CA trip report
 

We flew into Sacramento and realized we had packed light clothes and needed warmer clothing. Off to WalMart!!!
Since Hertz gave us a free upgrade to a SUV we decided to try it out...so...drove to Yosemite, where we found SNOW and lots of it. Took several pictures of the YOSEMITE sign with snow everywhere because we did not think we could go into the park, since we didn't have chains and did not know if the SUV was 4 wheel drive or not.
Asked anyway, and was told it was at our own risk...we had come 2200 miles, why not.
Since we have never been to Yosemite, we do not know what we missed by having a couple of feet of snow on the ground, but Yosemite in the snow is beautiful. My pictures look like postcards.
Next day drove to San Francisco, spent 3 days on Fisherman's Wharf, visited Alcatraz, Golden Gate, China Town, enjoyed the weather (it had warmed up) and views. Drove down Lombard St. slowly. Ate at good (Rain Forest Cafe, In-and-Out Burgers)and no-so-good (Neptune's Palace)restaurants.
Final day drove up hiway 1 to The Sea Ranch. We are planning a whole trip to this area, views everywhere and ambiance. Peaceful and restful. Hiway 1 in the daytime is an experience I had always wanted to encounter,then I found out to get back to Hiway 101 I had to go 50 miles further north or 20 miles south, in the dark. I found out driving Hiway 1 in the dark is not fun, but terrifying, my headlights went out into nowhere and I knew somewhere far below the side of the cliff was a cold and dark Pacific Ocean. While beautiful by day.....I do not recommend at night. Took nearly 2 hours to go 30 miles, had to watch for deer and cows, I now understand why Claifornia cows are happy, they live at the beach!!!!
Flight home delayed twice for unknown reasons.

Hi Arkansasnurse, Yosemite is beautiful and especially so when there is snow.

About Hwy-1, you are not the only one that doesn't like to be driving on it in the dark. Scary is an understatement! Am glad it warmed up a bit for you. We have not had a spring, one weather expert was quoted yesterday as saying our "spring" is like January weather. So true.

I hope you can get back to California again and enjoy seeing some more of our state.

We want to come back and see Yosemite in fall, also do a wine tour. Everyone there was great, no one laughed at our Southern drawl. Some day will do the rest of Hwy 1 in the daylight only. Would like to stay overnight at the Sea Ranch. I see myself reading a good novel while on the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Hi ARKANSASNURSE, SeaRanch would be a beautiful spot to rent a house and just chill out.

Autumn here in Northern CA is the loveliest time of the year so I think you will be very pleased with the weather.

And dear one, we have lots of people from the south, plus from all over the world. I don't know anyone that laughs at anyones accent. Well if they did I wouldn't want them in my world. BTW, I have some friends from Fort Smith and everyone loves their accent. Plus their hospitality.

BTW, after you posted your trip report a week or so later a man in his 30's from out of state went over a cliff on Hwy 1..his car and body was found the next day..he had been driving this road at night.

Hurry back to California!!

Oh Lordy, over the cliff...well glad we decided to fly from LA to San Francisco, instead of drive. We're South Florida seniors used to driving on flat land, and after driving from Las Vegas-Grand Canyon-Sedona-Phoenix, we opted to fly to LA and then to San Francisco. That windy trip up North scared me silly and the prospect of the parking problems also convinced me. We're staying at the Tuscan Inn (Fisherman's Wharf)for 6 days and understand many of the tours start there. We expect to take day tours, which I normally don't like (but my DH has problems walking). We want to see the city, cruise around Alcatraz (not interested in stopping - too much walking), Muir Woods, Monterey, Carmel & 17 mile drive, and the wine country. However, checking out the various tours companies, I find that there are so many and don't know which ones are best. Would love limo and private tours but the expense is out of the question. Can anyone recommend tours that you have liked? Appreciate any help. Thank you.