Route 1, part 2

We arrived in San Jose on Wedneday, November 23. There we visited our good friends, the two 'main reasons' for our trip to California. It was so nice to see them again and catch up. After spending the night in their apartment, we all drove on route 1 to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Our afternoon stroll to the beach and through the streets was lovely. Every house looked different, like in a fairy tale. As I learned, many artists live here, which is the reason for lots of galleries and little shops with all kind of arts. This makes the place unique and very picturesque. To experience the real Thanksgiving Day dinner, we had luckily a reservation in a nice restaurant. There we had the traditional turkey, nam!

On Friday we had a look to the Mission Ranch to see if its owner and former Carmel Mayor, Clint Eastwood, would be there. Nearby was the San Carlos Borromeo Mission, founded by Fransicans. It was closed for Thanksgiving, so we could have a look only from outside. Leaving Carmel, we headed off to the 17-mile drive, a scenic road partly through forest but mostly along the Pacific coastline. Along the drive were numerous spots to get out and enjoy the stunning views. We saw mighty waves hitting the coastline, seals and the lone cypress. After finishing the loop, we drove to Monterey Bay. The waterfront district Cannery Row is a former sardine cannery and consists nowadays of restaurants, shops and a huge aquarium. Blending in with the other tourists we walked around, had a meal and saw once again hundreds of seals at the beach.

Having spent another night in San Jose, the four of us went to Rancho San Antonio, a ranch and hiking area. There we saw a group of wild turkey. Two days after Thanksgiving they seemed quite relaxed. Walking through entertaining Santana row and a nice dinner in a trendy restaurant/bar/nightclub was enough activities for the day.

After packing our stuff on Sunday morning, our friends took us to San Fransisco. First thing we did was driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was really impressive, especially because it was build in the 1930s. It felt unreal to be there, having seen the bridge in many movies. We were lucky with the weather having no fog. For lunch we went to Sausalito, a small town North of San Fransisco from where we could see the skyline of San Fransisco and also Alcatraz. Next stop was the Fisherman's wharf in San Fransisco. For me, this place was a mix of the Navy Pier in Chicago, the boardwalk in Ocean City and a bit of the Cannery Row in Monterey, very 'touristy' (if that is a word). There were also - surprise, surprise - seals, which didn't seem to be bothered by being very close to boats and humans.

Driving through the roads of San Fransisco was great, it was very hilly, just like in the movies. Of course, we had to make our way through the famous hair pin turns of Lombard Street. I also liked the architecture of many houses. Happily and tired we then went to our hotel, where it was time to say goodbye to our friends. I must say, a travel agency couldn't have done a better job, all worked out so well :)

After one night in San Fransisco it was Monday, November 28. Time for us to leave California. My wife had to go back to College Park and continue her project. As for me, I had quite a different plan..

Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of many original Inns in Carmel

Picturesque Carmel

San Carlos Borromeo Mission in Carmel

Along the 17-mile drive

Nice weather for a day at the beach

Seal show in the water

Lone Cypress

Monterey Bay

Wild turkey

I *heart* Autumn leaves..

Golden Gate Bridge

Another view

Sausalito

At Fisherman's wharf, Pier 39

Street of San Fransisco

View to Alcatraz

Lombard street

Christmas palm trees at Union Square Park, downtown San Fransisco

Route 1, part 1

A week has gone by since my last post and it feels like a month. On Tuesday my wife and me left Visalia and made our way to coastal California driving on route 41. It took us through farming land in the Central Valley, the place where James Dean died, vineyards in colorful autumn style and the Santa Lucia Mountains.We arrived at the coast in time to see the Pismo dunes, South of Oceano. No signs show the way the, we eventually turned to the small road leading to the entrance. Our search was well rewarded as we could enjoy the dunes almost alone.

After a night in San Luis Obispo, we spend almost the whole day in Montana de Oro State Park. Many hiking paths led up the mountains and along the cliffs of the Pacific coast with breathtaking views. Down at the water were many different stone formations. I could have spent easily a few days in that park. Here our animal highlights were brown pelicans and starfish.
Before night fall we had a look to Morro Bay and saw the sunset at Morro Rock. There, many sea gulls were fed by tourists and locals alike. In the water a sea otter family was floating on their backs, starting their good night's sleep. We also saw our first seals, who were curiously checking out the otters. For me, this day was one of the best during the autumn so far.

On Wednesday we had to drive all the way from Cambria to San Jose on route 1. A early wake-up would make sure that we had enough time to see many places along the way. Or so I thought. Our Inn was at the Moonstone Beach Drive and there a long boardwalk along the coast was inviting us for a morning stroll before breakfast. Did I mention my wife REALLY likes seals? We saw quite a few during the walk and - of course - spent a lot of time watching them. Ok, I also like them a lot :)

Getting finally on our way we drove towards Piedras Blancas, where a elephant seal beach was nearby. We stopped once before that beach and found by accident a small corner with dozens of elephant seals. It's so great and peaceful to find this spots where aren't many people around. This was our favorite spot of the day. Elephant seal beach had a lot of more seals but also equally more people. Realizing that we still had a long way to drive, we got into the car and route 1 started to go up the Santa Lucia Mountains. Behind each curve we had stunning views along this long and winding road (perhaps the Beatles visited here?). Once it got dark, we just made our way to San Jose.

Along route 41

Vineyard in autumn colors

Pismo dunes

..

Montana de Oro State Park

Starfish

California brown pelicans

..

Morro Rock in the background

Sunset at Morro Rock

Where are the others?

Cormorans

Elephant seals

Shoveling sand

Along route 1

Change of plans

Three hours time difference made me wake up long before my alarm clock went off on Sunday morning. Outside the motel room window I saw a few palm trees: Good morning, California! The 14 hour trip from DC to San Jose the day before was in the past. My wife and me were ready for ten days of sunshine.

For the coming night, we already booked a room beforehand. So our goal for the day was to reach a lodge in Sequioa and King's Canyon National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada. The park is famous for the giant sequioa trees, the largest in the world. I dreamed already a long time to spend a few days of hiking around the giants.

In the morning we went to a few shops in Gilroy to find some warm clothes to be prepared for the chilly forecast of 45F (7C) for the evening. We drove then along route 152 towards East along the Pacheco State Park and San Luis Reservoir. The views were amazing, very much different from anything I encountered so far. We saw lots of cattle on the hills and only a few farms. After a quick lunch in Los Banos we headed to Fresno and then along endless fields of olive and orange trees finally into the Sierra Nevada on the King's Canyon Road (route 180).

Driving up the mountain slopes the temperature dropped steadily towards the 34F (+1C) mark. We had about 60 km left to the lodge. After a while I noticed some strange white stuff next to the road, it was snow! Few minutes later it started to snow and at about 7000 feet the road was covered by snow and slippery. We stopped at a sign mentioning that tire snow chains are required from this point on. We still had about 40 km to drive and I wasn't sure what to do. Our tires were alright and I hoped we wouldn't have to go higher anymore.

Then a car came, passed us slowly and decided to turn around and park beside us. It was a park ranger who told us the road to our lodge was closed due to heavy snow. Only one other way to get us there (also with chains only). The problem with that one was that we were too late. It would take three hours detour and by then the roadwork would block already the way. Near the lodge, the temperature would be 20F (-6C) and more snow to come. We were not very keen to see more snow before returning to Finland, so had to change our plans.

We decided to take the rangers' tip to go to Visalia for one night. I phoned the lodge to explain our unusual situation, which we really couldn't know beforehand. The guy wasn't understanding at all. He said that they have a 48-hour cancellation policy and we would be charged the full amount. They'll never have me as a customer after that..

So I turned around to drive all the way back down. Then my wife said: "There is one!". I didn't get it and looked into the direction she pointed. There was one of the sequioa giants, I couldn't believe it! After parking the car I went through the snow to see it up-close. Man, it was big. If it wasn't for my wife I would have completely missed that moment, thank you!!

The rest of the day was only driving to Visalia, got a room, dinner and well, here I write. As disappointed I am about the giants, I can't say this day was boring.. :) We already have a new plan and I highly doubt it will include snow....

On the 152 towards Pacheco State Park

San Luis Reservoir

San Luis Reservoir

Autumn in California

More signs of autumn

California?

...

...

The Giant! I feel so tiny..

Where do you sleep tonight

Actually I was already on my way to bed because of tomorrow's early start. Sirens outside and the noise around our apartment keep me awake. So far I wrote a lot about my traveling, here are insight into what's happening in our apartment building right now at 12.00am. Right door neighbors are having a party with their stereos turned up. Left door neighbors are quiet, so I guess they are in the pub downstairs to the right or upstairs.
Upstairs another group runs across the hallway and dance in their rooms to loud music. The walls are almost shaking. Under our apartment is a burger place which is closing at midnight. That's when the first big group of loud students "rock" the street. At 2am comes the next wave; the pub is closing then. So it's after 2.30am when the street starts to be silent until morning traffic picks up.

Next week is Thanksgiving and this place will be empty as all are going home to their families. So this is the last weekend together, let's party!

Here is my guide on how to become a true UMD student living in the Varsity:
Wednesday: "Let's party-practice for the weekend"
Thursday: "Sorry, I thought it's Friday already?!"
Friday: "Party, yeeeeeeah"
Saturday: "Gotta keep partying"
Sunday: "Oops, I have to do some homework"
Monday: "I'm so tired, can't everybody just be quiet?"
Tuesday: "Shouldn't we plan the next party?"

Everyone in our group is above 30, so some of us discussed the noise level with the "kids". While some actually listened and respectfully turn town the volume, others just slammed the door in front of one's nose.

I always have been a night person, so I don't mind those parties around too much. After all, I still remember the time in my twenties..:) What I really love at night is being awake while the rest of the world sleeps. I really miss that, because in this house it's almost impossible.

When arriving at the Varsity, everybody received a T-shirt as a welcome present. Written text: "Where do you sleep tonight". It sure made me feel that this will be a great place to sleep.....

For those who want to party:

For all those who want to fall asleep:

Shorts in November

On Sunday night, our group had an international evening here at the Varsity’s game room. We enjoyed food, presentations and stories of Israel, Mexico, South Africa, Finland and Germany. My wife prepared some Finnish salmon rolls and fish roe on hapankorppu, I contributed with Kӓsspӓtzle. Naturally I tasted all other countries’ dishes, of which I couldn’t figure out a favourite.

The Indian summer reached a peak on Monday with unbelievable +24°C (75°F), it was time to wear shorts outside! My wife and I went for a walk to Lake Artemesia to see how the leaves had changed their color. On the way we saw some deer in the woods looking for food. They actually stood just a few meters from the path and clearly got used to being around humans. At the lake we saw autumn leaves in fantastic colors and the view was totally different compared to my last visit in September. The water was occupied by a few hundred wild geese on their way towards South. It was a beautiful sight and great to hear them chatting.

My wife’s teacher group had a reception in the town hall of College Park later that night. So the “plus one’s” (two other husbands from Singapore, 4 kids and me) decided to go to a local diner. Silver Diner is a small chain of restaurants using fresh and local food.  They even had organic ketchup on the table. The food was lovely and – apart from the cheese fries (yummy!) – very healthy indeed. I still can smell the last memory of the night, a “healthy” portion of one of the kids chocolate milkshake on my trousers. I should have worn my shorts...

International evening

International evening

Oh deer..

Lake Artemesia..