Mike and I have traveled from the great state of Alaska to the cash-strapped state of California. Why would we leave 40 below zero temperatures to come to a more temperate climate one might ask? Well, it is clear and simple. Abigail, our 15 year old kitty, was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. A veterinary facility in San Mateo, just south of San Francisco, offers a wonderful treatment that will cure her thyroid problem. So, last Sunday, Mike, Abigail and I boarded an Alaskan Airlines flight out of Fairbanks and headed south to the Bay Area.
Since Mike's parents live in San Jose, we are staying with them while Abigail has her procedure. Today, after dropping Abigail off at the hospital for the next four days, Mike and I kept driving north and spent the day in San Francisco. We had so much fun shopping and exploring!
On Wednesday, Bob, Linda, Mike and I drove up to Manteca to see Nana. We got to tour her new house and her new neighborhood. Then, Nana cooked us a wonderful dinner.
On Thursday, the four of us headed south to Henry Cowell State Park to see the giant California redwoods. It was a bit chilly even by Alaskan standards (because it was a damp cold). As the sun hit the trees, the steam smoked off the trees. Then, it was off to Santa Cruz for lunch at the Crow's Nest and a short visit to the beach.
Mike and I had such a great time. Our pictures will tell the rest of the story!
San Francisco
Fish and chips, anyone?
No thanks. I'll have clam chowder in a bread bowl!
Ahhh....Vitamin D!
Boats on the harbor. Let's take a sail over to Alcatraz!
Fresh crab! Come and get it at Fisherman's Wharf!
The Cable Cars are a great way to get around, if you're a tourist.
Hey, did we put enough money in parking meter?
The Golden Gate Bridge
Christmas Tree at Pier 39
Day at Nana's
Mike and Nana's Christmas picture
The Redwoods and Santa Cruz
Morning sunlight filters through the trees heating the delicate leaves.
This tree is GINORMOUS!
The path less traveled or heavily traveled or somewhat traveled.
You take your pick....
The sun heats the moisture on the trees and creates a beautiful steam.
Bob and Linda are a little chilled, but are having the time of their lives!
Eeewww! Fungus!!!!
Steam escapes the tree and gently rises into the sky.
A random cat. You know me. I can never resist taking a picture of a cat.
Beach at Santa Cruz
Quick, little gull, before the waves sweep you away!
A picture of me without my cell phone.
Mike soaks up some serious Vitamin D!
Ooops, there's that cell phone!
California Raisin!
Waves crash and sea gulls look for an easy meal.
A random lighthouse.
