Day 76 - May 31, 2008

Today we went back to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and hiked the 3 mile Brandy Creek Falls Trail. Most of it was uphill but it was well worth it as you can see from the pictures below. It was spectacular. Then we went on the the Shasta Lake and Dam. Believe it or not, this is the 2nd largest dam in the US. Only the Grand Cooley Dam is larger. We thought the Hoover Dam would have been either first or second.

"G" at Brandy Creek Falls

Papa at Brandy Creek Falls

Brandy Creek Falls

Part of the trail we hiked at Brandy Creek Falls. We had to cross the falls on this little bitty plank bridge (note there were no hand rails).

Brandy Creek Falls

Looking way down the spillway of the Shasta Dam

Shasta Dam

Lake Shasta

Day 75 - May 30, 2008

Today was a big event - Frank went down to the local social security office since it is 90 days until his 62nd birthday. Well, even though the Internet stated you could apply at any social security office, Frank found that his request would have to be processed in Lakeland. So, he came back to the coach and applied on line. Then we went out and had a good lunch. Next we made a trip out to Whiskeytown National Recreation area to get some maps and figure out our hiking plans. Since we didn't bring our socks for our hiking boots we decided to go on to Shasta State Historic Park and had an extensive visit in the well restored and equipped museum. The weather here is absolutely phenomenal. We both had the stuffing knocked out of us from our travel mishaps yesterday so we decided to call it a day and go back to the coach, have some wine, and watch the evening news on our basement tv so we could enjoy the great weather. Then we played a game of spinners and called it an early night.

The coach in our luxury campground at Redding, CA

Whiskeytown Lake

Actual courtroom used in the late 1800's and early 1900's in Shasta County.

Actual gallows which were used in the late 1800's and early 1900's in Shasta County. They actually used 2 trap doors which are now nailed shut for safety reasons.

Day 74 - May 29,2008

Today started out as a great travel day and ended with disastrous events. We traveled from Mendocino, CA to Lewiston, CA. The northern California coastline was awesome and quite a challenge with many twists and turns and changes in elevations. Frank is really a pro at handling the coach now. Then as we turned to the east, the Trinity river was a treat for the eyes. This road was also very curvy and lots of ups and downs but Frank again was up for the challenge. Then came our first disaster. The Tom Tom led us up a dirt, one lane, logging road. Here we are in the big ol' coach and towing the Honda and on a horrendous uphill, curvy road. After continuing about 1 mile we decided this wasn't going to cut it. Luckily we were able to find 1 spot that we could maneuver the coach around without sliding down the mountain. Then, the campground lady gave us an incorrect description of the sign we were supposed to turn. When I tried to call her again - guess what - no phone service. So we proceeded up and down 2 mountains till we had cell phone service again and found out we were supposed to turn 20 miles back. We decided to go on to the next town and guess what - ol' Tom Tom lady had us make a few incorrect turns but eventually we made it to this Ritz Carlton campground. They even deliver a morning paper to your camp site each morning!! One good thing, this campground is in the same town as the Social Security office Frank is going to tomorrow as his 62nd birthday is 90 days away so it is time to start the Social Security process. Wow - what a day. We will never forget going up that dirt logging road with the coach. What an experience!!!

Northern California Coastline

Rapids in the Trinity River in Northern, California

Trinity River in Northern California

Day 73 - May 28, 2008

Today we started our day with a trip to downtown Mendocino, CA. What an utterly delightful little town. Check out the pictures below and I'm sure you will agree. Then we went on to a fantastic seafood lunch at Silver's on the Wharf at Ft. Bragg, CA. I have never tasted any sweeter or fresher scallops. What a great meal on the patio and we were also serenaded by a sea lion in the harbor. Then it was on to MacKerricher State Park for what we thought would be some whale watching but they all must have been elsewhere. However, we had a great hike and visited some tidal pools. Then we came back to Mendocino for a wonderful visit to the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. Tomorrow we are on to Lewiston, CA and followed by several visits to Oregon State Parks. We may be out of computer access for awhile so just bear with us.

View of the coast line from Mendocino, CA

Downtown Mendocino, CA. This picturesque community reflects the roots of early settler, who were drawn by the rich timber resouces of the surrounding counrt yside. This was the town that was featured as Cabot Cove, Maine in the television show "Murder She Wrote". This was a really, really neat to walk around. You definitely felt like you were in Maine rather than northern California.

Cottage used for the filming of "Murder She Wrote". This picture is for Susan Norton.

Papa at the whale skeleton at MacKerricher State Park

"G" being Jonah in the whale at the whale skeleton at MacKerricher State Park

"G" at the Beach (per Liza's request)

Star fish in one of the tidal pools we hiked to.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Coast Guard Tall Ship passes by the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. This lighthouse was first illuminated in 1909 and the tall ship was set up for picture opportunities in celebration for their next year centennial celebration of the lighthouse. We certainly were lucky to time our visit for this great picture opportunity.

Day 72 - May 27, 2008

Our travel day today involved a 60 winding, curvy and up and down ride through the CA Redwoods. It was very impressive. Of course, I don't think driver Frank thought it was very impressive. As usual, Frank met the challenge and we made it from the valley to the coast. I must say these redwoods were something else. They are so huge and majestic and you feel like you are in a rain forest sometimes. This drive is something that I hope each of you get to experience. When you see the immense trees you get a feeling of how minor you are in this equation.

Entrance to our campground - this soil in CA if something else, I think you can grow anything!

Casper Beach, CA - just about 20 yards from our campground

Papa at Casper Beach, CA

We took a walk on Casper Beach just in front of our campground. We encountered a seal on the sand way back from the ocean. Of course our first response was to try to bring the seal back to the ocean. Then we saw the sign below.

Look carefully and you will see the live seal.

Hike back to the tent camping area of our campground. Do you think you are in a rain forest?

Day 71 - May 26, 2008

Today was a travel day. I tell you what, they need to repair the interstate in Oakland. We were just about "shook to death" on this drive. Hopefully this is the last big city we have to negotiate with the coach. However, once we got to the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma we were in for a most pleasant surprise. We were able to see all sorts of animals at this site - turkeys, geese, deer, etc. After looking at the pictures below, I think you will agree. As we were sitting out at our campfire we also got to chat with 5 Coast Guard guys who were there for the "Chief" school. Talking with these fellows was very refreshing in knowing this country is in good hands with the current military.

Our vote for the most "restful" campground. Rather than California, doesn't this camp site view look like Virginia or Pennsylvania?

Restful campfire after interesting drive through Oakland. Note our outline of the US on the passenger side window - we are making good progress in filling it in.

Day 70 - May 25, 2008

Today we went to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Once you view the pictures below I think you will agree it was a very special day.

"Giovanni's Restaurant" fishing fleet (see below). No wonder the meals are soooo good.

Based on the recommendation from our KOA neighbor we went to this "walk up" restaurant. Although we had to wait in line for 30 minutes, it was well worth the wait. We had fabulous clam chowder, fish and chips, clams and a pitcher of beer for only $29.

Morro Rock - both the town of Morro Bay and the bay that fronts it are named for this rock. It is a dome-shaped volcanic peak that rises out of the Pacific Ocean, 578 feet above the northwestern end of the city's harbor. Looks kind of like a good spot for a James Bond movie.

We timed this visit just right. We were able to see the First Communion class at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Another view of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Only in California!!

Inside the chapel of the Mission San luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Courtyard inside Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

San Luis Obispo mission found in 1772. This is often called the "Prince of the Missions". In order to repel flaming arrow attacks by unfriendly natives the mission was built with a tile roof instead of the usual ignitable thatch roof.

"Little" town of Santa Margarita, CA

Day 69 - May 24, 2008

Today was a travel day to Santa Margarita, CA. We loved the beach at Point Mugu, but the upcoming weekend brought alot of crazy activity at the campground so we were happy to be on our way. This stop was the one place we did not have reservations as the military choice had a 30 day window for reservations. When we called they were full as were several other private campgrounds. Searching on the internet we were able to find a vacancy at the Santa Margarita KOA. This campground in terraced into the side of a mountain so it was picturesque but the sites were close together. Also, the camppground was well off the beaten path so it was a welcome relief to the usual parking lot desert campgrounds we have previously stayed. This gave us a great opportunity to meet our neighbors (however, knowing me I do not need any help in meeting strangers). We made quick buddies with the Brian, the guy to our right. We had a great fire and relaxed with our liquid beverages around the campfire.

Day 68 - May 23, 2008

Today we took a catamaran ride out to the Channel Islands. We all ready had reservations so even though the weather did not cooperate, we needed to go on the trip. In the 68 days of our Big Adventure, this is the first day the weather acted up - not a bad average so we don't have much to complain about. The 1 hr. boat ride out to the island was very, very rough - like an E ticket ride at Disney World. We went on several hikes on the island and saw some pristine sights.

Channel Islands - Santa Cruz Island

Do we look cold and wet?

Frank said this was him - he couldn't smile because he was too cold

Santa Cruz Island - The Potato Harbor Hike

"The Islander" - Catamaran we took to the Channel Islands

Day 67 - May 22, 2008

Today we went drove south. The first place we saw was Malibu (see above). So sorry to report but we did not see Jennifer Anniston or any other stars. Then it was on to the world famous Santa Monica Pier. As you can tell from the pictures it was a place filled with all sorts of events and people. Then ol' June and Ward Cleaver got some shocks of our life at Venice Beach. What a collection of weirdos. Everyone should experience this place once in their lives. Then I had the bright idea to ride down Sunset Blvd. The big problem was that it was 5:30 and in the midst of gridlock traffic - not a good idea. To make matters worst, we got lost several times, even with the Tom Tom. Quite a day in LA!!!!!

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Beach

Movie shoot at Santa Monica Pier

Carousel at Santa Monica Pier. This was the same one in the movie, "The Sting".

Another "interesting " shop on Venice Beach

One of the many, many tattoo places on Venice Beach

Mural on Venice Beach Building - Frank wanted me to say that the guy sitting on the steps looks like Charles Manson's brother

More of the sights on Venice Beach - the vendors and the homeless people behind the vendors.