That first day in California was the day we had planned to check out the local landscapes, so after we left the temple grounds, we made our way to Mt. Tamalpais.  If you’ve been there before, you know what an incredible drive it is up the mountain.  You also probably know how to reach the Mountain Home Inn Restaurant.  We had never been there before, so we didn’t.  Instead, we drove all the way to the top before realizing we must have missed it.

Our drive down was just as beautiful if not more exasperating.  We were meeting the CPA’s sister for lunch and were well past our arrival time.  After stopping to ask for directions (I have to confess that I “suggested” that one) we finally found the place and settled in for a nice lunch.

This was our view as we ate:

I really enjoyed spending time with the CPA’s sister and getting to know her better.  Having only seen her a few times before, it was a great opportunity for some one-on-one time.  She knew why we were out there of course and was so supportive. 

Lunch was soon over and we decided to check out the mountain for real this time.  (It’s hard to view the scenary when you are frantically looking for your directions.) 

This was our first stop.  It was one of the few long-range shots I was able to get without smog being part of the scenery. 

We continued on as we were trying to go to the very top.  After reaching a certain point on the mountain, you can park your car and hike the rest of the way.  We decided to give it a go.  It wasn’t too bad actually and even with my lack of physical prowess we made it to the top in no time.  (Not sure what the building is for, but whatever it is it is well protected.)  

And this was our reward for making the climb.

We climbed back down without any trouble and since California has such diversity in terms of its landscape, we left the mountiain and paid a visit to the nearby Muir beach.

It was getting late by this point and the afternoon sun shimmered on the water.  The air had started to turn cool so we bundled up as we walked along the beach. 

These houses dotted the hill that surrounded the beach.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to live so close to the water like that? 

We weren’t the only  one who had decided to enjoy the area.  Too bad he was so far away that we couldn’t actually hear him play. 

Because it was so cold, we left after a little while and made one last stop - the Muir Forest.  One of the things I’ve always heard about California is how incredible the trees are.  I can see why.

They were magnificent!  This picture doesn’t show how they were hundreds of feet tall.  And big… oh man were they thick!

We walked around the forest till we had our fill and by the time we left, nightfall was upon us.  It had been a long, exhausting and beautiful day.  One filled with natural splendor as we visited three very different places that the area had to offer.  I loved every minute of it.

The only thing that was that was missing was that I didn’t yet have my engagement ring.  But I knew I just had to be patient because this trip was completely in the CPA’s hands.