Carlsbad, California to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Spending the weekend with Stephen and Julia at 

Carlsbad State Beach in California was a blast! 

We floated on boogie boards, got smashed by the waves, 

drug across the sand by the powerful ocean, 

swallowed salt water and soaked in the sun.

Enjoying dinner outside at Garcia's in Carlsbad Village 

was a perfect way to end the day.

Two of the three grandfurkids - Storm and Romeo.

They were so fun to watch!

I had to stop and pick up a bag of oranges right 

along the orchard. They were so juicy and tasty!

We ran into a few storms as we traveled along 

Interstate 40 into New Mexico.

The scenery is just spectactular!

Julia suggested we check out Chaco Culture National Historic

Park since we were so close. It is in a remote area of

northwestern New Mexico.

We called ahead to check on the road condition coming in 

the south entrance and the lady said it should be no problem 

with a RV. Thankfully we parked the RV in Crown Point 

and just drove the car!

  After 20 miles of gravel and 14 cattle grates we arrived at 

Chaco Culture National Historic Park.

We arrived just in time to go on an hour long ranger-led talk 

which are always very informative. Chaco people began 

building multi-story stone buildings here is the mid-800’s. 

In the early 1100’s Chaco Canyon had become a ceremonial
and economic center. People gathered here because it was 

and still is a sacred place.

Chetro Ketl Kiva

This figure 8 kiva is very unusual. 

Some believe it is a portal for aliens.

 Chetro Ketl is known for its elevated kiva   
and a 500 foot long back wall.

We walked along the Petroglyphs Trail to 

Pueblo Bonito which is the largest great house with over 600

 rooms and 40 kivas. Kivas are used for spiritual ceremonies.

Pueblo del Arroyo

Chaco Canyon

This sign was on the way out. It should have been at the 

entrance also, but would that have stopped us? 

Probable not.

"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely 

American absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our 

best rather than our worst."

Wallace Stegner

Beauty to Ashes

For those who are eligible don't delay.
On August 28, 2017, the price of the 
America the Beautiful – The National Parks and 
Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase 
from $10 to $80. This pass is an amazing deal and
 we have saved hundreds of dollars.

One more trip through Yosemite before we leave!

A rock slide on El Portal road.

They built two temporary bridges to navigate around it.

Arch Rock is the west entrance into Yosemite.

We headed across Yosemite on Tioga Pass road that 

just opened up a few weeks ago once they 

removed the snow.

Another beautiful sight at Olmsted Point.

To the right of the tree is Half Dome and the left is Clouds Rest.

Can you see the hikers?

Those are not ants! It takes an average 12 hours for this hike!

This is beyond our capabilites.

Tenaya Lake 

Tenaya Lake's water was cold and clear.

In Tuolumlne Meadow a buck heads in our direction!

It was thrilling to see him that close as he ran 

across the road into the forest. 

Tuolumne River winds through the meadow.

There are still piles of snow around Tioga Lake.

Tioga Lake

The snow melt is still creating beautiful waterfalls.

Mono Lake
This body of water has been the backdrop of many 
Hollywood and television productions. 
We turned around and went back through Yosemite. 

When the sign says no commercial trucks - they 
mean it! We waited about 20 minutes while this semi 
maneuvers back and forth to turn around 

and he just missed the sign.

 Soaking in the beauty.

Relaxing around Tuolumne River. 

At 9,000 ft. elevation the temperatures were in the 60's.

 We could see the smoke from the Detwiler fire near
  Mariposa on Highway 49 as we headed home.

This picture was taken from our deck the next day.  A few 

hours later they had mandatory evacuations for the city of 

Mariposa. Smoke has also covered Yosemite, where we were

the day before, and includes many miles around us. Those 

evacuated are in Oakhurst which is the town 

just north of us where we do our grocery shopping.

The fire continues to grow. It currently has burned

 76,000 acres.

 Our car was covered in ashes when we lefts on Friday.

Firefighters are heroes.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength

 to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

Christopher Reeve

Road Trip to San Francisco, California

Over the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge.

Alcatraz Island

 San Francisco sky line and piers.

The Bay bridge has two decks.

Streetcar

 The Cannery
Originally built in 1907 for Del Monte.
It now houses restaurants and shops. 

We were fortunate to find a parking spot a few blocks from 

Fisherman's Wharf where we rode the famous cable cars.

While standing in line I saw an awesome sign! 

Yes, I am still a chocoholic.

 When the cable cars reach the end of the line they manually
have to turn them around.

 Another great view with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. 

The union Gripman has to stand all day to do his job. 

Typical row houses.

Ding, Ding, Ding. Down we go!

This is the turnaround and the line to board.

 Great view as we head back to Fisherman's Wharf.

Of course we had to stop!
We also shopped at See's Candy store a few blocks away. 

 In San Francisco you have lots of options to get around:
cable cars, streetcars, buses, segways, bicycles, ferry,
3 wheeled scooters, buses, boats, commuter train,
 double decker bus, pedicabs, or walking.

 Alcatraz Island

 USS Pampanito submarine.

Fisherman's Wharf
There are lots of restaurants and street musicians to
entertain the crowds of people.

Fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge.

 The bridge opened to traffic on May 28th, 1937.

This steel structure has been continuously painted 

in the special International Orange to prevent corrosion.

Our last bridge as we head home is the
Richmond - San Rafael Bridge.

There is so much to do here but we ran out of time. 

We left at 8:00 am and didn't get home until 11:30 pm.

It was a long day and well worth the time. 

Wow, we can't believe it has been a year since we left 

West Des Moines, Iowa! We plan to be back in 

Des Moines for the month of August to see

 family and friends.

"Adventure is worthwhile."
Aesop