International Falls, MN

We left Dickinson, North Dakota this morning in a heavy fog. After driving a couple of hours, the sun broke through and the rest of the day went pretty smooth...that is if you enjoy being in a car for 10+ hours.

Oh yeah....except for the road construction about 60 miles out of International Falls where the idiot flagger girls failed to direct me to the detour route. I drove the entire 5 mile paving project with huge trucks bearing down on me, and their drivers shouting at me to "move over." I asked one fellow if I was suppose to be where I was and he replied "I don't think so!" Duh! so I asked him if I could get through and he nodded yes. I just put my head down and drove straight through all that heavy equipment. I wasn't about to turn around.

We've checked into the Days Inn for a couple of days. Am I ever ready to be out of that car!

Tomorrow we'll visit Voyageur National Park...our 23rd National Park this year and number 36 of the 56 Parks! We made our bucket list and we're checking places off - one by one.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is just an hour or so South of Yellowstone. We visited Teton a few years ago, but decided to take this opportunity to visit again. We enjoyed a nice boat ride across Jenny Lake. We had a gorgeous day for hiking, and the scenery was incredible. We even had a face-to-face encounter with a huge Bull Moose. He was most interested in eating leaves off the trees than he was us us (and we were glad!) We watched him for 10 or 15 minutes before he made his way to the river. We've seen moose before, but never, never, never this close. What an amazing creature....huge!

Sea World

The Boys Have Arrived!

Picked up Justin and Peyton at LAX. Of course, the flight was delayed, but they arrived in good spirits. We had a long drive to San Diego before the first of many big days ahead. Seaworld here we come!

2010 07 06 CA, Los Angeles

We're settled into Los Angeles for a few days. Catching up on laundry and a quick pit-stop to the grocery. Weather is warm and we enjoy that. Later this week we'll head to LAX, grab the Grandkids and head to San Diego for a visit to the beach, the Zoo and perhaps a visit to the WWII museum there. If not, we'll hit Legoland and wear them out at the Water Park. After San Diego we'll head to Disney, Universal Studios and who knows?

2010 07 04 CA, Cambria

The 4th of July in Cambria was full of activity, like many towns around the country. A parade honoring Vets, a picnic or BBQ...families gathered and were having fun! We headed to the ocean for a walk along the beach. The track was rocky and beautiful, but this beach doesn't offer much sand to sink your toes in. Kids were laughing and running into the water....wearing coats and parkas! BBbbrrrr! makes me shiver just watching them. Here are a few shots of the ocean. The morning sea mist finally cleared in the early afternoon and provided lovely sunshine and soft breezes. The blue water crashing on the rocks is enchanting.

To Cambria! via Monterey...the Scenic Route

After several days hiking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks it was time to move on. We need to head west because in short order we'll be hooking up with the Grandkids for a Disney/San Diego adventure.

Yes, it's not exactly a direct route to Cambria, but the countryside is lovely and taking the long way around is a great way to see the country. Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel by the Sea are favorites. We've been through the area before and wanted to pay another visit. Weather was windy, cloudy and quite cold...not really site-seeing weather, so we didn't hang-out on the beach for very long. But the beaches were filled with folks enjoying warmer temperatures and the coast is incredibly beautiful anytime of the year.

Next we were southbound for Cambria on the central coast. A beautiful coastal town, incredible restaurants offering the freshest and most delicious food anywhere! This has been a great place to relax and do a bit of window shopping. Antique stores, wine emporiums, gourmet food and kitchen accessories abound (right up my alley!)

We're staying at Cambria Pines Lodge, nestled in the middle of the pines, with lovely gardens to enjoy. A short walk down a steep path to town....no need for a car here. Weather today was quite warm and sunny, actually lovely. The sea mist was in this evening, but we were still able to walk to town for dinner.

We're back in our room settling in for the evening. Two fireplaces will keep us toasty and our bed has a lovely thick feather duvet that is heavenly.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July! My goodness! where has time gone?

The little boys arrive on the 9th and we're sure to have a wonderful time. Can't wait to see them again. Stay tuned!

A Land of Giants! Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are fabulous!

The landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity – huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees!

The two parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activity varies by season and elevation, which ranges from 1300' to 14,494'.

We entered the valley and were met with clear blue skies, sun-kissed mountains and blazing heat. We like to avoid extreme temps so we headed to higher ground!

The park roads offer a challenging drive with little or no road shoulder. Shear cliffs and hairpin switchbacks soon have an effect on the most iron stomach! There is also the road repair that requires a little timing. One section only allows cars through once an hour, at the top of the hour, so you don't want to miss your turn.

When we arrived at the forest we were rewarded with beautiful grassy meadows, cool shade, gentle breezes and low humidity. Immediately our eyes turned skyward in awe! Our jaws dropped at such a sight - those amazing tees - the Sequoia! It is hard to imagine such a species exists and you really cannot grasp it until you see them first-hand.

The ancient groves were protected in the mid-1800s, thanks to a couple of brilliant naturalists. Boy,are we ever glad they realized the devistating effect man was having on the forest and that they were able to do something about it.

The Sequoia can survive for thousands of years and have no predator - except Man. If you've been inspired by the magnificent Redwood forests (also beautiful and fabulous) you will be in awe of the Sequoia. There aren't enough words to describe them, but I'll try. They are fantastic, fabulous, amazing, inspiring, incredible, awesome, beautiful, majestic, towering, soulful and stately. The trees heighten your imagination and stir deep emotions from the very moment you lay eyes on them.

Yosemite National Park Day 3

Today we headed to the Park early and started our hike down the Glacier Point trail to the Valley Floor. Highlights came early as we enjoyed seeing a black bear in the meadow on our way to the trail. We hoped we'd get an opportunity to see wildlife and we weren't disappointed. He was the only one, but at least we got to see him in the wild...not some zoo! Our hike (all downhill) was a little over 5 miles in all, at a steep incline and constant switchbacks. All the way down Joe kept talking about how he wished he were going up. By the time we reached the car we'd changed our tune. There is no way I'm doing that hike uphill! If Joe wants to tackle it I'll meet him at the top (in the car!) We headed straight for the Ahwahnee Lodge for lunch. Rainbow Trout crusted in Almonds..pan sauteed...with orzo and veggies...YUM! It was delicious and we were starved. Then it was time for the long drive back to the hotel...sweaty, tired, and covered in dirt and dust from the trail. A/C sure is nice....

Black Bear in the Meadow enroute to Glacier Point Trailhead














Yosemite Falls from the Glacier Point Trail














View of the Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel at the South Entrance to the Park














Half Dome from the trailhead at Glacier Point

Yosemite National Park Day 2

It was another glorious day at the park. Lots of people enjoying a summer visit. Can't imagine how crazy it will be over the 4th of July weekend.

We started the day with a short hike to Yosemite Falls to enjoy the view and snap a few photos along the trail. Next we were off in the car for a drive to the Tuolumne Meadows.

The drive was long and the roadways were crowded. The narrow, winding road is undergoing repairs further slowing the pace. Open only during the summer, our drive took us to elevations over 9,000 feet!

I really feel the effects of the altitude. Uphill climbs leave me sucking air and my legs just didn't have any energy. We managed a short walk to stretch our legs, up a somewhat elevated trail, but after 30 minutes I'd had enough! My legs were like rubber bands all the way down and never really seemed to recover.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Falls at a distance. Stunning and spectacular.
















Joe on the Mirror Lake Trail






















I especially enjoyed the reflection in the pool of water on the Mirror Lake Trail. A great trail, not overly crowded and amazing views. The weather was lovely. Who could ask for anything more?

Washington, Seattle - Our Hell's Kitchen!

After dinner it's clean-up time. Here we are clowning around in the Kitchen. Gordon Ramsey's got nothin' on us!




















Nancy and Eimhin working on Lisa's window covering project!

Washington, Seattle - Our Newest Graduate!

It is a time for Celebration! Our newest graduate, Lisa, receiving her degree from Seattle University. Way to go Girl! Hard work, determination and grit for sure.

Oregon, Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, Oregon is a sanctuary of majestic rock spires that rise above the winding Crooked River in central Oregon's high desert. It is an internationally renowned destination for rock climbing. The appearance of the park is a result of the cumulative forces of vulcanism and the erosive power of running water. Several miles of developed trails access the top of Misery Ridge and parallel the rock climbing areas. Wildlife is abundant. We were able to view an active Bald Eagle nest. There are ten nests in the park, all used by one nesting pair.

We've visited Smith Rock before, and returned for the wonderful hiking. Starting at the Chute, near the parking area, we headed straight for Misery Ridge (appropriately named) to the summit. Just past the Summit is Monkey Face, a popular rock climb. We worked our way down from the summit rocks behind Monkey face and connected with Mesa Verde Trail and River Trail. We spent two and a half hours climbing up and down the spectacular rocks, and hiking along the river. We watched rock climbers dangling from ropes on the cliff walls. I scratch my head on that one....but they seem to be enjoying themselves. We enjoyed a marvelous day, clear skies, sunny and cool - perfect for hiking.