Day 6 - "Who was watching him? WHO WAS WATCHING HIM?!!?"

We decided to stay an extra day in San Francisco since the Alcatraz tour were all sold out on Saturday. We tried buying our tickets early online, as they recommend, but it's hard to follow their suggestion when the online ticketing isn't working. But we were thankful to get tickets as we both really wanted to see "The Rock."

Eme enjoyed her brief stay on the island.

Today was much cooler than the day before and the fog rolled in making it harder to see the sights, so we were glad yesterday was sunny and clear.



After learning some very interesting history about Alcatraz, we were off to Valley Springs for Justin's 1st birthday party. (No, he's not a deprived adult who has never had a birthday party...he is my 1 year old nephew!)



We joined Betsy and Dave at their friend's house for a pool party and barbecue. Let me tell you, this kid LOVES chocolate cupcakes! I think he really liked his CAT bull dozer as well (whoever gave that to him are genius ;) The pool felt great and the food was delicious! The after party included a slight scare involving Justin...but kids are quite resilient! Stairs are a fun adventure when you are 1...

After the party we crashed at the only motel in Valley Springs. The 10th Green Inn is an...interesting...place to stay. But it had a bed and we were content.

Eme and I were glad we were able to share in Justin's birthday at the pool party. It was fun!

That... was day 6.

Day 5 - "You're Supposed to Pass on the Left!"

After Eme planned our San Francisco site seeing route the night before we were ready to go Friday morning! We got our Trolley tickets and were off on our first adventure.





After exiting the trolley we walked over to Blazing Saddles and rented 2 bikes and made our way to Golden Gate Bridge. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but after a couple steep hills we were practically at the bridge!

We crossed over, came back and and some interesting encounters with the locals on our way back. Jon even got a free lesson on passing from one runner.


Amongst the touristy things we accomplished was the "Crookedest Street" and the Full House opening scene or some Victorian Homes of San Francisco, if you will.










After a full and rigorous day we settled into our hotel for a relaxing evening and planned for our next morning.

On a side note, Eme and I realized how clean Minneapolis and Chicago are compared to San Francisco. There seemed to be litter and dirty sidewalks everywhere. We certainly gained some robust cultural experiences while exploring SF that I'm not sure one could obtain in any other U.S. city.

That... was day 5.

Day 4 (Bonus) - Hot Tamale

Wild fire footage (keep an eye on the strenuous workout)

Day 4 - "Nude Gangsters"

Day 4 went a little something like this:

We headed out from our motel and hit a lot of flat land going toward the coast.
Arrived in Carmel by the Sea, it was nice. Stopped by the beach.


Saw some seals on the 17 Mile Road near Pebble Beach.
Couldn't find a place we wanted to eat in Monterey.


Headed to San Fransisco, by way of beach and wildfire hwy closings.

Checked in at the Hotel Monoco in San Fransisco.
Ate dinner at E&O Trading Company where I mistakenly heard Jon say "Nude Gangsters", when he really said... well, it's funnier this way!

Take home fantastic BBQ Ribs (that we forget to take with us on Day 5) and crawl into bed.

That... was day 4.

Day 3 (Tribute) - Happy Isles

Day 3 (Bonus) - Eme's Ode to Switchbacks

Why I Love to Hate Switchbacks

gathering my thoughts about the trail
wondering which way to turn
I cry out loud a piercing wail
why oh why do my emotions burn?

the movement of back and forth is arduous
practically a trip on the slalom
every inch of me fights from stopping

a sled at this point would be marvelous
a more direct path to the bottom
but then... I risk my ears popping

Day 3 - "If a Mountain Lion attacks... FIGHT BACK!"

Day 3's breakfast consisted of hard boiled eggs, cold cereal, and homemade strawberry rhubarb muffins from the Little Valley Inn. A little disappointing that breakfast didn't start until 7:30, but free is always good. So with a little later start than the previous day, we made our way back to Yosemite.

We pulled in the west entrance and turned right to head into the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. It's beautiful to be amongst such delicate yet old trees. We weren't going to go very far into the grove, but a sign labeled "Fallen Tunnel Tree" seemed too captivating to pass up. We followed the first sign which said 1.1 miles, then the second which stated .6, but strangely enough, the next sign didn't say which way to go, let alone mention it. We pulled out our map, and decided we had to be close and kept walking. Much to our avail, we ended up at a sign that said 2.5 miles... Not the right way. Enough was enough. We traveled back down the hill side, along the path of switchbacks then raced (literally, no winner was determined) back to the car to continue our day.

Next stop, the Tioga Road, or the High County as some call it. It leads up to the Tuolumne Meadows with elevations reaching almost 10,000 ft. On the way, we had a bite to eat next to Tenaya Lake. Fabulous landscape with snow crusted mountains and clear blue water to relax and enjoy. Lunch served us well, the only problem was, we couldn't find the next trailhead to burn it off. We walked a short ways up Lembert Dome, but didn't find the path. Jon tried to go up a little ways to check if we could do it or not, but it was STEEP. No way was I taking on that challenge. If you don't know me that well, I'm afraid of heights and my toes tingle anytime I get somewhere that is too high.

Since we weren't having much luck finding the trail, we traveled back down the Tioga Road toward the Valley, stopping by Olmstead Point. If we had been training and ready for a long hike, we would have loved to take the trail that leads all the way, right down to the Valley (maybe next time).

The Valley was again beautiful. We walked a short distance through the Happy Isles, then ventured on to Mirror Lake another 1.5 miles. To top the day off, we walked to the bottom of Yosemite Falls. Filled with mainly snowmelt, it's falls were astounding, breathtaking and slightly chilled due to the mist and breeze. It was a relaxing way to end the day. We left the park feeling a sense of accomplishment and gratefulness for this wonderful place God created.

We headed back to the Little Valley Inn and fell into bed.

That... was Day 3.

Day 2 - "Speeding Kills Bears"

We decided to get up early so we could enjoy a full day at Yosemite National Park. After an hour and a half drive, there it was...Half Dome and the beautiful valley of Yosemite. It turns out Yosemite is prepared for tourists as they have a camera post negating any car maneuvering for a home made tri-pod.

With the help of our personal tour guide, Andy Frank (from work), we drove up to Glacier Point and were treated to some spectacular views!

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

Eme soaking in God's beauty














Jon on top of the world



















"Reduced Speed Ahead"


After a great view of the valley we stopped at the Sentinal Dome/Taft Point trail head. We started off to the Sentinal Dome and took the long way around to Taft Point. They both offered spectacular views the valley and waterfalls. Sentinal Dome was a 360 degree panoramic view while Taft gives a high drop off view of the valley below. The picture on the left is us on top of Sentinal Dome (Yosemite Falls on the right).

Taft Point towards El Capitan

Thankfully some smart park rangers installed a steel railing at the edge of the rock as well as this geological marker (1906)!

After our 6 mile hike we stopped on the side of the road for a quick bite to eat and then continued on into the valley. Again offering spectacular views of the vistas, peaks, and waterfalls above! Actually, everywhere we turned there were magnificent views. I couldn't stop mentioning this (as I'm sure Eme was getting annoyed) everywhere we went. Absolutely amazing! God is much more creative than I am!


Anyway, we continued into the valley which was much warmer than the vistas above. We parked our car and walked to the Mist Trail head. We started climbing and quickly realized we were exhausted! So about half way up we decided to head back down and check into our Yosemite accommodations at The Little Valley Inn in Mariposa.

After freshening up, we headed out for dinner at Pop's Sportsman's Cafe. We then went back to our room and crashed!




Taft Point #1





Taft Point #2



That... was day 2.

Day 1 - "The Smoking Cowboy"

The alarm clock rang at 4:03 am announcing the beginning of our journey to California. We decided to take the bus to the train to O'Hare to catch our first flight. Leaving and landing on schedule, we arrived peacefully in Salt Lake City and waited our 1 hour lay over. With Jon by the window seat for our second flight, and I in the middle, the lottery began... Who would be the lucky winner? Actually, I was! I was selected to sit next to the fantastically smelling cowboy (and by "fantastically smelling," I mean a tidal wave drenched individual smelling of freshly smoked cigarette the whole ride), for his 1.5 hour nap. NO offense to any of you smokers out there, but it was a long 1.5 hours. I pulled out a piece of gum for take off and stuck it under my nose to help ease the stuffy, smelling environment of a closed circuit air system aboard the airplane. I decided I had better take a short nap myself to help pass the time. (Note: the stewardess came by to offer complimentary snacks and Jon ate my cookies!)

Upon arrival to Sacramento airport, we excitedly exited our plane, retrieved our luggage and rental car, a Ford Focus, and began the road trip. Jon being an awesome planner, we had our hotels lined up, our trip mapped out, and a tentative plan for food. What could we have missed you asked, a map of California! Thankfully, we had Garmin to show us the way, for good or ill.

After a brief visit with Betsy, Dave, and Justin, and to Mario Valdez (Mar-Val, the local grocery store) we headed to our final destination for the evening, our hotel. Or so we thought. The first hotel had given our room to someone else and sent us to their sister hotel in downtown Sonora. We were just thankful to have a room that we unloaded, over viewed our plans for day 2, and went to bed.

That... was day 1.

Anticipatory

Northern California trip updates coming soon...

Each day of our trip will be titled with a quote from that day. The quote represents something we heard, read or said while tooling around the landscape of California. If you would like to know more about the Title Quote you have to come visit us in Chicago...or maybe just ask!

We hope you enjoy the ensuing onslaught of our vacation blogs!

Spinning

Eme and I had a weekend full of activities. As you will notice, Eme and I are posting a flurry of blogs which describe snipits of our events. It started with a nice drive from Palatine to Chicago for our End of the Year Bash with the senior high kids. We hung out, had dinner, played games, and then we all crashed at our house! Then Eme and I got up early Saturday morning to go downtown for a volunteer event called "Chicago Cares" and helped freshen up some paint in a Chicago public school. After our day of painting we finally got home (after a wonderful 2 hour CTA ride home, normally 35 minutes) around 6:30 and collapsed! And today has been an enjoyable and relaxing Sunday as we prepare for our trip to California!

BUT, my most favoritist (new word) part of the weekend, hands down, was "Spinning" (as shown in the video below) late Friday night.

Let me explain the newly popular game that is being played by kids across the nation. To play there must be at least two people (but hours of solitary practice is a plus) with an American Quarter (preferably a polished state quarter such as Minnesota or West Virginia). The game surface must be smooth without obstruction with at least 12.56 SF of surface area (A kitchen table is perfect). After you procure the quarter and find a suitable playing surface you're ready to go!

And boy, were we ready! The players Friday night were, from left to right, Jon Tumblin, Me, Katie McFabe, Lauren Orris, Scott Nyman, Anika Williams, and Eme. We played for HOURS!!! And by "hours" I mean about 30 minutes. But it was an intense battle of quarter spinning which followed the game led by Scott, "Shuffle the Quarters."

As you can tell, it was a rousing night of fun games! Trust me, if you weren't there you were missing out! Don't worry, you can play at the Bonkoski house anytime! We will be starting up our summer amateur league soon.

Life on the bog

Driving to the bog and boardwalk last Saturday evening and watching the skies light up with color, was the perfect ending to an already wonderful day. Just that morning and afternoon we hung out with family for Oliver's dedication, played a little tennis and tried out the new Wii fit. It was only natural that someone suggested the Bog (thanks Jeff!). Although slightly smelly from the compost just yards away and the mosquitoes that were out in force, the choice to enjoy the compelling stillness and soothing sounds of nature could not be passed by.

Fathers Day

Today was a nice day of relaxation and preparation for Eme and I, but I would have really enjoyed spending time with dad getting our boat ready for fishing with Jeff and Micah. Since I didn't get to go fishing and try out our new boat, here are a few thoughts...

• I am going to Seminary (in large part) because of you
• I love Christ because of you
  
• I have good financial sense because of you
• I am a good husband because of you
• I am an introvert because of you
• I love gardening and taking care of the lawn because of you
• I take care of our cars because of you
• I LOVE the Twins because of you (even though they lost today)
  
• I love to travel because of you

Thanks, dad, for raising me with the values I have today.

Happy Fathers Day from your son,

Jonathan Neil William

Sweet Surrender

Jon and I were able to make the trip to Minnesota to see our fabulous new nephew get dedicated. Nothing could be better than bringing the children before the Lord, just as he has asked.

Oliver is a fantastic baby and I loved every minute we got to share with each other. We laughed, he bounced, I fed him and even changed his diaper. I can’t wait for the next meeting and I know he waits in anticipation as well.

How do you take YOUR pictures?

The best way to take a picture is... by your self. Ever since I was young, I took my own pictures and thankfully I married someone wonderful who also appreciates the self-portrait. Now I realize that the surroundings usually get cut out, but the thrill of taking your own picture is memory enough.

Here, Jon and I are in the conservatory right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was a beautiful Saturday (and Sunday for that matter) that we just had to take advantage of. We walked around the zoo, had a little lunch, and enjoyed the sunshine!

The Announcement

After many months of keeping a lid on my plans to start seminary, I finally went public to my co-workers. I told the estimating team today in our regular Monday meeting and my boss sent out the letter of regret (informing the office of my plans) to the Chicago office at the end of the day.

So what are our plans you ask? It seems to be a popular topic...

Eme and I have been living in the city, Chicago, since mid-January in a professor's house while he and his wife are on sabbatical in Vancouver. I am signed up for Greek intensive which starts July 7th. So here is our time line:

1. I work full time at Mortenson until July 3rd.
2. We go on vacation in mid-June to northern California to see God's beautiful Yosemite and Betsy, Dave, and Justin.
3. I start Greek July 7th.
4. We move into seminary housing - mid July??. We aren't sure at this point where they are putting us, but God has a place set aside just for us.
   
5. I finish Greek August 15th!!! (and hopefully pass)
6. I start seminary full time at the end of August.
7. Eme is still working full time at Mortenson to support us!
8. After my Greek class I will work on a part time basis for Mortenson. My boss will consider me a "consultant" and basically work how many hours I desire. As I'm not sure what seminary will be like, this seems to be the ideal situation. We'll see how it all works out...

Well, there you have it. This is what Eme and I have been working towards for the past many months. It seems to be gaining steam now and things are falling into place. God is good. Thank you for all your prayers. Keep praying because we still need it!