So, to finally try and finish this first dreadful blog - spelling mistakes and all - I will file the last few photographs and endeavour to 'do better' in my next issue! Suffice to say that we had a lovely two weeks with Mum. Following her departure on 26 June, we have been so busy on the boat I have not actually stopped to take photographs - this will be remedied. We have however met lots of really nice people and been invited to more parties in 7 weeks than in the last 5 years at home! Needless to say, we are having a great time, and apart from missing close friends and family, miss absolutely nothing else.

Travelling up Highway 1 we passed through Big Sur and Carmel. As can be seen from the pictures, the 'June Gloom' was well established - when the cold Pacific Ocean waters meet the warm landmass of the west coast of the USA, a sea fog forms all along the coast. This meteorological anomoly occurs only in June, and although the view was somewhat obscured by the 'gloom' the scenery was still breathtaking.

We finally arrived in San Francisco and proceeded to undertake all the 'touristy' tours - China Town, Trolley bus, Golden Gate - over and under - Alcatraz

So, as I said in my previous blog, we then travelled back south to Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and finally returning to San Diego.

Well, we finally made it, along with Mum and a very anxious dog. Having got over her jetlag. We spent the first two weeks touring California. Starting in San Diego - the city and bay. Then moving on down across the border to Tijuana where we saw more police activity in one day than I have seen in the last year at home - result, a nervous Mum. Wouldn't rush back and wouldn't recommend it either.













Anyway, moving on we took a drive from San Diego up the coast to San Francisco, calling at Ventura, Pismo Beach where the elephant seal colony had just finished breeding - the females had left but quite a number of males were still to be seen. Then on up to Big Sur, Carmel, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Did all the tourist things in SF - China Town, Golden Gates bridge - over and under -, Alcatraz, trolley buses - usual tourist attractions. Returning south through the Sierra Madres (fantastic and not a single photograph!) then Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo (that's Row-day-yo) Drive to y'all. Finally arriving back in San Diego for a rest. And as I don't seem to be able to add any more photographs to this page I am going to post it and try another one for further photographs!!!