Category Archives: Travels

Photographs and descriptions of places I have been. Long and short trips.

From New Zealand to Napa California

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Last April I spent three weeks with our daughter who lives in New Zealand. While there I purchased this stove top espresso maker. I wrote about it in the posts titled Coffee in New Zealand, and Love my Stove Top Espresso Maker. One of the things I love about it,  is its portability. Above you see a photo I took while preparing a cup of espresso on the stove in our 5th wheel trailer, during a recent trip to Napa California.

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Delicious espresso ready to enjoy. Another plus with the stove top espresso maker, is how quickly you can prepare a single cup of coffee, which I often do in the late afternoon. Our daughter recommended that I buy the stainless steel version rather than the aluminum variety which I did, even though it was a little more expensive. Being coffee lovers we also have a Keurig  coffee maker which uses pods, and we use it most days, but for size, flavor, and convenience, you just can’t beat a stove top espresso maker for a robust cup of coffee.

A Fabulous Day at Disneyland

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Underwater-1Yesterday was a fabulous day at Disneyland with our youngest daughter and grandson. I took the above photo with my cell phone while we were on the submarine ride. The weather was perfect, in the low 80s with a cool breeze. We arrived early and stayed until almost closing time. We went on quite a few rides, including Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain. One of my favorites is Peter Pan. I know it’s not Space Mountain, but I really do love it. I find the twinkling lights that surround you while floating over the tiny villages so charming, that I’d happily ride it several times if it wasn’t for the long line of people who also love the ride. Below our grandson patiently waits for his turn to climb aboard one of the flying ships to Never Never Land.

chrley-waitingOne of the most exciting parts of the day, was when our boy was one of the children chosen to take part in the Star Wars Jedi training camp. Just hearing the Star Wars theme playing and seeing the Storm Troopers and Darth Vader gave us chills .Below you see our young Jedi battling with Darth Maul. It was all so very exciting and made it even more fun. It really was a very special day.

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The Coyotes Are Back!

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fisihed-seal-beachThis morning I took this photo from Mom’s front porch. She looks out onto a lovely green-belt. A great view and a the perfect place for walking. Two years ago coyotes moved in and became a major threat to dogs, cats, and rabbits in the neighborhood. About six months ago, they suddenly disappeared. The community began to relax and the dog walkers began to leave their canes, walking sticks, and whistles at home. The local rabbit population began to expand once more, and it looked like all were safe for the time being, or so they hoped, then last week, one of Mom’s neighbors called to tell her she’d spotted a coyote on her morning walk.

P1020987 coyote-1This morning during breakfast, Mom spotted a coyote across the green looking for breakfast. I ran for my camera,but the above photos  where all I could take before he turned a corner and disappeared. It looks to me like the time has come again,  to pick up those walking sticks and whistles.

 

The Right Side of the Road?

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driving-in-CAOur youngest daughter and grandson are here from New Zealand visiting us in Orange County. It always amazes me how she can automatically switch to driving on the right side of the road. Those of you who read my previous post, Plumbird in New Zealand,  written when I was visiting New Zealand last April, may remember that I never drove while I was there. I’m just not sure about driving on the left side of the road, not to mention all of the roundabouts. Above you can see her navigating the I-5 south to San Clemente, as if she had never left home.pedros-tacosFirst stop was the Rip Curl outlet for, you guessed it, board shorts. Cole  made some purchases, and I found a great deal on the sale rack and ended up with one more pair. Then on to Pedro’s Tacos. Another favorite stop, and just across the parking lot from The Sugar Shack, where  Martin and I ate two weeks ago.sugar-shackChar-and-DimeWhile at Pedro’s our grandson found an American dime and here he’s studying his newly-found treasure.

After a delicious lunch of soft tacos and quesadillas we headed home. It was a fun day, but I think I’d better stay away from the Rip Curl outlet for awhile.

Chula Vista Vacation

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Monday Rose 1We returned home this afternoon from the Chula Vista RV Park, where we spent four  days in our 5th wheel trailer. I took dozens of photos and thought I’d share a few with you. On one of my early morning walks, I spotted this beautiful rose peeking out at me through a white picket fence. It was so bright and full of life.

Two-ducksHere is a friendly couple that I met on another one of my walks around the RV park and marina.enhances-orchid
One of many beautiful orchids in the Botanical Building in nearby Balboa Park, SanDiego.

 

SFO-ferryThis was quite a surprise. A San Francisco ferry in for repairs at the local boat yard. I couldn’t help but wonder how it had arrived there.

Annika-homeLastly, here is Annika looking at me as if to ask why we had to end our fun trip. She loves our camping trips, and gets excited as soon as she sees the trailer out front of our house. Sorry little girl, it was time to return home, but we can always look forward to our next adventure.