Wildflowers on the Bay

We drove up Highway 101 on the northern California coast this morning and were pleasantly surprised by the the profusion of wildflowers on display along Bodega Bay. I'll let the pictures do the talking. Enjoy!

Funny Job Ad

Saw this job ad for the Pony Express at the hardware store in Old Sac today. Really interesting criteria. Do you think you're up for the job?

WANTED
Pony Express
St Joseph, Missouri to California in 10 days or less

YOUNG, SKINNY, WIRY FELLOWS
not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.

Wages: $25 per week.

Note: This is one job that I'm definitely not qualified for. Young? Skinny? Orphan? :-D

Old Sacramento

It's Memorial Day weekend so we decided to head to Old Sacramento for a taste of good ol' fashioned Americana. There were hot dogs, ice cream, salt water taffy and jazz bands that really added to the party atmosphere.

Old Sacramento sits by the American River and is a recreation of the town during the days of the Gold Rush in the 1850s. In fact, it was the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in Sacramento that led thousands along this dusty trail to seek their fortunes. This was the era of wild lawless adventurers that have long captured my imagination. Today, the old paddleboats, railroad and rustic buildings are all operational, and lend an authentic historical feel to the place, even though it's filled with tourists.

Aunty Jo Jo taking remedial classes at Old Sacramento Schoolhouse

We also enjoyed a side trip to the Schoolhouse Museum that shows a replica of a one-room schoolhouse found throughout America in the late 1800s. I got a chance to play Laura Ingalls from "Little House on the Prairie" as I squeezed into a school bench and started writing alphabets on the slate. How cool...we should have more living history museums like this. Love it!

By the shores of Tahoe

Imagine sitting still on a pine log staring at these breathtaking views....

...sigh...that's exactly what my family had the privilege of doing as we headed up to Lake Tahoe earlier this week. Breathtaking views of Sierra Nevada in the background while crystal waters gently lap the shores of Tahoe in the foreground. This is just the kind of nourishment my soul needs.

Aunty Jo Jo and Julie playing by the shores of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater alpine lake in North America and is located about 2 hours north of my sister's place in Sacramento. It's shoreline is shared by the states of California and Nevada. Tahoe is the ultimate winter playground for residents of the Bay Area and as you can see, it's gorgeous (and very quiet) in the spring months too. We spent a couple of hours picnicking and enjoying the views at Baldwin Beach in Emerald Bay.

But Lake Tahoe is only half the equation. It would be remiss of me if I didn't also extol the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The drive up the mountain is really breathtaking and the views provide a glimpse of paradise. So that we may believe.

Sights & Sounds of Vegas

Okay, so this is Vegas. Entertainment Capital of the World. These are the sights, sounds and impressions that have been forever seared into my memory.
1) There are slot machines everywhere - starting with baggage claim at the airport

2) There are more casinos than convenience stores from the Strip to Fremont St

3) Wherever you turn, there is unmistakable glitz and glamour. Ranging from vintage ritz at Caesar's (left) to glamorous chic at Wynn's (right)

4) They also seem to love their statues with Julius Caesar, Hadrian and real-life street artists at the Venetian. Some were very cool; others somewhat creepy :-)

5) And last but certainly not least, it is hot, very HOT. We had temperatures of over 100F/36C daily and it was amazing to hear the radio DJs describe it as a "wonderful" sunny day! We drank about 3 litres of water daily and slapped on tons of body lotion to prevent drying out. Phew...