Time to hit the open road

What better to do than plan a road trip centered around our favorite things? A trip created to check things off the family bucket list. A road trip to visit Mek and say hello to CJ for the first time. No, these aren’t people … they are tigers. Yep, this trip is going to take us to a variety of Zoos, National Parks, and the California Redwoods. It’s a zoo road trip!

We started with the idea of visiting my Dad in Northern California and making a day trip from his home to see the California Redwoods – then the idea hit me – Road Trip! 

First we will go to the Fresno Zoo to see out beloved Mek.

Next stop, Sacramento Zoo so that we can meet CJ the 4 month old tiger cub.

Then we will head west, driving through some beautiful scenery, and ultimately arriving at my Dad’s home. After spending some time relaxing in what I like to call “so not Orange County” and taking in the majestic California Redwoods, we will start making our way back to Southern California.

In hopes of seeing a wild condor in flight, we will be visiting Pinnacles National Park. I have heard it is beautiful.

Once we hit the Central Coast, we will visit the Charles Paddock Zoo. Sure, it’s a small zoo (only 5 acres), but it’s the only zoo in the Central Coast area of the United States. Really, for any zoo lover this is a must see zoo. 

I’m sure there will be numerous unplanned stops along the 101. The drive is just too beautiful not to stop. A night in Solvang will bring walks on cobblestone streets (yep, that’s a bucket list item) and some yummy Aebleskivers. Along with a bit of Danish history and culture. 

Finally, a drive down the coast would not be complete without a stop in Santa Barbara. So what will do? Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo of course!

I won’t be writing much while on vacation because … well … I’m on vacation! 

However, I will be tweeting, sharing pictures on Facebook, and Instagraming along the way so be sure to follow us. #ZooRoadTrip2013