Home Again-Tuesday 8-2-11

All good things must end and so must vacation. Headed out of Phoenix at 9:00 their time. Stopped for lunch at Tayte's new favorite find-Del Taco. (We had to indulge her. We made her eat at In and Out Burger 3 times.)



Drove all stinkin' day. Several naps and stops during the day. We finally rolled into Oklahoma at



And into the driveway at 12:08 California time, 2:08am OK time. Fun trip. Saw a lot, went to a lot of places and drove a lot! But, laundry is done and I could leave again tomorrow...

Beach then Home-Monday 8-1-11

Tayte and I had to hit the sand before heading out. We had check out at 1:00 so we had limited time.






Dad joined us while Bub vegged in the room.



But, alas, beach time was over. We packed up and headed toward home by way of the Outlet Mall in the Palm Springs area. Big mistake. The temp there was 110. We didn't let that stop us though. Drove to Phoenix to sound the night at Homewood suites. Logan was like," What kind of place is this? They put a ribbon the the extra toilet paper to make it look good!"

San Diego-Sunday 7-31-11

Lesson learned last night-Don't try to get a room in San Diego on the weekend in the summer! Seriously!! The closest we could get was San Clemente. And the weekend beach traffic in Malibu on in was crazy! Plan for today was the San Diego Zoo, which was busy, too. But, we were there so off we went. Stupid me did not stop and get any pics in front with the sign. It is a great zoo.
This polar bear worked for quite a while to dislodge his ball from under the rock in the water.



And we had to wait in line to peek at the giant pandas.



Coronado Beach was the final destination of the day. It is a beach in San Diego. We had reservations at Hotel Del Coronado. It's a really cool place built in 1888 right on the beach.



The temperature was high 70's and low 80's. The first thing we did wad hit the beach.






Tayte and I looked for seashells. The weather may have been warm but the water was not! Too cold for us Okies to swim in.

After the beach we were on our way to check out the hotel and get ice cream, but the kids decided I should get my birthday present first, a day early.



And, yes, those boxes are Tiffany blue!!! A beautiful bracelet and heart charm from Tiffany's in Carmel.



Two thumbs up!

Hearst Castle-Saturday 7-30-11

We stayed last night in Cambria at the Cambria Pine Lodge. The small town was really cute. One of those places you could enjoy walking around for hours. The lodge was great and I am so glad we found it. I think we got the last room.



We really debated on whether or not to go to the Hearst Castle, but we are so glad we went. What an interesting place! Mr. Hearst was definitely of the "more is more" people.















After the tour we continue south towards San Diego on Highway 1. Still can't get over what a gorgeous drive it was. I wonder if you see it everyday, do you still know how pretty it is?

Highway 1 and Carmel Friday 7-29-11

Left Monterey Bay down Highway 1 towards Carmel. The shoreline was beautiful!












Tayte and I wanted to stop and get out about a hundred times. We couldn't get enough.






The guys, well, not so much.






More scenery-

















We went by Pebble Beach. The place is impeccable.












We made it to Carmel and had lunch outside at a little cafe.






Then we were off to shop. They have the cutest little town. If I win the lottery, I could definitely live there!!!
Left Carmel for more of Highway 1. It is truly one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. There were tall cliffs that just dropped into the ocean. Mesmerizing really.






























Probably my favorite part of the whole trip!!!

Just north of San Simeon we noticed that there were a lot of people at one of the scenic stops so, of course, we pulled in to take a peek. We found these-



Elephant seals! About 75 or so. A gentleman we spoke with said that in the winter there can be 5,000 of them all over the beach, everywhere. These two kept getting into it with each other.



Tayte wanted to sneak this one in the car.

Monterey Bay Thursday 7-28-11

We stayed at Monterey Bay Inn on Cannery Row and had a balcony on the ocean. The guy that checked us in was absolutely amazed that we drove all the way from Oklahoma. The longest hr had ever driven was an 8 hour trip...and it took him 12. What a light weight!!! I woke up this morning to sounds of sea lions playing in the ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium was the main event for the day. Tayte loves aquariums but the rest of us not so much. I must say we were all pleasantly surprised! It is the best one we have ever been to.






After the aquarium we walked around Cannery Row and then down to Fisherman's Wharf. Then what Tayte and I had been waiting for-the beach!! Problem-it was freezing!!!! The temp Wes in the mid 60's so the water was really cold. There were kids on the beach in winter coats. Now that just ain't right!







Tayte tried to chase down a bird because he wanted to eat her shoe.



At the room later I watched a dog swimming around playing with a couple of otters. So cute!!

Monterey Bay-Wednesday 7-27-11

Time to head out of San Francisco, after a few stops. Had to find Lombard Street and take yhe drive down it. It is known as the crookedest and steepest street in San Francisco. It has 8 hairpin curves in one short block. Kind of an interesting story behind it.



Next, the Painted Ladies-historical victorian houses that have been In movies and TV.


And, finally, a neat place with a VERY cool name!!!



Crissy Field is a park today but was once an air field for the U.S. Army's Presideo Army Base.

After catching those last fee sights we were off to Monterey. Lots of farms along the way-oranges, grapes and lettuce. Finally-what we had been waiting for-the ocean!



And the sailboats in Monterey Bay


On the advice of some lovely friends, we ate burgers at the Cannery Brewing Company. They have chalkboard walls so I had to leave them a message.


And so did Tayte