Trip to California...Kind of

Our trip to California was cut short (mentioned in previous post), but we definitely enjoyed our travels along the way!

Excited to be on our way! Honestly, I don't even think we had hit the freeway yet.

Our fist campsite was just outside of Crescent City, CA. It was a nice, relaxing spot.

Early the next morning we packed up and headed into Crescent City where we found a couple of docks filled with sea lions and seals. They were hilarious to watch. Nearby were a couple of fishermen cleaning their morning catch so the animals were really active.

We headed out of town and began our trek down highway 1 through the Redwoods. The coast was foggy, but still beautiful!

So, 21 years ago my family took a vacation down highway 1; however, the details of the vacation are "foggy". As Chad and I were driving down highway 1, certain things I would see would cause a flood of memories to return. As we drove around one of the many corners, we came upon Paul Bunyan and Babe. I shouted with excitement at Chad to pull over and although it costs $14 per person to venture on the trail and we opted out, the memory and opportunity of another picture in front of Paul Bunyan and Babe was worth every second.

No, I would not necessarily consider myself a tree hugger, but the size of these trees is hard to believe. We took a slight detour from Highway 1 and veered onto The Avenue of the Giants. Oh! My! Goodness! When they say "Avenue of the Giants" they are not kidding. These trees are so massive they almost seemed surreal. Also, I'm almost certain that at one point or another I heard the e-woks rustling and whispering in the forest behind us. =)

We were both in "awe" at how the trees grow in a spiral formation. I love this picture I took looking up the tree; however in doing so, I lost my footing and almost fell backwards. I'm still in shock just thinking about how impressive these trees are.

If a Redwood falls in the forest how does one get around it? We questioned this as this was part of a self guided tour through a section of the Redwoods. We both couldn't imagine what it would've been like hundreds of years ago discovering new territory and coming upon a fallen Redwood. There is absolutely no way over the top and to walk all the way around would be much time lost in travels. Again, the size is unbelievable!

Yes, another childhood memory. Although 21 years ago when we drove my parents conversion van through a tree, the van got stuck. Even with the mirrors pushed all the way in. I remember Rolan and I having to crawl out of the back doors of the van, run around, and help rock the van back and forth to get it unstuck. Quite a hilarious moment...luckily, our car fit with no problems!

Finally, our one and only glimpse of the Napa Valley wineries. On our way home we got stuck in construction and were able to capture one picuture of a winery. The winery was absolutely gorgeous, evenly raked and not a leaf on the ground in sight. I believe this was the Kenwood Winery. We hope to make a trip down there again...hopefully with Danny and Becky.

God is Good

The last couple of weeks have been quite a whirlwind and God has been good for sure. I was just reading my last post (quite depressing), but things have turned around since then.

Two weekends ago Chad I traveled to Priest River for a wedding (congratulations Annie and Don) and we had an absolute blast. It was great to see many friends that we had not seen or hung out with in a long time. We were home for 3 days and began driving south towards San Francisco. Our final destination was Santa Rosa (about an hour north of San Francisco) for another wedding of some great friends (congrats Danny and Becky). We drove through Oregon and at the California/Oregon border we headed west towards Crescent City and the Redwood Nathional Forest (more pics coming). On our second day of travels I received a phone call from the principal at Sandburg Elementary and he wanted to interview me for a 6th grade position. I was beyond excited, yet nervous because teaching 6th grade wasn't exactly what I'd had in mind. Beings that we were driving through the mountains the reception was poor and the principal said he would call me back in about an hour, as he was already fully aware that Chad and I were on vacation in California. As soon as we had cell reception we pulled over and waited for the phone call...The interview was a little different, but an hour after that I received another call from the Director of HR. I assumed he was calling about something in regards to subbing; however, he said that he would like to offer me the 6th grade position at Sandburg Elementary. Following his statement was an awkward moment of silence and then I shouted, "I'm totally in!". He laughed and said a bit more seriously, "Yes, Robin, you are totally in."

Beings that Chad and I were about an hour from the rehearsal dinner site, we decided to continue towards Danny and Becky. It was bittersweet sharing the news, because we had a hamburger and then turned around to head home. We were both full of emotions when we left the rehearsal dinner...sad to be leaving, yet excited that I got a job. Not only were we going to be missing Danny and Becky's wedding, but the following weekend we had plans to travel to sourthern Idaho for another wedding (congrats Anna and Brent). We pushed through that night until about midnight where we then stopped in Redding. The next day we drove 10 hours the rest of the way home and the following morning we were up bright and early to go put my classroom together (again, more pics soon).

God is good. Many family and friends had been praying for something good to come our way and mainly for me to get a job. Through much prayer and support, it happened. Again, God is good. Thank you everyone for your prayers.

Now I'm off to correct papers with my morning tea in hand. =)