California 2012

Ken and I flew into the San Francisco airport on July 2. We rented a car and drove to Los Gatos, arriving late at night to stay with our son and daughter-in-law. We didn't realize until the next morning that they have a lovely courtyard outside their front door ~
And beautiful greenery off their back deck ~

That night we attended a baseball game in Oakland and watched the Red Sox lose to the A's in the 9th inning under a full moon ~

The game was followed by an amazing display of fireworks ~

We celebrated Independence Day with a private wine tasting and vineyard tour in Cupertino at Ridge Vineyard, which literally sits atop a ridge ~

That overlooks Santa Clara and San Jose ~

Ken and I enjoyed baked goods and coffee the following morning at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company ~

On Friday we soaked in the atmosphere of early morning Los Gatos at Posh Bagel before we started the drive north to San Ramon ~

As we drove we couldn't get over the golden hills that rise up at every turn ~

And line every highway ~

On Sunday we topped off a wonderful visit with a delicious dinner at The Peasant & The Pear Restaurant in Danville ~

And a walk through the Blackhawk Mall, where shops encircle a pond complete with live ducks and whimsical sculpture ~

Monday morning we left early for Oregon, with a stop to say hello to the massive redwoods in Prairie Creek State Park, our last stop in California ~