Pacifica

Trip Start Sep 03, 2007

220

Trip End Jun 17, 2009

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Flag of United States Pacifica, California
Tuesday, October 30, 2007

A dull, slightly showery day. We had come north on the Highway 101, a freeway and now set off south on Highway 1. We were aiming for "The Avenue of the Giants", a 30 mile drive through 300 foot tall, 2000 year old California Redwood groves. We had to keep stopping to gaze at these truly impressive giants that just seemed to go endlessly skywards. This fabulous sight was well worth the 2 day detour.
Travelling southbound again on Hi 101 we passed over GG bridge as it was getting dark and then negotiated San Francisco's streets in the busy rush hour. We turned back to the coast and found a hotel at Pacifica. By now it was completely dark and not a good time to attempt the unlit coastal cliff road.

We were having dinner at a small restaurant nearby, overlooking the beach with rollers coming in. I suddenly wondered why someone was shaking the table - how were they doing that ? OK, engage brain, think outside the box - where actually are we, CALIFORNIA

Big tree !

.
YES - we were having an EARTHQUAKE. I kid you not as you could look it up. 2006 hours Pacific Time on Tuesday 30th October there was a 5.6 scale earthquake, centred on the Calvares fault, east of San Francisco. It was the first time that the earth moved for me ( oh oh - I wonder if I'll get away with that comment)? It lasted for about a minute and was the weirdest sensation. Thankfully there was only minor damage in the surrounding area and no injuries. Had we come away to experience the world or what?
We slept somewhat lightly that night and did not feel any of the minor aftershocks that were reported the next day.

Distance driven 300 miles

Slideshow

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

How big ?	No - this big !	So big !	'Russian River' valley
There's more	Its Pumpkin time

Previous Entry Next Entry

Comments

berkeleykango on

Welcome to California, Indeed
I too wonder if you got away with that 'earth moved' comment. A nice thing about living in California is that the earth moves for us all the time!

You seemed a little daunted by San Francisco's traffic, and I can't say that I blame you. SF is great, but driving can be hellish. I always recommend Berkeley as a place to stay AND park your car. . . it's only a short hop over the bay to San Francisco, plus you have excellent attractions in Berkeley itself . . . Chez Panisse, for example. Yum!

Best of all, loding in Berkeley is half the price of San Francisco. Check it out:

http://www.kango.com/hotels/berkeley_ca_hotel_604174936.html