The Last Post

A few final words and pictures



Bouldering in the Buttermilks...



Looking back over the last 18 days, here are a few things that we learned.


1.  Satelite radio can be a good thing in the right hands.  18 days of the "boneyard" is a bit too much.  New rule - Dan is not allowed to have the controls of the radio.


2.  115 degrees is hot - dry heat or not!

3.  Kids are much more adaptable than we generally give them credit for, we are very proud of Victoria and Tommy.  New adventures now await them and us.

4.  Yes, you can pack all your camping gear, clothes, and electronic gear in four back packs and four duffel bags.  The only thing (toiletries aside) we bought on the road was a cooler that we donated at the end of the trip.

5.  Going off the grid every once in a while is a great thing.  Going off the grid can also be very annoying especially when you want to check on a reservation or the weather.

7.  Four days without showers creates some very dirty people, washcloth bathes or not.  Baby wipes do help, but you are still are very, very dirty.

8.  Coffee early in the morning at the campsite is a wonderful thing.

9.  California is an amazing place to visit! 

10.  And last but not least, we have the best family and friends.  Thank you all that helped us on the road, and at home.  Without you we couldn't have had this great trip.

So until the next adventure....

The Force Las Vegas Style

the last post from the road....

This is it, in a few hours we will be home.  These last 18 days has been an incredible adventure.  We have reconnected with old friends, played at some of the greatest places on earth, and created memories that will last a life time.

So the last time I posted we were packing up and getting ready to leave Bishop. On our way out of town we went to the Buttermilks to introduce Tommy to world class bouldering. He liked it and has vowed to come back when he is a better climber.

Then we were off to Death Valley. We opted to stay in panamint springs (elevation 1200 ft). The temp was 107F when we setup our tents, and cooled to 85F by the time we got up at dawn. We wouldn't change a thing.

While in the park we visited the dunes in the evening (115F) and the rest the next day. The park is an place! In a period of 48 hours we were at 11,000 ft and -282. Pretty darn cool. From Death Valley we headed to LV by driving north and by the nevada test site.

Our last night was on the strip, kids weren't that impressed. I guess natural wonders beat man made wonders.

They have just moved our gate, again, gotta go...

Back on the Grid!

Greetings from the east side (of the Sierra's that is)!

After four days off the grid (and without showers), we got back to the electronic world last night.

To give you a quick update from when I lasted posted, we have:

• had a backyard BBQ with old friends,
• visited the Wine Mecca of the West (Napa of course),
• watched California's Old Faithful spout,
• hiked/biked/and toured the valleys, groves, and high country of Yosemite
• visited the real ghost town of Bodie (as a young girl's diary described it..Dear God goodbye...I'm going to Bodie)
• Watched Tommy eat alkaline fly larvae at Mono Lake
• Sat atop Mammoth Mountain at an elevation of 11,035 feet above sea level, and last but not least
• visited Devil's Post Piles.

With only three days until we back home (68 hours really), we still have a few more places to go... next stop Death Valley and maybe a laundry room.

A beautiful day in Napa



Heading into Yosemite

South Shore of Mirror Lake

Atop Mammoth Mountain

 Until the next post...

A day at the Bay...

A great day in SF with Joyce and Jon...even made it to Muir Woods

 

When you see Tommy, you will have to ask him about the "gold man".  It is quite an entertaining story...h

                                        

     

    

Thinking of those back home

While are having a wonderful trip, we are thinking of our friends and family back East.  We are hoping that everyone is okay and that they haven't suffered any damage.

As one part ends...

Good Morning California!

To say that yesterday was packed full of adventure is an understatement.  The day started off with a visit to Jorge and Billy's office.  Followed by a hike up the local mountain, Jorge style.  Victoria and I didn't make the epic climb, but we did make it to inspiration point (aptly named), while Dan, Tommy and Jorge headed up their own rocky trail.  After our sojourn into the arid moutains surrounding SB, Victoria and Tommy were taught how to surf (wet suits and all) by Billy and Jorge.  Dan and I watched in awe as Tommy stood and rode his wave into the shore, and as Victoria (who got beat up by a couple of waves) climbed back on and went on to master getting up on her knees (the pre-req to standing).  If this wasn't enough of an adventure, Billy, Sandra, and Jorge took us to a local surf shop (Channel Island) where we sat on the back patio eating tacos and watched the world premiere of a new surfing movie under the stars.  Wow is all I can say....

Unfortunately, all good things do come to an end and today we very sadly say good bye to the Southern and Central Coast of CA and head north to San Francisco.  Over the last 4 and a half days, we have crossed the Mojave, swam in Malibu, walked where the stars go to receive their accolades, played in a mountain stream, surfed where many only dream of surfing, and most importantly... spent time with very dear friends, family really.  We are an extremely lucky family.  

BUT WAIT...The adventure continues...Hello San Fransico and more great friends and family!!!  Yeah baby.. we are lovin' California...

 

The Breakfast Club...

Breakfast at the beach....

The First Pictures (we hope)

Day One...A quick stop on the way to Malibu to hi to an old friend...the Mojave desert.s

 

Morning Views from the Tent...in both directions...

Day 5 ...

Well uploading pictures seems to be a problem from the road...we are still trying to work this part out...

So we arrived in Santa Barbara last night, after a day at Zuma Beach where the kids boogie boarded and built sand castles.  I have to say that Santa Barbara is one the most beautiful places that I have been.  I can understand why it is considered such a special place.

Today we took the kids to local beach where Billy and Jorge surf to play in the sand, then we hit the boardwalk and two world famous surfer shops.  Tommy loved it!

Then we went to the Court House and the Mission, which are absolutely beautiful.

Not quite the start we hoped for...

Well it wasn't quite the start we had hoped for, but after getting stuck in Cleveland late (very late), we finally made it to LV Sunday afternoon,  and to Malibu just in time to set-up our tents before it was completely dark out Sunday night.  


But the view on Monday morning from our tents made it all worth it.  Yesterday was prefect.  We had breakfast on the beach watching the early surfers, then headed into  LA.  


So far the kids have been to Santa Monica, Venice beach, Rodeo Drive, the sunset strip to where hair heavy metal started, and of course Hollywood's walk of fame.  To end the day, Dan and Jorge took the kids boogie boarding before we hit a very late night dinner.


We are having trouble posting pictures...but hopefully today we will get a better signal.

And we are off....

The bags are packed....

For a total of one hundred and ninety five pounds.  Not bad...

Next stop Sin City!! 

Stay Tuned...

Final Preparations

So what does one bring on an 18-day adventure....




It's a start.....

10:06 pm...review check list one more time...lookin' good...oh wait...that stack is going too...it's going to be tight...

A very good friend once told me "There is a leisure class at both ends of the spectrum".  At that time Dan and I were about to embark on our year "off".  When asked why were doing this or why we had done it, we have always replied that we were joining the end of the spectrum that we were closest too (think three months living out of a two door Black 1990 Bronco II -no back seats, the space was needed for tents).  That trip or odyssey or voyage was one the best things that we have ever done.  It always gives us perspective and clarity when we find ourselves at a loss as to where we should go from here.

This summer, while we can't offer our children quite the same experience (and believe me I tried to fit it all in), we are giving them a taste of what made Dan and I (as couple) who and what we are - enjoying life at it's most basic..family, good friends, food, wine, and an inspiring landscape..

In less than four days, Dan, Victoria (12) and Tommy (9), and I will be leaving for an 18 day adventure that will take us through high plains, desert, urban sprawl, coastal wonder and the most magnificent and powerful mountain range in the lower 48.  Yeah baby ~ we are California Dreamin'!!!!

Wish us luck! As a couple we know it will be a success.  However, as parents, we are sceptical.  Will a 12-year old appreciate the new and wondrous scenes and people she meets while all her friends are back home making new memories without her.  Will the 9-year old understand that you have to live in the moment not try to hurry to the next moment.

Stay tuned....Two tents...four sleeping bags...and lot of miles to cover...