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A black and white switch represents a day change, which are numbered.
Photos taken from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10, 2010.
January 2, 2010
Sequoia National Park
Click for large view.
January 2010/July 2008
California's winter weather is mainly fog. Fog in the valley.
Of course, California fog beats Pennsylvania cold any day.
If you look close, you can see the coastal mountains on the horizon trapping the fog.
Moral of the story: Just because it's foggy in the valley doesn't mean it's not a beautiful day in the mountains.
January 4, 2010
From foggy Fresno, we drove up into Sierra National Forest until we literally couldn't drive any further. We ended up at Huntington Lake.
Click for large view.
Looking at the rocks, the water level had dropped post-freezing. It wasn't particularly safe.
I had already begun to put my foot down when I noticed where I was stepping.
Coffee was a running theme of out roadtrip.
Although it supported the Zionist movement, we enjoyed several fresh-press cups of joe.
January 5, 2010
Yosemite National Park/Hetch Hetchy
The Hetch Hetchy is basically the twin of Yosemite Valley - only not as often traveled. Which is nice.
The area was the subject of much debate back in the 1930s when a reservoir was built in the valley, much to the dislike of John Muir.
However, I'm a sucker for sexy bodies...of water. So it's hard to be on the environmentalist side.
Click for large view.
This photo was taken after a short hike. What a difference an hour makes.
Click for large view.
This was taken on our way out. I wanted to show how truly expansive the valley is.
The dam is in the center of the photo.
Since the sun set at 5, there was always plenty of time to drive to our next destination each night.
After Yosemite, we drove across the state to Santa Rosa, because it is home to Russian River - Nelson's favorite brew pub. There we had a Pliny the Elder, Nelson's favorite beer. Twas gude.
January 6, 2010
Coast/Muir Woods/San Fran
Another running theme was Nelson's fascination with trees and plants.
It was not uncommon for us to stop along the road to inspect plantlife.
Even in January, there were flowers blooming and Nelson would exclaim,
"What the heck is goin' on around here?"
Taken from Muir Beach Overlook facing toward San Francisco.
Redwoods.
That night we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and stopped for a beer at Toronado's on Haight and Fillmore. Then we drove to Stockton, where I got a $200 ticket for switching lanes with a cop in my blind spot.
January 7, 2010
Calaveras/Lake Tahoe
Nelson took the train home and I drove east to Lake Tahoe.
I failed to look at my map or listen to any signs or I might have not taken Route 4.
The road is closed in the winter, not far from Tahoe.
So, after a stop in a ski town, I headed back and decided to stop at Calaveras Big Tree State Park.
This is The Big Stump. I wish I could have done a better job showing its scale.
To give you an idea, a two-lane bowling alley was carved into a part of its trunk when it was felled.
That night I drove into South Tahoe and haggled with an Indian for my room.
January 8, 2010
Lake Tahoe
Woke up early and drove around the lake one and one-half times.
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest in the nation, so it doesn't freeze over.
Except for this part. I don't know why.
Click for large view.
Click for large view.
I'd like very much to come back in the summer and swim here. Hint.
It started to rain, the only bad weather I experienced, so I left and started the 30-mile downhill drive toward Sacramento. Got lost in a shopping area trying to find a place to waste time. Ate In-n-Out Burger.
January 9, 2010
Napa Valley/Lamborn Family Vineyards
This fog was literally pouring onto this lake. I stayed to photograph it, but it never collected.
Awhile ago, I found out about Lamborn Wine by Googling my name. This seemed like as good a time as any.
Turns out the owner is a family history buff and is certain we are direct descendants of Robert Lamborn I.
Me and Mike Lamborn
That night I drove to Monterey so I could just wake up and drive down the coast.
January 10, 2010
Coastal Highway
Instead of photos, imagine driving south down the coastal highway with your windows down and radjo up, Coca-Cola in a big glass bottle, enjoying 70-degree weather while the suckers back in Pennsylvania are freezing.
Although, many of those suckers are reading. I would have loved to enjoy my trip with any one of you.
Carlos...
Everyday.