Bodega Dunes 2014

We were able to get away for a few days last week and camp over at our favorite spot north of Bodega Bay. The first day ended up having periods of heavy mist turning to light rain, especially in the evening. but the second and third days were very nice and quite warm. Mom likes the campsites closest to the bathrooms/showers (which were free that day) so we usually pick one of the sites like this one or those on either side. The great new EasyUp shelter gave us protection from both the rain and the sun.

The tent was big and comfortable, as were the sleeping arrangements. But then, I always sleep well when camping. And the Jeep (hey, how did that get in the picture?!?) was perfect for hauling all the stuff we took.

This photo was taken the second day, but actually, it was nice like this early on the first day as well. I got in two good days of boogie boarding, and could have made it on the third day, but didn't want to push it since we were packing up to leave. This view is from Bodega Head, which is out past the  Spud Point Crab Shack. The BEST clam chowder ANYWHERE! Bar none. We shared a pint of that and a fresh shrimp sandwich on a toasted roll. Manalive!

Warm water, warm weather, good food, good sleep, good traveling. What's not to love?

State Fair 2014

We don't too many pictures (that we haven't already Instagramed), but we did have a real good time at the fair. I think it was a good day for Melody in spite of the heat - mostly because before we even started to the fair we stopped at Hobby Lobby. It was enough to keep her going throughout the day.

I always like seeing the artwork, especially the big mechanical jobs that some guy does. The one this year was very good. But I really liked this very cool sculpture of a rock splashing into a pond, only it's wood.

I was impressed.

As for food (the main reason for going to the fair), the day included a Jumbo Corn Dog, walnuts, three Hawaiian Shaved Ices (sour blue raspberry, sour green apple and root beer), we shared a very nice cinnamon roll, and later on a big bratwurst on  roll with onions and peppers. Mel had a HUGE turkey and avocado grinder, and before we left we wrapped things up with a chocolate dipped cone and a Very Berry Gelato. What a Day!

 

What I've Been Up To

This year's 4th Level Girls Hike was to the top of Castle Peak (9,100'). Castle Peak is just north of Boreal Ski Resort. It was a beautiful day, and a fairly difficult hike for the girls. In fact, only 3 actually made it to the very top. Rich and Peter and I went up with them. Here are a few scenes from the trip.

The view from a distance

Getting closer. We took the trail through the green just to the right of the ridge.

On the way up there was a cool pinnacle that needed holding up

Near the top. We ended up above the rocks.

The view from the top looking north, and the view looking south (Boreal in the distance).

As always, we ate really, really well while camping. Rich brought mini

cinnamon muffins and I brought bacon. Do you see where this is going?

(By the way, that's not what it looks like in Uncle Richie's mug, it's dark chocolate cocoa.)

Yes, that's a bacon-cinnamon muffin sandwich. Almost as good as a bacon crusted maple bar. Yum!