Mendocino
January 1-4, 2005

This is the beginning of a true story about Audrey...

...and me and our trip to Mendocino.

This is as close as we got to snow this New Year's.
[a snow-capped mountain north of Calistoga]




a view by Clear Lake
[California's largest lake]














scenic drive out to the coast




winter creek




a glimpse of the redwood covered mountain range that sits on the north coast




moss covered









The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offer a large variety of local and foreign greenery.









a view of the pacific ocean




by the raging waters









splash




a giant Erica [a foot-low bush in Sweden]




exploring fern canyon









Another few drizzly miles down the road, we arrive at The Headlands Inn in Mendocino.




superior




the evening falls




breakfast by the sea









we rent bikes and head 7 miles up the Big River









a large downtown doggie




shopping for picnic food at the very church-looking organic market




big seat for a big guy




by the waters




another day









Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is located a short hike off Hwy 1.




the trail goes right by the sleepless shore line

We also spotted several whales from the lighthouse trail.

[If I had a better zoom, you'd see them too.]

The sun is beating down as we start our journey back south...




How Californian is that?




looking the other way




A break from driving - we find ourselves a nice picnic spot...




...with an impressive view.
This is not your typical January 4th.




stopping by the Timber Cove Inn




a cozy interior [but not maintained]




[and so, highway one takes us home]