Are You That Woman

Weird Stockton is blowing in the wind

There’s some pretty peculiar stuff in California. No disrespect. I worship those quirky, roadside attractions. There are books – Weird California – and websites – Roadside America – touting all that is weird in the Golden State. And other destinations, too.  Happily, there are peculiar reasons to Visit Stockton! Who knew this could be a good thing? I live for the weird and wonderful and was giddy when I pulled into a Stockton roadside oddity. Included in one, but not both, of the aforementioned authorities on the subject. The Windmill Ranch will blow you away.

People collect stuff. How and why is anyone’s guess. In the case of Stocktonian Frank Jay Medina, the addiction was windmills.  “He always liked windmills and it started from there,” according to son Gary Medina. Frank retired early from the hay business and started looking around for something to do. Voila! He started collecting windmills from ranches throughout the region. Go figure.

The original collection passed the 200 mark according to Gary. About 40 remain with Aermotor being the prevailing brand. The “Cadillac” of windmills, Aermotor began manufacturing in 1888 selling 24 windmills that first year and is still in business today. One of the original Aermotor windmills lives at the ranch, along with the ranch’s largest windmill – 20 feet across – and the smallest – six feet across. The Windmill Ranch attracts visitors from around the globe and it’s easy to see why.  One windmill claims an “OK Corral Livery” moniker. There are more than a few bullet holes in the windmill tails, but that’s all part of the beauty. Possibly my favorite “mill” is the stunning red and white, wooden Dempster seemingly unchanged with time.

None of the windmills are operational. A piece of Americana – I consider them public art. Other antique farm equipment and objects d’art litters the ranch property – kitschy, yes! And Stockton wouldn’t want it any other way. Oh, wait, the kitsch doesn’t end here. Frank Medina made an appearance on To Tell The Truth and Ripley's acknowledged him as the "oldest man in the world with all his teeth who has never had a cavity.”  Insert laughter here. 

A 2008 visit by Huell Howser shined a light on local attractions and Stocktonians; somehow he missed the Windmill Ranch. We all know that Huell would agree Windmill Ranch is another fine example of California’s Gold.

Are You That Woman is not new to this whole weirdness thing. Author Jan Friedman, Eccentric California (2005), kindly acknowledged my assistance in researching her book. Yes, I have a few more California oddities up my sleeve and more to uncover.  Any other Stockton/San Joaquin curiosities you want us to explore, then by all means:  [email protected]

FYI – Enjoy the weirdness of the Windmill Ranch An Evening with John Covert, September 20, 2014.

Get out and discover Stockton!

Visit Stockton California from Up on the Roof

Find Jesus Mountain Coffee and Stockton

An evening with John Covert at Windmill Ranch

Broadcasting Legend Huell Howser Dies at 67

An evening with John Covert at Windmill Ranch

Fun(d)raiser at Windmill Ranch is an event you don't want to miss!

An eclectic collection of windmills and farm memorabilia, friends, good food, and some righteous music are the perfect recipe for an autumn evening. Wait, forgot to add good old-fashioned fun, if I may be so bold and corny to say. Plus, it's a good cause with all proceeds benefiting Stockton Pacific Rotary community projects.

Put a  big, red circle on your calendar - September 20, 2014 - an evening dining alfresco and entertainment provided by John Covert & the Crystal Image Band. Seating is limited and that's not just some idle threat. You couldn't ask for a more authentic setting than the Medina family's Windmill Ranch in Stockton. Dozens of windmills, antique farm equipment, wagons and kitschy collectibles set the mood.

Catered by Joe's Pomodoro Pizza Catering, no one will leave hungry promises owner Mike Rodarakis. He wants to keep a few surprises up his sleeve, but an array of starters will include bruchetta with fresh local tomatoes, Italian sausage, and chicken bites. Caesar salad with Mike's home-style dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar -- parmesan cheese and croutons, of course! Genova Bakery French bread, too! For Caesar salad diehard fans, anchovies will be available on request. Sizzling away on the grill, baby back ribs with Mike's Greek/American dry and wet rub marinade, roasted red potatoes with butter, garlic and lemon, rice pilaf, and fresh string beans with fresh tomato sauce and basil. And...yes, dessert. You'll just have to wait and see! If you're new to Joe's Pomodoro, with 116 reviews and 4.5-stars they are a Yelp big hitter!

So, you’ve pushed away from the table. Now let’s get down to business of kickass entertainment. You tied your bib on at 5:00pm and at 7:15pm (more or less), Stockton native John Covert & the Crystal Image Band will rock your world until 9:15pm.  John Covert (keyboards/vocals) established Crystal Image in 1968. The band has opened for and performed with headline musicians including Tower of Power, Simon & Garfunkle, The Chiffons and more.  John’s songs have been featured on TV and cable stations including an episode of The Soprano’s.  I think we’ve set the stage for a great night of music – John & the band are well-credentialed.  Wear your dancing shoes and come prepared for a lot of finger-snapping and head bobbing. The band performs everything from classic rock ala the Stones and Bob Seger to CCR, Skynyrd and more. The Windmill Ranch event also features includes special guest artist Dorothy Sills Cox on the alto sax. Dorothy has opened for music legends Etta James, Los Lobos and regularly performs with bands throughout the region.

So the details are this:

What:  An Evening with John Covert
Date:  September 20, 2014
Time:  5:00pm to 9:30pm
Where: Windmill Ranch, 6553 Waterloo Road/Hwy. 88, Stockton, CA
Tickets:  $45 per person
For tickets contact: Gary Medina (209/607-2992 or Janice Gifford Medina (209/478-3543. Or members of the Stockton Pacific Rotary.

Personally, I'm counting on and hoping for Mean Woman Blues!

 

Related articles

Visit Stockton California from Up on the Roof

Find Jesus Mountain Coffee and Stockton

House concert benefits oneTLC School for homeless children

Morada House Concert
Willow Art Salon in conjunction with Peace69Love Records
TAJology "A Meditative Sound Experience"
Saturday, August 16, 2014
4567 Morada Place
Stockton, CA  95212
5:30pm to 11:30pm



Join in this deep listening experience that will evoke joy and a peaceful mind.  Performance artist, Laura Rodriquez, will create mandalas inspired by a live performance of TAJology's meditative sound experience. Paintings will be auctioned at the end of the performance.  All proceeds to benefit one.TLC School for Homeless Children.

Advance tickets $20. Day of the event, $25. Price includes specially prepared vegetarian dishes and an assortment of beverages or bring your own.

Enjoy TAJology's new CD Gaia's Dreaming
For more information:  209/992-1365 (Ata) or 650/580-5969 (Jim)

Sorelle Winery Stockton California a grape escape

How many times have you driven – well, perhaps speeding a bit – along the two-lane curves of Highway 88 through San Joaquin County? The road is framed in summer by golden fields interspersed with vineyard greenery. Sometimes we all need to slow down and take in the view. Really see the place. Miles of Highway 88 include small unincorporated Stockton towns – Waterloo for one. There’s a longer story here for another time, but today the focus is wine. Yes, vino. Elixir of the gods by many standards. Got your attention now, right?

The “Open” flag fluttering in the wind reaches out to zooming motorists. Often I am among the speeding, hurrying on to some other more important destination. Or so I think. But not at the present. Today, “Open” is my destination and make the turn at Sorelle Winery. I have seen the sign before. Driving into the comforting scene of a historic home, rolling lawns and vineyards the question of, “Why haven’t I stopped before?” resounds.

Signs directing to visitor parking wind past the historic Dodge House. Beautifully preserved, the expansive porch and whicker chairs leave me pining for my Southern roots and possibly a little more R&R on this warm summer day. Rounding the house and hedges, the 1800s-barn-style tasting room comes into full view. Black wrought-iron tables and chairs shaded by a festoon of black and white umbrellas – okay, it’s time to pull in and stop.

The tasting room belies its age. Newly built circa 2010, it’s old in every sense of the word having utilized salvaged wood and windows in the construction – truly a labor of love. You’ll feel welcomed and comforted by its rustic appeal. An old table and school benches are wonderfully chic. Salvage is so environmentally friendly and green – who knew wine tasting could be so PC.

Sorelle translated from Italian means “sister” but this is clearly a family and friends affair. On a Monday afternoon you’ll find Lindy, a neighbor and Sorelle wine club member, volunteering behind the pour. “Eric (my husband) and I lived here 10 years and had never been wine tasting. The 2009 Sangiovese hooked us and is what brought us back. We have a once a week wine-tasting date, but Sorelle is our place!” The Dodge House property was purchased in 2007 by Mike Scott with his wife Joanne whose Italian lineage inspires their wines. Daughters Kim and Melissa are the Sorelle sisters. Vineyards were planted and the tasting room opened in September 2010. That’s hustling to get the job done. All the wines were Italian with estate varietals Sangiovese and Barbera grown at Sorelle. Then in 2013, Sorelle expanded their vino flights with a luscious Chardonnay. That same year, Sacramento’s Mike Dunne – wine critic to the gods – gave a nod to Sorelle Winery 2011 Lodi Sogno Dolce Sangiovese Rosato. High praise!

Boundaries are sometimes confusing. Just a stone’s throw from Waterloo and part of the Lodi-Woodbridge AVA, Sorelle’s address is unincorporated Stockton and they happily claim that moniker. Visit the Sorelle website for tasting room hours Thursday-Friday. The winery is also available for weddings and special events. Shaded picnic tables invite you to bring lunch or snacks and relax in your new backyard. Oh, yes, don’t forget to sample the wine slushies made with Pinot Grigio – a “fan favorite” according to Lindy. Perfect on a warm summer day. Well, any day if the truth be known.

The Rest of the story:  My Stockton: Mike Scott, Sorelle Winery, Owner & Winemaker and all around nice guy!

 

Related articles

Beautiful Bennett Lane Balloon

Get the most out of family travel with these budget tips

Noel Design Studio debuts in Walnut Grove California

Noel -- not new to the art world -- is always on the creative edge and it's true once again. The eclectic town of Walnut Grove is lucky to welcome the newest creation at Noel Design Studio. A lifetime of gathering and collecting the most stunning heirloom beads, metals, and gems are transformed into incredible art -- not just jewelery -- but works of art to beautify your body and world. Exotic vintage textiles from around the world just waiting to find their way into your life. The studio itself is a visual feast.

Noel is just the latest in a growing world of artists finding their way to Walnut Grove. Looking for a day trip? Head down the River Road. Enjoy the view and then stroll this historic borough and its magic. First Fridays in Walnut Grove are the place to be. Call for details. Prices are incredibly reasonable for this level of talent.

Noel Michelsen, native San Franciscan, brings her world of 48 years of jewelry design and

fine textiles from Africa, India, and Nepal to the historic Japanese town of Walnut Grove

in the California Delta.  Take a beautiful 30-mile drive on the River Road, Highway 60 from

Freeport Avenue in Sacramento or Interstate 5 to Twin Cities Road exit turn left on the River Road to Walnut Grove.

 

Featured this coming First Friday August 1, 2014 are Fine Porcelain works from Sacramento

artist, Julie Diane. Noel Design Studio is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 4pm and by appointment.

Last March, Jesus Mountain Coffee Company opened its doors in a side alley in downtown Stockton. Bing Kirk, Stockton local and owner, brought his skill and love of coffee to this California Delta city. Luck was on my side to be invited to the 2013 ribbon cutting. I've been back several  times. Coffee tasting is a plus and then coming home with some of Jesus Mountain Coffee Company's best beans. My personal favorite won't surprise you...it's called Yosemite.

That visit allowed for some additional exploration and great discoveries. This photo video will help guide you to find a little Jesus (Mountain Coffee) and Stockton on your California travels.

Exploring California Delta back roads brings joy at every turn. More than 1,000 miles of waterways, it is a birding, boating, fishing, motoring, biking, kayaking, mesmerizing destination.

Our wanderings went to Orwood Marina, Holland Track, Bethel Island, and beyond. Open space surrounded us. We pulled to a stop off Delta Road along Rock Slough where a flock of American white pelicans surprised us on our journey to secret recesses of California's most prized estuary. Staying close together, these large aquatic birds were "herding" their prey. Yes, herding! Schools of bluegill could not escape this feasting frenzy. We watched in amazement as they spread their wings and scooped up their dinner. Not alone in our observation, other cars stopped in the middle of this narrow two-lane levee enjoying the spectacle.

My local angler-tour guide for the day, Cathy, had one-up on the pelicans and me. Her polarized sunglasses allowed for x-ray vision into the California Delta depths. An avid angler, she was positively giddy observing schools of fish. However, the pelicans were the first to point the way.

"I'll be back tomorrow!" said Cathy. Boat in tow!

If my Subaru can't get me there, 
that's a good reason not to go!

 

Roads Less Traveled Lead to Amazing Discoveries by Barbara L. Steinberg

Late Sunday afternoon after a long day chasing images and experiences, I headed north on Interstate 5 from Stockton to Sacramento. Tired and hot, the 50-something freeway miles were wearing thin. Familiar with the calmer back roads, I determined to exit at Peltiier Road and wind my way through orchards and vineyards. A slower drive, but gentler on the senses. At the end of the ramp, I turned right on Peltier Road to the stop sign at Thornton Road and north towards Sacramento.  There, at the corner, a sign pointed the way towards Blueberries! I hesitated but a moment before going straight on East Peltier Road towards the promised berries! The odometer registerd at 162.5 miles. I would give it a couple of miles or so; if nothing materialized I would turn back.

I could see into the distance and assumed the berry stand would be somewhere along Peltier Road. Ready to abandon my detour, another sign appeared directing traffic onto North Ray Road. More orchards stretched ahead. I strained to see down the road thinking surely the blueberry stand would soon be in view. In the back of my mind thinking this might be a wild blueberry chase. The road curved left with (and yet) another blueberry arrow pointing down Kile Road. Not faraway there was a large house. Really large! At the end of the drive a blueberry sign...U-pick Berries, Tues - Sat, or by appointment. On the end of the driveway was one more sign, CLOSED!

I sat there stunned for two reasons: (1) U-pick berries was not what I had in mind. No where along the way had any of the other signs indicated U-pick and (2) Closed! That pretty much said it all. There was a phone number under the "by appointment" and as I pulled away (yes, illegally) I dialed. I was calm and polite with the woman on the other end of the line. Explained my position (having driven five miles to her driveway) and said she should take her signs down on days when she's closed. She was apologetic and offered me free berries. I was already down the road, declined to turn around, and asked her if Kile Road would take me back to Thornton Road. It did.

While slightly miffed, I figured these were a few new miles to highlight in my Thomas Bros and so the detour was not a complete loss. Back on Thornton Road I settled into my road rythym. Ahead, another sign came into view. One I had passed many times and, again on this day, continued by. Just a few feet away I stopped and u-turned back. The sign had an arrow pointing the way down Barber Road. Turn right. A grove of walnut trees and another sign, I smiled wondering what Buddha would have made of this.

 A short distance down Barber Road and another sign at the end of a driveway...I turned in and stopped in amazement at the view that greeted me. Khánh An Buddhist Monastery. Magical and welcoming. The radio was blaring. I quickly turned it off and embraced the silence of this moment. The sun was glaring. Was this a dream?

Keys out of the ignition, I quietly exited the car. From the building, a small dog came running. No barking. Tail wagging. A little smile on its face -- truly. Coming to me, stretching and waiting to be petted. A name tag on the collar -- Lucky -- another sign that seemed to say it all. A large fig tree shaded Lucky and me; clearly we were friends. This tiny creature loving me unconditionally and without question. I waited to see if anyone would come out. No one did.

Bowls of mangos and other fruits -- offerings to Buddha -- were placed at each station. I went back to my car for my cushion, a saffron-striped shawl, and some money to leave a donation. I lit some incense, kneeled on the ground in front of Buddha and wept.

On this day the signs, leading and misleading, were all pointing in the right direction.

Click here if video does not launch.

Historic Rail LIne Now One-Mile Longer Courtesy of Western Railway Museum

The Western Railway Museum's interpretive ride is about to get even better.

On Saturday June 30 at 11 AM, the museum will open a new 1-mile segment of track for its interpretive ride on the historic Sacramento Northern right-of-way. Visitors can ride authentic historic electric trains all the way from the museum to Birds Landing Road for an 11-mile round trip.  The train used to stop just south of Shiloh Road. With the new track extension, riders get around a curve where the views of the Suisun Marsh and Mount Diablo really open up. The addition of a visit to Bird's Landing is a fabulous experience. Once featured in a Clint Eastwood film, Honky Tonk Man (1982), this little-visited Delta burough is a place frozen in time.

The museum's volunteers have been working on refurbishing the track and rebuilding the overhead electric lines for the past 10 years. Over 10,000 volunteer hours and more than $660,000 have gone into the project. Staff used drawings and plans preserved in WRM's archives from when the line was first built in 1912 to achieve as much historic accuracy as possible.  A lot of hard physical labor went into this project motivated by Track Superintendent Joel Cox and Overhead Lines Superintendent Chris Pagni. 

A whole series or new interpretive displays have been added at the new loading platform. Panels will highlight the area's natural and human history, from the native Patwin people to the first settlers.

The inaugural trip will be headed by Sacramento Northern interurban #1005 on the car's 100th anniversary. #1005 is a true Bay Area native. The Holman Car Company of San Francisco built #1005 in 1912 for the Oakland, Antioch and Eastern Railroad, which ran from Oakland to Sacramento on the very tracks the Museum now owns and operates. Following a 10-year restoration, #1005 has been restored to its 1934 configuration. There are only a few other places in the world where the public can ride a restored historic car that runs on the very system it was originally designed to operate on.

Visitors can also tour the Car House where 25 full-size antique electric rail cars are preserved, picnic under large shade trees in spacious Laflin Park, and shop in the Museum store.

The Western Railway Museum is located at 5848 State Highway 12 in Solano County, halfway between Fairfield and Rio Vista, and 15 minutes east of Interstate 80. At just an hour's drive from San Francisco, Stockton, Sonoma or Sacramento, it's an easy day-trip. For those looking for something fun, relaxing, and educational this summer, a visit to the Western Railway Museum is perfect. There's lots more to explore -- make it a weekend escape in nearby Fairfield.

Regular admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14, and includes unlimited train rides and free parking.

WRM is open year-round on weekends. Now through Labor Day, the Museum is open 5 days per week: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Museum will also be open and operating trains on Independence Day (Wednesday July 4) and Labor Day (Monday September 3). Trains run every 90 minutes beginning at 11 AM.

For more information about Western Railway Museum and other nearby attractions, contact the Fairfield Conference & Visitors Bureau.

The Western Railway Museum is owned and operated by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public-benefit, historical and educational organization.

Birds of Prey Identification Workshop and Hike provided by Solano Land Trust

The winter migration season for birds of prey is coming to a close.  Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team on Saturday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for an interactive presentation, book review, potluck, and hike to celebrate the amazing birds we've seen this fall and winter in Solano County and beyond.

Broderick brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey.  Each fall and winter season he offers tours on Solano Land Trust lands.  He’s a gifted and entertaining teacher.  Asked about his passion, Broderick explains “The main thing is I don't just want people to watch and see hawks; rather I want people to understand their needs, interactions and requirements to survive. I’m just explaining what I’m seeing after watching it for so long. I just want to share and ‘pass it on’. Hopefully as I reach hundreds if not thousands of people, a few will really get it, latch on to it, and then do as I do, just as others did for me when I was starting out.”

 

Meet in the Rush Ranch Nature Center. Participants are invited to bring a potluck item to share with the group. The presentation will cover raptor natural history and threats, the importance of habitat conservation, acquisition and restoration, identification methods, and a book review.  The event will conclude with a hike up Suisun Hill where eagles, hawks, and falcons seek-out ground squirrel colonies.

 

Since its founding 26 years ago, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected more than 20,000 acres of working farms and natural areas in Solano County.  Learn more, see a full list of outdoor adventures, and become a member at www.SolanoLandTrust.org.

 

Who:     Solano Land Trust & raptor enthusiast Larry Broderick

What:    Raptor Wrap-up at Rush Ranch:  Birds of Prey Identification Workshop and Hike

When:   Saturday, March 31st from 10am to 1pm

Where:  Rush Ranch, 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585.

Why:     Discover and learn about eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in Solano County.

Cost:     A donation for the tour is suggested but not required.

RSVP:   Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 (office), 415-517-2624 (cell), or [email protected]

Find Jesus Mountain Coffee and Stockton

Last March, Jesus Mountain Coffee Company opened its doors in a side alley in downtown Stockton. Bing Kirk, Stockton local and owner, brought his skill and love of coffee to this California Delta city. Luck was on my side to be invited to the 2013 ribbon cutting. I've been back several  times. Coffee tasting is a plus and then coming home with some of Jesus Mountain Coffee Company's best beans. My personal favorite won't surprise you...it's called Yosemite.

That visit allowed for some additional exploration and great discoveries. This photo video will help guide you to find a little Jesus (Mountain Coffee) and Stockton on your California travels.

White pelicans were California Delta dreaming on a winter's day

Exploring California Delta back roads brings joy at every turn. More than 1,000 miles of waterways, it is a birding, boating, fishing, motoring, biking, kayaking, mesmerizing destination.

Our wanderings went to Orwood Marina, Holland Track, Bethel Island, and beyond. Open space surrounded us. We pulled to a stop off Delta Road along Rock Slough where a flock of American white pelicans surprised us on our journey to secret recesses of California's most prized estuary. Staying close together, these large aquatic birds were "herding" their prey. Yes, herding! Schools of bluegill could not escape this feasting frenzy. We watched in amazement as they spread their wings and scooped up their dinner. Not alone in our observation, other cars stopped in the middle of this narrow two-lane levee enjoying the spectacle.

My local angler-tour guide for the day, Cathy, had one-up on the pelicans and me. Her polarized sunglasses allowed for x-ray vision into the California Delta depths. An avid angler, she was positively giddy observing schools of fish. However, the pelicans were the first to point the way.

"I'll be back tomorrow!" said Cathy. Boat in tow!

If my Subaru can't get me there, 
that's a good reason not to go!

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs Traveling California Back Roads

 

Roads Less Traveled Lead to Amazing Discoveries by Barbara L. Steinberg

Late Sunday afternoon after a long day chasing images and experiences, I headed north on Interstate 5 from Stockton to Sacramento. Tired and hot, the 50-something freeway miles were wearing thin. Familiar with the calmer back roads, I determined to exit at Peltiier Road and wind my way through orchards and vineyards. A slower drive, but gentler on the senses. At the end of the ramp, I turned right on Peltier Road to the stop sign at Thornton Road and north towards Sacramento.  There, at the corner, a sign pointed the way towards Blueberries! I hesitated but a moment before going straight on East Peltier Road towards the promised berries! The odometer registerd at 162.5 miles. I would give it a couple of miles or so; if nothing materialized I would turn back.

I could see into the distance and assumed the berry stand would be somewhere along Peltier Road. Ready to abandon my detour, another sign appeared directing traffic onto North Ray Road. More orchards stretched ahead. I strained to see down the road thinking surely the blueberry stand would soon be in view. In the back of my mind thinking this might be a wild blueberry chase. The road curved left with (and yet) another blueberry arrow pointing down Kile Road. Not faraway there was a large house. Really large! At the end of the drive a blueberry sign...U-pick Berries, Tues - Sat, or by appointment. On the end of the driveway was one more sign, CLOSED!

I sat there stunned for two reasons: (1) U-pick berries was not what I had in mind. No where along the way had any of the other signs indicated U-pick and (2) Closed! That pretty much said it all. There was a phone number under the "by appointment" and as I pulled away (yes, illegally) I dialed. I was calm and polite with the woman on the other end of the line. Explained my position (having driven five miles to her driveway) and said she should take her signs down on days when she's closed. She was apologetic and offered me free berries. I was already down the road, declined to turn around, and asked her if Kile Road would take me back to Thornton Road. It did.

While slightly miffed, I figured these were a few new miles to highlight in my Thomas Bros and so the detour was not a complete loss. Back on Thornton Road I settled into my road rythym. Ahead, another sign came into view. One I had passed many times and, again on this day, continued by. Just a few feet away I stopped and u-turned back. The sign had an arrow pointing the way down Barber Road. Turn right. A grove of walnut trees and another sign, I smiled wondering what Buddha would have made of this.

 A short distance down Barber Road and another sign at the end of a driveway...I turned in and stopped in amazement at the view that greeted me. Khánh An Buddhist Monastery. Magical and welcoming. The radio was blaring. I quickly turned it off and embraced the silence of this moment. The sun was glaring. Was this a dream?

Keys out of the ignition, I quietly exited the car. From the building, a small dog came running. No barking. Tail wagging. A little smile on its face -- truly. Coming to me, stretching and waiting to be petted. A name tag on the collar -- Lucky -- another sign that seemed to say it all. A large fig tree shaded Lucky and me; clearly we were friends. This tiny creature loving me unconditionally and without question. I waited to see if anyone would come out. No one did.

Bowls of mangos and other fruits -- offerings to Buddha -- were placed at each station. I went back to my car for my cushion, a saffron-striped shawl, and some money to leave a donation. I lit some incense, kneeled on the ground in front of Buddha and wept.

On this day the signs, leading and misleading, were all pointing in the right direction.

Click here if video does not launch.

Western Railway Museum extends the adventures

Historic Rail LIne Now One-Mile Longer Courtesy of Western Railway Museum

The Western Railway Museum's interpretive ride is about to get even better.

On Saturday June 30 at 11 AM, the museum will open a new 1-mile segment of track for its interpretive ride on the historic Sacramento Northern right-of-way. Visitors can ride authentic historic electric trains all the way from the museum to Birds Landing Road for an 11-mile round trip.  The train used to stop just south of Shiloh Road. With the new track extension, riders get around a curve where the views of the Suisun Marsh and Mount Diablo really open up. The addition of a visit to Bird's Landing is a fabulous experience. Once featured in a Clint Eastwood film, Honky Tonk Man (1982), this little-visited Delta burough is a place frozen in time.

The museum's volunteers have been working on refurbishing the track and rebuilding the overhead electric lines for the past 10 years. Over 10,000 volunteer hours and more than $660,000 have gone into the project. Staff used drawings and plans preserved in WRM's archives from when the line was first built in 1912 to achieve as much historic accuracy as possible.  A lot of hard physical labor went into this project motivated by Track Superintendent Joel Cox and Overhead Lines Superintendent Chris Pagni. 

A whole series or new interpretive displays have been added at the new loading platform. Panels will highlight the area's natural and human history, from the native Patwin people to the first settlers.

The inaugural trip will be headed by Sacramento Northern interurban #1005 on the car's 100th anniversary. #1005 is a true Bay Area native. The Holman Car Company of San Francisco built #1005 in 1912 for the Oakland, Antioch and Eastern Railroad, which ran from Oakland to Sacramento on the very tracks the Museum now owns and operates. Following a 10-year restoration, #1005 has been restored to its 1934 configuration. There are only a few other places in the world where the public can ride a restored historic car that runs on the very system it was originally designed to operate on.

Visitors can also tour the Car House where 25 full-size antique electric rail cars are preserved, picnic under large shade trees in spacious Laflin Park, and shop in the Museum store.

The Western Railway Museum is located at 5848 State Highway 12 in Solano County, halfway between Fairfield and Rio Vista, and 15 minutes east of Interstate 80. At just an hour's drive from San Francisco, Stockton, Sonoma or Sacramento, it's an easy day-trip. For those looking for something fun, relaxing, and educational this summer, a visit to the Western Railway Museum is perfect. There's lots more to explore -- make it a weekend escape in nearby Fairfield.

Regular admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14, and includes unlimited train rides and free parking.

WRM is open year-round on weekends. Now through Labor Day, the Museum is open 5 days per week: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Museum will also be open and operating trains on Independence Day (Wednesday July 4) and Labor Day (Monday September 3). Trains run every 90 minutes beginning at 11 AM.

For more information about Western Railway Museum and other nearby attractions, contact the Fairfield Conference & Visitors Bureau.

The Western Railway Museum is owned and operated by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public-benefit, historical and educational organization.

Raptor Wrap-up at Rush Ranch

Birds of Prey Identification Workshop and Hike provided by Solano Land Trust

The winter migration season for birds of prey is coming to a close.  Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team on Saturday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for an interactive presentation, book review, potluck, and hike to celebrate the amazing birds we've seen this fall and winter in Solano County and beyond.

Broderick brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey.  Each fall and winter season he offers tours on Solano Land Trust lands.  He’s a gifted and entertaining teacher.  Asked about his passion, Broderick explains “The main thing is I don't just want people to watch and see hawks; rather I want people to understand their needs, interactions and requirements to survive. I’m just explaining what I’m seeing after watching it for so long. I just want to share and ‘pass it on’. Hopefully as I reach hundreds if not thousands of people, a few will really get it, latch on to it, and then do as I do, just as others did for me when I was starting out.”

 

Meet in the Rush Ranch Nature Center. Participants are invited to bring a potluck item to share with the group. The presentation will cover raptor natural history and threats, the importance of habitat conservation, acquisition and restoration, identification methods, and a book review.  The event will conclude with a hike up Suisun Hill where eagles, hawks, and falcons seek-out ground squirrel colonies.

 

Since its founding 26 years ago, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected more than 20,000 acres of working farms and natural areas in Solano County.  Learn more, see a full list of outdoor adventures, and become a member at www.SolanoLandTrust.org.

 

Who:     Solano Land Trust & raptor enthusiast Larry Broderick

What:    Raptor Wrap-up at Rush Ranch:  Birds of Prey Identification Workshop and Hike

When:   Saturday, March 31st from 10am to 1pm

Where:  Rush Ranch, 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585.

Why:     Discover and learn about eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in Solano County.

Cost:     A donation for the tour is suggested but not required.

RSVP:   Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 (office), 415-517-2624 (cell), or [email protected]