We planned to tour throughout California the month of March, knowing it was going to be an expensive adventure. However, we sure were surprised that our March madness included several repairs to our Suite. It started with a broken bolt on our kitchen slide. A few days later, our refrigerator decided to warm things up rather than cool things down. This past WE, the converter quit so we brought out our trusty Coleman lantern for a couple days of "romantic" lighting. Fingers are crossed that we're done with all problems related to home ownership.
Now for the good part of our March madness. Our 1st stop in CA was Anaheim where we were thisclose
to Mickey's backyard. Liked watching Disneyland's evening fireworks display but a 1-day ticket was too high. Also enjoyed meeting and spending some time w/Tim's and Trish's family (Ken, Trish, Josh and Alyssa)
for a couple cook-outs. Made it to tapings of "Last Man Standing" and "Mom", walked along the beaches at Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Venice Beach but the highlight for me was watching the whales at Dana Point. Beautiful sea creatures. Oh, and Tom got to celebrate his 65th birthday at 3 different restaurants. He loved getting free dessert!
The following, we went to Fresno where we saw some giant redwoods and majestic sequoias plus some beautiful snow-capped mountains at Yosemite Nat'l Park, Sequoia Nat'l Park and Kings Canyon.
The last part of March was spent in San Francisco. I had as much fun this time as I did on my 1st trip out there with Valerie for a "mother/daughter" vacation in March 2008 before she and Scott got married a month later in April. We liked taking the ferry (within walking distance of our campground) over to the Bay, which gave the guys a break from driving. Some of my favorite things were going to Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, hopping off and on the cable cars and trolleys and Fisherman's Wharf. The highlight for me, however, was getting to see the Haight-Ashbury district.
Still kind of a "hippie" feel as we saw a demonstrator, people standing or sitting on the ground playing instruments, 60's and 70's clothes shops (used to be able to wear those crop tops and bell bottoms!), some cool murals on several shops and, of course, some "funky" smells, if you know what I mean. The highlight for Tom was Muir Woods National Monument with its giant Redwoods.
So, we're into April and have a few more sightseeing trips before getting back home the first part of May. Heading to the Grand Canyon this morning so we'll catch ya' later!
