Are You That Woman

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!

Sacramento River Cruise intimate wine & beer tasting experience

Five friends spent a leisurely afternoon on the Sacramento River.  With lots of chatter and laughter we cruised into a beautiful California Delta sunset.

After months of planning and securing just the right vessel, Sacramento River Cruise officially launched (pun intended) in September 2018 abroad the 24-foot Sisu (Fishman East) boat. Sisu is a Finnish word that means stamina, fortitude, and guts which is what new owner Captain Emil Gagliardi had when he towed the Roccus earlier this year across country from Connecticut. Built in New Hampshire, the one-time lobster boat that fished out of Boston Harbor is now relishing the California life.

This two-hour cruise for 2-6 passengers is just what the river and the Roccus needed. Enjoy flights of local wine and beer and delicious charcuterie of cheeses, prosciutto, fruit, olives, breads and more. A quiet afternoon or sunset sail is the ideal way to spend time with family and friends. Captain Emil welcomes you aboard with a broad smile to relax at the padded and intimate seating area and table. Located at the Clarksburg Marina, Sacramento River Cruise is waiting to greet you. Be sure to bring your sunglasses and a warm sweater as river weather is changeable from warm, sunny days to cool Delta evenings.

Make this a day trip. Stop by Husicks Taphouse in Clarksburg. Take a quiet drive down the River Road to historic Walnut Grove before or after your cruise. Other nearby options to dine and wine include the Freeport Wine Country and Freeport Bar & Grill. The Old Sugar Mill offers a variety of wine and olive oil tasting options, too.

Keep your eyes on the sky as local and migratory wildlife make their way up and down the river. Part of the Pacific Flyway, during winter months the California Delta is home to thousands of migratory birds. For more information visit California Watchable Wildlife.

More photos!

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!

Road Trip to California Covered Bridges

When it comes to covered bridges, California can brag with the best of them. “What!?” you cry. You thought only New England claimed ownership of those marvelous portals to the past? Not true!

What California may lack in quantity, it certainly makes-up for in quality. Californians can flaunt the uniqueness of their covered bridges: the tallest; the only one with three distinct roof lines; the only covered bridge installed backwards and the longest covered bridge.

Just a few miles southeast of Eureka in Humboldt County, off Hwy. 101 on Elk Rd., are Berta’s Ranch and Zane’s Ranch covered bridges. Built in 1936 over the Elk River, Berta’s Ranch is the most westerly covered bridge in the United States and the oldest covered bridge in the county. Almost an exact twin, the Zane’s Ranch bridge, built a quarter-mile up-river, is the second most westerly covered bridge in the country. Both bridges are 52-feet long and built of native redwood which was inexpensive and plentiful at the time.

For many years, Zane’s Ranch bridge had the distinction of being the last covered bridge built in the state. Then in 1967, the Jacoby Creek bridge was built. Located just six-miles north of Eureka, the bridge leads into the plush Brookwood housing development. Built primarily for aesthetic reasons, the 68-foot Jacoby Creek is a gentle reminder of by-gone days. To reach Jacoby Creek, take the Samoa Blvd./ Arcata exit off Hwy. 101. Turn left and drive 1.3 miles to the bridge.

                Read the whole story........

Sonoma County past and present

Sonoma County is nestled between the marsh-lined shores of San Francisco Bay, the tree-covered mountains of Mendocino, and the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Settled by a mix of European immigrants, Spanish missionaries, and Mexican soldiers, it serves as a colorful introduction to California's early history.

Once known for its apples, prunes, and rangelands, Sonoma County now is noted for its grapes. The Northern California wine industry was founded here more than a century ago, and, since then, more than 60,000 acres have been planted in the vineyards from the valleys along the Russian River to the hills of the Carneros region.

Sonoma County's soil and climate work well for cultivating some of the best grape varietals in the world. The larger wineries are open daily, year-round, and offer tours and wine sampling in spacious tasting rooms. Some of the smaller wineries require advance notice, but are eager to acquaint visitors with their facilities and vintages.

The town of Sonoma, the birthplace of the county, is located an hour's drive from San Francisco, on Highway 12. Its plaza, laid out by the Mexican General Mariano Vallejo in 1835, is surrounded by the largest collection of Mexican-era adobes north of Monterey, including the Mission San Francisco de Solano, built in 1823. These structures sit side by side with western-style false-front buildings and Italian basalt structures that today house the Toscano Hotel, the Blue Wing Inn, and Sonoma Barracks. Together with the mission, they form Sonoma State Historic Park.

On the west side of town, is Lachryma Montis, the charming, Carpenter Gothic-style house where General Vallejo spent the last 35 years of his life. North Sonoma and about one-mile west of the town of Glen Ellen is the Jack London State Historic Park, established in 1959 to preserve the estate of the world-famous author.

Santa Rosa, the county seat and largest city in Sonoma County, is a convenient spot to establish headquarters for touring neighboring towns, wineries, and other points of interest. It provides a diverse range of accommodations and an extensive choice of restaurants. 

The world-renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank selected Sonoma County as the ideal place to conduct his extensive plant-breeding experiments. In Santa Rosa, visitors may tour his greenhouse and modified Greek Revival home, with its original furnishings and memorabilia at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens. 

Also in Santa Rosa, Historic Railroad Square is an ever expanding complex of antique stores, gift shops, restaurants, exquisitely refurbished Hotel La Rose, and the Santa Rosa Welcome Center housed in the beautifully restored 1904 train depot.

South of Santa Rosa lies Petaluma, where scenes from American Graffiti, Peggy Sue Got Married. Mumford and Cheaper by the Dozen (just to name a few) were filmed. Take a self-guided walking tou of the 1800s Iron From buildings and Victorian homes, survivors of the 1906 earthquake. On the outskirts of town is California's largest adobe structure, located in the the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, where General Vallejo built his rancho headquarters in 1834. 

To the north of Santa Rosa, the city of Healdsburg named for the '49er who founded it, is a top wine-growing region. The Healdsburg Museum contains local history exhibits and artifacts dating back to 1850. including memorabilia from the town's Native American, pioneer, and agricultural past.

Located off Highway 101, north of Healdsburg and Geyserville, is Cloverdale. The Cloverdale Historical Society Museum houses memorabilia, a general store, and a Victorian parlor in a restored 1880 home. Camping and boating are available at nearby Lake Sonoma. 

Sonoma County Farm Trails give visitors the opportunity to purchase directly from the county's farms. In the fall, roadside stands carry pumpkins and apples, especially Sonoma's famed juicy, tart Gravensteins. In May and June, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries; mid-summer, field ripened tomatoes and corn are followed by Rome Beauty apples and in November and December, cut-your-own Christmas trees.

The Russian River watershed covers much of Sonoma County as well as portions of Mendocino County to the north and east, and extends south from Cloverdale through rolling hills and fertile valleys. The river passes through redwood and Douglas fir forests and such colorful resort towns as Monte Rio, Guerneville, Duncan Mills, and Forestville, on it's way to the oceanside village of Jenner by Sea.

Two miles north of Guerneville is the 732-acre Armstrong Redwood State Park, which features horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails into Burbank Circle and other major groves.

Located at the end of Highway 12, at the ocean's edges, is Bodega Bay, a working fishing village since it was settled by Spanish explorers in 1775. Ocean-going boats are available for deep-sea-fishing expeditions, and waterfront restaurants serve fresh local seafood.  North of Jenner is Fort Ross, a reconstructed fortress established by Russian seal hunters in 1812. Now a state historic park, it features a visitor center that houses interpretive exhibits of tools, arms, and other historic artifacts.

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

In Sonoma County Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is one of kind

To say there is nothing like Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is not far from the truth. It is the only ceder/enzyme bath in the United States. An experience like no other, there are hardly words to describe the sublime nature of this Japanese therapy. This coupled with the beautiful gardens and atmosphere of the sanctuary, well, you must see it to understand just how special it is. From the moment you enter, your should feel all stress begin to fall away. 

After donning a cotton kimono, your personal attendant quite literally tends to your every need. Relax and enjoy your enzyme tea as you gaze out on the Japanese Tea Garden. Once you are enveloped in the ceder/enzyme bath you'll be wondering why you hadn't done this sooner and asking yourself, "How soon can I do this again?" Following the bath, continue to unwind with a massage or partake of the meta-sync music, eye pillow and a 30-minute nap. The Zen zone was never better.

What a blessing to have enjoyed Osmosis more than once over the years. The addition of the Japanese Meditation Garden, could it get any better? Yes, and it did with the addition of a Field of Hammocks!

Osmosis is a treat  on your own, with friends, with lovers. Some say the experience is pricey; that's misleading. It's not inexpensive but it's worth the cost of this one-of-kind spa and certainly much less expensive than other spas I have visited.The ambiance is over the top. If you're lucky enough to visit Friday through Monday, be sure to visit Wild Flour Bread across the road. This bakery is to bread what Osmosis is to the "ahhh" in spa.

Take your time. Enjoy the drive to this darling hamlet in west Sonoma County. You'll want to ind a place to stay nearby and let all that wonderfulness take over. Unwind. Let go. And let Osmosis. It's a leisurely drive from the Bay Area or Sacramento.

 

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

Aggie Inn has all the right stuff

Rating: Star! Star! Star! Star! Star!
Another fiver on the review list. Located in Downtown Davis, California, the Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Member, provides all the right stuff.  Location, location, location? Absolutely. Walking distance to all the best including the iconic Davis Farmers Market (which also includes Picnic in the Park), dining, shopping, museums, art and the UC Davis campus. Park your car and walk, bike or bus your way around town. What's the rest of the right stuff? Well, complimentary bikes for hotel guests to help with that getting around. Rooms are amazingly quiet. Comfy beds with wonderful linens and, yes, the bath towels more than exceeded my expectations. Ear plugs - although the room was amazingly quiet. And reminders to "Save our planet" by saving water. A wonderful selection of bath amenities including a hair dryer. Keurig coffee maker, microwave and mini-fridge. Free breakfast. Free WiFi. If that's not enough, also love the fact it's less than a 1/2-mile to the Amtrak station. Bay Area and Sacramento folks this is the perfect "staycation", remember those? Just one minor quibble, if there must be one, is the desktop plug. In my room, the plug was underneath the desk. That could easily be relocated to desk level or provide another lamp with plugin. Would I stay here again? In a heartbeat!

245 First Street, Davis, CA, 95616
Phone: (530) 756-0352 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Falling in love with Stockton Boulevard

In 2017, I had the great good fortune to be asked by the Stockton Boulevard Partnership to explore and write about Stockton Boulevard. While many wondered or asked, "What's there to explore?" My response was, "I'll let you know when I'm done." I wasn't new to the Boulevard having shopped at the Asian markets for years and frequented Luigi's Pizza back in the '70s. Still, I had no idea just how amazing the experience would be. Meeting and making new friends along the way; it was thrilling. Decades ago, Stockton Boulevard was a place and a community. Families lived and worked along its route and corridors. Many longtime residents have wonderful stories to tell about the history of Stockton Boulevard "back in the day", some of which will be recounted here, along with other snippets about the Boulevard's past and present.

I continue to explore and discover this once vibrant highway and neighborhood -- the people and places that made it great and a new generation that will make it great again. I fell in love with Stockton Boulevard and hope you will, too!

 Historic Highway 99:  Sacramento to Stockton
More than 100 years ago Stockton Boulevard was a thriving transportation corridor linking the cities of Sacramento and Stockton. This function ended in 1961 when State Highway 99 replaced Stockton Boulevard as the regional transportation artery. Although the lengths of the new freeway and the former street route of Stockton Boulevard were almost identical, eight to 10 minutes were shaved off travel time when driving the entire distance. This was big news in those days! Then, as now, delays on along the route were caused by restricted speed zones, signalized intersections and narrow lanes.

The Central California Traction (CCT) provided interurban train service from Sacramento to Stockton and provided local streetcar service to two new neighborhoods – Colonial Heights and Colonial Acres – and commuter service to the central city. These neighborhoods were built along the main line on Stockton Boulevard between 21^st Avenue and Sacramento Boulevard (now known as Broadway). The CCT stopped offering train service in 1933, but continued offering streetcar passenger service until their system was sold in 1943. 

Historic Highway 99 lives on. In 2017, Stockton Boulevard is a major transportation artery connecting Sacramento's Central City and South Sacramento. However, you can still drive (West and East) Stockton Boulevard to Galt. It requires some zigzagging and creative use of Google Maps.

Take me to the fair: Then & Now
The first California State Fair was held in San Francisco, October 4, 1854, drawing more than 5,000 visitors.  The fair was held in a different city each year, with Sacramento hosting in 1855.  When the exposition returned to Sacramento in 1859, it was decided that a permanent site should be found. By 1860, a six-block site bounded by E, H, and 20th and 22nd streets was purchased and was home to the state fair for the next fifty years. An Agricultural Hall at 6^th and M streets was used for exhibitions until 1884 until a new exposition hall, completed in 1884, was built at 15^th and N streets in Capitol Park.

Increased attendance at the State Fair forced the purchase of 80 acres just outside the (then) city limits on Stockton Boulevard. The first fair was held there in 1909. The admission price was $.50, which had remained unchanged for 39 years. Continued growth caused that site to be expanded by 75 acres in 1937. By the 1950s, the State Fair annually was attracting 750,000 attendees, considered a top attraction in America through the 1950s and one of the top five fairs in the nation; it was a boon to the Stockton Boulevard bringing jobs and tourism dollars to the community.

In 1968, the California State Fair moved to its current location at Cal Expo.  Much of the Stockton Boulevard location was acquired by the UC Davis Medical Center. Two remaining historic structures still stand at Stockton Boulevard and Broadway.  The old fairgrounds stretched for almost a mile north and east from that intersection. Currently vacant, the majestic Governor’s Hall marked the entrance to the fair. The adjacent Agricultural Pavilion (2921 Stockton Boulevard) now houses the UC Davis Clinical Transactional Science Center. The Center is one of approximately 60 National Institutes of Health-supported centers funded to facilitate and accelerate the study of human health and disease to bring new treatments to patients and communities through biomedical research.

Read the rest of the Stockton Boulevard stories: 

*Little Saigon: Stockton Boulevard Destination
*Performing Arts, a reflection of our growing community
*Parkwest Casino Lotus: Stockton Boulevard's New Gem
*Stockton Boulevard's Medical Mile
*Stockton Boulevard Memories: In their own words

 

 

Wild West Bass Pro/Am Northern California’s Tuolumne County

For the first time, Don Pedro Lake will host the Wild West Bass Pro/Am. Sponsored by the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau the tournament takes place March 2-4, 2018 and is expected to attract more than 200 professional and amateur anglers. Located in the heart of Gold Country and the gateway to Yosemite National Park, The sixth-largest reservoir in California, the lake has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass making it a prime location for the Pro/Am.

Events are scheduled at Fleming Meadows Marina, 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange, CA 95329. Daily events include Facebook Live Videos, Interviews, Weigh-Ins, and How-to Tips from Pros like Ken Mah and Vince Hurtado. Anglers are expecting to bag 20-25-pound bass making the daily 3 p.m. weigh-Ins a must-see event. Schedule, information and directions.

Outside the fishing zone, from Don Pedro Lake take Highway 132 to Highway 120 for the scenic drive to Yosemite National Park. With fewer crowds and waterfalls flowing, early spring is one of the best times to visit the park. The weather is brisk, making it perfect for day hiking. A less visited part of Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir combines waterfalls with hikes. Across the dam and through the tunnel finds you alone above the water, surrounded by granite walls and silence.

Other non-angling activities include historic Jamestown, home to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Open daily until 3 p.m., park admission ranges from free to $5 dollars depending on age,  Sip some wine in local tasting rooms at Inner Sanctum Cellars, open until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Gianelli Vineyards, open until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There are many great dining options in historic Jamestown, including the 1859 National Hotel and Restaurant where gold is accepted as payment. Tucked away around a street corner is Stogies Gold Country Lounge featuring live entertainment, liquor, and fine cigars.  Enjoy shopping at charming antique and eclectic shops that line the streets.

Tuolumne County, located 133 miles/200 km east of San Francisco, is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. For more information Visit Tuolumne.