Roaming Gypsy

Tubby’s is a great place for breakfast - take my word for it. Two French toast with syrup, 2 eggs sunny side up, 2 pieces of bacon and endless coffee. I may not have to eat again until tomorrow! A relaxing stroll in Armstrong Woods should work off some of those calories. The grove is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered this area before logging destroyed much of it. This park preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens or coast redwoods (cypress family) which are the tallest living things on our planet. They can live up to 2,000 years and grow 27 feet wide towering 350 feet in the air. If you want to feel insignificant in this natural world, stand in this grove and look up and around. Exiting the car, ... read more

Time to head back to Rohnert Park. We’ve explored Yosemite as much as we can. Parts of it are still not open as there are 8” snow drifts still in the mountain passes. We were lucky to be able to explore Glacier Point because there are still high snow banks on the road sides left from recent plowing. The goal upon arrival in Rohnert Park (besides finding some groceries for our dinner) was a trip to the urgent care clinic. We had to drive to Santa Rosa because the clinic in Rohnert Park was permanently closed. We arrived at 4:30 at the urgent care clinic and were treated like royalty through the whole process. It was a total of four hours including driving time to Santa Rosa - I was admitted, examined, x-rayed, fitted with a ... read more

Ahh…a new day, refreshed. Finally a chance to spend some time getting to know Philip and Coleen, and an opportunity to get a tour of their magnificent house. Jane & I slept up on the mezzanine level overlooking the open concept raftered sitting room. Philip built this house gradually over many years using lovely wood and most of the floors were tiled by Coleen. Philip does taxidermy and there are many stuffed animals and birds decorating the walls. I didn’t take pictures of all the taxidermied animals because I know that offends some people but I couldn’t resist the pic of the bear in our bedroom. We are treated like royalty and have a wonderful breakfast of coffee, BBQ steak pieces, eggs and toasted English muffins. Now I am stuffed. Before we leave Philip takes us ... read more

The plan for today is to toddle off to Bodega Bay. We have a small delay because the engine light lit up on Bobbi’s car. Her son, Ron, came over this morning and is fixing a split hose. So we finally had an opportunity to meet one of Bobbi’s sons. Can I talk about Bobbi? Her name is Barbara Novak, Bobbi is her nickname. She lives on Barbi Lane. Bobbi has been actively involved with Girl Scouts for about 76 years. Bobbi is a Leader in Girl Scouts, not just a Girl Scout leader - there is a difference! Her garage is packed full of resources that she shares with all groups - books, stuffed animals, displays, stuffies, etc. This woman has more energy than any one person should have. She never stops and if you ... read more

Well it probably won’t be a gold rush but we are rushing off to see our friend, Bobbi. We met Bobbi when we went to Africa in 2005 and have remained friends ever since. Our international travels have scored us some really wonderful friends. Jane & I will arrive in Santa Rosa about noon on Sunday and from there it will be almost non-stop. We will tarry in places like wineries, breweries, coastal towns, state parks, etc. etc. Or just hang out with Bobbi’s tortoises! Yosemite Park was on our list of want-tos but the park is still not officially open due to snow on the high mountain roads. There is so much to see and do in California that I’m sure we won’t miss out even if we don’t get to Yosemite.... read more