California

Along with the beautiful coastline of California also came higher gas prices. We have seen up to $4.32/gallon. So far it has been worth it, tho. We decided to, of course, stay on U.S. Highway 101 and head through another unique place in America, the Redwood Forrest. We both have cricks in our necks from trying to take it all in, but it was just amazing. We felt like ants amongst the giants. We went to the Stout Grove area and took a little hike.

Here is what we saw:

And look at these roots or maybe they are called burls:

This one ^kind of looked like a monkey head. I know we stood there for about ten minutes to get a quick shot of this. There was a man with his fancy camera taking a picture of something else blocking my shot, so while he was fiddling with something I just reached my camera kind of around and took a quick pic. There are some of these fancy camera people that just crack me up. I know that the perfect shot is so important to them, but the lengths they go to are pretty mystifying to me. To get on a rock that stands two feet higher than where they were before to get THE PERFECT SHOT, is there that much difference? I know those of you with these fancy cameras, and you know who you are, will say definitely yes. 

Throughout this trip there have been times that I have felt very small amongst all the grandeur this United States has to offer, amongst the majestic mountains, beautiful oceans, and now also the grand trees that are taller than the length of a football field. It kind of puts me in my place, for sure.

That night we looked on our new favorite website, freecampsites.net and found another casino at which we could stay in Trinidad. 

Two thumbs up for the RV parking here as they even had potable water available, which is nice for the RV's. We just carry our own, tho, so we didn't need it.

In Trinidad they also had their own lighthouse. We got a far off pic:

And also went to the pier where we saw starfish:

And even River otters:

We have these in Chattanooga, didn't know they were on the west coast too. But that's what the man next to us said that's what they were.

And we saw a bay of boats:

Being on the west coast, I was feeling a bit smug about our safety as you just don't have hurricanes around these parts. Yes, I was feeling all safe until I started noticing these signs along the coast:

And then I started looking at my ipad to see if there was any news of earthquakes around to cause possible Tsunamis. I don't think I am made to live on any coastal state.

Along the road we have had theme music that we would sing that fit the area. In the Plains states it was Wide Open Spaces. At the dinosaur national park it was Digging Up Bones. Also thrown in was a little Take a Back Road every time we happen to find ourselves on a gravel road. Also there was no lacking of I Want To Ride My Bicycle every time we saw a cyclist. Also, we threw in a little Vanilla Ice with Ice, Ice, Baby every time we stop to get ice. And here I think Anthony will scream if he hears me sing California Girls one more time. For some reason he turns on the radio when I start singing that song. I know it's not because I only know just a few lines of it and sing it over and over again:(

On Monday morning we woke up and continued south. Instead of staying on Hwy. 101, we took the scenic route on what looked like to be following the California coast, California Highway 1. Here I thought I would be seeing scenic views of the ocean, and instead just about got car sick from all the twists and turns up and down a few mountains before we could even get a peek again at the water. But what we saw next was pretty spectacular and terrifying all at the same time. My fear of heights kicked in again and I felt several times we were heading over the cliffs and down into the crashing waves. I have got to say, tho, if you are going to be on this road, Anthony needs to be your driver. He is very careful.

We found another Light House, Point Arena Lighthouse:

And here we saw another sign warning people of the dangers of getting close to the cliffs.

I don't think anyone thinks it could happen to them.

I showed him the sign.

We continued down the coast and caught a little surfing action:

And just really enjoyed the coastline. But the road was crazy. You were either going 50, or you were creeping along at 10 mph. And curvy as heck. I am glad I have done this, at least once in my life.

We went to Whole Foods to do some grocery shopping and eat, and came upon this. How interesting. I think we need one of these in Chattanooga:

I wish I could have seen how it works.

We made it to San Francisco, and wouldn't you know it? Fog again. I think there have been only parts of days where there has been any sun. But the Golden Gate Bridge could still be seen from our viewpoint.

This bridge is one of the longest single-span bridges ever built.  A crew of painters works full time to maintain the color that protects the bridge's steel components from the high salt content in the air. Can you imagine that as a full time job?

One of the main things I wanted to do before heading back east is see where Anthony was when he was at language school in the Air Force in Monterey, so that's what we have to look forward to tomorrow!