Re-tire-d

Days 1-17: Washington, Oregon, California

Mike and Debbie's backyard
After a lovely send off from our coworkers on Dec. 2nd, we fully embraced the start to our two month fun-employment/ early retirement by spending a week in WA. Seattle gave us her best--sun, snow, and rain. It was a joy to see many people whom we adore and to explore some of our favorite places. Last Sunday, we bid family and friends in wonderful Washington adieu and headed south. Oregon started off by welcoming us with great visits with friends in Portland and Salem. As we continued south of Roseburg in the cold and dark, the car began vibrating profusely and creating its own rhythm. Low and behold we had a flat tire. Luckily, we were back on the road within the hour and made it to Klamath, CA.

Katie and the Redwood
Looking up in the Redwoods
Matt "eeling" at Eel River
As the road trip continued, we drove through some of the Redwoods, stretched our legs at  Patrick's Point State Park to greet the Pacific Ocean, and stopped for lunch in Eureka while the car got a new tire. The next day we drove the Avenue of  the Giants which provided incredibly fresh air, short hikes, and beauty in all directions followed by a drive down HWY 1 along the coast to Mendocino, wine tasting at Meyer's Cellars, and dinner in San Francisco with family.

They are just a little bigger than Katie.
Redwoods

and a little bigger than Matt.
Driving through a Redwood
Matt at Patrick's Point 
View at Patrick's Point





















The following day, we picked up Katie's parents at the Oakland Airport and drove to Yosemite National Park where we joined Matt's parents. This park is incredible. If you haven't been, add it to your bucket list. If you have been, go back! It was partially cloudy the first day, poured the second day, and allowed a few sun breaks on the third day. The rainfall was so heavy while we were there that they closed all roads into and out of the park the second night. Yosemite is the most beautiful places we've been "locked-in." The extra waterfall created stunning waterfalls.
Debbie, Mike, Katie, Matt, Mary Lou, Bruce

River by Bridal Veil Falls
Half Dome after the Storm
Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls after the rain
Bridal Veil Falls before the rain
Upon departing Yosemite, we drove Katie's parents back to San Francisco to visit with family and with a college friend. Then down the 101 we went. We've made it to L.A.

#nomadicliving






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