Murrieta, California

Decided to take advantage of my week between jobs and take a trip out to California to visit Mara and family in Murrieta.  She was great and toured us all around.  Here are a few of the highlights

 

The weather in AZ the morning we left...and snowing pretty good as we drove down I40 headed to Cali.

 

 

Thanks to Mara and family for driving us down to San Diego for a day.  It was fun to go see again.  Has probably been close to 20yrs since I've been that way

 

 Was quite the change once we got to California.  Pacific Beach, San Diego.  Crazy that everyone is running around in their swimsuits and it's March

 A lot of people out enjoying the nice weather

 Checking out the shops along the walk way

 These two were great navigators.  Not sure we would have made it without their expertise

 And exploring the town of Tumecula.  There is a cute old town area with ...

 a great farmers market.  Amazing how things grow when you are somewhere that has actual soil

 And fun old time buildings. 

 They even put on an amateur Western.  The woman of course kicked ass

They had the speakers but forgot to turn them on

 and enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich that was big enough for meals for the week

 California is having a "super bloom" from all of the rains.  We didn't get out until later in the evening but was able to get a few good shots

 All the people picking bouquets was irritating.  Seriously, it's going to be dead by the time you get home anyways.  Let it grow and people enjoy.  Or plant your own. 

 Enjoying our nice walk to see the flowers

 I know some you are curious where was Shakti? What did she do? Who took care of her? Well no worries she went on puppy vacation and it looks like found herself a boyfriend while there.  How cute are these two?!

Winter Trip 2017

Winter Trip 2017 is unfortunately officially over.  As much as I wanted to go to Germany/Austria my bank account said a road trip was in order.  Audra and I had a great time exploring the Southwest.  The Kia did great getting us over the hills and thru the woods.

 At Four Corners National Monument.  Yes, we can officially say that we were in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado

 I'm in Utah and Audra is in Colorado.  Off we went from Four Corners to Durango Colorado

 We had a great time exploring this town and met up with an old friend of Audra's.  Thanks Jess for letting us stay with you.  It is much appreciated.

 We ate some yummy food, checked out some cute shops and sampled some of the local brews

 First how would you get on this bike and second how would you peddle? Sure wouldn't take long to get places if you figured out the logistics. 

 After a few days in Durango we made our way over to Pagosa Springs.  A quick drive.  Only spent one night here, but it was fun to soak in the hot springs.  The pools are natural and range in temp from about 90-110 degrees. 

 Brrr it was definitely a bit chilly getting in and out.  Thankful that the hotel supplied us with these robes.

 

 Just spent one night in Pagosa and then headed on our way to Silverton.  Along the way we decided to take a ride on the Cascade Railway.  It was scenic, but man you are getting nowhere quick. 

 

We then hopped in the Soul and drove on over to Silverton.  Seriously, about 2 stores in the entire town were open.  Guess they rotate who is opening their doors.  We stayed at the Grand Imperial hotel which was built back in the late 1800's.  

 The hustle and bustle of Silverton Colorado.  Thankfully they do a good job plowing the roads in and out of town.  Other wise might be looking into a rental for the rest of winter. Silverton's elevation is above 9000 ft and they get a bit of snow.

 Driving over another pass.  These roads can be a bit sketchy even in the nicest of weather.  Thankfully the Kia did a great job.  Mountain passes, no guard rails and snowy roads.  Thankful I have a manual transmission vehicle. 

 

 And on our way to Ouray, Colorado.

 

 Walked around town, explored, ate some lunch and did some shopping. 

 The big attraction here right now is Ice Climbing.  Yup, need to work on some upper body strength for that to happen.  Ouray has great hot springs that were unfortunately closed.  Just means we'll have to venture back again.

 Over looking the town of Ouray

Scenic Colorado Mountains.  Spent one more night in Silverton and then hopped in the car for the trip home.  On the way home we decided to take a slight detour thru Monument Valley.  It's beautiful country, but man there is not much for civilization

 We found this restaurant/gift shop after a few hundred miles.  They actually had some decent food.

 and off to explore Monument Valley.  We took that dirt road for a few miles.  Would be nice if they used some of the park entrance fee to maintain the road.  A bit of a rough ride in spots. 

 A few more shots of Monument Valley

Overall a great Winter Trip. 

Seattle, Washington

Was fortunate to be able to travel to Seattle for work again.  I always love being able to get up to the Pacific Northwest.  

 

 We ran into some protests while heading back to our hotel and decided to join in. 

 I love that so many people around the world are coming out and saying we will not tolerate homophobia, violence against women, unfair wages, religious intolerance, etc, etc.

 With all these important issues that we currently fighting for the Arts is one we cannot forget.  These Trapeze Artists were fierce.  Seriously, unbelievable

 Took an extra day and spent time with friends in Tacoma.  We went to the museum of Glass Arts and saw Chihuly's main stomping grounds

 Glass work walking to the museum

 Here is a demonstration of artists making glass art.  I was impressed.  Such patience.  I would have a series of blobs. 

 Got to see my friend Kristall.  Miss being close to this girl.  Always so much fun hanging out. Thank you for making the trip up from Portland