This will be a bit of a sentimental journey. California holds many memories for Dawn & myself. We flew into Sacramento (free United flight), and headed our rental Corolla north to Grass Valley. The Gold Rush towns of the 1848+ era are still there with their Victorian homes, but now they attract tourists, marijuana growers, and those looking for a little slower pace of life. We were there to check Dawn's parents' home which is being rented and, hopefully, do some hiking. Unfortunately, the Fall rains had already begun. Lots of craft & antique stores to peruse while staying out of the weather; I found a rare book set to buy.
Then off to the wine-growing region of Napa valley. It was expensive, touristy, and somewhat disappointing. We met up with our daughter, who was in Napa on business and who would join us for the weekend. Leaving, we drove through a light, night rain over the hills, to stay in the Sonoma valley. We viewed the cottage where we lived 1972-74 and had breakfast with one of Dawn's cousins. So much growth has taken place in this region! It used to be farms, pastures, and vineyards; now there are golf courses, shopping malls, and many new housing tracts.
Along the north coast, Highway 1 and Point Reyes, the scenery is still exceptional; cloud-shrouded hills, clumps of huge Eucalyptus trees and pines, endless ocean waves, and sheltered coves. The sun would peep through occasionally. We came across a coyote which, while appearing healthy, seemed peculiarly tame and approached within twenty feet of us. Stinson Beach, although a broad sandy expanse, was cool, cloudy, and somewhat somber. Memories: the last time we were there, Dawn and I were dating. Then on to explore Muir beach & woods.
Then off to the wine-growing region of Napa valley. It was expensive, touristy, and somewhat disappointing. We met up with our daughter, who was in Napa on business and who would join us for the weekend. Leaving, we drove through a light, night rain over the hills, to stay in the Sonoma valley. We viewed the cottage where we lived 1972-74 and had breakfast with one of Dawn's cousins. So much growth has taken place in this region! It used to be farms, pastures, and vineyards; now there are golf courses, shopping malls, and many new housing tracts.
Along the north coast, Highway 1 and Point Reyes, the scenery is still exceptional; cloud-shrouded hills, clumps of huge Eucalyptus trees and pines, endless ocean waves, and sheltered coves. The sun would peep through occasionally. We came across a coyote which, while appearing healthy, seemed peculiarly tame and approached within twenty feet of us. Stinson Beach, although a broad sandy expanse, was cool, cloudy, and somewhat somber. Memories: the last time we were there, Dawn and I were dating. Then on to explore Muir beach & woods.
Muir Woods are inspiring. The tall redwoods make you feel like an ant in comparison. Towering redwoods create their own rain by filtering the moisture from passing clouds; collecting it into droplets until enough is present to fall to the ground. On this day real rain fell occasionally. We hiked about six miles at Muir and China Camp and encountered deer and a flock of wild turkeys. The whole of Marin County is a rugged peninsula with a central spine of high hills (mountains?). Looking out from the Marin highlands, the view of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city are spectacularly scenic.
After an overnight in Alameda to get Meghan on her flight, we spent the next day following the central California coast. Seventeen-mile Drive in Monterey has beautiful homes on a scenic peninsula with an integrated golf course. Carmel is full of cute shops and homes and the old Carmel Mission and museum.
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