Celebrate the Small Things: Good to Be Home

Oregon coast

After being on the road for over two weeks it's good to be home again. That said, the Oregon and California coast on Hwy 101 was breathtakingly beautiful. It's a 'must trip' if you have never traveled this route. I especially enjoyed seeing the redwood forest again in northern California. I was ten years old the last time I saw the gigantic display of Paul Bunyan and his faithful companion, Blue standing side by side. There they were, greeting me as we approached the "The Trees of Mystery" tourist stop. No longer animated (Paul's head moved before), I briefly turned into a kid again, much to my husband's delight. It was also his first time visiting the redwoods. 

The sun was magical that day

Some redwoods are ancient!!

I can't explain it......but the feeling here among these giants is almost spiritual.

We traveled on and parked the camper at our son's LA area home for 7 days hanging out with his family. We told them not to use their precious vacation time from work, that we just wanted to be part of their life for the week. Boy are they ever busy with the three boys. Soccer, school, homework, getting meals ready after work, laundry, dishes, household repairs, etc......it took me back to those crazy times when Vince and I were working, going to school, and raising our two. I sometimes wonder how we did it all, but I remember lots of mini vacations....bike rides, hiking, tennis, swimming; and downtime with books, video games and movies.

Our cute grandsons :) We went to the LA County Fair

Loved the giant book displays in the children's section

Alice and Wonderland display

 Leaving LA, we decided to head northeast through Yosemite National Park. Just 'think Ansel Adams' if you have never been through this magnificent park. I was pretty squeamish navigating those high elevation two-lane roads without guard rails in a camper. Plus, there was the problem of finding a camping spot, which we didn't find. We had to travel in the dark for an hour before finding lodging on the other side in La Pine, CA. Yes, a little planning on our part would have prevented that, but we are spur of the moment travelers, and it worked out in the end.  

 

Yosemite National Park - Glacier Point

 

Nice picture of hubby :)

From there we drove through Nevada to Carson City (the capitol) and Virginia City. Virginia City is pretty authentic if you are interested in an old mining town. In its heyday, a lot of wealth was invested in the community. Mark Twain worked there for a newspaper for two years before becoming famous. The buildings are original as are the boardwalks in front (some even felt unsafe to walk on). Being quite high up, the views are also incredible, and the train climbing to the top is still operational, offering rides to the tourists. We then drove through Reno. Anxious to get home, we didn't stop, but wouldn't mind a return trip. We are not gamblers, but the town is laid out nicely with plenty of other things to do. We noted that the views were more than familiar. Ha-ha. Divide Reno's population (apx. 233,294) by say 45 and you have where I live in Eastern Washington! 

Vince with our trusty steed :)

So...it's good to be home, my favorite hangout of all. I'm a homebody by nature, although I sometimes need a trip to remind me of what's important. I had some details to finish on my book when I returned but I'm happy to report it's officially done. Querying now for The Shells of Mersing and happy about that!

So how was your week? I'm ~exhausted~ but in a good way. 

Happy Weekend!

Celebrate the Small Things. To be part of this blog hop, all you have to do is visit the Celebrate page on Lexa's Blog for the rules, and then post every Friday about something you are grateful for that week. It can be about writing, family, school, general life or whatever. This is the funnest and easiest blog hop ever! (Originated by VikLit)  Co-hosts are: L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge and Katie @ TheCyborgMom

Sharon M. Himsl

Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011. 
Published with Evernight Teen: 
~~The Shells of Mersing