California

Andrew and I took a trip to California last week to visit family, see the sights and just enjoy ourselves. We had a fantastic time and are definitely looking to go back… to some parts of the state.

Here’s a sampling of photos:

San Diego Zoo: a fantastic zoo. We got there early so the animals were lively!

Malibu Beach: we were there during the partial solar eclipse so we got a really cool experience.

Malibu Canyon: Likely my favorite part of the L.A. area.

Rodeo Drive: Andrew's getting into his car.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre: Marilyn's hands were just a little smaller than mine.

Long Beach: A nice city with even nicer people!

Red Rock Canyon, Mojave Desert

Mount Whitney: the tallest peek in North America.

Yosemite: we have about 200 photos from Yosemite. It was, hands down, the most amazing place we went.

Granite Hill: We climbed this hill made of granite and got a really cool view. (This panorama was taken with the Photosynth app.)

Post Card View of Yosemite

Grandpa at the Golden Gate Bridge

Boudin's: original San Francisco sourdough bread.

M5: all true Mythbusters must make their pilgrimage.

Napa Valley: this was taken on a back-road we took to see the valley.

Napa Valley: a surprise find in this lake but it was lovely!

Napa Dinner: we had a WONDERFUL dinner at Alex's in St. Helena's.

On the whole, I liked California, for as much as I loved Northern California with Napa Valley, Yosemite Park, and the Bay area, I did not like the Los Angeles monstrosity (with the exception of Long Beach and Burbank – I found those suburbs quite liveable). Everything was crowded, noisy, rushed, and the traffic ….. I know we complain a great deal in Austin about traffic, but now after having been through the L.A. area, I count my lucky stars I’m in Austin! But more than all those things, I think the “vibe” (and yes, I know that’s a very hippy/Californian thing to say – WINK) of Northern California is much more my taste. The people we met in Napa (technically Saint Helena’s) for instance, were so friendly and nice. The areas north just seem to have so much more space and room to breathe. I only spent a night in the Napa Valley, a day in Yosemite, and only a few days in the Bay Area but I can already tell that I want to go back.

As for family – It was so wonderful to see Andrew’s family again! I didn’t realize how much I missed his cousins Zac and Christi from our shared days in Abilene until spending time with them again. They’re still conversational wiz-kids and Christi, as Andrew would say, is one Crafty Cranberry!!

I also got to meet Christi’s sister, brother-in-law, and nephew for the first time: Brice, Diana and River. What a great family! That River is the most adorable little handful and such a sweet, sweet kid.

In the northern part, we got to spend time with Andrew’s aunt and uncle, Larry and Lori, and his grandpa, Lyndell. First thing we’ll say is that we got the royal treatment at Chez Cheeves! I’ve never had such detailed hospitality – they really went above and beyond. And spending time with Lyndell was so special to me. I’ve always had a soft spot for my elders and Lyndell has plenty of stories to share.

All things considered – the trip was just what Andrew and I needed!