Sunday, September 13, 2009 San Francisco Opera in the Park

We awake early and head into SF to go to Unity Church which is reconnecting with this church we had visited months ago. Met a new friend, Eleesa, who tells us about a place we can sleep with the van in the City. Welcome news! We hear about an “Opera in the Park” Event and find ourselves a great front row seat for this free activity in Golden Gate Park of which there are many. This is an enticement for the concert season coming up. They have orchestra and opera students working along side professionals. We are priviledged to hear an amazing orchestra and excellent operatic voices.

There is even one student from Hawaii and we cheer him on. He is GOOD! It is special in the outdoor setting where is holds off raining to just after the concert is over!! We sleep in Golden Gate Park by a little lake in the foggy rain.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Celebrating 9-9-09 on Mt Shasta

We go up to the mountain early to be there at 9:09am and find many fellow mystics there too. An excited young woman tells up about sleeping on the Mountain last night and seeing a mother ship for the first time. She is literally radiating energy.

In the afternoon we take a walk with Violet a friend we know from Maui who has spent the summers in Shasta. She tells us the mountain secrets and places to go.

She takes us to Lake Siskou for sunset

and then we head up the mountain for 9:09pm and the most amazing never ending sunset we have seen in a long time complete with rituals and songs. We sleep on the mountain with other seekers.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 Up to Mt. Shasta.

Crater Lake in the morning and then on to Mt Shasta.

We see the snowy north side of the majestic mountain emerge from the low lands.

Then over to the south side with no snow!! What a surprise – it is summer, I guess. We sleep quietly at Lake Siskou in the Shadow of Mt Shasta for the night.

Monday, September 7, 2009 Crater Lake Revisited

We get ourselves together to head out up toward Mt Shasta. Stop by in Hot Springs that our friend Steve told us about on the way to Crater Lake. Good to have a warm soak while traveling. Then up to Crater Lake again for the night. Beautiful!

Sunday, September 6, 2009 Today is Ani’s Birthday!!

So after church we head over to a splendid celebration of life and friends and fun for Ani’s day. It is truly wonderful and surprising experience for all of us. Judy was a splendid host in her colorful house. Ani did love her gifts that she requested not to get. We gave her a live burl from a redwood tree that could grow into one of the mighty giants that she loves.

And she got the keys to Steve’s heart (and life) from her beloved! Now that is a good birthday!

Saturday, September 5, 2009 Visit in Eugene and with friend, Virginia at winery

We head into Eugene to meet Myia’s long time friend, Virginia. We missed her in Portland when she was on vacation. So now we drive up and she’s drives down to meet in the middle for a lovely reunion. She braves car trouble and obstacles to arrive in Eugene. We go up to the winery our friend Steve had taken us to before. This time we go to another called “Sweet Cheeks” (the shape of the hills, they say).

And we take the tour at King’s Winery. A lovely day with the rain breaking free thru to dramatic sun lit clouds by afternoon. We meet our friends at the Annual Eugene Street Festival for some great jazz before bidding a fond farewell to Virginia and calling it a night.

Friday, September 4, 2009 Ferndale to Oregon

Nice, long morning visiting with sister Rosie. Then up to the Southern Oregon coast where we hope to get a clearer view than when we when there before. And as we start up leaving sunny CA, we see the fog hugging the coast. Inland is clear and not the coast. So again we miss the scenery and head inland up toward Grant’s Pass thru Jedediah State Park. This is an amazing park and campground of tall redwoods. We camp before the Pass in the sunshine.

Thursday, September 3, 2009 Another day thru more Redwoods to Ken’s farm for lunch and evening songs

Up early for a journey thru time in tree form of the Giant Redwoods and the “Avenue of the Giant’s”, Founders Grove, and the Drive thru tree. So amazing these giants some of whom have lived over 200 years and seen a lot.

Out over into the desert and sunny dry weather to Ken’s farm where niece, Kristin works. Ken is a do everything lovely man. He fishes for crab and other things, grows amazing organic vegetables and makes wine!

All of which we have the privilege of sampling at the tasty lunch they set before us of personally catch albacore tune salad, garden steamed veggies, and homemade wine! Such a special time with all of us sharing.

Then in the evening to the famous Ivanhoe Hotel for the much talked about (by Myia’s sister and niece!) song night. Truly a special gathering of dear friends who enjoy the folk songs and music the wonderful performers share. We especially enjoyed hearing Pat, Rosie’s dear friend, perform whom we had met and heard play in her home.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Guided Tour with Sister, Rosie and Dave

Awaking to a beautiful sunny day in Ferndale,

sister, Rosie, and her friend, Dave, take us on a fantastically planned guided day up North first thru

the old town of Eureka that we missed in the fog on the way down. Amazing Victorian buildings and harbor. Such natural beauty in so many great natural harbors along the coast.

Then up to Trinidad for lunch in a harbor seafood Restaurant.

On the way we see a small group of elk grazing by the road side.

Heading further up the coast we take a special walk thru the giant Redwoods to a falls in the woods.

And then seeing the amazing coastline. We make if back to the Ferndale area

for a fantastic sunset

with a full moon rising!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Mendocino Coast

Waking we go into Mendocino Town and prepare for Myia’s client calls to Amsterdam. We are happy to have abundantly sunny day! And really enjoy the town today and see the lovely old New England style buildings, coastal scenery and the quaint shops lining Main St.

We go to the local health foods store in an old church! And buy a bumper sticker that says “Back Off – We’re Saving Fuel”. Some people seem to be irritated with us going only 50 mph.

We head back up the coast toward Ferndale to Myia’s sister and niece’s for the night. Along the way beautiful scenery and a magnificent sunset!