I’ve been taking Monica out for a long ride down to Wilder Ranch lately. The rest of the family isn’t quite up for that long a ride, but we decided to meet up with them to ride along the San Lorenzo river bike path. This ride is the big day when Monica makes it all the way back to the house. We’ve got a few hills to conquer at the end of this ride. Go girly. ...
Charlotte and Varli are off to San Francisco again to visit the Wax Museum and the Ripley’s Museum. They take the world’s most beautiful highway and pay homage to father Junipero Serra along the way. First stop is . This shop is full of really cool dead things to eat. Just the kind of place the kids will love. Charlotte just had to stop by the frog place again. I think she wanted to get a better photo of the sign in the window than in the previous visit. ...
Charlotte, Gordon, and Valri head up to San Francisco to check out the modern art at SFMOMA. Unfortunately it turned out that a lot of the best exhibits happened to be closed, but it sounds like the trip was a success anyway. How can any trip to San Francisco not be.
We just had to squeeze in a bit of fishing before Gordon heads back to Michigan. The start of salmon season is the perfect excuse. I’m trying my best to forget that I just did the Tierra Bella century bike ride yesterday and have to get up at 4:30am for this fishing trip. The trip out to the fishing spot takes forever, and it’s unbelievably cold. The trip back is a solemn one given the poor results. The guy next to me caught three, George caught one, and I think 2 other people caught one. I had one on the line, but the line broke near the boat. We had way too many crossed lines and I lost my tackle two or three times. Let’s just say it wasn’t one of my better trips. It was great going out with Gordon, George, and Charlie though. It would have been really great if Gabe could have come, but I think it was the right choice to not bring him. Had to include a gratuitous shoe shot. ...
Karen got Charlotte and Valri some feather boas. Charlotte proudly shows off her gift. Gordon takes the girls out for one of his long walks around Capitola. I think they were a bit freaked crossing the trestle bridge. Back at the house, it’s time to relax a bit with Aunt Bea and show off those boas again. Some great shots of a great blue heron hanging out by the beach. I think he believes he’s a pelican. ...
Charlotte and Karen head down to Natural Bridges beach. Looks like Karen is on the lookout for western shore birds.
We’ve got a full house this year for Gabe’s birthday. Karen is in town visiting, George is down with the family, Kim brought Jack and Lily, and Gabe has invited 9 of his friends. Time for one last peaceful photo before the madness begins. The favorite play area in our whole backyard has got to be the trampoline. The rope swing comes in a close second. After burning a bunch of energy outside, time to head indoors for some pizza, a balloon fight, and then some Playstation. ...
While I’m off riding in the mountains, Charlotte takes Gabe and Doug down to Capitola. The tide is low enough, you can make it around the edge of the cliffs. Karen seems to be enjoying herself. Quite a collection of sea creatures await the intrepid explorers. Back at the house the flowers are enjoying the sunshine.
Karen is visiting and joins her sisters for a trip down to Monterey. First a stop at MBARI in Moss Landing, then down to the Monterey Bay harbor and wharf.
Gabe is giving a presentation on George Washington tomorrow at school. We check out the look before heading off to bed, and I’ve got to say he looks very impressive. I guess this is how future presidents are made, but I am hoping he steers clear of politics.