Back Home Up the California Coast

Because I got completely carried away with sharing my completed projects, I haven't yet posted the photos from our trip back to Washington. After we left Palo Alto, we drove into San Francisco to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and pick up our route. (You only have to pay a toll if you're going into the city!) On the other side of the bridge, we connected with Highway 1 which winds its way up the coast before it joins 101. It was slow going, but very beautiful.
The Pacific Coast
The first night, we headed inland to Petaluma because we didn't have any reservations and were afraid we wouldn't find a place to stay. (We also needed a laundromat!) We found a very cute place called the Metro Inn and Cafe; it was cleverly decorated in shabby chic style. Right down the road was a French Bistro, that had very tasty food which we enjoyed after completing our laundry. The next morning we continued north, and were pretty sure we spotted the place near Bodega Bay where our nephew was married 10 years ago. All along the coast, we spotted lots of pelicans, and Dick was able to get a close up shot. Then, the next night found us in Fort Bragg.
Pelicans
We also saw a few seals and sea lions although I can't ever remember which is which.
Sea Life!
The third night we stayed in Crescent City. It was very windy on the beach, and we had fun watching some very interesting kites. This lighthouse is only accessible on foot during low tide. In 1964 Crescent City was hit by a tsunami that followed the big earthquake in Alaska. We learned about that as well as other things as we stopped to take pictures.
Crescent City Lighthouse
Later I discovered that we passed right through the town where Barb C. lives that afternoon....wish I'd known sooner! We also detoured onto the Avenue of the Giants to see the magnificent redwoods and then, in the outskirts of the city, found a herd of elk snacking on the local vegetation .
A really BIG tree!
It was interesting the way the elk blended into the tall, dry grass. When these big animals were sitting down, your only hope of seeing them was if they had horns. I counted about 30 elk altogether, both males and females!
Isn't he beautiful?
The next night we stayed in Roseburg, Oregon, after a pretty drive through some more redwoods on Highway 199.
Looking Up
We then headed on up I-5 toward home with lots of memories from our 10-day adventure. I LOVE the ocean and never tire of its beauty!