Salt Lake City via Hwy 80 to San Francisco, with an overnight stay planned at a cheap hotel so that we can wake up in the morning, fresh and ready to explore the coast! We stumbled upon a Motel 6 off the beaten path North of San Rafael. You see, in your mind, you are thinking, it's midnight, I'll just cruise a little ways North of San Francisco and catch a cheap hotel for the night. But then you stop in San Rafael expecting to find something, and find out there aren't any cheap motels there. So, you just keep driving on the pitch black back roads in hopes that something will pop up somewhere. You use your sixth sense and decide to take a right at a lit up intersection. You cross under the overpass, and decide, what the hell, I've been driving through the dark this long, I might as well take a left since there seem to be some businesses that way. Before you know it, you are at the Motel 6. I'm not kidding- it's my second time staying at this exact Motel 6, and both times I found it were just as random.
We settled into our beds, someone slept on the floor, and it didn't take long before Woody, Swede's Dad, was sawing logs.
Yippee! The morning air is cool and foggy! Breakfast at IHOP and off to the coast we go.
Wow, the view gets me every time! We start off enjoying the rolling hills with sheep and happy cows grazing, and end up at Bodega Bay. The kids are dying to get in the water, so we find a little beach park and play for a couple of hours. Roxi (our doggi) drinks sea water for the first time. Hmmm, I wonder what the repercussions will be for her? Oh well, it's an experience she'll never forget.
Woody is excited to get back on the road so that we can make our way up to see the Redwoods! So, auf getz! We stop at a cute little gas station on the side of the Coastal Highway. Uh oh... Rose (Woody's car) won't start. So, we are stranded in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We also have our car, too, but we can't just leave Rose there! We find out the nearest auto repair shop is in Guerneville (pronounced: Gernville). The tow truck is in route and we are in luck, there is a cafe overlooking the ocean. After spending months, years in the desert I cannot begin to explain how sensational it is to feel and smell the misty breeze. Sure enough, Roxi is feeling the ill effects of that salt water she drank earlier.
We load into our car and follow the tow truck to Guerneville. Might I add, this truck driver doesn't dilly dally on the winding road through the Redwoods. The car is dropped at the service station and we search the area for a hotel- the station is closed until morning.
I don't know if dynamic is the word I'd use to describe this place, but it was definitely peaceful and restful. This town was full of rainbows, and our service repair shop was Irish Green as could be- I never did figure out what the Irish had to do with this place, but it is evident that the rainbows umbrella a peaceful retreat for gay couples. Not much to do in this town except sit back and watch the scenery at the local coffee shop.
See those three empty seats there... go ahead, make yourself at home. The car won't be ready for a few more hours. Rose had the most incredible auto-repair experience. This car shop was something out of the past. Sorry no picture, but imagine Aristotle's shop in "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" times 100! The best things in life are never photographed. If you ever have a chance to plan your car's break-down, do it in Guerneville, or if you're just passing through, stop by for an oil change:D
We received a tip that we should stop where the Russian River meets the ocean to spot wildlife. Here it is, and if you look closely, those little dots are seals and pelicans.
The car repair set us back quite a bit, so unfortunately, Woody's trip to the Redwoods really culminated in this little visit to Guerneville. Woody, Swede and Wyatt took a little day-trip to the woods in our car while Rose was in the shop- but wouldn't you know it- he didn't take any pictures! I guess that gives him an excuse to take another trip when he has more time.
Our journey together ended in Eureka, CA. We shared a visit to the lighthouse and one last meal together at a cute little Italian restaurant.
And off Woody drove on his own, first North, then South-east to Salt Lake City. It was such a wonderful visit- too short- but, I am so happy to have been with you to see your first Redwoods! Thanks for all the memories:D
11 comments:
Ohmygosh! What incredible adventures you had on the California trip. I had not realized this. You certainly had patience. I know if the car was breaking down I would not be too thrilled about the sidetrip. But then again, you never know what amazing discoveries you find on the road less travelled. What town or sight you might have missed if not with a detour.
What fabulous photos, RK! And you can certainly tell a good story! :)
Every part of the earth has something unique to offer Ra Chel,
i sincerely like to believe that the earth is not regretting human presence.
looks like a self discovery tour.
intersting names of the towns, Saints, Eureka, For some strange reason i am reminded of a comedy film featuring Mudley Moore, a doctor with a son, and their brains get exchanged. It has a very dramatic beginning of an Indian reservation.
Bazaar is actually an Urdu word meaning a market place.
I see you enjoying yourself Ra Chel
Yes, y'all, it was a lovely time. And this is just the beginning of my stories of summer's journeys. I love it when the road winds in unexpected ways, providing surprises and gifts.
Brains exchanged, hmmmm.... I wonder what that's like. I don't think the Earth regrets us, but like a good mother disciplines us when we are naughty. I hope she doesn't tell father... you know he would come down on us in the form of some meteorite, likely.
I like the word Urdu:D
i'll get you the title of th movie Ra Chel, hilarious, after the brain exchange, the school going son, in father's body goes to the hospital and plays havoc.. Has to give lectures as a famous doctor. Son in Father's body, uses all the credit cards, ruins the car. partying with friends.
Then the father in son's body goes to the school and goes wild. makes his son's girl friend run for her life. oh i remember, the film, it was 'like father like son'
oh yes now i remember why, this movie came to mind. you mentioned traveling with your friend's father
here they travel with their friend's uncle in a unique van with all the household things. The uncle knows the scret place. the indian reservation so that they get their own brains back.
that sounds great! I'll look for it!
Those are some beautiful views, Rach! I love what you said about the best views not being photographed. You are fortunate to see some of the loveliest parts of the world there. I like what you wrote about the mistiness after the desert.
Road trips are so great!
Thanks Aunt Ruth, more of our exciting adventures coming soon:D
Good! So you drove through the fires? So terrible and scary.
Driving through those fires awe-struck me. To see how powerful nature is- and to understand that it is natural- it is as it should be. I understand man's desire to control it, but I wonder how different the world would be if we just let it be, and controlled ourselves instead.
Hi Audrey,
My name is Jane and I'm with Dwellable.
I was looking for blogs about Guerneville to share on our site and I came across your post...If you're open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you :)
Jane
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