5/25/11

A California Getaway

522 photos later...
We finally picked a few to share.  What an amazing trip!

Santa Monica Pier:
We decided, very quickly, that the Santa Monica Pier would be the perfect place for a date.  There are restaurants, a (romantic) beach, and plenty of surrounding elements to admire (and photograph).  I could have spent all night at this beach.  We ate dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp, Co. and walked the sand until sunset.  A perfect start to our California getaway.


Wine Country:
A blast from the past! Tobin James is a favorite among the Central Valley dwellers.  It was a favorite of ours too when we visited (by recommendation) on our honeymoon.  This year, a wine festival was in full swing, so many more people were tasting on Saturday, but we all had such a great time.  We tasted at another called Eberle Winery where you see the underground wine cellar and the lush landscapes.  The weather was beautiful and sunny - perfect for sipping on wine outdoors. 


Avila Beach:




We spent most of our time on the Port San Luis Harbor watching the birds, fisherman, and SEA LIONS!  Did you see how close we were too?!  I wanted to snuggle with one so badly - even though they had a peculiar smell, I didn't care.  It was pretty chilly on the docks, so we grabbed some fresh fish for dinner and made our way back to the house to grill. 

Sequoia National Park:




























Sequoia National Park is filled with "big trees" - everywhere you look.  A bit of construction let us stop and stretch our legs about halfway up the mountain.  In that time, I stepped out of the car, turned toward the mountainside and spotted that black bear about 15 feet from our car.  WHOA.  I snapped a few photos and got myself back in the car, all while watching the other people run down the road to get a better shot.  It was a great start to the park, that's for sure.  Shortly after we climbed to the top of Moro Rock and made our way to the General Sherman, a gigantic sequoia standing about 275 feet high.

Thanks Adam & Kirstie for such a fantastic trip!
Can't wait to visit again soon.
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7 comments:

  1. HollyMay 25, 2011 9:47 AM

    Ohh I love your photos! California is such a beautiful state all over! I'm especially loving your wine country photos :) I've *always* wanted to do that in California, but never seem to have enough time when I'm down there! Next time... !!!

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  2. MizdragonflyMay 25, 2011 10:04 AM

    What, we can't see all 522 pics? :p

    California... I wish I could go back! We also did the Sequoia NP, and the Kings Canyon NP, when we were down there... ah memories!

    Looks like an amazing time :)

    K.

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  3. CrystleMay 25, 2011 2:01 PM

    Great photos! The California burger at the restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier is the greateset burger of all time. No lies. And I used to love camping in the Sequoias!

    I miss my state!

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  4. Beth BMay 25, 2011 4:00 PM

    WOW - Beautiful pictures!! And I love all of the wildlife you caught too (and the seals - I LOVE seals)! :) It looks like you had a lovely trip... man, I need a vacation too. haha!

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  5. GabyMay 25, 2011 4:04 PM

    It looks like you had such a great time!! The pictures are beautiful!
    - Gaby
    From Rags to Glam

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  6. Kara PyoMay 27, 2011 3:34 AM

    what a perfect getaway!

    ReplyDelete
  7. KirstieMay 31, 2011 9:37 PM

    So glad you and Ryan got to come visit! I really enjoyed your post! Good job!

    ReplyDelete

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