in many ways that I would not have imagined. And, two, what a great memory she has. She remembers everything about growing up together. When she tells me something about our youth, it comes back to me as she's telling it, only to fade quickly back into the mush in my brain very quickly. but it is a treat to relive those moments even if only for a few moments.</div><div><br></div><div>And now, I'll get to my lesson for the day. If your life includes a sibling with whom you think there's a possibility of spending some quality time them just bite the bullet and do it. Plan a trip, if possible, for just the two of you. Who knows how it will turn out? No one knows. But if you don't take the gamblel, it will never happen, and you may wonder about it and regret it when you're on your death bed. </div><div><br></div><div>I am proud to say that my travels with Big Sis have inspired my good friend, Clay, to take a trip with his sister, the first one ever. They leave today for Yellowstone National Park, and I am so happy that they're doing it and will learn about each other in ways that they never imagined. Just do itQ</div><div><br></div><div>Ok, off my soapbox and back to the current adventure.</div><div><br></div><div>My day yesterday started somewhat unpleasantly. I woke up at 3am and could not go back to sleep. I needed to sleep, but my mind was racing with thoughts all over the place, and I could not turn it off. So, the day was a very long day.</div><div><br></div><div>The first order of business was to get the car. So, we packed our backpacks and walked the two blocks to the rental agency. At the counter was a nice man who I initially thought was going to be problematic. Long story made short, he found our reservation, agreed to honor it (after a bit of persuasion of the previous day's phone calls to extend it). However, when he printed the rental contract, it came up about $300 higher than what we were told. We showed him the rental agreememt Bar had made when she reserved the car, and explained that they had agreed to allow a second driver (me) free, he was agreeable to "fix" it to the same amount as the agreement. In the end, he got it to within a few dollars of the original amount, and we accepted it because he believed what we told him. We're in a red Chrysler 200, and it meets our needs just fine.</div><div><br></div><div>We headed into Seattle. Ugh--stop and go traffic for the next 30 minutes or so. No misadventures, thankfully, and the gps got us to Pike Place Market with only a few missed turns by the driver (me). We were lucky and found a parking place right in the market area. More about this later...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nJHLVF-L5MHs2pXg7YEaVvpk7X7E3t_2BKxVD7IpCSx-goFLFPCMB2akf1sjR29iMTirwJnv4b4l9KZL3ztpnBLeq7LecLVBuPu-A1iQx-Gc6zftoteVqNG1awSPMqSSEBzkaj8hIIk/s640/blogger-image--1418753895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nJHLVF-L5MHs2pXg7YEaVvpk7X7E3t_2BKxVD7IpCSx-goFLFPCMB2akf1sjR29iMTirwJnv4b4l9KZL3ztpnBLeq7LecLVBuPu-A1iQx-Gc6zftoteVqNG1awSPMqSSEBzkaj8hIIk/s640/blogger-image--1418753895.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We meandered around in the market area, looking at handicrafts made by local artesians, fresh seafoood of every genre, and people of every type. We saw a couple having a cuss fight, with the female doing all of the cussing and the male taking it. We saw a shirtless guy who was either drunk, on drugs, just plain crazy, or acting (we never decided which), who was dancing around in a small park on the north end of the market, trying to pick a fight with other local rough-looking guys. He would dance around, twirling his body and throwing his legs in the air, while drawing fist in a prizefighter stance. He'd take some jabs at the other, but none ever found flesh. The other guy would always try to calm him down, obviously they were associates of some knd, and then there would be hugs, more threats, and eventually the crazy one would move on to another guy and repeat the same act. And, it may very well have been an act for all I know. The police never showed up, making me believe it happened frequently and was of no concern. Body tattoos all over the place. Just a great mixtyure of people different from Big Sis and me, so it was all quite entertaining.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ2QkD9PbV2XGkfKPTriSeK4W4A9UX_YcjWWegOftCb7lVxQyQj4bCtKjcooPwmDT3KXvPK4TPV675O4ew65yOoR6YKvqYSk61rEFgCd-6BrVKUmSKEovyyXDE5TyYOmykpwP6bz98-8/s640/blogger-image-1698232264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ2QkD9PbV2XGkfKPTriSeK4W4A9UX_YcjWWegOftCb7lVxQyQj4bCtKjcooPwmDT3KXvPK4TPV675O4ew65yOoR6YKvqYSk61rEFgCd-6BrVKUmSKEovyyXDE5TyYOmykpwP6bz98-8/s640/blogger-image-1698232264.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Perfect weather! If I could have ordered weather for the day, it would have been just what we got. High was around 83. Not a cloud in the sky. Absolutely no fog or drizzle for whicgh Seattle is famous. A light breeze to keep it from being hot. It was a day God made for us and it was perfect.</div><div><br></div><div>After a couple hours looking and watching, we decided to walk up Virginia Avenue to have a cold drink. We found the Virginia Inn at the top of a really steep hill, sat outside in the shade at the corner of the streets, and watched people walk up the steep hill and talked about each one of them! Very pleasant, and a highlight of the day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOHI2cVnJFsqj8Ia_fbzeWt-j8SVQBgGbH7imJlO2Rmx2_HYJTIg_qsjCWWxUutFN35O5K8ZZaoKVq2nDTDEFVtF_qMSqksnlWREVlipKc6Lc_BRtWwty4oCIvByJCtKI_SqDKoWJCOQ/s640/blogger-image--1977837970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOHI2cVnJFsqj8Ia_fbzeWt-j8SVQBgGbH7imJlO2Rmx2_HYJTIg_qsjCWWxUutFN35O5K8ZZaoKVq2nDTDEFVtF_qMSqksnlWREVlipKc6Lc_BRtWwty4oCIvByJCtKI_SqDKoWJCOQ/s640/blogger-image--1977837970.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>When we finished the beer, we decided it was lunchtime, so we went in search of the Pike Place Chowder House, a place I had read about yesterday morning when I could not sleep. It is supposedly reknown for its chowders. I like chowders, so I wanted to try it. Well worth the trouble finding it in an alleyway. The best clam chowder that has ever gone into my mouth! Very, very good. I just wished I had ordered a larger order!</div><div><br></div><div>By now, it was time to be moving on, so we walked back to the car, only to find a white slip of paper fluttering under the window wiper on the driver's side. Yes, a parking ticket! I didn't see the 1 hour limit sign, but there was one that was hard to see. So, what's another $44? We'll write it up to inexperience in a big city, pay it, and try to be more careful. Since the car was there for more than 3 hours, we were probably lucky it wasn't towed...</div><div><br></div><div>Next, we wanted to see some of the Olympic Peninsula. I had been told it was beautiful, so we wanted to see what it was like.</div><div><br></div><div>Down the 5, the famous I-5 that runs the length of the west coast. Not quite as busy as in the morning, so it was not a bad ride. We finally got on US 101, the coastal road on which we will <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">spend quite a bit of time on this trip. This northernmost part circumnavigates the peninsula, at times running right beside the Puget Sound, and sometimes meandering inland away from the water. Curvy and with lots of ups and downs, it is a road made for motorcycles. Made me wish for mine... Beautiful drive. Lots of evergreens, little cabins on the water, boats working on the waters, a mom and pop grill or motel every 5 miles or so. Just a beautiful and relaxing ride.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We never actually got into the Olympic Natiobnal Park; not enough time (there never is enough..). But I saw what I realy wanted to see, and was satisfied with the decision to turn around and head back towards the motel in Kent.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">About dark, we were ready to eat, so we found the Model T Pub and Grill and stopped for dinner. An Alaskan Amber later, fried chicken and potato wedges later, we headed east and north to Kent. The foosd was good, the waitress entertaining, and the other clientelle very interesting in the Model T Pub and Grill.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Got back to the room around 10:30pm, crashed and went to bed. It was a great start for our adventure on the Pacific Ocean.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Tomorrow (well, actually today), we're driving due south to Mt St Helens to see what happened there. We had planned to do Mt Ranier, but the heavy snows have most of the roads closed. they were due to open on or around the sercond week of May, but the openings are delayed a bit longer.</font></div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-59270262047171192052014-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:002014-05-14T22:41:06.483-07:00Seattle or BustTuesday, May 13, 2014. Well, the adventure started today. It began at my place in Clayton, where I woke up with my GF about an hour earlier than planned. I was excited about the trip with Big Sis, and simply couldn't sleep. So much for trying to get a full night's sleep.<br>
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So, we got up and had a cup of coffee, just enjoying the quiet of the morning before waking Bar. I hardly ever sleep well on the eve of a big trip, and this time was no exception.<br>
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We left the house for the airport, and ran into the usual stop and go traffic on Raleigh's belt line and I-40 en route to RDU. But the delays weren't bad, and other than my taking the wrong fork in the road at the airport that took us to the pick-up area of the terminal, all went fine.<br>
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Check-in went well, and Big Sis got lucky by randomly being chosen it get in the TSA Fast-Track (or whatever it's called) and going into the shortest security line. She only had to show her ID AND boarding Pass and essentially walked right through security. No removing of shoes or belt, no standing in the X-Ray booth--just sailing right through. <br>
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In the meanwhile, the TSA agent who pulled Bar out of line for the fast track, put me in the "Priority" line. That sounded great until I realized that this was the line for people who were so old that they were afraid the people might not live long enough to make it through security, plus those with strollers (and their entire travel group) PLUS their ENTIRE travel group. And, both groups went to the head of the line. Needless to say, I think the regular security line moved much faster than the "Priority" line.<br>
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After quite a while, taking off my belt, my shoes and ENTIRELY emptying every pocket, I was able to get into the X-Ray closet and be scanned. Luckily, that went fine.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyU2MJozThrYhTeYbUapmD8iMa8n0pGKcrSEz9Bpmvy48itXVh-V6jfdSqCduAApn7IsTvk5X8MOz03Y8PxdSrjExJD3FWFFzrOQxdYvKOKNUqd88U3JzECwNuR-wnUJtScCA6KAHS-8/s640/blogger-image--1538206130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyU2MJozThrYhTeYbUapmD8iMa8n0pGKcrSEz9Bpmvy48itXVh-V6jfdSqCduAApn7IsTvk5X8MOz03Y8PxdSrjExJD3FWFFzrOQxdYvKOKNUqd88U3JzECwNuR-wnUJtScCA6KAHS-8/s640/blogger-image--1538206130.jpg"></a></div><br>
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The flight from RDU to Chicago went just fine. Like clockwork. And our arrival gate was almost beside our departure gate to Seattle. So, that was good fortune. <img src="webkit-fake-url://BF2A3FAB-07D2-4896-90B0-F3DB579A0D20/imagejpeg"><br>
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However, due to a fire in the control tower nearby, they shut down the entire airport. Nothing arriving, nothing leaving, for about 2 hours. And once they loaded the plane, we sat on the tarmac for another hour.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qqSKFr8VhL-TKzH9G3Whijota2Mfadzl4RMkoxYiL2bQ1SQvLaaHbnNN-xZ0fmb04qTrRawfjH0T34PJ8_RdRCRvCDS0vfn7BxMtk9z19bWzlxlFiF9ApRCvTXTntIvhMy18Z_eiVBA/s640/blogger-image-532597347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qqSKFr8VhL-TKzH9G3Whijota2Mfadzl4RMkoxYiL2bQ1SQvLaaHbnNN-xZ0fmb04qTrRawfjH0T34PJ8_RdRCRvCDS0vfn7BxMtk9z19bWzlxlFiF9ApRCvTXTntIvhMy18Z_eiVBA/s640/blogger-image-532597347.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Not a problem, except that meant arriving in Seattle 30 minutes after the rental car agency in Kent, WA closed. We were going to take a cab to Kent anyway to save $400 on the rental car cost, but we realized that now our rental car savings were about to evaporate in thin air.<br>
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Big Sis to the rescue--she called the rental car agency enough times that they finally agreed to extend the pickup time so that we could get the same deal on the rental.<br>
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A little about the rental car issue. Before I looked at actually renting one, I thought there could be no issue to renting a car in Seattle and dropping it off in San Diego. And, except for cost, it was no issue. But the cost was out of this world! Would you believe $1,400 for a car rental for an economy car!! Crazy... We decided to look and look and whenever we saw a "bargain" ( under $1,000), we'd rent it and keep doing that until we were certain we had the best deal. So we did. I ended up canceling 2 and Bar 1 until she got a rate of around $800 for the 2 weeks. Expensive , but closer to reasonable. That's why it was so important to deal with the rental car issue.<br>
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Once the flight got underway (2.5 hours late), the flight went well and we arrived in Seattle about 30 minutes after the rental agency closed. We'll find out tomorrow whether or not they will keep their word about extending the reservation. Retrieving the bags went well, and getting a cab to a hotel we had just picked near the car rental place was not difficult. The cab ride was pretty pleasant, and we were in the hotel in no time at all. <div><br></div><div>Oh, I need to say something about the Rockies. They were breathtakingly beautiful. Heavy snows several days earlier coated the peaks and much of the bodies of a lot of the mountains. The angle of the sunlight made viewing them just beautiful. One of the flight attendants even commented that she had never seen thenm so beautiful and asked me to take a couple of pics for her! Stunning to say the least...<br>
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Checked into the hotel, walked across the street to a local eatery, had a good meal served by a very cheery waitress, and called it a night.<br>
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Tomorrow, the Seattle adventure begins for real.</div>Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287245053908994055.post-54916103771857191922014-05-11T09:05:00.002-07:002014-05-11T09:05:25.778-07:00Prelude to the PacificI'm a bit late in beginning this blog, but there are valid reasons for the delay. Just 9 days ago, I moved into a new place, and I've been busy unpacking boxes, arranging furniture, and keeping my two grandboys, Skyler and Riley. So, blogging has been a luxury I could not afford. But with the adventure beginning in just two days, it's time for the first post. So, here I go!<br />
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On Tuesday, May 13, Big Sis and I are going to RDU airport and riding in a big jet to Seattle. Actually, there's one stop in-between, but our destination is Seattle. This will be our second airplane ride together; our first plane ride was to Alaska 10 years ago. That trip was the first trip we ever made as adults, and I wish I had known then about blogging so there would be a record of what we did and where we went. Happily that trip was a huge success and surprise in that we discovered that we actually liked each other after all.<br />
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Since that trip to Alaska, we've been to New England, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the midwest and further west, and now the far western USA. Each trip has been just plain wonderful, spending time with Bar and reliving our childhood and growing up in Salisbury.<br />
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The current adventure begins in Seattle and ends in San Diego. The plan is to rent a car, do as much, and see as much as we can over a two-week period. We have no specific itinerary (except for airplane travel), and only a few specific things that we will see. Some of the highlights we want to see is Seattle itself, Mt Ranier, Mt St Helens, Hwy 101, Hwy 1, the redwoods, San Francisco, Yosemite, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and, of course, see and get wet in the Pacific Ocean.<br />
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I've been through this general area a couple of times, over several trips, so I have a little idea of what is there. But this trip will be a bit more leisurely than the others, and I hope to take more time to smell the roses along the way. <br />
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On the other hand, Big Sis has only been in the airport in San Francisco, on her way to Hawaii a number of years ago. So, she's never experienced the many wonders of this part of the world. <br />
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We'll do our usual thing, eat as many meals as possible in mom and pop local eateries, stay in a combination of chain hotels and mom and pop hotels as well. We have no reservations anywhere, but have found in our previous trips that finding lodging is not a real problem in areas where the tourists go. So hopefully, there will be no problems this trip either.<br />
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I'll take pics with the IPad mini so I can post them easily along the way. I bought a device to use to download pics from the camera's memory chip, but alas, it did not work with my IPad. So, I'll take pics with it, and there should be no problem posting them. The quality will not be as good as with my real camera, but I don't know how to transfer them otherwise. Seems like posting pictures in my blogs is always a challenge.<br />
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My posts will be shorter than in my previous blogs. Even though the IPad mini has a keyboard, it is so much smaller that typing is a bit of a pain. So there will be less text than usual. And, most likely there will be some days that do not get a post; I'll be tired or fussy, or there might not be an Internet connection. But, I'll do the best I can.<br />
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And, finally, as always, I welcome your comments. Hearing from "home" is always good and reinforces that someone is actually reading my posts! Enjoy the ride; we will! :-)Malcolmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06052821074340424232noreply@blogger.com1