Okay so for the past two nights we have been staying in the middle of nowhere. That explains the lack of updating. By that I mean at least 30 minutes to anything. No phone signal. No internet. No tv. About 50-75 deer along the road each night. Last night brought true meaning to the words "like a deer caught in the headlights". We were driving. A deer ran out in the road and then kept zig zagging like he didn't know where to go. It was so funny. I just sat there and waited for him to make a decision. By the way, yes I decided it was a male deer that had such intelligence. Ha ha. Once we left Sedona we drove up towards the Grand Canyon and stayed also in the middle of nowhere in Cameron. That place was the Cameron Trading Post. It was about 30 minutes outside the Grand Canyon on Route 89. On day 9 (I think. They are all starting to run together at this point), we checked out of our hotel again and drove to the Grand Canyon. By the way one bellman marked us down for 9 bags. We have a system going on how they all go in the car. I typically pack the trunk and Jenn packs the back seat. My two large suitcases and her small suitcase go in the trunk along with my computer. Then the cooler, my souvenir bag, my other bag, her large suitcase and everything else goes in the back seat. We prefer to pack it ourselves since we have this down so good and everything fits.
We arrived at the Grand Canyon and the day started off pretty nice. Then the one ranger basically scared us not into doing the hike we wanted to. They were calling for severe thunderstorms with golf ball size hail. He said that it's not good to be around ledges or trees in the storms. He said if you are hiking and you see lightning you have to get back as soon as possible. He never said the reasoning. We learned that at Bryce Canyon. The thunderstorm came. We were so lucky to be able to stay dry. Once it cleared up we went part way down the Bright Angel Trail. I mean a very small way, because it started raining again. Once we left the Grand Canyon we drove North on 89 to Page, Arizona.
In Page, we stayed at the Best Western Arizonainn. Of course they put two Best Westerns beside eachother. Of course we went to the wrong one even though the one next door actually said Arizonainn. By the way, at all these National Parks, its mostly either retirees or foreigners. The foreigners are rather annoying I must say. I try to keep in mind they probably think the same thing when we are in their country. Though I have so much to see in our country, I haven't grasped the concept of traveling out of the country yet. Someday I would like to.
I am tired and we are getting up earlty, so I will continue when I can. lots to update.
Today's highlights were: Big Horn Sheep and a Tarantula. Apparently it's mating season for the tarantula.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day 8 - Sedona, Hot Air Balloon Ride, and Cameron
Our ride for the Hot Air Balloon picked us up at 5:15am this morning. We booked it with Red Rock Balloons. They have a perfect safety record and have been flying for over 20 years. We drove out to some launch site. First let me just say they were not able to go the past two days due to rain. We had PERFECT Weather. It was so smoothe, you wouldn't even think you were in a hot air balloon. I heard some guy actually say that you can sit and read a book, and you wouldn't even have noticed we moved. The balloons were divided into 4 compartments. 3 people were in each compartment. It really didn't even seem like we went anywhere. We went around the red rocks of Sedona. Sedona is absolutely beautiful!!! I would go back in a second. And I would stay at the Sky Ranch Lodge again, if nothing else but for the great views!!! I thought when we landed, our balloon was going to tip over. It didn't.
After everything was packed up, we went to another area where we had mimosas and muffins. The nice thing was they kept refilling us. They even said we could decide how much champagne was in the glass. So I picked a lot less juice and more champagne. The juice was orange, mango, and I wanna say tangerine juice. It was delicious.
Once we got dropped back off at the hotel, I laid down and took a nap. When I woke up I went and walked around a bit. Then I got in the hot tub for a little. The pool was a bit cold and we had to check out anyway, so I didn't get in.
We checked out with our 9 bags and went into town again to walk around and shop for gifts and get lunch. I felt so happy and relaxed there. I just felt lazy like I didn't really want to do anything, but enjoy just being there.
Sedona is supposed to be a very spiritual place, with vortexes in different areas. I would have liked to get a reading there just to see what they would say, but since I am unemployed now ha ha I decided not to spend my money on that.
After leaving Sedona we drove up 89 to our next hotel - Cameron Trading Post. I love this hotel!!! It's like a reddish/brown stone buildings in the middle of nowhere. There is a nice restaurant that is affordable inside. There is also the biggest gift shop I ever saw in this place. It's all decorated like Indians, even in the rooms. It's just a really neat place. The view out our back is the little Colorado River Gorge or something like that. I will update with more once I remember. They keys are a little unique too. they are a card with a bunch of holes in them.
After everything was packed up, we went to another area where we had mimosas and muffins. The nice thing was they kept refilling us. They even said we could decide how much champagne was in the glass. So I picked a lot less juice and more champagne. The juice was orange, mango, and I wanna say tangerine juice. It was delicious.
Once we got dropped back off at the hotel, I laid down and took a nap. When I woke up I went and walked around a bit. Then I got in the hot tub for a little. The pool was a bit cold and we had to check out anyway, so I didn't get in.
We checked out with our 9 bags and went into town again to walk around and shop for gifts and get lunch. I felt so happy and relaxed there. I just felt lazy like I didn't really want to do anything, but enjoy just being there.
Sedona is supposed to be a very spiritual place, with vortexes in different areas. I would have liked to get a reading there just to see what they would say, but since I am unemployed now ha ha I decided not to spend my money on that.
After leaving Sedona we drove up 89 to our next hotel - Cameron Trading Post. I love this hotel!!! It's like a reddish/brown stone buildings in the middle of nowhere. There is a nice restaurant that is affordable inside. There is also the biggest gift shop I ever saw in this place. It's all decorated like Indians, even in the rooms. It's just a really neat place. The view out our back is the little Colorado River Gorge or something like that. I will update with more once I remember. They keys are a little unique too. they are a card with a bunch of holes in them.
Day 7 - Hoover Dam and Sedona
On Day 7, we would be driving 5 hours. We left Las Vegas around 10:30am (I think) and headed straight for the Hoover Dam. We walked on the new Memorial Bridge and then walked across the Hoover Dam (the road). It was neat to go see, but I guess I didn't really get the whole thing about why it's so big to go there. I am glad I got to stop by, but probably wouldn't do it again. It took a lot longer than we thought there.
Then we continued on to Sedona and finally arrived shortly after the sun went down. We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge. It was up on Airport Road overlooking all of Sedona. I can't say enough how much I loved Sedona. The hotel was like little buildings with about 6 rooms in each building. Right before arriving at our hotel, there is a scenic overlook where everyone comes to watch the sunset. It literally is about 50 yards from the hotel.
The little town of Sedonda is so pretty!!! We drove back into town for dinnger and then back to the hotel to go to sleep so we would be ready for our hot air balloon ride.
So Day 7 was actually a long day of driving with a stop at the Hoover Dam and arriving in Sedona.
Then we continued on to Sedona and finally arrived shortly after the sun went down. We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge. It was up on Airport Road overlooking all of Sedona. I can't say enough how much I loved Sedona. The hotel was like little buildings with about 6 rooms in each building. Right before arriving at our hotel, there is a scenic overlook where everyone comes to watch the sunset. It literally is about 50 yards from the hotel.
The little town of Sedonda is so pretty!!! We drove back into town for dinnger and then back to the hotel to go to sleep so we would be ready for our hot air balloon ride.
So Day 7 was actually a long day of driving with a stop at the Hoover Dam and arriving in Sedona.
Day 6 - Las Vegas
We checked out of the Shilo Inn in Oakhurst and headed for Las Vegas. After driving for 7 hours over 415 miles, we finally arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30pm. I must say that maybe it would be better for me to go back another time to appreciate it. Neither one of us had ever been there. We had no idea where to begin. We didn't know where to go to eat.
I was told that if you play the slot machines, you will get free drinks. I went thru my money too fast for them to even get me a drink, so that didn't work out so well. We walked up and down the strip and checked out the fountains at the Bellagio. That was probably the best part of Last Vegas. After two beers, and $40 less than I started with, we went back to the hotel. Needless to say Las Vegas, unfortunately, will not be in my top 10 of this trip.
I am hoping to go back with Crystal, Cheryl, Ryan, Rochelle, Garret, Michelle, and everyone else from work sometime for a much better time. And I better win money the next time!!!!
I was told that if you play the slot machines, you will get free drinks. I went thru my money too fast for them to even get me a drink, so that didn't work out so well. We walked up and down the strip and checked out the fountains at the Bellagio. That was probably the best part of Last Vegas. After two beers, and $40 less than I started with, we went back to the hotel. Needless to say Las Vegas, unfortunately, will not be in my top 10 of this trip.
I am hoping to go back with Crystal, Cheryl, Ryan, Rochelle, Garret, Michelle, and everyone else from work sometime for a much better time. And I better win money the next time!!!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
I don't think I have ever driven on so many windy roads in my whole life until this trip. I don't understand how the speed limit can be 55 mph when I can only go 35mph, because the turns are every 50 yards and some are more than 90 degree angles.
I may have forgotten to mention how awesome the GPS is. In San Francisco, it rerouted us around a ton of traffic and saved us a good 30-45 minutes. Today it took us from Tahoe to Yosemite on some scenic route. It was a very pretty drive. We entered the park thru the eastern side ( I will update later with exact location). Right outside the park, the gas price was $4.99 per gallon. The lady at the park area, said that the gas was cheaper inside the park.
I had no idae how HUGE that park is!! So we got gas inside the park for a whole $4.51 per gallon. nevertheless it was cheaper than outside the park.
We stopped at a few scenic places along the way and took pictures. Then we hiked the short hike out to Bridalvail Falls. Yosemite is absolutely the prettiest and best place we have seen so far. I am guessing that I may be saying that about other things too in the next few days.
We saw a mule deer, some kind of blue bird. We hiked out to Vernal Falls.
Then we drove to Mariposa Grove and saw the huge Sequoia's and the Giant Grizzley. I can'y say enough how pretty Yosemite was.
We left out Rte 41 in the Southern end and drove to our hotel, the Shilo Inn and Suites in Oakhurst.
This hotel actually has real keys. And the weirdest thing ever, it has a phone right beside the toilet in the bathroom. I had to take a picture.
Once we checked in, we went to dinner at Sweetwater Steakhouse and Saloon, less than 1/4 a mile away. It was slow getting waited on, but that's because they were understaffted.. I ordered the prime rib, salad, and garlic mash potatos. The food was delicious.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Vegas!!! Hoping my luck gets a little better.
I may have forgotten to mention how awesome the GPS is. In San Francisco, it rerouted us around a ton of traffic and saved us a good 30-45 minutes. Today it took us from Tahoe to Yosemite on some scenic route. It was a very pretty drive. We entered the park thru the eastern side ( I will update later with exact location). Right outside the park, the gas price was $4.99 per gallon. The lady at the park area, said that the gas was cheaper inside the park.
I had no idae how HUGE that park is!! So we got gas inside the park for a whole $4.51 per gallon. nevertheless it was cheaper than outside the park.
We stopped at a few scenic places along the way and took pictures. Then we hiked the short hike out to Bridalvail Falls. Yosemite is absolutely the prettiest and best place we have seen so far. I am guessing that I may be saying that about other things too in the next few days.
We saw a mule deer, some kind of blue bird. We hiked out to Vernal Falls.
Then we drove to Mariposa Grove and saw the huge Sequoia's and the Giant Grizzley. I can'y say enough how pretty Yosemite was.
We left out Rte 41 in the Southern end and drove to our hotel, the Shilo Inn and Suites in Oakhurst.
This hotel actually has real keys. And the weirdest thing ever, it has a phone right beside the toilet in the bathroom. I had to take a picture.
Once we checked in, we went to dinner at Sweetwater Steakhouse and Saloon, less than 1/4 a mile away. It was slow getting waited on, but that's because they were understaffted.. I ordered the prime rib, salad, and garlic mash potatos. The food was delicious.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Vegas!!! Hoping my luck gets a little better.
Day 4 - Lake Tahoe
We checked out of our hotel in Roseville on the 6th and headed for Lake Tahoe. We had to fill gas up for the 3rd time. Luckily, gas was only $3.69 per gallon. The low Temp in Tahoe was 37 degrees, while the high was 80.
We had lunch at The Beacon, which was right on the lake. I had a chicken caesar salad and a Miller Lite. We decided to go on a sailing cruise on the lake. So we went back and checked into the hotel.
We stayed at the Horizon Casino and Resort on the southern end of the lake. We both agreed that this hotel was the worst one we stayed in so far. However we were comparing this to Hyatt's and Marriott's, so maybe it really wasn't that bad.
We stopped for pictures along the drive to Tahoe City. We stopped at Emerald Bay like my uncle suggested. Unfortunately the gondala at Heavenly stopped running as of Labor Day. In Tahoe at least, it seems a lot of things shut down around Labor Day for the season.
The sailing was supposed be a sunset sail around the lake from 5-7pm. It included drink, and appetizers. The appetizers consisted of crackers, cheese, and dips. Though the Jalapeno and artichoke dip was great, I think we expected a little more from the appetizers. It was still beautiful to be on a large sailboat on the lake.
Since we didn't get to eat much on the lake, we were hungry by the time the cruise was done. We went to a place called Sunnyside Restaurant. My Uncle and his girlfriend recommended it. We saw more of a sunset there. It was also right on the water. We weren't too terribly hungry so we each just ordered an appetizer and a glass of wine.
Once dinner was over, we went back to the hotel. I decided to waste $20 and try to gamble. I didn't care for any of the slot machines in our hotel. I figure that's practice for when I win my millions in Vegas!!!!
We had lunch at The Beacon, which was right on the lake. I had a chicken caesar salad and a Miller Lite. We decided to go on a sailing cruise on the lake. So we went back and checked into the hotel.
We stayed at the Horizon Casino and Resort on the southern end of the lake. We both agreed that this hotel was the worst one we stayed in so far. However we were comparing this to Hyatt's and Marriott's, so maybe it really wasn't that bad.
We stopped for pictures along the drive to Tahoe City. We stopped at Emerald Bay like my uncle suggested. Unfortunately the gondala at Heavenly stopped running as of Labor Day. In Tahoe at least, it seems a lot of things shut down around Labor Day for the season.
The sailing was supposed be a sunset sail around the lake from 5-7pm. It included drink, and appetizers. The appetizers consisted of crackers, cheese, and dips. Though the Jalapeno and artichoke dip was great, I think we expected a little more from the appetizers. It was still beautiful to be on a large sailboat on the lake.
Since we didn't get to eat much on the lake, we were hungry by the time the cruise was done. We went to a place called Sunnyside Restaurant. My Uncle and his girlfriend recommended it. We saw more of a sunset there. It was also right on the water. We weren't too terribly hungry so we each just ordered an appetizer and a glass of wine.
Once dinner was over, we went back to the hotel. I decided to waste $20 and try to gamble. I didn't care for any of the slot machines in our hotel. I figure that's practice for when I win my millions in Vegas!!!!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 3 - White Water Rafting and Visiting Uncle Tom
Today was awesome!!!!!! I must say so far Sonoma / Napa Valley and today are by far the most awesome things so far we have done!!!. We woke up and had the continental breakfast before checking out of the hotel today. I made waffels!!! Their breakfast was great. We are hoping to do this as much as possible.
We had to drive to the next hotel to at least drop our stuff off before going to the white water rafting place. They said if you leave stuff in your car, it could get broken into. After my rental was broken into about a week ago, I didn't want to take any chances.
We arrived at Hyatt Place in Roseville, CA. They let us check in to our room at 10:30am!! The hotel is so far the best we stayed in yet. There is a whole sectional as soon as you walk in the room. It kind of makes you feel like home.
Once we checked in, we left for the white water rafting area. We stopped at the American River Pizza Place for some salad and pizza.
We arrrived at the Tributary White Water Rafting place shortly after 12:30pm. We were supposed to be there by 1pm. Of course, we waited until about 1:40pm for 5 people to come. Once we got on the river, it started off a little slow. Eventually it picked up to class 3 rapids. We had so much fun. Though as cold as the water was, at least we managed to stay in the boat. Temps got up to almost 90 degrees, which was awesome and a nice change from San Francisco.
Once that was over, we came back, showered, changed, and met my uncle and his girlfriend and her son at BJ's Brewery and Restaurant. There were so many things on the menu I didn't know where to begin. They all looked delicious!!! It was so great to see my Uncle Tom and meet his girlfriend and her son. They gave us lots of ideas for thinks to see and places to go in Tahoe. I made sure we got pictures. Then he gave me the two boxes I sent to him once we left.
He may go to Tahoe with us tomorrow. Not sure yet on that one. I am just happy to have gotten to spend some time with him.
We had to drive to the next hotel to at least drop our stuff off before going to the white water rafting place. They said if you leave stuff in your car, it could get broken into. After my rental was broken into about a week ago, I didn't want to take any chances.
We arrived at Hyatt Place in Roseville, CA. They let us check in to our room at 10:30am!! The hotel is so far the best we stayed in yet. There is a whole sectional as soon as you walk in the room. It kind of makes you feel like home.
Once we checked in, we left for the white water rafting area. We stopped at the American River Pizza Place for some salad and pizza.
We arrrived at the Tributary White Water Rafting place shortly after 12:30pm. We were supposed to be there by 1pm. Of course, we waited until about 1:40pm for 5 people to come. Once we got on the river, it started off a little slow. Eventually it picked up to class 3 rapids. We had so much fun. Though as cold as the water was, at least we managed to stay in the boat. Temps got up to almost 90 degrees, which was awesome and a nice change from San Francisco.
Once that was over, we came back, showered, changed, and met my uncle and his girlfriend and her son at BJ's Brewery and Restaurant. There were so many things on the menu I didn't know where to begin. They all looked delicious!!! It was so great to see my Uncle Tom and meet his girlfriend and her son. They gave us lots of ideas for thinks to see and places to go in Tahoe. I made sure we got pictures. Then he gave me the two boxes I sent to him once we left.
He may go to Tahoe with us tomorrow. Not sure yet on that one. I am just happy to have gotten to spend some time with him.
Day 2 - Sonoma and Napa Valley
I must say I was happy to get out of San Francisco. I have decided I don't think I could ever live in a city. We arrived in Sonoma this morning in time for our horse back ride and mountain top wine tasting at the Kunde Estate Winery. It was BEAUTIFUL. The sky was so blue. The weather was warmer. The grapes are getting ready to harvest in about a week, so you could see grapes alll over the place. We were hoping our horses would go a little faster, but the 4 air heads in our tour group were so flaky they probably would have fallen off the horse if it did anything more than crawl. It was still awesome.
After the horse back ride was over, we went for the mountain top wine tasting. It was the same group of 6, so the two of us and the 4 airheads. I loved all of the wines we tasted. I think we tasted 5 of them. We were overlooking all the fields of grapes. So as we tried each wine, they told us which field they were harvested from. The four of the other girls kept tossing their wine away. Jenn and I offered for them to empty their glasses into ours if they were going to get rid of it, but I don't think they heard us.
Of course we each ended up buying a bottle of wine.
I must say that winery was awesome. The driver of the shuttle van stopped along the way so we could take pictures of the grapes. I would recommend that tour in a second to anyone.
After that, we decided to drive over to Napa Valley. We were planning on going to Sterling Vineyards first. However the line was over 1/2 hour long and it was already pm. We thought we would be better if we continued on. Next stop - Beringer Vineyards. There we paid $15 for samples of 3 wines. I must say I loved the wines at the Kunde winery better.
Once we left there, we went to Robert Mondavi. We paid the $15 for the tour of the vineyard. I wanted to see how the wine was made. However I think since we were at the back of the tour group and busy taking pictures, I may have missed most of it. lol. Oh well. Oh yeah, we also stole the wine glasses, unless they meant for us to keep them. Though I doubt it. ha ha.
After that, we decided we were hungry. We somehow managed to skip lunch two days in a row. So we went to dinner at somed restaurant in downtown Napa. Once I remember the name of the place, I will update this. I had a bowl of clam chowder and a margherita pizza.
After that we were exhausted, so we went and checked into the hotel - the Fairfield Marriott.
After the horse back ride was over, we went for the mountain top wine tasting. It was the same group of 6, so the two of us and the 4 airheads. I loved all of the wines we tasted. I think we tasted 5 of them. We were overlooking all the fields of grapes. So as we tried each wine, they told us which field they were harvested from. The four of the other girls kept tossing their wine away. Jenn and I offered for them to empty their glasses into ours if they were going to get rid of it, but I don't think they heard us.
Of course we each ended up buying a bottle of wine.
I must say that winery was awesome. The driver of the shuttle van stopped along the way so we could take pictures of the grapes. I would recommend that tour in a second to anyone.
After that, we decided to drive over to Napa Valley. We were planning on going to Sterling Vineyards first. However the line was over 1/2 hour long and it was already pm. We thought we would be better if we continued on. Next stop - Beringer Vineyards. There we paid $15 for samples of 3 wines. I must say I loved the wines at the Kunde winery better.
Once we left there, we went to Robert Mondavi. We paid the $15 for the tour of the vineyard. I wanted to see how the wine was made. However I think since we were at the back of the tour group and busy taking pictures, I may have missed most of it. lol. Oh well. Oh yeah, we also stole the wine glasses, unless they meant for us to keep them. Though I doubt it. ha ha.
After that, we decided we were hungry. We somehow managed to skip lunch two days in a row. So we went to dinner at somed restaurant in downtown Napa. Once I remember the name of the place, I will update this. I had a bowl of clam chowder and a margherita pizza.
After that we were exhausted, so we went and checked into the hotel - the Fairfield Marriott.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Official Start of our Trip - San Francisco
I have never been to San Francisco. I was so excited to see the golden gate bridge, and to tour Alcatraz.
We started the day off at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was so cloudy and foggy, you couldn't even see the top of the bridge. Not to mention, it was very COLD. I was not prepared for all this cold weather!!! There were so many bikes and people all over the bridge.
From there we went to Point Bonita Lighthouse. Then we went over to Lombard Street, a very crooked street.
Then we went back to the hotel, since I was told how expensive it is to park in San Francisco. What my friends failed to tell me was how expensive it is to take public transportation too. We took the hotel shuttle to the airport. Then we took the BART to some street. Then we walked to Pier 1. We had very little time and had to get to Pier 33 for the Night Alcatraz Tour. So we took a cab to Pier 33 from about Pier 7. That was another $10.
The Alcatraz tour was cool. Though it was so-oooooo Cold!!! After the tour, we ate at the Crab House. I had 1/2 pound of dungenous (not sure how to spell that) crab and one cup of Crab Chowder with a glass of Pino Noir. We were planning on taking the cable cars around a little and walking around a little more, but it was entirely too cold. Apparently I didn't pack well enough. However, I couldn't really ask my mom to send my winter stuff out since it may cause her to become suspicious. So I must just suck it up.
We started the day off at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was so cloudy and foggy, you couldn't even see the top of the bridge. Not to mention, it was very COLD. I was not prepared for all this cold weather!!! There were so many bikes and people all over the bridge.
From there we went to Point Bonita Lighthouse. Then we went over to Lombard Street, a very crooked street.
Then we went back to the hotel, since I was told how expensive it is to park in San Francisco. What my friends failed to tell me was how expensive it is to take public transportation too. We took the hotel shuttle to the airport. Then we took the BART to some street. Then we walked to Pier 1. We had very little time and had to get to Pier 33 for the Night Alcatraz Tour. So we took a cab to Pier 33 from about Pier 7. That was another $10.
The Alcatraz tour was cool. Though it was so-oooooo Cold!!! After the tour, we ate at the Crab House. I had 1/2 pound of dungenous (not sure how to spell that) crab and one cup of Crab Chowder with a glass of Pino Noir. We were planning on taking the cable cars around a little and walking around a little more, but it was entirely too cold. Apparently I didn't pack well enough. However, I couldn't really ask my mom to send my winter stuff out since it may cause her to become suspicious. So I must just suck it up.
Arriving in California
I flew into Oakland and took the cab from the airport over to the Matson Shipping area. The cab ride was only $39, which was better than I thought it would be. Picking up my car was super easy. I asked the guy at Matson where the closest gas station was. He said to get out of Oakland, since it wasn't such a nice area. Then get gas. So I listened to him and ended up paying $4.15 per gallon for a tank of gas!!!! That's more expensive than Hawaii. Then I saw Jamba Juice!!!! So I got my usual Original Aloha Pineapple with not as much pineapple juice and more strawberries. It was $4.70, so I think the prices were about the same as Hawaii.
Then I was debating on driving North or South of San Francisco. I decided on South after talking to a few people.
First Stop was the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. There I met a really nice older couple. I saw some seals in the water. It was COLD!!!!! I had no idea how cold California was!!!
From Pigeon Poing Lighthouse, I continued south to Santa Cruz. I watched some surfers in the water and then drove to the boardwalk. I was hungry so I decided to eat some Garlic cheese Fries and drink a bud Light. The two of them combined was about $12!!! I swear since arriving here, there must be garlic in EVERYTHING.
After leaving Santa Cruz, I drove back North and checked into the hotel. It was the Hyatt Regency by the San Francisco Airport. That hotel was so big, I thought I would get lost. I am not used to valet parking or having bell men. I now realize, I like the hotels without all that stuff. Having to tip everytime you take a step seems to get very expensive very quickly.
I picked Jenn up at the airport at 11pm and then we went to tKnuckles, the Sports Bar in the hotel to celebrate the start of our trip.
Then I was debating on driving North or South of San Francisco. I decided on South after talking to a few people.
First Stop was the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. There I met a really nice older couple. I saw some seals in the water. It was COLD!!!!! I had no idea how cold California was!!!
From Pigeon Poing Lighthouse, I continued south to Santa Cruz. I watched some surfers in the water and then drove to the boardwalk. I was hungry so I decided to eat some Garlic cheese Fries and drink a bud Light. The two of them combined was about $12!!! I swear since arriving here, there must be garlic in EVERYTHING.
After leaving Santa Cruz, I drove back North and checked into the hotel. It was the Hyatt Regency by the San Francisco Airport. That hotel was so big, I thought I would get lost. I am not used to valet parking or having bell men. I now realize, I like the hotels without all that stuff. Having to tip everytime you take a step seems to get very expensive very quickly.
I picked Jenn up at the airport at 11pm and then we went to tKnuckles, the Sports Bar in the hotel to celebrate the start of our trip.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Last Day of Work
So Sept 1 was my last day of work and actually my last day on the island. I flew out later that night.
Once again, I was lucky to have the best co-workers and friends ever to work with. They made it so hard to leave. I am definitely going back to visit. I miss them already.
Here's me and Crystal. I was not prepared for pictures!!! Of course Crystal always looks perfect. lol. I am going to miss her so much!!!! She is such an awesome person and friend. I am counting on her to make a trip to "Hershey Town".
Rochelle and I.
Once again, I was lucky to have the best co-workers and friends ever to work with. They made it so hard to leave. I am definitely going back to visit. I miss them already.
My unit took me out to eat at Ryan's for my favorite!!!
The two best partners anyone could have!!! Loretta and Crystal.
My favorite. Cajun Chicken Fettucini
Our Christmas group: Loretta, Cheryl, Michelle, me, Crystal, Helen, and Ryan (msising a few)
A lot of my friends I work with. Such a great group of people!! I am going to miss you all so much!!!
My Last Whole Day in Hawaii!!!!!
I recall just the other day telling my mom I was not moving off this island until I hiked the 3 peaks of Olomana. Well, Thanks to Audrey,
It didn't start off so bad. However, I must say I spent most of it on either my hands and knees or on my butt. We were on the 3rd peak when the clouds rolled in and it started raining. The rain made all the rocks so much slippier. I will actually admit I was a bit concerned for a moment or two. lol
I must say I feel a bit bad. A Whole bunch of rocks kept sliding down and one actually hit Audrey on the head. Sorry Audrey!!!!!
I thought I was going to have some luck coming my way after finding a penny heads up on the top of the 2nd peak on the way back!!!!
We finally finished and went back to the car only to see that someone broke into my rental car. As Crystal referred to my rental car was the marshmallow (Very small white nissan versa), I must say that car saved me!!!! Being that it was the economy car, the only way to get into the trunk was by using a key. And since I had the key, the jerks were not able to get to my good camera or my purse with everything in it. Considering everything, I am overall pretty lucky. Audrey was so awesome!!!! She went to get us food while I waited for the police officers to come to write the report.
Another bonus, I now have a convertible mustang!!!
And now, I think the bruises from hiking are starting to come out already. I am going to be so sore tomorrow!!! However, I can't express how thankful I am that Audrey went with me and we did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally worth it!!!!
It didn't start off so bad. However, I must say I spent most of it on either my hands and knees or on my butt. We were on the 3rd peak when the clouds rolled in and it started raining. The rain made all the rocks so much slippier. I will actually admit I was a bit concerned for a moment or two. lol
I must say I feel a bit bad. A Whole bunch of rocks kept sliding down and one actually hit Audrey on the head. Sorry Audrey!!!!!
I thought I was going to have some luck coming my way after finding a penny heads up on the top of the 2nd peak on the way back!!!!
We finally finished and went back to the car only to see that someone broke into my rental car. As Crystal referred to my rental car was the marshmallow (Very small white nissan versa), I must say that car saved me!!!! Being that it was the economy car, the only way to get into the trunk was by using a key. And since I had the key, the jerks were not able to get to my good camera or my purse with everything in it. Considering everything, I am overall pretty lucky. Audrey was so awesome!!!! She went to get us food while I waited for the police officers to come to write the report.
Another bonus, I now have a convertible mustang!!!
And now, I think the bruises from hiking are starting to come out already. I am going to be so sore tomorrow!!! However, I can't express how thankful I am that Audrey went with me and we did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally worth it!!!!
Here's me with the 2nd and 3rd peaks in the background. Except you can't see the 3rd one since it was so cloudy.
This is going back up the 2nd one from the 3rd peak.
Here's a section of the 3rd peak.
This keyhole is on the 3rd peak!!
Of course Audrey has to climb inside the keyhole.
And hang upside down from trees!!!
Here's the 3rd peak from the 2nd peak.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Beginning. Or is it the end? Guess you could say both.
I am sitting here on Monica's couch two days before I leave. She is showing me how to blog. I am hoping I can keep up with it along my trip, but who knows ho that will go.
I am excited for my trip but not ready to move off island. I have been busy packing and shipping boxes, doing last minute things, pretending I am still working when I am talking to my family, and trying to see everyone I can before I leave.
I am not sure if I am more excited for the trip or to surprise my mom and sister. I am hoping really have no clue I am moving, and not just pretending to be surprised.
I am excited for my trip but not ready to move off island. I have been busy packing and shipping boxes, doing last minute things, pretending I am still working when I am talking to my family, and trying to see everyone I can before I leave.
I am not sure if I am more excited for the trip or to surprise my mom and sister. I am hoping really have no clue I am moving, and not just pretending to be surprised.
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