PICTURE YOURSELF HERE…PETALUMA

Sunday, May 13 – We were off to San Francisco this morning, heading NW across California. We traveled primarily on CA-99, CA-12, and CA-37. Unfortunately, these roads were in a disastrous state and in need of repairs. I think California tops Louisiana as the worst roads we've driven on in our three years of travel. The road were so bumpy we had to slow to about 45 mph to keep from rattling everything to smithereens. We were amazed nothing fell apart, although Paul had to repair the bedroom door upon arrival. Is California a vision of what's to come in much of the United States? One has to wonder!

We are not too enamored by the California drivers either. They rarely invite us to merge, they cut us off, turn in front of us, and just don't seem very friendly or anxious to have us visit their state and leave our money here. Sorry for the Rant... :-))

We arrived at the Petaluma, CA, Elks Lodge, in early afternoon. There were plenty of campsites available with 30-Amp electric, water, and sewer hook-ups. The sites are blacktopped and located to the rear of the lodge. Unfortunately, the sites are a little close to each other and for the price ($25/ night), and  we had hope to expect a little nicer arrangement. Paul keeps saying, “I can't afford to live in California.”

Site 7

Bella loves the large grass area behind our site. She hasn't been in real grass for quiet a while.

Looking to our right.

To our left.

We took a walk through the historic downtown Petaluma. "Picture Yourself Here" is the slogan for this lovely little city. The Visitor's Center gave us a wonderful map of the City with the most comprehensive explanation of each of the points of interest.

 

McNear's Mystic Theater…built in 1886.

The Petaluma River runs through downtown area.

We enjoyed walking around this quaint city. We even went back at night and visited one of the saloons. Doing our part to help the local economy.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

THE INCOMPARABLE YOSEMITE

Saturday, May 12 – We headed to Yosemite National Park early Saturday morning.

Half Doom in the background.

We were hesitant to visit on the weekend, but our schedule didn't give us much choice. We were right about the weekend crowds.

Look at these cars.

How would you like to escape the city "madness" and camp in this situation? This area was PACKED!



Even though there were gobs of people, it wasn't difficult to find a secluded spot in this wonderful paradise. One only needs to get out of the typical tourist stops, hike a couple hundred yards off the road, or stop a bit past the advertised pull-offs for your pictures, to enjoy the park. We even found a great place all by ourselves for lunch. AWESOME!

Yosemite is known for its uncompromising beauty. And it is an unbelievable beautiful National Park. From the moment you arrive (and it's a very long drive before you arrive...ha ha!) you're embraced in the splendor of one of the world's true natural wonders. Shear granite cliffs rise from the valley carved by glaciers (these valleys were not carved by the rivers).

The view at Glacier Peak was spectacular to say the least. You saw the entire Park in one panoramic and spectacular view. There simply aren't enough superlative to describe it. Again it was a long drive down a narrow windy mountain road to get there, but once you witness the view, the drive is quickly forgotten.

Glacier Point is MAGNIFICENT!

Waterfalls are around every turn. Not sure if these abundant waterfalls are present all summer or because we are here during the snow melt, but they sure are beautiful. It's amazing...you hear their roar before you seem them.

Bridalveil Fall

Beauty everywhere we looked.

We enjoy having a picnic in any area we are visiting or hiking. This was no exception. We left the crowded areas and climbed up the hill and selected the perfect rock for our picnic.

What a perfect place for a picnic.


There are three National Parks in this area: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. How can they all be so spectacular? How can they all be so different? They each have their own individuality. Their own uniqueness. Their own beauty. “Well, which one was your favorite?” It would be difficult for a hundred people to come to a consensuses on that question. Paul's favorite was Sequoia. Marsha's favorite was Yosemite.

So there you have it! You'll have to visit them yourself and make your own decision. We've certainly enjoyed are time in this area. We sure hope our daughters visit all these national wonders and soon! You better put it on your MUST SEE list too!

If you would like to see so much more than we can included in this short blog, please click here.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a wonderful day.

A REALLY NICE PARK…AND…HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Saturday, May 12 – We arrived here in at Park of the Sierras an Escapee Co-Op Park early Friday. We had some difficulty getting a site. We called the past three days only to be told they were full and to keep trying. We decided to head to Coarsegold, CA,, where the park is located, and see if a site was available when we arrived. If not we had a back-up spot at the Oakhurst Elks (located 7 miles from Coarsegold). Every once and awhile we get lucky....there was one spot available for 3 days. We took it!

Site 408

Looking up from the side street.

Looking to our right.


Looking to our left.

This is one of the nicest Escapee Parks we've stayed in. It is the nicest park we've stayed in this calendar year!  The sites are not lined up row after row. Rather, the 250 sites are scattered throughout the woods in no particular pattern. The club house is beautiful, a very nice laundry – which Marsha quickly took advantage of, the people go out of their way to be friendly, a nice library, and all at a very reasonable rate. We are very happy with our decision to come here!

Clubhouse


Two huge back patios.


Upstairs

Little Bella loves her new home.

As she watches this Quill strut his stuff.

We wish all you moms out there a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day.