September 23-25, 2017 - Sacramento

 
Sacramento: September 23-25, 2017
From Sept 23, 2017 to Sept 25 2017

The Hike : Our People : Trail People :  Trail Log 

The Hike:
 Not really a hike, but a walking time around Sacramento to celebrate our 41st anniversary. Originally we thought we would get a hotel room in San Francisco and enjoy a walk across the Golden Gate with our hiking group. But the rooms were a bit expensive and staying at my Mom's place did not seem to fit the occasion. So we decided on Sacramento since we have enjoyed walking it before.

Our hotel as the Best Western Sandman, There was a few troubling reviews, not about the hotel, but about the area. We did not experience problems which were mentioned. Our walks was around Old Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento. That kept us occupied enough. We had a chance to visit some old friends and sample some ice cream. Not bad.

Our People: 
Sherri
Gary



Trail People:
Mack - a college professor friend whom we have had Bible study with.
Joan - Mack's wife who we have been in Bible study with before.


 
Trail Log:

Our journal is given by each day.
 

Date	Campsite	Miles Walked	Elevation Gained	Max Elevation
Sept 23	Best Western	3.12	240'	47'	Leatherby Ice Cream, Old Sacramento, Nena's Restaurant, American River Trail
Sept 24	Best Western	5.22	376'	47'	Crocker Art Museum Ambrosia Cafe Cathedral of the Sacraments State Capital Buca di Beppo
Sept 25	Mountain View	2.62	124'	148'	Calif State Library Mack&Joan Fenton Fairfield trail Mountain View

September 25, 2017 - California State Library, Mack Visit and to Mountain View

Title: September 25, 2017 - California State Library, Mack Visit and to Mountain View
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head:

Hike Info:

Type: Car : Walking

Trail: Centennial Park, Vacaville

Distance:  2.62 miles 1

Elevation Rise:  124'

Maximum Elevation: 148'

Description:
As far as walking is concerned, it is a lazy day. We mosey out of bed late, take our showers and have breakfast. The one thing which we did not like about the hotel was that they did not freshen up the room yesterday. But they added points to our best Western account. We left after 10am and head downtown.

Yesterday when we walked by the California State Library, I commented that 45 years ago when I stayed in Sacramento for the Summer, it was of some regret that I could not get to the Library when it is open-its main purpose is a repository of California information along with providing reference for the State’s elected representatives to consider during their deliberations. So I am excited today about going into the Library.

We find out that there is actually four different locations. The first librarian we talk with gives a general overview of the functions the different branches serve. This particular branch caters to the visually impaired. But she suggests we go upstairs to the historical library.

But we are stopped short of the doors of the history library by a display in the lobby of California printing. It is part of the Book Club of California. Lots of things to browse-this is why I could never work in a bookstore or as a librarian. It is like a toy store for me. There is a copy of A Memo to a Mountain Lion by Wallace Stegner which gets one thinking of what we have lost.

When we finally step into the history part, there is not much time left before we need to leave to go to Mack and Joan’s place. But the librarian is there and she enjoy’s her work and explaining how to use the library. She also finds a couple of people who are enthusiastic in hearing about the library as well-a good combination.

After spending an hour at the library, it is off to see Mack and Joan. Mack was a professor of Sherri’s and he turned into a friend of mine. He is retired and moved to Sacramento to be close to one of his daughters. We spent an enjoyable afternoon with them, including them providing lunch for us. Around 3:30, we needed to leave to go down to Mountain View.

 Heading down I-80, we got to Vacaville where there is a Fenton’s Ice Cream. Good stuff. Had a sundae and felt good. Decided that we needed to walk it off. So we found a park in vacaville called Centennial Park. Went for a two mile, fairly flat walk. Got back to the car around 6:30, around dusk. Now it is time to progress to Mountain View. Getting in at 8 can be problematically as Mom may be ready for bed. So we delay our entrance by going to In-and-Out burger for a small dinner. Then came in around 9pm.

Background

California State Library

I am not sure how to rate this. It is not something which you go to gaze at, nor something to participate in. Maybe it is a place to appreciate that we have something like this. My entry into this library was a 45 year delayed pleasure. I lived in Sacramento one summer. The draw back is this library is open only Monday through Friday, 8:30-5:00pm. No way for a working person to visit.

So on this Monday, we were able to go into the N St library-there is actually four libraries. This one houses the Blind and Read Aloud Libraries as well as the California History. We started with the Blind and Read Aloud Library. The librarian there explained the structure of the libraries under the State Library auspices. Very informative. We then went upstairs. In the entry they had a display-several display cases of the type of printing, sponsored by the Book Club of California. We spent at least 45 minutes just enjoying this display. Onward into the California History. Another very informative librarian  talked with us about the California History collection and how even their card catalogue contains over a million entries. Amazing. They collect from all sources. I could have stayed in there all day-much to my wife’s gratification, we had another place to go to before this could take place. The one disappointment: I could not get a library card to this library. But I can request materials through my library.

September 24, 2017 - Crocker Art Museum and Walk around Sacramento

Title: September 24, 2017 - Crocker Art Museum and Walk around Sacramento
Hike Info : Description :  Background :  Extra Photo's : 

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking :  Car

Destination:Crocker Art Museum, State Capitol

Distance:  5.22 miles ¹

Elevation Rise: 376 '

Maximum Elevation: 47'

 ¹Using Google Earth’s route I plotted there.

Description:

Stairwell

We got a good night sleep. Woke up a bit late at least by my standards. We went down and had the hotels continental breakfast. By the time which we finished washing up and taking care of the morning business it was about 10. Too late to walk to church Downtown.

We decided that the first place we wanted to see was the Crocker Art Museum. This was based upon a recommendation by Cathey. This is a walking tour day,  so we retraced our steps to Old Sacramento, then continued on until we reached O Street. Then we turned eastward until we hit the museum. Upon reaching it, we stood outside not sure what we were seeing. There is a modern building but attached to it is as old historic looking house. The old house had a sign saying Crocker Art Museum. But so did the new looking building. We went into the new looking building and got admitted for $10 a piece.

From Papua New Guinea

We thought this was probably about an hour, maybe two hours on the outside, looking around seeing things and then coming out. Four hours later, we were really glad we had visited Crocker. To start with you go up some stairs that they have some pretty looking lights beaming down on the walls making it very attractive looking; creating fascination with the display. Then there is a exhibit from Papua New Guinea where we probably spend about 20 30 minutes looking at it. Not only that but it docent came over and talked with us about the role of missionaries played in bringing the art over.

Straprans painting

Next on the list of exhibits was a gallery featuring Raimonds Staprans work. I can honestly say I did not understand nor appreciate his work. To me they were just a bunch of rectangles painted different colors, maybe with a unifying color, but nothing more than what could have been done in high school art. Of course I did not know since I did not take art in high school. The quote which they provided sort of explains a framework he worked in but it did not give me an appreciation of him. I never paint from nature. I construct things. As far as I could tell, there is no Beauty in the work and if there was a message it must have been “we are what we construct” which I do not think is true.

Yosemite by Thomas Hill

Following the corridor around, we transition into the old building from. Sort of follows the line of thought of going from the new world to the old California. We are now in Crocker's old home. The atmosphere definitely takes on a older and more classic experience. The ceilings are high, woodwork abounds, and the furniture and the artwork corresponds to it. We probably spend at least an hour and a half in this area. Well, I was a little bit disappointed that there wasn't more in the way of historic or natural art in this area. It was still a fascinating looking around.

We continue to look around once we leave the old Crocker residence and come across more more modernish stuff. That's at least was interesting such as one he's ever had sculptures designed to trick your eye into seeing something else than what was there. It was stimulating just seeing what was there and what they were trying to say to us.

 After 4 hours of wandering around, we thought we are getting hungry and definitely a bit tired. So we exited and started our walk downtown. We eventually came the K Street Mall, which didn't really show us anything which we were interested in for eating. Onward we continue down K Street, until we come to the Cathedral of the Sacrament. But before we go in, there is a cafe which looks like it's closing up. Its name is Ambrosia Cafe. Looks inviting so we go in we order some sandwiches and a Nutella croissant. Food was pretty good. Good to get off of our feet and onto a chair, watching the masses move outside.

After lunch we slipped into the Cathedral of the Sacramento-which is what Sacramento is named after. A church service was going on-imagine that on a Sunday. So we went into the foyer, not into the sanctuary. The stain glass windows looking from the foyer were beautiful. We could peep into the sanctuary, but did not want to be intrusive, so we just moved on to the State Capitol. We marked this to go to on another day.

State Capitol

We have been to the State Capitol several times. The north entrance was closed, so we walked around to the south. After going through security, we started roaming the hallways. There was a display commemorating Native American veterans. That held our attention for a few minutes, along with the dome of the Capitol. We walk along the displays of the counties. Our thoughts are that Stanislaus, while less glitzy than Fresno is more likeable. Then it is up to the second and third floors to see the Assembly room. I notice that there are Dell laptops on the legislature’s desks. We get our picture take with Arnie, that would be his picture. By now, it is time for us to leave.

Assembly Room

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church is across the way. There has been a concert going on for a while. We are content to rest for a few minutes just soaking in the sunshine on the grass. But now it is time to go back to the hotel room and ponder what to eat.  In our wanderings back, we pass a tall building which has the American flag rippling in the wind. You cannot do anything but stand in awe with the red, white and blue flying there starkly against the blue sky.  We move on till we come to the Tower Bridge. Looks like a whole festival is going on-something about from the farm to the table. Then we walk the mile or so back to the hotel room.

Tower Bridge

The big question is where to celebrate our 41st anniversary? We decide that it would be OK to go to Buca di Beppo, driving instead of walking. So we drive about 7 or 8 miles to Buca. There we have Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken and a salad-we are not terribly hunger. But we splurge on having Tiramisu for dessert. Well worth it. Now we are glad for the drive instead of a walk. Time for bed.

Background

Ambrosia Cafe

After walking around Sacramento, we spotted this cafe close to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. We were hungry as it was past 2pm and no lunch yet. It looked like they were starting to close, but were still serving customers. We were deciding what we wanted to have: I choose the Ham and Gruyere Croissant. When a server walked by with a sandwich, my wife asked what is that? Albacore Tuna and Cheddar Melt. Mine tasted real good and because I did not want anything heavy, it served me well. My wife’s mouth just melted with her sandwich. The service was friendly and helpful. This is one of those places which you are glad to have stumbled into.

Buca di Bepo

I don’t think we ever have gone to a Buca which was bad. This Buca serves some pretty good food, even by Buca standards. The Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken was wonderful. Then we topped off our dinner with a Tiramisu dessert. Most Tiramisu have a bit too much rum, but this Buca’s Tiramisu is moist with only just a hint of rum. Would I go back again? You bet!

Crocker Art Museum

After seeing an art museum in Seattle, I was thinking I would not be to impressed-usually newer art is something which gives me headaches. But today’s adventure was one where we started with an exhibit of south Pacific Island creations-the docent said this was throw-away material for the natives, but missionaries saw the worth and sent it back home. We wandered through an artist I was not impressed with and then found ourselves in the California collection. This collection has the double bonus of being in the Crocker Mansion. Fascinating. All in all, we spent over four hours going through these and other exhibits. Well worth the time.

State Capitol

It is hard to evaluate something which you have gone to so many times. But once you are in the building, we realize why we return to see the State’s Capitol building. Whatever your politics are, this is where our laws are made, where our futures are established. From pictures of our past governors to the assembly and senate rooms, there is an aire to the place which demands respect. So for that alone, it is worth going to see.

The Capitol Building was built with the US Capitol in mind. While not a replica, it does retain the sense of awe of the DC building. Inside the building are exhibits from each county. They range from pretty sophisticated to somewhat cheesy. There are free guided tours which you go on. They start in the basement. Very interesting.

Extra Photo's

Gary and his pet bear

Entrance into Lt Govenor's Office

Capitol Dome

Gary and the statue in the center of the Capitol

Painting by Fredrick Schafer

Sherri, Gary and Arnie

September 23, 2017 - To Sacramento and a short walk

Title: September 23, 2017 - To Sacramento and a short walk
Hike Info : Description : : Background :   Extra Photo's 

Route to Sacramento

Trail head:

Hike Info:

Type:  Car

Trail: American River Trail

Destination: Old Sacramento
Actual Destination: Old Sacramento and confluence of Sacramento and American Rivers

Distance:  3.12 miles ¹

Elevation Rise:  240' ¹

Maximum Elevation: 47' ¹

Evening Walk

 ¹Using Google Earth’s route I plotted there.

Description:

We get off to a slow start to celebrate our 41st anniversary. I think it is around noon time when we leave. We are going to spend tonight's in Sacramento just wandering around. On the way up to Sacramento we stopped in Elk Grove at the Leatherby's ice cream place. When we have stopped at Leatherby's it has been really good ice cream and toppings-this time did not disappoint. Glad there is not one in Fresno or I would get really really fat.

 We left and went up 99 until we got to Sacramento and switched to I-5 for a short distance. We made it to the Best Western someplace around 4. Got our room on the third story. Still was daylight, so we decided to walk down to Old Sacramento.

Old PG&E Building

We are less than a mile from Old Sacramento, so the walk is not bad. We pass by what looks like a concrete ship and then hit the edge of the old town. There is a engine turn around which I enjoy being by. Then it is wandering. Sherri goes into a few shops. I have a tendency to hang back and enjoy an ebook. At one place, Sherri goes into a toy shop and I am outside of a bar. Music, or so called music comes out. But it must be people who have not been told yet they have no business singing outside of a shower. Fortunately, Sherri rescues me and we wander some more. 

Gary and Theodore Judah

Pony Express

Neither are hungry right now.So we do not go into any restaurants. Well Sherri goes into a candy story and finds the sample pretty retched. On we go and we find a few of our historical sites, like Theodore Judah’s monument or the Pony Express statue. By this time, we have done the circuit of the old town so we decide to walk back to the hotel, up the trail. When we pass by the concrete boat structure, we realize it is part of the water supply for Sacramento.

Looking into Sacramento

When we get back to the gate going into the hotel, we decide to continue on up the path. This brings us to the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. Looks like a pretty nice park area. We continue going along the path. It dips down under an overpass-there is a bridge across the American River. After this point, we do follow the American River. But the area becomes more sketchy. More signs of homeless encampments. More debris strewn around. We decide that it is starting to get dark and to go back to the hotel.

There is a beautiful sunset with the bridge, bikes, and a boat. We continue on and get back to the hotel in just a little while. Time to get freshened up and decide what to do about dinner. We are not terribly hungry. There is a Mexican restaurant called Nena’s in the parking lot, so by default, that is dinner tonight. Then back to the hotel room and time to turn in.

Background

Leatherby’s Ice Cream-Elk Grove

This was the second visit to a Leatherby’s Ice Cream Parlor, so we sort of knew what to expect-pure decadence. We had a Nicole's Peanut Butter Cup for $10.99.  It did not disappoint.  As the description said, Mounds of Chocolate ice cream atop Chocolate Cake, homemade Hot Fudge, and topped off with our delicious homemade Peanut Butter topping. If anything, we just wished that there was a bit more ice cream and a bit less chocolate cake. This sundae was more than enough for the two of us. The service was excellent as well.   (As a note: the toppings is the best part of the sundae)

Best Western Sandman Hotel

The reviews of hotels in the area was a concern. But we did not experience any of the negatives discussed. We stayed two enjoyable nights. The bed was comfortable; only when we opened the sliding door did we hear I-5 (as a note, I suspect this was because we were on the wing closest to the river); the homeless problem did not materialize.

This Best Western is about ¾ of a mile walk to Old Sacramento along a bike path. The Best Western is the only hotel we saw which had a gated access to the path-a definite plus. Staff was good and pleasant. Breakfast was waffles, eggs, bacon/sausage, and cereal.

Enjoyable stay. The only knock we had was after the first night, the room was not tidied up. This was due to a misunderstanding about signage. Hotel management compensated by adding points to our Best Western card. Would we stay there again? Yes.

Nena Mexican Restaurant 

Mexican and right next to our hotel. We saw that the food was rated pretty good, so we decided to try it out. The food was good enough Mexican food. I had a chicken chimichanga. But the drawback was the service was pretty slow. Fortunately, we were not real hungry and this was the end of our day.

Extra Photo's

"Concrete Boat"

Gary and the Pony Express

Sherri and Theodore Judah

September 19-20, 2017 - Delilah Lookout

Title: September 19-20, 2017 - Delilah Lookout
Hike Info : Description  : Animals

Hike Info:

Type: Lookout

Description:

September 19, 2017

Delilah at dusk

After the excitement  last week of spotting the fire, we are wondering what today will be like? What will our burn spot be like? We will have two days to examine the results of our reporting the Davis Fire.

Like usual, I left around 7:20 for the trip to  Delilah. What was not usual was Sherri was coming up here later with Rose. Nothing exciting or anything. I think that the beef which has been grazing in these parts have been mostly rounded up and taken down the mountain before the cold hits. The hunters have started coming in and setting up spots. Such as an RV by the side of the dirt road into Delilah. Deer hunting season starts soon.

Towards the east

When I get up there, I see our burn spot, but much larger than when we left it. Eventually this leads us to review our actions before and during the fire-it was a week or so before it was officially out. On the whole, we felt we did pretty good, but were thinking there was areas we could improve on. (Later there was a review of the lookout’s role in spotting and assisting during the fire. For the most part, we did good. One thing which was confusion was Sherri and I switching off on the radio. Need to be more consistent with this.)

Rose and Sherri arrived a little after 1000. Rose is up here to experience being in a lookout for a day-she has been a docent with the Buck Rock Foundation. It was a pretty fair day for looking at the landmarks. Still lots of haziness so we really could not see all of the area-still enough to make it exciting for Rose.

Dinner in the tower

There was a couple of helicopters today. The first looked like it might be NPS-it flew northward, and overhead. The second was a blue and white one going up Kings Canyon. Later on that afternoon, the NPS helicopter returned.

The rest of the day was the normal stuff: checking in, taking weather, listening to the radio. Talked with Buck Rock a couple of times. Then went out of service at 1800. 

 

Dusk

Had dinner-Rose stayed for that. Nice sunset. A good setting for dinner. Then Rose left after dinner for her return trip. We went for a short walk, just to get our legs stretched. Then time to prepare to get back into the cabin for the night. Been a good and enjoyable day with Rose.

September 20, 2017

A refreshing night's sleep with a sunrise which I did not catch. Went on a short walk around the lookout, more to stretch my legs than anything else, along to take care of the morning business. Breakfast was oatmeal

Light catching a dead tree

Then we start listening to the radio starting a little after 0900. Then it is time to go into service like we do when we are Delilah at 0930. We settle in to our standard routine. But then at 1037, the Black Eagle 2 crew comes up the road-they are cutting back dead trees from the road. After talking to Brett and Kathy, we ask them to clear off a little space around a turn off about a quarter mile from the lookout. Maybe with enough clearing, it would be enough for a small helicopter to land. But Black Eagle 2 was thinking more of areas where there was some bad incidents of dead trees. Looked like they were doing a pretty good job of that.

We do get a few questions, such as when is Delilah closing-unknown, but typically after the first good rain or two. Or is there a barricade around restricting hunting or camping? Yes and I will put it up when we leave. Like I said, not much excitement. But it is good that we are up here.

Black Eagle Two

At 1800 we go out of service. Another dinner in the lookout and then we leave after cleaning up. It has been good being up here.

Animals