Back to Phoenix

I am happy to be back home.

Our 2-week family camping vacation took us up the California coastline. It was adventurous, very scenic, and cool (55 compared to 105 in Phoenix.) We battled raccoons, awkward camp stoves, over-packed boxes and cold lavatory seats. Actually I had a great time and would like to do it again, but not for a little while.

(click on any photo for larger view)


Important things I learned about the trip:

1. It is such a nice feeling to be able to say that I really like ALL of my family - we had such a good time. Many thanks go to Michael and Jeanine for all of the mapping out and planning this trip of a lifetime.

2.  Even though we like our little creature-comforts, it really isn’t necessary to pack the entire house into the back of the car. Really.

3. The correct sized tent works wonders for your total enjoyment of the trip. Make sure everything fits properly before actually leaving on your vacation, and that there is room enough to stand up in it.

And

4. Unless you are going someplace where there is no civilization at all, you do not need a week’s worth of food in the cooler and pantry box. Preparing meals is a little harder when the sun goes down. But when it comes right down to it, what more do you really need than graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate anyway???

Gorgeous scenery . . . fun beaches, and great places to visit . . . A couple of fun highlights were:

- The hot, gooey artichoke bread that was baked fresh daily in the quaint little town of Pescadero. One loaf destined for dinner never made it there as we all snarfed it down right in the parking lot.
- The house of my brother-in-law’s friend -- a beautiful place with a great collection of items  -- kind of a cross between an art gallery and a museum. A few of the things that stood out the most to me are his collection of masks from around the world and the paintings done by his truly talented daughter.
-  I loved the BBQ buffalo dinner we had at the chilly driftwood-filled beach with nary a soul around ‘cept us. A few local beers, those wonderful tasty burgers, and a fire afterwards made for a perfect evening on the beach. Thanks to Sean for his generosity.

Campfire stories . . . playing games . . . eating s’mores (Mmmmmmm!) . . . When do we go again??

OK, so now I’m back in the studio. I was able to find some really great jewelry supplies (beads, rocks, and some other fun items.) So I will be posting some new creations soon!