A Visit To Construction 129

While visiting  San Francisco, we drove over to Construction 129, a WW2 era fortress that was never fully completed. It's now a park where you can tour what would have been the highest artillery battery in the bay area.

After walking through the tunnel, you arrive at one of the gun placements. This was to be the mounting place for one of the two 16 inch guns.

We then walked up the hill to the mountaintop above the bunker.  The views are stunning.

There are also lookouts and more placements for smaller guns.

You can see down to the parking area.  It was full the entire time we were there with many waiting for a space.

Some of the fortress is underground and not accessible to the public, but there is still lots to see. Here's an old plan showing some of the under ground area you can not access.  Though, the main large tunnels to the guns are open.

A Visit To Casa De Fruta

When traveling from Los Angeles to San Jose, the quickest route is to travel up the 5 freeway and then cross over to the 101 freeway at San Luis Reservoir (Highway 152) and take the Pacheco Pass.  It's a scenic drive and a nice break from the monotony of Interstate 5. When taking this route, there is a nice stop along the way at Casa De Fruta.

Although not a quick stop, it's nice if you want to take a break, have a snack, and walk around for a while.  There's a playground for the kids with plenty of things to climb on.

If you don't mind spending a few dollars, there is also a train and carousesl to ride.

If you just want to walk and stretch, there's a nice pond with peacocks and ducks wandering around. 

Of course, if you are looking for a snack, there are multiple shops with fruits, wine, chocolate, and coffee.  I found the prices to be a bit high, but that comes with the territory on theses tourist spots.  Here Ben and Hanna picking out some pineapple. 

Hanna liked the old truck.

Sarah and Emily picked out dried apples and Kiwi. 

Once you have found our favorite munches, there are tables outside to sit and snack. Once everyone had time to much we headed back on our way.

A Walk Around Downtown LA

We took a walk around downtown LA today.  November weather was around 75 degrees so it was a nice day for a walk.  We we started at El Pueblo De Los Angeles which is a great place for shopping, food, and souvenirs.

We then walked on to the LA city hall and LA District Federal Court House.

A city councilman saw us and pulled up next to our group in his car.  He chatted with us for a while and handed us some maps and flyers.  It was very nice of him to help us out.

We then headed on to the Cathedral of our lady of the angels where we caught a quick photo.  Brandon was hiding because he was not enjoying all the walking.

We then headed West to Angels Flight.  However, it was closed for the season.

So we had to walk down the stairs.

We then took a walk through the Los Angeles Grand Central Market.  This is a great place to get lunch.

However, everyone was craving Japanese Food.  So, we walked by the Bradbury Building (Which is famous for being used in the film Blade Runner) and headed down to Little Tokyo

Brandon was really done with walking so we had to carry him.

Once we were in Little Tokyo we got  Ramen for lunch at Orochon Ramen. Yum!

We then went on to a cool Japanese Book Store where Brandon found a book  he wanted for XMas.

 They also had very cool stationary and Pens!

We got home later and Brandon made Pancakes for everyone. He loves to cook.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Making Blueberry Jam

We had such a huge bucket of blueberries, that made 7 jars of jam :)  It taste really good on vanilla ice cream!

Blueberry Picking

On the way to Grammy's house in SLO, we pass this Blueberry Farm.  Every time, I think, we should stop and check it out... and we pass on by.  This time, we stopped.  Sarah, Emily, and Brandon picked a whole bucket of blueberries and raspberries.  Of course, we ate a few along the way!  They were delicious!  It was funny, the kids were bummed to have to go to SLO again, but then Brandon said after picking blueberries that this was his 4th best day ever.  I'm not sure what the other three are...