Trinidad, CA

Last weekend we visited Trinidad, CA, where we were able to hike around Patrick's Point State Park. A gorgeous park where the redwood forest meets the sea. We got to see some Yurok buildings (built recently, but with traditional tools and materials). The Yurok were the native population who used to live in the Northwestern corner of California, smart people!

Here's Bill inside a replica of one of the Yurok homes. Like the beehive huts of Ireland, their doors were a low, tight squeeze!

We hiked all the way down to Agate Beach, where the prime goal is to find some pretty agates. However, judging by the number of people down on the beach searching, my guess is all the agates were found long ago.

But we did find some pretty rocks.

And Bill even found a few good skippin' rocks. Here he is just about ready to let one fly!

After our hike, we went back to our little cabin and cleaned up for the main event... Joelle & Jesse's Wedding!!!

Here is the happy couple, shortly after the beautiful ceremony. CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. & Mrs. Morris! :-)

Traveling to Trinidad, CA

This weekend we drove just over eight hours to a little town in Northern California, just north of Eureka called Trinidad, to attend my junior high & high school best friend's wedding. What a treat it was to not only attend Joelle's special day and visit with her & her family, but also to see a part of California neither Bill nor I have ever seen.

We took our time on our drive up, stopping several times to check out the sights. At one stop, we got to see a redwood tree that you could drive your car through. We didn't drive Pretty Pearl through, as you can see it was quite a tight fit for many of the cars daring the drive:

Behind the gift shop (that was crammed with people buying cheap souvenirs), was a beautiful pond teaming with all manners of life, and save for Bill and I, no other humans.

The pond had dragonflies

and frogs

The weather was warm, the cicadas were buzzing, frogs were ribbet-ing, it was a lovely little spot, surrounded by a redwood forrest.

We are so glad we pulled off the road for the sights!

Malik, the Magic Hound Dog

My sister's dog, Malik the Magic Hound Dog, is such a character, I had to post a few great shots of him.

Malik's thought bubble: "Okay, lady, take my picture. Then will you leave me be?"

"Sometimes my human pets like me to sing with them. I oblige... when I feel like it."

"Seriously, people? Seriously?!?"

Happy Birthday, Dad!

A few weeks ago we celebrated not only Father's Day, but also my Dad's birthday. And it was a birthday that rang in a new decade on earth, so we had to celebrate in style!

Mom, Dad, Toni, and her dog Malik all showed up on Friday for a yummy dinner at Duffy's. Toni had never been to Duffy's Pub, but it's already become a favorite of Mom & Dad's. Duffy's never disappoints: there's always a good burger, beer (or cider), and almost always a chicken sandwich for me!

The next day we spent hanging out at the cabin they rented, playing ping-pong,

sitting around the fireplace,

and generally having a jolly good time.

Sunday, Dad was king for the day! And he was a pretty good sport about it, too.

Bill smoked some beef for shredded tacos and for dessert we had some homemade cherry ice cream, and cupcakes from Miss Delish's. Dad didn't like the cupcakes at all.

The best part of the whole weekend was hanging out with loved ones, having fun.

I hope you had fun, Dad. I know I sure did!!