--"Oh, the places you'll go but remember the places you have been" the theme again, and in Jordan's collage[pics provided by his mom, Robyn]--some cousins show up, friends from Kennesaw, GA,[where he lived until moving to CA in '99]and, of course, his family. Great idea for grads!! 

2006 Grad and Lacrosse player, #13--Jordan, special guy! Congratulations!! 

Yes---Jordan James Ambler, class of 2006, and his friend, Travis [bottom & top center, friends since Jordan arrived in San Ramon in '99.] June 16th, California High School graduation on the football field-- in such heat!! temperature in the high 90's---we all melted--grads and families alike--but we also were all very proud!!

but Inside--more photo ops and food and games, games, games----all nite long--until 4:30 AM, when the seniors [and volunteer parents] get to go home and crash!! It's over, they've graduated----oh wait, more pics--graduation itself!! 

Outside--photo ops/set ups and some games but more, much more inside----"Oh, The Places You'll Go"---theme. 

'Gradnite'--before the seniors can come, the parents[and Cameran] help to set it up--lots and lots of hours, for a year, go into this one special night for graduating seniors--like Jordan James Ambler, class of 2006!! 

Well Done Jordan!! 

Jordan--Baccalaureate Ceremony, Sunday, June 11th -- proud senior, parents and grandma---and fellow classmates!!

Stewart leaves, Jordan Graduates--Grandma catches her breath!

Stewart leaves and Jordan graduates-- Grandma catches her breath. Been a very full 3 weeks, since Memorial Day weekend in Seattle when Stewart arrived. But what we did see, together, was a fun-filled time. 3 states, varied climates--- wet, cold, even record heat--then sent him home and now my turn to catch my breath---time to see CA families and plan Forster's trip.
Jordan's Baccalaureate, 'gradnite' and graduation were all memoriable---see the pics that follow.

--sure, cousin, just chase the ball!!! Catch it and send it back, too!! 

Time for cousins-- Jordan[18], Stewart[16] and Chris[16]---- maybe a few pointers on playing Lacrosse?? 

--what they could see, out their windows and from the grounds--so near, so far----so beautiful! 

--Inside----it's a very REAL penitentiary!! With the help of all the 'audio-tour' stories from former inmates, guards, and wardens, it all comes very much alive to us visitors--makes us, too, very aware that we can leave, when they couldn't. Of course, part of the reason this worked so well was the islands location--the inmates could see and, occasionally hear, the outside beautiful world they could no longer be a part of--the Golden Gate bridge, SF itself, the boats on the bay, the people--all forbidden fruit ---so close, so far---  

Outside--the buildings that have survived time and many owners'neglect, as well as the weather, are now under the protection of the National Park service. Slowly, with the help of many volunteers and little money, the gardens[ started by the inmates] are being pruned and transformed, the buildings [even if they still look neglected] are being protected and maintained too. Then inside---- 

Next stop Alcatraz---a day trip with the 'audio-tour package'--definitely worth the planning [have to get tickets in advance for choice timing] and very interestng--just see!! 

then--Fisherman's Wharf going to the dogs!! Stewart had fun with this--and we were about worn out--end of a very full day!! 

After chocolate, Hyde Street Pier and the Maritime Museum--on the water-ships important to SF history--and fun to climb on too!! Hard for me to believe hwy 101 used to end at the Hyde Street entrance to the ferry--only choice to continue on was to take the ferry across the SF bay to Sausilito and Marin County, north----history lessons-- 

--Cable car rides from the Aquarium to Chinatown to Lombard to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square--where, of course, we both were ready for chocolate!! Hot Fudge sunday, anyone?--oh yes!!! 

Chinatown---Lombard--[Stewart climbed down and back up] then---- 

Highlights---the Bay Aquarium--all salt water sea animals--but can touch some of them--cool!! 

This view is from the Marin County side of the bridge--sky line shows the Bay Bridge and the city itself--very distinctive, yes? 

--this!! a canary yellow, Lamborghini!! Look at his face! 16 year old's dream, yes? 

Finally---San Francisco--the Golden Gate--but what made his day was---- 

Our guide, an experienced volunteer, narrated our trip to Northspur. He had spent 16 years here in the Boys and Girls Camp, raising his family some years ago--before much in the way of 'conveniences' were available--like phones[operator assisted, crank that finally became 'modern'--no crank] Camp now has electricity, flush toilets and telephones but no cell phone service yet!! 

Singing conductor met us in Northspur, entertained us with railroad songs--would sing anything suggested [if he knew it], then rode back to Bragg with us--also entertaining us along the ride back. He returned to Northspur with the evening dinner train and drove himself home fron there. Some job, huh??  

The Skunk Train, Fort Bragg, CA---so-named 'cause you could smell her comin' -- originally ran on 'bunker oil', now on recycled oil that is superheated, thus making her very environmentally friendly--if no longer a 'skunk'!! We took the 4 hr trip out of Bragg up to Northspur, turned the engine, reattached to what had been the end car, and returned to Bragg--having to fill 'old 45' with 1800 gallons of water to make the return trip--that's a lot of water!!