California

Audrey went on her first trip out of the state.  We went to California for a trip filled with visits with friends and family and exploring beautiful places.
We started by going to Walnut Creek to stay with Aunt Cara, Uncle Doug, Cousin Nolan and most importantly the brand new addition, baby Parker.  We had a good time hanging with the fam, went to Pyramid Brewery, walked around downtown Walnut Creek, went for a hike in the foothills of Mount Diablo.

After 5 rainy days in the East Bay we headed in to San Francisco under clearing skies. 
We spent a sunny weekend visiting my college roommate, Lisa, and her husband, Trent in the city.  Lisa blogged about our time there and posted some great pics here

Lisa and Trent on the carousel at Golden Gate Park

The rare lack of fog allowed us to take in some great views and the alternative foodscape allowed for some delicious meals.  We ate at an amazing vegan mexican restaurant called Gracias Madre that was filled with the scents of freshly made tortillas and had delicous cashew "cheese" on a few dishes.  And we breakfast at a vegan-accommodating soda fountain, St. Francis Fountain, where I was able to thoroughly enjoy a "milk"shake. 

Lounging on "hippie hill" at Golden Gate Park

Uncle Alex flew in from Las Vegas, we picked him up at the airport and headed north for some exploring. 

We drove up the Pacific Coast Highway and I would have stopped at every turn off to look at the ocean if only the driver had accomodated.

We camped and hiked in some really beautiful places.  Point Reyes National Seashore was our first destination.

Our first night of camping we pulled up to Wrights Beach after dark and could hear the waves.  Every few minutes there would be a huge wave crashing, which we learned more about in the morning.  The signs all over told of the dangerous "sleeper" waves and rip currents that make the beach one of the deadliest in the state. 

"no Audrey, we can't swim here"

The next night we camped at Russian Gulch State Park near Mendocino and took a nice hike to a waterfall.

Then we headed to Hendy Woods State Park where we were awed by big trees, more specifically old-growth redwoods, including a hollowed out tree that had been converted into a home by a hermit who lived there for 18 years until his death in 1983.  Hendy Woods is one of 70 or so state parks slated to be shut down this summer, but the people of the community are working hard to keep it from happening

Great big tree

Our last day was beer and wine day.  We quaffed at a winery nearby Hendy Woods, in the lovely, unpretentious Anderson Valley area, then rolled on to Santa Rosa where we visited the Russian River Brewery. We had the lucky coincidence of meeting up with George and Nancy, good friends of my parents, who offered up a night at their house.

There are lots more pictures to look at, if you want to see them click here...California pictures