Hello from California! It’s absolutely gorgeous here! I’m driving up the Pacific Coast Highway on my way to San Francisco. We left Los Angeles Monday morning and missed the earthquake by a day. Luckily there were no major injuries or damage. We were in Napa Valley when it hit and didn’t feel a thing. I’ve got to show you these pictures. I grew up on Gidget movies and Beach Blanket Bingo, and have always wanted to see the land where they were filmed. Malibu mostly, I’m told. Oh, Moondoggy…
This is the Big Sur area.
This is a lookout point close to a seal feeding ground. In the distance, we spotted what looked like a shark jumping in the water, or maybe a dolphin. We were told that sharks feed on seals, so it’s possible it was a shark. Up on the cliffs, I spotted two eagles guarding their nest. The hairpin turns require such concentration when driving!
I didn’t expect the landscape to be so dry all the way up the coast to San Francisco. We drove inland north of Santa Barbara, expecting thicker foliage, but it was as dry as straw and all crops have to be irrigated. Incredibly beautiful, and the grand scale is breathtaking. North of San Francisco, we saw some areas along the road that were burned from the wildfires, and in fact saw a team of firefighters (about 10 trucks and helicopter crews) dousing a grass fire.
Below is a shopping mall in the middle of it all that looks like an oasis!
We hit San Francisco mid-Tuesday and drove north a couple of hours into Napa Valley. My daughter and niece wanted to see where Parent Trap was filmed. My husband and I wanted to sample some of the best wines in the world.
And now, San Francisco…
Painted in the international color of orange so that pilots can see it on a cloudy day.
This is the beginning of Fisherman’s Wharf. Can you see the famous island of Alcatraz in the bay? It’s in the middle of the photo, to the right of the second big lamp post. A federal prison until 1963.
Union Square above–in the heart of shopping district. Beside it is an example of the architecture. There are seven variations of Victorian architecture in the world, and San Francisco proudly has four types. The city is amazing! Hope you enjoyed the slide show. Now I’m off to join the RWA convention and meet up with fellow Fillies.
Best wishes from San Francisco…
Wow! Great pictures, Kate! I’m a huge fan of Gidget, too.
Thanks for sharing. Hope all the Fillies at the convention are having a wonderful time.
Hi Kate, Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures. Have a great time in San Francisco!
And congratulations to Pat and Cheryl for their RITA nominations!!!
Thanks Taryn, thanks Za! We had a great time at the booksigning last night. I think Pam will be posting some pictures later. Right now we’re off to an early morning breakfast together.
My congratulations, too, to Pat and Cheryl!
Bye for now.
Kate what great pictures they turned out beautiful. I loved Gidget to and that was great to see that. Hope you guys are having a great time. Makes me want to take a vacation.
Again congrats to Cheryl and Pat!!!!!
Wow, such a beautiful drive. Thanks for sharing these pictures, Kate.
This is almost as good as the vaca I’ve got planned. A staycation where I knock off work at 4:30…yes, normal quitting time but by golly I’m NOT staying late. Then sit around running my air conditioner at two full degrees below the normal setting of 85 eating the GOOD ice cream. No store brands this week.
Lovely pictures!
Glad you weren’t near the earthquake.
Enjoy RWA National!
PamT
Kate, thanks for the scenic tour!
I’m following the conference around the blogosphere, and our very own Stacey Kayne’s offerings for the goodie room are a huge hit! Stacey, your displays are truly gorgeous.
Click here and see Stacey’s offerings for the conference goers. CLick and the photos enlarge.
http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com/2008/07/rwa-goodie-room.html
And Pamela T! Thank you for mentioning P&P as your favorite blog on the Cata-Romance listserv this morning! SMOOCHES!
I can’t wait to hear how Pat and Cheryl do, but being a finalist is HUGE whatever the final place. Good luck ladies and I am so envious of you getting together.
Kate,
You really have the knack for taking stunning pictures! They’re just gorgeous. I’d love to take a dip in that ocean. It’s hot enough here to make fry bread on the sidewalk. A few days ago we set a record at 110 degrees. That’s too hot for man or beast!
Relax in your beautiful setting and just enjoy each day you’re there. Wish I was there with you!
Absolutely beautiful blog today, Kate. I have driven that highway once — and it was most beautiful. I, too, grew up on those same movies. Wonderful blog today!
Thanks for the tour, Kate! Those are great photographs! Enjoy your SF stay and RWA.
Pat Cochran
Kate – thank you for the breathtaking photos. When I looked at a couple of them, I had the feeling I was falling in and down the hill!
Gorgeous pictures! I hope to visit that area one day!
Thank you for the comments, everyone! It’s been a long full day, meeting with editors and going to a few workshops. My feet hurt from all the walking! I’m going to rest them for a while and gear up for more tomorrow.
See you all when I get back!