It's Not Just the Destination, But the Journey In Getting There

Well, we made it to Healdsburg, CA. This is where we'll be doing our vineyard and wine tasting tours. Our friend, Leah, is meeting with us tomorrow.

Here's a quick summary of the last 2 days:
My first official night of camping was a success! The rain had stopped and most of the ground had dried. Most importantly, I was warm and cozy in our tent. Slept through the night without the worry of a car alarm going off, or an an airplane overhead. I did manage to tangle myself in my own sleepingbag. Don't know how I managed that one.

One interesting fact. The whole campsite was surrounded by sage. The scent was amazing, but very pungent.


After our hike around Mona Lake, I took a look in the mirror. My eyes were puffy and purple. They didn't itch, but they clearly didn't look their finest. For a better idea, this is what I saw:


Apparently, I'm allergic to sage. Who knew? The good news, I'm travelling with a doctor who gave me some Benedryl and the swelling has subsided.

Anyway, when we woke up this morning, we looked on our map to get to Healdsburg, CA from June Lake, CA. There were several ways, but Joanna highly recommended going through Yosemite National Park. At first I was hesitant, because we took a 2 hour detour through Death Valley yesterday. I was reliving the 112 degrees of Hell. But, I was reminded that "Tara, it's not just the destination, it's the journey in getting there." Okay, okay, she's right. I'm in no bit of a rush, but I was also looking forward to seeing the Napa Region and also didn't know how much time I felt like being in the car. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Yosemite was gorgeous and breath-taking. It was worth the trip. Joanna 1, Tara 0. (I'll get her back.)
We also stopped and met Mr. and Mrs. Estes for lunch. Jo and I supplied the food. We went a bit overboard at Trader Joe's the other day, oops! It was great seeing them in their new digs and stretching out our legs.

So, it's 7:00pm in California. Jo is taking the dogs for a walk and I'm going to upload some pics for the 2 of you reading this (hahaha). Later tonight, we're going to regroup and hopefully enjoy some good wine and cheese.
Night!

Survived our first night of camping and loved it!

Is That Thunder?

We made it to June Lake, CA. We're right outside of Yosemite. Took us about 7 hours. We went from 112 degrees in Death Valley (stick your head in the oven for a good feel) to 62 degrees near the lake.

As we rolled into our campsite...THUNDER! Jo gave me a quick tutorial how to set-up her tent. I was quite proud of myself (while cursing Mother Nature under my breath). It started to pour shortly later. Jo and I left the tent (she assured me it's waterproof) to go for a ride and came across this lovely coffee shop with Internet access. SCORE! As I type, the young man with a trucker's hat is giving Jo and I the history of June Lake and the varying water temperatures of the lake. I'm listening to him, sort of, yep, gotcha, uh-huh, cool...But for $5/hr for Internet, it's worth it!

So, as I finish typing, the thunderstorm is over. It SHOULD be the only rain for tonight. I hope, I hope, I hope. Tomorrow, we're up and out and heading to Napa...another 6-7 hrs away. Our college friend, Leah, is going to meet us Sunday at the hotel. Can't wait!

Let's Try This Again...

Since my last blog via text went hay-wire...

It was 110 degrees last night in Vegas. A nice DRY heat to give you the dry heaves. This was at 11pm. I was greeted by a smiling Suneow and a lick on my shoulder from Mojo. Good Doggies! Jo and I are both very excited.

We stayed at the Super 8; great view of the Bellagio and a used car lot. If you've ever watched CSI, you've seen it. Alas, we survived. Got 5 hrs of sleep.

We're packing up, stopping at Trader Joe's and heading north onto 95, thru Death Valley, and up to Yosemite. Total driving time: 6 hrs.

Happy Trails!

I'm Gonna Miss Ya, Little Guy!

I know a lot of my friends won't be surprised by this, but I'm really going to miss my cat! (I only have one, not 15, so I don't think I'm a Crazy Cat Lady, yet.) I'm thankful that he's in good hands. (Thanks Jill, Carlos, Joseph, and of course, Ozzie.) Forbes, behave...and don't forget about me. Love, Mom

2 Days To Go!

Here's our updated itinerary:

7/15 - Vegas, overnight hotel stay
7/16 - Yosemite, camping
7/17, 7/18 - Napa/Somona, hotel stay, wine, cheese, wine, cheese, repeat.
7/19, 7/20 - Northern California, camping, big trees
7/21, 7/22 - Oregon Coast, camping, Goonies!
7/23, 7/24 - Portland, hotel stay, lots of microbrews to taste
7/25 - ?
7/26, 7/27 - San Juan Islands, hotel stay, kayaking with killerwhales...bring it.
7/28, 7/29 - Vancouver, hotel stay
7/29-8/6 - TBD, but route includes WA, MT, WY
8/6 - I fly out of Denver to Boston. Joanna and the 2 doggies drive back to Pagosa Springs, CO.

Just registered my phone to post on-the-go.

Purple Passion

This is my new sleeping bag. I ditched the angry orange one. (Thanks Christine!)