Alameda, CA

I'm now out of Sequoia and am in Alameda, CA, staying with a friend. My drive from Sequoia was spotty, to say the least. Left the campground at 8am, made it to a service center in Fresno, and stayed there 4 hrs while they diagnosed my overheat problem. Found a bunch of curd clogging up my radiator on the backside, inaccessible from the front. They wanted $1,000 to remove the radiator and clean it. Then, as they were about to tear into it to do that and look at the thermostat, they discovered that they didn't have a new thermostat to install. So I just told them to forget it and that I would try to use a hose to dislodge the crud myself. I drove up Hwy. 99 in 104 degree heat, and the RV did just fine. Then, I had to get on Hwy. 580 to the Bay area - up a huge hill many miles long. As I went up the grade, the engine temperature began to climb. From 1/4 hot, to half, to 3/4 hot...I didn't think I'd make it. But it held at 3/4 until I crested the hill! From there, it was an easy drive to Alameda. I'll stay here until Saturday, then it's off to Mom's. Here are some more pics from Sequoia...

Sequoia National Park

Welcome back! Left Big Sur a few days ago and have been staying in Sequoia National Park. Took a shortcut out of Big Sur and traveled on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to leave the area. What a road! Climbed 6000 ft on a 1 and a half lane road, hairpin turns the whole way, never going faster than 15 mph! It was really beautiful though. Highly recommend a trip this way.

Got about 15 miles past the 101 and…overheated! Stuck on the side of the road for about an hour. Couldn’t find a two company to handle my RV, so by this time, the engine had cooled and I started on down the road. Made it all the way to Sequoia just fine, although I am taking it in to a service center in Fresno tomorrow to find out what’s going on.

The stay here has been very nice. I am at the Potwisha campground just inside the park. I did some hiking, visited Crystal Cave inside the park, and saw the big trees. Very nice! Blew up another inverter, however. Going to try to get one professionally installed when I get to Fresno. Anyway, enjoy these shots:

Hi Flolks,

Spent the last few days in Monterey and traveled to Sequoia, arriving yesterday early evening. Was not without it's difficulties. But first, some pictures of Monterey...

An otter at the aquarium..



















Couple of pics on a walk along the shore, just north of the aquarium.






















And of course, the Lone Cypress on 17 mile drive in Monterey...






















Next, went to the Hog's Breath Inn (Clint Eastwood's place) in Carmel. Then, the drive back to the campsite....Out of time here at the Internet Cafe! Will post on Monday!!!

Big Sur

The view at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park

Hope that picture gives you a feel for what it's been like here in Big Sur, California. Been here for the past two days or so. This place is a must see for everyone! The beauty here is unbelievable. Reminds me of the Napali Coast in Hawaii. The green trees, contrasting with the various shades of blue waters and the rocks is really something to see. Yesterday, I did a hike off Hwy 1, 47 miles south of Big Sur, called Salmon Creek. I hiked in only about an eigth of a mile, and found an incredible waterfall. Here are some pics:

The rest of the day, I just drove along the coast, stopping at every scenic overlook. Here are a bunch of picutures:

The next day, (Sunday), I again traveled south of my campground, about 28 miles to a place called Limekiln State Park, again, right on the 1. What a beautiful place this is! A must see, folks! The trails very serene, shady, and quiet.

Ok, I forgot one picture from Malibu Creek State Park. Here's a shot from my campsite:

Finally, here's that awesome waterfall at Julia Burns Pfieffer.

That's all for now! I'll have more pics in about 2 days, after I visit Montery!