Hello Hello from San Francisco California. It seems like we have had a busy week. We arrived in CA last week and immediately entered the Redwood National Forest. We decided to go out for a couple of nights of back country camping along the Redwood River in old growth forest. They claim that in this ancient forest, trees are between 2000 and 3000 years old. They are seriously massive and extremely beautiful. On our way out of the park, we came across a herd/pack/colony of wild elk. One large male and about 20 moms and babies standing on our trail and our only way out of the park. We weren't sure what to do and James was worried that my stomping was challenging the bull to charge us. Anyway, after about a half an hour of making stranges noises (James did the old "hiya- ya -go -go") and taking baby steps, we got them to move off the trail. It is amazing how a pack of wild elk can make a heart race. The end of the trail entails a very steep climb of about 1.5 miles and I am talking steeeeeeep!!! We were sweating buckets by the end of the trail and deserved every last ounce of super burrito we ate following our remarkable finish : ).
We made it to San Fran yesterday and within the first hour of being here, we managed to walk through and around the one area we were later advised to avoid. In the span of 10 minutes, I saw 10 things I have never seen before and thought I would never see. Anyway, we have put on a lot of miles walking around the incredible narrow and steep streets of San Francisco. I can't believe people walk up and down these streets everyday!! Us prairie folk are doing some serious huffing and puffing. Chinatown is pretty authentic and I got myself a $7 haircut by a man that spoke no English. I am happy with the look!!! James is fashionable in his Abe Lincoln beard as well. He has not shaved since August 2nd. In the pics above you will also see the Golden Gate Bridge, as were driving on it and the cable car we took a ride on.
As a side note, Ruby is also building some muscles these days. We are traveling along the scenic highway #1 which takes us along the coast. It is a slow drive as the highways are very narrow, steep and very twisty/turny. However, it is great driving through eccentric coastal communties and along the ocean.
We are moving on to the vineyards tomorrow for a couple of days and then will make a push into Mexico.
Hope all is well at home. Let us know how you are doing.
M
7 comments:
Hey! Guys! How we envy your journey! At home we are back into routine. It has been a very busy two weeks. Katie is back into voice and piano and organizing her Grade 12 year - continuing to serve up java at the coffee shop and attending lots of shows.
You may remember Carmel. Well while walking two weeks ago, she bite a jogger who approached us from behind. The bite was very large and extremely deep - awful day, really. We were recognizing that she was getting more and more protective over the past six months. After the bite she ran out of home and circled a couple on our cul de sac. Well...last Saturday we made the very difficult decision to put her down. We are all mourning her and really miss her protection.
We are now housing Riley (cat in the bag from a student in June) who still sucks his tail when he falls asleep. Glenn and I really enjoy his cuddling at bedtime. Tinker Cat now rules the roost and is also becoming way more affectionate.
We just finished remodling our bathroom and it looks great! We got some wonderful artwork for the room and a soaker tub. Ahhhh! A few candles...well, you know.
Last weekend we took a trip through the valley. Gorgeous colours - cool, crisp air - our black silouette against the beautiful sunset - hmmm...Saskatchewan.
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Your intimate moments camping in remote locations will be a memory than few will ever capture. Both Glenn and I are envying your free spirited journey and talk about retirement and just moving along the road....
We check your site every day and look so forward to taking the journey with both of you, as you journal.
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Love you both,
Cheryl & Glenn
Hey guys, nice blog. Glad to see you are having fun. James, don't overlook the relish packets when you are getting ketchup. Add three relish and five ketchup to some hot water and you've got some real nice Hobo Soup. Meighan should be impressed.
Especially nice to see James dry humping a giant redwood. That photo is now on display in the lobby of the finance building with the caption, "Young bride faints when husband wakes up with wood." Will post back with captions for the slug and stretching pictures when the time is right. By the way, Meighan won the stretching contest hands down. (Maybe too many wild blackberries for James)
Keep growing the beard, we want to see a ZZ Top or Rip Van Winkle type beard when you return.
Safe travelling and have fun,
Lana & Rob
Hi James and Meighan,
I am really enjoying your page and the updates of your travels. I love the pics- it is making me want to travel again. Who knows though when that is going to happen...The school is crazy but it is September so nothing new really. The north is still here and holding strong. Thinking of you lots.
Love,
Patti
Hi guys, sounds like you are having a really good time. Farm safety,'carry big stick' to beat off the unexpected. Happy to hear you made it through safe. Pictures are great. Finally got grandma downstairs to see the Blog, she loved it, keep it coming.
Very cold here today, kind of feels like that white stuff wants to fall.Suppose to warm up for the weekend.
Well keep safe and have fun
LOVE MOM
Hey guys! Looks like you two are having a blast on you trip. I am now quite curious as to what 10 things you saw in the first ten minute of Sanfran that you have never seen before. Please let us know.
As for us, Shauna is now two days overdue and ready for the beast inside her to be out (as she says). Hopefully, we can email with some goods news within the enxt few days.
Take care and be safe on your wild journey,
Kendall and Shauna
Hi guys. I love your blog. I am so envious of your adventure but am also so proud that you have the courage to follow your heart. I keep dreaming that someday I will get to do what you are doing. Your pics are great. There is so much beauty to see in this world.
Cody is working fulltime on a rig west of Olds so the drive is shorter for him. Riley is back in Nanaimo and playing volleyball. He absolutely loved working in the fishing camping this summer. Levi is back in Lethbridge at college and is excited about going in for firefighting.
I'm still working in Calgary but spend alot of time working in the field from north of Edmonton to south of Medicine Hat. My travelling isn't as much fun as yours. Someday it will be.
Miss you and love you.
Marilyn
Hi Meighan and James
I have been following your journey and recall some of the destinations from a past trip. The Redwoods really are that amazing. I also envisioned you two in San Fran. It is a great city with lots to see and do.
We had a great time in Italy but too many things to see and not enough time to do it all. Way too much pizza and pasta for me. Nash actually gained five pounds while we were there. Now he almost weighs 90 lbs.
Shivon is loving her College life and is finding her course to be very interesting which is great. She loves a challenge. Rylan is back at school and playing senior varsity volleyball. We were in Medicine Hat this weekend and they won GOLD. He had a lot of court time and has improved immensely. He will also be playing Tier 1 soccer starting soon. Nash is back at school and planning on doing a little track and field before volleyball starts. He is one busy little man. Chris is busy at work and hoping to do a little more Aikido this fall. I have started my indoor soccer practices and our full schedule will begin shortly. We will then have no time to think. Oh well what would we do with free time.
We love your pictures and comments. It makes us all envious but love you for including us in your journey.
Be safe! The Hayward's
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