The Magic Valley

 I'm caravanning with Lou and Dave as we slowly make our way back to Minnesota. When looking over the possible routes back to Minnesota, Dave checking out the maps says “Oh look, Idaho could be on the way”. So off to Idaho we go.

Tahee Tahoe

 I met up with Lou and Dave again in all places – Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove Campground is a lovely campground, right across the street from Lake Tahoe itself. There are lots of big old trees scattered throughout the campground. They are scattered in such a way that I couldn't get into my assigned campsite. On my way to the replacement site, I tried to take a sharp turn and came within inches of another big honkin' tree reaching out and getting me. Luckily, there were some people there to help direct me and get me back on the path of righteousness. Dodged that bullet. After looking at the bark of that particular tree, it looked like I was not the only rig that might have had a close encounter.

The Candy Shop

 

Lou and Dave felt the wine country calling them so they went their way for a couple of days while I headed for Sacramento. I didn't do much in Sacramento except go to the Crocker Art Museum. Founded in 1885, it is the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi River. It specializes in Californian art.

Pretty Pretty Marin

 

After spending two weeks in the San Francisco area, it was time to move on. I think two weeks in one place is the longest I've ever camped anywhere. I didn't move very far, just a little bit up the coast to Point Reyes National Seashore. The drive was through Marin County, one of the prettiest places I've been to. Marin County is the 6^th highest income per capita of all US counties and while that is impressive, it doesn't even come close to how impressive and beautiful the countryside is. There are mountains, there is the ocean and the climate, which is described as a Mediterranean climate, warm days- cool nights. Nestled among all this are the quaint towns which have a small-town feel. Of course, it ain't all sunshine and roses. The San Andreas Fault separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the California mainland. I think there would be a high likelihood of Marin County falling into the ocean if the “big one” ever happens.

Look!!  A carnation tree!!!

When the 1906 San Francisco earthquake happened, it was felt in Point Reyes. 
Part of this fence was moved 16 feet to the right. 

We were lucky to be there during Elephant Seals pupping season. When the pups are born, they weigh about fifty pounds. After about six weeks, their moms leave them on their own. At this point, the pups have gained about 250 pounds. For the next four weeks, they lounge on the beach with all the other abandoned pups living off their fat until one day, they wake up and decide they are hungry enough to go into the ocean and fish. Remember, Mom has not taught them how to swim, how to fish but these brave little souls go for it. I was thrilled that while I was there, several of the pups decided it was time to head out to the ocean. They will stay out to sea for about nine months. Fun Fact: A group of seals is called a bob (also called a pod). 

Here is a bob of pups lounging around in the sun

The seals would go a few feet and then collapse and rest up a few minutes before they took off again.  Once they got in the water, they were free from the constraints of gravity. 

More random photos from the peninsula:

The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 with a First Order Fresnel Lens. 
First Order means it is the biggest type of Fresnel Lens.
There are 300 steps down to the lighthouse but the walkway was closed because of high winds.

Ghosties, Core Spiritual Values and Science

 

In 1862, Sarah married into the Winchester family – owners of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, home of “The Gun That Won The West”. When Sarah Winchester's husband died, she became immensely rich.

Into The Forest I Must Go

 

Back in our working days, Lou and I worked with a woman named Hongyu. She is an amazing woman, born in Mongolia, grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution and immigrated to the U.S. She has traveled extensively throughout the world on her own. I think she is one of the bravest women I've ever met. She now lives in the San Francisco area in a senior housing development called Rossmoor. This housing development has 10,000 residents and it's own zip code. Rossmoor is it's own city. She took us on a tour, fed us lunch. She taught us how to make spring rolls. I won't tell you how incredibly sloppy our spring rolls where compared to hers but it sure was fun to do.

Flora, Flora, Flora!!

 The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park as it was completed in 1879. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you walk thru the Conservatory in your jeans and Tennies, I felt very under dressed. I should have been wearing a long Victorian dress complete with gloves and a parasol.

From Lofty Heights

I am overjoyed that my traveling buddies Lou and Davey have met up with me again. Last time I saw them was in New Mexico when we spent a few weeks together. Now they are camped right next door to me. I think we are going to caravan together for a while at least until they get sick of me. Besides the fact that I'm happy to hang out with them, they have a fancy little car and they have been driving me into the city for which I am very grateful for. Little San Francisco streets are not made for big pickup trucks.

Settling Into The Bay Area

 

I'm moving north and made it to the San Francisco area. The majority of the campgrounds that are available are aways from downtown San Francisco which is where most of the sights I want to see are located. Depending on traffic, it is about a forty minute to over an hour drive into town. Speaking of traffic, I evidently have been out in the boonies for a while – I am finding myself overwhelmed by the amount of traffic in the area. I have found that SF drivers are very polite, merging into traffic is a breeze. Driving down the road – not so much. People are just way too much in a hurry.