California Trip 2024

[pfrsantos]

Another patron had mentioned something about a drink make with watermelon and toasted marshmallow, and honestly I couldn't turn it down.
(...)
Def

Man, that was risky! I can see Megan looking around for a X-bow...

 

[Grant Lamontagne]

We are getting some breakfast before we leave Yosemite and head off to Sonoma.  On the way out we picked up a few souvenirs for family and friends. 

I couldn't bring myself to grab the knock off Classic.   

We stopped at a level cal restaurant for some breakfast burritos and, since I don't drink coffee, I got a Coke.  I was VERY happy to see it was a Mexican Coke. 

And not just because it meant I had to pull out the Custom scaled Vic Compact I haven't told you all about yet!   

Def

[Farmer X]

I have no explanation for bad California drivers, other than them getting frustrated with the sheer volume of traffic and the truly asinine freeway on-ramp meters. Freeway driving should be part of the behind-the-wheel exam out there.

And were that a real Classic SD, I'd have to make an exception to my "no more Classics" rule.

As always, great photos, and thanks for taking us on the journey with you!

[Grant Lamontagne]

If it were a real Classic, I may have bought them all!   

Megan suggested I buy it for the novelty of it, but I just couldn't bring myself to part with actual money for it.  I figured a picture was good enough! 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

On our way to Sonoma from Yosemite  we realized we were going to pass something of a landmark- at least for a fat guy like me!

Jelly Belly brand jelly beans are among my absolute favorite candy, near the top of the list with Peanut M&M's and 3 Musketeers bars, so when the opportunity to see where they are made arose, we had to take it!

We didn't do the factory tour because I was suffering from some travel issues and I felt that might adversely affect the fun some children were having, but we did manage to spend a fair chunk of money on the gift shop.

The jelly bean art was worth the stop all on its own.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Man, that was risky! I can see Megan looking around for a X-bow...

 

Veremos o quão engraçado você é quando visitarmos Portugal no próximo ano!   

 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Things are a little more laid back for us in Sonoma- we went to a wine tasting for lunch and walked around the Town Square in Sonoma this morning, but before I get to that, I should get to some more important things first, at least from a Multitool.org perspective!

I mentioned above that I have a custom scaled Victorinox Compact with me on this trip, but I also mentioned that I couldn't bring any knives with me.  Both of those statements were true.

Many US based sellers don't like to ship things internationally, so I often get things sent to friends in the US to then have forwarded on to me.  The latest package was from my old bloomer buddy Inky, and in it was this custom G-10 scaled Victornox Compact that I had gotten from a member on the FB group a while back.  So far back that I don't recall the details or even who made it.   

But it is excellent craftsmanship, and retains slots for the toothpick and tweezers, although there aren't slots for the pen or pin.

It does still have the eyeglass screwdriver, and also features a Kershaw pocket clip.   

The Compact is probably my second favorite SAK, right after the Swiss Clipper, but more on that later. 

Sorry for any typos- I usually try to fix them but I am currently sitting on a deck chair next to our private pool and the California sun is so bright that I can barely see the screen!

Def

[Farmer X]

Jelly Belly brand jelly beans are among my absolute favorite candy...

What's your favorite flavor? Of those I've tried, pear is the only one I outright detest. Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of strawberry, watermelon, or banana. Otherwise, the worst Jelly Belly I've had was excellent.

We did manage to spend a fair chunk of money on the gift shop.

I'd probably spend a few hundred bucks in there...easily.

As always, thank you for taking us along on the journey. Continued safe travels!

[Grant Lamontagne]

My Wenger Swiss Clipper has been my constant companion since I got it back in (I think) 2011 or 12?

I hate being without it, so I wanted to buy a backup.  This trip gave me the excuse I needed to get said backup- in this case, the modern Victorinox EvoWood version. 

Why?

Because if you are going to do something, might as well go all the way!

Plus when I get home I can compare it to the original!

Def

[Grand_Banana]

Wow this looks like a fun trip! I’ve always wanted to go to San Francisco. I’ve only been to San Diego, which seems totally different.

[Farmer X]

I've visited San Francisco and was stationed in San Diego. They are indeed different in many ways.

[Grant Lamontagne]

We are sitting in the rooftop lounge waiting for our overnight flight home.

I have more to add to this thread, but the vacation is almost over.

Def

[Farmer X]

Looking forward to seeing what you add, and wishing you a safe and hopefully restful flight!

[Grant Lamontagne]

We are desperately hoping for a restful flight.  We lose 4 hours in the air plus three time zones so it will be seven hours later in Toronto than it was when we left SF- which is 10pm local time.

Then three hours in Toronto, and a two hour flight back to Halifax, while we jump one more time zone!   

Which means, for all practical purposes we will take over 12 hours to get home.   

I'm hoping to sleep on the plane as I doubt my little dog will allow me much rest when I get home!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

We left San Francisco just after dusk and arrived in Toronto just after dawn.  I slept all of about 45 minutes on the plane so I'm a bit of a zombie right now. 

We are going to be sitting here for almost another two hours before another two hour flight.   

We might be home sometime mid afternoon, all going well.

Def

[Farmer X]

If the time stamp in the previous reply was my local time, you should be landing not long after this reply.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Just made it home about half an hour ago.  Now the work begins- we need to get groceries, do laundry etc.

Thankfully its a long weekend and so I have an extra day to get caught up before work.

Def

[Farmer X]

I think post-vacation laundry has to be the worst. Luckily you have a long weekend to get it sorted out (not here; we get that next weekend). Glad you're safely at home!

[pfrsantos]

Veremos o quão engraçado você é quando visitarmos Portugal no próximo ano!   

 

Def