(A personal tribute to my heart’s companion in travel and in love.)
It’s been seven years since Rich died.
As I recently told a friend, in some ways it feels like an eternity ago; in other ways, just yesterday.
Category: California travel
A recent wedding in the Santa Cruz area gave me an opportunity to visit California’s oldest State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
“Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 2,500 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.”
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One of the many benefits of living in Northern California is the close proximity to the beach!
It’s just a three-hour drive from Sacramento to Monterey County and its well-known attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Aquarium, the scenic views of 17-Mile Drive, and the monarch butterflies of Pacific Grove.
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Taking advantage of the spring-like weather in the Sacramento valley, I recently spent an afternoon at the UC Davis Arboretum.
I have visited many times over the past few years, enjoying the ever-changing flora, the frequent sightings of birds and other creatures, and the peaceful, meditative ambiance of this Yolo County treasure.
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During a recent trip to the Monterey Bay area I decided to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. 
Having never been before, I envisioned native trees covered with clusters of beautiful butterflies – and while I was right in some respects, my first visit to the butterfly grove was a little disappointing.
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Every New Year’s morning, I watch the Rose Parade on television. I love seeing the colorful floats and imagining what they might be like – every inch covered in flowers or some other plant in its natural state. I look at the crowds of people and think, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be there in person?”
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As a docent, Carrieanna can frequently be found at Point Lobos, where she leads nature walks and talks about the flora, fauna, marine life and history of that area.
Recently, however, we decided to head northeast and explore the Natural Resources of Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing in Monterey County.
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After five months of training, on May 18, 2014 Carrieanna graduated from the Docent Training Program at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
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In October of 2013 my family gathered in San Diego, California, to celebrate the 18th birthday of my granddaughter, Jennifer. Prior to our trip, Jen had asked each of us to tell her what we most wanted to do while we were there (sort of a “San Diego Bucket List”).
My list was short and sweet: Besides spending time with my children, I wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo and also to Balboa Park. Both wishes came true!
I’ve previously written about our Zoo adventure; now I’d like to share my Balboa Park experience.
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The California State Parks organization celebrates its Sesquicentennial in 2014.
In honor of this important milestone, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve will be participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes on January 1, 2014.
Anything Is Possible Travel 