We spent two weeks exploring Yosemite, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz. I'll show you the highlights through pictures.
On our way to Portland on our first day of traveling, we stopped at Multnomah Falls so the kids could take a look
We stopped at Simpson University on our second day. Simpson is an Alliance university which Jay had great interest in. I was glad that the whole family got to get a feel for the school.
We spent the next three days at Yosemite. A favorite place. Jody has said that he feels like God signed the universe at Yosemite. We stayed at Housekeepers camp which worked perfect - camping without the need to bring all the camping gear.
The kids enjoyed playing in the water although is was very cold.
The tunnel view at dusk - unfortunately it was smokey because of a fire.
We had a lot of fun exploring Yosemite, Vernal, and Bridal Veil Falls. As far as the kids were concerned, the more rugged and rocks to climb the better.
We left Yosemite and headed to Salinas near Monterey Bay. We stayed in a refurbished 140 year old farmhouse for 8 nights. The house was perfect for our family with all the amenities that our family loved.
We spent our first night, July 4th, in Monterey for pizza and to watch fireworks. Imagine how sad we were to find out that Monterey canceled it's fireworks show for budget reasons. Jody and I did enjoy seeing the Seven Gables Inn where we spent 3 nights of our honeymoon 20 years ago.
We then spent the next week exploring the area. We started with San Francisco. We ate the best Chinese food we have ever had in Chinatown. (which tells you that it was really good since our family has spent 4 weeks in China)
Then we went to the Santa Cruz area to see the redwoods and the beach.
We spent one day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. What a fun day!
We took 17 mile drive and got to see the 18th hole at Pebble Beach - a highlight for Jody
We explored Point Lobos State Reserve. What a beautiful place and the kids sure enjoyed looking for sea life. The color of the water here was turquoise - amazing!
The last day of our trip we spent time at Cannery Row in Monterey. We also went in search of Frisbee golf courses. We were excited to hear that the father of disc golf and the creator of the modern frisbee had a course in Monterey. Boy were we disappointed when we found it. It was at an abandoned military base and was a mess. We played some of the course anyways (while Jamae occupied herself with her new friend) and then found two other courses to play. We now have a new appreciation for the lush courses in Eastern Washington.
This post turned out much longer than I anticipated, but considering that I was picking from 517 pictures, I think I did a pretty great job of narrowing it down. Thanks for sticking to the end. :)
