Days 5 & 6: California Adventure Vacation ~ Trees of Mystery & Grants Pass, Oregon

Wow, what a couple of days we had!  Yesterday, we drove up along the California coast, through Humboldt County and Eureka,  and reached ‘Trees of Mystery’.  We had seen this once on TV show ‘California Gold’  hosted by Hugh Houser.  But to actually walk through these incredible  trees was a story of its own.  We saw trees growing horizontally and upside down.  Trees clustered in a group of three, towering up for hundreds of feet, and forming a half circle—created a type of ‘cathedral.’ This tree formation serves as a place of inspiration where Easter sunrise services and weddings are performed.  Much of this natural attraction is based on legendary Paul Bunyan- the woodsman of lore, and a huge statute of Paul and his cow Babe are situated in the entrance to the park.  The highlight of our excursion was traveling to the tippy top of the mountain range in a sky gondola.  Definitely a must-see for anyone venturing this way.

Today, we took in the sights of Grants Pass, Oregon.  We’re lodging next to the Rouge River.  The small town of 38,000 population has many antique and craft shops.  We went on a four-hour boat excursion down the Rouge River where we spotted many types of wildlife, including two American bald eagles.  Dinner at the lodge was delicious, and the ‘spins’ on the boat were fun and refreshing- especially because the air temperature was 89 degrees.  Tomorrow, on towards ----- well, actually, we’re not quite sure yet; but I’ll blog as soon as we reach our next destination.  

Day 5: California Adventure Vacation ~ Monday, May 28, 2012

After a good night’s rest in our wooded cabin – we enjoyed breakfast with our lovely host.  She told us the story of Miranda Garden.  It turns out it was a 1920’s built (not 1930’s) motor lodge along the widely traveled route, Avenue of the Giants.   A man purchased the lodge 35 years ago and completely restored each cabin, down to the original redwood trim frames of windows and doors.  He also planted gardens of rhododendrons and fern that surrounded the century old redwood trees throughout the property.  She also told us about the year the high winds caused one of the huge redwood trees to topple onto the lodge office.  It has been rebuilt, in excellent accordance with the remainder of the structures. 

We ventured to the visitors’ center and Ruben and David were fascinated with the 1917 log camper on a Nash Quad 1913 chassis.  This first prototype of a RV was designed and built by naturalist, Mr. Kellogg.  We hiked Albee Creek and Bullcreek Trail, South.  During our hikes, we saw towering redwood trees, including the tallest which boasted a whopping 375 feet tall.  Picture lying flat on a football field and looking towards the field goal from one end to another—this is the distance the tree spanned from ground to top branch!  So awe-some.  At one point, I counted the rings of a fallen tree and calculated that it was 412 years old—or sprouted around 1612- before the Revolutionary War, and around the time the Pilgrims landed on the east shore of our nation.

Tomorrow, we head out to Grants Pass, Oregon, and look forward to lots more to see.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Day 4 – California Adventure Vacation: Miranda Grove

We arrived to Miranda, CA- a small sleepy town surrounded by tall redwood trees, and full of charm. We’re lodging in a wood paneled cabin built in the late 1930’s. Its architecture is very similar to the house my brother Ruben and I grew up in~ single paneled doors, low ceilings, and cute windows that drape inward when opened. We ventured into the small city nearby, where their shops and restaurants were mostly closed because today is Sunday. Tomorrow, we plan on finding some picturesque trails to see the wonder of the trees. Not too far from us are some of the largest redwood trees in the North American continent. Now, that’s something to behold!

Day 3: California Adventure Vacation~ San Jose & San Francisco

We left Big Sur this morning and drove to San Jose to visit with David's Aunt Lydia. She treated us to a delicious lunch, and we enjoyed her delightful conversation, reminiscing about the old days. She is a prolific writer, and is currently working on a novel based on her childhood. Cindy almost finished reading her last book, which detailed her life in Mexico in the 30's and 40's. We drove on to San Francisco, and had dinner at Fisherman's Wharf. Tomorrow, we'll take in the sights~ including the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 2: California Adventure Vacation

Here we are in Big Sur, California!  Yesterday, we drove 7 hours-- stopping in Solvang for a quick danish, and shopping trip, and ultimately arriving at the Big Sur Lodge located in the Big Sur State Park.  We immediately walked down to the purple sand beach which boasted large boulders with splashing water streaming  through it's weathered openings.  It was amazing that there were strong gusts of wind, which certainly were responsible for forming the jagged rocks that rose from the ocean floor, that exfolliated the flesh of our faces.  We had a relaxing dinner at the lodge, and after a restful night, did some hiking today.

We began a 5-mile hike towards Buzzard Roost trail that offered terrific sights of redwoods, a cackling water stream, and two adorable bluejays that we fed, and observed their intelligent behavior; as they ate, saved food (by burying it in the ground), and took other bits of the nuts and berries to their little ones a short distance away.
After two more hikes- one up the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View, we came back to our room to rest and rejuvenate.  Tomorrow, we're headed for San Francisco, after making a stop in San Jose where we will visit with David's Aunt Lydia.

We're Off...

Yay..
We're launching off on our "California Adventure" vacation with brother Ruben and sister-in-law Cindy.  We're expecting to have lots of adventures that will range from the beautiful Pacific coast, the historical and colorful sights of San Francisco (the Golden Gate Bridge turns 75 years old this year); and venture into Oregon where we'll sail along the Rouge River for a dinner tour.  The way back also promises spectacular sights: Mt. Shasta, Lake Tahoe, and we'll have a look back to the wild west in visiting Carson City, Nevada.  Keep watching this blog in the next few days.  I'll do my best to keep it updated.  I'll even add pictures!
Take care kids~ We love you!

A-h-h-h Summer...

There's no mistaking that summer is on the horizon.  No sweaters are necessary past 8:00 a.m. here in our Southern California city.  I'm personally sitting here dressed in shorts and tank top, just waiting for a decent hour to start the lawn mower as to not bother our neighbors:)
A few years ago, I had a work get-together at our house and it was themed "Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy".  My co-workers/friends appreciated the casual backyard setting and barbecue style dinner.  It made me realize that seasons are meant to be shared with others.  No doubt that the following Monday morning, everyone at my worksite had a smile on their face and a pleasant countenance.  It's important to share hospitality with those you spend work time with 40 hours a week.
Also, a few years ago, my neighborhood would hold a block party in the summer months every year.  I still smile when I view pictures that show neighbors who moved, or passed away.  There's just something about spending time outdoors; smelling the aroma of barbecue ribs and burgers.  The giggles and squealing of kids playing, accompanied with the conversation and laughter of the adults gathered together is something sure to be remembered ~ long after the last summer sun sets.

Here's to Summer!

All About Mothers

Mothers' Day is around the corner, and I can't help but get caught up in the emotion of it all.  More so this year because our daughter is having her first child.  It takes on a new meaning to see motherhood hitting the one you held in your arms what seems like yesterday.  Anicia will be a great mom and it will be fun to have a new infant in the family this fall.
On the other side of the spectrum, I remember my own mom this week, as I do every year, not to mention on a daily basis.  'Ama' as I called her was a fantastic mother.  She gave to her kids before giving to herself, and spent many a night waiting up for us, caring for us when we were ailing, and always made sure our home was a safe haven.  I still miss her-- it's been 13 years since she went home to be with the Lord.  But she lives on in her children and grandchildren.  Even my husband quotes her often, stating, "A wise woman once said..."
Happy Mother's Day to all moms who love their children, work unceasingly for them, and continue to have faith in them, even when they don't have faith in themselves.

More on my Quilt Guild's Riverside Block of the Month

I went back to my quilters' guild and was excited that this year, the guild decided that for the Block of the Month, there would be a featured landmark from our city.  January was the the navel orange- symbol for our city since the 1880s; February was Mt. Rubidoux, complete with cross crowning the mountain; March featured the University of  California Riverside's clock tower and backdrop hillside with the letter C pointing to the campus below.  At our April meeting, I was excited to find out that the famed Mission Inn will be the block of the month. 
The intent for these blocks is that at the end of this year, we will have 12 blocks to complete a quilt commemorating Riverside, CA.  I guessed on the guild's blogspot that the Fox Theatre would be next block; then as an after thought also named the Wood Streets, which is the neighborhood I live in.  The Wood Streets are a rich part of our city, dating from the turn of the century-- homes built in the style of  architecture ranging from colonial, craftsman, and spanish mediterranean.  It will certainly be exciting to find out who guessed right at our next meeting!

The Raincross Quilt Guild: More This and That & Contest

The Raincross Quilt Guild: More This and That & Contest: Here are the Winners from Paducah, or in other words Eye Candy for you. What will Susan pick next for our Riverside BOM?  Let's have a...

My guess is the Fox Theatre.  ~ Gracie M.

Wedding in Vegas

Getting ready for my nephew Timmy's wedding this weekend in Vegas.  These milestones bring back sweet memories and laughter of days gone by.  My most vivid recollection of Timmy was spending spring and summer breaks in San Onofre on the bluff camping with our kids.  It was on one of those quarter climbs back to our campsite from the beach that Timmy discovered a snake in the path.  I remember his shriek, and alerting the rest of the kids to the unwanted critter slithering across before us-- I'm sure that the snake saw us as an unwanted presence, as well.  Seems like just yesterday, then we realize that time does continue marching on.  Congrats to Timmy and bride-to-be Michelle.  May the sun always shine upon them, and the wind be upon their back.  Cheers!