Day Seven

Today started at the crack of dawn, no breaky straight into the car and hoping for the best! Last night we had maps covering the bed, and me - the navigator - sitting in the midst of them trying to use my the Internet while we had it to find a way out of Santa Cruz. Somehow between Google, the maps and my keen sense of direction we got to San Jose. It wasn't all smooth sailing.  There were some issues when Granny was  determined she knew the way but I got us where we were supposed to be! I was even telling the cab driver where the train station was once we dropped the rental car off. Thinking we were plenty early for the Amtrac, we went to buy our tickets. The lady told us we should take a different train as it would take us closer to our destination.  Sweet, except that train left in 4 minutes!!! By the time we got our tickets we were down to 2 or 3 minutes.... So there we were, bags on our backs running in the tunnel trying to make the train! It was like Mexico all over again, Granny behind me yelling "GO!!!" Ha, ha! Oh, we had a laugh once safely seated on the train.

 

Granny sure has made navigating on this trip interesting! Her internal compass is twisted around that's for sure! She always "feels" like we should go a certain way, then I tell her the way I think we should go (according to the map).  She will consider it momentarily and then carry on her way until she gets really lost and then she will say, "Okay let's try your way!" and bam we are smooth sailing once again! It keeps getting funnier and funnier as we go because I haven't been wrong this entire trip and the more she says she should start listening to me the more we start laughing! At least we can laugh about it. It would be a long trip if we couldn't!

 

Once we arrived in San Francisco we got to the hostel we had booked a t(or thought we had) to find we did not a reservation. I was kinda disappointed because they had Beer Olympics and Pup Crawls. Sucks I missed out - even though I don't drink. We called around and found we had actually made reservations at a different place a few blocks away. The company we booked through books for several small places in this area. So we eventually found where we were supposed to be, but no beer Olympics ; )

 

We dropped our stuff and headed out on the street in search of whatever came our way. We walked around, took the trolley down to fisherman's wharf and walked around there. We found a chocolate store and so of course we had to stop, with my obsession and all!

 

Then we found the Irish coffee place Granny had on her list of places we had to hit. The we hopped back on the trolley and headed to Union Square, which turned out to not be as exciting as we thought so we headed back to the motel. By 3 p.m. Granny was complaining she was tuckered right out, so I guess I gotta start taking it easier on her!

 

We kicked back and watched some Big Bang to wind down the the day and get a few more laughs in!

Day Six

 I started the day off with some early morning yoga, which I quite enjoyed. Then had some breaky, showered and hit the road again.
 

A couple hours later we made it to our destination, zip lining in the redwoods! What a hoot! We couldn't have asked for better guides - two decent looking fellas with great senses of humor! I don't think we stopped laughing the entire time! So much fun! I love having a Granny that will zip line with me without hesitation!

 

The best pictures of the adventure are on my camera (not my phone which what I am typing all my posts on!) but these will give you a hint of the fun we had despite the fact that they are a little on the fuzzy side.

 

We found our way to Santa Cruz where we will plop our stuff for the night and then find some form of transportation to San Francisco tomorrow! I had a great deep fried meal and a chocolate sundae! Talk about heaven ; ) I'm on holiday from my healthy lifestyle. Our plan is to kick back and relax for the rest of the night! I wonder what adventures lie ahead of us!? I guess we will soon find out!

Day Five

The drive to Elsalen in Big Sur was quite the wavy ocean side drive. Amazing view all the way along it but a narrow windy road for sure. Driving with Granny has been quite the adventure in and of itself! It consists of several moments where she will claim "we shouldn't be headed north!!" And then I'll ask, "Did you see a sign that said we were!?" "Well no, it just feels like we are going north" she'll answer.  Even after I assure her that on the map and the last road signs I saw it said we were headed south, she claims her "internal compass" is disagreeing. She will follow my instructions though on the mere fact that I haven't got her lost yet. Good thing we can both laugh about it and not get cranky or frustrated with each other!

 



On the way to Elsalen we stopped at at Pfiefer park, one location that has the giant redwoods. We took a two mile hike through the redwoods to see a six foot waterfall. The trees were a sight to see as they are quite a bit larger than the ones we have back home. Several times on our little hike Granny wanted to quit, but I wouldn't allow it. Once we got to the falls, there was a friend waiting for us, a rattle snake. He was curled up in the rocks by the path, which was interesting to see.

 

We carried on our way in the wavy ocean side road and finally made to to our destination. Once we dropped our bags in the room we headed out to explore. I am not sure how to describe this place as I have never been on a "personal retreat" before. Our room is a small room with two beds and a small washroom.  Everything here is made out of wood. There was a note on the bed asking us to only use organic body washes, reuse towels as many times as possible and get this - the soap was placed on an actual leaf. I mean I don't mind at all, my friends and family know I have a little earthy/hippy in me! I am really hoping the food is organic as well.

 



There are several movement classes available here. Granny is at some kind of visualization/breathing one right now. I am planning on going to the morning yoga before breakfast. It is like it's one little community right on the edge of the ocean. There are lots of little buildings for certain classes. There's a mediation place, a couple different ones for yoga and so on. Meals are buffet style in the lodge building. There is a small pool.  There was a naked women suntanning when I walked by so I can tell it's an "anything goes" kinda place. I tried to find my way down to the ocean, but after looking over the edge and seeing the sun reflect off five white bums I decided  that maybe it wasn't so bad that I didn't find my way down.  LOL

 

I sat in the large open grass area for awhile and enjoyed some sun, quiet and the beautiful view! Supper was delicious pasta and salad, I was so amused at all the strange and interesting people at this place. After supper we walked around a bit more and then we came across some hooks with hoops in the yard. For everyone that knows Granny and has seen her use a hula hoop, it looked just like what you'd imagine.  Granny desperately trying to figure it out but not quite coordinated but giving it her best shot with a big goofy grin on her face! As we were laughing and giggling we talked a fella that was trying to enjoy the view into joining in our hula hoop fun! He turned out to be really good, too! Oops, talked to another stranger.  Sorry, mom.

As the sun went down we got on our suits and headed to the "baths" - what Granny calls hot springs. That were hot yes, and very relaxing. Clothing was optional in these "baths", and although we were the odd ones out we wore our suits! The best part was showering right next the the ocean with only a rail between you and it, under the stars. A day filled with lots of exercise and awesome views, yet oh so relaxing! More great days to come I am sure!

 



Day Four

The hotel might have had character but it sure didn't have high class mattresses. Got a few hours of sleep and rose early to walk along the coast. Had coffee and hot chocolate with the last of our muffins from home. Packed up and were on the road by 8 a.m.

 

After getting lost a few times we finally got on the highway and thought we were in for some smooth sailing. Ah, until we got to Carmel where the highway was shut down for the Big Sur marathon. So in the spirit of going with the flow, we are hanging out here till we can get back on the highway and head to Big Sur!  We won't have any internet connection after we leave here so will post in a few days!

 

 

Day Three

Last night's sleep was a rocky one but we could at least lay down. Being on the top bunk was a little scary at times and I was sure glad I attached the safety net last night, as it didn't take long for me to discover its purpose! I couldn't help but snicker out loud as I thought of mom on the top bunk of a small cubical with the roof only a foot from your face. I knew for sure she would've been claustrophobic, getting all hot and flustered!

 

We met another couple of very pleasant and friendly ladies over breakfast and chatted with the one for a good part of the morning! Sorry ma we are talking to every stranger we meet! And we have met some interesting ones! I am trying to keep track of everyone's names as we go!

 

We decided this morning not to get off in our original destination of San Jose and carrying on to Salinas, this was due to Granny's fear of getting out of San Jose. We decided to head closer to where our next destination by train!

 

Upon arriving in Salinas we rented a car and managed to get ourselves out of the city. Our journey took us to Pebble Beach, but our visit was short and sweet as it wasn't what we expected. So we then found our way to Pacific Groove. It is a cute character town with all old beach style houses. We hadn't planned where we were staying for the night but after walking around the small downtown we found a motel and checked in! It is right on the edge of the coast called Lovers' Point (Granny and I got a giggle out of that)! Most people are here for weddings or a weekend get away, but here Granny and I are just winging it! 

 

The hotel has character as well but is clean and so we have set up camp for the night. We can't figure out how to use the TV and they claim to have wifi but that is catch and go at the best!

 

We went to the famous burger joint in town for an early supper and man was that ever satisfying! Most of you know about my obsession with a good old burger so I quite enjoyed my patty with only ketchup! After dinner, Granny and I walked the coast enjoying the view and having no worries of where we needed to be or who was watching us! We took goofy pictures of each other and laughed as we strolled with not a care in the world.

 

 Once back at our motel I jumped in the shower and had a well needed and enjoyable hot shower, the first since we left! It is only 5p.m.as I write this but I think we are both about ready to hit the sheets. Tomorrow afternoon we are off to Big Sur! No technology there so may not be posting for a couple days!

 

Day Two

Woke up  this morning feeling well rested, turned out being small has its perks. I was able to comfortably curl up on the two empty seats next to us and sleep just fine.  Granny informed me shortly after we got up that she went down to the washroom to brush her teeth and "touch up her mascara" at one in the morning. I recall her doing a similar thing the day of safari in Africa! Oh Granny, you keep me guessing!

 

Our farthest venture so far was to get coffee and hot chocolate this morning to complete our breakfast! Today's menu consisted of muffins and laughing cow cheese all the way from Alberta, Canada. Part of the train that is known as the "lounge" has big windows and a glass roof (nothing like the trains on Indiana Jones) so we could really take in the unique landscapes of Oregon as we passed through. We saw large vineyards and orchards, small farm communities located on large hillsides, two large dams that provided a beautiful view, a tug boat that Granny quite enjoyed seeing, numerous tunnels and huge cliffs. The landscape itself is keeping the two of us entertained!
 

 

At 10:30 am we arrived in Portland, Oregon where we had a four hour layover till our next train. We have now been through three states - Montana, Washington and Oregon. We are currently sitting in Starbucks in Portland wasting some time and observing the people! We have another night on the train tonight but this time we get a "sleeper" so I am sure Granny and I will make that another adventure!  Details tomorrow.

 

We took a few minutes to enjoy a drink and use the Internet to contact people back home and then decided to carry on, exploring the area. Eventually we found ourselves on the waterfront path. It was a beautiful day here, everyone was wearing shorts and tank tops except for us! Granny decided she felt like some Chinese so we went to "old town" to find some! The place was empty besides us and two other people, which was so reassuring as "old town" appeared to live up to its name! The food was good despite my doubts. We ordered way too much and felt bad for wasting so much.  So we asked for some take out boxes and filled them up. We weren't sure how to politely approach the many street people we passed but when a young fella approached us for money for the paper he gladly accepted the food and we were glad to see some enjoy our extra.

Once loaded back on the train (this time enjoying the luxury of a sleeper), we dropped our stuff and headed to the lounge to read and hangout and see what we could see.  This is the life!
 

 

 

 

Day One

And so it has begun...

 

Our drive started just after lunch and took us to the DelBonita border where we were greeted by a friendly yet "don't mess with me" border guard. We all agreed later that his personality was one the much resembled my papa's - great sense of humor and friendly yet you knew he meant business. We continued to Cut Bank where we made a bathroom break at the TNT casino. A polite young man hinted that we were to be paying customers to use the facilities so we all sat down for a drink. As we sat for a few minutes I couldn't help but enjoy the true country music playing in a little bar in a small town in Montana. I knew my friend Parker would have loved the atmosphere!

Once we arrived in Shelby at the station, we said our goodbyes and grabbed our packs! As we waited for the train, Granny and I enjoyed our first of many meals out of our packs  -pizza flavored Pringles and beef jerky. The trained arrived and we climbed on board. Here I was picturing an old wooden train with windows that pulled down, like the one my grandparents took me on in Stettler. The one that as a six year old had me wanting to hide under the seat as the cowboys chased the train on horse back firing guns at us! I now know that was not real but as a young buck I had no idea! So turns out trains aren't as old fashioned as I thought. Here comes this big shiny silver, double decker hunk of high tech machinery towards us! And talk about leg room on this bad boy!!! I mean I don't have long legs to start with but let me tell you the inside was a lot more civilized than I expected! There's even a leg rest that pops out and power plug ins! Talk about fancy! We are riding in style. 

 

When we got all our stuff plopped down Granny and I both pulled out our food and started chowing down on a lovely meal. I hadn't realized how hungry I was! Meat (that Granny innocently smuggled across the border), cheese, crackers, snap peas, and M&M's for supper! Yummm. After filling our bellies we popped the foot rests out, grabbed our books and enjoyed the utter silence of the half empty train! Settled in for the rest of the night!

Another Journey Begins!

 

Here we go!

Another Year Gone...

It is crazy to think that yet another year has come and gone. In less than a week I will be done my first year of Nursing, and I know now more than ever this is what I am supposed to do! I had a moment just about a month ago that stopped me in my tracks and made me think of what has molded me into the person I am today. I was going through my computer when I came across the family pictures that were taken this past summer. There was a picture of my Mom and I that I hadn’t even remembered ever been taken. The reason it caught me off guard was because it was so obvious how much I have started to look like my Mother. So I started to look closer, at the little details. The way our eyes squinted when we smiled, how our emotions were portrayed though our eyes. I couldn’t help but notice precise angle of our jaws, the way our cheeks scrunched towards our eyes and the simple way our upper lip seems to disappear when our smile is genuine. I soon realized that behind each and every one of these physical characteristics there was also a piece of my personality that came along with it.

I then started to think about that shy little girl I was once that resembled more of my Dad. I know, hard to believe there was a time in my life that I was shy. As I begin to look more like Mom there is no doubt in my mind a large part of my personality has come from my Father as well. Although quieter than my Mom, he has no problem going with the flow and doing things to keep people happy. But when it matters he speaks his mind and stands his ground. In this past year I have started to see that I do that at times as well. Now we all know that Mom is assertive and has no problem sharing her view, which usually results in her getting her way. I never thought I was overly assertive but Auntie Dar pointed out not that long ago that I am when it comes to certain things. I know what I want and stand for and when I feel strongly I will stand my ground. Of course with there only being my brother and I growing up he has also had a big impact on my life. If there is one thing he is good at I would have to say it would be his witty remarks that never fail to make us laugh and smile. He has taught me to laugh until I spit my food across the table as well as set a good example of the importance of academics and how to achieve my goals.

I have been so lucky not only to have my grandparents well but also so close to me and a part of my life.  Although Papa isn’t here physically and my time with him was cut short, I still smile when I realize he is still influencing my life in many ways. The other day when I biked to Lethbridge, the entire ride I was scanning the ditch for treasures and when I came across that “nice red bucket” I noted the location and made Mom stop so I could get it on the way home. I couldn’t help but snicker thinking that was the Papa in me. My Nana has definitely passed on her caring and giving qualities to me. Always making someone’s favorite meal or cookies in the midst of her own busy life she has a way of making you feel special simply through her thoughts and actions. I too now experience the joy that giving has brought to my life through my journey to Africa and currently with volunteering weekly with Streets Alive. I don’t think there is anyone in our family that would disagree that I get my adventurous personality comes from my Granny. She may have what we think are different or “weird” tactics at times, but there is always a lesson to learn and places to explore when it comes to her. As much as I enjoy talking there are times I just like to take it all in. This trait I get from my Grandpa, a man that some may think is quiet and keeps to myself, I believe has immense wisdom because he takes in everything everyone else has to offer and say. Of course everyone else in my life has influenced the person I have grown to be as well. My friends in Africa also expanded who I am and what I stand for, taught me lessons that could only be experienced and are still with me every day. I can not be more grateful for the variety and balance of people in my life. I truly would not be the young women you have come to know. So I must thank everyone in my life for being who they are so I can be who I am.

With love,

C