California There and Back

We really love California... most of it. And we love road trips too... most of them. Combine California and a road trip, and you've got yourself a lovely two week adventure there and back again. 

We flew to San Francisco to alleviate another two days of travel before the trip and another day following the trip. It worked out perfectly. 

We stayed at the Marriott right in the middle of the downtown shopping district and it worked so efficiently for public transportation, and walking about the city. 

San Francisco is a wonderful city filled with all kinds of interesting places to seek out. 

First time visiting City Lights Books - we loved this 3-story independent bookstore for all its quirk and charm. I can't abide purchasing from the online retailers, so it's indy bookstores or the library for me. 

This welcoming angel sat outside a gorgeous church ~ Saints Peter & Paul Church. 

As lovely outside as it was inside - no pics inside though... 

Our walk-about in San Francisco was a windy one!

And chilly too!

We love the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. The markets put out the most glorious produce, and the little eateries and bakeries are loaded with yummy treats. We tried the egg tarts in two different places this time around and they are as warm and gooey and fresh as you can imagine. 

The best we found were at Napoleon Super Bakery on Stockton Avenue. 

We have previously visited Golden Gate Bakery, but they have not reopened after Covid. 

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the art. Love it all. 

This metal sculpture just outside the Chinatown Gate showcases the entire area by street name. It's a wonderful artistic map for your enjoyment and it's helpful too! 

The architecture really is just too cool here. 

The Painted Ladies

A perfectly delectable and charming meal in the Mission District could have you

Checking out the yum at Dona Mago on Van Ness or perhaps seeking out the 

Meal of Your Life at Nopalito. 

Both were flavorful, delicious, and just what we wanted. 

We were not able to make it to Japan this year (Damn Covid Canceled Cruise!)

But we were able to enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden within Golden Gate Park. 

From San Francisco, we headed south to one of our very favorite places - Carmel. 

But along the way we stopped in to 

Burger Santa Cruz.

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT miss out on the deliciousness that is Burger Santa Cruz. 

You can see by the picture above that it was heavenly, and the fries were crisped to perfection. 

I mean... yes. 

It was better than even In & Out, and I consider that place to be a religious experience. 

Carmel is so lovely, peaceful, enchanting, dog-friendly, and just well, lovely. 

We stayed at the Candlelight Inn this time around and it might just be my favorite property so far. 

If I may, our two favorite places to eat in Carmel are:

Toro Sushi and Terry's Lounge at the Cypress Inn. 

There are plenty of shops to poke into, the gorgeous Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a lovely walking path along the ocean, and some very cool hiking trails just 20 minutes away at 

Point Lobos. Absolutely gorgeous!

Oh, and I cannot forget the Carmel Bakery!!!

Continuing south to Morro Bay - 

We stayed at the Anderson Inn with a gorgeous Waterfront accommodation - perfectly situated and lovely inside as well. I would stay here again in a very hot minute. Loved it!

The sea otters were out sunning themselves floating amid the kelp. 

 

This super-fascinating garden of rock sculptures about took my breath away. 

It's just the other side of Morro Rock, continue walking around the rock to find it. 

Stunning. 

We thoroughly enjoyed wandering here in Morro Bay and snacked our way 

through a couple of meals that were delicious. 

We loved Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant, Dutchman's Seafood House, Hofbrau del Albatross, and the Libertine. Stop into any of them and enjoy!

Oh and there's a darling independent bookstore here that you won't want to miss. 

It's called Coalesce and it's on Main Street. They've been around since 1973. Stop in!!

And on to Long Beach! 

We visited with family here in Long Beach and had a wonderful time. 

Our great nieces are darling little ones and we all enjoyed the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

I promise - my great nieces are the cutest little girls you've ever seen, but I won't post their faces here. 

But I will share these gorgeous jellyfish we saw in the aquarium. This is a very cool place to visit!! 

I will, however, post a pic of these two ~ 

My niece and my great nephew who came all the way to 

Arizona just after we returned from California!! 

We had a blast with them as well. 

Until next time 

:) Deb

The Magic of Disney!

 I truly believe I am the luckiest girl on earth. 

Winter 2022 had me visiting Walt Disney World... 

Not once, but twice!!!

(And let me just say that I could get used to this!)

First up - a January surprise trip with my hubby. We stayed at the Yacht Club, which is walking distance to both EPCOT and The Disney Studios. It's a perfect location and I adore the ambiance. I would stay here again without question. 

This was the first month without The Magical Express transportation to our lodging. We went ahead and booked the alternate bus transportation through Mears and it appeared to be the exact same buses with the same exact drivers. However... the magic isn't there. Sad to say. 

But the magic was everywhere else. 

Cinderella's Castle is as gorgeous as ever, sunset lit here at the Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World is in full swing with their Golden 50th Anniversary.

Chip and Dale, the little cuties, are here in all their golden splendor! 

There are sweet statuettes throughout all four parks ~ 

Some in plain sight, and some a little harder to spot. 

Look up for Abu as you are headed into Adventureland. 

Some of the Christmas decorations were still around and we loved that. Notice we were still masked in January. Covid-19 wasn't completely gone, and Disney had not changed their mask requirements. Additionally, and surprisingly, it was VERY crowded. 

Jeff booked this week primarily because it is typically a very slow time to enjoy the 

Magic that is Walt Disney World. 

Well... with Covid, and cancelled vacations, home schooling and two years of shutdowns, we saw that every attraction, every eatery, every shop, every bus, every bit of space that held a human was packed! This was just about the most crowded I have ever seen in WDW in all the times we have visited 

Over the last 25 years. 

Which really means... you never know. 

Could be crowds, could be weather, could be anything when you visit Walt Disney World. 

Now - enough of that - we had the BEST time! 

We saw everything we wanted to see and were surprised that we lucked out with the weather.

The food was wonderful, and weight was definitely gained, even with all that walking. 

It was absolutely gorgeous!

Speaking of Yummy Food - I have had to be super judicious about my dairy-free existence.

But, lo and behold, this delectable Dole Whip Treat came in a beautiful coconut-milk alternative. 

Same creamy frozen dessert with a wonderful mango-pineapple juice and get this...

A Coconut Cake Pop on top!! 

It was a highlight for us both.

Other food highlights ~

Il Molino in the Swan Hotel

The Edison at Disney Springs 

Cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs (Oh. My. Land!) 

The Brown Derby Lounge at the Disney Studios

And a turkey leg from the American Pavilion at EPCOT

Yum!!

We learned a thing or two about getting to the parks as early as possible and minimized our wait times wherever we could. We did manage to refuse a 3-hour wait time for the most coveted ride at 

Disney Studios and chose to enjoy Toy Story Land instead. 

And, we Loved it!

And check this out...

I have NEVER beaten anyone on any of the interactive rides at any Disney Park EVER. 

But here is the proof that Player #1 (Me) beat Player #2 (Jeff) !!!

At the top of our To-Do List was to snag an early spot in line for the newest attraction at EPCOT ~ 

Ratatouille! 

So enjoyable!! This wonderful, zany, 3-D adventure is frantic fun for all ages. 

Cheers to a refreshing margarita at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT!

 Thanks for trading with me Jeff! 

One of our favorite adventures is most definitely The Safari in Animal Kingdom.

I'm never gonna get to Africa at this late stage of my life, and this will have to do. 

And BTW - it DOES do (for me anyway!) 

I love seeing the animals in these huge roaming habitats that are safely cared for by the wonderful Conservation groups at Walt Disney World. 

A fabulous week of fun - 

Thanks to my Wonderful Husband!! 

And then....

Off to Walt Disney World in February with my beloved daughter for the

Disney Princess 10K!! 

We stayed at Coronado Springs and we loved it. 

I had never stayed here, but my DD had stayed here on her honeymoon a few years back.

It's gorgeous, relaxing, beautiful, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this space. 

It'll stay on my list for future visits for sure.. 

We are true Disney Fans and enjoy every chance we get to visit Walt Disney World 

or Disneyland, for that matter. My DD looks amazing here 

(even though it was surprisingly hot and very humid!) 

Like I typed above - you never know about the weather. 

I mean, Miss Piggy looks pretty good herself!

We could not pass up another chance to visit La Cava del Tequila - 

Refreshing margaritas and Efficient Friendly Service here!

P.S. Order the specialty margarita created by Neil Patrick Harris. It's sublime. 

I just finished reading the most recent memoir from Michael J Fox and it was not only well-written but Surprisingly honest and tender-hearted. When in Disney, I must photograph that which I love. 

The reason we came to WDW this particular week was for the Disney Princess 10K. We've participated a few times before - but this was the first time we walked together. And when I say "walk" I do mean 

Walk! Thanks for hanging with me through the humidity of the early morning. 

I really did have a blast with you my dear daughter! 

Before the sun came up... and then again afterwards!

So cute. So fun. So Disney. 

We learned a lot on this trip about rope-dropping, long lines, the benefit of a good hat, sunscreen (in February!) and how much an old lady's hips can hurt at the end of a long day and night tromping around the Magical Lands of Walt Disney World. 

I wouldn't trade a single thing. 

Oh, and we ate. Yes we did.

We loved:

Via Napoli in the Italian Pavilion at EPCOT (Truly loved the branzino!)

The Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom (so good!)

Another one of those Dole Whips please!

And The Brown Derby at The Disney Studios 

This really was a magical visit for me - both times!

Every park was staffed with friendly operators, the lights were twinkling at dusk, and it was 

Just about as magical as it ever was. Sure, there are some hiccups, and some tweaks to fix as time goes On - but at the end of the night, it was fantastic. 

After all we've seen and been through in the last two years with everything Covid-19, 

I am especially grateful for our health and the ability to travel. 

I'll mask up when I need to and sanitize my hands like nobody's business to stay healthy.

Everyone in my family is vaccinated and boosted and we love each other for it all.

Until next time!!

:) Deb