Kleinbub summer road trip - Phase 1

We left Santa Monica CA on Sunday, July 28 in our Sportsmobile, a Dodge Sprinter van conversion, and headed north. Our son, Chris, and his wife, Murrah, left a couple of hours before us in their car loaded with tent, sleeping bags. and all the other stuff one needs to go camping! We are so lucky - our van is our home away from home, fully equipped for our needs.

We pushed on to Pinnacles National Park for our first night of camping, a drive of a little over six hours. Chris got there three hours before us and saved us a spot, which we shared for two nights. We had been in this park many years ago, when it was a National Monument, but everything seemed very different from what we remembered. So, let's say it was a totally new experience!

On Monday, we decided to go on a hike. The ranger warned us that temperatures could reach 100 degrees and our daughter-in-law strongly suggested that we take some water along! We did and we were glad. After almost five hours of hiking along the dusty, rocky trail with minimal shade we were glad that we had our hats, water, and walking stick. Actually Don had to be my walking stick for the return trip. We admired the beautiful lichen and moss covered rocks along the trail. The views into the distance were spectacular with craggy rocks, and tree covered hills. At the top of the climb we enjoyed a rest stop and Chris climbed up the rocks for an extra view! The rest of us collapsed for a much deserved rest before heading back down.

On our second day we broke camp fairly early to head for Muir Woods – a favorite of Chris. We stopped in San Francisco to look at the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral. I have heard so much about this church over the years, and this was the first time I have seen it. What a magnificent edifice! It is an Episcopal church, so had many of the same features as our Catholic cathedrals – beautiful stained glass, lots of wood in the pews, choir stalls, and pulpit, a baptismal font, altar, and statues (I even recognized the saints). There was a touching side altar honoring AIDs victims plus many other side chapels and altars.

It was quite late when we finally got to the Muir Woods area, so we decided to camp on Mt. Tamalpais, at Pantoll Campground. Chris & Murrah pitched their tent in the woods and Don and I parked our camper in the parking lot. Everyone was ready to walk again, so we started down the "Steep Ravine" trail - quite well named. It was densely forested, lots of ferns and flowers, and ended at the base of a waterfall with a ladder to climb. Chris thought it was even more beautiful than the walk the next day through Muir Woods. A highlight was watching the banana slugs (never heard of them, myself).

When we woke up in the morning Don thought it was raining! There was so much condensation in the air with the morning fog that the trees were dripping water. It seemed like it was raining under the trees; in the parking lot we were quite dry!

On our final day together, we drove to Muir Woods to walk among the giant Redwoods that had been saved from being cut down by a faithful group of citizens. What a lovely and moving spot! However, the peace and tranquility that I remember from past trips was somewhat marred because there were hundreds of people visiting that day. The parking lot was full and we parked at least a fifteen minute walk away along the main road. But, this is a beautiful place to come and see what a true Redwood forest is like.

And that ended the first phase of our vacation. Chris and Murrah headed back home to Crestline, and Don and I headed north on 101 for a drive along the Pacific Ocean coast. More to come!