Spring Break 2011 - California

We had intended for this to be an entire family trip - BUT Tom couldn't get off work.  We flew into San Francisco Airport late on Thursday night and got up early to head over to Oakland to go to the temple.  From there we headed south to Monterrey spending a few days exploring the beach and aquarium with the Riches.  Then it was off to downtown SF where we were startled by the "bushman" (a homeless man that hides behind bushes to scare people then ask for money), we saw Ghirardelli, the wharf, Alcatraz and even tried dumplings in China Town.  Quite the cultural experience all within the United States!

Breakfast before the temple.

It is rare to have a picture of just me:)

Inside the visitors center.

Whalers Village - along the shore watching the sea lions swim.

They made the old whalers cabin into a mini museum.

Technology has come a long way - hasn't it?

They used these pots to boil the lard from the whales.

We explored along the coast and looked for water life.

Not a glimpse of the sun the entire week.

Another shot of just me?  Really a record!

Outside the aquarium in Monterrey.

A cool seahorse that looks like a floating piece of kelp.

Hands on - touch a starfish, or any other type of living specimen from the ocean.

Our favorite stop along the Wharf - especially when the smell of hot Sourdough bread called our name.

The line to Alcatraz.

On the ferry ride to Alcatraz.

Just a little windy and brrr, cold.

This is what the we'd look like if we were stuck behind bars - a little creepy!

Audio Tour

Community Showers

Lombardi Street

Our last day we took a walk across the Golden Gate  - and yes this was the most sun we saw all week!