Day 9 The Big Trees

This wasn't originally planned but I'm so glad we went! Dad drove us to the Big Trees at Calaveras and we walked through an ancient forest of such great magnitude. 

No photos can do these magnificent trees any justice.

After checking out the Big Trees we went to taste some wine at Ironstone winery.  

The gardens surrounding the winery were in full bloom with beautiful flora bursting out of wine barrels 

Inside the winery behind an alarmed vault, they have on display the largest crystalline gold leaf specimen in the world. 

This beauty is known as the Gold Pocket and was discovered in 1992 just 15 miles from Ironstone.  

Day 8 Lodi Local Lazy day

Today was a pretty relaxing low key day.
Dad had to go to work so mum took us out and about Lodi. We drove though the main part of town and then had a look at some of the beautiful wineries. 

We then headed to near by friends of my parents. For a quick visit and meet. I fell in love with their puppy Casper!! 

His a miniature Australian Shepherd which I don't think even comes from Australia.  He was absolutely adorable! 

Day 7 Yosemite National Park

Up again early and heading to Yosemite we stopped at knights Ferry which was an old flour mill in the 1800s.  They built a covered bridge that crosses the river.

After a quick stop we were on our way to Yosemite National Park.  

The drive was so scenic around the mountains and red woods. 

After walking around for a bit over an hour we found ourselves back at the car and the best picnic park in the area. 

We had a delicious packed lunch that mum had prepared for us.