-
“California Dreaming” by N&J
Calistoga, CA (Apr 8/14) – It has been a whirlwind few months for N&J since returning from their inaugural ‘epic’ trip, lots has happened… the Blossom of Love, the Tragic Accident, the Engagement, the First Christmas & a new (new to N&J) Westfalia “Hobbes”. With just over 2 months until N&J’s big day, no better time to escape the big city & head south for… California!!! Visited the quaint little town of Astoria located on the mouth of the mighty Columbia River on the north-western tip of Oregon State. Beautiful historic townsite with many interesting shops, pubs & restaurants. It was here that J surprised N with a new Trek…
-
“Is This Really Something to Whine About?” by N&J
San Francisco, CA (Apr 13/14) – Heading eastward, away from the Pacific Ocean brought on a different feel in the air. No longer that ‘fresh salty scent’ of the sea, the climate became much drier (and warmer). As N&J entered Napa Valley, the prime US wine growing area, the land became adorned with what one could describe as ‘ribbons of green’ rolling over the hills & across the valley floors… wine vineyards for a far as the eye could see. Quite overwhelming to the unsuspecting… There are hundreds, probably thousands of wineries to choose from in Napa. No way N&J could sample them all (OK, OK… N was willing to…
-
“Streets of San Francisco” by N&J
Santa Cruz, CA (Apr 18/14) – Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is always a wonderous experience. Approaching from San Rafael, north of the SF, driving through the hot & dry hills, then onto the bridge… instant climate change!!! Hot to frigid cold, dry to ocean moist, resulting in windows fogging & the panic to turn on the AC (It’s already on!?!)… open the windows to resolve. This bridge is HUGE!!! The view of the ‘City by the Bay‘ is beautiful as N&J make their way across the bridge, the blue white-capped waters of the ocean entering under the bridge, it all is so enticing… drawing you…
-
“GEEEZ… It’s Really Hot!!!” by N&J
Huntington Beach, CA (Apr 26/14) – Departed San Fransisco driving south on Hwy1 (the coast route), fantastic seaside road with gorgeous ocean views… a visual overload. A great trip for Westfalia vans, slow pace of traffic (not a freeway), more relaxed form of travel. Passing through Santa Cruz was a chance to drop into Van Cafe, a VW camper van paradise for parts & camaraderie; and to pickup some Westfalia stuff. As the journey continued, came into Monterey, also visited Carmel by the Sea located next door to Pebble Beach… Mecca for the golf community. Overnighted at a quiet desolated pull-out along the ocean… click on pic to enlarge –…