California Coast Highway Closed Due to Landslide: Detour 100 miles to the South

I could spend a lifetime on the California coast and still not see everything I'd like to. We went to Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterrey, watched sea otters playing in the surf from the restaurant at the Monterrey aquarium, visited Alcatraz prison in San Francisco, and then headed out to the coast on a windy, unmarked spur through the mountains which ended in Redwood forest as it spit us out onto Route 1 South of Punta Arena. After a lovely dinner at the Chowder House in Punta Arena, and an uncomfortable night in a rundown motel, we headed North in the morning. Thankfully while gassing up near Fort Bragg we learned that Route 101 had been completely blown out by a mudslide. As we detoured back to I5 we passed a huge herd of elk off route 20.

We're not yet home, but we're darn close.

Wonderful Brothers

What a great 2 days we had in Southern California: playing in the surf at Delmar Beach, and feeding and holding the twins. Thank you brothers!

We have made it to Paso Robles: wine country and Bob's old stomping grounds. Mom and I took turns going to the wine tasting at the hotel, while the boys swam in the outdoor heated pool. Home by Friday. Unbelievable. The boys say we should turn around and go the other way on the highway. I miss Bob and home.

Adios Mexico

We had a wonderful last evening in the desert of Catavina, about 300 miles from the border. A short scramble into the desert got us to a cave whose ceiling was completely covered by geometric cave paintings. Really a good stop!

We're now about to eat blueberry pancakes with Uncle Chris and his family. Then on to LA and the baby twins.

San Ignacio

We're back in beautiful San Ignacio, the jump off point for the grey whales in Ignacio Bay. Mom and Dad seem to be more interested in making time to the border than seeing the whales, so I think our plan is to push on tomorrow.

We had an eventful day in the small town of Mulege. Mom has developed a toothache, and over a long lunch, she and I went to the health center, had a visit with the doctor, Mom recieved some IV pain medication(?), and we got an RX for some antibiotics. She's thankfully feeling much better. The cost of the doctor's visit was a little more than $8. It took us probably less than 15 minutes.

Other good news; the check engine light has turned off again. Maybe Juanito was right, and it was just bad gas.

As we drive home I notice all the signs that point down dirt roads to unexplored cave paintings, and I dream about the time in my future, when Bob and I can come back to Baja with a 4 wheel drive car, and teen-agers.

A Trip to Coronado with Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad arrived yesturday. Boy was I happy to see them! We did a trip out to the island today. No dolphins, or whales, but the sea lion colony on the volcanic rock of the island is reason enough for a trip out there. The weather was windy, and the swells large. 5 hours later, i still feel as if I'm on a boat.

We start the trip North tomorrow. As I drove to the airport to pick up M and D yesturday, my "check engine" light came on! Gosh Darnit. We took it to Juanito's shop here, but he didn't have a computer compatible with our KIA. He seemed to think it was the gas here. I hope he is right. So, with fingers crossed we head into the desert tomorrow.

Sunday Market

Cuanto Cuesta? gets a big work out by the boys in the toy stall.

I managed to resist buying the goat for dinner tonight.

New Digs in Loreto

The boys are loving Casa 3. The house is a lovely thatched cottage with plenty of room, TV with 400 channels, 5 remotes and of course the pool. Personnally I feel very insulatd from Mexico. Although there is one Mexican family renting here, the majority of people in this cottage complex are American vacationers. We generally share the pool area with 2 other couples from Seattle!

Today Lourdes and the kids from our "old neighborhhod" are coming over for lunch and a swim. The boys are indeed speaking some Spanish these days, and most importantly are very interested in learning the language, and don't feel embarrased trying.