Geo: 39.3078, -123.798Finally the day they had been waiting for arrived: their birthday. We had known Jerry for at least 10 years before we discovered that he and Jerry shared the same birthday and Nadxli and my birthday are only 3 days apart!First thing we did was fairly low key. We went to a bakery and had a croissant and took time to check messages, etc. and see if we could find a place to camp starting tomorrow since Russian Gulch campground was full up.Found Schooners Landing on the Albion River and decided to go and check it out. The sites line up along the Albion River. You can tell it is mainly an RV park because the sites are not very large and quite close to each other but they do have full hookups. They ... read more

Geo: 34.14, -114.361Got up early and went to the picnic area to fix some coffee and enjoy the early morning view. The early morning mist was blowing off and it was very nice. We were looking at the brids flying in and out of the rocks down on the shore. There were some new ones we were not familar with but had the bird book to assist us. A gentleman that walks here regularily came up and told us there were some nesting commorants along the edge so we decided to walk the headlands. Also I might add, we heard the siren call of a seal barking. Started out walking and just kept on going looking for that seal. (did eventually find some but not right away!)The American Oystercatchers were putting on quite a show for ... read more

Geo: 39.3078, -123.798Got on the road by 10:30 and took the most direct route up and around the San Francisco area. We took 101N to 580/80 through Berkeley/Oakland and after crossing the bridge and near Santa Rosa back onto 101 to 128 and then back to 1. Even though it was a Sunday the traffic was not as bad as thought it could have been except for the brief period going through Berkeley. Once we got on Hwy 128 it was so very beautiful. The road was very windy but you werer rewarded by the Redwoods that were closing in on you!Stopped for a break to stretch our legs and ended up at Russian Gulch at around 6 ish. Checking in is not easy. You have to drive around and find the spot you "think" you ... read more

Geo: 36.5976, -121.897Monterey on a Sunny DayAnother beautiful day in Monterey. The sky was clear and there was very little fog, nothing like we have experienced before. Talked to a woman who loved my earrings and wanted to know about Santa Fe when she learned we were from there.Decided to walk down to town and spend some time at the Trailside Cafe and charge up all our equipment that needed to be charged. This is one of the downsides on non electric sites but we will prevail. Was an enjoyable walk with all the different flowers blooming along the way. of course looking at the various types of architecture was interesting as well.Got to the Trailside Cafe, found a table with two plugs nearby and were all plugged in and charging. Had lunch that was quite ... read more

Geo: 36.2703, -121.806Got to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park and got checked in. It is a beautiful drive back to where our campsite was. You travel through an area that is thick with the redwoods and so lovely. Our campsite was very near the ablution area and we did not have anyone on either side of us.We talked to the people across from us because they had a Habitat, King Dome and Base Camp set up. Found out they were a group from an REI store outside of Los Angeles and were trying out the tents in order to be better salesmen. What a great idea and way to really get to know the tents.Talked to another couple across from us and she warned us of the jays that are quite opportunistic and will investigate any ... read more