Road trip on Highway 101

Andy had a Friday off because he got an award at work. We wanted to see some more of the Giant Redwoods, so we took advantage of the three day weekend. On the way out there we saw a Lamborghini on the road. We knew that Ben, my nephew would love to see it, so we got some pictures. It was fun to try getting the "best" picture possible.

Bradley just kept saying, "Cool car!"

As we passed the "cool" car.

Looking at the car in the mirror.

We also saw this hot air balloon. We asked the boys if they wanted to fly in one some day. The vote was unanimous, so I guess that means we are going to have to go some day.

We stopped at Calistoga, CA to see the geyser. There are only three geysers in the world that are "faithful" or consistent when they erupt. This one erupts about every 5 minutes. The water comes out at something like 360 degrees!

They also had some Tennessee fainting goats, some Jacob four horned sheep and a couple of llamas. We couldn't get the goats to faint, and believe me we tried!

I love Daniel walking around with his sunglasses on.

We loved seeing all the spring flowers. They were beautiful.

Getting ready to get back on the road. We loved how the flag looked flying against the blue sky.

I am not sure what the orange flowers are called, but they looked so pretty with the blue bonnets.

I miss seeing all the blue bonnets in Texas.

We drove out through Napa Valley to get to highway 101. There are so many vineyards out there. If you haven't been there you should definitely go. It is really pretty country!

Along the way we had to stop to feed Eliza and Bradley had to find a bush. The boys went on a hike down by the river. They made little boats to race. While we were at the river there was a Big Foot sighting...

Don't worry... we got Daniel back unharmed! :)

April 16-17, 2010

Ave of the Giants

After visiting Muir woods the first of the month, we decided to head up the coast to see more Giant Redwoods. A friend told us about the Ave Of The Giants, a road that runs parallel to highway 101. He said is was very scenic and had some really big trees, so we decided to check it out.

This map shows the beginning of the Ave of the Giants.

The Ave of the Giants winds through different groves of Giant Redwoods, Douglas Firs and Giant Sequoias. In each grove you can pull over and walk on trails through the trees.

I can't remember which grove this was, but it was beautiful!

It was amazing to see the size of these trees. You get a whole new perspective seeing them laying on the ground.

Andy took this looking straight up the trunk of this tree. I like the way it turned out!

Oh...how cute!

We loved all the little bridges crossing this little creek!

The boys "fishing".

Another massive tree on the ground! Andy is standing down by the bottom and it still reaches way above his head. He actually climbing inside the trunk a little ways.

This is the same tree about 60 feet out... still massive!

The boys loved this stump. They were pretending it was their castle that they had to protect.

"Mom look how high we are!"

This was a very impressive giant!

Climbing up for the adventure.

"Muscles!"

Andy said it was amazing to look down the tree and see how many other trees it took out when it fell. We decided it would be a spectacular experience to watch one of these giants fall. (From a safe distance of course!)

The guys walked about 50-60 from the base to where a section of tree was cut out to allow people to stay on the pat.

Bradley jumping down. He is so fearless!

Daniel was too scared to just jump because it was so high. He just sort of leaned down.

Eliza and I in front of the section they jumped off. I am roughly 5' 5''.

We really enjoyed walking among these giants. I can understand why there are so many people who devote their time and energy into saving the trees. I am continually amazed at the vast variety there is in the creations the Lord has made for us to enjoy. Surely that proofs how very much He loves us!

Driving down the Ave of the Giants, or maybe this is highway 101. I can't remember, but both were very beautiful to drive!

*****

This is a short clip trying to show the size of some of the trees. This is at the grove we walked through.

Swimming at the Hotel

Andy found a good deal on a suite at a Comfort Inn. This is the way to go! The kids have their own room with a Queen and we have our own room with a King. The only way out of the kid's room was through ours, so it didn't bother me to close their door all the way at bed time.

The kid's room

Our room

The reason we went clear up to Fortuna, CA was because they had indoor pools at their hotels. The boys looked forward to swimming the whole trip. We got there on Friday and checked in, then the boys swam for about an hour and a half. This is the next morning before we checked out. Waiting to get the door unlocked.

Eliza lounging with her Dad.

Bradley splashing

The whole family

More Eliza relaxing in the pool. This was her first time swimming!

Daniel jumping in to Dad

Bradley jumping in. I love the difference. Daniel sort of leans in and Bradley really jumps!

Dad jumping in for a big splash

Daniel swimming alone!

I love watching the kids play with their Dad.

Daniel about to be eaten by the scary shark Dad!

Doesn't he look scared!?

Cannon Ball!

Still relaxing! Eliza loved just floating around the pool.

Eliza modeling her new swim suite. I had so much fun picking it out.

If only I looked as cute in my suite!

Enjoying the hot tube. This is as far as Eliza got. It was a little warm for her piggies!

Our hotel was next to this river. I am not sure which river it is, but it was very pretty. We thought it looked like a great place to camp if you wanted to see grizzlies. (We didn't see any bears it just looked like a good place for them.)

April 16-17, 2010