Family Time

Aloha Everyone,

Our family time was magical and special. The main event was to celebrate our granddaughter's 10th birthday. When we asked what she would like to do, she told us, "Just hang out at home."

Uncle Jeff's visit made this day especially memorable.

The two of them played video games together. Our granddaughter told her Uncle Jeff that she's been saving her weekend video playing time for her birthday.

They played card game called "frustration" went on a "birthday  walk" and we played Harry Potter Clue.

Our granddaughter and I wrote and sang a song dedicated to "Uncle Jeff." What a wonderful memory she will cherish for years to come.

"Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable." - Regina Brett

"Love your family.  Spend time, be kind & serve one another. Make no room for regrets. Tomorrow is not promised & today is short." -Anonymous

Aloha -- Cathi

Honu Blows a Tire

Aloha Everyone,

Statistically, after having driven over 100,000 miles there is nothing unusual about having a flat tire. The incident took place between Buellton and Santa Barbara on US Highway101. Actually, it could not have happened on a better day. For one, Jeff was with us. His calm demeanor and sense of humor, especially in tense situations, is very comforting. We are also grateful that we were on a busy highway, had our phone working and AAA membership.   

After 90 minutes of waiting, the roadside assistance arrived. The problem was quickly remedied but this unexpected event delayed us by 2 hours.

Our second challenge of the day was to reach the self storage place before management took off for lunch. Our count down commenced when a voicemail message was left informing us about the office's lunch time closure is from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

At 12:46 pm, J.J. and I practically ran in to sign papers. Additional delay of an hour to get a cart to haul boxes to the 2nd floor locker.

Thank goodness the time spent at U-Haul to return the trailer was short. We were happy to bid farewell to our trailer which Jeff had fondly named "Squirt" after the little turtle in the 2003 Disney Box Office hit movie "Finding Nemo". 

Honu avoided the Interstate 5 afternoon traffic by using the HOV lane, arriving in La Jolla for a very happy family reunion.

My favorite green salad topped with fresh figs!  "Welcome home!"

"Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing."

- Unknown

Aloha -- Cathi

Halcyon Driving Day

Aloha Everyone,

Compared to the last couple of days, today's driving was estimated to be about 4 hours. J.J., Jeff and I therefore enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. We also took advantage of excellent amenities of this RV park and did 3 loads of laundry.

Our first stop was at the dealer where Honu was purchased three plus years ago. J.J. wanted to check our about possible cabinet locks replacement parts. Jeff had a chance to check out some larger motorhomes. Some are very large and equipped with a full-size kitchen and full-size bathroom, living room, walk-in closets plus 1 or 2 bedrooms.  

Outback Steakhouse in Salinas was our lunch stop. Good choice especially for Jeff and me as we are trying to make healthier selections.

It had been a halcyon day driving to our destination, Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton. The outside temperature of 102 degrees during our drive was mitigated by Honu's powerful AC system.

After getting settled in this upscale RV Resort, the three of us walked about a city block  to dine at the original Pea Soup Andersen's.

Aloha -- Cathi

Elk Encounter, Redwood Forest, Golden Gate Bridge to Gilroy

Aloha Everyone,

What an exciting way to start a day! Shortly after seeing a road sign warning motorists, Honu had a close encounter with a large Elk buck. Then the three of us shouted almost simultaneously, "Wow look over there!" A large herd, we estimated 50 animals, were feeding in the front yard of a house. We wondered whether or not the occupants of the house was indoor watching.

The Northern coast of California is comprised of four state parks and the Redwood National Parks.  

No matter how many times J.J. and I have travelled this road, these tall, massive trees are awe inspiring.

Lunch stop was at Applebee's in Ukiah, a city located along the US Route 101 corridor. Ukiah, a small, friendly community is the center of a major wine producing area.

All was well until we approached San Francisco. Unable to quickly change lanes, we ended up crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. We asked Siri to get us back on 101 was our mistake. Honu climbed up and down a total of 10 steepest streets in San Francisco. The entire ordeal was especially stressful for J.J. Thank goodness for Honu's excellent engine and brake system.

We found a perfect home for Honu and trailer at Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park. Location is close to the Gilroy Outlet Mall so Jeff and I took an hour-long walk. J.J. took a much deserved nap after one of the most harrowing driving day in Honu with the trailer. Total drive time was 9.5 hours.

Aloha -- Cathi

From Coos Bay, Oregon to Crescent City, CA

Aloha Everyone,

One of the pleasures of driving on Highway 101 alongside the Oregon coast is the incredible beauty of the ever changing landscape.  

From its famous sand dunes to charming fishing villages, nearly every mile is filled with wonders. For this trip, we are focused on getting to La Jolla safely. Therefore we cannot wander or meander.  

Honu with a trailer requires a pull-through site with a 36 ft length. J.J. and I are finding out that this creates additional difficulties as smaller RV parks have a limited number of space for longer vehicles. Yes, hauling a trailer, however small, behind Honu is challenging.

Crescent City is located a few miles from the Oregon border. The name comes from the Crescent shape of its bay. The place is also a gateway to the Redwood National Park. A population of 7,643 (per 2010 census) includes the inmates of Pelican Bay State Prison.

While J.J. rested after driving for a total of 7 hours, Jeff and I went to explore Crescent City. There were markers and sign posts indicating where much of the city was destroyed. The devastating event took place on Good Friday in 1964, a result of four tsunami waves generated by earthquakes off Anchorage, Alaska.

Today the nearby park and trails were being enjoyed by families who came away to escape the inland heatwave. Honu's ocean view site is a great place to enjoy the sunset. The unusual pink color may be due to a blanket of heavy fog.

Aloha -- Cathi