Road Trip Up North --- Picturesque

GG Bridge --- Leaving SF.

1st Major Point --- Avenue of the Giants, the majestic Redwoods (about 32 miles).

Our voiture went through this tree --- massive!

My silly "lil" brother, Rej.

We tried to stop him but to no avail; he wanted to go up there.

Nature is amazing.

I am always in awe of it.

Wading to cool off.

I heart rivers. Saw tons of it on the way up.

One of my favorite cars --- 1950s truck model.

Saw this in this little town called Miranda.

Someday, I'd like to buy one and spruce it up (i first fell in love with it when i saw Aidan driving a beautiful green one, from one of the SITC episodes).

We drove, via Highway 101, North. It's by the coast.

The views are striking, yet calming.

We are nearing the California/Oregon border.

Oregon.

The drive to Crater Lake, Oregon.

Crater Lake --- "Mount Mazama collapsed a large caldera, which was later filled w/ Crater Lake." (Wiki)

And... my beautiful Family =)))

We were there until the 4th.

Saw the towns (Ashland, Oregon; where we ended up) 4th of July parade.

I love small town gatherings.

It has more charming characteristics, than big cities.

--- Treasured memories ---

Thanksgiving 2010

We decided to go away for Thanksgiving.

Initially, the plan was just to go to Oregon-Washington state.

We ended up in Vancouver, Canada and beyond.

We strolled. Ate. Laughed. Relaxed.

Interesting and a charming City.

Everything looked new, architecture-wise.

And the people were great.

Shops and boutiques were everywhere.

We ate in-between our destinations.

This was at Memphis Blues.

The southern style B-b-q here was fabulous!

And yes, the cold did not deter us from getting our cold treats =).

*my family loves their ice cream.

We went to Whistler.

I wanted to go skiing but my brother wouldn't come with me =/

Canada, eh...

J-town and the 'Mish w/ Rej

Went for an early dinner with Rej in J-town.

Had a huge bowl of Ramen at J-Town.

Glad, he liked it.

Then I took him to this place called New People.

In this building, there's a Cinema (where they show old Japanese movies); art gallery; artsy paper and things; and a clothing store.

For dessert, I took him to 'Mish (short for Mission).

We had coffee and shared a slice of Banana Cream Pie --- I fin'ly found my pie!

They have great Pies and not to mention community spirit (they are involve in SF's youth advocacy).

Camping at Clearlake, CA

The family is just getting into camping (nothing is ever too late).

A few weeks ago, we went to Clearlake, Ca. About a few hours from SF.

Although, I'm a bit ashamed to say that I didn't really go "camping" - lol!

I slept in a hotel.

This is Clearlake.

The fisherman in the family, Nathan.

I wasn't allowed to fish b/c I apparently needed a permit =/

They caught a few crayfish.

We went hiking.

Made and ate s'mores --- delish!

You can never go wrong with s'mores.

We went kayaking.

Rej did most of the paddling... =)

We went biking on the hill.

Being kids and having some summer fun.

The sun setting on our way home.

Beginning at Bouchon

This was how my January 1st started...

Dinner with mi familia at Bouchon in Yountville --- up North.

Bouchon is listed on my Restaurant Must-To-Go list.

Started by famed French chef, Thomas Keller

So I was super excited to go...

I like the ambience of the restaurant.

It is an upscale-casual joint. Good thing we didn't have to dress up b/c we are not that sort of family; unless we have to, that is =)

Anyway, about the food...

For appetizer: we had variety of Oysters. Oh, I heart oysters =)

And poached salmon with salad.

I had the Croque Madame w/ Black Truffle Pomme Frites.

The Croque Madame was oozing with goodness. And the Truffle Pomme Frites, to die for.

Dad had the Truite aux Topinambours [pan-roasted trout with roasted sunchokes, marinated mushrooms, toasted almond & beurre noisette]

This was delicious.

Mother had the poached Salmon w/ beets.

And Rej had the (pictured above the Salmon) Poulet Roti [roasted chicken with crispy spatzle, winter squash, chestnuts & white wine poached pears with whole grain mustard jus].

I liked it, but he wasn't into it =/ Oh well...

This is Rej's Mousse au Chocolat Noir.

It was rich, creamy, and chocolaty.

Divine...

I opted for a cup of coffee.

it was a lovely way to spend the first day of 2010.