Made it!!

Thankfully we just touched down and our long travel day is over! Our delay only took us back 4 rather than 6 hours so we are grateful to be home! Just wanted to share some other highlight pictures :)

Never mind..

Six hour flight delay after we have already been on the road seven and haven't slept. Hope to fly out at 5am now.. :(

Home bound!

The long last drive finally complete, we have three hours to go before our flight leaves at midnight. Had lunch at a Weinerschitzel, which was as good as a fast food hot dog gets. Particularly when it is also covered in Pastrami. Visited Red Rock one last time to see the sun set. We are eager to get home tomorrow, and take a break from driving (and sleep in our own bed!)

Vegas here we come (again)!

Off to Vegas!

Morning in Pismo

Since checkout isn't until noon we decided a morning of leisure was in order. We walked along the beach finding crabs, sand dollars, abalone, and bits and pieces left by the birds.

We also saw a sea otter and dolphins!

We grabbed some breakfast then walk along the pier and watched the surfers.

Now we are getting ready for the 7
Hour drive to Vegas to catch our midnight flight!

Goodnight Pismo Beach

Our sleepy beach town realized- a quiet respite after a long drive. Had some great BBQ and then watched the sun set

Pismo Beach

A bit gun shy from our Santa Cruz hotel choice, we are pleasantly surprised with our accommodations.

A great view. Nice room with full kitchen, beach access, and it's someone's vacation home!

In the posted pics, try and find our bed. The only room NOT shown is the bathroom.

Info on glass beach

Should have included this in the post, but it was late and I was tired. So here is some info on Fort Bragg's glass beach: http://www.mendocino.com/?id=257

Wine tasting and fog!

The morning in Mendocino was a beautiful one. The sun was out the temp was a cool, yet comfortable 65. After a delicious breakfast of fruit, pastry, and egg & spinach pie we hit Anderson Valley for wine tasting.

We first hit Goldeneye, which exclusively produces Pinot Noir. We were treated to a few whites as well. It was interesting to taste how different one type of wine could be from producer and "same" variety.

We then hint Bink where we met two great dogs, one of whom plopped down at our feet while we tasted.

The most informative and best value was Navarro. The guy helping us took more than enough time to chat with us while we tasted.

Then tucked away in what look liked a gold miners shack we enjoyed Phillip Hill wines, and had more Pinot Noir...

We did try a mass producer: Roederer Estate. They produce mostly sparkling wines - which the Clintons used a couple times while in office. Eh...

Lastly we stopped at Husch. A good and decent selection of wines.

Many more wineries await for our next visit(s)!!

After lunch and a nap we headed to Fort Bragg and checked out the glass beach. By this time the fog rolled in.

Overall a great day! Better than driving 7 hours (which is on our docket for tomorrow).

We for sure will come back as soon as we are able!

Mendocino

After stopping in San Fran and Sausilito, a long hot drive yielded our best discovery yet. We crossed the western ridge and were back again on the coast and curving through the redwood forest toward a 20 degree cool off and the most breathtaking scenery yet. Did a wine tasting at Francis Ford Coppola's winery and saw some amazing Apocalypse now and Godfather memorabilia. Checked into the incredible Fensalden Inn and our cottage is an old water tower. It still supplies water today. In 1850 this place was built as a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop. Watched the fog roll in and our resident goat and chickens happily grazed praise our window. Must figure out how to raise several million dollars to live here forever.

Morning in Santa Cruz

Well Santa Cruz is...interesting. Yesterday we walked the boardwalk and wharf (pics to come) and dipped out toes in the chilly Pacific. We met up with cousin Marc for dinner then called in a (long)day.

This morning we grabbed a quick, quiet breakfast at the Pic Nic Basket. Then watched what the SCPD does most: keep the Santa Cruz beach safe from smoking transients.

Today's plan: Mendocino and wine country.

Big Sur

We had an amazing drive today along the hairpin highway 1. Remarkable views reminded us of the Azores and some white knuckle cliff overlooks above the clouds. Of special note was a stretch between Big Sur and Monterrey. We even saw a beach filled with Elephant Seals. They just appear to lay around and make snorting grunts while moving as little as possible. Also, in 35 mile stretch we counted over 50 other mustangs. Must be the official car of highway 1. Made it to Santa Cruz where the temp is back to 85 after our frigid 65 degree ride all day with the top down. Walked the Santa Cruz boardwalk and now we can actually relax for a bit before dinner.