Pebble Beach - course of dreams

Some of the lushest greens...the lone cypress...readying for the US Open 2010. The guys had a wonderful time chatting up the caddies and cheering the golfers struggling out of the rough.

First few days

The flight - cards at Harry Carey's in Chicago. San Francisco - cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower and China Town. Muir Woods - nothing more need be said. Pebble Beach, lush course and foggy coastline...what a great start.

Short-timers syndrome

Often used to refer to someone who has given notice or is about to retire...their body is present but...the mind is elsewhere. That's just about it.

The maps are out again. Zagat, Frommer's and Google have gotten a workout since last week. The itinerary is coming together nicely.

San Fran for two nights, Carmel for a night...visits to Chinatown, Muir Woods, Pebble Beach...check.

Then, into the mountains, into the woods we go. Mariposa will be our homebase with 5 days of adventuring into Yosemite and surrounding wonders.

Hiking shoes and poles packed. Backpack filling up.

Plans for Vernal Falls and Mist Trail, Touloume Meadows, Half Dome. Watch for photos and words to paint the picture. Come with us!! Bring on the adventure!

Go West, Fifty-somethings!

It didn't take much this time. Ken Burns' National Park series on PBS pulled our sights to Yosemite - always on the 'bucket list' and now it's time!
The McKlern (CR/ER, Jeff/Deb) Clan have reservations made (early June), maps out and a plan. We'll spend a night or two in San Francisco, exploring the sights and taking in a quick trip to Muir Woods, in honor of John Muir whose words and passion have inspired us. A day in Carmel then on to Mariposa, where we'll spend 5 nights and the days will be filled with all we can see of Yosemite.
Stay tuned, travelers...

A different kind of adventure...

After "putting it out there" and more than a few conversations, we have once again entered the realm of dog. Her name is Bonny and she was a rescue pooch. They think she's about 3-4 years old and a mix of cocker spaniel and poodle. We see a little Scottie in her face. She's kind, gentle and very loving. She absolutely loves outside (just like us!) and having her belly rubbed (we're not wild about having ours rubbed).

The adventurers have landed back in paradise. Although we love to experience new sights and places, we love this place we call home. Next....!!

Welcome (and goodbye) to the Pacific Coast - rainy, overcast, foggy.......and beautiful. Long story short we drove the length of Oregon, and about 1 hour into the trip our mountain "shortcut" was closed, so we ended up taking an amazing 12 mile double secret shortcut on a gravel road through the pass. Faaaabulous!
Is it really over? I thought we'd just keep doing this for the rest of our lives. No? I suppose that's why we took, oh, I don't know, 500 pictures - so we could remember this indescribable place forever

CR & I decided the theme of this trip has been: "Look at tha...ooohhhhhhh!!" as we drove past one after another spectacles of nature. GL kept us laughing...oohh