Sunny California…Yosemite

September 28, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 9 Comments

🎶Welcome to the hotel California 🎶 Another song popping into my mind!

We landed in Sacramento to be met by Lisa and John – our daughter in law , Jordan’s parents. They live in Lodi abut 45 mins away. We’re so fortunate to get along so well.

They were to be in Yellowstone but got covid. But now here we are and head off to Yosemite together.

John cooked a wonderful omelette with veg from the garden. The bed is super comfortable and the shower is the best! The laundry got done is this definitely a 🛌🛌🛌🛌 stay.

After eating and packing we headed off to Yosemite about 3 hours away. We had a few stops along the way.

First stop was exciting. We’d heard about the dispensaries in California – for marijuana products. It’s legal here and so common. So Lisa and John stopped just so I could see it.

In we went. We had to show ID and register and then the doors opened and we were in a room with lots of products hanging in colourful rows. Like a sweet shop.

I chatted to the man asking about something for pain and swelling on my knee. He showed me patches. Explained their use. It is a CBG product. Not the one banned in Australia. So I took two patches.

Then I asked about sleep. There are gummies, lotions and patches. I took another two. How exciting I thought. I’ll use one tonight.

Next stop was a very cute little town called Angels Camp. Famous for its frog races they have plaques dedicated to the winners of the frog jumping competitions. Mark Twain wrote about the frog jumping to let the US readers know about it. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” by Mark Twain, is a tall tale about a man who bets on anything and wagers that his frog can out-jump a stranger’s frog, with surprising results.

Coffee called at Groveland. There’s a little coffee shop there where I had the best coffee in 8 weeks. It’s run by a young German man.

The Main street had lots of models !

And an interesting bar.

It was into wonderful scenery as we headed towards Yosemite. It is so good to have John driving pointing out things along the way.

There is some magnificent scenery as we arrive in the Yosemite valley.

We checked into The Awanhnee Hotel. it’s an iconic grand old hotel. Lucky us. Lisa & John organised it for us. A few days of relaxation in a beautiful place.

We took a walk before afternoon drinks. Down the meadow. Over the bridge. The views.

Dinner was just lovely in a beautiful room. But unfortunately not the main dining room. It’s having renovations. It was so good to share it all with John & Lisa.

Off to bed in our 3🛌🛌🛌 hotel room.

Day 2:

Breakfast was very simple before we headed off to Yosemite Lodge for a 2 hour tram travel through the Yosemite Valley floor.

We sat in an open train/ tram with a guide who grew up in the Yosemite valley as part of the Indian tribe of the area.

She explained the history of the park., including the types of plants and trees.

We paused to look at El Capitan rock and could see some brave climbers. We watched for awhile as the climbers slowly inched up.

After the little tour we got the car to tour up to Glacial Point. No! We didn’t hike up. The weather was beautiful and Lisa had packed a picnic with a lovely bottle of bubbles to share. Outstanding views of Hal Dome and other mountains – most higher than Mount Kosciusko!

Back down the winding road, another little stop for a walk then back to our lovely room for a nap before dinner.

Day 3:

A walk first up to Mirror Lake. About an hours walk. The mornings are cool especially walking in the shade of the sequoia trees.

Walking for about 40 minutes we arrived at the creek and the lake which after summer is more a small lake – puddle.

The boulders have fallen from the mountains after glacial movement.

Back to the hotel for a late checkout.. I could easily stay longer.

Taking our time to drive home we had lunch at Groveland in a cute Mexican place before driving through the vineyard area surrounding Lodi. Lodi is one of the big wine areas of California. Napa gets the publicity but Lodi has a great wine industry.

Then it was family time. John’s mother Anne came over. Jordans brother Joseph, wife Taci and their three children came over for swim and early dinner.

The twin boys are just a few months younger than Leo. They even look a little alike. Poppy is 5 and very funny and talkative. Very gorgeous children.

It was a big happy noisy family dinner. Then they all went off to bed and we just chatted. John & Lisa made us so welcome and we are good travel buddies. We’ll be seeing them next Wednesday in Brisbane. They are coming over for Alby’s christening and first birthday.

Tomorrow is a travel day to LA to stay two nights with Dan & Izzy Garr. We met Dan on our first ever swim trek and love seeing them. Then a night in San Diego with Ben & Sharon Maisek – another swim friend.

Then Home Sweet Home. Fingers crossed the threatened workers strike doesn’t happen on Sunday as predicted. It could affect flights!

Last day : Lodi to San Francisco

February 20, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Poppy has a sleep over last night so Jordan took her for a walk to get our coffee ! Great start to the last day.

Lisa went to work a little bit later to make the most of Poppy time and to farewell me.

Right on 10am John , Jordan and I set off for San Francisco. It’s a beautiful warm, blue day and they are taking me all the way to San Francisco. About 1.5 hrs with some great signs along the way.

It was an interesting drive past vineyards and into the delta area where we sang the song ‘ drove my chevi to the levy but the levy was dry ‘

There are a number of levy here which cater for the farms in the area. Many crops are grown here.

I could sing my way around America!

‘Are you going to San Francisco….’

‘Do you know the way to San Jose….’

Visiting any area of America produces the opportunity to sing about it!

We arrived via the rather beautiful Bay Bridge. It was replaced after an earthquake brought down part of the old bridge.

It has a great approach and is a rather lovely structure.

We arrived into SF and drove along the Embarcadero………

past all the rejuvenated piers until we reached pier 39.

We parked the car and walked out on pier to Scomos. It’s an old restaurant – like bring on a ship. I had a great shrimp salad. And a glass of Rose!

Last time I’ll see Jordan before baby M arrives!

The day was perfect so we walked along the water. I admired the people swimming! It would be just a little chilly!

Then John took me on a tour. Of course the famous zig zag Lombard St featured.

We arrived at Grove St at a rather small hotel, one block from the painted ladies of Alamo Park. John and Jordan helped me in and then it was goodbye. Next time I see my daughter in law will be with a baby in her arms.

As the weather was so lovely I headed straight out. Up the hill to Alamo Park and the infamous Painted Ladies. SF style houses painted different colours.

My hotel is just down the street to the left.

I then walked …… and walked……. past some great houses.

Past public buildings

Until I had passed numerous homeless people to reach Union Square where I had stayed years ago.

By now I was quite exhausted so had a cup of tea! Watched the passing parade and caught an Uber back to the Grove Inn.

I refreshed in my little room and went to the Alamo Square Seafood Grill. What a find. It was a little FRENCH ! place and I had the best fish fish! Grilled blackened snapper with delicious veg. And a glass of Chardonnay.

In & Out in Lodi.

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

I’ve been told by many people to experience the taste sensations of the local burger place. Or is that palace?

Recently, Qantas, our Australian airline, wrote that when in LA one shouldn’t miss out on visiting an In & Out Burger.
Started in 1948 it is basically the same today. Read about it here :

https://www.in-n-out.com/mobile/history.aspx

I was told it was better than McDonalds!So today John , his mother Ann and I visited an In & Out. Jordan was working from home so passed. Perhaps avoiding a burger !

My first impressions. Bright, clean, with the feel of an American diner – what I think is a diner!

I went for the basic cheeseburger. And we shared the ‘animal fries’ what are these! No not fries in the shape of an animal. They are fries topped – or loaded with cheese and a chopped onion.

We helped ourselves to the drinks while waiting for our number to be called.

I checked out the kitchen where the staff, all looking very neat and tidy we busy freshly chopping potatoes for the fries and serving at the take away windows.

We settled into booth. And checked out the food. Neatly wrapped burgers.

It wasn’t too big so I really enjoyed it.

We cruised around the big streets of Lodi past other drive in shopping areas and made another stop at My Yoghurt. Yum!

The owners are neighbours of John & Lisa. In fact they seem to know someone every time we go out. Lodi isn’t that big.

I stopped in at Ann’s place to look at her garden. She a keen potter- taking cuttings and successfully nurturing them ! She’s a loving grandma to Jordan as was reflected in the present from her grandchildren on her 80 birthday. Take a read of this ….

We picked up Poppy, John & Lisa’s 2 year old granddaughter, and went for a walk to the beach. I really love this community private park and river beach.

Poppy is gorgeous and much loved by all the Donati family. My grandson will be born into a loving family, so I couldn’t be happier.

Lisa cooked a lovely family meal for my last night. Thank you John & Lisa for making me part of your family.

Exploring Lodi

February 18, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

Today we were going to explore the local area. Both near and the not so near.

It started with a walk to the coffee shop with Jordan and her lovely friend Stephanie. We got halfway there and I tripped over! Skinned my hands and knee so headed back home for first aid.

When I’d recovered and the girls had delivered my coffee, we headed to ‘the beach’ . It’s an area of the river which belongs to a community of local house owners. 160 local owners can choose to become members of the cooperative. It’s a part of the river , some sand and parkland. The co operative look after it and get to use it for daily activities or family / friends parties.

It’s so beautiful. Lots of parkland , a bbq area, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and a sandy beach leading into the river water . What a lovely community idea.

John, Jordan & Stephanie in beautiful weather

We headed back to the house to meet Lisa, who had gone to work for a few hours ( it’s a public holiday here – Presidents Day).

And so, off to explore Lodi and the surrounding wine area. First stop

Wine & Roses. This winery/restaurant/hotel/spa /wedding venue and cafe is where Jordan worked just after university. She had met Rob in Barcelona , came home to complete her degree at Santa Barbara, worked in marketing at this lovely hotel winery before leaving to head back to Barcelona to be with Rob. The rest is history!

We explored the hotel and restaurant and had lunch in the cafe, stopping for a chat with the resident bird.

We continued on and headed east out of town past many vineyards with some hundred year old vines.

We stopped at Bokisch. This is influenced by Spanish wine making techniques – the owner is Spanish. The wines are very good and the Tempranillo is quite delicious.

We met Alicia, the wine maker, a really lovely woman who has been making wines for about 12 year’s – winning lots of medals for her delicious wines.

I bought a bottle or two for you Steve! And then we headed towards Lodi town and stopping in at McCays for another tasting. John is a member of their wine club – just like the last winery. It gives a number of free wine tastings each year. Lucky me!

The weather was still unseasonably warm so we strolled down School St – the Main Street of Lodi.

Such a lovely afternoon.

The evening finished at a Mexican restaurant. Beer and tacos. A great evening.

Baby Shower Fun

February 18, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

An early start for a fun set up.

flowers ✔️ glasses ✔️napkins ✔️ plates✔️champagne chilled ✔️bibs, singlets, fabric pens✔️ balloons ✔️bundini✔️ quiche✔️

The girls arrived. The champagne popped and the chatter began.

Traditions in countries differ in the way people celebrate the mother to be.

Perhaps readers have some traditions they have ….. please share in the comments at the end of this post.

All the girls arrived. Neighbours popped by and beautifully wrapped presents gifted to Jordan for her baby.

Guests were invited to design a bib, singlet or little baby suit. The ideas were terrific.

Even little guests had a design in mind.

The food was delicious and the few baby games we played were lots of fun.

Preparing for a baby shower. American style

February 17, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Feeling refreshed after a lovely long sleep I heard chatter in the family area at around 6.30. Jordan and her parents were up drinking tea and catching up.

I went back to sleep!

By 8 am I was ready for a walk and coffee. We walked through the quiet streets of Lodi towards a cute little coffee shop.

The houses are mostly low ranch style with nice gardens and the occasional American flag.

The Donati’s have lived in their comfortable house for about 32years and it’s a lovely big family place with a beautiful pool out the back.

We called into Jordan grandmas house after coffee. Everything is nice and close here and nice and flat for walking.

Lisa has a list of little jobs to do that would have me exploring Lodi and nearby Stockton as we prepared for the baby shower. Jordan was off to a bridal shower with her friends.

Jordan in her way to her friend’s bridal shower

First stop for us was The Hobby Lobby! A giant craft type place filled with everything needed for setting up your arts & crafts. We bought a selection of glass vases for the white flowers we got later at Costco ( along with a Speedo swimsuit!). We also got ribbons.

Then it was the party place for baby shower napkins, table decorations, a banner and other bits and pieces. As we queued up a lady commented on my lipstick colour! She was very impressed I had come all the way from Australia for a baby shower.

Then to Stockton for the bundtini – little decorated cakes. we couldn’t but look at Flair a ladies boutique owned by godmother. I bought a lovely shirt. Not there – at another store Lisa likes.

Back home for crab salad lunch , flower arrangements decorating and family gathering before heading to a family style brewery. It was perfect for pizza, beer and games for the kids.

Travel: has its ups and downs

February 16, 2020February 16, 2020 / brisbanefrannie / 11 Comments

Receiving the invitation to Jordan’s baby shower at the end of January started me thinking!

Why not surprise Jordan by arriving for her baby shower?

Rob and Jordan live in New York but the baby shower was to be in Lodi, north California.

I checked…… I could get a points flight. Done – booked.

Flight day arrived ( Lisa and John were in on the secret and ready to meet me in San Francisco)

Arriving at the airport nice and early I tried to check in. No!

Qantas had no record of my ESTA. ( Despite having seen it was valid until March)

So no check in!

I had to apply for a new ESTA and rebook on a flight the next day. Only problem. It was out of Sydney.

Long story short. I flew to Sydney and onto a 6pm flight. Luckily I still was able to get a whole row of seats to myself ( thank you Pat)

Jordan’s dad picked me up at and we drove to Lodi. It’s a small place about two hours east of San Fran. In a wine region.

Passing through Stockton we collected crabs for dinner and headed home to surprise Jordan.

The reaction was amazing. I walked into the house. Jordan was on the phone with Rob( who was back in NY) and screamed and started sobbing! I think it was a joyful sob!

Rob was just as surprised – but with out the sobbing. Then asked why I hadn’t told him, as he would have come across from NY!

We had a big, happy, family night with crab, salad and lovely local wine. From Ann ( Jordan’s grandma down to Poppy aged 2 ) it was a fun night. My jet lag was non existent. When surrounded by happiness it’s hard to be jet lagged.

But finally into bed

frans travel tales

come along with me

lodi