It’s absolutely gorgeous here! I’m driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, starting from Los Angeles on my way to San Francisco. I grew up on Gidget movies and Beach Blanket Bingo, and have always wanted to see the land where they were filmed. Malibu mostly, I’m told.
This is the Big Sur area.
This is a lookout point close to a seal feeding ground. In the distance, we spotted what looked like a shark jumping in the water, or maybe a dolphin. We were told that sharks feed on seals, so it’s possible it was a shark. Up on the cliffs, I spotted two eagles guarding their nest. The hairpin turns require such concentration when driving!
I didn't expect the landscape to be so dry all the way up the coast to San Francisco. We drove inland north of Santa Barbara, expecting thicker foliage, but it was as dry as straw and all crops have to be irrigated. Incredibly beautiful, and the grand scale is breathtaking. North of San Francisco, we saw some areas along the road that were burned from the wildfires, and in fact saw a team of firefighters (about 10 trucks and helicopter crews) dousing a grass fire.
Here's a shopping mall in the middle of it all that looks like an oasis!
We hit San Francisco mid-Tuesday and drove north a couple of hours into Napa Valley. My daughter and niece wanted to see where Parent Trap was filmed. My husband and I wanted to sample some of the best wines in the world.
And now, San Francisco....
The Golden Gate Bridge, painted in the international color of orange so pilots can see it.
This is the beginning of Fisherman’s Wharf. Can you see the famous island of Alcatraz in the bay? It’s in the middle of the photo, to the right of the second big lamp post. A federal prison until 1963.
Here's another angle of Alcatraz.
Union Square above–in the heart of shopping district. Beside it is an example of the architecture. There are seven variations of Victorian architecture in the world, and San Francisco proudly has four types. The city is amazing! Hope you enjoyed the slide show.
