Today we travel to San Francisco to stay with some friends we met on the Great Loop back in 2019. A bit of logistical wizardry is in order to figure out where to park the van for a few days. Bella Vato is too tall for any parking garage in SF proper and street parking is scarce with a steep premium and no security. Add to that an extra 170k+ people in town for the 3-day celebratory 60th anniversary concert of the Grateful Dead rendering all nearby camping options full leaves almost no options. Alas! For 25 bucks a night with 24 hour security we go to the SFO Airport Park and Ride. From there we take their shuttle to the San Francisco airport. All mass transit options are low cost but dogs must be crated so it's Uber Pet for the ride to Nob Hill.
All buttoned up in a secure parking lot with 24/7 security.
Bella finds her spot on the luggage rack in the Park and Ride van.
Walking through SFO airport to the Uber pickup spot.
It's wonderful to catch up with Russ and Jax. We get Bella settled in and are off to China town for lunch. The streets are alive with people, color, sounds, and smells. There's a line at the House of Nanking and before long we're seated and enjoying some of the best Asian food I've ever had. It's no wonder this award winning, family-run restaurant, has been in existence for nearly 40 years.
Chinatown, San Francisco
There is a very good reason for this line!
Following our hosts lead, I order this Flower Tea opens beautifully as it steeps.
Jonathan orders the Hot and Sour Soup for his meal. Yes it is as good as it looks!
On the recommendation of Russ and Jax, I order the Mogu Chicken, lightly crisped chicken with mushrooms and broccoli in a spicy garlic mustard sauce. The flavors are complex with a depth of umami unlike anything I've ever had before. YUM!!!
After lunch we continue our walk about through town. It's so much fun being in San Francisco and to experience it as a local. Russ and Jax have this city wired like nobody's business!!
China town sidewalk markets.
By the time we get to this Chinese bakery they are almost sold out for the day but we manage to score a few goodies for the morning.
Sour dough heaven!!
An overcast and cold day on this first day of August at Fisherman's Wharf.
Some scenes from the pathway to the top of Telegraph Hill.
This is the Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill. Just under 800 stairs from where we started at the bottom (pant, pant!).
The views from Telegraph Hill are spectacular.
You gotta love Little Italy in SF!
After a full day (18,562 steps) and a huge late lunch Jax pulls together a Charcuterie of delectable bites for a light dinner to top off a magical day. Lights out by 9.
August 2
We wake up early to the wafting aroma of delicious lattes. After this treat, I'm going to need my own cappuccino machine! Jax piques my interest with a virtual reality game of putt putt golf and masterfully teaches me the maneuvers necessary to engage. So. Much. Fun! Jonathan and I take Bella for a nice long walk so she'll be happy luxuriating at home for the day while we're out seeing the sights.
My first stab at virtual reality putt putt golf is a lot of fun.
Nice catch on the trolley car in the background.
The SF Saturday Farmer's Market.
First stop is this authentic Chilaquiles vendor at the Farmer's Market.
These chilaquiles are the real deal. The tortilla chips are firm and chewy and not soggy.
The SF Ferry Building is adjacent to the massive Saturday farmer's market.
Oracle Stadium home of the San Francisco Giants.
After yesterdays epic walk about we opt to take a Waymo self-driving taxi home. The future is here and statistically speaking Waymo is safer than human drivers.
Even with the Waymo we had 16K+ steps today. We went home, lounged about, then Jonathan and I took Bella on another long walk. We ordered Indian cuisine for a nice dinner in and called it a day.
A dog walk area in Huntington Park near Grace Cathedral.
Saturday is a big day for weddings in the Nob Hill section of SF. On our walk there were several high end weddings happening at the historic churches and luxury hotels. This picture is taken at Grace Cathedral.
This is an iconic photo spot at the corner of Powell and California Streets in Nob Hill where you can find scenes like this one all day long. Photographers are trying to capture the bay and bay bridge behind the subject.
August 3rd - Santa Cruz
It's Sunday morning and after a delicious breakfast of latte and freshly made steamed peach buns (bao?), with much gratitude we say our goodbyes to Russ and Jax for an amazing 48 jam packed hours. We call an Uber Pet and make our way back to the van.
This peach bun was a real treat. So fresh, delicate, and delicious!
Until we meet again, friends. Come to the mountains anytime.
Today our destination is Santa Cruz where Jonathan lived in his twenties while pursuing his under graduate degree. Once we get back to Bella Vato we head for the Pacific Coast Highway, CA HWY 1. This northern section is also referred to as the Cabrillo Hgwy. Why do roads have to have so many names?? After a walk down memory lane at the UC Santa Cruz, we make a quick stop at Trader Joe's to grab some heat and eat for dinner and a few things for the trip to San Diego tomorrow. We'll be staying with family for the next 4 days so we minimize our perishables inventory in advance. Off to our camp sight for the night with plenty of time to explore the beach.
A quick stop on our drive to Santa Cruz, Pebble Beach at Bean Hollow State Beach, CA
We then try to stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse but this Historic California State Park does not allow dogs. Big sigh. I snag a quick pic as we do a u-turn at the guard gate.
Strawberry picking is in full swing at Swanton Berry farm so we make another stop to get some amazing strawberry jam and a few pieces of strawberry pie.
The roadside sign for Swanton Berry Farm. Could not resist!
The Cabrillo Hwy runs along the coast with stunning views. The problem for this road is landslides in the spring rains. Many sections of road are fortified to minimize the damage and rock slides.
We are surprised by the amount of agriculture and cow pastures that butt right up against the sea.
At last we make it to Santa Cruz. Jonathan graduated back in the early 80s and this is his first visit since.
Home for the night at Santa Cruz Municipal Marina
We love a Marina and our camp spot is right here!
You can see the row of RVs by the treeline in the background. We are flooded with memories of our life aboard Bella Gatto. Photo Credit: Dicklyon
The inlet at Santa Cruz, CA.
Santa Cruz Beach.
August 4th - Lompoc
Jalama Beach County Park, Lompoc
Today we have 220 miles to travel. Parts of the coastal highway through Big Sur are still closed from the hill slides from over a year ago so we cross that off our list for this trip and jump on 101 South which parallels the ocean with sweeping views. This is farm country out here! Miles and miles of crops and some cows. Strawberries and artichokes seem to dominate.
The route from Santa Cruz to Jalama Beach State Park. We typically add about 25% more time than estimated to allow for stops and slower speeds in the rig.
The harvesting of crops is in full swing.
We are a bit surprised to see grapes as most of the vineyards are further inland. We later learn that some refer to this region as the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.
Wine or grape juice transport.
Getting closer to Lompoc and our turn down to the beach.
Scenery on the road to Jalama Beach State Park.
We finally get to our turn off for Jalama Beach, a Santa Barbara county park and campground. The two lane road is narrow, curvy, bumpy, and steep with no shoulder whatsoever. Finally we reach the end of this grueling 20 mile segment. This is a popular destination and the campground is full. It's windy but a beautiful sunny day at the beach. We walk around to get the lay of the land and find they have a small restaurant serving the award winning Jalama burger. We're all in!
Our site with a slight ocean view.
The Jalama Beach Grill is rustic eatery with a million dollar view. Food is ordered and picked up at the window to be taken to a table by the customer.
The wind is picking up with the clouds building and swirling about.
The wind continues to increase and the gusts are substantial. In fact 2 boys riding their bikes were actually blown backwards by one. Soon we are in a full blown wind and sand storm and are sure the wind has increased to 30 mph gusting 50. Tents are flattened with some breaking free from the stakes. At this point most folks who are outside cooking their dinners seek shelter in their vehicles or tents if still standing. It was total mayhem. We are fortunate to be protected in the comfort of the van. We brave the elements for the sunset but the wind is deafening and the sand stings so we retreat.
The smoke from the nearby wild fires add the the orange hews of the sunset.
August 5 - San Diego
This morning both the wind and the sea state are calm at Jalama beach, a huge contrast from last evening. The other campers are slowly coming to life trying to piece together their belongings and camp sites. We have a quick breakfast, walk Bella, and prepare for departure. Just like the boat, all cabinets, drawers, and windows must be dogged (a boat term for securing tightly), and anything loose must be put away.
The morning brings calm and a lovely sunrise.
The sea state is calm.
This group of campers have not yet emerged this morning.
This campground has room for all kinds of RVs, nice amenities, and also has some nice cabins.
We are in proximity to the Vandenburg launch complex.
Today we drive to San Diego to stay with family for a few days. We've had the privilege of visiting them for decades and have a fondness for the landscape, weather, restaurants, and of course Ed & Dorothy and the guys. The drive takes us right through the belly of the LA beast. Traffic is heavy but moving and we arrive around 3 in the afternoon. We park the van and move into the house for the next few days.
Some scenery as we drive from the beach back up to Lompoc.
We hop on the freeway because the drive is about 7 hours.
Heading into the belly of the beast of LA.
We much prefer the back roads!
August 6
We have a Freedom Boat Club boat reserved at 2 giving us a leisurely morning. Dorothy and I head out to Marshall's for a little retail therapy while Jonathan and his brother Ed run a few errands. We head out to grab lunch at Pt. Loma Seafood. As always it's fresh and delicious.
We order from the counter and wait for our number to be called.
Enjoying the view while we wait for lunch.
The view of San Diego Bay from our table.
All secure on the 21 ft Bayliner bowrider, we head out to San Diego Bay. The day could not be more beautiful with a bluebird sky and light wind. We poke our nose out into the Pacific being careful not to disturb some sleeping sea lions resting on the sea buoy. We turn back into the SD bay and head toward Coronado Island on Glorietta Bay. No convenient free dockage for a walk about but the marina adjacent to the Bluewater Boathouse restaurant is happy to let us dock for 3 hours at a buck a foot. We have some light bites and adult beverages and head back to SD bay. This time we tuck into the backside of Shelter Island where Jonathan's parents docked a trawler for many years.
Nap time!
Heading out of the marina basin.
The cliffs of Cabrillo National Monument at the mouth of the San Diego Bay.
Downtown SD.
The Gorham sisters-in-law.
Cruising under the bridge to Coronado Island.
The Star of India, the worlds oldest active sailing ship.
In more ways than one!
August 7
After a leisurely morning we head north along the Pacific coast to Carlsbad to enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Dini's by the Sea where plenty of fresh local seafood is on the menu. On the way home we do a drive-by of some local beaches and stop at Cali Cream in Encinitas for some small batch home made ice cream. The perfect end to a lovely afternoon.
I enjoy the seafood stuffed avocado and Ed orders his usual fresh seafood over pasta. Food is as good as the view.
Almond joy goodness.
Pistachio for the win!
August8
Bella is in for a huge treat this morining as we head down to San Diego's Dog Beach where all dogs get to run off leash and free range swim! Afterwards we walk to a nearby dog-friendly breakfast place to enjoy a bite and a latte. Today is chore day as we get ready to depart San Diego to head east toward home. Dorothy and I head to Costco and Trader Joe's to stock up the van for the long haul eastward. Dorothy makes us a delicious Greek inspired dinner of chicken kabobs with all the fixings. Our nephews Greg and Alex join us for one last visit before we head out first thing in the morning. A great day all around.
We have a latte and split a B.A.T eggs Benedict with bacon, avocado, tomato and fresh made hollandaise. Superb.
Greetings and thank you for reading our blog. We embarked upon our Van life adventure to the Pacific NorthWest (PNW) on Tuesday June 17. Working steady in the weeks leading up to our departure was a lot so pulling out of the driveway was celebratory and a big relief. Unlike boat life, we'll be able to literally stop anywhere we want for anything we need so whatever we may have forgotten will not be a problem. 8 am and its off we go on our Van life adventure to the PNW. Bella has found her preferred spot between the two front seats on the floor while we're underway. It's an odd space to us because she can't see out the windows but she insists on it so we try to make it as comfy with her bed and a fan. June 17 & 18 - Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky a Unesco World Heritage sight with over 400 miles of mapped continuous passages making it the longest cave in the world is our first stop. We have reservations for 2 nights in the campground because there is muc...
July 1 - Wind Cave National Park This is our last stop in South Dakota and home to the 6th longest cave in the world. This site has great significance for the Lakota People who believe that it's where their emergence from the spirit world began. The National Park Service honors their heritage. When we arrive at the visitor center it's mid-day, crowded, and hot. We talk to the ranger who gives us some tips for some good hikes nearby. We drive to the campground a mile up the road within the park boundary. There is no electric so we situate Bella Vato in the only small patch of shade, put out the awning to create our own and relax in the breeze. Not bad. Later in the evening we attend a talk by the ranger about prairie lands. In the morning we leave the site by 6:30 to a hike that takes us by the Lakota sacred cave site then out to the prairie. As we drive out of the park to head to Wyoming we see one last lone bison. State Park camp grounds frown upon unleashed dogs and ...
North Cascades National Park to Whidbey Island Washington on the Olympic Peninsula This week our stops include Colonial Creek Campground (2 nights), Bay View State Park Campground (2 nights), and Deception Pass State Park Campground (1 night). July 13 & 14 Colonial Creek South Campground, North Cascades National Park, Washington We get on the road and stop in the town of Winthrop to grab a few last minute items at the ACE hardware before going into the wilderness for a few days. The closer we get to the NP the bigger the mountains get with rugged peaks, glaciers, and thickly wooded with pines. The wow factor here is big. And the feel is very different from the more touristy NPs. It's wilder and less structured with an abundance of hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and kayaking opportunities. And many trails allow dogs! Click any picture to enlarge and X out to return) A quick breakfast for a speedy departure. The town of Winthrop is the last bit of civilization before ...
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