Scary Holidays and up to Beth in Ukiah

We walked around parts of San Fran to check out some Halloween costumes.

This one was impressive.  Vanessa is the only one of our group that dressed up.

She then set off to see her brother while I stayed with Mark.  V took the camera.  This is Isaac, number 5 in the family.  He is an extremely talented artist.

We then all visited "Dia de los muertos"  =Day of the Dead.  This was awesome!

On our way north along highway 1, we stopped at some little towns trying to find good fits for Sari Saks.  This one turned out to be a perfect fit.

We stopped at this oyster place along the water to pick up a dozen fresh ones to take to Beth's.

Travie, Mark's dog, was our traveling companion.

Beautiful views along the 1.  If anyone ever has the chance to take some days and drive highway 1 along the california coast, it is worth the trip.

As we neared Beth's place, a rainbow broke free.

Our first meal, we had some Oysters for appetizers.  Shucking them was an experience.

Delicious!

Hi Beth.  This is Beth's place.  We got to spend a full week with her in Ukiah.

Which is part of Mendocino County.

Going for a good, long walk, near the lake and dam just near Beth's place.

Grape Vineyards everywhere!!!

Beth has old fireplace stove in her house, so I was in charge of chopping some wood to keep us warm at night.

Beth jamming for us, getting ready for her big concert in the near future.

We did a lot of cooking and eating!  This was a scrumptious pear crisp.

Before heading to our ultimate frisbee game, we stopped at the local farmers market.

The next day, Mark, Ashley, Jove and Ashley's parents came up for the day and to celebrate Mark's birthday.  We spent a good portion of the day at this marvelous winery...who now carry Sari Sak's.  Campovida.com
The two youngsters in the family laughing it up.

This was our crew for the day.

On a tour of the Wine Vats.

This is where they host wedding events and dinners.  An old, refurbished barn.

Mark and Ashley under there favorite flower.  ( I don't know if that's true, but as of now, we will assume it is)

Me and V...the trip and adventure continues.  So many faces, so many places.

The Howson's stomping some grapes.  Surprised?  I didn't think so.

This is what life's all about!

The we headed back to Beth's for her and her band to play a concert of a lifetime, in dedication to Mark's birthday.

Her band members.

Great company, great music, great day!

Even Mark got into it.

Ashley and her parents.

That's Jove, keeping an eye on me.

We went to support Beth in her championship game.

She was trying to use her intimidating ways.

Unfortunately, they lost. But they enjoy being teammates.

Our nightly fire.

We went to the local Buddhist Temple.

Where Peacocks think they are dogs.

Vanessa feeling the calmness.

Delicious Vegetarian lunch.

Sari Sak's at the winery.

Some more proof that we ate a lot.  At this point I weigh 20 lbs more that when we started 2 months previously.

Beth's place.  Thanks for a great stay.  Always good to spend time with family...especially because it isn't often enough.

California 101

Heading north on highway 101 from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, we decided to rent a convertible.  The weather in southern cal hadn't been too warm, so for the start of the trip we were bundled up, ready for an incredible drive.

So many vineyards all along the coast in California and internally too.

We stopped for lunch in San Luis Obispo.  It was the grand opening for this place so they were giving away free sandwiches...not bad.

We took a break to stop and admire the elephant seals which were a hoot to watch.

These things are massive and the males can be 12 feet long.  They are about as lazy looking as can be.  It's funny how they just lay all over each other with no sense of space.

I had my turn at the wheel along the coast on the winding 101.

Incredible views and scenery.

We finally arrived to good old San Francisco where we were picked up by Mark.  (brother) and welcomed to stay with him and his girlfriend Ashley and friend Jove.

We arrived to some beautiful weather, walked around, enjoyed the hustle bustle of the city, tested our legs on some hills and I've been catching up on the Office.

San Francisco really is a unique city.  This was the famous shot from Full House.

The next day we drove out to Yosemite and after checking in went on a good hike to a small waterfall.

This is the kind of place I've always wanted to live.

Ah, such serenity.

Vanessa getting her nature on.

We got back in time for the troops to show up.  Mark, Ashley, Pete and his friends.

That's Pete's friend, Casey.

Then we headed to Yosemite the following day to do the four mile hike (actually 4.6 miles each way)

On the way there.

This was our full crew for the day.

The hike begins. Everyone was excited.

That is basically what we are hiking to.

Mark and Ashley pulling up the rear.

Such crisp, pure air, and what a view!

Crossing streams and pushing on.

One of the great things the US did was to preserve so many great national parks.

Stopping for a break.

Everyone was in good spirits and getting along wonderfully.

The famous "half dome".  There is a documentary of a guy who climbed that with no ropes or anything but his bare hands.

We were fortunate, but a little disappointed not to spot any bears.

This was about half way up.

Mark made sure to cross all streams in style.

Getting a small taste of redwoods.

Don't even think of taking them down.

A great day for this hike. Blue skies.  Cool, but not cold.  Good company.

Once we got back to the hotel, we were all beat.  Went in the pool, jacuzzi, steamroom and sauna before dinner and some wine by the fireplace outside.

Time to rest.  We all felt the same way that Ashley did.  Tomorrow back to San Francisco.