Petaluma, CA

We've spent three days at a KOA in Petaluma about 40 miles or so north of San Francisco. We used to sneer at KOAs as being "fake" camping, but have now become a loyal customer. KOAs are great when traveling with young children: playgrounds, pools, hayrides, movies, all kinds of structured activities. And, let's not forget, hot showers and laundry rooms. The girls are really enjoying themselves here: Lucy won an Elvis impersonation contest during 50s weekend, and Grace had a ball at karaoke. While not exactly a wilderness experience, it does make for a relaxing (and affordable) family stay.

Petaluma, though just outside of San Francisco, seems pretty rural (at least to us New Yorkers). We're near farmlands and feedstores - as well as strip malls and shopping centers- and the town, in addition to being close to San Francisco, seems to also be a jumping off point for wine country.

Grace and Mike made a trip to Alcatraz, while Lucy and Irene hit all of the tourist traps on Fisherman's Wharf (including a very nice aquarium). We also had dinner in Chinatown, one of the major things Gracie wanted to do on this trip. Above are pictures of Grace at Alcatraz and in Chinatown.