Pelicans, The Great Salt Lake & Wedding

I was looking for a store on my way out of Reno and stopped in to a Department of Wildlife & Conservation office. Never knew the USA had the largest inland Pelican wintering/breeding site in Utah!!! (When I find the brochure I'll tell ya the name of the Indian Reservation/Preserve.)
As I was taking pictures of the Great Salt Lake, I ventured across the parking lot to take a couple of some horses that were there. By the time I got to them however, the people had loaded them up into the trailer. They were the nicest people! After I explained what I had come to do, they invited me over to see them over by the marina... their daughter had just gotten married and she had wanted to get pictures of herself in her wedding dress with her horses at sunset. You can see the bride's cowboy boots under her gown. : )

Reno

Well, after having been in Las Vegas, I thought perhaps Reno might be an ok town... not so much. Couldn't wait to leave. lol

Tahoe & Bonanza

Lake Tahoe was incredibly beautiful! I was surprised at the turquoise color of the water, especially nearest the shore.

I happened to go looking for the Ponderosa log house where they filmed a season of Bonanza and through true diligence located it! Apparently, after its brief stint in Hollywood, it was turned into an amusement park. It lasted as such until 2004 when it was sold to a private person [corporation who needed the land prolly.] It was gated off with an electrified fence and some barbed wire, so I didn't push it!!

Truckee & Lake Tahoe

I kept driving 'til i couldn't any more. When I stopped to fill up with gas, the first thing I noticed was just how cold it was in the mountains!!! Then I noticed the aroma of the pine & cedar trees, as well as someone using a wood stove. Very comforting, especially after locating the sweater I had brought with me.

The Watershed/Turning Point

The ride inland from the coast was pretty neat. First it was really windy, please-don't-be-drunk-or-tired-when-you-drive-here! :| Then it turned into wine country with all these gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills. A pleasant relief after getting lost in Los Angeles for an hour!! I pulled over for the night in a town called Paso Robles. Very nice, with a wine cellar to boot! And yes, Virginia, there is a white wine that doesn't relieve your mouth of all moisture!!!! Orange Muscat by the Robert Hall Vineyards. Yum!

Cabrillo National Park

Cabrillo National Park was built to commemorate Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He stepped ashore as the first european to do so in 1542. The Point Loma Lighthouse and old military outpost that was once housed here were cool to see. But, the National Cemetery located there was humbling because you realize so many men & women have given their lives for yours. Sincere gratitude to their service and their families sacrifice.

Pacific Coast Highway

Toolin' along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) the Pacific Ocean was always in view. Love the smell of salt air and surf! And Ventura Highway deserves the song. < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnhKcCwZwl8 > ... these two roads had to be my favorites thus far.

Cali flora

The flowering trees, shrubs and plants are outstanding! Purple and all shades of lavender... fiery orangey-reds... creamy whites... They have a tree here called a Poinciana Tree that was so amazing I made a U turn to snap a photo of it. Growing up, my grandmother had a yellow Jacaranda Tree, but I had never seen a Purple one... I believe this must be the state tree!!! They're everywhere & they are lovely!! Being from the South, I just adore Magnolia Trees... the aroma is heavenly. I had to chuckle when I saw the lemon trees in people's yards. We had lemon, grapefruit, banana and orange trees in Florida. Lots of good memories came to mind.

Coronado Beach: both the civilian side and the military one. Dogs were allowed on the military one so I took them for their first trip to the ocean. At first, they were scared of the waves and tried to get away. By the time we left, they were jumping into the waves & all around like a couple of ponies! : )