Are You That Woman

California waterfalls

The adjectives:  awe-inspiring; breathtaking; spectacular; mesmerizing.  The verbs:  plunging; plummeting; crashing.  The metaphors:  like a thundering curtain or the roar of a hurricane; or like the sound of  bells or murmuring voices. 

Waterfalls. They are mystical and magical. Their size and strength are often times terrifying; their beauty: tranquilizing and hypnotic.  Who hasn't dreamed of showering in their chilling spray or swimming in an emerald pool; or longed to track the water's ancient origins in search of a quiet resting place?  In California, there are memorable waterfalls to match any you have imagined.

Abundant winter rains and a melting snow pack have California waterfalls exploding with water. Springtime is generally the best time to view these natural wonders as many  falls dry-up in the summer heat due to decreased water flows. But during the right winters, waterfalls come crashing back to life. The Native Americans called them "laughing waters."  This year, California waterfalls are giggling, chortling, screaming, and lifting their voices in tumultuous laughter. 

In Siskiyou County McCloud Falls (upper, middle and lower) are 5.9 miles east of the town of McCloud and can be reached by following the signs to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Fowlers Campground located on the Uppler McCloud River.  The three falls are within two miles of each other and Upper McCloud Falls is accessible by car.  There is fishing and a natural swimming hole on Hwy. 89. Near Mount Shasta city, Ney Springs Canyon Trail and Faery Falls are easily accessed. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike to Faery Falls passes through the 19th-century ruins of Ney Springs Resort. Located near Dunsmuir are Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls. Hedge Creek is well marked and has a picnic area near the base of the falls. The trail leads visitors beneath the falls and, a short distance away, to views of the Sacramento River. Mossbrae is fed by melting water from the glaciers on Mount Shasta. Considered one of the most scenic waterfalls in California, hiking to the falls is trespassing with fines as much as $300. 

Burney Falls, once called "the eighth wonder of the world" by Teddy Roosevelt, is fed by spring flows of  200 million gallons daily.  Much of the water from these underground streams actually spouts from the rock.  The divided falls rumble down a 129-foot cliff into an emerald pool before flowing into Lake Britton.  Trails that almost anyone can manage lead down to the pool on both sides.  For the best view, hike the 1/2-mile trail that traverses the hillside.  You can cross the top of the falls most of the year, but waters run heaviest in the Spring.  McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is located mid-way between Lassen National Volcanic Park and Mt. Shasta.

Approximately 41 miles east of Redding, Potem Creek Falls empties into the Pit River.  A gentle, winding trail makes the falls accessible to hikers. 

Located 25 miles east of Oroville in Butte County, the Feather Falls National Recreation Trail will lead you to 640-feet high Feather Falls.  The trail, located within the 15,000-acre Feather Falls Scenic Area, winds through the foothills 3.8 miles to Feather Falls.  Water flows at Feather Falls are heaviest during the spring months.  

Yosemite Falls, the tallest falls in North America (and fifth tallest in the world), drops 2,425 feet to the valley floor.  The Upper Fall plunges 1,430, feet, connecting with the 320-foot  Lower Fall by a 675-foot cascade.  Follow a 3.6-mile trail, which includes a 270-foot gain in elevation, to reach the top of Yosemite Falls.  Start at Lower Yosemite Falls for a 1/2- day hike with excellent views of Half Dome.  The best views are about two thirds of the way up, so don't feel as if you're missing out if you don't make it to the top.  Impressive views of the falls are seen on the path to the base.

The Merced River flows from the snow fields in the Sierra Nevada, spills over the 594-foot Nevada Falls and then plummets another 317 feet over Vernal Falls.  Known as The Mist Trail, the hike starts uphill through the mist sprayed by Vernal Falls.  When the light is right, hikers are rewarded with rainbows in the mist of Vernal Falls.  The climb to the top of Nevada Falls is difficult; the last 900 feet of elevation gain are up steep polished granite.  The half-day round-trip up the falls is 3.4 miles one way.

Yosemite Indians called the 620-foot  Bridalveil Fall, Pohono, or "spirit of the puffing winds."  Strong winds often lift the thundering water and blow it sideways.  Bridalveil is visible from the road, but an easy 10-minute walk will take you to its foaming base.

On a strenuous 9-1/2 mile walk from the Tuolumne Meadows area, you can view the exuberant Tuolumne Falls.  Other falls such as the spectacular Waterwheel Falls, are a short distance beyond, near Glen Aulin Camp in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.

Other lesser known falls include:  Cascade Falls, Chilnualna Cascades,  Wapama and Tueeulala Falls.  After the winter snow melt, Yosemite is easily accessible by Hwy. 120 and 140 from the west and Hwy. 120 from the east (Mono Lake Area). 

Just five miles from the south entrance to Yosemite, along the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek Recreational Trail, lies a hidden treasure -- Corlieu Falls.  The trail follows the route of the historical Madera Sugar Pine lumber flume past the 80-foot waterfall, and the smaller Red Rock Falls.  With  no signs to publicize their existence, Corlieu Falls can be enjoyed in a kind of quiet solitude not possible at some of the better known falls. For additional information, contact: Yosemite Experience.

On the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada is Rainbow Falls, located in the Inyo National Forest south of Devils Postpile National Monument.  Along a 1.3-mile trail the San Joaquin River plunges 101 feet over volcanic rock into a box canyon.  Multi-colored rainbows are clearly visible in the mist of the mighty falls.  Devils Postpile is a brief walk from parking lots and shuttle stops.  The trail to Rainbow Falls is a short 1-1/4-mile hike from Devils Postpile.

Drive around the Mammoth Lakes Basin -- Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Mamie, George and Horseshoe (there is no Mammoth Lake).  Spilling down from Lake Mamie west of the town of Mammoth Lakes is Twin Falls, which cascades 300-feet along a granite bed into Twin Lakes.  It can be viewed from the overview at Twin Lakes.  For additional information, contact:  Visit Mammoth.

The diminutive Indian Falls in the Plumas National Forest is just 20 feet high, but creates a dramatic affect falling on Indian Creek. Large sun-bathed rocks, swimming holes, and sandy shores beckon. The 0.5-mile round-trip hike is easy but can be icy in winter months. Well-placed interpretive panels provide insight into the lives of the Maidu tribes who inhabited the region. Ten miles west of Quincy, the falls are two miles north of the intersection of Highways 70 and 89. 

The Bay Area has been blessed with a number of beautiful water falls.  At a height of 70 feet, Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, may be the Bay Area's most impressive waterfall.  A fairly comfortable hike, take the Skyline to the Sea Trail to the falls and back for an 8-mile round-trip. 

Twenty-five miles from Foresthill in Placer County is Grouse Falls, one of California's most scenic waterfalls.  Cascading down several hundred feet, the falls are hidden at the head of an isolated box canyon.  The falls were largely inaccessible until 1992, when a trail constructed to a deck perched along the canyon wall allowed the falls to be seen.  The trail is an easy, 1/3-mile walk.  The best time for viewing the falls is in the spring when water flows are high. 

Truly an oasis in the desert is Darwin Falls, with its sparkling stream and year-round 30-foot cascading waterfalls.  Just off Hwy. 190, leading into Death Valley National Park it's an easy half-mile hike to lower Darwin Falls.  Another short hike ends at the rushing waters of the upper falls. In sharp contrast to this water wonderland is Fossil Falls, located 45-minutes north of Ridgecrest.  The trail is a short 1-1/2 mile, round-trip hike and leads to a sculptured and polished 40-foot dry waterfall.  Black lava cliffs were smoothed and shaped over thousands of years by the now-dry Owens River.  The graded dirt access road to Fossil Falls is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle. 

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

Transforming Stockton Boulevard: Corridor Study

The Public Works Department of the City of Sacramento is planning future transportation improvements on Stockton Boulevard. The two main focuses of this effort are improving traffic safety and mobility. The plan will be adopted by City Council in the summer of 2020. Between then and now, city staff is seeking feedback on how you’d like to move on Stockton Boulevard in the future. With the number of people traveling along or across Stockton Boulevard increasing, and doing so in a fixed amount of space, we’ll need to think differently about transportation.

What is a corridor study?
The study will develop a plan to make changes to the physical street based on research, analysis, and listening to the public – those who use (or avoid) Stockton Boulevard today. The result will be a document that recommends changes to the sidewalks, roadways, and intersections. Often called a Complete Streets plan, a plan like this focuses on the mobility of all modes – pedestrians, transit riders, drivers, and bicyclists. 

The project team spent time listening to the community and going to where people are to seek feedback from the community including at Junior Giants games, Colonial Heights Library, bus stops, a local church congregation, Oak Park Farmers Market, and presented at Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall and an Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce events. An online survey in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese saw about 300 responses and interviews were conducted in person and on the phone with 28 more stakeholders.

 Neighboring communities – Broadway and Franklin Boulevard – have already concluded their Complete Streets Plans.

“Franklin Boulevard is doing about half the length of what Stockton Boulevard is doing,” said Executive Director Nathan Ulsh, Franklin Boulevard Business Association. “This has been a positive process. You need a strong community voice to get this done and make sure it’s in the best interest of the community. Ultimately it’s about what the community wants and reaching out to them and taking the initiative.”

Why Stockton Boulevard?
Between 2009 and 2018, 266 people lost their lives in crashes on Sacramento streets. To address this public health and community crisis, the City of Sacramento developed and then adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan (2018). Through that effort, staff identified the High Injury Network – 14% of the streets that account for 79% of fatal and severe injury crashes. Further, staff identified the top 5 one-mile segments with the highest rate of fatal and severe injury crashes. Stockton Boulevard has two of the five segments. The project team is focused on improving safety for all roadway users on the former Highway 99.

Many eyes are on Stockton Boulevard with multiple development interests. Aggie Square, the UC Davis expansion, is expected to add jobs and housing units which will certainly have an impact on the corridor. Finding a way to move more people in a fixed amount of space will be central to the Corridor Study recommendations. Sustainable transportation, like transit, walking, and bicycling, must be a convenient and reliable option. City staff is also coordinating with Sacramento Regional Transit staff as they study ways to improve bus service along the corridor by increasing frequency and reliability while decreasing delay along the routes.

How the public responded:
After 292 online survey responses and 358 surveys taken while riding transit along Stockton Boulevard, the project team summarized the following themes:

• Even though most people traveling on Stockton Boulevard drive (reported 71%), the most important improvement by far for Stockton Boulevard according to the survey is low-stress bikeways.
• More shade trees, wider sidewalks, and more consistent/predictable traffic flow were the next tier of top responses.
• Excessive speed is the biggest safety issue, according to community feedback
• Long distances between market crosswalks (sometimes one-quarter mile apart) and narrow sidewalks with no separation from fast-moving traffic make for an uncomfortable pedestrian experience.
• 35% of the transit stops on Stockton Boulevard do not have any seating or shelter.

Corridor Study Timelines and Costs:
The project team is developing three alternatives to share with the public beginning in February 2020 and solicit feedback through an online survey and various public meetings. The feedback will determine a preferred alternative, after which cost estimates and final recommendations will be taken to City Council in the summer for final adoption. Besides basic maintenance and pothole repairs funded by gas tax dollars, the city does not have funding for transportation projects such as this. Therefore, once the plan is adopted, city staff will begin applying for competitive grant funding to design and construct changes. The public can expect to see some low-cost, short-term changes around 2022, with larger projects that will follow years into the future. 

Sacramento's Best Cookies

Goodie Tuchews wears the crown for more than 35 years! 
Hoping to re-open in early June 2020. Open! Open! Open!

It’s shocking to hear that some of you are not into sweets! A box of expensive chocolate truffles holds no fascination and luscious cakes aren’t your Achilles’ heel. You don’t wait breathlessly for all those candy-laden holidays – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, or Christmas – to be swept away into a sugar coma. However, on the rare occasion when your sweet tooth is itching to be scratched do you know where to go? A place – special above all others – called Goodie Tuchews. Sacramento’s bona fide cookie castle and where Terry O’Reilly, owner and lone baker, reigns as the Cookie Queen.

It’s amazing – nay, stunning – that longtime downtown residents and workers say they’ve never noticed the cookie heaven at 1015 L Street (circa 2007) and for many more years at 10th & J streets. Terry’s love affair with cookies pre-dates Goodie Tuchews’ 1981 opening. For five years she honed her cookie skills as a regional manager for Cookie Magoo, a Berkeley cookie chain (which eventually succumbed to the wilds of Mrs. Fields.) Terry had a short-lived break on the road to cookie connoisseur when she went to “live” in Europe . Three months later she was back in Sacramento working at the family-run Goodie Tuchews.

Terry’s dad came up with the 10th Street location. Though lackluster, the rent was cheap. And the name? Just a fun play on words, Goodie Tuchews, it was somehow fated. They found out after the fact that people use to call the Cal Western building the “Goodie Two Shoes Building ” because it housed so many non- profits. Terry, along with her father, Gerald, and six siblings crafted their cookies. Six Cookie Magoo recipes (Terry was granted these as long as she stayed out of the Bay Area) evolved into 19 and a local cookie legend was born. Eventually the other family members left the business and Terry became the cookie maven in 1994.

In more than 25 years at her 10th Street shop and now 13 years at 1015 L Street, Terry has baked thousands and thousands of cookies. About relocating she said, “Everything happens for a reason. The new space is luxurious by comparison and a better location.” Though she’s joined the ranks of prettier storefronts, her cookies will never be cookie-cutter. Each one is made with love. The most popular cookie is always the semi-sweet, chocolate chip without nuts. The only cookie to ever be retired was the gingersnap – due to lack of interest. And rumor has it that the chocolate cookie with peanut butter chips is a real “adult cookie”…try it with red wine. My personal favorites are Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut!

Quoting the Cookie Queen:  “People said, ‘We thought you’d never make it!’ I never imagined after more than 35 years that I’d still be doing this. I made myself a job that I love. My motto has always been, Peace & Cookies on Earth!”

I say, "Amen to that and eat more cookies!"  You can also enjoy Sacramento's Best Cookies and Ice Cream Sandwich!

Sacramento's Brazilian home for dance, drumming, culture

Happy to rediscover all the excitement at Brazilian Center for Cultural. The energy is palpable.

My Sacramento – Saara Burga
Born and raised in the Amazon, Saara Burga breathes Brazilian culture. Her nonprofit center raises money by offering classes in samba, bossa nova and belly dancing, drumming, Portuguese, and capoeira sport (Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance form). Her focus is to build community and help underprivileged kids find purpose through Brazilian arts.

"I fell in love with Sacramento; it was so easy to live here. The weather, trees, rivers and creeks reminded me of the Amazon. I wanted to create a home away from home, one way was through dance, but not just Brazilian – something for everyone. I strongly believe if we learn more about cultures, we will respect each other so much more. Sacramento has a little bit of everything. Through dance you step out of your shell. When I saw there was opportunity to do something more, I envisioned the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange.  The studio is open every day.  Daily classes include Afro-Brazilian drums, samba, bossa nova and belly dancing. Every Thursday night we have a rehearsal and party; a mistrua (Portugese for mixture) Brazil and we encourage everyone to dance."  

Enjoy all the fun including new cafe items including homemade beef, chicken, and vegetarian curry empanadas. So much joy!

Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange
2400 N Street, Suite 180
Sacramento; (916) 387-7344

 

Originally published in Sacramento Visitors Guide Fall 2017

International Sportsmen's Expo Sacramento is 5-stars

The clock is ticking. Less than two days until you can experience hours of outdoor recreation, sporting, hunting, fishing, boating, eating, walking, talking and just a darn good time at the International Sportsmen's Exposition, Sacramento! Check the schedules, arrive early, and stay to the last minute!

All the right people are at the International Sportsmen's Exposition. With thousands of attendees, it's amazing to see so many familiar faces. Remember, the show is H-U-G-E! Despite the Expo map and exhibitor listings, it can be challenging locating certain vendors or displays. But wandering the aisles and buildings is half the fun.

Always a pleasure to spend time with friends Jillene and Jonathan Roldan, Tailhunter International Sportfishing, for hugs and smiles. An endless stream of interested anglers stop by to hear the latest and greatest about Baja California Sur sportfishing with J&J! Of course, they aren't the only Baja offering but they are my #1!

Time to enjoy fly-tying demonstrations, pricing a kayak, make a few new friends, enjoy some lunch and then more exploring. Honestly, you'll barely scratched the surface.

The All-Theater Schedules and Demonstrations offer a wide-range of educational opportunities. From the bleachers at the Ultimate Bass Demo Tank, learn the latest techniques, talk fish, and ask questions. The Expo includes off-roading test tracks where you can test ride ATV and UTV models from Yamaha, Polaris, Kawasaki, Can Am and Honda!

Yes, it's true, you'll run out of time before you ran out of fun at the International Sportsmen's Exposition, Sacramento.

International Sportsmen's Exposition, Sacramento
Cal Expo, State Fairgrounds
1600 Exposition Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95815
No pets, firearms or outside food or drink allowed.
Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Adults: $15.00
Youth under 16 FREE
CASH ONLY
Buy tickets online or at the door
Parking: Cal Expo Parking: $10 per car

Top 10 Divine or Dive Sacramento

Funky or otherwise and not in any order. What do all of these favorites have in common? All local. All fresh. All mainstays in the Sacramento dining scene for many, many years. And at the very, very top of my Top Ten!

1. Sunflower Drive-in 10344 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Old Town Fair Oaks
The best...I do mean best...nut burgers! This vegetarian landmark is home to the famous Fair Oaks chickens, which wander totally range free. They know they are safe here!

2. Tres Hermanas  2416 K Street
Steaming plates of Chili Colorado. Oh, yeah, the house-made cilantro salad dressing. Yes, there really are tres (three) sisters.

3. Wiener Works  5207 Madison Avenue
What do you think? The "dogs", of course. However, the biggest, best(est), baddest order of fries on the planet. Large...how about two pounds of fresh cut spuds!

4. Biba Restaurant  2801 Capitol Avenue
Lasagna Verdi alla Bolognese, 10 layers of house-made pasta laced with a Bolognese meat ragu and creamy bechamel sauce (Thursday and Friday only). Followed by Zuccotto Fiorentino. Chocolate coated, dome shaped, rum scented pound cake filled with whipped cream, chocolate, almonds and hazelnuts. I don't know how they construct these things, but trust me it's a labor of love.

5. Bodhi Bowl 6511 Savings Place
So glad I finally marked this off my bucket list. We enjoyed spring rolls, papaya salad, tofu and veggies and more. Veggie- and vegan-heads rejoice. For the very enlightened!

6. Nopalitos Cafe  5530 H Street
They are only open Monday-Friday, breakfast and lunch. Sadly for us, but works for the owners. It's all good, but the tamale in a bowl for lunch....OMG! I order mine with chile verde.

7. Giò Chả Đức Hương Sandwiches 6825 Stockton Boulevard
Locals and out-of-towners flock to their Bánh mì made with their French baguettes and pate.

8. Waterboy  2000 Capitol Avenue
Waterboy Deluxe Burger. It's been a local fave for years.

9. Pitts Stop Restaurant 6610 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Don't judge a dive by its cover. Five-star hole-in-the-wall. Five-star made from scratch breakfast! You'll leave with a happy tummy and (hopefully) a few new friends. This small-time diner has been feeding locals since 1979. They must be doing something right. 

10. Goodie Tuchews  1015 L Street
It's all about the cookies! All 19 varieties. My personal favorites the Snickerdoodle and the Chocolate Chip with MaMacadamiauts. Terry's been baking these bad boys for more than 30 years. And on those warm summer days, how about an ice cream sandwich? Vanilla ice cream from local Gunther's wedged between any two cookies. Yumm.....EEEEEE!

Wildside of Explore Elk Grove

Not far from the confluence of the Sacramento, Cosumnes and Mokelumne rivers and the California Delta, Explore Elk Grove’s welcome mat greets millions of migratory birds each fall and winter.

Along the Pacific Flyway, winged visitors make their way to nature preserves, parks and refuges. Breathtaking fly-ins of ducks, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese and tundra swans are the showstoppers, but wildlife viewing is a year-round attraction. Throughout the region, a wide array of feathered friends, mammals and fish are full-time residents. Parks, neighborhoods and rivers are habitat for red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks, falcons, river otters, raccoons, owls, and, yes, Mexican free-tailed bats! Whether you walk, paddle or observe from your car, it’s easy to get up close and personal with nature.

Keep your binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras close. Much of Elk Grove’s wildside is easily accessible just along Franklin Boulevard. Within its borders, there are 90-plus city parks in excess of 700 acres and more than 28 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. Get out and Explore Elk Grove!


Bufferlands – Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District
In the 1970s, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District looked deep into their crystal ball and saw that communities needed a “buffer” from the wastewater treatment plant. To safeguard growing populations and preserve much needed open space, they purchased 2,150 acres to minimize the potential for odor and other nuisances that could impact the surrounding neighborhoods. The results were nothing short of remarkable. Hidden away along Franklin Boulevard, this important nature area provides hundreds of acres of high-quality wildlife habitat, farmland and open space in a rapidly urbanizing area of California.

Restoration of historic properties and preservation of riparian habitat make the Bufferlands a must-see for locals and visitors. The Bufferlands supports more than 230 species of birds, 25 species of native mammals and several native fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The Bufferlands is also home to more than 20 species of rare plants and animals, including several threatened and endangered species such as Swainson’s hawk, vernal pool fairy shrimp and giant garter snakes. Opportunities to see this wildlife and nature tourism gem are available through public tours and events, including the annual Walk on the Wildside festival.

Laguna Creek Trail – City of Elk Grove
With numerous access points and ample parking, this popular trail features two miles of paved, off-street trails for biking, hiking, walking, running and horseback riding. Traversing the lengths of Laguna Creek, treetops and waterways are home to song- and shorebirds. Locals and visitors share the right-of-way with feathered friends and mammals including river otters, raccoons and beaver.

Cosumnes River Preserve – California Department of Fish & Wildlife
A one-mile universally accessible trail and three-mile round-trip levee trail and boardwalk provide up-close views of sandhill cranes, shorebirds, riparian forests and wetlands. Bring your own boat for guided kayak and canoeing trips on the last free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada to the Central Valley. Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center includes interpretive displays and covered deck great for picnicking.  All ages will love the weekly “Ducks in Scopes”, where preserve docents provide free scopes and binoculars and expert wildlife identification.  Scopes are also set for children. Check the website for dates and times.  

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – US Fish & Wildlife Service Pacific Region
The refuge is home to more than 200 wildlife and fish species. Seasonal Pacific Flyway migrations of Greater Sandhill Cranes, shorebirds and wading birds rest and feed on mudflats, wetlands and lakes. The recently restored Blue Heron Trails is located at the Hood-Franklin Road headquarters. Open from sunrise to sunset, free of charge, the accessible paved trail includes a mile of loops around managed wetlands hosting various migrants such as hawks, shorebirds and interpretive panels. Best viewing is during the migratory season October-May. School groups are welcome. Check online for dates and details about docent-led tours.

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve – California Department of Fish & Wildlife
The wildlife international airport – squadrons of Greater Sandhill Cranes descend during nightly fly-ins September to March. More than 30 other species of birds including ducks, geese, hawks, owls, swans, avocets, coots and stilts join the evening revelry. Managed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, parking and viewing mound are located on Woodbridge Road. The north site of the reserve, which includes the crane viewing shelter, can only be visited on a docent-led tour. Be sure to check online for dates and times as tours fill quickly.  

Galt Winter Bird Festival
Festival headquarters is the starting point for free educational presentations, wildlife shows, hands-on activities and art displays. Fees vary for group tours to Cosumnes River Preserve, Heritage Oak Winery, and Staten Island. Keynote speakers are world-renown birders and authors. Wonderfully kid-friendly!

Walk on the Wildside
This one-day festival features hands-on activities, live animal shows, entertainment and guided tours of Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the 2,150-acre Bufferlands a unique opportunity to see a rare heron and egret rookery—one of only four in Sacramento County. Special twilight tours are offered during the summer and fall.

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival
For more than 20 years, this three-day festival has celebrated the return of the Greater Sandhill Cranes to the Central Valley. Listed as endangered, the cranes are one the largest migrating North American cranes. Sometimes called B52s, their wingspan can reach almost seven feet wide and they can be up to four feet tall. Leaping with wings extended, their mating dance is marvelous! Guest speakers, art show, entertainment, guided tours and dozens of exhibitors!

Remember to Leave No Trace – pack it in and pack it out. Follow the brown and white binocular signs to wildlife viewing sites and festivals and online at www.CAWatchableWildlife.org

 

 

California Fall Foliage Autumn Colors Arrive

Fall Foliage in California:  Places to Go, Colors to See 
Summer’s golden, sun-filled hours have shortened and the evening air is turning crisp and cool, Mother Nature takes her cue to begin a spectacular and colorful show of fall foliage in the Golden State.  Autumn’s palette of deep reds, glowing yellows and warm, earthy browns may be enjoyed in many of California’s regions.  Visitors taking a relaxing drive, hike or bicycle ride through the scenic countryside will be instantly immersed in the season’s breathtaking beauty.  Here are some of the more popular places to view fall colors in California.

Alpine County:  Aspen trees and cottonwood explode in bright yellow and golden colors in Hope Valley, Markleeville, Ebbett’s Pass and Monitor Pass.  

Big Bear Lake:  During autumn, the valley is a brilliant palette of reds, oranges, golds and browns as deciduous trees and bushes prepare for winter hibernation.  The area derives its color primarily from oaks, but also includes aspen and some maples. Fishing as well as all water sports on the lake remain open through October as do the traditional activities of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Five-star on the YELP scale, The Aspen Grove and it's golds and yellows is the only one of its kind in the San Bernardino National Forest. 

Bishop: Travelers from Southern California in search of fall foliage will find Bishop the perfect destination.  Encompassing America’s deepest valley and two of its highest mountain ranges, the Bishop area offers a remarkable variety of fall color.  A fall color guide is available for the area and includes viewing directions for the following High Sierra foliage hot spots: Bishop Creek, Lower Rock Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Hilton Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and Conway Summit.  Many of the canyons make a good base for campers and fishing in this area is abundant.  The chamber also post fall color updates and information on its website.
 
Grover Hot Springs State Park:  (Located south of Lake Tahoe, three miles west of Markleeville on Hot Springs Road) Aspen trees provide Grover Hot Springs with its lush, fall colors.  The vibrant leaves and the park’s 102ºF mineral spring waters combine to make the area a special treat and a favorite spot for campers and hikers. In the fall Clark’s nutcrackers, white-breasted nuthatches, and band-tailed pigeons reside in the forest.  

Mammoth Lakes: The transition from summer to winter turns Mammoth Lake’s alpine canyons and lake shores into a blaze of color.  Aspen, willow and cottonwood unfold in brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red.  Stands of old aspen add to the magnificent beauty of the area.  

Yosemite National Park: Autumn’s arrival magnifies the beauty of one of California’s most cherished parks.  The dogwood’s leaves put on a glorious show, including colors ranging from yellow to salmon, purple to Bordeaux red.  Bright orange and vivid red aspen are on display, especially in the high country.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park:  Surrounded by a network of rivers and lakes, Ahjumawi Lava State Park is an ancient, wild landscape that turns a collage of colors in the fall. Canoeists, boaters and hikers will be overwhelmed by the park’s brilliantly colored foliage as they explore the area’s waterways, pools and lava flows.  This predominantly untouched park is only accessable by boat.  Boats may be launched at Rat Farm, located three miles north of the town of McArthur on a dirt road near the end of Main Street.  

Plumas County: Visitors may savor Awesome Autumn foliage in Plumas County by taking a self-guided driving, biking or hiking tour along Highway 70.  Several of the county’s most beautiful viewing locations are described in the following paragraphs. Fall color upadates are available on the Plumas County website's Leaf Peeper reports. Look for a free copy of the Plumas County Fall Color Guide, a  map that outlines the best routes in the county, illustrates common species and explains why leaves change color. The guide is available at visitor information centers throughout Plumas County.   
• Bucks Lake Road:  A soothing drive along Bucks Lake Road showcases one of the largest groves of dogwood in the county and an incredible vista of the valley below.  The road also features several pristine meadows covered with aspen and creek willow.
• Indian Creek/Indian Valley:  One of California’s premiere pastoral drives begins where Highway 70 and Highway 89 intersect, heading towards Greenville and Lake Almanor.  One side of the road is covered with masses of golden oak, chokecherry and dogwood.  On the other side, the banks of a clear mountain stream are lined with amber willow and flaming red Indian rhubarb.  Broad bands of oak and quaking aspen also descend the nearby ravines resembling giant, saffron waterfalls.
• Lake Almanor:  The lake, with Mt. Lassen looming in the background, is always a scenic masterpiece.  Autumn offers miles of reddened dogwood along Highway 36, and thickets of glowing birch and aspen along Juniper Lake Road and Warner Valley Road to Drakesbad.  Stunning, crimson dogwood is also visible north of Chester in the Benner Creek area.
• Frenchman Lake:  Fall colors illuminate the area’s unique geological formations, lava rock and stunning lake.  Indian rhubarb, dogwood and chokeberry paint the area a vibrant red.  Quaking aspen and oak cover the surrounding hillside in a blanket of yellow, making the area a treasure for those in search of fabulous fall color.
• Quincy/La Porte Road:  Entering the town of Quincy, travelers will see a montage of oak, maple and poplar sprinkled among the homes, resting against an eastern Sierra background.  The entire drive into La Porte winds through canyons crosses the Middle Fork of the Feather River and is a spectacular color excursion. 
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park:  (Located northeast of Redding, six miles north of Hwy. 299, on Hwy. 89 near Burney) The falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provide a spectacular backdrop for the changing of the area’s oak leaves.  While surrounded by a forest of multi-colored foliage, visitors may watch as 100 million gallons of water flow over the park’s 129-foot-high waterfall.  

Castle Crags State Park: (Located six miles south of Dunsmuir along I-5) The towering, granite spires of Castle Crags are made more majestic by the colorful scenery of fall foliage.  The park’s 28 miles of hiking trails provide the perfect venue for those desiring to explore the glory of autumn’s changing leaves.  

Sonoma Valley:  When in search of fall color, don’t miss California State Scenic Highway 12 through Sonoma Valley.  Gold rolling hills and magenta-splashed vineyards are a palette of color.  The tiny “Valley of the Moon” stretches over more than 17 miles of back roads, offering endless opportunities for scenic views.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park:  Located four miles north of St. Helena on Highway 29, ten miles of hiking trails guide visitors along steep hillsides for spectacular views of California’s trademark redwood groves.  An official “watchable wildlife” site, trails pass by second-growth redwoods and through chaparral woodlands favored by California quail, western scrub-jays, woodpeckers, and coyotes.  A horseback riding concession operates during summer and fall. 

Grass Valley/Nevada City: This quaint area is known for some of the best fall color in the West.  Giant sugar maple and liquidambar trees warm Victorian homes and historic districts with their brilliant hues.  Premium fall foliage is scattered throughout both towns.  Grass Valley offers a gorgeous hilltop vista.  Nevada City’s colors are more centrally located and may be easily enjoyed on foot or bicycle.  Two of the region’s most popular sites are Nevada Street in Nevada City and the enormous maple tree at the corner of Neal and School streets in Grass Valley.  

Calaveras Big Trees State Park:  (Located four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4) The dogwood trees are a continuous visual pleasure with their beautiful white flowers in the spring, burning red leaves in the fall and stark silhouette during the winter.  This mixed conifer forest bisected by the Stanislaus River also has diverse but somewhat elusive wildlife. A special feature of the park are its two universally accessible trails.  

Henry W. Coe State Park:  Located about 40 minutes from Morgan Hill, this rugged wilderness park’s grassy woodlands and chaparral are broken by the canyons and ridges of the Diablo mountain range.  During the fall, the north-facing slopes are a kaleidoscope of warm and cool colors, with large, yellow maple leaves, bright green bay leaves and live oak leaves with various yellow and red shades.  The wilderness park is accessed by horse and foot trails only.  

Note: As weather and elevation greatly affect fall color, it is suggested that visitors call ahead for additional information.

 

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

Two Rivers Cider Company a Sacramento Maker

There were few craft ciders 25 years ago. When opportunity knocked, Vincent Sterne answered. His was a pioneering effort since there was little information and no one on the local craft cider scene.  Any given week there are 12 cider varieties from apple and fruit to hops! Two Rivers Cider is drier and made from 100% fresh-pressed apples. No added sugars or preservatives. It’s the “real McCoy”!  Along awaited tasting room opened in 2016. Cyclists will love the eclectic collection of bikes and very family friendly.

Live music and fun and games for kids of all ages. Very dog friendly. Bring a picnic. Call ahead about food trucks, house-made pizzas and BBQ.

4311 Attawa Avenue, #300, Sacramento, CA
Days and hours vary seasonally; Tuesday-Sunday spring and summer.

Sacramento day-trips to regional secret gardens

Gardens grow everything from edibles and flowers to botanical history and strange works of art. Use leisure time to explore nearby secret gardens – conventional and not. Slow down. Enjoy the landscapes. Getting there is half the fun. To unearth these secrets use GPS, Google Maps, road maps, and age-old technology of calling ahead for directions.

Go Discover! Lotus Valley Nursery & Gardens
Petersen Lane, Lotus, CA 
A quick retreat up Highway 50 east to Ponderosa Road, left across the highway and right on North Shingle. Wind your way and stay left at the ‘Y’ onto Lotus Road, left at the Bassi Road stop sign and stay straight onto Petersen Lane. Views of the American River are on your right before turning into Lotus Valley Nursery & Gardens’ secreted entrance.

Owners, Joe and Bob, turned a three-acre old homestead into a heaven of ornamental grasses and demonstration gardens. They invite you to come and discover. Bob’s handcrafted sculptures and water features are cleverly displayed in the “Tin Room Gallery” and throughout the garden. You can spend quiet hours strolling, picnicking, and contemplating. A variety of serene sitting areas beckon. Clearly, they want you to stay.  Plenty of other nearby distractions keep you close, including local wineries. Open Wed-Sun 9am to 5pm through November. Open in the winter by appointment. Lotus Valley is magical.

Continue down Lotus Road to Highway 49 north to the Dave Moore Nature Area along the south fork of the American River; half the trails are wheelchair accessible. If you skipped the picnic, there are plenty of breakfast, lunch and dinner options at Lotus and Coloma. You can loop back to Sacramento along Highway 49 to Interstate 80 – enjoy the scenic route which is about 100 miles round-trip.

Go Explore! Oakwilde Ranch & Sculpture
South Burson Road, Valley Springs, CA
Take Highway 99 south to Highway 26 east towards Valley Springs. Ready yourself for scenic vistas. Two-lane country roads framed by orchards, vineyards, and small towns are visually soothing. On 52 acres, owners Denise and Kresimir are cultivating art and relationships along groomed trails and undulating hillsides. The winding road delivers sculptures, hospitality, wine tasting, spring wildflowers, and beautiful views. Ranch hikes are an adventure in search of sometimes elusive art installations and views of Calaveras County foothills from the “Top of the World.” Call ahead for an appointment and directions.

If you still have time on your return, Lodi wineries are plentiful and freeway-close.

Go Seek! Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road & South Park Drive, Berkeley, CA
It’s a straight shot down Interstate 80 to urbane and sometimes eccentric Berkeley. Day-trippers overlook that East Bay Regional Park District protects
secret gardens and thousands of acres of open space in the Berkeley hills. The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a charming destination and less than 90 miles from downtown Sacramento. Ten acres of California native plants are organized by geographic regions of the state.  The garden was established by James Roof in the 1940s and contains rare and endangered species such as Presidio Manzanita and Small-leaved Rose. Built along meandering trails and bridges the garden feels primordial. Grassy areas are perfect for running; children are welcome to do so.

The annual April spring plant sale is a rare opportunity to purchase plants propagated from the Garden’s collection. Many of these California native plants are available nowhere else.  All proceeds benefit the Garden. Free public tours are held most rain-free weekends and group tours are available by special arrangement.

Just a few miles away, the stunning University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is 34 acres of formal gardens and glasshouses, with more than 13,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.

Go Sac! Go Yol! Go Sol! Gardens Galore
Sacramento gardens are many. Don’t be surprised, but none more special than those at the Old City Cemetery! The 3-acre Historic Rose Garden gives life to nearly 500 antique and old garden roses many found in abandoned sites, homesteads, cemeteries, and roadsides throughout northern California. The aroma is heavenly.  Hamilton Square, named after Alexander Hamilton’s youngest son, contains perennials from all five Mediterranean climates of the world.  A California Native Plant Society has created a garden among the headstones. It’s phenomenal in the springtime.

Garden lovers rejoice! The options are many and close-by. In adjacent Yolo County, the 1.5-acre UC Davis Good Life Garden at the Mondavi Center Institute for Wine and Food Science is an edible and ornamental landscape. Learn new gardening concepts and eat healthy, too!

Cross one more county border into Solano. A well-kept secret, Suisun Valley hides the fantastical Phillip Glashoff Sculpture Garden. Williams Road, a country lane off Suisun Valley Road, does not easily give up this secret. Wander the driveway and no farther. Dozens of sculptures along the way and in the field will leave you wide-eyed.  Easier to spot is another small collection on Rockville Road.

 

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