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.