May of us had just turned 50 or were just turning fifty (Ray on July 2nd).  A group of our long time friends thought it was a good time to visit the place where Wendy and I grew up, and see some of the wonders that we have described.  We Started in Lodi with visits to the family houses, then around town to the lake and local wineries.

We then made the long awaited trip to Yosemite and the hike to the top of Half Dome.  Then back for a few day visiting some of the attractions in the local mountains.  It was a very special time for us, our friends, and our families.