California

California - The Golden State.We found it more green than golden . Living in Boston, does not give you the sight of lush green farmlands stretched over miles.As we made our journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco,driving the Highway 1,the change of scenery was overly welcomed.

The Griffith Observatory - The famous Hollywood sign.

After walking through the streets of LA for sometime; we drove upwards along the Pacific Coast to Santa Monica Beach.The place is full of life.A wide pier stretching out its arms into the water.Musicians showcasing their talent,magicians displaying their tricks,smell of fresh seafood,hats,shades and gift shop vendors ushering you in; and the Ferry Wheel..

When the waves lash at the shore untiringly it also brings back lot of memories ..

Morro Bay - The water kept crashing and the sun was about to set

Under the mossy Pier

As the Pier crawled into the sea , we looked back to see the mountains on the other side, in between is California 1 crossing a small town..

Sunset by the sea.

Surfers practicing their skills before the dark.As the sun went down we retired to to a hotel in San Simeon.

The hotel was not cheap , yet we could hear conversations from other room. Someone mentioned , there was a breakfast buffet nearby in $9 .This is a picture after we had that wonderful breakfast and started our journey next day .

As we moved towards Big Sur along the Pacific coast,we stopped at the Elephant Seal Beach, to see these lazy creatures having a sun bath.

So many of them ,just being lazy.I initially thought, they were all dead as they did not move . Then caught a glimpse of one seal ,who scratched his nose unwillingly and slept off again.

One soul stretching itself, trying to get up , but gave up the next instance.

The cliffs and the sea make a great combo.

And here comes my feet with all its free will.

The twists and the turns .

We really had this picture of the McWay Falls from somewhere in our pin board at home . We were thrilled to be in it .

To see the waterfall on the beach - it is indeed an amazing view .

And the mighty Bixby bridge.From here we turned from Highway 1 to reach Yosemite National Park.

We reached our small tent with a patio @Indian Flat RV Park,Yosemite. It was a star studded clear sky , with an obese moon shining brightly on us .We could hear a stream flowing nearby; and as our eyes adjusted to the moon light ,we could see the towering mountains in unison with the tall trees conspiring a labyrinth around us.

This picture of the tent was taken the next morning .

In the middle of the woods, the tent had a comfortable bed, a fan with lights, a refrigerator and a tiny table with two chairs . We resonated; “Perfect”

Brought up the travel-size wine bottles,a miniature marble cake, a cigarette lighter and ranted; "Happy Birthday" at the birthday boy.

Next morning we had set out to explore the Yosemite National Park.

Half dome

Yosemite Falls.Hiked the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail.

EL Capitan and the Mirror Lake

As it was late March ,The Tioga Road was closed.We left Yosemite and drove off to San Fransisco to meet a friend.On the way back , view from an overlook . The green mountains with deep ridges.But as we moved liitle further we reached the region which was destroyed completely by the California forest fire.All trees were burned out,standing like an orphan , it was a very depressing sight.I did not even have the heart to take a picture .

Spent the evening meeting a friend from old days, bringing back good memories from the past and laughing over them ..Cant thank them enough for their hospitality.

Next morning we drove on The Golden Gate Bridge which mostly should have been named the red bridge :)

Headed out to Napa Valley for some wine tasting .

Driving through the Napa Valley , is amazing .Miles and miles of grape vines entwined in a rhythm of happiness.

Grabbing some lunch and searching in Groupon for some Wine tasting places .

And finally found one..

Tour of the vineyard and lots of knowledge on how to make a bottle of wine . Its interesting how these extremely talented and passionate people take care of every minor details to make the wine taste good .

Fun Fact: Did you know the barrels in which the wines are stored are imported from France , as French oak are the best for good flavors.Even the corks are made of French oak at times .

After all the wine tasting , we drifted to Santa Carla , to meet another friend.Good food , good talk with a bottle of wine from Napa made the evening memorable.

Alcatraz Prison from Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

As it was the month of March , most of the seals were undergoing Molting - where they shed off their old skin to develop a new one.

We sat beside the water,watched the sun set and the sky got engulfed with darkness,people fishing started to wrap up their catch,thousands of lights had lit up the the bridge,

and the reflection of it in the dark waters - it was magical , only to startle us - we had a plane to catch .If we had not pinched ourselves to reality we would have missed our flight