The Coast

We took an excursion to Tod's favorite place on the planet...the Redwood Forest. I caught him down on his knees worshiping a few times. It's that sacred to him. ;)

This tree is really old. But I can't remember how old. 1,000 years? 150,000 years? 180 years? Something old.

Barb taught me the thrill of hugging a tree. It really was an experience to feel it's energy.

Ana and Lily were in lala land discussing a play they are "going to direct." I had a few minutes alone to chat with Grandpa while Tod and Barb had a nice talk too. It was great to walk through those sacred, majestic woods and have a chance to get to know our family better.

Next we headed to Santa Cruz. I've been to SC 4 or 5 times in my life. All of them with Chuck and Barb. It was pretty chilly this day. Spectacular though.

What the heck were we doing?

This is where we parted ways with Chuck and Barb. They headed home and we headed up Highway 1 to San Francisco. It really was wonderful to see them. Ana and Lily loved visiting with them (they've got to be pretty awesome to have their great-grandchildren adore them so much!) and we decided that we'll have to make their house a regular on our travel list. They are the closest family to us in proximity and were super hosts! THANK YOU CHUCK AND BARB!! Hope you enjoyed us because we'll be back. And maybe you won't have to send the pup to away next time we're there. (He's very young and was a little too excited/yelpie/rambunctious.)

The coastal drive was mind blowing. So gorgeous. We stopped at this lighthouse for a minute. Some other people there saw whales. We tried to find them, but never did. :(

I gotta say it...when I see this picture I am self-critical about my bushy eyebrows. "My word, Rachel! Trim those things!" If ever you needed to know from whence they come...enlarge some pics of Chuck.

We are amazed at the beauty of this state we live in. It has so much...beach, mountains, skiing, camping, agriculture, big cities, small cities, the entertainment industry. Did you know California is the 8th largest economy in the world?! How about that! (Too bad they're doing such a crummy job managing it.) It was really cool to drive up and down the state and experience all of it. John Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors and I was totally channeling him as we sped through California. I loved it!

Up next....San Francisco. Easily my favorite city on the planet. Yahooo!!!!!