Pinnacles National Monument

Pinnacles National Monument

Sep 25, 2006 - 105 Photos

On Monday Gina was sweet enough to let me escape for the day. I decided to do a hike I've been curious about for years: Pinnacles National Monument. That morning I loaded up with water and food, and left the house at 7am to make a 9am trail start since the trails are listed as long and strenuous. I chose the steep route up to the high peaks, and although I'm out of shape it wasn't too hard so I hiked part way down the other side for a glimpse at the lookout along Condor Gulch. Hiking back up and then down again along another route, I followed the dry riverbed around to the caves. The gates were open (closed only during bat season during spring) so I turned on my flashlight and started in. It wasn't initially clear where the trail led -- it looked like a jumbled rock field in complete darkness. I finally found the hole and scrambled in, where it popped back out again after a short while. The final loop segment wasn't far way, and I was back on the road by 3pm.

Bonfante Gardens

We bit the bullet and drove down to Gilroy to visit Bonfante Gardens. Of course we hit the train ride first, and then Julie & Nate did their first official ride on a round, bouncy goldfish. Nate liked driving the old 20's cars on the track and the fast balloon which we thought was going to be much slower. Next time we go back hopefully everyone will be tall enough to ride on the monorail. 

Moss Beach

We drove to the ocean with Uncle Dan for lunch at Moss Beach Distillery, and then a walk along a protected beach. The tide was in, so no starfish or crabs, but a couple of curious harbor seals played in the water near us. 

Home, Finally

We arrived home September 17, happy to be out the car but equally sad that such a long vacation could be over almost before we realized. Thanks to the Martins for taking such great care of Sydney and the house, which looked spectacular on our arrival. 

Last Stop

We spent our last night in Sacramento and capped off our summer 2006 vacation with another visit to the California State Railroad Museum. Always incredibly impressive in person, and impossible to photograph due to the darkness. Gorgeous trains. 

Mount Shasta

Always more impressive while driving vs. flying. 

Ashland, OR

We ate brunch in Ashland (at the Breadboard, highly recommended!) and played briefly at the town park. As we were walking away, we noticed the bear warning signs. 

Rain storms

We encountered some pretty good rain showers on the route between Tacoma and Roseburg OR. Here was one especially dark wall of cloud and rain...it was sunny one moment then instantly looked like someone turned a firehouse on our windshield. 

Chehalis Train Depot

We missed the 90th birthday of the steam train by one day, but we did get to walk around the Chehalis historic train yard where they were repairing other coaches and an old depot station. 

Tacoma Hotel

We didn't visit the Glass Museum downtown, but we did stay the night at the Silver Cloud Inn not far away. It was the most expensive hotel room during our stay, but Nate couldn't stop watching the busy freight trains just across the street. They even provided earplugs for guests, but when I asked Nate if he heard trains overnight, he said "Yep. I did!" happily. 

Tacoma

After Bainbridge, we went to Tacoma's Point Defiance Park to visit the logging museum. No running trains that day, but lots of logging railroad cars along several branches of tracks hidden in the forest. It was either eerily creepy or oddly peaceful, we couldn't decide which. 

Bainbridge Island

After Snohomish, we spent the night in Bainbridge Island in a cottage on a 8 acre farm. 

In Snohomish (part 2)

We finally hit the local ice cream shop, much to Nate & Julie's delight. 

In Snohomish

A fine display of farmer's tans. 

Snoqualmie Train and Falls

We drove to the trains near Snoqualmie Falls without telling Nate or Julie why. Nate's eyes widened as we parked near the depot where we were nearly surrounded by the line of broken down steam engines, railroad yard, and running diesel engine. The ride itself was fairly unevently -- one long ride near Mount Si, then back past the depot to the top of the waterfalls themselves. The coaches were had plush old seats, though, and running around the train yard was best of all. I couldn't resist putting coins on the tracks for our own version of smashed pennies. Later we went to the waterfalls for a quick visit, then out to Fall City and Carnation to buy some (what else) fresh corn.

Everson, WA

Saturday we swung by Chuck & Laurie's house for a quick visit (and a lot of blackberries). Nate and Julie loved playing with Eric and Anais. They spent the day drawing, chasing the cats, peeking at beaver trails, and hiking around the gorgeous property. Chuck treated us to some great tea before Laurie unloaded treats and goodies to the kids. Thank you guys! 

Imagine Children's Museum

Before visiting Chuck & Laurie in Everson, we hit the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett. The place was busy as usual, but everything seemed freshened up and improved since our last visit. Way to go, Everett. 

Strolling through Leavenworth

A long drive out Highway 2, but we did eventually find the train store and I found the wine shop. It looked like poor Julie had her seat taken by my wine purchases, but in reality she wanted to be held. No, really.