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Posted by Crystal on December 27, 2008

We all had a very not-Christmasy Christmas this year. I made up the turkey, stuffing, etc., and it was all tasty, but didn’t feel much like Christmas. But, always a good excuse to get presents!

Yesterday, Boxing Day, my parents and I went into San Francisco. We started the day early at Muir Woods (do you know if you get there before 9am, you can get in for free?), then went to Sausilito, then took pictures of the Golden Gate. Next we went down Lombard Street, and then to Fisherman’s Wharf where we ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. After that it was fairly late already, so we went over to pier 33 to catch the boat and tour group to Alcatraz. My parents enjoyed Alcatraz (and of course the rest of San Francisco as well). And, as I took the tripod they brought down with them, I got some great pictures of San Francisco at night from the island. I shall post pictures below.

Today, we left the house around 9:30, and headed for the Panoramic highway (#1). We saw some great scenery on the highway, and also managed to stop at one area and see some Elephant Seals. The baby we saw was quite insistent with his mother! I will also post videos of them below.

After driving for a while longer, we pulled into Santa Barbara around 6 for dinner at Denny’s, then found a hotel with a jacuzzi (also a cheap hotel) in Ventura, which is where we are now. We arrived around 8:30pm (it’s 9:45 now). Of course, we got here and walked down to the jacuzzi in our bathing suits (outside, very cold), only to find it locked and the desk girl without a key. We are not impressed! So we’re relaxing in the room and watching the Golden Compass. 

Update: internet here sucks. I will post a new entry with more pics as soon as I can. These pics are small but are linked to the original file.