Elkland

North or Eureka, Ca, there lives a heard of wild Elk that like to make it's way up and down the coast grazing and exploring. Last year, on our return from Yellowstone, we saw them resting in a field (http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2016/09/elk-crossing.html). This year, we were surprised they were not hanging out as the day seemed to hot for such large creatures to be roaming about. I was wrong! I just hoped we would grace some of the exquisite mammals  as we continued North.

It seems that I/we have good animal karma because like on other trips (like to Southeast Nepal or East Africa), the animals show up but usually one at time. We took a detour down a long, windy and dusty 6 mile road through surreal old growth Redwoods  to Gold Beach for some sand and sun time. Just after we parked and headed towards the beach, we came upon one lone elk just off the path!  Of course, I had to do my usually greetings (the animals do feel energy and i know they like hellos and knowing i respect them and their space!) so "Hello Big Elk!" it was!

After our time at the beach, we got back in the car to continue on towards our destination in Redwood City. We didn't get far! As soon as we turned left onto 101 N, we had a roadblock!

Which led us to look around and discover the entire heard moving into a field for dinner time! Of course, I had to ask Don to stop (Don does not like to stop but this was a special occasion!) but we got to see some young Elk along with their parents/elders. It was moving and just beautiful. I knew in that moment, that we were going to have a very good road trip!

Tall Trees & Cool Waters

Our friend Doug, whom we spent a most enjoyable visit with. He graced us with amazing meals and a safe, cozy place in which to rest our heads for two nights. And he showed up places we would otherwise not have seen.

An almost 3 mile hike through thick Redwood, way up near the California/Oregon border.

A crisp, cool Smith River with hazy skies from nearby fires.

Things that make cherished summer memories that will last a lifetime.

Bound to Cover Just a Little More Ground (RoadTrip 2017)

Last summer, our family had such a such a good time on our road trip to Yellowstone, that this summer we packed up our stuff and hit the road again. From our house in Pinole, we made it all the way up to Crescent City then further North up the Oregon Coast, where we got to explore and play on some spectacular remote beaches. Our final beach was Cape Lookout where we headed East to Tillamook, then further East to the breathtaking, majestic Columbia Gorge. After a few days of adventures there we then  headed south to Grants Pass, Chico and finally at family north of Sac.

I will detail more specifically certain aspects of our adventures but for now, this is just an overview of some of our stops. Many were unplanned, "Ooo that looks fun, let's stop" stops, where we encountered new, novel and inspiring sites, like the 1800 year old Redwood (who knows it's age for sure).  Other stops, like where we would rest our head for the night, were planned but we had equal awesome experiences.

It was such a gift to be mostly off grid, off schedules and present with whatever the moment presented itself with. There was something that felt liberating actually, to be able to just get up each day, with very few possessions and explore, meet fellow travelers, and to rest our heads amongst trees and fresh air. There were also challenging moments that gave way to opportunities to self-reflect and self-correct during the moments when traveling together caused tensions and frictions.

It's a privileged life we have, I know that. I could never forget that nor take it for granted and I am most grateful that this summer we were able to cover just a little more ground.

African American Animals

Amara with an ostrich egg.

When the kids were smaller we would listen to a song about going on a bear hunt. Well, recently while Nana was visiting, we went on an African animals hunt, at Safari West up in Sonoma County. The girls didn't know our destination until we arrive (another Mama Surprises!) but once we arrived, they could barely contain their excitement at the prospect of seeing wild animals up close and personal. Amara was especially excited that Luvey and Ellie might see some of their kin and both girls jumped at the chance to sit on top of the jeep which enhanced their adventure.

We encountered a variety of wild animal at Safari West but we learned early on that those we thought were African animals were actually born here on US social. So technically, they were African American Animals! Still, in was thrilling to get up close to so many different species of two and four legged ones.

Before the safari began, I had concerns that the girls might not make the two hour jeep ride. That's a long time to ask two little beings to sit still, watch and listen. Much to my surprise (and relief!), both Amara and Havana were enthralled by the stories, animal, hands on learning as well as anthropological facts that our guided provided. And both Nana and I also found ourselves oohing, ahhing and shaking our heads as we learned many new things like the fact that the Addax Antelope doesn't drink water and that their horns help to keep them cool in the heat of the Sahara desert. We also got to see an hours old Kudu nursing it's mama. What a special sight that was to behold.

Over the course of two hours we saw wildebeest, African bison, zebra, my animal totem the cheetah, ostrich, rhino, a whole host of birds and Luvey got to meet her kin, the giraffe. There weren't any elephants but that was okay; Ellie was happy to see familiar faces!

Having had gone on a actual African safari some years back, this was quite laid back (the animals while wild, were well used to humans) but for those who have not and might not have the opportunity to travel to the Mother Land, this excercersion, with these pretty magnificent African American Animals was still a worthy adventure.

A Sweet Taste of Summer

Papa Don recently told us about a blackberry patch he discovered on his Sunday morning walk. He wanted us to see it too. So later that day, just before the sun started to make her way to sleep, off we went to pick some blackberries.

We couldn't resist eating some, while we made our way up, over and under prickly leaves. For these were the sweetest berries we had all summer. No market could come close to the fresh, juicy nectar of this blackberry jackpot!

Yeah for summer!