Gold Country Vacation

We just got home from our week in the California Gold Country, an area that we've never really visited before. It was such a nice vacation! Here's my photo album...

It started last Saturday when we drove to Placerville where we stayed with Margie Hamilton, Mike's mom. She is such a sweet lady and it was lovely to see her in her own habitat! She graciously allowed us to stay in her basement apartment.

This is just one shot of the side of her house and the yard from where we were parked.

One evening we all went out for Mexican food together and another night she lavished us with all these good things. She kept us well stocked with other goodies as well. Yum! 

Rain was predicted on Monday so we decided to head north on Sunday to see Nevada City by way of Coloma, Auburn and Grass Valley. It was a beautiful drive.

Nevada City is charming and looks very much the same as it did during the Gold Rush days (except for all those cars!).

This is a house which has windows brought over from England. Isn't it pretty?

 We walked around part of the residential area and enjoyed all the homes and buildings.

These old brick buildings had heavy metal shutters and were in very good condition! Earthquakes must not be much of a problem up in this area.

The old fire station has been turned into a museum.

I totally enjoyed seeing trees and plants turning colors... it was so pretty! I also enjoyed the cold weather! Such a welcome change from our hot summer.

There was quite a bit of interesting mining stuff to look at and lean on.

Coming home we pulled over at a place where we could get close to the American River.

Monday was a rainy day so we stayed around Placerville. We started with breakfast at Sweetie Pie's, then drove up and down the main street sightseeing.

In Placerville there is the most wonderful hardware store that is stocked with everything you might need and lots of things you might want! It has a full supply of all gold panning supplies that was interesting. I had fun doing a bit of Christmas shopping there (but don't worry... I didn't buy you any panning supplies!).

We went up the hill to the Gold Bug Mine and were the only people there because of the rain. It was interesting to see the little museum but we didn't go inside... 

we decided to save our $10 for something else.

After the mine we headed up to Apple Hill, which is like Oak Glenn on steroids. With the rain we had the place almost to ourselves but enjoyed seeing everything and driving around the winding roads. I was so tempted to jump out and collect apples! They were all over the ground under the trees, but I would have had to tresspass!

Fall color.

 On Tuesday we headed south on Highway 49 and went as far as Jackson. We drove through pretty country and several small towns.

Up this street was an interesting old foundry.

Fall leaves just looked pretty.

Sutter's Creek was a nice town with several good looking B&B's.

In Jackson we were directed to a really good place for lunch! Broccoli and chicken salads were both delicious and David's ham & egg sandwich hit the spot for him.

We were back in Placerville by mid afternoon and spent the rest of the day in the public library, reading our books or ones there that we wanted to read.

Wednesday morning we headed down to the Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo, 

which is still just as nice as ever.

The Apple Farm is right near Morro Bay, which is gorgeous! 

David watched golfers take their shots while I walked across the street to take in the bay.

I love this walk up the hill between those trees... it's just one of the prettiest places I know of!

I also love this view of the road into Solvang, where we stopped on our way home for a lunch of pastries and some string cheese we brought along! This time I tried the macaroon and a strawberry meringue, which were both good. David had the eclair.

Gretchen and Chris live right on the way home! We got into traffic but were still able to 

get to their place for a little while before leaving to meet Chris at his high rise building in Glendale, where we all ate dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. It was nice to see 

where he works and to see their sweet family.

Luanne and Ed have been with us here at home for a couple weeks and will be

 here for another week, so it was nice to leave the house in their hands 

while we were gone and we look forward to seeing them tomorrow night when they 

return from visiting family and friends in south Orange County.

It's been relaxing and a true change of pace... the perfect vacation. 

Thank you Lord for safe travels, 

for beauty, 

for changing weather, 

and for the people in our life.