Picked up Laurence at Venice Beach (after Si got our room changed in the motel – noisy traffic all night) then headed up to the Getty Centre, an amazing temple to art, money and philanthropy.

Giacometti Man

From there we drove up into the Hollywood Hills for a hot hike up to the famous sign, though only Si made it all the way for a photo.

Then we headed (very slowly through horrendous traffic) to the Saskana restaurant to see the famous and charming piano educator, Aimee Nolte, playing and singing on her weekly gig. Between sets she joined us for a wide-ranging chat.

Through San Francisco and over the bridge.

Scenic drive down Highway 1, starting in Carmel.

Some wildlife on the way.

Chilling in the motel in Morro Bay with shrimp and Sierra Nevada.

To Glacier Point for closer views of Half Dome::

Couldn’t resist building a stack:

:

Then back down to the Valley floor and views of El Cap:

Climbers on El Cap, though hard to make out:

Parting shot:

Recent fire damage:

Our rustic cabin in the trees:

Took a walk down the road to the Chilnualna Falls (didn’t see the Mountain Lion):

Into the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, some estimated at 2,000 years old:

Did a hefty hike (25km) to Wawona Point: