Fun in Vegas

On Thursday we had a packed agenda.

We rented a car and headed off to the Hoover Dam.

Then it was back to Vegas to visited the Famous "Frankie's Tiki Room". Definitely a highlight.

We had a great dinner at Bootlegger's Restaurant - it's been around from the beginning!

And how to end a perfectly fun day? How about getting married by Elvis at the Graceland Wedding Chapel and a stroll through the decadence of Freemont Street

We arrived early in the day on Wednesday and enjoyed a celebratory drink while we waited for our rooms at the Bellagio.

Across the Desert to Vegas

Sun Rise from the Road.

We left Cambria, CA early and rode through a variety of landscapes. First fields of grape vines from the many vineyards in the valley, then past some remote ranches on 'lost highway 58' and finally through the sweltering heat of the California interior. We took a short break at an oasis (?) called Jaw Bone.

We landed in Ridgecrest and it was 37 degrees!!! Not much to see here - military base town.

Given the route the next day (along the Mojave Desert) we planned for an early start - on the road at 6am, in time to see the sunrise.

California Sun

Carmel to Cambria on Highway 1.

CA Hwy1: Carmel to Cambria

Finally, beautiful blue skies for our last day on the Pacific coast.

Every turn had incredible views. We stopped several times to take pictures along with everyone else. Joe has been featured in several tourist pictures and he's thinking of charging for his picture if this keeps up.

We visited Hearst Castle, quite an impressive 'Ranch' with lots of artifacts but we all agreed, it's not the Biltmore.

We arrived in Cambria just in time for sunset and to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean.

Fireside Nightcap

After amazing home-made pasta dinner at Casa Napoli we are back at the Candlelight Inn we are trying another California vintage by the fire.

We may stay and find jobs here. It's a beautiful little town.

Location:Carmel, CA

Wine Tasting in Carmel

So we rode along the coast today ... with high expectations for the views of the coast.

First, there was traffic. Apparently, Sunday on Highway 1 is always quite busy. So there we were, hot and not moving.

After the traffic there was fog! So there we were, moving but cold and couldn't see anything.

We arrived in Carmel with bad GPS directions and winding our way through steep, twisty, residential streets. A kind lady directed us to our Inn.

The best way to improve a bad riding day is a great wine tasting before dinner.

Tea in Chinatown

We stopped for tea. We thought it would be a traditional, serious, meditative experience.

But when we walked in, right away we were told to line-up and request to join 'Uncle' for tea!

The information and the stories were flowing freely. We laughed and enjoyed several different teas and spent over an hour there. What a great time and we left as family - with a big hug.

Alcatraz

On Friday night we visited the most famous prison in the U.S., Alcatraz. The audio tour was really good, lots of interesting stories.

Mary and Marc believe all prisons should be run this way.... Regulation #5 states: "You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. ANYTHING ELSE YOU GET IS A PRIVILEGE"

The Rock


From 1969-71, Indians occupied Alcatraz.


Once a week the inmates showered and received fresh clothes.


A typical cell. This is one from the escapees in 1962 where they fabricated fake heads to fool the guards which gave them a 13 hour head start. They were never caught nor were any bodies found.


The cell block.

Location:San Francisco, CA

Fisherman's Wharf

We took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf to visit the sights. It's fleet week, Obama's in town and the Blue Angels were practicing over the Bay - awesome performances.

We headed to Ghirardelli Square for a coffee - very hard to buy it without ordering chocolate or ice cream. It's complicated.

Of course we had to get a crab roll for lunch but didn't realize how aggressive the seagulls were. They wait for you to cross the street and then they attack from behind - both Mary & Joe were assaulted but were able to save the sandwich!

Then we headed to Pier 33 to catch the cruise to Alcatraz.

Location:San Francisco, CA

Off to Fisherman's Wharf for the Day

Our ride on the cable car.

Location:San Francisco, CA

Powell & Market Cable Car

Waiting for the Cable Cars to be turned manually.

Location:San Francisco, CA

Doing our Part for the Water Shortage

The boys have not shaved since we entered California - they say it's for the 'cause' saving on water.

What do the Mom's think?

California Highway 1

Fort Bragg to San Franciso

As you saw we had a great dinner in Fort Bragg but then arriving back at the Fort Bragg Tavellodge, we met our rather strange neighbours... We now refer to them as the "serial killers". Jan was a traumatized when she claimed "the little one touched me!"

We were glad to be on the road along the coast with lots of curves and switch-backs. We were glad we recorded the trip on video since we needed to pay a lot of attention to the road.


When we stopped for lunch, Marc lost the tip of his ear-plug in his ear which required an emergency road-side "removal procedure"


Successful Removal!!!


We took a short detour to view the Golden Gate Bridge before heading into the city.

Location:California

Pointe Reyes Lighthouse

Thursday on our ride from Fort Bragg to San Francisco we wanted to visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, where the movie "The Fog" was filmed (now we know why).

We rode the 19 foggy miles in from highway #1 passing 'Historical Farm' G, F, E, C, B & A (not sure where D was?). The ride was our typical adventure including, sand, ruts in the road, cows roaming freely and many hawks hunting nearby.

As you can see, the lighthouse in the background is quite spectacular. 😉

North Coast Brewhouse & Tap Room

We had a great dinner last night in Fort Bragg, CA. The Tap House Restaurant offer a 13 Brew Tasting Flight of all their local Brews.