California

Day 18
Our sand hill crane viewing continued this morning as we left Kearney, adding to the thousands we had seen yesterday. A few birds were flying, but most were eating in cornfields paralleling the interstate. We did some reminiscing as we headed home, sharing highlights of the tour and reminding ourselves of the great weather we had. We also had to remind ourselves of how much snow we had when the tour departed compared to what we were seeing today. Lastly, we said goodbyes to fellow travelers who have now become friends.

Day 17

We woke up to blue skies but temperatures in single digits! We drove past the rodeo grounds in Cheyenne and around the state capitol before heading east again. Today our roads were dry - a welcome change. This afternoon we relived the Oregon Trail at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney, NE. Our last sightseeing was with two step-on guides as we drove through the countryside along the Platte River, seeing flock after flock of sandhill cranes. Some were flying but most were feeding on the cornfields. We also stopped at Fort Kearney for a video on all the birds that migrate through here and a look at the fort's history. Our stay tonight is in Kearney.

Day 16

It was snowing lightly in Salt Lake City when we left this morning, but it was partly sunny by the time we arrived at the Utah Olympic Park. After our guided tour which brought us up to the top of the luge run and the ski jumps, we spent time at the museum with the chance for photographs in a bobsled (the contortions and groans of people getting in and out were entertaining), virtual skiing, videos, exhibits and a gift shop. From there we headed east on I-80. With the cold front that arrived yesterday, part of the interstate was closed due to blowing snow and icy conditions. We were very thankful that by lunch, our entire route had opened. We traveled through high desert country to Cheyenne where it was snowing and 25 degrees. Yesterday's temperature had been 70!

Day 15

On the east side of the mountains, the scenery is no longer lush. Today's drive was in high desert country, through the Great Salt Lake Desert and along the Great Salt Lake. In Salt Lake City we toured Temple Square and were able to listen to a rehearsal of the talented Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Day 14

Heading east for the first time this morning, we toured Jelly Belly before heading to Sacramento. In the city we had a walking tour of the State Capitol building, learned about almonds with the chance to taste the different flavors available and got introduced to a great local burger place for lunch. We drove through gold country and through the Sierra Nevada Mountains on our way to Reno where we drove through downtown and took a picture of the famous Reno arch. Our stay tonight is in adjoining Sparks with the chance for some casino time.

Day 13

A step-on guide took us on a walking tour of Chinatown this morning where we were able to walk some of the hills, observe a different lifestyle and taste fortune cookies freshly made. Driving through the various neighborhoods of the city, through Golden Gate Park and across the Golden Gate Bridge plus looking at the entire city from Twin Peaks gave us a good overview of San Francisco. This afternoon was free. Some chose to tour Alcatraz, some took a harbor cruise, and others shopped on Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, looking at the sea lions and enjoying fresh seafood.

Day 12

After driving past quite a few acres of artichoke fields, we stopped at a produce stand to buy fruit and taste fried artichoke hearts. We continued through more miles of berries, corn, cattle and vegetables before getting into the area of redwood trees. We had a guided walk through a state park with the chance to stand at the base of trees over 350 feet high, followed by a train ride through the redwoods. After lunch we drove more of Highway #1 with stops to view a lighthouse and walk on a beach. Quite a few learned that it is a big mistake to turn your back on the ocean! After the more rural northern California driving, we are in the city of San Francisco tonight, right on Fisherman's Wharf.

Day 11

Breakfast was served both inside and outside this morning (those outside sat by a fire pit and kept warm). Our sightseeing included a stop to look at the ocean before heading up to the Hearst Castle where we watched the IMAX movie and then toured one guest house and a portion of the main house with its treasures from around the world. From there we drove through a variety of California scenery. Cattle grazing on lush green mountainsides. Miles of vineyards. Through the "Salad Bowl of the Nation" in the Salinas Valley. Along Highway #1 on the 17 Mile Drive with stops to see the ocean, harbor seals and birds. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and some shopping at Cannery Row in Monterey before checking into our hotel for the night.

Day 10
Sunshine, not a cloud in the sky with temperatures in the low 60s and a bit of a breeze made for a perfect March day. We spent an hour this morning walking on historic Stearns Wharf at Santa Barbara and looking at the palm trees, flowering trees, bird of paradise flowers and Spanish-style buildings. As we drove to Solvang, we were between the ocean to the west and mountains to the east. Offshore oil rigs, pump jacks on shore, strawberry fields, vineyards, citrus groves, an ostrich farm and many horse farms gave us non-stop sights to enjoy. The Danish community of Solvang had enough to keep us busy for a good block of time. We shopped, ate Danish pastries, tried pea soup, local breads, and the famous abelskivers. Our last driving stretch brought us to San Simeon along the Pacific coast. Mountain sides covered with carpet-like grass and grazing cattle and sheep added to the continuing fields of fruits and vegetables. Tonight we can walk along the ocean.

Day 9

After a buffet breakfast, we drove on the LA freeway system, seeing downtown LA, the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory and into Hollywood. We compared foot prints and signatures of the stars and found favorites on the Walk of Fame. Next we toured Warner Brothers Studio, riding through the back lot and seeing carpenters and set designers working to prepare streets for television and/or movies. We got into the area of props, were on the old set of "Friends" and sat where the audience sits for the taping of "Two and a half Men." The final stop was in the museum with costumes and props from past movies. After lunch at Warner Brothers, we continued northwest to Simi Valley, home to the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. Videos, movies and displays presented the life of the Reagan's, with the highlight being Air Force One. Another highlight was seeing a section of the Berlin Wall. The view from the hillside location was of green mountains and a valley with avocado groves. Our drive into Ventura gave us a taste of California freeway traffic as we crept along for miles. Strawberry fields and lush green mountainsides at least made it a beautiful drive. Our hotel provided a welcome reception which allowed us to socialize and relax after our busy day.

Day 8
Today was the best weather day so far. It got up to 66 degrees, so it felt good to be outside without jackets. We had a morning tour of the Crystal Cathedral, seeing the first sanctuary, statues depicting Biblical events around the grounds, the Tower of Hope, the Welcome Center and the Crystal Cathedral itself. We spent the rest of the day at Disneyland, enjoying the rides, shows and landscaping. Some of us spent bench time recharging, some came home early, and others stayed until park closing to see the evening parade. We really got our exercise today!

Day 7
A beautiful morning meant that we were able to do our two hour harbor excursion in San Diego. The Navy and Marine presence was very evident as we saw nuclear submarines, dry docks, training sessions for dolphins, and many ships in port. City views, the Coronado Bay Bridge, Coronado Island, Petco Park and many more sites were part of our tour. Lunch was at Seaport Village in San Diego, and as we finished, the good weather ended for a short time of light rain. We drove along the coast, seeing some of the Carlsbad flower fields where they raise ranunculus. At San Juan Capistrano, we toured the mission and its colorful grounds with flowers and trees and courtyards. We also stopped to see the Basilica and its retablo covered in gold leaf. From there it was heavy traffic as we traveled into the Los Angeles area for our two night stay in Anaheim.

Day 6

Sunshine, temperatures up to 61 degrees and enough wind so someone suggested "We got blown away" by the San Diego Zoo! Our visit to the zoo started with a double decker bus tour where we saw tigers, elephants, monkeys, giraffes (including a baby) and many, many other animals without having to walk. Well, we did have to walk farther than usual after our bus broke down near the end of our tour. From that point we were able to explore on our own and watch animal activity including the pandas and other species not seen on the bus tour. The new elephant exhibit allowed us to even watch the elephants get pedicures.

Due to high winds, our harbor cruise was cancelled, so we toured the USS Midway. Our audio tour gave us first hand accounts from the men who had served on this mammoth aircraft carrier.

Our evening was free to enjoy the hotel and the nice weather.

Day 5

Today we crossed the border into California! We have seen the Mojave Desert with the Mojave yucca and more Joshua trees, mountain ranges, deep valleys, and lots of traffic. We visited a grove this afternoon and were treated to a tour by the owner. We learned enough to know that it is a lot of work to raise macadamia nuts, cherimoya, passion fruit, lemons, grapefruit and all the other fruits he had on his property. The views from the hillside location were more rural than typical of Southern California and just beautiful. We asked questions and sampled fruit and enjoyed getting off the interstate. Our San Diego hotel has palm trees, bird of paradise flowers and banana plants as part of the landscaping. However, the weather is a little chilly (10-15 degrees below normal) for using the outdoor pool!

Day 4

Our drive to Las Vegas was a combination of desert alternating with very scenic stretches. The narrow, winding and colorful Virgin River Canyon was a highlight. But there were also Joshua trees, cholla cactus and palm trees. When water is available, there was green grass, and the day was mild enough so golfers were playing. When we arrived in Las Vegas, we drove by the downtown area and through the entire Strip area. The huge casino resorts continue for something like 3 1/2 miles. We checked into our hotel and then had the afternoon free to explore. Some walked and explored the fabulous resorts, some tried their luck at the machines, some rested, and all of us had a great afternoon. This evening we went downtown to Fremont Street and watched (in a light rain) the colorful sound and light show. We walked through the Golden Nugget to see the huge chunk of gold and tried to calculate its current value. Our return to the hotel gave us an amazing view of Las Vegas at night.

Day 3- This morning, a short drive west on the interstate took us through sagebrush and small vegetation with very little irrigated land. Then we turned south on the Moab Scenic Byway. After about 20 miles we began to see a big change of scenery. Paralleling the Colorado River, we drove through Red Rock Country, with beautiful spires and towers. With some contrasting snow on the ground, the scenery was worth several photo stops. We continued on to Arches National Park. After an excellent movie at the visitor center, we drove into the park. Red rocks, balancing rocks and arches gave us more photo opportunities. The weather was sunny and in the low-mid 40s, so a short hike to see a double arch was most enjoyable. Our final arch stop was not possible because the road was flooded. After lunch we continued west with a couple of scenic stops along the San Rafael Swell. Miles of snow-covered almost desert country and then a broad irrigated valley provided the rest of the day's scenery. Our stay tonight is in Beaver, Utah.

Day 2 - The temperatures didn't change much today (from 39 - 42), but our weather certainly did. We had fog, light rain, sunshine, snow, blowing snow, and blue sky. Fortunately, the snow was only for a short time as we went over Vail Pass and through the Eisenhower Tunnel area (at 11,000 feet, the highest road tunnel in the world). Throughout the day we also had a huge variety of scenery. Flocks of ducks and geese along the Platte River. Feed lots. Two natural gas fields. Miles of sagebrush and yucca this morning, followed by mountains and Ponderosa pine this afternoon. Several ski resorts with lots of skiers. Orchards of fruit from Palisade, CO to Fruita, CO. Throughout the day we enjoyed lots of visiting and laughing as well as stumping the tour guide who couldn't answer questions about oxen.

Day 1 - After having left total snow cover at home this morning, it was a real treat to find 55 degree temperatures by mid-afternoon, to see bare fields with snow only along the snow fences and to find that the robins are in North Platte, NE. We spent the day getting acquainted and the afternoon driving through the Platte River Valley. Watching a movie on the Oregon Trail gave us an appreciation for how easy our travel was today and how far we were able to go. Flock after flock of snow geese and other waterfowl were resting in ponds along the highway or flying. It makes us anxious for spring and for the warmer temperatures to come.