Californ-i-a: Day 5

On Day Cinco we decided to take a trip up to Muir Woods to see the redwoods. I can't believe I've spent so much time in California and never seen them! The walk through the woods was absolutely gorgeous and very peaceful. The pictures really don't do it justice. It was wonderful to be among some of God's most majestic creations.

These trees are so huge.
As you gaze upward to find the treetops, you feel so small.

Me and my Uncle Steve

Does anyone else think Tom's plaid on plaid is just not working?
He won't listen to me. :)

Tom talked Steve into leaving the path to get a picture in this tree. It was so funny to see him sneak up there. I think he looks like Tarzan in this picture!

After Muir Woods, we drove to Stinson Beach where we ate  lunch. It was a little windy, but still nice to get our first good glimpse of the ocean. Tom and Steve entertained themselves by feeding the seagulls some of our potato salad.

Then we drove up to my uncle's hang-gliding launching site on top of Mount Tamalpais. 

Here is the beautiful view from the top . . .

Back in 2006, Steve took me and my cousin, Mandy, hang-gliding at this sight. We launched off of this mountainside and landed right on the beach. It was sooooooo amazing!

After arriving back in the city, we took Tom for a drive down Lombard Street. . .

 

That evening was our big surprise! We picked up my Aunt Josiane from work, but they wouldn't tell Tom and I what they had in store for us. We drove down to Union City, and once we got close, they told us both to close our eyes, and they led us into the building. Lo and behold, they had arranged for us to go indoor skydiving!!!! I was a little freaked out at first, until I realized that there was no real falling involved.  For those of you who don't know (cause I didn't) what indoor skydiving is, just let me give a brief explanation: There is a tube 12' in diameter that you enter into with an instructor with kind of a mesh floor beneath your feet. Far below that, are giant fans which blow air at you up to 180 mph. You're given instruction on how to position your body for optimal flying results, and suited up with a suit (duh), ear plugs, goggles, and a helmet. Everyone in your group takes a turn in the tube for a time period of one minute (which seems a lot longer while you're in there). We all rotated through twice. The coolest part was the last 30 seconds when the instructor took us way up into the tube with him. I'm guessing we went up 25-30 feet!

Suited up and ready to go!

If you have never gone indoor skydiving, add that to your bucket list as well. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. Tom absolutely loved it! He did really well too.

We couldn't stop smiling the whole time (which, when accompanied by 100+ mph winds blowing in your face, results in you drooling on yourself and the instructor :) )!

After our flight experience, we went out for Sushi! You can't really see in the picture, but there was a little "moat" in front of us where the difference kinds of sushi would float by on little boats. If something looks good, you just grab it off the boat and then pay at the end based on the different dishes you ate. It was pretty fun. And Tom discovered that he loves Sushi!

A special thanks to Steve and Josiane for their generosity and hospitality!

We got so spoiled and loved spending time with you guys!