Oregon

The past few days we have had a wonderful visit with Ashley's Aunt Marian and Uncle Les. The view in Oregon is very beautiful but strange. It's warm but you can still see snow on the mountains. Matt was also very taken aback by the law that you can't pump your own gasoline. Aunt Marian took us to her friend's house, where we got to ride his horses and see how he trains them to do tricks. Aunt Marian and Uncle Les took us to Billy Chinook overlook which was a great view. They also showed us the prison where they work and took us to the park where we put their dogs Gipsey and Geisha in swings. But most of the time we hung out at the neighborhood pub, where there are actually slot machines right in the bar! Matt says the bar reminded him of Cheers, because everyone is friends, and all of them are very nice and accommodating. It was a very relaxing time. Sometimes you've gotta go where everybody knows your name! Thanks Aunt Marian and Uncle Les for having us and sharing your 31st anniversary with us! Off to Seattle...

Wine Country

Sunday we got into Napa and had our first tasting at Castello di Amorosa, modeled after a medieval castle, with fantastic Italian wines. Our favorite wine there was called Il Brigante, a meritage. Monday we went to Jessup Cellars and had a private two hour tasting in their VIP room. Thanks again Murph! Our favorite wine there was Table for Four. We walked away with an education and a few bottles of wine. Then we went to Domain Carneros where we did a tour and tasting and learned how sparkling wine is made. Their property is beautiful. Yesterday, we went to Reverie, which has an awesome tour, where you end up tasting in a cave, and in a ring of redwoods. We also went to Chateau Montelena, Charles Krug, Markham and Twomey. We had a beautiful couple days in Napa and are now heading to Oregon.

All-American Day

Friday night we drove back to Tunnel Point to stargaze. There were more stars than we could count and they looked close enough to touch. We were cold so we looked from the car, but we ended up falling asleep for an hour! At least we can now say we fell asleep under the stars at Yosemite. We are practically campers. Yesterday we took a small hike through the giant Sequoias and took some great pictures. In the afternoon, after deciding we had seen all in Yosemite we wanted, we spent the rest of the day as true Americans: hanging out by the pool and eating a delicious BBQ dinner outside our hotel. We really enjoyed our stay in Yosemite, and are now on our way to Napa. Drive safe folks - speeding kills bears.

Mission Accomplished!

WE SAW A BEAR! Today we saw a lot of Yosemite by driving to different viewpoints. We went to Bridalveil Falls, Tunnel Point, Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. We took a lot of awesome pictures. Along the way we stumbled across traffic, as people were out of their cars taking pictures of a grizzly bear cub eating. Later we stumbled upon a young wolf on the side of the road. Overall, a fantastic and eventful day!

Queen for a Day

Yesterday we entered California and got to Yosemite National Park. We are staying at the historic Wawona Hotel, which has no A/C, shared bathrooms and only one shower. We are really roughing it! The Victorian style hotel was built in 1876 and was declared a national historic landmark in 1987. Last night we had the very unique privilege of sitting at the Queen's Table for dinner at the Ahwahnee Lodge. Thank you Murph and Heather for getting us reservations! The famous table is situated in an alcove of the restaurant with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Yosemite Falls. It was named due to the 1983 visit by Queen Elizabeth II. Other prominent people who have dined at the table are: Prince William and Kate, Eleanor Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, Ronald Reagan, Walt Disney, and JFK. We also heard that one unfortunate couple lost their reservation because Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston showed up and wanted the table. Overall it was an amazing once in a lifetime experience! Thanks so much to Murph for making it possible!

New York New York

Yesterday we relaxed at our hotel's pool, visited the Venetian, MGM, and New York New York. MGM was disappointing because they donated their lions to a local zoo! We found a dueling piano bar that we enjoyed at New York New York. We then watched our hotel's outside entertainment, The Sirens of TI. Overall, The Venetian is our favorite hotel. It is so ornate and detailed. We enjoyed our time in Las Vegas and are headed to Yosemite for the next few days!

Las Vegas

We got in to Las Vegas yesterday and have been having a blast! Too busy to update blog! Yesterday we watched a flair bartending show at our hotel bar Kahunaville. So neat! We made friends with another couple our age and they taught us how to play craps. Ashley rolled well and Matt made money so everyone is happy! Today we saw Paris, the Planet Holleywood Miracle Mile Mall, Caesar's Palace, and the Bellagio fountains. We saw a show tonight, Cirque du Soleil Mystere. We agree it was fabulous. Tonight we are headed to Freemont Street!