Reno 911

We decided that this would be our last day in San Francisco. All we had yet to do was to see the Fisherman's Wharf area, so we decided to do that then get on with our eastward motion.

In hindsight, I wish we had allowed more time for this part. Pier 39 is where it's at in this town. For the tourist at least. My friend Courtney told me so, and she wasn't kidding. From Ghiardelli Square to Pier 39, it's pure fun. Lots of hustle and bustle of the fish market, and cute little shops and restaurants. We had to rush through, but I was able to see it all and get a few choice pictures. the seals at the pier, the Bubba Gump restaurant, the carousel, and some vagrants with extra creative signs. They ranged from, "Why lie...I need $ for BEER", to "Need money for pot". Gotta give em credit for honesty. :)

Left San Francisco over the Bay Bridge, which is no less impressive than the Golden Gate. It's kind of bridge, tunnel, bridge, like the Hampton Roads Bay bridge, except the tunnel goes through a mountain on an island rather than under the water. Traffic out of Oakland was nuts, but the scenery was beautiful. Our route took us through Napa, and Matt and I were both tempted to make a stopover. Baby and dog say that's a no go. Ah well...next time we're in the area. ;)

Now our journey out of California was typical of our Cali experience. Full of surprises. The road took us high up into the mountains again, this time through a blizzard. No joke. The snow was dumping and the roads were treacherous. Going past the historical gold mining towns was cool, especially since they were covered in snow. Fun, but we were yet again unprepared in our warm weather clothes and flip-flops.

Got to Reno...still snowing...and had dinner at a tiny casino called Sierra Gold. Matt got to scratch his gambling itch, then we headed back to the hotel. Found that my phone was missing. Super bummed at the thought of losing it, so it pretty much ruined my evening. Couldn't sleep, and neither could Matt. He made one last trip down to the van around 11, and somehow remembered one bag we hadn't looked in and found my phone! He's always my hero. :) Finally able to get to sleep and breathe easy.

Today, we're headed across Nevada, to end in Salt Lake City, UT for the night. Snow in the forecast, so at least now we're prepared.