Heading Home

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

After being the 3rd car in line, we were through the US border in about 15 minutes! The roads were good and there wasn't much traffic.

Hermosillo

Green Fields

So our first stop after our breeze through the border was Wellton, Az. We have friends, Dave & Lorna, from back home who normally spend the winter there. It was great to hear about their adventure as they have been gone for about 9 months. They loaded up their Can-Am Spider in their toy hauler and traveled across Canada, then down the eastern seaboard of the US. We stayed a couple of nights catching up and enjoyed a round of golf on actual grass!

We like to stay off the interstates and venture into the smaller communities. We stayed just south of Bakersfield, CA, in Wheeler Ridge. The scenery was very interesting -- desert, mountains, vegetable fields, vineyards and wild poppies. We planned this stop with a bit of retail therapy for Tim's birthday.

From there, we headed over to the coast. Our first stop was Morros Bay. It is a cool coastal town with lots of eateries and shops, and a really big rock. There are several resident sea lions, but the best part were the sea otters. We could sit and watch them for hours.

The next morning we travelled to the Hearst Castle. Very Interesting, so if you ever get the chance. After the tour we proceeded up the California coast to Santa Cruz. This town is known for is boardwalk and apparently the home of one of the two remaining wooden rollercoasters left in the US. Unfortunately the weather started to get cooler and cloudy - time for socks and umbrellas!

San Simeon Light House

Wine, Wine

Oh, A Few Pump Jacks

Wine, More Wine

The coastline along the California coast is quite spectacular. Unfortunately for us, the rain really started, our plans for stopping and golfing along the way had to be put aside, as well as driving up Highway 1. Due to overland flooding, we were forced to reroute inland.

Santa Cruz

Along the Boardwalk

Octopus Sculpture

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

We still stuck with our plan to go through the Redwood National forest. Despite the weather, and hiking in our rain gear, we did see some spectacular trees and vistas. Leaving California we travelled up the rugged coastline of Oregon. This is one roadway that if fascinating to travel. Spectacular ocean views and natural wonders to see.

Battery Point Lighthouse

Welcome to Pebble Beach

Prehistoric Park

Trying to Enjoy the Sun

Arch Rock

Outside the Caves

A Break From The Ocean

Piles of Oyster Shells

Coopeville Fire House

Heritage Park

Attention to Detail

Naval Base

Deception Pass Bridge

Sue on Bridge??

The weather decided our speedier progress northward. After a few adjustments we crossed the border into Canada, April 11, landing in Vancouver at my sisters. It was great to visit her and see the cool area of Steveston, where she lives. We also spent the day at the Vancouver Aquarium. We hadn't been there in years.

A break in the weather in Sunday, allowed us to make a quick getaway back to Calgary. Due to the lovely amount of white stuff still remaining, and arriving, we are camping out at Sue's Mom's. We look forward to another great summer in Sundre.

Thanks for reading. It has been fun putting the blog together, reading your comments and emails that were sent. Hope everyone is doing well and we look forward to seeing you this summer.