New Years in Hildesheim

Big NewYears Eve party with Norman and Alison and friends in Hildesheim.

Christmas in Wegberg

After the obligatory visit to the Glühweinmarkt in Aachen, for the first time we spent the holidays together in Wegberg with Andreas parents, her sister Claudia, Rene and little nephew Matias.

Aachener Rathaus

Vacation in Mexico: 8-17 November, 2002

Went for 10 days to Mexico. Flew into Guadalajara, spent a couple of days exploring the town, strolled over the huge and amazing market, and sampled the local specialties (e.g. birria, a goat stew in a spicy sauce). Then took the bus on a hair-raising/stomach-churning trip across the mountains (really don't remember much of the scenery from this... we were both green and queasy most of the trip) and down to the coast to San Patricio/Melaque. Had a couple of very nice quiet days, explored the beach and the adjacent cliffs, walked along the bay to the more touristy Barra de Navidad, ate in little restaurants on the beach, watched big birds fish etc. Then back to Guadalajara and back home.

Christina visiting: 20-26 October, 2002

After a conference in the US, Christina came to visit us in Palo Alto. We did the usual sightseeing, went to Monterey to the Aquarium, had a walk in the Bay Lands, etc.

Greg's family visiting: 27-30 September, 2002

Kay, Holly and Emily visited us for a couple of days in Palo Alto.
We did some sightseeing in the City and went up to Sonoma Valley for a day of wine tasting.

Day Hiking among the Redwoods: summer, 2002

Went for a day-hike to the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in the foothills.
I don't remember trail details, but the hike under the redwoods was great, we saw a bright yellow banana-slug and had very dusty feet at the end.
:-)

Backpacking in Henry Coe: May, 2002

We went backpacking for two days in Henry Coe State Park. (For the 2nd time, I think, last spring was the first time but without camera?)
Starting from the southern Coyote Creek Entrance, we made our way to Kelly Lake, where we pitched the tent at a little side-arm, had a relaxing swim and Greg did some fishing.
We went back out the next day.

typical Henry Coe

refreshing swim in Kelly Lake

camp site near Kelly Lake