California Trip - Oakland

July 12-21

Oakland - Picnics with Sarah's friends and Sergio's family and a trip to the movies where we met with the Simpsons.

California Trip - Pacific Coast

July 19-21

Nicki and I drove up the California coast on Highway 1 as far as Mendocino. Stayed at the Little River Inn just a couple miles below Mendocino, with a great view of the ocean from our room's porch. Ate a late supper rocking in our chairs watching the moon's reflection setting into the ocean, had a fire going in our fireplace and listened to the waves all night. Next day drove back to Half Moon Bay where we met Sarah for beach walking and supper at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company before heading to the airport for our overnight flight back to Ohio. Smooth flight. End of vacation.

California Trip - Yosemite National Park

July 16-17

Yosemite National Park - Two trips into the valley. Sarah and Sergio climbed to the bases of the Yosemite Lower Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Nicki also did some climbing but not as far. Much more crowded than Sequoia National Park - lots of foreign languages.

California Trip - Hetch Hetchy Reservoir & Evergreen Lodge

July 16-17

Evergreen Lodge - Great place to sit on our cabin's deck and watch the shooting stars - and good dinner and breakfast.

Hetch Hetchy Valley/Reservoir - A movement is underway to remove the dam and return the Hetch Hetchy Valley to its natural state which would be similar to the Yosemite Valley.

California Trip - Sequoia National Park

July 14-16

Sequoia National Park

Crystal Cave

General Sherman Tree - World's largest tree (by volume - not height).
Moro Rock - A granite dome and challenging climb for old people.
One bear and cub sighting, several deer.