Memorial Day Weekend 2013 Tour - Sequoia National Forest and Vasquez Rocks.

California Road Trip #3: Sequoia National Forest and Vasquez Rocks. A 2-day, 600-mile adventure through farmlands, cowboy country, the Sierra Nevada's, and the Mojave Desert.

The Sequioa National Forest (southern portion) was about 50 miles and 1.5 hours of hair-pin turns winding through the mountains to elevations of 7,200 feet. 

We stopped at the train of 100 Giants, which is one of the hikes featuring several giant Sequioas.

 The largest tree in this trail was 220 feet tall, with a diameter of 20 feet. That's very tall.

Here I am at the base of a sequoia tree. 

I was told to be careful and watch out for bears when traveling in the National forest. No one mentioned that I would have to watch out for a gang of cows. MOO-ve over cattle! 

After leaving the Sequoia National Forest we headed back home via the Mojave Desert,  past Edwards Air Force Base, and through Palmdale, to Vasquez Rocks Park. 

Behind me is the most famous section of the Vasquez Rocks

Hey, its pretty fun here, climbing on the rocks.  

And strangely familiar? Didn't Captain Kirk fight the Gorn here?

Close to Home - The Day to Day

There is plenty to keep oneself occupied around the house: 

Taking in the snow topped mountain view (in those winter months)

Keeping an eye on a certain squirrel who likes to taunt me. Seen here in the fir tree, dining on an orange that was stolen from the tree in my yard. Geesh!

Chasing the lizards that crawl on the fence. I think this one likes grapes, as he likes to hang out near the grape vine.

Tending to my garden. A little patch in the yard were I'm growing tomatoes, corn, peas, and some herbs. 

Helping Pat draw in the afternoons. Not that he needs my help, but I like to think i'm doing something productive, here. Maybe holding down the drawing pad with my butt so the breeze does not blow it away.

Catching up in California - The First Few Months

There's been quite a lot of excitement here, 

since we arrived on the west coast. 

Although, before any other adventures could begin, I had to do some unpacking! It took a really long time to figure out which one of these boxes had my dog bed. 

Unpacking was strenuous work. It was time to relax.

(Not sure how relaxing this actually is?)

But not for long! Everything is so new, and there is so much to see and do.  I think I'm going to be spending a lot more time in the car!

California mini-road trip #1: Mountain climbing. Right in my backyard are the San Gabriel Mountains. We took a trip up a very curvy mountain road, route 2. Pretty nice view up here!

We continued through the San Gabriel Mountains and made out way to Mount Wilson. At 5,600 feet, on top of Mount Wilson is the Observatory. This is one of the telescopes. Checking out the mountains was a lot of fun.

California mini-road Trip #2: Beachcombing. A few weeks later we headed up the coast on the PCH to the Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach) in Santa Barbara. 

There is a section of this beach that is dedicated to dogs. It was so nice to play in the waves and hang out and sunbathe. Oh, and check out the other four legged friends.