California, Part 1 - We've Arrived!

Our trip finally arrived!  Back in 2005, Ryan and I travelled with my parents on a California vacation.  Soon after we returned, Ryan and I begin talking about how fun it would be to go back.  So, in June, we surprised Mom and Dad for their birthday; we are treating them to a return trip!  They couldn't believe it!  It thrilled us to see how excited they were, and we have had fun making plans ever since.  Finally, on Saturday, August 25, the four of us headed out West.  We had decided to follow pretty much the same path that we had taken before since Mom and Dad have made this trip several times and have always loved it.  We arrived in San Francisco, headed up to Mendocino for two nights, drove down to Napa for three nights and then ended with three nights in Sausalito.  It was an amazing trip!  

 

We arrived in San Francisco after a nice Delta flight.  Ryan and Dad picked up our rental car, and we headed across the Golden Gate Bridge to Tiberon.  This is a beautiful little town that sits right on the bay.  On a clear day, you have a beautiful view across the bay of San Francisco.  We headed straight to Sam's Anchor Bar.  It doesn't look like much when you arrive; in fact, you walk through a bar to get to their balcony.  It's worth it though because the views you can get are wonderful.  Unfortunately, it was a little overcast when we arrived so our bay view wasn't fantastic, but it was still a nice day to be out.  We all love the cool bay weather!  Here's the view of the marina while we were eating.

 Leave it to California to provide some unique entertainment while you enjoy a meal!  While we were eating, a man strapped on his jet pack backpack and start swirling all around the marina.  It was pretty fun to watch; we haven't seen anything like it before!

 This last picture is purely in because of the giggles it gave Mom and me.  When we left Atlanta, it was hot.  We knew it would be cooler on the bay but everything was packed and we didn't have everything within easy reach.  Ryan, Mom and I threw a little jacket on, but Dad couldn't find his so he put on what he had.  A long-sleeve gray shirt covered up by a short-sleeve red shirt topped with a green sleeveless vest.  It cracked us up, so I had to snap this picture and post it just because it makes me smile!

After lunch, we started the drive up to Mendocino.  We're officially on vacation!