Home for the " Holidays "

Looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year in Rosehearty with family and friends.

See you all from the 20th Dec to 3rd Jan. Hope Santa doesn't get confused!!!!!

Thanksgiving in San Francisco

We headed off to San Francisco for Thanksgiving on Wednesday morning and after a 4 hour flight we arrived safe and well. We took the train from the airport into the city and were in our hotel by late afternoon. We went for a walk round the city centre in the evening to get our bearings and find the hire car place for the next mornings drive to The Golden Gate Bridge.
It was a beautiful sunny day - perfect for sightseeing.

THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE



































MUIR WOODS

After seeing the Bridge we headed off to Muir Woods about
20 miles away. Here there are lovely hiking trails and spectacular Redwood Trees. We walked the Ocean Trail before heading down the Lost Trail!!!!. However, we didn't get lost. Not like J's navigation skills as we attempted to find our way back to the Hotel!!!!


































Don't know what happened to this tree. It surely didn't realise
it was supposed to grow up the way.






ALCATRAZ

The next day we took a trip out to Alcatraz. It was a bit dull
and gray but we did the guided tour and took our time walking in the Prison Grounds.

A view of San Francisco from the boat.







CHINA TOWN

The highlight of any holiday is the food. Here S. is

tucking into her bread bowl of clam chowder

We found a lovely park in the middle of San Francisco

and felt right at home with the seagulls.






THE SEA LIONS - very noisy - but fun down at Fishermens Wharf.



The cable car being turned at the bottom of the hill. You really

neeed these to get around the most hilly city we have ever seen.

Halloween Capers

A group photo. Its a bit blurred
but everyone is in good 'spirits'.







Jean & Jennifer
"The Two Amigos"
(Fit a sight)






S and friends having a ball.

The vampire princess &

her witch friend.

Anyone for a hay ride?

One of the neighbours took

the kids around the neighbourhood

in style.

Our neighbours here are just as scary as the ones back home!!!!!!

A Fighter Pilot Experience

Gordon received a fighter pilot experience for his 50th birthday
The day started with a briefing about the sortes he would be doing
and meeting his opponent Steve.

This is the plane that Gordon took to the air in. After take off he was given the controls and it was all up to him.






Gordon with his instructor Jim. He has 30 years of fighter pilot experience.







A family pose







Before Gordon was strapped into the plane S got a 'shottie'.
I think the helmet was a bit big for her.









Jim explaining the controls to Gordon.

Concentration!!!!!

How 'cute' is the little red cap.

Parachute on - and all strapped in.

One last look behind to say cheerio.

Ready for take off.





Once the plane was in the air they flew 25 miles to where the sortes took place. Gordon received a video of this but I think it is too large to put on the Blog. Hopefully you can see it when we come home at Christmas.

A birds eye view of the 'enemy' plane.

Gordon was the ultimate winner !!!!!!!! .





It was an amazing experience and a once in a lifetime event. Thank you Stuart, Jennifer, Mark, Stephanie & Sarah.

Eating Out Cowboy style

Juicy ribs - perfect finger food - yum!!!!








Not to be outdone Gordon tries some too.











The local 'Saloon'












S and a new friend.









S The Cowgirl

The Stockyards Museum

Here are a variety of exhibits at the Stockyards Museum. All
horse and carraige and rodeo related.












A funeral carraige







A carraige for the 'well to do'














This one would be used like our modern day taxi.





















This one would be like a caravan is today