California Part II

The drive north to Monterey is more than stunning coastline. We drove through Salinas (John Steinbeck country), watching fields of workers stooped over their huge burlap sacks harvesting a bounty of vegetables. 

The day included a trip to Cannery Row with its rusty charm, Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

                          Old boat off the Monterey Wharf framed by SF skyline

                                                        Snapped this photo in the aquarium

Monterey to San Francisco is a short drive and we were anxious to explore the city. From Chinatown and Little Italy to Golden Gate Park and Nob Hill, we walked, or should I say climbed, our way around the town. That doesn't mean we didn't jump on a cable car from time to time. 

                                   If you get bored in this city, then there is something 

                                                      seriously wrong with you!

     

                                                 A little gambling in Chinatown

                                       Click below to see video of fortune cookie maker

                                        Presidio Park with SF skyline in the background

                                              This Victorian Queen Anne house is a gem

                                                        Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill

Just across the bridge is the lovely town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view looking out on the bay.

Leaving Sausalito we headed north through forests of redwoods. Of course we couldn't pass up the chance to see the "Drive Thru Tree".

  

                                       

With only a day left, we drove to Yountville, the quintessential Napa town. After checking out the restaurant reviews, we opted for lunch on the charming patio at Bistro Jeanty. The artichoke terrine was amazing, followed by steak frites-we left happy.

                                 "Many a trip continues long after movement in time  
                                 and space have ceased." -John Steinbeck