Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore is a large body of land that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean about 60 miles north of San Francisco.  Because it sticks out into the Pacific it is a great birding spot, particularly during the Spring and Fall migrations.  In the fall it is also a popular whale watching destination, particularly out by the light house.



This is on the road to the light house.  The strong winds off the ocean make the trees grow following the conture of the bluffs.  Karyl apparently is feeling the same effect.





The light house.  Unfrotunately we couldn't walk down the day we were there, it's only 300 steps.




One of the reasons the light house is there.




Even the wildlife enjoys the views.



Path to seal point.  Doug is pointing to the seals off in the distance

Didn't have my long lens with but you can see the seals on the beach right in the center of this shot



Nothing like a relaxing walk on the beach.



Nick's Cove II

First stop on our California trip was Nick's Cove.  It was on California State Highway 1, which follows the coastline the entire length of the state.  Across the bay we were on was Point Reyes, one of the best birding spots in the world.  The bay also lies directly on the San Andreas fault, during the San Francisco earthquake of the early 1900's Point Reyes moved 12 feet of so farther north.

Nick's Cove is a wonderful spot, which we all enjoyed greatly; thanks to Heather and Frank for the discovery.  We ate in their restaurant all 3 nights, food was outstanding.

Here's some pics...




The restaurant and cabins sit on pilings over the water.  The restaurant is on the far left; our cabin, Big Rock, is on the far right.

 



A view from our cabin deck.  A pier runs out from the restaurant.  The small hut at the end of the pier had seating, a wood burning stove, and a phone with a direct line to the bar for "deliveries".

 

Our cabin had a perfect spot for bridge with windows on two sides looking out over the water.



Macy and I slept here.




Our cabin  and the pier from the shore line.




Off our deck was Big Rock occaionally occupied by some local residents.



Out on the pier



Next to Nick's Cove was a small park and boat ramp.  On the Friday of our stay a paddle board race was held.




The restaurant



Nick's Cove

On vacation in Northern California.  First stop is Nick's Cove a wonderful place that Heather and Frank discovered.  We arrived yesterday afternoon and when we entered our cabin were greeted by a great arrival surprise, an anniversary gift from Heather, Frank, Renee, and Scott.

Pike Lake State Park

We did a brief camping trip this past week to Pike Lake State Park, about 30 minutes north of Heather and Frank's home.  Nice big lake with a beach, lots of trails through the "kettles", and a beautiful campground.  Here's a few pics.



Here's our campsite.  Campground had 32 sites with half having an electrical hook up.  It was 90's each day so being able to run the trailer's air conditioner was essential.  Nice showers and lots of friendly people.




This had been our inside dining area, somewhere along the line it became "Baily's bed".




Fun at the beach





Lunch time



Delaney Seaton Shaw is One!

Today is Delaney's first birthday.  Here's a few shots of this precious little girl from earlier this week.



Starting to walk and experiment with different surfaces





Boy, does Grandpa envy this girl's hair




At the beach with Grandma





And here's the other birthday girl.  Happy birthday Heather!

 

Baily is One - Field Trip

Today is Baily's first birthday so we went on a field trip and visited some of Baily's favorite places.



First stop was the feed store in Rhinelander.  Time to buy more food.



Yum!  (I guess)



Next stop was his favorite vets.



Baily got to pick out a birthday toy.



Then off to the Tomahawk Dog Park for a run



Playing with his football



Last stop, where else, Hoggie Doggies for Chicago Dogs, fries, and a malt.  Baily even got part of Macy's butter pecan waffle cone.



Baily is One - First Pics

Baily is one today.  Here's a few pics from the first time we photograped him.  September of 2012, he was about 6 weeks old.



Already wants to be the center of attention!





Taking a break



Ready to rumble.  Baily is right in the center of the action.



5 minutes after the previous pic everyone was sound asleep.  Baily is on the far right of the main group.  There were 12 pups in the litter.