Residence Inn By Marriott Salinas Monterey

... back in the 1700's. All and all an awesome day of sightseeing.

For our Bay Area friends, all of these sights are located within an easy days drive. I would plan on visiting in the summer months when you could include a stop at one of the many state beaches along the way...And, there are a number of wineries located along Hecker Pass - we plan on getting to those later in the week!!

... more ideas to make the Floride trip easier; don't forget the pot to make coffee & tea and find more comfortable mattresses for under our sleeping bags. Shona slept like a dog.

Shona still thinks she is going to the vet (alittle anxious) everytime she gets into the car. But she settled down and did great at the camp site.

Can't wait to start the trip. Florida or bust!

Finally left the noisy dorm room yay. Saw some massive waves along the coast towards Monterey. Stopped off in Santa Cruz, not much going on in Fall! Apparently it's wooden rollercoaster is a national monument! Got to Monterey and found a visitor centre for a map. Hotel man upgraded us to a deluxe king, had a microwave and a fridge! Watched lots of TV ...

... refreshing - probably dern cold! It would be for about 40 yards, I think or feet, I'm not sure. But it isn't a huge crossing. And, you will probably do it as fast as you can! But then again, you're from Vermont. The water may feel warm to you, maybe. And here is an email from Lenore to Jeff after we left Santa Cruz which gives you another flavor of all the work and fun people have when helping us: Ohlone Otter?? Hmmm, ok, I can do this.... Earthwalk ...

I drove 240 miles to Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. There was absolutely nothing to see on the drive. I felt like I was in the west riding along the open plains. I could see for miles! At one point I drove 70 miles on a road and didn't pass a single thing...not a person, car or house. When I arrived at the Salinas site I first stopped at the visitor center. Then I drove 9 ...

... story about Hurricane Katrina and the importance of the wetlands near New Orleans, LA. The boys and I rushed around learning about silicon, computer chips, experiencing a mock earthquake, driving astronaut jet packs, and moving the ROVs in water tanks with control handles. It wasn't enough time...wish we could have spent the entire day there. We would love to go back again! Around 5:30pm we headed northwest toward ...

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We visited a Mission ( influence from the Mexicans) – lovely old church & Mexican architecture.

... and a chat with Tony then to Van Cafe to meet Peter and get a windshield wiper arm. Volks Cafe now called Van Cafe due to a slight intervention from VW complaining about the use of the world Volks which they claim is their authorized word. Ha ! They are being a bit arrogant ! After the Van Cafe we head to Costco for lunch and shopping. Then more shopping stops and back at April's for 4. We now head off again with her to IKEA in San Jose to get her some ...

... slipping in sleet that we encountered in New York last year Sarah. And, fingers crossed, no "Bali Belly" in Egypt (I'm thinking of ya Angel)! Yes, I'm off to Sin City which has a new motto,"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." I like it...a city motto, which pretty much encourages visitors to go forth and sin freely - there are no consequences (at least while you're still in Vegas). As a result of numerous ...

... than their own, and said, no...no you can't do that. We were a little disappointed but not out. We tried a couple of other suggestions and found nothing. So I suggested we try a church. They have grass, their supposed to be charitable, and people are less likely to beat and rob you on church grounds. Plus, we had to ask. Only two things could happen: 1) They say yes and we get a free place to stay. 2) The church turns us away and we have a ...