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Thursday, July 31, 2008

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!

9 comments:

Barbara C said...

Great photos! I've done the 101 many times, but I haven't done the highway 1 route for eons. It's all gorgeous, isn't it?

Ele said...

My dear Judy,
so beautiful photos from the Pacific coast, I would like to be there after seeing this great nature.

Thanks for showing us
have a nice weekend
greetings Gabriele

Connie said...

Thank you for your wonderful pictures !
It must be very nice at that place
Lot of greetings
Connie

Lapplisor said...

Hi Judy,
You has so beautiful pictures shown…
I feels formally the wind here, and can the water smell…
a large nature could you experience, and how small humans are against it, your picture before the enormous Tree shows. Thanks for it! A beautiful Sunday for you.
♥☼♥ Barbara ♥☼♥

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I am loving these pictures - and cursing my ancestors daily for settling in Texas in 1827. Living where you do must be soothing to the soul!!

Linda Vincent said...

Fantastic photos Judy - you lucky girl! I especially love the pelicans (and the beach of course!)
XX

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

What a beautiful ride along the coast! Someday I hope to see it in person!

The trick to goal setting is to keep the goals within reach! I feel so much better when I can check things off 'my to do' list :)

Thanks for visiting :)

Jane said...

Love the pic of you and the giant connifer... very nice photos of all. I have'nt been to CA in years and would love to go again.

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Thanks for the trip photos. I enjoyed each one. I could stroll that beach forever! I want to live in that lighthouse too!!!!!