July 29, 2007
Yesterday we went down the Avenue of the Giants, a winding road that went through more of the redwoods. The sun was shining, so this time, there was a completely different experience of sunlight and shadow. Today we continued all the way down to San Francisco on Highway 1. . what a trip! You think you have seen the most beautiful sight ever, and then you round a corner, and there is the next one. Charles drove the curving road with caution and care, and it seemed as though he was constantly doing hairpin curves on a rolling road. I exclaimed at one point, “Oh look! Did you see that?” and he replied, “The only thing that I am seeing is this space right in front of the car.” Of course I immediately offered, “Would you like me to drive for a while so you can gaze about at all the wonders here?” His response of “Heavens, no!” was a trifle too fervent I thought, but then I was relieved that I could continue to look and look.
In the little town of Manchester, someone became very creative with topiary trees, and a bit later along the road, someone else filled a yard with metal dinosaurs and gorillas and such. At such sightings, one thinks well, with a little effort, we could make our yard a very interesting space, too. . . but then, on second thought. . .
As we came southward, the trees changed to cypress and eucalyptus, both of which appeared in wonderful rows along the roadsides and in groves going down to the beaches. When we approached the Golden Gate Bridge, it was great fun to be physically in the space that is so often photographed and filmed. Saturday crowds were gathering around the city, and our progress was slow. Once south of San Francisco, we made better time, though many cars were parked around each beach entrance as people were out enjoying the water. When we entered the Salinas Valley, we came upon miles and miles of truck farms. It was good to see the incredible operations that produce most of those fresh vegetables that we so take for granted in our year round eating.
Now we will continue southward to Santa Barbara to visit dear friends for a bit, then do one last journey up Highway #1 for a wedding of our goddaughter next weekend in San Francisco. Charles is the organist, and the processional will be the piece he wrote for her baptism. That will be the conclusion to this adventure which has been a grand experience from the very first day.