Week 87 - SF Bay Area - 04-13-2008

On the Road Again!

After nine wonderful days at Frank and Janice's compound, we bid adieu, and spent a night at the Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles before heading north. Each morning we were greeted by the deer.

Sunset at Wine Country RV, and wild flowers on Highway 101 north of San Miguel, CA.

"If you're coming to San Francisco, be sure to" travel on Freeway 280, west of the 101. This freeway, while busy, moved briskly on our way to Half Moon Bay. You can get from San Jose to San Francisco much faster off the 101, and see beautiful scenery.

Highway 92 takes you from the 280 to Half Moon Bay. The metal sculptures below are from two different "artist studios" along the 92.

The hill photo below does not do it justice. The road is narrow and very steep with fast moving traffic. Not the first road you should try in your motorhome. Many cities have no RV parks, or the closet ones are far away. When we visited New York City, the park 20 miles away was always full and the next closest park was over 70 miles away! The San Francisco RV Resort is only 15 miles from Frisco.

This northern view from the RV park was taken in the afternoon.

We rated this park a 2 out of 5. The motor home spots are closer together than they were at the RV rallies we have been to! The ocean sites have a great view, but are also small and cost $70/night.

The northern view again, this time in the morning.

Yes, the SF RV Park is only 15 miles from SF, but it took us almost an hour on a Saturday morning. Can you see why? In any other town you might think these cars were parked by drunk drivers. Here, it is the norm to park on the sidewalk in order to leave more room for cars on the road.

Colorful row houses on 19th Ave on the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Heading out of town is free and freeing! Before the Golden Gate Bridge's 1937 completion, it was thought to be an impossible project due to foggy weather, high winds and strong ocean currents sweeping through a deep rugged canyon below. At a cost of 35 million, the 1.2 mile bridge took more than four years to build. The bridge sways 27 feet to withstand winds of up to 100 mph. The two cables contain enough strands of wire to encircle the equator three times!

North of the bridge in Marin County, traffic moved at the speed limit, and the views were awesome.

Light traffic, airport below and close to the ocean, with cows! Frank, it meets your criteria.

We stayed overnight on Saturday in Petaluma, CA. On the scooter we visited the Napa-Sonoma area. We were blessed with beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery. The winery below had a poster that read, DUI Test #2: "You have had too much to drink if you can't pronounce Gundlach Bundschu Sesequincentiniel", their 150th anniversary. By contrast Ellen and Pete had their 33rd anniversary last August but we hope to reach our 150th.

These California Poppies lined the roadways throughout the region.

On Sunday morning we walked to the Calvary Chapel of Petaluma, which was next door to the Elks. Pastor Zach Vestnys, around thirty years old, was truly anointed by the Lord. We were very blessed by this church and hope to return when we are in the area. We thank God for such vibrant young Christian leaders.

Have a blessed week,

Love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Apr 2008