San Francisco, CA

Our last day on our West Coast trip started at the nearby Boudin Bakery, where a pastry breakfast got us underway for the day.

At the hotel we did the weirdest thing we had tried in a long time and ordered a Waymo to take us to the Ferry Terminal.  While a long time transportation option in San Francisco, these last few days have been the first time we've seen driverless cars ever.  To get in one was really wierd.  It's merely 2 miles, but while I was in the passenger seat and everyone else was in the back, it just felt awkward.  Having sad that, the ride was smooth and there were no problems.  I know there will come a day when this technology advances further still and no one will be driving.  Eventually that might be a good thing.

We boarded a ferry for Richmond, as we are off to have a barbeque at Shacks place in El Cerrito.  A smooth 35 minute ride across the Bay, sitting outside, taking in all the sites.  Shack met us at the terminal and drove us the 10 minutes back to his and Kat's, his lovely bride we were meeting for the first times, house.  Kat's mom lives with them too, so lunch was a mix of barbeque and Phillipino food.  Shack & Kat were married during Covid, so we attended the wedding virtually, but it's been 5 years till we had the opportunity to me her properly.  The afternoon was spent with a bunch of their friends in the sun in the backyard enjoying the food and the company.  It's always good value hanging with Shack, so you know his wife is going to be a blast as well.

B&L, San Francisco Ferry Terminal, CA

Shack dropped us off at the train station and we caught a train back in to Embarcadero, to do something different.  Not as good us the ferry as we rode under the bay, with nothing to see.  From here we zig zagged back through the city back to the hotel.  

Our last meal for the trip was to be take out from Cilantro SF Tacqueria.  The amount of people fighting for a table, and then the rest of us crammed in to pick up food, told us all we needed to know about this place.  And we weren't disappointed.  Back in the hotel the tacos and burritos went down a treat.

After dinner we walked over to the Aquatic Cove to finally take in the Golden Gate Bridge.  It had been too foggy since we'd been here to get a good view of it.  And to get it with the setting sun was amazing.  While it was below 50 degrees (never happening in summer at home) we hung out and waited for the 4th July fireworks, with what seemed like half of San Francisco.  What a display!  A great half hour of sky high entertainment.  It's been years since I've sone something like this on a holiday.  And this was great - we've got to do this more often.

So it was fireworks that ended our 8 days in Northern California.  Appropriate I would say, after 8 great days it was essential we went out with a bang.

Golden Gate Bridge, CA

DML&B, Aquatic Cove, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Board & Drink is around the corner from the hotel, and where we started the day today with  breakfast.  Again we filled up for a days discovering.

The Powell Hyde Cable Car runs from the water's edge, and this was our San Francisco thing to do today.  While we had to wait a while to get on, it was nice to be seated as we rode up the hill towards the Grace Cathedral.  I had been here years ago, and wanted to show the boys the Florence Duomo replica door on the church.  It is a magical sight.  However I don't remember it being $15 to go in and look around.  Or $60 for all of us.  Money we opted to spend elsewhere.  Actually, after wandering around, a good amount was spent at Bob's Donuts.  After a large breakfast, we didn't need sustanence as much as we needed sugar.

We walked over to Van Ness & California and caught the Cable Car all the way down to the Embarcadero.  We then wandered back through the edge of Chinatown and to Union Square.  Here we caught the other Cable Car all the way back to the hotel.

BL&M, Cable Car, San Francisco, CA

LDM&B, Cable Car, San Francisco, CA

We did what every tourist must do in San Francisco and fouhgt the hordes of people at Fishermna's Wharf, as well as saw the seals.  While there were not many, they were pretty vocal, and a massive seal bullied all the others to get the best spots.

BD&L, Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco, CA

Dinner tonight was at Piccolo Forno. Half a mile from the hotel, recomended by staff, and an Italian restaruant in North Beach.  What's not to like?  WE were early but still had to wait a bit for a seat.  But we got to sit outside (something we rarely do at home during the summer) and enjoy a fantastic meal.  There were a lot of recommended restaurants nearby, and all were really busy, but I really like the one we chose.

Near by a gelato store quenched desert desires and in the nearby Washington Square we had a great view of the setting sun behing the beautiful the St Peter and St Paul Church in Waskington Square.  After that, it was just back tot he hotel.  Rest was required after yet another fantastic day around San Francisco.

St. Peter & Paul Church, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

A big day started just up the road at Buena Vista Cafe, where we had breakfast with Shack, a college friend of A's who we havenb't seen in at least 15 years.  This famous restaurant is home to America's first Irish Coffee back in 1932.  Of course A & Shack indulged.  A hearty breakfast for a big day ahead.

After breakfast Shack drove us to a couple of spots in San Francisco.  We stopped at the Fort Point National Historic Site, under the foggy Golden Gate Bridge, and he took us through the Presidio neighborhood, where he used to live, and eventually dropped us off at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.  Was great to catch up with Shack, and we'll see him again on Friday when we head out to his place.

Shack,ML&B, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

At the de Young we toured the Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm exhibit.  This was great.  Paul took many photos during his days as a Beatle, and there were as many photos of fans going crazy as there were of members of the band and friends just hanging out in the US.  Black & white pictures in the wintery north of the country to bright and vibrant color pictures as they moved the tour into Florida.

Paul McCartney Exhibit, de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA

We were cut short for time at the museum, so didn't get to see any of the other exhibits.  We caught an Uber back to the hotel to pick up some warmer clothes (thankfully).  Lunch was at the In n' Out right by the hotel - after the longest wait ever in a fast food restaurant - not through inefficiency, but sheer volume.  

A half mile later we were at Pier 33, ready to head out for an afternoon on Alcatraz.  This is my 3rd trip here, and the first time in 20 years.  WHile ther was a familiarity with the place, there was a lot of new stuff to see, and share with the boys seeing the place for the first time.  The tour starts in the shower room, before getting into the main accommodations of the place.  I know it hasn't been used as a prison in over 60 years, but this place is bleak.  I can't imagine how bad it was as a prison in the 50s and 60s.  And cold - sheesh!  That wind howls through there.  The wind noise and temperature would have been a nightmare stuck in a prison cell.  The audio tour takes your through the different levels of incarceration in the building and what the inmates did for dining and entertainment.  And the story of an unsuccessful uprising.  The tour is narrated by one time inmates and guards.  On the way out I bought a book, Alcatraz From Inside by one of the narrators, former prisoner Jim Quillen.  We went out to the Industries Building, on the north western side of the island.  I had not been here on previous trips, but now it was filled with an exhibit from when Native Americans reclaimed the island in 1969 and occupied it for 19 months.  A really interesting, politically charged protest saw Native Americans raise awareness to the plight of their people and the issue of stolen land, especially sacred sights.  The final part of the island has a small exhibit talking about incarcerations in today's world.  Plenty of statistics shared did not paint a promising picture for America, who seem to have high numbers and percentages of people in jails or prisons throughout the country.

Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

L. Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

DBM&L, Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

We were on the island for close to 4 hours, and on the ferry back, the crowd was gifted with the sighting of a whale in the bay, much to the delight of everyone.  Once off the boat, we walked some to the Embarcadero, before heading to China Live for dinner.  This was a place recommended by the hotel, and one we'd seen yesterday while walking around.  This is a great restaurant concept.  A vast dining room intertwined with a gift store.  Different open kitchen cooking areas and a robot delivering food to tables and to go orders to the front to the restaurant.  Visually it was almost over stimulating.  But nothing in comparison to the food.  It was amazing.  We ordered smaller dishes to try different things, and we just couldn't stop.  We definitely needed the mile walk back to the hotel afterwards, just to digest the best meal I've had in ages.

DBL&M, China Live, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Carmel Bakery is at the back of the hotel, so it is here where we load up on to-go pastries on our way out of Monterey.  This is been a new city for all of us, and it was a great one to discover all together.  But on with the adventure....

The drive into San Francisco is a pretty easy one.  Not a lot of traffic mid morning.  We drove straight to the Kimpton Fisherman's Wharf and were able to check in straight away.  While the family unloaded in the room, I drove the car back to the airport.  There's no need for us to have it anymore.  And to pay for parking anywhere in the city is exorbitant.  

I caught the train back into the Embarcadero and met up with everyone else.  A quick lunch in the ferry terminal and we were off wandering the city.  Up past the Transamerica Pyramid, we walked up to the gates in Chinatown.  I had never been in this section of San Francisco before, and we wandered the shops and stores.  We then walked over to Lombard Street to see the world's curviest street, and a great view of Coit Tower.

BL&M, Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA

BL&M, Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA

By the time we eventually got back to the hotel, it was time to get out to dinner.  We picked Cioppoinos for the convenience of being across the street at Fisherman''s Wharf.  A good meal, but could've been a better atmosphere.  The front of the restaurant was full, but no one was seated near the back, where there is an excellent view of the bay.

Monterey, CA

We're staying in town today, so we start just outside the hotel at Crepes of Brittany.  I feel like it's been forever since I've had a crepe.  So these were exceptional.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium runs a free trolley from the hotel, so we take advantage of that and cram on with half of California on the first trolley of the day.  An easy entry in as we have purchased tickets in advance and the place is packed from the beginning.  We start at the sea otters, who are putting on a show for everyone packed against the glass.  From there we walk over to the Into The Deep tank, which is massive, and keeps us entertained for a while.  Of course the sharks we amazing, and the quantity of jellyfish.  But just outside from the Touch Pool we could see more seals and otters in the ocean just beyond the aquarium.  Another thing we watch (from a distance) is the kids who were learning to scuba dive in the tide pool fenced off in the facility.  Not for me, but I'm sure that is an amazing experience.  Weirdly I know this is a world class facility, but it seems kind of small.  Yet we are in there for 3 hours.

 

Jellyfish, Monterey Bay Aquarium, CA

First things first when we leave the aquarium, it's time for lunch.  L and I opt for sandwiches from Conglio Brothers, a deli inside a wine and olive oil shop, while M&B grab something from Jack's Bao, across the street.  We meet up and eat in the glorious sunshine by the waters edge.

We are in Cannery Row, known to me from the John Steinbeck novel, so we wonder around and look in shops and see all the restaurants we aren't going to eat at before we head up to San Francisco tomorrow.  Poor M, I know she shops better than her 3 boys, but we stopped her spending too much time here.  The walk back to hotel is just over a mile, and it's too nice a day to be inside, so we walk back.  We do have to make a stop at Fisherman's Wharf for our daily ice cream.

For dinner tonight M has found the Beach House Restaurant & Bar at Lovers Point, Pacific Grove.  It is only a 15 minute drive north west of the hotel, and a beautiful old house overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  We delighted in our seafood dinner as, again, seals and otters popped their heads up out of the water on the beach below us.  This was a fitting ending to our stay in Monterey, and I am looking forward to part 2 of our trip tomorrow as we move into San Francisco.

Monterey, CA

Before this morning becomes a driving day, we have breakfast at Bagel Bakery, just up the road from the hotel.  We sit and enjoys a coffee/tea and dive into these great egg bagels.

Today we are headed down the scenic 17 Mile Drive.  This starts just south of Monterey and goes through Pebble Beach, along the coast, and down to Carmel.  The drive starts foggy, but its clear enough at each of the many stops we make.  One of the early (and favorite) ones is at Bird Rock.  While seals aplenty swim in the water, their need to get up on this rock island is overpowered by the shear amount of black birds on sunning themselves already.  Also at this stop is some volunteers, offering information and binoculars.  While L & I stayed up high, M & B climbed down to Fanshell Beach for a quick look around.  At Cypress Point we saw a lone white seal.  I'd never seen one that color before.  The next stop was The Lone Cypress.  A top a rocky point sits this single tree.  We got there and got photos,  but 15 minutes later, as we left, there was so much fog you could not see the tree, or the ocean.  We left and headed to Carmel before realizing that we'd been so fixated with the ocean that we had not seen any of world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.  Maybe on the way back.

Bird Rock, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

Lone Pine, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

DML&B, Lone Pine, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

We drove in hoping to stop at Carmel Beach to look around.  There was too much traffic and literally nowhere to park, so we headed into town to look around.  We spent an hour looking around town and through all the local stores.  WE opted for Brophy Tavern for lunch.  It was a little bit out of the main area of  the town, and the only place without a long wait.  A nice pub lunch before we are back in the car again.

Our trip sees us continue south on the CA1.  We are hoping to get to Big Sur, but the road is not an easy one to navigate.  Between fog rolling in, road works, and the naturally tight one lane each way, it is actually slow going.  A has volunteered to drive, and I know it is taking it out of her, becasue I fell exhausted from the drive in the passenger seat.  

There are a number of places to stop on the way, and we do so.  Garrapata State Park is where we stop the longest.   We walk along a trail out to the cliff's edge.  The coast here is rocky and has many cliffs, not the sandy beaches I've come to know all my life.  And the fog!  So much of it.  Blinding one minute, then clear blue sky the next.  With stops due to roadworks (because of last years landslides) it takes over another hour to finally make it to Big Sur.  We don't arrive until 5pm, so we didn't go into the park.  Both because we had seen all the Redwoods in Santa Cruz and we were a little worried about driving back in the pending darkness.

D&M, Garrapata State Park, CA

B&L, Garrapata State Park, CA

No stops going back north.  That is until we get into the 17 Mile Drive again.  We stop at the clubhouse of the Pebble Beach Golf Course.  While none of us are golfers, you don't have to be to enjoy the beauty and history of this course.  I wish I had taken up the sport when we lived in Vegas.  So many times a knocked back a round.  It would have been amazing to try and play a round here.  Mind you we were heading into dusk as we got here.

Arriving back at the hotel we were too beat to leave it again, so we had dinner at Jack's in the lobby.  Although they were both super tired, the boys ploughed through a huge meal, and it wasn't long after we got back to the room that we surrendered completely for the day.  An absolute beaut!

Monterey, CA

Up pretty early this morning only to find my luggage had yet to arrive from American.  After a lengthy wait on the phone, we find out that this has been pushed back to late tonight.  Grrrr!

We had breakfast inside the hotel at Jack's.  Holy hell, there was enough food to do me for a month.  But gooood!

In the car and up the CA1 towards Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.  Just 9 miles north of Santa Cruz are these most beautiful trees.  A popular park, it took a while for us to get in.  The problem wasn't helped by the guy that didn't want to wait in line and during his u-turn he bottomed out on the edge of the road.  Once in, we had a quick pit stop at the general store before planning out the day  We got a map of the hikes, but went over and got a ticket for the Roaring Camp Railroad.  This is adjacent to the park, and we can get on a train in just over an hour.  Back in the park we decide to take the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.  It's just under a mile along, but our map has points of interest to stop at.  We saw banana slugs, a 277 foot Redwood and generally just took in these majestic trees, like none of had seen before.  The weather was perfect, and being in the shade of these giants just made the whole experience complete.

MBL&D, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA

We made it back to the railway for the 12.15pm train up the mountain.  It is a laborious trip for the narrow gauge steam train, but one that has been done for over a century, for both logging and more recently, recreation.  The view out of the open top carriage is overwhelming.  You can't not see a magnificent tree any which way you look.  The commentary points out the larger trees, points out trees that have survived fires and all the interesting facts - did you know the redwoods drink 500 gallons of water a day and get 40% of their intake from fog.  There's a 10 minute stop at the top, as you wait for the train ahead to complete a switchback.  From there it's downhill cruising.  We all enjoyed this 1.5 hour train ride, and this ticks off our want to see the Redwoods while here.

BM&L, Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton, CA

Once we get back we leave the park in search of lunch.  In hindsight we should have stayed longer.  We drove 20 minutes down to Santa Cruz Beach.  Beaches here in the US still amaze me, with their piers and boardwalks.  Santa Cruz's having a massive amusement park.  We stop at the north end of the beach and sit outside, beside the ocean, and have lunch at Ideal Bar & Grill.  Another good meal.  All enjoyed under the non-intense sun without excess heat (I could get used to this).

After lunch we just cruise the boardwalk and walk though the amusement park.  This place was great.  Every type of person and family in this oversized Luna Park-esque fun park just having the best time.  I know I normally don't go for things like this, but there was such a positive vibe about the place, it was nice to be a part of.  We didn't do any of the rides because of the wait times, but we just liked being at the boardwalk.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California

We went into downtown Santa Cruz momentarily.  I stopped at the Gap to pick up a couple of essentials, as we still had not heard anything about my bags.  Oh, and there was ice cream and cookies involved.

We took our time getting back to Monterey in the afternoon.  We drove through Capitola, just to see what it looked like.  The beach was packed, but it was a chill little seaside town.  We made it back to the hotel and the boys opted for a rest in the room while A & I wandered through Monterey.  We weren't looking at or for anything but wit was just nice to be somewhere new and see something different.

The late lunch meant A, B & I didn't want to eat anything, but I went back out to find L some Mexican.  I like when I get to spend 1 on 1 time with the boys (not easy to do with twins).  Another great day.  Let's see if we can top it tomorrow.

Monterey, CA

Not doing the huge summer trip like we have for the past 3 years, but still want to get away for a few days so we've decided on 8 days on the west coast. Out to Monterey, where none of us have been before, and San Francisco, for the boys first trip.

Uneventful flight until we land at San Francisco.  American have lost my bag somehow.  It amazes me that we dropped off 4 bags at the same time, going on 1 flight, and 1 bag doesn't make it.  Of course it's mine.  Anyway they said they'd drop it off at the hotel in Monterey tonight.  With that sorted (?) a quick trip over to Sixt and pick up the rental.  We've been upgraded from a Toyota Camry to a Buick Encore - the luck is changing already.

We leave the airport and head out to Half Moon Bay.  The 45 minute drive is picturesque but when we arrive in town, we can't find access to the beach, and most importantly a place to eat on the water.  We end up driving up to Miramar Beach and having lunch at Miramar Beach Restaurant.  This 107 year old institution was a great first meal of the trip, as we sat by the oceanside window.  One of the reasons we picked northern California was to escape the heat, so the walk along the beach after lunch was a cool, windy 65 degrees, not the 90+, high humidity we get in Charlotte.  We could see Mavericks on the walk, but it's not the season for the world famous big waves.

DMB&L @ Miramar Beach Restaurant, Miramar, California

Back in the car for the should be 2 hour drive to Monterey, we hit some traffic through Santa Cruz and and the CA1 put us closer to 3 hours before we go to the Portola Hotel just before dinner.  First impressions of the hotel are great.  A real light lobby and a well kept property.  Pretty sure we are going to enjoy our stay here.  We wander up and down Alvarado Street to find dinner for B&L.  A&I still can't eat after lunch, but 2 teenage boys have no end to their stomachs.

We did walk down to Fisherman's Wharf in the "freezing cold" to have our tradition summer vacation daily ice cream.  This area is full of restaurants with people desperately trying to get you to come in and touristy shops.  I think we've done our time here and not sure we need to be back.

Back at the hotel and we all sleep well.  Let's hope we wake up to my luggage.

Los Angeles, CA

After 6 weeks back at home, the boys and I headed back to the US and had the most disastrous of flights back. I posted on Facebook...

"I’m trying to smile but you know that feeling when one of your kids throws up on the flight from Sydney then finally falls asleep as we’re coming into land, while your other kid gets sick after we land, but we can’t get off the plane because of a medical emergency. Then you can’t find an iPad in the seat, but flight staff are kind enough to call 2 wheelchairs for the kids. Then baggage carousel stops and you don’t see your bags - but you find them eventually and you make the journey to a new terminal. And now we’re eating pancakes and there is only a 5 hour flight left."

Then after

"UPDATE: Then after sleeping until boarding L throws up again. Then the hostess asks if he’s ok and I say bit of motion sickness. Put sleeping child in his seat, only to be asked to leave the plane. 90 minutes later. Greetings from Holiday Inn LAX. See you tomorrow Charlotte. PS. L is now feeling fine and wants to swim in hotel pool......but our bags never left the plane."

We spent the whole day watching Star Wars movies in bed and eventually went to McDonalds for dinner.  This is the first and only time my kids have eaten at Maccas (that is a miracle, and great parenting on our part).  And they didn't like it.  Woo Hoo!

The following morning we got back to the airport and checked in for our flight back to Charlotte, only to find we weren't seated together.  Luckily a kind lady swapped seats with me, and the 3 of us eventually got home

Oxnard, CA to Bateau Bay, NSW

On 30 June we started our journey back to Australia to see family.  Flying out to Los Angeles, we drove up to spend a couple of days with AC before flying out to Sydney on 2 July.  

The fight was just me and the boys.  A would join us in the middle 2 weeks of us being there.  Boys slept well on the fight and when they woke up, they were able to watch 2 World Cup games that took us all the way to arrival in Sydney.  Unfortunately the motion of the plane didn't agree with either of them and L will pretty ill going through customs and immigration.

Oxnard, CA

What a day!  I was an emotional wreck leaving Mum's place, as dad drove me to the airport. A and the boys rode with K.  And then a mess again as I had to say goodbye to Dad and K at the airport.  After 3 weeks of a high, it all came crashing down in one fell swoop.

Check in on the way home was so much easier than getting here. 14 hours is a long time for those boys to sit still on a flight, especially since we left at 11 am.  But they were champions!  A lot of Thomas, Peppa Pig and World Word was watched, and they did get some sleep in.  Though I feel as though I didn't.  Actually can't believe how good I felt when I got off the plane, considering how shit I felt during it.  I sat with Barrett, who wasn't 100% well, and I couldn't sleep or get comfortable.  I swear I had a migraine with only 2 hours left to fly.

A & L - SYD to LAX

After the joys of summer, we land at LA at 6am and it is only 37 degrees.  We're still in shorts and t-shirts here.  That was definitely a shock to the system.  Getting our rental car also seemed easier this time.  Maybe we were delirious from the flight and time change.  I don't remember much about the drive to Oxnard to AC's but I remember be grateful to be there, and the opportunity for a late morning nap, was not gong to be missed.

We'll drive back down to LA tomorrow night to stay near the airport so we can get our early morning flight back to Charlotte.  As much as I loved being home at Christmas, I now am, finally, looking forward to getting back into my own house and back into a routine.

Oxnard, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Up again at the crack of dawn to some awful weather.  We did a quick run to Target to get some last minute travel needs and by the time we got back AC had returned.  We spent the afternoon with her and in the early evening we left for the 90 minute drive back to LAX.  We gave ourselves plenty of time as we expected the worst with LA traffic, but the drive back was easy.  Returning the car was a breeze and we were at the airport with tons of time.  Thoughts of rest and dinner before we got on the plane disappeared quickly when we couldn't get checked in.  No United staff around to tell us what was going on.  Panic started setting in as boarding time got closer.  Eventually we found out there was problem for international check ins and we were manually checked in and made the gate with enough time to change some diapers and get on the plane.

Oxnard, CA

Thankfully it was an early night as the boys don't adjust to the time change causing a 5am start this morning. A has some work to do, so I take the boys out for a while.  Weather is wet and grey, so it's hard to find things for them to do, especially with all the park equipment wet.  We end up at Ventura Beach and play on the sand and walk out on the pier.  We are all starting to tire so I considered heading home only to realize it was only 8.45am. Instead we drove to Carpenteria up the 101.  This is supposed to be a pretty town, but construction at the freeway exits made it near impossible to get around.  Patience was lost early and we turned around and head back to AC's.  An afternoon was spent inside, out of the weather and vacation cooking was done when a pizza was delivered for the boys while mom had dinner out with some work colleagues.

Oxnard, CA

Well here we go. A test I've been dreading for a long time. It's not that I don't want to go home- it's been 5 years and I'm more than ready. Plus the boys get to meet my family. It's the flying. Not only do I not like flying that much, this is a long way. And who knows how the boys will take to it. I am very happy we decided to break the trip up into 2 legs each way. I hope that helps. On the plus side, I can't wait to see everyone, get the boys to meet their cousins, the summer weather, and eat the good food I grew up on but can't get here in the US.

One leg of flying down and completely uneventful. It helps we had 1st class in US Airways and were fed and the boys each have an iPad to keep them amused (how did people do this before this technology?). In LA there is a long wait at Hertz before we can get on our way to Oxnard, where we will stay at AC's. Fortunately it's an easy drive to Oxnard and the boys get a nap in. AC is not home until Friday, so we have the run of the place. After takeaway for dinner from Pirates Bay, it is a early night in for this exhausted family.

Me & L

B & A

Santa Barbara, CA

This is our whole day to ourselves and we decide to drive up to Solvang. We’d heard about this town, but neither A nor I had been there. Solvang is a small town an hour northwest of Santa Barbara that was settled by Danes in 1911. The northern European influence is evident in this small touristy town. We got there just as things were opening, and I think Mondays are their hangover day from the weekend, as there were very few people around. It was nice to wander around the small shops (and not see any large chains that you see in every other US city), and just spend time somewhere different with the family.

We headed back to Santa Barbara after a couple of hours. We stopped at Solvang Mission, but did not take the tour. We drove up via the coast road, which was picturesque. Just to be different we went back via the inland road. This was just as scenic, but of the surrounding countryside, rolling hills and Lake Cachuma, but not the Pacific Ocean. We stopped at Whole Foods back in Santa Barbara to pick up some lunch for all of us.

After feeding the boys their 2pm feed, we went out and wandered around the town – checking out State Street in Santa Barbara . Such a beautiful town – and again just being outside in the perfect weather made for a relaxing afternoon.

Santa Barbara, CA

Once we got the boys started for the day we headed down to Oxnard Beach for an afternoon of sun and sand. The weather was just perfect for us to put up an umbrella by the channel and watch the boats drift in and out. The boys, as always, loved being outside, though they wouldn’t venture off the blanket and on to the sand. We picked up some take away from Manda’s Galley and enjoyed the sights and sounds that I miss from living so far from the coast.

In the afternoon we made the 45 minute drive up to Santa Barbara , where we are staying at the Inn of Spanish Garden. The drive was non eventful, actually we went beyond as the boys were asleep and we were happy with the quiet.

After working in a 4000 room hotel, staying in a 23 room hotel was bliss and this one was beautiful. We are 3 blocks away from State Street (Santa Barbara's main drag) and about a mile from the beach. By the time we got settled in and fed the boys, we decided we’d head towards the beach to find dinner for us. We walked out on to the pier and picked up some fish and chips from Char West and sat on the pier. While it was a little cool, it was great to be outside (again) enjoying the ocean air.

Oxnard, CA

Up and out pretty early for our quick trip to Carolyn's. We reached Oxnard in no time and after a drive past the beach, we arrived early at Carolyn’s. It was a beautiful day and we took full advantage of being able to sit outside on the lawn. The boys loved it! While a little hesitant at the feel of the grass they were content to play on their blankets and enjoy the outdoors.

After their lunch we all drove into Ventura and we wandered around the small town and headed towards the beach. Again the boys were in their element. Feet up in the stroller, girls fussing over them and the warm sun on their faces. For me it was just great to see the ocean. All the smells and the people enjoying themselves – the ocean just seems to relax me. After wandering we settled on Corrales for lunch. This little, local hole in the wall Mexican place was fantastic. The best burrito I have ever had. And not just because we were both starving.

We drove back to Carolyn’s on the local roads. It is amazing that this area is mostly farmland, just a couple hours north of LA.

That night Tina, Grace & Sophia came around to see the boys and split a pizza. The boys had fun until they hit a wall, then it was all over for the night.

Thousand Oaks, CA

After the debacle of flying to Phoenix last August it was decided we’d drive to Santa Barbara with the boys. But we’d do it after they had their last feed and were headed to bed. Success! We left the house just after 7.30pm and the boys slept most of the way (with a few minor wake ups). Just before midnight we started looking for a place to stop – though if we could’ve got a hold of Carolyn we would have driven all the way through to Oxnard.  At Thousand Oaks we pulled off the 101 and bunked the night at the Quality Inn. Nothing special, but a pillow after a long drive.

Death Valley National Park

It's hard to believe that we have lived in Vegas for nearly 8 years and never made it to Death Valley. With a day off work, A's mom in town celebrating her and my birthday, and A still well enough to travel before the boys arrive next month, it was a good time to make the journey.

It is still relatively cool in Vegas and we knew Death Valley would be warmer, so timing was also right weather wise.

We left early for the 2.5 hour drive north-west. It is a fairly non-descript drive through the desert all the way and not much fanfare when you get to the park either. But the National Park itself is awesome.

Our first stop was at Zabriskie Point. This small hike leads to the overlook where you see the 200 square miles of salt flats that Death Valley is known for. A magnificent start to the days proceedings.

We then drove on to the Furnace Creek Visitors Center to get some ideas of what to do. We quickly found out that we wouldn't be able to do everything in 1 day and will have to make the journey back some day to see the northern and western parts of the park. We drove about 28 miles to the northeast to Stovepipe Wells Village, where stopped for lunch. Only a mile further was the Mosaic Canyon, where we stopped and did our only real hike of the day. We spent just over an hour making our way through a moderately elevated trail. It was nice to be out of the car, but certainly warmer than I expected.

A, Mom & I at Mosaic Canyon

Back the way we came, again past the Visitors Center and on to Natural Bridge. Again we got out here and walked the short distance up to the bridge. We didn't go further as we wanted to see more and time and daylight were running out.

Natural Bridge at Death Valley National Park

Our next stop was at Badwater. This overlooks the salt basin which, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in the USA. Just a vast expanse of salt flats that go nearly as far as the eye can see. There is a significant increase in temperature here and we walk out for about a mile to try and get an idea of how big this is. Pictures taken do not do it justice.

A & I at Badwater Salt Flats

We continue 55 miles to the south, to the Park's exit near Shoshone. Ashford Mill and Jubilee Pass are supposed to be areas where the flowers bloom, and are said to be a spectacular sight. We are here probably 3 weeks to early to sees this, but that gives us another reason to come back.

The only thing less exciting than desert scenery on a drive, is the desert at night. We took the drive back through Pahrump before getting into Vegas around 9pm. A great days exploring and definitely a place I would want to go back to, though next time I want to check out Scotty's Castle. Another US National Park to take off the bucket list.

Carlsbad, CA

The night after the Melvins I woke up and had one of my migraines (my first for over 6 months). I took my time driving up to Carlsbad, driving via all the beach towns and the coast along the way. I had plans just to hang on the beach for the afternoon, but the headache and cool weather put the kybosh to that. Instead I checked into the West Inn & Suites to try and sleep off the pain, so I can hang out with Naags & Baden tonight, and get to the Hoodoo Gurus at Solana Beach tonight. The nanna nap helped.

I woke up feeling better, though kind of that hangover feeling I have after a migraine.  I called A in the late afternoon.  She was having a ultrasound appointment today about the baby.  I think my nerves about this was what may have caused the migraine.  And, as it  and turns out, rightly so.  We are about to become parents to TWINS!  Holy shit!  In the space of 2 years we have gone to not going to have children, to trying, to almost giving up, to parents of two.  What a change!  This should bring some wild reactions once people know we are pregnant.  I think I had an inkling that this was going to happen, because I wasn't really surprised when A told me.  With her mum being a twin, and my nan, (not to mention A's doctor joking about it when we first found out - boy that next conversation will be an interesting one), it seemed natural when she told me.  Interesting times ahead.

Naags came around around 6pm, and I couldn't contain myself.  He became the first person to know we were pregnant, let alone with twins.  Poor guy, shock had kicked in for me and I think I said fuck in front of Baden about 30 times.  We headed down towards the beach to have dinner at Vigilucci's Steak & Seafood. Great restaurant overlooking the water. Unfortunately fog stopped us from watching the sunset (growing up on the east coast of Oz, I am still fascinated by watching the sunset over the water - instead of rising). Was a great meal and good to do the annual catch up with Naags. As per my usual migraines I was completely wiped out after dinner and headed back to the hotel and missed the Hoodoo Gurus. Oh well, next time!

Still was a productive weekend. Another great Melvins show, a catch up with an old school mate, and the revelation that I'm gonna be a father of 2.  Except for all the driving it was a relaxing weekend. I'll have to go back to work to recover.