Sunday and Monday

[low_delta]

Sunday morning, we flew out of Milwaukee, detoured through Minneapolis, and across Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California, to San Francisco, where Serendipity and crew met us. It was good to see Seren and her daughter R again, and to meet Rob. He's an interesting guy, and a nice guy, and I hope to get to spend some time with him again. And let's not forget the fabulous Freddie!


This was in the mountains somewhere. California, maybe. I'm disappointed because I can't trace our route on Google Earth. I'll have to do some research.

Sunday evening was relaxing with everyone. They took us to a delicious Indian buffet, and later we played Apples to Apples. The next day, after a lazy morning, Seren took us to the library where she works. It's quite a building, with lots of art installations, and it was cool to see where she works. Then she and Rob took us to Gordon Biersch for food and some good mojitos.



From there, Seren trucked us down to Santa Cruz, and the Beach Boardwalk.



Being the off-season, it was nearly deserted. There were some people around, but most of the boardwalk was closed.









Then we walked out on the beach where some kids were boogie boarding in the surf. Then we went down the beach to the pier.





In the summer, since it's so crowded, it's hard to find cheap parking, let alone a spot that's close to the action. We were happy to find meter parking across the street from the boardwalk. After walking out on the pier, we discovered that free parking was plentiful.



There were several restaurants out there, one of which offered some tempting margaritas. We passed them up, though, because the sea lions were calling us.



I'm not sure what they were calling us, but they sounded angry.





We also saw a pelican up close, and an otter not-so-close.



We left the boardwalk where the foremost Obama backer on my friendslist found her sign. She was disappointed that she didn't have on her Barack the Vote t-shirt.



Seren showed us her favorite shopping strip, in Santa Cruz, then we drove up the coast toward Half Moon Bay. We stopped at the very picturesque Bonny Doon Beach, for a few quick photos, none of which involved naked people.



We made another stop at Half Moon Bay before heading inland to join Seren's daughter and boyfriend for Mexican food and Margaritas, plus a little computer time and more games.

Comments

[vocalista001.livejournal.com]

I should be in bed, but I'm not.

I love your Men & Women's restroom sign in the columns shot. The shadows on the columns look like palm fronds, don't you think?

Your day was filled with fresh air and company. Nice!

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

I should be in bed, but I'm not.
Me too.

Funny how the sign draw the eye. Rule of thirds, I guess.

Yes, it was nice.

Welcome home!

[mellary4.livejournal.com]

When I was there I didn't get to see the sea lions. Well I did but it was from the air so that doesn't count. I was very disappointed and now even more so because I see there are otters there too! Very cool pictures.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

I had to wait until we got home, so I could zoom in on the otter and see what it really looked like.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

Oh how I LOVE the Pacific coastline! GREAT photos Kevin!

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

For composition, I like the same shot Lynda does.
:)
Mountains from a plane always fascinate me. I hope I have a clear day flying over the Austrian Alps next month...I've never taken photos of them from the plane (if I get a window seat...we can't choose ahead of time on that airline).

I really like this whole set of photos, Kevin.

Sea lions always sound really mad.
:D

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see the Alps. Good luck!

[northernsnokat.livejournal.com]

It always seems strange to me to have to wear a light jacket or sweatshirt in states that you think are always warm.

Great pictures!!!

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Apparently the San Francisco area is almost always cold. Sweatshirt sellers do a brisk business with the tourists.

[northernsnokat.livejournal.com]

I bet they do. When we were in Florida the end of January I never even gave it a thought I might need a warmer jacket. I had to bite the bullet and buy one. I must have been thinking we were going on a cruise with warm weather!

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

That looked like a great trip!!! I'm glad you and Cyn and Ser had such a good time:)

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

It was! We did!

[heartwork.livejournal.com]

cool pictures. pelicans are interesting critters.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Yeah, pelicans are pretty cool. I'm glad I got to see one up close.

[rivendweller.livejournal.com]

Really nice photos, Kevin! You are the only person I know who can take decent photos out of an airplane window.

Santa Cruz is such a nice place. It can be crazy during the Summer when it's full of tourists and all the rides are going on the Boardwalk. We have been there with the twins when they were little, and had lots of fun. In fact, we went camping just a short distance away at New Brighton Beach. We watched the pelicans dive into the surf - fishing for their food. Those are wonderful memories.

I'm glad you had such a nice vacation out here in Northern California. You know you are always welcome!

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Somehow I doubt we would have gone if it had the summer crowds. I'm glad we had a chance to see it like this.

[roadskoller.livejournal.com]

I love the columns shot a lot.

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

Ooh, another back-of-my-head shot to add to my new collection! But wait, I'm not THAT much smaller than you, am I?!

[cynnerth.livejournal.com]

He's a tall guy!

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

ew, that was the squinty pic

lol!

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Apparently, I'm seven feet tall.

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

Either that or I'm four feet short!