Heading to Sonoma

After too brief a stay in San Francisco it was time to head up to Sonoma for a week. We had decided to rent two cars to make travel easier - two of us and our luggage in each. This meant that we'd be able to head out and do separate things while we were in Sonoma as well. This ended up being a comedy of errors (comedy after the fact).

As we were heading to the hotel from the airport on our first day I mentioned to Rose that she should take her GPS out so it could find the satellites. This is when she informed us that she didn't have a GPS. The one she was going to borrow wasn't available nor did she tell us so we could borrow one. She was sure she'd be fine with mom navigating.

Mom is 73. Mom doesn't know the roads. Mom doesn't think really quickly on her feet. Mom had no maps. No one had planned out the routes. A navagational shit show.

When we picked up the cars Rose turned down the offer of a GPS for $ 80. She was fine with mom navigating and her following us.

We found out later that Mom's map was in her suitcase in the trunk.

You can guess where this is going . . . . *smile*

The car rental spot was right around the corner form the hotel so we drove through an alley, loaded up, and headed out. The plan was to go to the Ferry Terminal Market to pick up some provisions for the trek north. Of course OUR GPS went berserk. Finally I went a roundabout way to the market during which we lost Rose. I might have driven illegally for awhile in a bus only area but we ended up where we needed to be. LOL

SIGH

We were unable to contact her because she didn't have a US data plan for her phone. She was able to receive texts so Paul started texting her. Paul's plan was charging $ 2 a text. We sent a lot of texts during our trek north. ACK

Finally we all arrived at the market. We wandered around gathering the things we wanted/needed (or is that the same thing) for our week in Sonoma.

When we left we decided to go over the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the viewing area. I drove VERY slowly through the city and Rose was able to follow along behind me.

So far, so good.

The next meeting place was In-N-Out in Santa Rosa for lunch.

We lost Rose on the way. Paul sent more texts letting her know where we were, what cut off to take, etc.

Lunch was amazing!

After lunch we planned on going to Trader Joes and BevMo for important provisions. We lost Rose again.  She stopped for directions and was directed to the second Trader Joes in Santa Rosa - we were at the other. LOL What a mess. However, if this is the extent of it then the rest of the trip should be fine.

Our shopping was done. The car loaded. We headed off to find them. Once we did we drove VERY, VERY, VERY,  slowly to the rental house.

I am really enjoying the house. It's situated right on the river bank and we are surrounded by redwood forest and the sounds of wildlife (and an overly eager rooster).

The house is in great shape for a rental. It's bigger than we needed but provides lots of room to spread out which is amazing. The best thing is the deck overlooking the river - I know we'll be spending lots of time out there!

Comments

[Michele Harrison]

We just got home last night from Lagrasse France. What a great base for exploring the Languedoc Rousillon region. The three plus weeks sped by.

Have been keeping up with your comings and goings while in France and this posting especially had Tom and I in a fit of laughter. We can see this playing out in our family.

This past May, we drove through Bavarian for a couple of weeks with some friends. We decided to rent two cars so we could keep them on the smaller side. We didn't realize until we picked up the car that our friends did not have a GPS, cell phone, or a map and intended to follow us. Well I am sure you can imagine what happened! Alls well that ends well though.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Paul and your mom and sister.

Michele

[JDeQ]

That made me smile Michele. It is nice to commiserate about travel 'fun'. LOL You're right - in the end it all works out . . . but at the time. . . .ACK!!!