Shaver Lake and Munster Family

Friday, July 8th ~

This morning I slept in until nearly 8:30. I'm blessed to have my own room, separate from the entire house. I could hear Haifa, so I figured we'd all be up soon. Mrs. Munster's family is wonderful; Will is a kick, just like my boys.

He and Mr. Munster had the kids on the quads and now at the lake on the tube.

Snacks, including junk food, are the regular- eeekkk! Lots of lattes and knitting are good.

I'm on the road tomorrow, Saturday, heading towards Boise, Idaho.

Bike Ride and heading south again ...

Thursday's ride started a bit late because I forgot the key to unlock my bike. Eventually, I did get my bike unlocked and road 17 miles. While the trail runs along the river, the area is questionable, but enjoyable.

I passed by the sweet shop where Samantha liked to get taffy and sweets. I also saw numerous bridges, the exact one the kids and I watch be lifted for boats to pass, 17 yrs ago.

By the end of the day, I arrived at Shaver Lake with the Munsters. While on the road, I had my first traveling nightmare without my navigator, Samantha. After a few deep breaths and glasses, I could see the map well enough to figure out where to go. Once I turned into the area, the beautiful pine trees made the twisting road worth it. It was wonderful!!! Dinner, with kabobs and then s'mores for dessert. We were up until after midnight, so I had lots of knitting time.

Cell reception is poor beyond texts.

Sacramento and San Francisco

Rosalba did really go in the convertible, messy hair and all! Actually, we made a quick run to shop and ended up finding cute sundresses to wear to San Francisco.

You should see Rosalba's sunburn - eekkkkkk

There were lots of bicycle riders along the road heading into San Francisco, but it was a narrow road. We stopped to search for the horn that was blowing, obviously a large ship coming into the bay - never found it. But we did find the fog rolling in, encircling the Golden Gate Bridge. See, it's behind the Loporchio gnome.

We stopped at the Presidio, once a military base and now housing for government workers there in San Francisco, to pickup Frank and head for lunch. The Presidio Country Club closed early, but we managed to sneak in with adequate time to get yummy chicken pot pies. The dessert that Rosalba got with her lunch was enough for us all to have a taste.

Then we were off to explore the town and the beaches.

The Loporchio gnome is at the Pacific Ocean, with the Golden Gate Bridge behind he and I. The water was a bit too cold for a swim. We managed to experience a 30 point drop in temperature from Sacramento to San Francisco.

On the return trip, Ricardo had us stop in Sonoma, Ca.

I guess he drives his 76 tanker up here and has wanted to stop at the spot. It's a huge chair, and I wasn't so graceful as I slid back when trying to get up for a picture. As usual, RIcardo managed to have us laughing - big time!!!!

They are both back to work tomorrow, so I'm going to head over to the Folsom Dam and try out that bike path. Hopefully, I'll get back in time to shower and be more presentable before I head south to spend time with the Munsters at Shaver Lake. I think I might be heading into Boise, Idaho area to see Evelyn's mom and then into Wyoming and Montana. Ricardo says that's probably going to be my favorite place; I tend to agree- beautiful open mountain area. We'll see.

Hugs :-)

Tuesday 7/5/2011

While the drive was only 6 hours, the heat was horrible! I hate the heat!!!!

The Loporchio gnome and Samantha's lamb left Acton about 10 AM, arriving here in Sacramento just in time for tacos on Tuesday. We went to the same place Samantha liked to go, and then shoping for needles to finish my knitting project. I bet Samantha was complaining big time that I was on vacation and knitting - ugh...

Today's sights weren't all that new; however, just outside of Lancaster, there was a herd of cattle that were all falling in a straight line, like follow the leader. I wonder if they were going to lunch? No picture because I was driving and dared not take apicture at the same time as I navigated the curves up on Hwy. 138.

Once in Sacramento, I managed to convince Rosalba she could tolerate a quick coffee run in the mini. She wasn't thrilled with the convertible, so Ricardo quickly got a picture to prove she had been in the car.

Of course getting ready for bed included getting the dogs ready for bed, too. This is zilla dog, the runt from the litter that Samantha sat with back in February. They were so small, and they were so cute. Samantha actually tried to convince me to add another pet to the house.

No gym tonight. Rosalba has the day off tomorrow, so we're going to do something. I'm not sure Rosalba wants to ride the Sacaramento River with me, and Ricardo leaves at 4am for work, so he won't be coming either.

Only 2 more days and I am on the road. Now, one would think I'd be packing and getting ready, of course not. I'm sewing banners for the horses our school administrators will be riding in the parade tomorrow am. That's after we've spent three days moving and getting banged up with major bruises.

I have however been reading travel books and working on a tentative route. I'm actually thinking about a chunk of time in Wyoming and then into Canada. Wyoming sounds beautiful and there's lots to do out in the open. I hope it isn't quite as hot as it has been this week - yuck!!

Any suggestions on places to stop would be great! I've accepted an invitation to stay with a former student's family at Shaver Lake which will be my 2nd stop, after riding the bike trail along the American River in the Sacramento area. After that, I'm going to aim to stop in the Salt Lake City, Utah area as well as Helena, Montana, too.

Pictures Tuesday am, when I'm leaving for sure!
Hugs to you all who have been such a huge support! :-)

North ... Wyoming?

Travel plans are coming together. I think I am going to spend more time in the north than I had thought. Wow- The Grand Tetons are beautiful!!!

Of course, Yellowstone National Park has many hikes. Now I have to figure out which ones I can complete.

I hope my pictures look 1/2 as good as these.

Road Trip 2011

Departure day for Road Trip 2011 is nearly upon me. I've got a few large last minute details to wrap up, and then I'll be on my way. First trailer to move should arrive tomorrow, Sunday, and then the next one, Tuesday pm. I only hope the heat doesn't come with them!!!

As promised, I'll post daily, so you can monitor my whereabouts. My scheduled departure isn't until the morning of July 5th. In the meantime, I'll post tidbits about my boring packing, maybe a bike ride, and who knows what. Rubberducks, please remember to use good grammar and complete paragraphs. This will be a great way to continue your writing skills over the summer.

Hugs :-)