May 7, Santa Nella to San Bruno
We were quite literally rocked to sleep last night as the wind came up and in fact, it was still blowing strongly when we got up this morning, our last day in California. With the van cleaned up and our bags packed we headed off to San Leandro, a mere two hours away.
We turned in the van at about 10:30, took a cab to the nearest B.A.R.T. (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station and made our way to a hotel near the airport to spend the night before boarding the plane to Toronto, bright and early tomorrow morning.
In total, we drove 3020 miles in the van and have walked 361,915 steps. We have been as far south and as far west as you can go in this state. We visited the northernmost city and traveled so far east that we were less than a couple of hundred miles from the Nevada border. We drove on eight lane highways and single lane roads and loved every minute of it.
It is difficult to write all the superlatives I would like to use to describe California. It is a state that has something for everybody...an ocean that provides not only a playground, but some of the most stunning scenery I have ever witnessed; mountains and hills with some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world; some so tall that it is difficult to see their tops; deserts where beautiful spring flowers seem to grow and flourish in spite of the dryness and scorching sun; cities with movie stars and far too much opulence for my taste and small towns with just one street and a general store.
The numerous State and National Parks offer not only great hiking, but camping, and organized walks and talks. California has done a great job of preserving historic sites and making them available to the public..everything from the early Spanish missions to prisons can be visited (for a price, of course).
Sports fans have no shortage of teams to watch...tickets to major league baseball games can be had for a reasonable price, while many Californians love the NHL teams in this state. People are seen fishing everywhere there is water and surfers can be found wherever there are big waves.
In short, I get it about California, I really get it!
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, May 7, 2011
May 6, Big Sur to Santa Nella
May 6, Big Sur to Santa Nella
We started the day by driving north at a leisurely pace. We stopped at a restaurant that overlooks the Big Sur coastline and had coffee and a snack while admiring the view, watching sea lions and keeping a sharp eye out for whales. Unfortunately we didn't see any whales even though we were told that some had been spotted along the coast a short time ago.
We looked for a campsite that would enable us to do laundry and get the van ready for return tomorrow morning. Luckily we located one about an hour and a half away from San Leandro where we will return the van tomorrow morning.
En route to Santa Nella we drove through a town called Gilroy, a town that claims to be The Garlic Capital. I believe their claim because there was no mistaking the smell of garlic in the air. There were also numerous fruit and vegetable stands featuring garlic and fields and fields of garlic.
Outside of Gilroy we stopped at an outlet mall, browsed around and then headed off to our campsite. We did laundry, cleaned up the camper and watched a bit of tv. Tomorrow it's back to San Leandro and then on to San Francisco for the night.
Sent from my iPad
We started the day by driving north at a leisurely pace. We stopped at a restaurant that overlooks the Big Sur coastline and had coffee and a snack while admiring the view, watching sea lions and keeping a sharp eye out for whales. Unfortunately we didn't see any whales even though we were told that some had been spotted along the coast a short time ago.We looked for a campsite that would enable us to do laundry and get the van ready for return tomorrow morning. Luckily we located one about an hour and a half away from San Leandro where we will return the van tomorrow morning.
En route to Santa Nella we drove through a town called Gilroy, a town that claims to be The Garlic Capital. I believe their claim because there was no mistaking the smell of garlic in the air. There were also numerous fruit and vegetable stands featuring garlic and fields and fields of garlic.
Outside of Gilroy we stopped at an outlet mall, browsed around and then headed off to our campsite. We did laundry, cleaned up the camper and watched a bit of tv. Tomorrow it's back to San Leandro and then on to San Francisco for the night.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, May 6, 2011
May 5, Big Sur
May 5, Big Sur
The river and the birds were competing for alarm clock status this morning. Being a mere 20 feet from the nose of the van, the river won. We ate breakfast at the picnic table and enjoyed the warm California sunshine. Feeling a bit lazy and laid back, we didn't leave Fernwood Resort and Campground until 10:59, with check out time being 11:00
We traveled south on highway 1 until we reached the hard to find, unmarked road to Pfeiffer Beach. It was well worth the two mile drive down the narrow twisty road, as at the end of the road were cliffs, towering over a spectacular stretch of sand. The arch shaped rock formation just off shore made for some great photos. I walked into the ocean up to my ankles...any further and a wetsuit would have been needed.
After some time on the beach we drove to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park to view the waterfall that spills over a cliff into the Pacific Ocean. The 200 foot falls is out of reach to humans and so the birds and other sea creatures have this stretch of beach all to themselves. It looked as if some of the gulls were standing in line to take a shower under the falls.
Feeling tired after an afternoon in the sun, we stopped at the Henry Miller Library for coffee. The library is a small bookstore that features the works of author Henry Miller who once lived in Big Sur.
We checked out two other campsites in the area before returning to Fernwood and another choice spot on the Big Sur River. After dinner we walked to the store for ice cream and to use the wifi spot to post this blog. We also got some firewood so that we could enjoy a fire as we listened to the sounds of the end of day in Big Sur.
Tomorrow we will start our trek back towards San Francisco and San Leandro where we return the camper on Saturday morning.
Sent from my iPad
The river and the birds were competing for alarm clock status this morning. Being a mere 20 feet from the nose of the van, the river won. We ate breakfast at the picnic table and enjoyed the warm California sunshine. Feeling a bit lazy and laid back, we didn't leave Fernwood Resort and Campground until 10:59, with check out time being 11:00
We traveled south on highway 1 until we reached the hard to find, unmarked road to Pfeiffer Beach. It was well worth the two mile drive down the narrow twisty road, as at the end of the road were cliffs, towering over a spectacular stretch of sand. The arch shaped rock formation just off shore made for some great photos. I walked into the ocean up to my ankles...any further and a wetsuit would have been needed.
After some time on the beach we drove to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park to view the waterfall that spills over a cliff into the Pacific Ocean. The 200 foot falls is out of reach to humans and so the birds and other sea creatures have this stretch of beach all to themselves. It looked as if some of the gulls were standing in line to take a shower under the falls. Feeling tired after an afternoon in the sun, we stopped at the Henry Miller Library for coffee. The library is a small bookstore that features the works of author Henry Miller who once lived in Big Sur.
We checked out two other campsites in the area before returning to Fernwood and another choice spot on the Big Sur River. After dinner we walked to the store for ice cream and to use the wifi spot to post this blog. We also got some firewood so that we could enjoy a fire as we listened to the sounds of the end of day in Big Sur.
Tomorrow we will start our trek back towards San Francisco and San Leandro where we return the camper on Saturday morning.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 4, Santa Cruz to Monterey and Big Sur
May 4, Santa Cruz to Monterey and Big Sur
We awoke to bright sunshine today and after shows and breakfast we left for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We easily found a place to park and walked down Cannery Row. This area of Monterey used to be well known for sardine canning. Due to over fishing and the fact that sardines were not as well liked after the war, the industry collapsed. today the street is lined with shops and restaurants and of course, the aquarium.
The aquarium was so much fun. Not only that, we learned a lot. We saw and learned about seahorses, sea otters, sharks, flamingoes, penguins and many, many other unique sea creatures. Did you know that the male seahorse is the only male of any species that gets pregnant, carries the babies and gives birth to them! The seahorse exhibit was probably the most fascinating.
After three hours at the aquarium we left Monterey with big smiles on our faces while saying, "Wow, that was awesome".
The highway to Big Sur was closed the last time we drove down to this area due to landslides that are very common on this stretch of highway. Big Sur is one of the most popular scenic drives in California. The area is sparsely populated and is mostly state park lands. On one side are dramatic cliffs and rocks that jut up out of the ocean and on the other side are dense forests. We are staying at a campsite that is on the banks of the Big Sur River with numerous hiking trails nearby.
We plan to check out the hiking trails in the morning.
Sent from my iPad
We awoke to bright sunshine today and after shows and breakfast we left for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We easily found a place to park and walked down Cannery Row. This area of Monterey used to be well known for sardine canning. Due to over fishing and the fact that sardines were not as well liked after the war, the industry collapsed. today the street is lined with shops and restaurants and of course, the aquarium.
The aquarium was so much fun. Not only that, we learned a lot. We saw and learned about seahorses, sea otters, sharks, flamingoes, penguins and many, many other unique sea creatures. Did you know that the male seahorse is the only male of any species that gets pregnant, carries the babies and gives birth to them! The seahorse exhibit was probably the most fascinating.
After three hours at the aquarium we left Monterey with big smiles on our faces while saying, "Wow, that was awesome".
The highway to Big Sur was closed the last time we drove down to this area due to landslides that are very common on this stretch of highway. Big Sur is one of the most popular scenic drives in California. The area is sparsely populated and is mostly state park lands. On one side are dramatic cliffs and rocks that jut up out of the ocean and on the other side are dense forests. We are staying at a campsite that is on the banks of the Big Sur River with numerous hiking trails nearby.
We plan to check out the hiking trails in the morning.
Sent from my iPad
May 3, Santa Cruz
May 3, Santa Cruz
Our day started with a one hour beach hike beginning at the Franklin Point Trailhead. On our way to the trailhead we watched a deer in the field and heard lots of birds. The trail led us over a marshy area, over sand dunes and finally to the beach. We walked along the beach and followed the trail up over the rocks to the edge of a rocky cliff. It was windy, the waves were strong, the water cold but the sun was bright.
When we returned to the campground we readied the RV for takeoff, unplugging the power, water and grey water hoses. We decided to spend the rest of the day in Santa Cruz and go to the Aquarium in Monterey tomorrow.
Along the way we noticed a sign that said "free jam tasting at organic farm". I know that many people visit California for the wine tasting at the many vineyards, but to us, the jam tasting was much more appealing. What a great place it turned out to be. We not only sampled jams, we ate truffles, a gigantic strawberry scone and drank organic coffee and Mexican hot chocolate. To me, one of the best things about this place was that, even though there were a few staff people milling about, paying for one's purchases was on the honor system...an open cash register...yes, in a place where you cannot pump gas until you pay first, there was an open cash register! It was amazing.
The drive to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk didn't take long and we easily found a place to park. This beach amusement park has been around for over 100 years.
Spring breaks are over and summer vacations have yet to begin, and so the Boardwalk was not busy. We walked the boardwalk and then to the end of the pier, which is lined with restaurants, fish markets and shops. Lots of people fish from the wharf, while sea gulls, seals and sea lions wait for someone to drop something. We chatted with a guy who runs a hot dog stand here in the summer who told us that over 2 million people visit the area every year and that we were smart to be visiting in the spring. Even though it is still spring it was very hot today...high 80's.
We tried our luck at the arcade shooting gallery, listened to people scream on the rides and walked the rest of the boardwalk. The GPS navigated us to our next campsite, where I took advantage of the heated pool and the hot tub. Tomorrow we will visit the Monterey Aquarium before heading to Big Sur.
Sent from my iPad
Our day started with a one hour beach hike beginning at the Franklin Point Trailhead. On our way to the trailhead we watched a deer in the field and heard lots of birds. The trail led us over a marshy area, over sand dunes and finally to the beach. We walked along the beach and followed the trail up over the rocks to the edge of a rocky cliff. It was windy, the waves were strong, the water cold but the sun was bright.
When we returned to the campground we readied the RV for takeoff, unplugging the power, water and grey water hoses. We decided to spend the rest of the day in Santa Cruz and go to the Aquarium in Monterey tomorrow.
Along the way we noticed a sign that said "free jam tasting at organic farm". I know that many people visit California for the wine tasting at the many vineyards, but to us, the jam tasting was much more appealing. What a great place it turned out to be. We not only sampled jams, we ate truffles, a gigantic strawberry scone and drank organic coffee and Mexican hot chocolate. To me, one of the best things about this place was that, even though there were a few staff people milling about, paying for one's purchases was on the honor system...an open cash register...yes, in a place where you cannot pump gas until you pay first, there was an open cash register! It was amazing.The drive to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk didn't take long and we easily found a place to park. This beach amusement park has been around for over 100 years.
Spring breaks are over and summer vacations have yet to begin, and so the Boardwalk was not busy. We walked the boardwalk and then to the end of the pier, which is lined with restaurants, fish markets and shops. Lots of people fish from the wharf, while sea gulls, seals and sea lions wait for someone to drop something. We chatted with a guy who runs a hot dog stand here in the summer who told us that over 2 million people visit the area every year and that we were smart to be visiting in the spring. Even though it is still spring it was very hot today...high 80's. We tried our luck at the arcade shooting gallery, listened to people scream on the rides and walked the rest of the boardwalk. The GPS navigated us to our next campsite, where I took advantage of the heated pool and the hot tub. Tomorrow we will visit the Monterey Aquarium before heading to Big Sur.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May 2, Manchester Beach yo Santa Cruz
May 2, Manchester Beach to Santa Cruz
We left Manchester Beach early this morning heading south on Highway 1. Highway 1 is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Today's drive on Highway 1 did not disappoint. Although the road was often narrow and always twisting and turning the scenery was spectacular. On one side was the ocean where whales, sea lions and seals, along with surfers share the cold Pacific.
We approached San Francisco from the north and in so doing, got to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. It costs $6.00 to cross. We continued on down the coast until we reached the Santa Cruz KOA, an eco campground. We can see the ocean from our site.
Since the horses here are booked for the next couple of days, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner to the restaurant on the grounds. They serve all organic, locally grown produce and the most decadent chocolate lava cake that I have ever eaten.
We returned to the camper after dinner and tuned the iPad to CBC radio to listen to the very sad story of the election at home. Tomorrow we will spend some time on the beach before heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Sent from my iPad
We left Manchester Beach early this morning heading south on Highway 1. Highway 1 is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Today's drive on Highway 1 did not disappoint. Although the road was often narrow and always twisting and turning the scenery was spectacular. On one side was the ocean where whales, sea lions and seals, along with surfers share the cold Pacific.
We approached San Francisco from the north and in so doing, got to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. It costs $6.00 to cross. We continued on down the coast until we reached the Santa Cruz KOA, an eco campground. We can see the ocean from our site. Since the horses here are booked for the next couple of days, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner to the restaurant on the grounds. They serve all organic, locally grown produce and the most decadent chocolate lava cake that I have ever eaten.
We returned to the camper after dinner and tuned the iPad to CBC radio to listen to the very sad story of the election at home. Tomorrow we will spend some time on the beach before heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, May 2, 2011
May 1, Trinidad to Manchester Beach
May 1, Trinidad to Manchester Beach
We awoke this morning to the sound of sea lions barking on the shore across from the RV Park. It was another cool morning, but again, it warmed up quickly and before too long we were wearing shorts.
After a stop in Eureka for a few groceries we drove to the start of the "Avenue of the Giants" a scenic 31 mile drive through a forest of giant trees. We stopped several times on the scenic drive to admire some of the sights. We saw the "immortal tree"; a giant redwood that has survived a flood, a fire and someone's attempt to chop it down. In Redcrest we visited the "eternal treehouse", a huge living tree stump that contains a cavern caused by fire centuries ago.
As we motored along this drive we came upon a roadblock. Apparently an annual marathon was taking place, thus blocking us from about 10 miles of the "Avenue of the Giants". We got back on the scenic route and at Myers Flat visited the "drive through tree". We were too big to drive through but we did watch a mid size car go through.
In Piercy we walked through a "One Log House" a complete home (32 feet long) carved out of a 2100 year old redwood. It was hollowed out by hand in 1946 and includes a living area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. In the eight month process of hollowing the log, enough wood chips were produced to build a traditional five bedroom home!
Leaving the "Avenue of the Giants" we curved along the coast, driving up and down hills, slowing down for the many switchbacks. There were sea lions on the rocky shore and people at all the beaches we passed. This area is referred to as the "banana belt" of the north coast because there is very little fog here, whereas north of Mendicino County and south of Mendicino County fog frequently hugs the coastline.
We settled for the night at a KOA on Manchester Beach in the hopes of going horseback riding on the beach tomorrow. Unfortunately the horses are off on Monday and so we will have to rethink Monday. We did walk to the beach after dinner and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.
Sent from my iPad
We awoke this morning to the sound of sea lions barking on the shore across from the RV Park. It was another cool morning, but again, it warmed up quickly and before too long we were wearing shorts.
After a stop in Eureka for a few groceries we drove to the start of the "Avenue of the Giants" a scenic 31 mile drive through a forest of giant trees. We stopped several times on the scenic drive to admire some of the sights. We saw the "immortal tree"; a giant redwood that has survived a flood, a fire and someone's attempt to chop it down. In Redcrest we visited the "eternal treehouse", a huge living tree stump that contains a cavern caused by fire centuries ago.
As we motored along this drive we came upon a roadblock. Apparently an annual marathon was taking place, thus blocking us from about 10 miles of the "Avenue of the Giants". We got back on the scenic route and at Myers Flat visited the "drive through tree". We were too big to drive through but we did watch a mid size car go through.In Piercy we walked through a "One Log House" a complete home (32 feet long) carved out of a 2100 year old redwood. It was hollowed out by hand in 1946 and includes a living area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. In the eight month process of hollowing the log, enough wood chips were produced to build a traditional five bedroom home!
We settled for the night at a KOA on Manchester Beach in the hopes of going horseback riding on the beach tomorrow. Unfortunately the horses are off on Monday and so we will have to rethink Monday. We did walk to the beach after dinner and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, May 1, 2011
April 30, Arcata to Crescent City and Trinidad
April 30, Arcata to Crescent City and Trinidad
It was cool again this morning but the sun was shining, there was not a cloud in the sky and it soon warmed up to around 65 degrees. Our first stop was the Kuchel Visitor Centre, the southern entrance to the Redwood Forest. The park guide was very helpful and recommended several hikes, scenic drives and key lookoffs points.
As we entered the Park we stopped at a beach to take some pictures. A sign at the beach warned of "Dangerous Sneaker Waves that have killed four people since 2004. Never Turn Your Back on the Sea".
We hiked the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a 1 1/2 mile walk through old growth redwoods and Douglas fir. Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Redwood National Park in 1968.
The scenic coastal drive was not open due to heavy rains this spring. However, we did drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10 mile not to be missed drive through the forest that features many trailheads and an a grove where elk graze. We were lucky enough to come upon a small herd of elk, some lying down, while the young ones grazed in the grove. Signs clearly stated "Do Not Approach Elk, Stay Behind Fence".
We stopped at a smoked salmon store in Klamath, a Yurok Indian Reserve. We sampled four kinds of smoked salmon and settled on three kinds for our picnic at Wilson Creek where we watched the waves crashing on the beach. Continuing along the scenic route we stopped at several look off points and stood in awe of the ocean before us.
We drove as far as Crescent City where we stopped for a coffee break before we headed back down the coast. On the drive back we stopped at a couple of trailheads and walked through more giant redwoods. These trees are so tall, so old and so big that everything around them is dwarfed. We took numerous pictures but it is difficult to capture the immenseness of these giants.
Another sign that we noticed along this route was "Tsunami Warning Zone". The Park brochures have a section on tsunamis and information on what to do if you feel an earthquake.
Our one last bit of excitement for the day was coming upon a bear crossing the road. It was great to see a black bear while in the van and not while walking on one of the trails.
We are staying at Sounds of the Sea RV Park tonight and will drive the Avenue of the Giants tomorrow.
Sent from my iPad
It was cool again this morning but the sun was shining, there was not a cloud in the sky and it soon warmed up to around 65 degrees. Our first stop was the Kuchel Visitor Centre, the southern entrance to the Redwood Forest. The park guide was very helpful and recommended several hikes, scenic drives and key lookoffs points.
As we entered the Park we stopped at a beach to take some pictures. A sign at the beach warned of "Dangerous Sneaker Waves that have killed four people since 2004. Never Turn Your Back on the Sea".
We hiked the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a 1 1/2 mile walk through old growth redwoods and Douglas fir. Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Redwood National Park in 1968.
The scenic coastal drive was not open due to heavy rains this spring. However, we did drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10 mile not to be missed drive through the forest that features many trailheads and an a grove where elk graze. We were lucky enough to come upon a small herd of elk, some lying down, while the young ones grazed in the grove. Signs clearly stated "Do Not Approach Elk, Stay Behind Fence".We stopped at a smoked salmon store in Klamath, a Yurok Indian Reserve. We sampled four kinds of smoked salmon and settled on three kinds for our picnic at Wilson Creek where we watched the waves crashing on the beach. Continuing along the scenic route we stopped at several look off points and stood in awe of the ocean before us.
We drove as far as Crescent City where we stopped for a coffee break before we headed back down the coast. On the drive back we stopped at a couple of trailheads and walked through more giant redwoods. These trees are so tall, so old and so big that everything around them is dwarfed. We took numerous pictures but it is difficult to capture the immenseness of these giants.
Another sign that we noticed along this route was "Tsunami Warning Zone". The Park brochures have a section on tsunamis and information on what to do if you feel an earthquake.
Our one last bit of excitement for the day was coming upon a bear crossing the road. It was great to see a black bear while in the van and not while walking on one of the trails.
We are staying at Sounds of the Sea RV Park tonight and will drive the Avenue of the Giants tomorrow.
Sent from my iPad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)