tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74090960825493087442024-03-12T23:10:56.673-07:00The World on WheelsAn ongoing adventure of travel and living while using a wheelchair. Tim has been disabled from birth. Darryl is his father and caregiver who travels with him.
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All content, images, and video copyright 2009-2020 - Darryl, Letty, and Tim MusickTimmy Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550150613456842801noreply@blogger.comBlogger1313125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-40325516015745787052023-11-27T17:32:00.000-08:002023-11-27T17:32:28.191-08:00Top Wheelchair Hiking Trails - Northern California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWGdzONuRPaGf2ml5RhRExxagemGKInaK0JGXxE_oJksF9HT4Bch9jDMLJ8MR_CMIjLEWW96g2HJ_A4HF2A3E04k0nMTe7jmUEQQ_hWaZ1YktYXuJ9Zi25mg3-t8LYUkRt5QVXy2PTcU/s399/191939434_886661248553417_7734730203408235763_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWGdzONuRPaGf2ml5RhRExxagemGKInaK0JGXxE_oJksF9HT4Bch9jDMLJ8MR_CMIjLEWW96g2HJ_A4HF2A3E04k0nMTe7jmUEQQ_hWaZ1YktYXuJ9Zi25mg3-t8LYUkRt5QVXy2PTcU/s320/191939434_886661248553417_7734730203408235763_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Back when we were based in the Los Angeles area, we came up with a list of <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2018/01/top-wheelchair-accessible-hiking-trails.html" target="_blank">Southern California's Top Wheelchair</a> hiking trails. Now that we live in the northern half of the state, we figure it's time to start another list up here. We're also lucky that Tim is finally starting to show an interest in the world outdoors so we're able to attack it a little better now than we were back in L.A. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This will be an ongoing list, with additions as we find and experience them. Here is our list of the best wheelchair accessible hiking trails in Northern California.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.elfin-forest.org/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elfin-forest.org/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Xh2FLEomR_gyzrc-YcsBNZjJ9CPIJL9yVrIfqjwTEsTTrKbaA3QODlctNy2-zYpXk9FKBmFRBhsAd0ebG2SisVLa7yasvfekXiv6STMWkp-7KuNZluLCJWh5rEaF3E6ZW7-cMnpGY-4dEGti7HgwtkyRvj-mAVX4AMfmEwh21bw0xO3hSpM1vNa9=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Xh2FLEomR_gyzrc-YcsBNZjJ9CPIJL9yVrIfqjwTEsTTrKbaA3QODlctNy2-zYpXk9FKBmFRBhsAd0ebG2SisVLa7yasvfekXiv6STMWkp-7KuNZluLCJWh5rEaF3E6ZW7-cMnpGY-4dEGti7HgwtkyRvj-mAVX4AMfmEwh21bw0xO3hSpM1vNa9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />1. <a href="http://www.elfin-forest.org/" target="_blank">ELFIN FOREST</a>, Baywood Park (Morro Bay) - So called because the coastal live oaks that grow here are stunted due to poor soil conditions and consant winds. They rarely get over 10 feet tall here.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A one mile interpretive, boardwalk train winds through the dunes here in the southern end of Morro Bay. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjrryvTF5U3hoQTfwID0pbvCp6pNzX78xgfrhu2_-R-lomj-GxqM05xMPKmoQavP7cF9o8udLEGXel2iQnFmZL8ZI3otLLbkLPwtwz-oSfN_tzwgfehP6RVO0K2KIX71GEdqj1ffpgDYFpW_y7dQEkBFic-flwRA9Z7J0mEvJWNz_Sht7BXcFSuHWD=s756" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjrryvTF5U3hoQTfwID0pbvCp6pNzX78xgfrhu2_-R-lomj-GxqM05xMPKmoQavP7cF9o8udLEGXel2iQnFmZL8ZI3otLLbkLPwtwz-oSfN_tzwgfehP6RVO0K2KIX71GEdqj1ffpgDYFpW_y7dQEkBFic-flwRA9Z7J0mEvJWNz_Sht7BXcFSuHWD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Although the trail has many trailheads, only the entrance on 16th Street is accessible. There are two handicapped parking spots, neither are paved but should not prove to be a problem.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPDyinISRG4Va8S1QoypjnwILh0VbifkJP1HkwJ6gZw_rnJqwsdsGPyQZjTbi3BqmvNb_BcCgDq9NjqOnWZNtmhM07hnJS11ZPxWqLvqOsnv-wD72-bUjK0IJ3rRzhS-9SNSs1kNWpsnznt7_CFALg2kdn01nB-aJWr4drnsEU7jpwPvTUkl4zztpn=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPDyinISRG4Va8S1QoypjnwILh0VbifkJP1HkwJ6gZw_rnJqwsdsGPyQZjTbi3BqmvNb_BcCgDq9NjqOnWZNtmhM07hnJS11ZPxWqLvqOsnv-wD72-bUjK0IJ3rRzhS-9SNSs1kNWpsnznt7_CFALg2kdn01nB-aJWr4drnsEU7jpwPvTUkl4zztpn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />In addition to exploring the little oak trees, interpretive stations explain the flora and fauna of the region in addition to telling stories of the Native Americans that used to live here. QR codes that you scan on your phone are used to explain each stop.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPywbObS4AiijO04mwfwCaDp1LkJG9p836CXgqVDlmMDJw_TbeOPP5LnoyhAHt4VxxhayJW5Z3AlAUxuxA3vieKVfX7B4O1vRvxpf1xhVs9LJhbd1UcvXb3OEvKYz2uMqj3RABspDyV7y9-8PCAu46Kzo65I9LU9d3_A5rr8L7n2ZfsoYYg4CF71OA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPywbObS4AiijO04mwfwCaDp1LkJG9p836CXgqVDlmMDJw_TbeOPP5LnoyhAHt4VxxhayJW5Z3AlAUxuxA3vieKVfX7B4O1vRvxpf1xhVs9LJhbd1UcvXb3OEvKYz2uMqj3RABspDyV7y9-8PCAu46Kzo65I9LU9d3_A5rr8L7n2ZfsoYYg4CF71OA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Along the trail, there are also a couple of spurs to viewpoints where you can get great views of the estuary and Morro Rock in the distance.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKgqguV0yej2Ywla2xNfXOm-_ZE9KnExmLeRjVJos5vFgyCffNLuSdciy3sbK8ayx5GjvEVyqtWd6qNLd9VNs3J0g6_Mi9OnLmKNJpw0YxtQOqSvNpfRnW66K22_yiVp9NwuVZqsfZyc/s1000/20210826_175952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKgqguV0yej2Ywla2xNfXOm-_ZE9KnExmLeRjVJos5vFgyCffNLuSdciy3sbK8ayx5GjvEVyqtWd6qNLd9VNs3J0g6_Mi9OnLmKNJpw0YxtQOqSvNpfRnW66K22_yiVp9NwuVZqsfZyc/s320/20210826_175952.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />2. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/earthquake-trail" target="_blank">EARTHQUAKE TRAIL</a>, Point Reyes National Seashore - A flat, paved, quarter-mile loop takes you to the San Andreas Fault and back.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPIJ33JzX1N-8P_YuEXyhy8JqRIWz2pMzhvo2v_D5nagB4ziF-DvJBKM2NKBZ-2CgX6GZN9clxaEhQT0bcN0-wXcL6HjZRsWkxXP_Q1-lI_XtqRWlao5nue6i2IQdaGrdN_YgWd0-9VI/s1000/20210826_175937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPIJ33JzX1N-8P_YuEXyhy8JqRIWz2pMzhvo2v_D5nagB4ziF-DvJBKM2NKBZ-2CgX6GZN9clxaEhQT0bcN0-wXcL6HjZRsWkxXP_Q1-lI_XtqRWlao5nue6i2IQdaGrdN_YgWd0-9VI/s320/20210826_175937.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />You can see where a fence was torn in two during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the two sections displaces 16 feet from each other along with many other interpretive exhibits of tectonic geology.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl7RVIwciiyh0wdy5QaXtXz0QI1Ohm3pAISIN1Z7aYBEpvGZHfsCeZBok_6Ovyn50ubiSc-L-hDClqE6EDhRFLkTpJgkU-l07IydlBC6uFmBFfiaCdndEw49DB9J-CXPH9aaKS93J7Hs/s1000/20210826_180028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl7RVIwciiyh0wdy5QaXtXz0QI1Ohm3pAISIN1Z7aYBEpvGZHfsCeZBok_6Ovyn50ubiSc-L-hDClqE6EDhRFLkTpJgkU-l07IydlBC6uFmBFfiaCdndEw49DB9J-CXPH9aaKS93J7Hs/s320/20210826_180028.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It's shady with a few meadows to transit but be aware of poison oak. Handicapped parking, accessible restrooms, and a picnic area with tables are at the trailhead.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://access.parks.ca.gov/parkinfo.asp?park=109&type=0" target="_blank"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SfflTweFM_f2VOS2iXc7vV2ck8td3UQOgGGJLvRflEahs9QGeeILAKEnRd29lDlyq1gMLKNEfEeLCVSzQqpHpZqhrtA9MSD3LJuqxjR9EvHgX2hq1s4gRqlDVeRpGgE_P6N4tnU73kA/s720/117387747_3684075418287782_4093439852456948784_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SfflTweFM_f2VOS2iXc7vV2ck8td3UQOgGGJLvRflEahs9QGeeILAKEnRd29lDlyq1gMLKNEfEeLCVSzQqpHpZqhrtA9MSD3LJuqxjR9EvHgX2hq1s4gRqlDVeRpGgE_P6N4tnU73kA/s320/117387747_3684075418287782_4093439852456948784_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />3. <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551" target="_blank">CALAVERAS BIG TREES</a>, Arnold - A not quite two mile long trail runs through the North Grove in this state park giving you an up close and personal look at the largest living things on earth, the Giant Sequoia trees of California. Paved in parts, boardwalked in others, but mostly hard packed dirt, this mostly level trail can have some minor bumps along the way but almost any chair user can handle it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF7VgNRbw82PsfW-6cY7h_IAnFh2cPaNOC9GTn8PsyIJsjBau4EpmDkt5_5UxzGTacsvP4bkorOhGyTEJukEh7uT9bgbf8UqrsDMMkxBtIi8JgfDEOzD57LAHlg3DPAGb9iIwZqpA-BXoa5d_GT13NXXwE5HpWLFa1PBBu4EQlyN1ObbehfUt-mSLB=s1974" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1974" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF7VgNRbw82PsfW-6cY7h_IAnFh2cPaNOC9GTn8PsyIJsjBau4EpmDkt5_5UxzGTacsvP4bkorOhGyTEJukEh7uT9bgbf8UqrsDMMkxBtIi8JgfDEOzD57LAHlg3DPAGb9iIwZqpA-BXoa5d_GT13NXXwE5HpWLFa1PBBu4EQlyN1ObbehfUt-mSLB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />4. <a href="https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/sierra-foothills/sierra-foothills-trails" target="_blank">COOKS MESA</a>, Campo Seco - Part of the Coast to Crest Trail, this spartan, rural trail along the banks of Lake Camanche in Calaveras County will give you a bit of a test.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNiSaluT3UmD7U3l-ESfjcBh6268QjHBu_f1zr1mzm9HhqXxpRq_20WSTBNtn7gXMPYuT6YNEtsLRfJatXZgbw8rXV7m35SfcIfLZZ64qx6XRQ31IoDxhMNLhU6btsBCs7afoJaNdGRao7Z0zPWfU1QE1EJM80pL0dX-IKSeUBwwHlK0xHPSkQNSRa=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNiSaluT3UmD7U3l-ESfjcBh6268QjHBu_f1zr1mzm9HhqXxpRq_20WSTBNtn7gXMPYuT6YNEtsLRfJatXZgbw8rXV7m35SfcIfLZZ64qx6XRQ31IoDxhMNLhU6btsBCs7afoJaNdGRao7Z0zPWfU1QE1EJM80pL0dX-IKSeUBwwHlK0xHPSkQNSRa=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's not paved but most of it is smooth graded. You share the trail with horses and bikes. The path from the trailhead (on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cooks+Mesa+Trailhead/@38.2182093,-120.8866366,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x809081390d29fadf:0x6a15ac7457789fd4!8m2!3d38.2182093!4d-120.8844479" target="_blank">Buena Vista Road south of Valley Springs)</a> is the bumpiest part but can be handled by most chairs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSEjnJNNP03ylTQWr3f8xbmHhoNxACi1eIXgftrdcsJt2CFP8CXb2vpvjmH4LwHXdPSq37g6kocyGVGbi5APAPXnY-fN5I9WCHLlC__NN1Q9APJorKsD8hCSISSaVaZhLIh61MkcUcbIoFGxyNpDM-UlGsDtUnygr2U8rRgEMPRl8a6Vb0M6w_-wAT=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSEjnJNNP03ylTQWr3f8xbmHhoNxACi1eIXgftrdcsJt2CFP8CXb2vpvjmH4LwHXdPSq37g6kocyGVGbi5APAPXnY-fN5I9WCHLlC__NN1Q9APJorKsD8hCSISSaVaZhLIh61MkcUcbIoFGxyNpDM-UlGsDtUnygr2U8rRgEMPRl8a6Vb0M6w_-wAT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />There are a few hills that can be a bit of a challenge along the way. The day we went, Tim's chair (which can usually go 5+ miles on a charge) barely made 3 miles...1.5 miles each way...and it was close. This is one of the toughest trails on this list. It is accessible but will challenge power chair batteries and manual users need to be in good shape or have pushers in good shape to come along.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2WYKUVRWf-eQhPVL7JhRJnoh7Q7of214hyLncp_ZDtAjzjX3FChE11KDtVhsWv3q5jecbWNfTfbu3i-TQDYAJEY7fzBhvoS-jsXmA6iRGmzsWCfem8_JHtVdm5GUpdaaVV3X7wQ5oj_FEu7isk9mQ9OxVezaIX1D24KhNUHRuSbpvnnBYfycN4lLT=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2WYKUVRWf-eQhPVL7JhRJnoh7Q7of214hyLncp_ZDtAjzjX3FChE11KDtVhsWv3q5jecbWNfTfbu3i-TQDYAJEY7fzBhvoS-jsXmA6iRGmzsWCfem8_JHtVdm5GUpdaaVV3X7wQ5oj_FEu7isk9mQ9OxVezaIX1D24KhNUHRuSbpvnnBYfycN4lLT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Still, the scenery is very nice...rolling oak hills, a lake, seasonal streams...and views of wildlife can be had. We saw many hawks, vultures, a couple of bald eagles, jays, deer, squirrels. In the warmer months, snakes are not uncommon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The area is owned by the <a href="https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/buy-trail-permit" target="_blank">East Bay Municipal Utility District</a> and you must buy a pass <a href="https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/buy-trail-permit" target="_blank">online</a> before using. Click on the links to get your pass.</span></div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVZLsLxs1fHWKVrN31JqJyin-pPHiLzJkaywHmZ0pzFL9vBeR85Rrso16gN1MAkJ8ge7YSpV1gIFC7ZrTf_essGhud_VByYtaGjawAfmRFYMjn6Z2ZrB_2nqSEYiA6NHBhMdPKrknM74/s720/192301660_4553048454723803_3554463729682494877_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVZLsLxs1fHWKVrN31JqJyin-pPHiLzJkaywHmZ0pzFL9vBeR85Rrso16gN1MAkJ8ge7YSpV1gIFC7ZrTf_essGhud_VByYtaGjawAfmRFYMjn6Z2ZrB_2nqSEYiA6NHBhMdPKrknM74/s320/192301660_4553048454723803_3554463729682494877_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />5. <a href="https://www.visithalfmoonbay.org/articles/half-moon-bay-trail-guide-hiking-and-biking-coastside" target="_blank">COAST TRAIL</a>, Half Moon Bay - This 11 mile, mostly paved and all-accessible trail runs from Half Moon Bay Golf Links at the south end of the bay to Maverick's Beach at the north. Along the way, you'll travel on top of cliffs, roll through nature preserves, get in some bird watching, get close to the water, and...if you're lucky...see surfers tackle some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjajxCcpWeZtEGePC290wuS-CVO-Gy41EfmVvT5sEh4j8juLOcln1awGMDm5VNv5EiTN4sbO8Brq5pB0UXEnH3nSyJZD8h_jbejLw-9jIYP7k28nwUoFSXJ7iPcihE3uhugIA7pKUeUbM/s960/75429498_3018071741554823_4782740057427542016_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjajxCcpWeZtEGePC290wuS-CVO-Gy41EfmVvT5sEh4j8juLOcln1awGMDm5VNv5EiTN4sbO8Brq5pB0UXEnH3nSyJZD8h_jbejLw-9jIYP7k28nwUoFSXJ7iPcihE3uhugIA7pKUeUbM/s320/75429498_3018071741554823_4782740057427542016_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />6. <a href="https://www.cosumnes.org/" target="_blank">CONSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE</a>, Galt - A one and a half mile accessible trail leads to wetlands, ponds, forests, and river habitat.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITeMWvX_X1mLWZzhMCSS60TfX9QY_iBu-bEhK_bBjGrMu0ykMFPuI42inaPiE_oZzGRoSvVEhOeXoJo08DzfekjnRnVnaoEL1N4MiKk1bxGxYJDZqoQN5YZ4alz_a0d8tyHKukLiNo14/s960/75603840_3018065658222098_6932899620376805376_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITeMWvX_X1mLWZzhMCSS60TfX9QY_iBu-bEhK_bBjGrMu0ykMFPuI42inaPiE_oZzGRoSvVEhOeXoJo08DzfekjnRnVnaoEL1N4MiKk1bxGxYJDZqoQN5YZ4alz_a0d8tyHKukLiNo14/s320/75603840_3018065658222098_6932899620376805376_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />In the fall, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate to the ponds here. The trails are either paved, hard packed, or boardwalk and are very easy on wheelchairs.<br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkr_CwCACC3P4e8NxFid_U1gCKSvjk_HuuC1KR3baR2L701Y2CHz2V_egIhvWNUaxNIRno2qgY7Y4W0FFGV5syN7hynmpNBW54DYTU757z0hVObG9_JuwTv3pQyzwuzjD6Und3gKAUM8/s960/131341648_4589856661042982_8261258587890244930_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkr_CwCACC3P4e8NxFid_U1gCKSvjk_HuuC1KR3baR2L701Y2CHz2V_egIhvWNUaxNIRno2qgY7Y4W0FFGV5syN7hynmpNBW54DYTU757z0hVObG9_JuwTv3pQyzwuzjD6Und3gKAUM8/s320/131341648_4589856661042982_8261258587890244930_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />7. <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recarea/?recid=80763" target="_blank">DONNER CAMP HISTORICAL TRAIL</a>, Truckee - Most people have heard of the Donner Party tragedy that took place in the brutal winter of 1846-47 and a lot of people have visited the Donner Memorial near Donner Lake next to Interstate 80. There was also another camp, where the Donner's split off from the rest of the party, 6 miles away at Alder Creek, just north of Truckee.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UTtLv-B3QYyvS4CXVDhbnENkR8l6DBpkB9VzaxzyJv-S4ss-rB289Hmn0_ta__lZkz1hdlEMs6BewBvw3qYwBIxv4r8yD0ye37SqUo5OZVqcd9aLz9_BheO9HppkLjmUQ9IOI-Qt1bA/s640/20210614_111452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UTtLv-B3QYyvS4CXVDhbnENkR8l6DBpkB9VzaxzyJv-S4ss-rB289Hmn0_ta__lZkz1hdlEMs6BewBvw3qYwBIxv4r8yD0ye37SqUo5OZVqcd9aLz9_BheO9HppkLjmUQ9IOI-Qt1bA/s320/20210614_111452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A 1/3 mile loop trail with interpretive markers map out the area the the Donner family made camp at, including a dead tree trunk marking where they made shelter. It is here that George Donner and his wife, Tamsen, met their ends, along with several others.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIRZlfyqFoDMbl420ABEZtjlCRo5V8_Zqlhay-yb3Qv0RCcXBRiWRVF5pKuAWCMtBmmQoN_MTc7g9fpCQYYrh_nN8K2D4Zt66uT7fjSzt7lXUuRKhXzBvJeFomdrXWdZSzff4_xdawFg/s640/20210614_112543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIRZlfyqFoDMbl420ABEZtjlCRo5V8_Zqlhay-yb3Qv0RCcXBRiWRVF5pKuAWCMtBmmQoN_MTc7g9fpCQYYrh_nN8K2D4Zt66uT7fjSzt7lXUuRKhXzBvJeFomdrXWdZSzff4_xdawFg/s320/20210614_112543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The trail can get narrow and a little rough at times but most wheelchairs can get through the hard packed dirt and occasional boardwalk. Tim is navigating the roughest and narrowest part of the trail, above.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recreation/recarea/?recid=82706&actid=50" target="_blank"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiidL9F-Hxjckj3Wom623HIMwQmQZUwM4gXB6VoFIIK5mIH0gU6IKVZQxD_96L7mYCmrCmUfcftp-QgHAW775Mvu20_Q_hJh4f6f6AOfNgW3F7djFD0846nNZbQ4q3o_orTkKDIWwFNM/s640/20210611_121546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiidL9F-Hxjckj3Wom623HIMwQmQZUwM4gXB6VoFIIK5mIH0gU6IKVZQxD_96L7mYCmrCmUfcftp-QgHAW775Mvu20_Q_hJh4f6f6AOfNgW3F7djFD0846nNZbQ4q3o_orTkKDIWwFNM/s320/20210611_121546.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />8. <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recreation/recarea/?recid=82706&actid=50" target="_blank">FRAZIER FALLS TRAIL</a>, Plumas National Forest - A true, high-altitude mountain trail to a large, Alpine waterfall is usually off-limits to wheelers but someone found a way to pave a trail that climbs over a rocky, boulder strewn ridge to get to two very nice viewing platforms for this fall.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2snhxHY4sRCfpPW1-HJ49czLmYMI_4gMJiZrjp9fbUasDKtfBbVSW8bqRDaqoxsGn-fMLmoPtMORVHX0kKGZjWiAoE5PPVw3hlhhkrf7Q8wNHJJobw0kVfH8zHaEXy-HX-KAUSucuTI/s640/20210611_152553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2snhxHY4sRCfpPW1-HJ49czLmYMI_4gMJiZrjp9fbUasDKtfBbVSW8bqRDaqoxsGn-fMLmoPtMORVHX0kKGZjWiAoE5PPVw3hlhhkrf7Q8wNHJJobw0kVfH8zHaEXy-HX-KAUSucuTI/s320/20210611_152553.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Frazier Falls drops 176 feet down a glacier carved cliff 6,000 feet up into the Sierras. Just getting to the parking lot is an adventure. You'll need your own car to drive off of highway 89 near Graeagle to head west on Gold Lake Highway for a couple of miles, and then pay close attention to find Frazier Creek Road. It's another five miles on basically a single lane, potholed road where you will finally find a small parking lot with half a dozen spaces, one handicapped, and two accessible pit toilets. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvDIM109qg15Zp18-rEtpr449-Kcg8Zqd4R8CgP1_vxMX59MQA9RPpXUQ_THfOUtgdcAQnIZui6Q8-V9lLK5BZNnhG-MUdprclaqT7Ld_6xFcwaX1g8naei8dv_UUHeoGf5-5jhiTaz8/s448/20210611_120759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvDIM109qg15Zp18-rEtpr449-Kcg8Zqd4R8CgP1_vxMX59MQA9RPpXUQ_THfOUtgdcAQnIZui6Q8-V9lLK5BZNnhG-MUdprclaqT7Ld_6xFcwaX1g8naei8dv_UUHeoGf5-5jhiTaz8/s320/20210611_120759.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />This is the trailhead. It's a quarter mile to a wooden bridge crossing Frazier Creek...the source of the falls...and another quarter over the ridge to the platform across the canyon to see the falls for a mile round trip.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AWVieyglETOJjt3_BV7C_NtBKyVOZB0-sxjitRbzqIlR0Cxvoywb04EnISGDFM9on7DKLJMFv9PX6s0vbJhDS9GIAoo2zpyS1h0A-2YhjRSIWzjkuYr8-bAhRafes6yEmxDsq2oYo1Y/s640/20210611_120258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AWVieyglETOJjt3_BV7C_NtBKyVOZB0-sxjitRbzqIlR0Cxvoywb04EnISGDFM9on7DKLJMFv9PX6s0vbJhDS9GIAoo2zpyS1h0A-2YhjRSIWzjkuYr8-bAhRafes6yEmxDsq2oYo1Y/s320/20210611_120258.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The trail is smooth and paved the entire way and fairly level. There are a couple of small uphill sections that might challenge solo manual chair users but if you have someone to help push or are confident of your upper body strength, you should be fine. Power chairs will have no problems, just make sure your battery is charged.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4tLELPigeDo6D9WbFMIq-i7e8GGV3RfV0lWdRZ0C7LyiloX-nCBqhJNAPNKtrQCXRTqBG6zV5WdX5_nysptDG-Db1sDfT7t9JABsJT7biim9MafUuNx07QhUQCyenFaT1Jd56d8YGzw/s960/12115815_1313071435388204_484897967704156595_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4tLELPigeDo6D9WbFMIq-i7e8GGV3RfV0lWdRZ0C7LyiloX-nCBqhJNAPNKtrQCXRTqBG6zV5WdX5_nysptDG-Db1sDfT7t9JABsJT7biim9MafUuNx07QhUQCyenFaT1Jd56d8YGzw/s320/12115815_1313071435388204_484897967704156595_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />9. <a href="https://www.turtlebay.org/sundial-bridge" target="_blank">SUNDIAL BRIDGE</a>, Redding - A stunning landmark which is an actual and giant sundial, crosses the Sacramento River here in Redding and connects to the 12 mile accessible Sacramento River Trail on the other side. There's also a zoo and botanical garden here on either side of the bridge (bridge and trails are free, entrance fees apply to the zoo and garden).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://eldoradotrail.com/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://eldoradotrail.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_VoIyzOAb86Mcwt-RYDb669QNdGLILjw1ARA4njyQFcWJFPVuPj68Q_5mhfyK2-mh2T2egk3DEREk9WzXVEmVCDkLLwOU0FAyjAgR-a2yzYTceLbDLjt-7_91Q4M_rpbaAb2cN5mjnrBQ-SB_l1qRu161yQX0sEqC-aFIC8fM9AGecCp5Vyv6-A27=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_VoIyzOAb86Mcwt-RYDb669QNdGLILjw1ARA4njyQFcWJFPVuPj68Q_5mhfyK2-mh2T2egk3DEREk9WzXVEmVCDkLLwOU0FAyjAgR-a2yzYTceLbDLjt-7_91Q4M_rpbaAb2cN5mjnrBQ-SB_l1qRu161yQX0sEqC-aFIC8fM9AGecCp5Vyv6-A27=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />10. <a href="http://eldoradotrail.com/" target="_blank">EL DORADO TRAIL</a>, Placerville - El Dorado County has a goal to build a trail that goes all the way from the county line in the west end of the county, near Latrobe, to Lake Tahoe at the eastern end. So far, they have made it to Camino, which is the home of the famous and popular Apple Hill area.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7FV5HKSck98cTfGuLLwEPiASPIhdftZgeQ-85MuIqY5AHdhnjj8mywpzLcdF7dKOU6a3AKjzMINuaS041_evJbEGFeHINSEGmKc3BInrMQtwBBKdWWzxwzeyfBA4EMOLzRCktU8RHTvBOYEhg5EjbzfiF9FZr-68KCFVCrOeX_nbnn5Q07YavQkUt=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7FV5HKSck98cTfGuLLwEPiASPIhdftZgeQ-85MuIqY5AHdhnjj8mywpzLcdF7dKOU6a3AKjzMINuaS041_evJbEGFeHINSEGmKc3BInrMQtwBBKdWWzxwzeyfBA4EMOLzRCktU8RHTvBOYEhg5EjbzfiF9FZr-68KCFVCrOeX_nbnn5Q07YavQkUt=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />The part of the trail that runs from the western side of Placerville to Camino is paved and is wheelchair accessible. That section is a little less than 15 miles.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We hiked the five mile section from Missouri Flat Road, on the west end, to downtown Placerville in the east. There are no bathrooms on this route, althought there are at the downtown end.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGvubiaM1SUlhteW2vxCQ5_3rbShhSmDMDpec1nihuZiGHw0zcZbJK4O8_q-2mv6WxVeFwRvvWKRsukI0Y7e0TzO64ZoA69rHUpZZ5qUQEE3xQ9WnAqHOkYPeSsUWBND9Zv87ZNECOUd3MmACHi7FK-Xqe0WvZ8o9Ac0bqpr-mBacG8uybAcuXZ9HH=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGvubiaM1SUlhteW2vxCQ5_3rbShhSmDMDpec1nihuZiGHw0zcZbJK4O8_q-2mv6WxVeFwRvvWKRsukI0Y7e0TzO64ZoA69rHUpZZ5qUQEE3xQ9WnAqHOkYPeSsUWBND9Zv87ZNECOUd3MmACHi7FK-Xqe0WvZ8o9Ac0bqpr-mBacG8uybAcuXZ9HH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />A small parking lot is at the trailhead here (nextdoor to <a href="http://www.sierradoor.com/" target="_blank">Sierra Door</a> company but do not park in their lot) with two handicapped parking spaces. If the lot is full, you can also park at the Walmart, across the street.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With very little elevation to speak of, it's not a hard trail. We chose it because we could end up on a street with several good restaurant options to finish up our hike with.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyJ9HLbd_Lj9isq_JYwobB-PIc8g2bTHLfmC_R6OiQv5u_55mt68Ez-XtOZKMpPJqNyVj48onJKizxCvsHJGgz13kOJTVGLEdzM6l3VgyEtwHA4RkTyiCnPS_M1ZDQ8I5TMQNmA9r3B52Bbs6NsU5hNcqKrVySWjFwdIgSgNyiW29nkZjrX9ubGTzc=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyJ9HLbd_Lj9isq_JYwobB-PIc8g2bTHLfmC_R6OiQv5u_55mt68Ez-XtOZKMpPJqNyVj48onJKizxCvsHJGgz13kOJTVGLEdzM6l3VgyEtwHA4RkTyiCnPS_M1ZDQ8I5TMQNmA9r3B52Bbs6NsU5hNcqKrVySWjFwdIgSgNyiW29nkZjrX9ubGTzc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a very scenic trail leading past cow pastures, forests, and peoples backyards. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzCh2TGZ4xPEFYOtvhwXiqKcpyVdQQfHvQs4r2qGpuoJo1Y6G71FGpJhO2ct9yT6-h10rbAO-01sDj6iVtyflCX-HtC4ZUoFI-Ea35kiSdNXMbLaw23SKGzlR1P0zxxQJtIS3NZucfVGXoBPmBHCHCG840C-SJSwbRjOl1G43BKfKgDbbUqbLpJUZ=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzCh2TGZ4xPEFYOtvhwXiqKcpyVdQQfHvQs4r2qGpuoJo1Y6G71FGpJhO2ct9yT6-h10rbAO-01sDj6iVtyflCX-HtC4ZUoFI-Ea35kiSdNXMbLaw23SKGzlR1P0zxxQJtIS3NZucfVGXoBPmBHCHCG840C-SJSwbRjOl1G43BKfKgDbbUqbLpJUZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />The highlight of the trail is crossing the old railroad trestle that crosses high over Weber Creek.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzT3Xq38SlA-0NwDqGJz5y3vZ1ezpysdbCrR1fdAuqSqafWsBTYMAEwq8vQSDa2VXyMtAqT1Jq_N_XE3MC6FZgOXMzl70Ue4w-jz1AL3Z_HkAckI12ngVvvVr8BSS-M8kWBCY7nlJEx7BZMDYAB-RdVJe9xwyeGiAxTtt_rbH0k1GAqPVw36jLSU61=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzT3Xq38SlA-0NwDqGJz5y3vZ1ezpysdbCrR1fdAuqSqafWsBTYMAEwq8vQSDa2VXyMtAqT1Jq_N_XE3MC6FZgOXMzl70Ue4w-jz1AL3Z_HkAckI12ngVvvVr8BSS-M8kWBCY7nlJEx7BZMDYAB-RdVJe9xwyeGiAxTtt_rbH0k1GAqPVw36jLSU61=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's been upgraded with a flat, wooden deck and fence on each side that people leave "love locks" on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpuo0cVhTNU-o3nknIhCYLCqXBluQlihTgOGmZ-zyr7_Oep3wkj0KD07ry3jneXJy3DRpIxnNXfpNj5ntti8Sm_Tanbu0VmYiDwQEfCo51kL-vNzemIICh-qZXZGlVTywWdsSG3bFYsZcGzTojcn6ZBw1TYr2OoC_lozZENjYEVDOQazXYVHD0ESkO=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpuo0cVhTNU-o3nknIhCYLCqXBluQlihTgOGmZ-zyr7_Oep3wkj0KD07ry3jneXJy3DRpIxnNXfpNj5ntti8Sm_Tanbu0VmYiDwQEfCo51kL-vNzemIICh-qZXZGlVTywWdsSG3bFYsZcGzTojcn6ZBw1TYr2OoC_lozZENjYEVDOQazXYVHD0ESkO=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">11. <a href="https://folsomcasharttrail.com/" target="_blank">JOHNNY CASH TRAIL</a>, Folsom - A 6.3 mile trail that debuted in 2017 in this city just east of Sacramento. Starting at the Folsom Powerhouse State Park, this smooth, wheelchair accessible trail has an 839 foot elevation gain but most of that comes in the far eastern portion of the trail near Folsom Lake.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">You can avoid most of that by taking the spur that leads to the gate of Folsom State Prison, where the namesake of this trail...Johnny Cash...performed two very historic concerts for the prisoners here.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMoxnV9oe_FytbYKKN4SmwMHzu_ZjJp0amtc1w-3Pbm2upPG_JJbgXa63jbZb7VBZpOgp2NAwfjX6W1fO885zcWY5GTRjNEJaeXRLG02Ikk-uEQ2y57vRbSMGTXginvpQk5jTAXbyrfmzpOhLA5-pTsp6xJ4ferJjGvU1apwrrp1utnMEPotrGKpvj=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMoxnV9oe_FytbYKKN4SmwMHzu_ZjJp0amtc1w-3Pbm2upPG_JJbgXa63jbZb7VBZpOgp2NAwfjX6W1fO885zcWY5GTRjNEJaeXRLG02Ikk-uEQ2y57vRbSMGTXginvpQk5jTAXbyrfmzpOhLA5-pTsp6xJ4ferJjGvU1apwrrp1utnMEPotrGKpvj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Yes, the city is kind of cashing in on this by dropping his name on this trail but it is still a very nice trail, crossing a gurgling seasonal creek at Robber's Ravine and winding through hillside filled with wildlife.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD46cfDySiOdl_kXZFAlkOXAgB8WK93gCyJR6RD4N1kNUweEe1TeS1jEm6ms_iWmgpjAuCykPf9rk13eHARcBmvzi0_93JJHdzhiV7CVpQT0oKXdjC71M-J1TMhvdwQL0jfhD3A9AKRViQQNmGwRQyRxe1zUJPyhY8ejDQe3N8K9lqzNbwhbb7RKg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD46cfDySiOdl_kXZFAlkOXAgB8WK93gCyJR6RD4N1kNUweEe1TeS1jEm6ms_iWmgpjAuCykPf9rk13eHARcBmvzi0_93JJHdzhiV7CVpQT0oKXdjC71M-J1TMhvdwQL0jfhD3A9AKRViQQNmGwRQyRxe1zUJPyhY8ejDQe3N8K9lqzNbwhbb7RKg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />The day we hiked it we saw great blue herons, wild turkeys, numerous mule deer, a coyote, and several grazing cattle. Parking is available near the Powerhouse trailhead and by the city library and zoo on Sutton Street a little east of the Powerhouse State Park.<br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo0Aj1Vr46LG7DRgiQwUkw5Vu07VZEPyUINCUph-TvWwq6PgMSA7Ce_5I-xOIZI4gdws6-SWbLmoLM6wsMdqwS70AUWvO5g3Gk9KwJZFAUDfZAyFMaHqvG4XWtU9mFukvbqnck92rk44/s2048/107548184_3580932101935448_599958689194376766_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYppciazwjIr2ATSzf9PkPllYEv-Iq36w2lMbHMc9DZtnG9gcoFHkeNOBHvDzOYB3o8H67U7sRW6EpJjlvf9483YumhIIDNr41hH-R2T3QcVyIQtl-_kxx-2IYBJb1fM6cLIYu55L7uJ3KlFegzN4SGbm7BKWbp93nJFqxw5IkhfeX0Wl_XfgWz1jQ/s2016/339494761_195965699843639_3309624267703655301_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYppciazwjIr2ATSzf9PkPllYEv-Iq36w2lMbHMc9DZtnG9gcoFHkeNOBHvDzOYB3o8H67U7sRW6EpJjlvf9483YumhIIDNr41hH-R2T3QcVyIQtl-_kxx-2IYBJb1fM6cLIYu55L7uJ3KlFegzN4SGbm7BKWbp93nJFqxw5IkhfeX0Wl_XfgWz1jQ/s320/339494761_195965699843639_3309624267703655301_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />12. <a href="https://arpf.org/visit/" target="_blank">AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY</a>, Lake Natoma Segment, Folsom - Two miles, out-and-back, with the trailhead starting about 100 yards away from the Old Folsom light rail station at the south end of the Folsom Boulevard bridge. The trail also connects to the main American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Trail) that winds all the way from Sacramento to Folsom Lake, which is also paved and accessible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ODMhsyVzW9bqb9c5Lwpi8n7Rauck9fvXAm5X29uZUhAcQ3h2s_W5YLzwXj9A1K5wL3wnfUPmr0uqz_BGIqnviWq3L2tTzlkNoPjdufbU3GlDnHOwhuMgdl7nHvutpKVJTRHPmuZPtPq1XnjUp0XSN4Dqy547Y3DAGJ8fgIv0lFDu5m0jsUDVGGgx/s2016/339041155_1534249423771539_2053642800278349854_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ODMhsyVzW9bqb9c5Lwpi8n7Rauck9fvXAm5X29uZUhAcQ3h2s_W5YLzwXj9A1K5wL3wnfUPmr0uqz_BGIqnviWq3L2tTzlkNoPjdufbU3GlDnHOwhuMgdl7nHvutpKVJTRHPmuZPtPq1XnjUp0XSN4Dqy547Y3DAGJ8fgIv0lFDu5m0jsUDVGGgx/s320/339041155_1534249423771539_2053642800278349854_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The trail winds down a long ramp to the edge of the American River, which at this point is a narrow lake...Lake Natoma...which is held in place by the Nimbus Dam further down the river. 90% of the trail is paved, the last 10% is hard packed dirt that should be fine for most wheelchairs but is a bit narrow in a couple of spots.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikboYjfpJCqtFR4G7spQ2dCIpgkO0-0pmU4tvEqX3IfKP2kHSwxk44EOdcIwdTMyVQ8-4uhiSHGo9ECnXKzHn94Sx0DLA17xq7aR-DTwcL0PTKshrK8jZSR81Ogau0BrSIUABV2hmXSWt4nOY-UCKd3_bJ72yH-ouc0IxaVLNTF4xiji4DiExy43Su/s747/Screenshot%202023-04-08%205.41.46%20PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="747" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikboYjfpJCqtFR4G7spQ2dCIpgkO0-0pmU4tvEqX3IfKP2kHSwxk44EOdcIwdTMyVQ8-4uhiSHGo9ECnXKzHn94Sx0DLA17xq7aR-DTwcL0PTKshrK8jZSR81Ogau0BrSIUABV2hmXSWt4nOY-UCKd3_bJ72yH-ouc0IxaVLNTF4xiji4DiExy43Su/s320/Screenshot%202023-04-08%205.41.46%20PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At the end of the wheelchair-accessible portion of the trail is an accessible picnic table so you might want to brings some snacks and drinks.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UoSVi_xrnTElmGFKM5UEIqXIZhMaI1ZCixi0467K9D2Wn8ADOV2jRfcl2EOYel5tiW6FM5gfl0-0LgrxAj0TR29liPrs31HQNO0RnZu13ezqtlR00JLprSKMdFq7aL_4uq1F1ThghQwx26XW1SST8WySNbGrG56rNTXlAGVWeqaY9CVA_tXzPxbD/s2016/340271527_5779526918841079_3368907668063911090_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UoSVi_xrnTElmGFKM5UEIqXIZhMaI1ZCixi0467K9D2Wn8ADOV2jRfcl2EOYel5tiW6FM5gfl0-0LgrxAj0TR29liPrs31HQNO0RnZu13ezqtlR00JLprSKMdFq7aL_4uq1F1ThghQwx26XW1SST8WySNbGrG56rNTXlAGVWeqaY9CVA_tXzPxbD/s320/340271527_5779526918841079_3368907668063911090_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a very pretty trail that winds through some woodland portions before you hit the water's edge. You will navigate under the bridge. There's a personal watercraft launch ramp there...paved...that looks like a wheelchair path but be careful! It ends abruptly into water and you don't want to accidentally roll into the lake.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsvv-vPL-_6FpvNGgoLq8M_Oyvq7kDI-JHK6DsX7yWLLiBkinAWjswirgrcacsP9S7OWrUyA2N_J78TdtZURvyTg2NR6vEUXFUBfwAWmd3o1jZTeIYR5qBgelPfaAxkusosuKhQXufhwdG9lkYi9XbxymU4C2iwjPj4RZ-WlgCwG2uaBbERZHgofW/s2016/339743541_898663757855467_291465713492975913_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsvv-vPL-_6FpvNGgoLq8M_Oyvq7kDI-JHK6DsX7yWLLiBkinAWjswirgrcacsP9S7OWrUyA2N_J78TdtZURvyTg2NR6vEUXFUBfwAWmd3o1jZTeIYR5qBgelPfaAxkusosuKhQXufhwdG9lkYi9XbxymU4C2iwjPj4RZ-WlgCwG2uaBbERZHgofW/s320/339743541_898663757855467_291465713492975913_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We saw plenty of waterfowl along the way. It's a very popular place for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders, canoers, etc. and, except for the long and not steep ramp from the trailhead, smooth and flat.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZG1H_cUZvnQ19VUFviy6ndzgcs_TFDyidpjWOyJlrd0lArEQTf0L8YfNsxHGo4r6Hq_St6qmvAZuwNNW9kI2JiIYeDTHiZV4_fohopMJjlVLT-pqA9Sg2QtldxmTqTd3O9L7ChJvNw6GluuJXQg6pHIt4MytnoWSKHBoq6ZSUEVmvlMU7VNw4gkP-RY/s315/405201259_7488346451193974_740289575753101769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZG1H_cUZvnQ19VUFviy6ndzgcs_TFDyidpjWOyJlrd0lArEQTf0L8YfNsxHGo4r6Hq_St6qmvAZuwNNW9kI2JiIYeDTHiZV4_fohopMJjlVLT-pqA9Sg2QtldxmTqTd3O9L7ChJvNw6GluuJXQg6pHIt4MytnoWSKHBoq6ZSUEVmvlMU7VNw4gkP-RY/s1600/405201259_7488346451193974_740289575753101769_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">13. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1345" target="_blank">QUARRY TRAIL</a>, Auburn - 1.3 miles (each way) of accessible, aggregate covered trail alongside the middle fork of the American River. The trailhead is located on highway 49, a few miles southeast of Auburn, and just south of the American River bridge. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxu9Eax2ZNsHgCAkb76UWO2tPbtdxpwgLS69JaFUwbDxBQiLBDwsBOeOshMp-ksT-m3nhb-3McZtx3vof4_wI8l5Iq7aB143hhppe0ZMQPhKI9aPHt-4sMChE4qg9yWxJiJPUNFthKj4UCiGGFJb4r5lhqwFWbn8bpVAv-gWq-9kxvMKa5hbg_6z6ZUE/s315/405283547_7488346351193984_5019946853378882879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxu9Eax2ZNsHgCAkb76UWO2tPbtdxpwgLS69JaFUwbDxBQiLBDwsBOeOshMp-ksT-m3nhb-3McZtx3vof4_wI8l5Iq7aB143hhppe0ZMQPhKI9aPHt-4sMChE4qg9yWxJiJPUNFthKj4UCiGGFJb4r5lhqwFWbn8bpVAv-gWq-9kxvMKa5hbg_6z6ZUE/s1600/405283547_7488346351193984_5019946853378882879_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />There is a small, dirt parking area with one concrete pad for an accessible parking space. There is a $10 parking fee.</span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-9d207a96-7fff-4caa-2704-d979e7da61a6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusNXX1BkwS3AvvR-OhcmN8XJFWZou0FCcXOSiFLyCNZsHoXITbEreRUfC-BVpWuFYC5UQ547UcGE4bT0gy5_2FaSAthgWWcAonYpLNG01bT2vpV1cYUbmNV_TFC_BUsBFX-xDsspA7UxP6j05ozXSknweryjBvEYCVnOhkS7IT3L1J6bG_VYvFsaHr4o/s1433/370274012_325616590216391_1472945581323865643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="1433" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusNXX1BkwS3AvvR-OhcmN8XJFWZou0FCcXOSiFLyCNZsHoXITbEreRUfC-BVpWuFYC5UQ547UcGE4bT0gy5_2FaSAthgWWcAonYpLNG01bT2vpV1cYUbmNV_TFC_BUsBFX-xDsspA7UxP6j05ozXSknweryjBvEYCVnOhkS7IT3L1J6bG_VYvFsaHr4o/w640-h180/370274012_325616590216391_1472945581323865643_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There is a ramp from that parking space that allows wheelchairs to bypass the gate on the trail but we found it was easier and not as scary to just go around the gate. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is no restroom at the parking area but about 100 yards into the hike is an accessible pit toilet. There are also accessible porta-potties located about halfway into the hike and another at the far end of the trail.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The trail is on a former railroad bed so it’s wide, level, with no big elevation gains. It’s also pretty smooth for what is mostly a gravel trail. It shouldn’t pose a problem for the vast majority of wheelchairs both manual and powered.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrUeyJvwLjzZzi5JQU5YMILkesv8ikOIpCy_fEAziWIkffbGdJK4tht3BqrWhkvmwAINHDfz1uOsc1BDTb2XO4AmKt3ZaTjoMh1piCUuLSv7OfMaRivQslGj8IXLLAoFtMHi7m92U5JCffVf5e3u5bTrBcVkPR04fNZMe8A_TrXwlv1HDv47p9auA4yM/s315/405226538_7488353094526643_5356719958900396526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrUeyJvwLjzZzi5JQU5YMILkesv8ikOIpCy_fEAziWIkffbGdJK4tht3BqrWhkvmwAINHDfz1uOsc1BDTb2XO4AmKt3ZaTjoMh1piCUuLSv7OfMaRivQslGj8IXLLAoFtMHi7m92U5JCffVf5e3u5bTrBcVkPR04fNZMe8A_TrXwlv1HDv47p9auA4yM/s1600/405226538_7488353094526643_5356719958900396526_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />For most of the trail, the river will be alongside you. The vegetation is mostly brushy and the trail is on the shady side of the canyon. It can be pretty chilly in winter. <p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are a few shade shelters with picnic tables at the end of the trail along with massive ruins of an old limestone mine to explore. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubG8og09X-D6MsbqezbNLlZvtjpzHWY5avdh5iV2aJBVYvfpOEFhuMyXHPJnaKH35Q3JVK5l2zbZptvjfgXvxKYuOd0B1elZZLeaTlRxRhUL71FWYqe3K7yDTPO44ZTp4AjuklAA7QU1ooIvkx6uKpepxIy1fFRErtnS3-bIsDfG3Qt8YAUVNqpxmGOs/s308/404928373_7488357357859550_1408637667383601166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="308" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubG8og09X-D6MsbqezbNLlZvtjpzHWY5avdh5iV2aJBVYvfpOEFhuMyXHPJnaKH35Q3JVK5l2zbZptvjfgXvxKYuOd0B1elZZLeaTlRxRhUL71FWYqe3K7yDTPO44ZTp4AjuklAA7QU1ooIvkx6uKpepxIy1fFRErtnS3-bIsDfG3Qt8YAUVNqpxmGOs/s1600/404928373_7488357357859550_1408637667383601166_n.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />For the more adventurous, there is a steep one tenth of a mile side trail that takes you up to an old mine tunnel that is gated to keep out trespassers. You can look through the gate to see inside. Before it was a mine, it was a natural cave and many fossils have been found here.<p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXN4GPL_HCO0F0KOBpFddTVvHtPB0p_4xjzuI9LLbS2idmS_kGUm90OLsoInraEgXinH9C0ytxg5hYLnRP_Ksq_DCi35gZPe8dXIL4EjaEmABfmgtoAOuFshKxYJ_d5ZfgJKx4wovHry7pNmUpRZggs_NIjtv2RhR9BRKuxIPgHrsQ48cTtjBcaoo_Ks/s315/405017889_7488357317859554_5601721920727441791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXN4GPL_HCO0F0KOBpFddTVvHtPB0p_4xjzuI9LLbS2idmS_kGUm90OLsoInraEgXinH9C0ytxg5hYLnRP_Ksq_DCi35gZPe8dXIL4EjaEmABfmgtoAOuFshKxYJ_d5ZfgJKx4wovHry7pNmUpRZggs_NIjtv2RhR9BRKuxIPgHrsQ48cTtjBcaoo_Ks/s1600/405017889_7488357317859554_5601721920727441791_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />The short trail to the tunnel can be done with a heavy powered wheelchair. Manual users will need some sturdy pushers to help up the slope.<p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo0Aj1Vr46LG7DRgiQwUkw5Vu07VZEPyUINCUph-TvWwq6PgMSA7Ce_5I-xOIZI4gdws6-SWbLmoLM6wsMdqwS70AUWvO5g3Gk9KwJZFAUDfZAyFMaHqvG4XWtU9mFukvbqnck92rk44/s320/107548184_3580932101935448_599958689194376766_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">14. SUTTER AMADOR HOSPITAL WALKING TRAIL, Jackson - Not advertised (you won't find it on the Sutter hospital or Sutter Health websites) but there is a very nice little one mile, hard packed dirt loop next to the hospital that starts in a small meadow next to the outpatient parking lot where a sign denotes the start of the trail.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OS68W3jNNEJjTDB-JYHK3tlEnnoQJeoBlOQe8rodq8OkRe3QLqnHsRclbWx5CAOva405I29-2k0Hn24PeZpWci6p8oqF7FTm6HsSuJnk43F-oXagzcZgIPEFrymljjPMlYLtHknZqyE/s720/121162530_3885759144786074_3047109690826579060_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OS68W3jNNEJjTDB-JYHK3tlEnnoQJeoBlOQe8rodq8OkRe3QLqnHsRclbWx5CAOva405I29-2k0Hn24PeZpWci6p8oqF7FTm6HsSuJnk43F-oXagzcZgIPEFrymljjPMlYLtHknZqyE/s320/121162530_3885759144786074_3047109690826579060_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It loops down to the banks of Jackson Creek then up into the rolling hills behind the hospital. Free parking is available at the outpatient parking lot.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/site.php?station=MTZC1&network=CA_DCP" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/site.php?station=MTZC1&network=CA_DCP" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv5hvzyj3g525yE0T7wQ1zaLk4fZr-n09wQZEwJ6BVh7-yZTpv66mVDEY7nmiNHN85ggrldnQcLyX2dAfHcMq1ER7fLrUl0cWWwGMxmIaq-a6_wbnZcXyGAEqqxb7IIKH61c470eNY17_L6cVd0Fc4BFmaxulS_-8hGF_EKrWOpdlFFIOtK-FZQI-/s2048/279948378_5649638548398116_5781540020562930998_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv5hvzyj3g525yE0T7wQ1zaLk4fZr-n09wQZEwJ6BVh7-yZTpv66mVDEY7nmiNHN85ggrldnQcLyX2dAfHcMq1ER7fLrUl0cWWwGMxmIaq-a6_wbnZcXyGAEqqxb7IIKH61c470eNY17_L6cVd0Fc4BFmaxulS_-8hGF_EKrWOpdlFFIOtK-FZQI-/s320/279948378_5649638548398116_5781540020562930998_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />15. <a href="https://stateparks.com/mount_zion_state_forest_in_california.html" target="_blank">MOUNT ZION STATE FOREST</a>, Pine Grove - At about 3,000 feet, just south of the town of Pine Grove, sits this 1.5 mile (out and back) trail to a mountain top.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0hMW4_fUPe8OawkzdpDHmXaMCG9to4pg5lUY4H886pnQvxbVcWrMV-qCm3vl4RN1wadKtFSPrPpoHGQrZ4QGNV3Dl8GntmcRwbqrp2cPlvdtEgUbEIr5uj2fsZ0tU4kKXyM9gMxe940M6UkiTnDqlFkrG5M0hMk6dliXGOEoVwPjkUdUMZntUZOV/s2048/280290681_5649629371732367_8430701136627485986_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0hMW4_fUPe8OawkzdpDHmXaMCG9to4pg5lUY4H886pnQvxbVcWrMV-qCm3vl4RN1wadKtFSPrPpoHGQrZ4QGNV3Dl8GntmcRwbqrp2cPlvdtEgUbEIr5uj2fsZ0tU4kKXyM9gMxe940M6UkiTnDqlFkrG5M0hMk6dliXGOEoVwPjkUdUMZntUZOV/s320/280290681_5649629371732367_8430701136627485986_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />From Highway 88, turn south on Mt. Zion Road, just past the Shell Station, for an easy 1 mile drive to the parking area. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or accessible parking but the regular parking area should be sufficient. A break in the fence allows access to the trail.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_c5tH4BGVFXnh5myl5An-HccjySP4FcMC5HwqGF21jdf-AgLG8lA24i3IUEqVMUSPRzCfLog8EYLVCMsXaMOACTa-3rquyWUpZndAZpIBanhTwad9NEAWYjQr67SQKWoon3x71E2j_GJSONE2x54zdR64M7ZwnSzEGMFirJZlDe243NNEHBz6IIo/s2016/279321615_372111544934741_3725510375699391069_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_c5tH4BGVFXnh5myl5An-HccjySP4FcMC5HwqGF21jdf-AgLG8lA24i3IUEqVMUSPRzCfLog8EYLVCMsXaMOACTa-3rquyWUpZndAZpIBanhTwad9NEAWYjQr67SQKWoon3x71E2j_GJSONE2x54zdR64M7ZwnSzEGMFirJZlDe243NNEHBz6IIo/s320/279321615_372111544934741_3725510375699391069_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The "official" trail is not accessible but just follow the immediate left fork to go the the access road that is adjacent. Follow this road for 3/4 of a mile. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5SsAAgoJHG-ruFzPLBXYnioeDdawfm8GRZkbztuPewR7Y9xqzmn-x0nQHdY6qvXm1UZEISRntD0JHhKcE1Jr1PbYVg8HDsBydR3SaGItrwb7kxYGXiJ749mWGhCyMTC-MPiy5Ps98vCHEfmMjnHuOhYDqSQb_Tn_LHpAQMx7rDhm2SegyVC-OIh-/s2048/280364265_5649631915065446_2221722433817184111_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5SsAAgoJHG-ruFzPLBXYnioeDdawfm8GRZkbztuPewR7Y9xqzmn-x0nQHdY6qvXm1UZEISRntD0JHhKcE1Jr1PbYVg8HDsBydR3SaGItrwb7kxYGXiJ749mWGhCyMTC-MPiy5Ps98vCHEfmMjnHuOhYDqSQb_Tn_LHpAQMx7rDhm2SegyVC-OIh-/s320/280364265_5649631915065446_2221722433817184111_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's uphill but should pose no problem for power chairs. Manual users do need to be strong or have a strong pusher to help.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OyiKReJqT0l7n4SpFQFr5U5wiLA5oulYtlNokXX0I_fvDubXpYu8cAzvsZmrohttL55ba5jMwYymzq60gG_8dnV4k8t1DOiqxvVGXGnfyqHkHIdiQxBqGVkzoehz2EekAAHOtGUB2jw9L0RKZ7cKw9ZeIiep5oQ65vL26PbKfcxeoRMfneikZ3MW/s2048/279965349_5649636271731677_1547478185563657041_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OyiKReJqT0l7n4SpFQFr5U5wiLA5oulYtlNokXX0I_fvDubXpYu8cAzvsZmrohttL55ba5jMwYymzq60gG_8dnV4k8t1DOiqxvVGXGnfyqHkHIdiQxBqGVkzoehz2EekAAHOtGUB2jw9L0RKZ7cKw9ZeIiep5oQ65vL26PbKfcxeoRMfneikZ3MW/s320/279965349_5649636271731677_1547478185563657041_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A fire lookout sits atop the mountain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDYoRONWtsXKYxCQKaDYIunI2o6GoKuALhyiIVCG4WD_z9t2s18IZnBkEmCcD11PgmGjCEwtDIWcs0_T-lUggMwCBvShjbky4MsaVi0a_FdFZxSmPxdnBCpO10_tEGQLemeCP4wAz8BQg4Su79sVAtSN0YFrWGg1waRvQcql8fxjs58dE36xaQSt8/s2048/280197511_5649640941731210_256137146570750707_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDYoRONWtsXKYxCQKaDYIunI2o6GoKuALhyiIVCG4WD_z9t2s18IZnBkEmCcD11PgmGjCEwtDIWcs0_T-lUggMwCBvShjbky4MsaVi0a_FdFZxSmPxdnBCpO10_tEGQLemeCP4wAz8BQg4Su79sVAtSN0YFrWGg1waRvQcql8fxjs58dE36xaQSt8/s320/280197511_5649640941731210_256137146570750707_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There are a number of areas to check out the view through the trees to the valley below or the mountains around Lake Tahoe to the east.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5HKhKRiCzwFc-KAYLT-txjsdUWSHhzN0ItyKCvdL-UQCtVYuz-pX6I_KchsGtWRcV0JezBu7mtcMShvFMJRo7KSXUsIs-8tQWv98j2xIgJZcBBzl5NxQp79xeMtm6T7YAVwTaIc_q2UbCFLJuKz1xd7RSgLLVYpCQaz3hYn4tRQdzu1wHBuYfBMH/s2048/20220112_124105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5HKhKRiCzwFc-KAYLT-txjsdUWSHhzN0ItyKCvdL-UQCtVYuz-pX6I_KchsGtWRcV0JezBu7mtcMShvFMJRo7KSXUsIs-8tQWv98j2xIgJZcBBzl5NxQp79xeMtm6T7YAVwTaIc_q2UbCFLJuKz1xd7RSgLLVYpCQaz3hYn4tRQdzu1wHBuYfBMH/s320/20220112_124105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A lookout gazebo with a picnic table, built by a local Eagle Scout, provides a good rest stop for a picnic before heading back down.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l6jBUd_fy99KRWDWx-81ZvzXc10USm5zS8HvEROOu380Mal8Ezw6dz38m8mKi_vuI8DojCwTFD18d07NmIOjR35WXR1wo0-3RNzJCQS1L3cGPxSx0yM7iAfSY1L-pj5ZAQ3wnl4VItePKUlNDS6wO6phDUNB-bzFadhoKqMk8XBjvZSJVxDG2w94jLk/s315/399533675_7431835140178439_9145133558641500050_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l6jBUd_fy99KRWDWx-81ZvzXc10USm5zS8HvEROOu380Mal8Ezw6dz38m8mKi_vuI8DojCwTFD18d07NmIOjR35WXR1wo0-3RNzJCQS1L3cGPxSx0yM7iAfSY1L-pj5ZAQ3wnl4VItePKUlNDS6wO6phDUNB-bzFadhoKqMk8XBjvZSJVxDG2w94jLk/s1600/399533675_7431835140178439_9145133558641500050_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />16. <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-tabeaud-loop" target="_blank">LAKE TABEAUD</a>, Pine Grove - This is a small, regulating reservoir owned by Pacific Gas and Electric, the local utility, that helps provide water pressure for the Electra power generating station located on the Mokelumne River, nearby.</span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-73a867b9-7fff-3bbb-e4c8-3f387f46db97"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsqsnh8P8_O36eLTLNiZSvcBZg_p7N1KJ44QcYUyADU3gj_UeW3EbkqEeh5DumHhlgAjUTiEQDjtKB5iHSS_IehZUY6tkes757y_BQw39aulyT9iiWFTTtCGFRpr5uEJqsDa2zqAQYTdYDMge1Hz90mo8ZqOfn2CnUKWzl56-jSG0RGQzIOzLNlfGyjs/s960/95119164_3393339160694744_4002449339896037376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsqsnh8P8_O36eLTLNiZSvcBZg_p7N1KJ44QcYUyADU3gj_UeW3EbkqEeh5DumHhlgAjUTiEQDjtKB5iHSS_IehZUY6tkes757y_BQw39aulyT9iiWFTTtCGFRpr5uEJqsDa2zqAQYTdYDMge1Hz90mo8ZqOfn2CnUKWzl56-jSG0RGQzIOzLNlfGyjs/s320/95119164_3393339160694744_4002449339896037376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The lake is located about 6 miles south of Pine Grove on Tabeaud Road. There is free parking in two lots and accessible picnic tables located adjacent to the accessible parking spots. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmCSsnZmr47Bto_Y1RDQfO8KDPyWTazOovC6dt3MVqNAzyOLniFiJiV_Ik2RnrOXY4vN6K_lSmCTN3sXhSEV70-dki6tv573SkUvP0f1ydv94JqQ6yl5IONC53QGfDIG_qMo4WZPIeeu9f71Iz5qBEhe4FVl8Av836IRau2KE_et50NTSqznXrTmRHb4/s315/400060881_7431835480178405_1418352056378882073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmCSsnZmr47Bto_Y1RDQfO8KDPyWTazOovC6dt3MVqNAzyOLniFiJiV_Ik2RnrOXY4vN6K_lSmCTN3sXhSEV70-dki6tv573SkUvP0f1ydv94JqQ6yl5IONC53QGfDIG_qMo4WZPIeeu9f71Iz5qBEhe4FVl8Av836IRau2KE_et50NTSqznXrTmRHb4/s1600/400060881_7431835480178405_1418352056378882073_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />There are two trails that wheelchairs can use here, this report is on the south shore road…we will need to do the north shore trail at another time to complete this one.<p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzQ5hxN84_mEOdrayMK6Nzd6sV1SymraLkLsGKQe-RxQ2FqtHDbIYXGGObEomQrvIcvdXXs5nZ8O9XKMljnhjH4PhGxA0TQqc7xoeq1WyP8ODfDRvgU6Kk9UpmXMTLqxgZ7oKQ-6WGYyobE3Ey5xm8svO6JCcorUg0GkSTMUW0J97sjAdTlW_A4CdP1U/s315/399960983_7431835003511786_1126617986285086252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzQ5hxN84_mEOdrayMK6Nzd6sV1SymraLkLsGKQe-RxQ2FqtHDbIYXGGObEomQrvIcvdXXs5nZ8O9XKMljnhjH4PhGxA0TQqc7xoeq1WyP8ODfDRvgU6Kk9UpmXMTLqxgZ7oKQ-6WGYyobE3Ey5xm8svO6JCcorUg0GkSTMUW0J97sjAdTlW_A4CdP1U/s1600/399960983_7431835003511786_1126617986285086252_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />From the parking lot, a paved access road will take you around a small, forested hill to the lake’s dam. It’s a bit tricky getting around the gate but most chairs can do it with care. From there, you can roll across the top of the dam and for a small portion of the gravel road on the other side. The trail at the end of the dam that continues along the shore of the lake is not accessible at this point.<p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmyyCePkRQ_V_gHXo06IAXskng4vBY2Wg-P4Zn2ySTFjqBFQwXJFC8b7PkuZ158axNkAHtX1RjwE08P9XFxvegFUo-g75kpwZTCYXP1AxKQK562HSCoo5vn1ZeGGZnnQXaXFlj6c3uarbvM-jt3ZihnA6bN6vNGBF3XUuFjATaJJsWxcKkMVmaMpt2H8/s960/95365076_3393338974028096_965777921115422720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmyyCePkRQ_V_gHXo06IAXskng4vBY2Wg-P4Zn2ySTFjqBFQwXJFC8b7PkuZ158axNkAHtX1RjwE08P9XFxvegFUo-g75kpwZTCYXP1AxKQK562HSCoo5vn1ZeGGZnnQXaXFlj6c3uarbvM-jt3ZihnA6bN6vNGBF3XUuFjATaJJsWxcKkMVmaMpt2H8/s320/95365076_3393338974028096_965777921115422720_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The views of the lake are very pretty and the area around the parking lot is superb for a picnic.<p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">17. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/truckee-river-trail" target="_blank">TRUCKEE RIVER BIKE TRAIL</a>, Tahoe City - Starting at the outflow of the Truckee River as it drains Lake Tahoe, this trail goes for seven and half miles along the banks of the river. Traffic can get a bit heavy with bikes so keep you wits about you as you enjoy the river scenery filled with rafters heading down the gentle rapids.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFSDiz0n4TtarYv1sdSrBPXkBhCIUI0_GoWCQ9UgNJV1pzas8H_sT0wOCwxioipMXkys7Mt0MAB_D9uTbK-1Zavv7lqC3Rd4s3oyNTIyN7hoMrhi6uzULMLMz1WfiZjzkXElsYYuCNMI/s640/DSCF5468.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFSDiz0n4TtarYv1sdSrBPXkBhCIUI0_GoWCQ9UgNJV1pzas8H_sT0wOCwxioipMXkys7Mt0MAB_D9uTbK-1Zavv7lqC3Rd4s3oyNTIyN7hoMrhi6uzULMLMz1WfiZjzkXElsYYuCNMI/s320/DSCF5468.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />18. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm" target="_blank">YOSEMITE VALLEY</a>, Yosemite National Park - Not a single trail but a series made of of miles of accessible trails crisscross the Yosemite Valley taking you over the Merced River and affording million-dollar views of the sheer cliffs of the valley mountains and stunning waterfalls, including the tallest waterfall in the nation, Yosemite Falls (pictured behind Tim, above).</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU0xxIZ5Uge0QvkkWFHR5Ufi64ubovO9yaY9bqvMXzpK7PznTkDNI7Cqb9BswNVN0d6TzL8jSPsa7Udm_UdXoyugJkgurJpOFJ66T92m0E_jG-oFmsmpVcDCaL8u2BnQlX-gfbnFZa1W2BbF2Ihkh7SHqO1L9Nq3gKeMXLAw7Wbo6v7y5GsWULqTb/s1316/301143648_5954096027952365_6330022306400538848_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU0xxIZ5Uge0QvkkWFHR5Ufi64ubovO9yaY9bqvMXzpK7PznTkDNI7Cqb9BswNVN0d6TzL8jSPsa7Udm_UdXoyugJkgurJpOFJ66T92m0E_jG-oFmsmpVcDCaL8u2BnQlX-gfbnFZa1W2BbF2Ihkh7SHqO1L9Nq3gKeMXLAw7Wbo6v7y5GsWULqTb/s320/301143648_5954096027952365_6330022306400538848_n.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">19. <a href="https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/california/trinidad-head-loop" target="_blank">TRINIDAD HEAD TRAIL</a>, Trinidad - Two trails diverge around this rocky, ocean outcrop, but only one is paved and smooth enough or wheelchairs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBjY2nlPaSIADjjPnnG8hcoOrH9m36NbhmSFUSTu4NcbaHB5feE8eB8j6TDauRqr0gMGi3xIN3xftvqXQv1wFuRtn7H706UtR61N-CLNfcMKoLkacx8DP6Js0n7yDEgUEt0NNDYsA-5ydmKPX3uFruTV-SR2Rjmv-7JQs-NF_jNogKX_NtIV-zfov/s1316/300374318_5954097377952230_358245739951184033_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBjY2nlPaSIADjjPnnG8hcoOrH9m36NbhmSFUSTu4NcbaHB5feE8eB8j6TDauRqr0gMGi3xIN3xftvqXQv1wFuRtn7H706UtR61N-CLNfcMKoLkacx8DP6Js0n7yDEgUEt0NNDYsA-5ydmKPX3uFruTV-SR2Rjmv-7JQs-NF_jNogKX_NtIV-zfov/s320/300374318_5954097377952230_358245739951184033_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It can be steep at the beginning of the trail but power chairs will have no problem. It can be tough for manual users.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS2ejGQEfLgKN0F-NdnmE1-TB0wesxnw79nlb05CW1W-GxKoBIC5cndtZuFoD-faQzl66yrfm--Q8lBxAEZv8pmqb6E4qtBWas311PsLMcn_qy3X7Cfy7JLd9Sq-pEnemImOqVhgR1gV3uyVD2wCj10AEjCPKGmChHW_yXZlVe2OSHPpSH6UIj7Hr/s1316/301127837_5954094521285849_5737031144760494560_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS2ejGQEfLgKN0F-NdnmE1-TB0wesxnw79nlb05CW1W-GxKoBIC5cndtZuFoD-faQzl66yrfm--Q8lBxAEZv8pmqb6E4qtBWas311PsLMcn_qy3X7Cfy7JLd9Sq-pEnemImOqVhgR1gV3uyVD2wCj10AEjCPKGmChHW_yXZlVe2OSHPpSH6UIj7Hr/s320/301127837_5954094521285849_5737031144760494560_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Great views of Trinidad Bay and the state beach on the other side await the hiker.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-01Hr_M2p4bRYMv3vO82LJVelmveLxhEn1yWosZ6UBVMreiczBcIThvTrlpSFgJ7VK-YtfY63B4iqwJKbWgjEIQmjsQpQx7fzT52A0D-L6QQKfvZBYGRCiB8arsgqIFmvDenghuwbOum-TIWa7MVF3xc6okH1u9QLz2deYusXLk4dmgilaj5jUDX/s1600/20220822_122632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-01Hr_M2p4bRYMv3vO82LJVelmveLxhEn1yWosZ6UBVMreiczBcIThvTrlpSFgJ7VK-YtfY63B4iqwJKbWgjEIQmjsQpQx7fzT52A0D-L6QQKfvZBYGRCiB8arsgqIFmvDenghuwbOum-TIWa7MVF3xc6okH1u9QLz2deYusXLk4dmgilaj5jUDX/s320/20220822_122632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At the end of the 1.4 mile trail is the small lighthouse, then it's all downhill going back down.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Accessible parking and restrooms are next to the pier near the trailhead.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Hope-Valley-WA" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Hope-Valley-WA" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYqo56G1ifaFAIeNAPwsTIdylTsueNNOXRvE4-EHoFQhyNFALmll30mWfdSyIrEsiAByo2p3yTbVI4l4JHNHkGesQD5nWfPzNyslm4BbRuHmUVxmR2G9nbUpQeUsm5tstZBFLlpaqlD_ZqR59b436GMvW4wfxWqDDXy1Ue2p-5xgEJTiXkIKwU7im/s2048/312147671_6112729215422378_7239868363487847166_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYqo56G1ifaFAIeNAPwsTIdylTsueNNOXRvE4-EHoFQhyNFALmll30mWfdSyIrEsiAByo2p3yTbVI4l4JHNHkGesQD5nWfPzNyslm4BbRuHmUVxmR2G9nbUpQeUsm5tstZBFLlpaqlD_ZqR59b436GMvW4wfxWqDDXy1Ue2p-5xgEJTiXkIKwU7im/s320/312147671_6112729215422378_7239868363487847166_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />20. <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Hope-Valley-WA" target="_blank">HOPE VALLEY WILDLIFE AREA</a> - Hope Valley, Alpine County. To me, Hope Valley is just about the most stunningly beautiful place in California. At least a place that we can easily access. Nestled over the mountains about 20 miles south of Lake Tahoe and just a bit west of the Nevada/California state line, where the headwaters of the Carson River are located, the wildlife area features a paved road that takes you across the valley and ends up at Luther Pass (highway 89) after approximately 2 miles...which would make for a 4 mile roundtrip.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz3OZ3-Df8Qs4s_HnT3R33ZeFjQIY67beGwm8WrjplU-VbAfW8lC7XCafDNI_F-AK9CAJbTXD_oCmhwRxlNAyZQr7gXg9lh5lqj-WlYOEocIpQqhqdfWloJsL_BGu0N7Ik8kd-5-qPYpt44cP7GhEpBfyuBzO07fYT8FfMtSKip7vGnV6--rlabIS/s2048/312242290_6112720308756602_7815313638948252073_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz3OZ3-Df8Qs4s_HnT3R33ZeFjQIY67beGwm8WrjplU-VbAfW8lC7XCafDNI_F-AK9CAJbTXD_oCmhwRxlNAyZQr7gXg9lh5lqj-WlYOEocIpQqhqdfWloJsL_BGu0N7Ik8kd-5-qPYpt44cP7GhEpBfyuBzO07fYT8FfMtSKip7vGnV6--rlabIS/s320/312242290_6112720308756602_7815313638948252073_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We were able to go 1 1/2 miles before Tim's battery started to fade which took us just inside the edge of the forest on the northern side of the valley (yes, we're waiting for a new battery so we can roam farther) for a 3 mile roundtrip.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon3U9qbaMlhbuuTTvivdxbzoxGcJzxf5rRveAg8HzQ4y0JkUcWfCxt8GYcGlcbFxV82iPTCVm7tbuqEdcbOozaxr2ETjJqVhlkfO_jn2V5c4PmLF8hzOkeQHsbHTd3Wzo6daMR3OyOSa6BdOkXV1bxBTv7rAtbFZYieWY8QWyDKgn1ajMmhngCbhO/s2016/309372720_1446864426143718_5062286555022501614_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon3U9qbaMlhbuuTTvivdxbzoxGcJzxf5rRveAg8HzQ4y0JkUcWfCxt8GYcGlcbFxV82iPTCVm7tbuqEdcbOozaxr2ETjJqVhlkfO_jn2V5c4PmLF8hzOkeQHsbHTd3Wzo6daMR3OyOSa6BdOkXV1bxBTv7rAtbFZYieWY8QWyDKgn1ajMmhngCbhO/s320/309372720_1446864426143718_5062286555022501614_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The road is mostly smooth, with a few bumps along the way, and pretty flat for at least a mile. The worst part is the part of the bridge, which crosses the Carson River near the beginning of the hike, that connects to the road on the other side. There is about an inch lip to navigate because of the degradation of the pavement on the other side (see pic, above).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB692JmagQTuIuYD0BNTDmtoxn7MXzD3S4cUnkXEJsQ1PSMQSFoJuDl-mCPUAdAR2joGY-7RzrnD--EvZlLEp5ulDbOVopYEXw1b4cmc1DYbLx8UvIyx3dX3VMHpa-16-0Vp07UI3sXIBqb1t4dhm1lhiDki7Dz-RiQABHrd5iN-TKOVaLUjMDmpET/s1024/3689709596618548497_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="1024" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB692JmagQTuIuYD0BNTDmtoxn7MXzD3S4cUnkXEJsQ1PSMQSFoJuDl-mCPUAdAR2joGY-7RzrnD--EvZlLEp5ulDbOVopYEXw1b4cmc1DYbLx8UvIyx3dX3VMHpa-16-0Vp07UI3sXIBqb1t4dhm1lhiDki7Dz-RiQABHrd5iN-TKOVaLUjMDmpET/s320/3689709596618548497_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There are also two wheelchair accessible fishing platforms with smooth access all the way from the parking lot if you feel like dipping a line. Other hikers in the area told us they had some good success there early in the morning and late in the afternoon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-H6mmLo8pN5J7ooE4FbToc3iqYuQqbZhaNuCOWeypQs1PYh80BNUD_v8h2j3KMFyfgsovcTJuIwlFIiu-xwa6Mqu0DELca-LJntiEAcaJLHKQBxObbxzTNqc44DitGO354fgX7yBbVu3MVsMypy3epa-dH4pPl2I2BAmsrg6xw5oLb6_JbtOcRY1/s2016/308841491_618470663303231_6129907513090466202_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-H6mmLo8pN5J7ooE4FbToc3iqYuQqbZhaNuCOWeypQs1PYh80BNUD_v8h2j3KMFyfgsovcTJuIwlFIiu-xwa6Mqu0DELca-LJntiEAcaJLHKQBxObbxzTNqc44DitGO354fgX7yBbVu3MVsMypy3epa-dH4pPl2I2BAmsrg6xw5oLb6_JbtOcRY1/s320/308841491_618470663303231_6129907513090466202_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />About 3 handicapped parking spots are available in front of the very rustic but accessible vault toilet next to the trailhead. They're marked with signs but the paint on the pavement is pretty much worn away.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hSyNPZeWKyssyLLBKIYcvokJl8668ElpnPsWlu0MSL3RYtdRd84ZON7hxvXkOZ6MMouSpPVcLcyRnpe6bE2vtgQCwtLsmYg4GsJxOzOmOZ_raiqm68DPpYQfWsCrg_guaOQR06xZib-6UiqtLR8G8kQ6Pfjr0r66nQexrrVPlhVoB-y82ZOqtZpe/s2016/297239288_813188959927228_3982279664476027636_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hSyNPZeWKyssyLLBKIYcvokJl8668ElpnPsWlu0MSL3RYtdRd84ZON7hxvXkOZ6MMouSpPVcLcyRnpe6bE2vtgQCwtLsmYg4GsJxOzOmOZ_raiqm68DPpYQfWsCrg_guaOQR06xZib-6UiqtLR8G8kQ6Pfjr0r66nQexrrVPlhVoB-y82ZOqtZpe/s320/297239288_813188959927228_3982279664476027636_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />You need to buy a day or annual lands pass to hike here. You can buy one online at the <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lands-Pass" target="_blank">California Department of Fish and Wildlife</a> site before you go. Technically, you can get on on your phone from the parking lot but we found we had no phone service there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The parking area is just a few feet west of the junction of highways 88 and 89 (Pickett's Junction). The trail is hikable from spring to fall...late fall through early spring would probably have too much snow on it to use.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick<br />Copyrigh 2021 - All Rights Reserved</span></p></div></div>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-49799566086758481912023-09-08T22:04:00.000-07:002023-11-27T16:10:35.150-08:00Happy Trails to You!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYACqMsbbrMF1jHha2noMfGCcgnEAHQ_tFB7kJhOkxlw040xub6MXzdhcZVJPuMPGHeY8wcW6SKltBc2zVls2ZGHVn_4dCkiBCftuBIY84pexQdoCnI-XUlqBV7Us0Adqn62NaLVpcNlDMWurAxIrHdP6uNm87dVdn1L3emFPijFPPx7MxYPD-2My/s400/zhi8rmWL_400x400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYACqMsbbrMF1jHha2noMfGCcgnEAHQ_tFB7kJhOkxlw040xub6MXzdhcZVJPuMPGHeY8wcW6SKltBc2zVls2ZGHVn_4dCkiBCftuBIY84pexQdoCnI-XUlqBV7Us0Adqn62NaLVpcNlDMWurAxIrHdP6uNm87dVdn1L3emFPijFPPx7MxYPD-2My/s320/zhi8rmWL_400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As you've probably figured out by the lack of posts here, we've retired from accessible travel blogging. However, we will still maintain the list of Northern California wheelchair accessible trails (immediately above this post...just scroll up) and there's still a ton of content here...over 1300 posts!...that will stay as an archive. It's been fun and rewarding. We'll still be traveling but will no longer be posting about our travels.<br /><br />Happy Accessible Trails to you all!</span><p></p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-15099382345665385002023-01-02T04:30:00.002-08:002023-01-04T19:14:17.423-08:00We're More Than a Couple! - Top Five Accessible Hotel Rooms in Northern California for More Than Two<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizufnRTnJ5gJUoN1WcsgAuuzSOoe7DtSrm011XdgD5uhD0rzlCSGuAWmitCoE3kZWn55Cjuk93kVnVaaDTgWSEFABC3YgKZ2mtDqbBJecO3yNQJUdf9iqGta5wKK2KEzdo98lH0722IndW7NyevIebNB3wtZ8ltunL2kjzbiJS7m175uN8W-Y7WzKk/s1200/20220824_194839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizufnRTnJ5gJUoN1WcsgAuuzSOoe7DtSrm011XdgD5uhD0rzlCSGuAWmitCoE3kZWn55Cjuk93kVnVaaDTgWSEFABC3YgKZ2mtDqbBJecO3yNQJUdf9iqGta5wKK2KEzdo98lH0722IndW7NyevIebNB3wtZ8ltunL2kjzbiJS7m175uN8W-Y7WzKk/s320/20220824_194839.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As you go along traveling in this world with a special need, you'll find the vast majority of lodgings will do the bare minimum that they can get away with under the ADA to accomodate their disabled customers. It might be a room with the worst view, maybe way in the back of the property, get shortchanged on maintenance and housekeeping or it's a room for one or two people at the most.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Exploring Northern California, this is our main roadblock...there are three of us and we don't want to have to pay for two rooms. It's rare but, luckily, we do come across some rooms that will accomodate all of us. The five listed below not only fit all of us but are really special rooms that go above and beyond to provide their special needs lodgers with a very special stay.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFtrnBu14Wk_KRpmxx4cXvZjop8Bmg0PTS7nCzGajiANdtyRXzXGTiaMJjPdrGBOqaSn9yfMzwWco1NPQpG4_LGBXbx6wDFK0HqnK1vPL2whSaAJojlvyjw_H0g1xtMTjpbc2fziayb5FbSYIKvJOMpmxNt9ylfe-eh1KJic4FSxel1QbMnTe8OTZ/s755/hmbl-rooms-image-01-61250da8f08f8-755x551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="755" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFtrnBu14Wk_KRpmxx4cXvZjop8Bmg0PTS7nCzGajiANdtyRXzXGTiaMJjPdrGBOqaSn9yfMzwWco1NPQpG4_LGBXbx6wDFK0HqnK1vPL2whSaAJojlvyjw_H0g1xtMTjpbc2fziayb5FbSYIKvJOMpmxNt9ylfe-eh1KJic4FSxel1QbMnTe8OTZ/s320/hmbl-rooms-image-01-61250da8f08f8-755x551.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />5. <a href="https://www.halfmoonbaylodge.com/" target="_blank">Half Moon Bay Lodge</a> - <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2021/06/beating-heat-in-half-moon-bay-california.html" target="_blank">Half Moon Bay</a>. Just south of San Francisco, but a world away, this hotel sits on the edge of a golf course with the homes of the rich and famous just beyond. Unfortunately, those homes block your view of the ocean but it's still a nice view in this relaxing inn with a low-keyed luxury to it. The ADA room has a roll in shower and sliding patio doors allowing access to the back golf course view making it a wonderful place to have your morning coffee in the cool sea air.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWQW-ffUTpKh5NoWEsje6eooKVOFZHmw3b0DwFIiXqG5R9wS7RORBQxV0i1tX-Jfsx-UVQ1SL79v1rwSRpfRHga6dAttScK21WnRao4_ak4NxzelTYfd7Gn0ocW5UykHAW6aGpAp0eN99QpypdEPz8tXXX9p11Q_Ji6u--S5lfHsy2ygtMCWQaZ-X/s1000/20210825_152640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWQW-ffUTpKh5NoWEsje6eooKVOFZHmw3b0DwFIiXqG5R9wS7RORBQxV0i1tX-Jfsx-UVQ1SL79v1rwSRpfRHga6dAttScK21WnRao4_ak4NxzelTYfd7Gn0ocW5UykHAW6aGpAp0eN99QpypdEPz8tXXX9p11Q_Ji6u--S5lfHsy2ygtMCWQaZ-X/s320/20210825_152640.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />4. <a href="https://www.cottagespointreyes.com/" target="_blank">Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore</a> - <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2021/09/cool-summer-times-in-tomales-bay.html" target="_blank">Inverness</a>. Another seashore-adjacent inn. The spread apart cabins of this hotel sit in a hollow separated from Tomales Bay by a small hill so no one here gets an ocean view but a short walk or drive can get you to the water. The accessible unit here has a spacious living room with a queen bed and recliner. This is also the only accessible bedroom. Another room towards the back has two twin beds and the accessible bathroom is a tub with bench combination.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrpujTDxYCKz-2PWjlT0U1SSHNhAlJyfn9uKJMx2ziSXjVRp021gRdMhYGByTnsDmAWLv3sj9ynv0zQAn1OqlPvAw-zJPPvgJ-LSZk4b0yvMhjldJnN8fcjWhWClB9oeOjAWJ1D0RWWXM0dinT4DJ24nYWREkKxVQXOrzHISgKWVBbwOcFMlGNCcz/s1000/20210825_182218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrpujTDxYCKz-2PWjlT0U1SSHNhAlJyfn9uKJMx2ziSXjVRp021gRdMhYGByTnsDmAWLv3sj9ynv0zQAn1OqlPvAw-zJPPvgJ-LSZk4b0yvMhjldJnN8fcjWhWClB9oeOjAWJ1D0RWWXM0dinT4DJ24nYWREkKxVQXOrzHISgKWVBbwOcFMlGNCcz/s320/20210825_182218.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The location is tranquil with lots of room to roam and explore the woods surrounding the property. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNEg0lpjyxkmwY5ReaZ0QQZ0h9wgpVmaUQFqwLibTnkGLjx0WJeVY9dyPDAYF68GdM2x2FESf5W_F1MktqAZyAHmkYM5_j-3erJIicxZkkXH9JsMPNxQPkS5cZV6Kd5o8NVp3iqDq0oSuPi5qtypZvyZwQKBrRDmVhALsnd398bVZMMAP4Un6yi2a/s800/20220822_073208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNEg0lpjyxkmwY5ReaZ0QQZ0h9wgpVmaUQFqwLibTnkGLjx0WJeVY9dyPDAYF68GdM2x2FESf5W_F1MktqAZyAHmkYM5_j-3erJIicxZkkXH9JsMPNxQPkS5cZV6Kd5o8NVp3iqDq0oSuPi5qtypZvyZwQKBrRDmVhALsnd398bVZMMAP4Un6yi2a/s320/20220822_073208.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />3. <a href="http://viewcrestlodge.com/" target="_blank">View Crest Lodge</a> - <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/search?q=trinidad" target="_blank">Trinidad</a>. Another property that's more a collection of cabins rather that one big building. Here, you park in your dedicated accessible parking spot that is the driveway of your cabin. A ramp takes you to the back door, which is on a nice deck overlooking the park like grounds and, on non-foggy days, gives you a bit of a view of the Pacific across the street.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie20p162Pa-kZe1gsxCo1ezmSxW5mKWkz0lBb1VKFiLzSNj3UEy_hTyeFvBg2HLXHhmX2zuqHoHb0u4OU8T_4ZOgAi2wyBLY9V_kAb4O-n8lexQ3eGv5DSnVOavNGByBiBy3Ab3kOATeOJGZHX_d06cCM0lkwJFJNoCOI5LsXtnZLhejJy3mpN7F0r/s800/20220821_182146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie20p162Pa-kZe1gsxCo1ezmSxW5mKWkz0lBb1VKFiLzSNj3UEy_hTyeFvBg2HLXHhmX2zuqHoHb0u4OU8T_4ZOgAi2wyBLY9V_kAb4O-n8lexQ3eGv5DSnVOavNGByBiBy3Ab3kOATeOJGZHX_d06cCM0lkwJFJNoCOI5LsXtnZLhejJy3mpN7F0r/s320/20220821_182146.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Two queen beds...one in the living room and one in a separate bedroom...provide plenty of space for sleeping. There is a full kitchen and a cozy, comfortable living area with a sofa. The large bathroom is tub/bench combination. The TV only has Tubi so your entertainment will be whatever you can find on that basic streaming service. There is wifi but it tends to slow down at night when everybody else in the resort is on it...perfect time to head out to the deck with a thick blanket and a hot drink to enjoy the great outdoors. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wj3Mw4WW_qZfdM6xWobwmWqUpnEi_GQFhyy0Uiibx-0qGL1vMEnp9KQlBsdGoqR2LKe5bh231C4-UcJLQmf2Orfonono0KLrys2r4gVY0VMW5--eIyzzZzQCOl72Oa0Kri1o8XP8SGI128M5EneJ-iOJyXzMdx5PTJab9tw9o7aO75xv4S8owP-q/s2048/197920957_4579284968766818_7880074696621310743_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wj3Mw4WW_qZfdM6xWobwmWqUpnEi_GQFhyy0Uiibx-0qGL1vMEnp9KQlBsdGoqR2LKe5bh231C4-UcJLQmf2Orfonono0KLrys2r4gVY0VMW5--eIyzzZzQCOl72Oa0Kri1o8XP8SGI128M5EneJ-iOJyXzMdx5PTJab9tw9o7aO75xv4S8owP-q/s320/197920957_4579284968766818_7880074696621310743_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />2. <a href="https://www.adasplace.com/" target="_blank">Ada's Place</a> - <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/search?q=quincy" target="_blank">Quincy</a>. A magical little cabin that, while only a block from downtown, feels like you far away in the woods. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeLmq-W68KvmEFa16JWAdGHenPd9nGnUN9Rnz10DreXuBjYsstQZjrxs1YFzXwOx0azjmhUPMNAmutNNLcc48s53mBTjjyHtoe49B_TjGaBlgbakIUG2zbk5E7FHu3GVNNUDYmJXGqk37WcBxCXi2Sou20q07tie6V-Hrg68_IkSD1RAd55QjbjWa/s640/20210610_141805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeLmq-W68KvmEFa16JWAdGHenPd9nGnUN9Rnz10DreXuBjYsstQZjrxs1YFzXwOx0azjmhUPMNAmutNNLcc48s53mBTjjyHtoe49B_TjGaBlgbakIUG2zbk5E7FHu3GVNNUDYmJXGqk37WcBxCXi2Sou20q07tie6V-Hrg68_IkSD1RAd55QjbjWa/s320/20210610_141805.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />A queen size bed is adjacent to the accessible bathroom, which features a beautiful roll in shower, and a very cozy living room that faces a woodland scene outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. A full kitchen and laundry room are underneath a loft that features a king sized, fluffy mat on the floor. A small half bath is also upstairs.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti7_-CpChSw4jsq7Vi4kMjc8NFTmEso88LXzUaJzpOAW0LdOqLLLkw3kT7F9AkzHcQ6Qby72GV-nkQTOiPKoW7TtXcqJZ4bDwiy4uXN2STI-jCdtqn2iOR-eqAeiuL8p0Aj3up93J5F17RrRMm57BwNOAqXBSQm63TUdySbWWZ3rk_dKSMsQw1Ldv/s1440/196703331_4579154685446513_7060710166735148574_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti7_-CpChSw4jsq7Vi4kMjc8NFTmEso88LXzUaJzpOAW0LdOqLLLkw3kT7F9AkzHcQ6Qby72GV-nkQTOiPKoW7TtXcqJZ4bDwiy4uXN2STI-jCdtqn2iOR-eqAeiuL8p0Aj3up93J5F17RrRMm57BwNOAqXBSQm63TUdySbWWZ3rk_dKSMsQw1Ldv/s320/196703331_4579154685446513_7060710166735148574_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Games, books, stereo, and TV fill the downstairs area for plenty of ways to keep entertained when you're not out exploring the beautiful town of Quincy and the surrounding area of the "hidden Sierra" of Plumas County.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQKanDYvvEZP5SS2UdacNIaFgUmXG4NwHG4h1pU9nPdT3gCJPGJ5HR3YRq_R7-0QSy_PrtroNNCjgG_AF7pOCoUhqZMd2vZaeoTfHtPSloWMQXWLSJxTh0eZCmQc1K1PXKhYA4wH3IGEjdB3GCjsqsR_yOwscK2hJuY-qVYOvUUC3yZlEufVKSiZQ/s1200/20220825_081751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQKanDYvvEZP5SS2UdacNIaFgUmXG4NwHG4h1pU9nPdT3gCJPGJ5HR3YRq_R7-0QSy_PrtroNNCjgG_AF7pOCoUhqZMd2vZaeoTfHtPSloWMQXWLSJxTh0eZCmQc1K1PXKhYA4wH3IGEjdB3GCjsqsR_yOwscK2hJuY-qVYOvUUC3yZlEufVKSiZQ/s320/20220825_081751.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />1. <a href="https://www.mccloudmercantile.com/" target="_blank">Mercantile Hotel</a> - <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/09/in-shadow-of-mountain-mccloud-california.html" target="_blank">McCloud</a>. I had mistakenly thought we had this entire hotel to ourselves the first night we stayed here because it was so darn quiet. Nope. We were actually surrounded by other guests but the over century year old solid construction of this building completely silenced everything. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfqIWBy6YeyH_1BfpUKTw4rATnNTBXlyHpKSBGWIh8CiOz4-GzkrsfzF8IVmt1Kj553MA9vXaMwugps0hjIeOZoez11DnErnuIJ_ojxyGTqMqLDtA7zuYs45hYhXxR3itBAzfox1FbaOJf1Si4S3YrsYrZhlAuk2J1gBw-8q9Q1K3klOVRtzInMjI/s1200/20220824_161434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfqIWBy6YeyH_1BfpUKTw4rATnNTBXlyHpKSBGWIh8CiOz4-GzkrsfzF8IVmt1Kj553MA9vXaMwugps0hjIeOZoez11DnErnuIJ_ojxyGTqMqLDtA7zuYs45hYhXxR3itBAzfox1FbaOJf1Si4S3YrsYrZhlAuk2J1gBw-8q9Q1K3klOVRtzInMjI/s320/20220824_161434.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Here, along the southern flanks of the massive Mount Shasta in the former company town of McCloud, the accessible room on the second floor has a perfectly framed view of the mountain. a king size bed sits in front of a fireplace with a table and a couple of chairs for relaxing. A cozy nook nearby has a twin bed. Next to that is the washroom with two sinks and a jetted tub. Just beyond that is the toilet room that features a large, roll-in shower.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbuP96KFvcv4s1KsIBcvo9-uyPwPtywHKeLrfQNLx6NW-wpoH8ukJZcw4AqwUkHCbxCklaFKvU2d2JkfGJN2ENAG9YUv2rqP9ZUpjL8s-iI6_PwU7l6aI0iQhXeTzzVD7YKc2w7xpYZaEaMHjPsIL6ze4xoLfQJPTSbmv367XHQweoPphXSzyrDzy/s1200/20220824_161613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbuP96KFvcv4s1KsIBcvo9-uyPwPtywHKeLrfQNLx6NW-wpoH8ukJZcw4AqwUkHCbxCklaFKvU2d2JkfGJN2ENAG9YUv2rqP9ZUpjL8s-iI6_PwU7l6aI0iQhXeTzzVD7YKc2w7xpYZaEaMHjPsIL6ze4xoLfQJPTSbmv367XHQweoPphXSzyrDzy/s320/20220824_161613.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It's an extremely comfortable and appropriate room for a wheelchair user family of three. The hotel also throws in a ten dollar credit for each person for breakfast in the diner downstairs. It's the best of the best of accessible rooms for three here in the northern half of the state.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There you have it, our top five accessible rooms for three (or four) in northern California. You may find a few others but, so far, none we've found in the four years we've been looking even come close to these.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4yHlZVpVjNGDj1EzvlFNPkFkbdwaBCe_jSv_NgG7hcamephR6eLrN1HNHka7rpSL88xeZnCjHOW7P6b73250E8CtKSzuLU8GM0Xkoq7ooIAcGCLdZoNLyolNS9yNUimYfda8541abjNlrBdFlmIvqtnkblU3f9Up3PF-MqLyP2J3kGZRJn7mCSS0/s824/Screenshot%202022-12-27%207.49.22%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4yHlZVpVjNGDj1EzvlFNPkFkbdwaBCe_jSv_NgG7hcamephR6eLrN1HNHka7rpSL88xeZnCjHOW7P6b73250E8CtKSzuLU8GM0Xkoq7ooIAcGCLdZoNLyolNS9yNUimYfda8541abjNlrBdFlmIvqtnkblU3f9Up3PF-MqLyP2J3kGZRJn7mCSS0/s320/Screenshot%202022-12-27%207.49.22%20PM.png" width="265" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Know that they are also located in spectacular locations and are not budget lodgings. The cheapest on this list, the Half Moon Bay Lodge, starts at over $150 a night and most go for over $200 but we've found they're worth every penny.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2023 - All Rights Reserved</span></p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-70770883324892278692022-10-02T04:30:00.001-07:002022-10-02T04:30:00.198-07:00The Cocktail Hour: Oktoberfest Brews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfj0nXZhSJSRssWkzA4biM53yPZe_msVnqUP2sVtrnDKj4rbsfamKyn3d5CdXL9qQ7-xWPbKxNyq0iH0uqqBjMUnQwwg1uJk5zc6iUovvKs6qwSqyyHy8Me7QGULUr7WKjqaK-qqYkXuT/s1600/DSCF7769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfj0nXZhSJSRssWkzA4biM53yPZe_msVnqUP2sVtrnDKj4rbsfamKyn3d5CdXL9qQ7-xWPbKxNyq0iH0uqqBjMUnQwwg1uJk5zc6iUovvKs6qwSqyyHy8Me7QGULUr7WKjqaK-qqYkXuT/s320/DSCF7769.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We love Oktoberfest, the celebration of King Ludwig's marriage, here at The World on Wheels. We make it a point to attend one of our local celebrations each year.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We also love the special brews breweries make for this occasion each year.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">One of my favorite selections from the 72 taps of T. Phillips Alehouse is the very well balanced Spaten Oktoberfest. Smooth, a tiny hint of sweetness, with just a hint of caramelly hoppiness, a pint goes down so well any time of year but it's of limited availability.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Recently, we had a barbecue over at my mother-in-law's house and tasted a few others to compare.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Widmer Brothers Okto was nice but a bit blander than the Spaten offering. OK but not worth the extra two bucks our local store charges for a six-pack over the other Widmer offerings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH96XbHxvRYwChCIxHrFtXSM5Fyn1lPajlRqiumVcgakuC7LnrixCZUb5wvFpKBzB2NLKoj-OMoVzZTFgx3hadDV61yQZylCo5ZVq1YLTSbazQCDIY2nDBaV7Or_Dg8evDfMfJQaRSsEd/s1600/IMG_1660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH96XbHxvRYwChCIxHrFtXSM5Fyn1lPajlRqiumVcgakuC7LnrixCZUb5wvFpKBzB2NLKoj-OMoVzZTFgx3hadDV61yQZylCo5ZVq1YLTSbazQCDIY2nDBaV7Or_Dg8evDfMfJQaRSsEd/s320/IMG_1660.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Next, it was on to the Sam Adams Octoberfest beer (notice the Americanized spelling). This is better. Pretty tasty and I can drink it easily all night but noticeably sweeter than the standard-bearing Spaten.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Last was the Leinenkugel Oktoberfest from Wisconsin. With their overly sweet summer shandies, I wasn't expecting too much from this but it blew me away with just a tinge of caramelly sweetness finely balanced by a decent hoppy bite. I'd like to find some more of this before the season's over.</span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-46133105127900061362022-09-30T04:30:00.003-07:002022-09-30T04:30:00.236-07:00In the Shadow of the Mountain: Water, Water Everywhere...Drought Be Damned!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKnYVOY6hR87n2_7qTnDdgp0awyFPd5XTTKt23XvHb6N-C0XXp3EtJFY8qgqkRMYm7ChTlgSkjVdc7RE-L1VnczbwWyn6ov-D5PrRsoKY_f_ccNgQo9sReErmAOMYHIXg3ITXzoS4rtsHsnNNsCaGjCiQ4d5WirSeBkJbgqCaMckjvOb-MQ-n-8mr/s1200/20220826_142335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKnYVOY6hR87n2_7qTnDdgp0awyFPd5XTTKt23XvHb6N-C0XXp3EtJFY8qgqkRMYm7ChTlgSkjVdc7RE-L1VnczbwWyn6ov-D5PrRsoKY_f_ccNgQo9sReErmAOMYHIXg3ITXzoS4rtsHsnNNsCaGjCiQ4d5WirSeBkJbgqCaMckjvOb-MQ-n-8mr/s320/20220826_142335.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />McCloud is famous for it's very clean and pure drinking water. The town relies on three springs and pumps the water from it's reservoir to residents' taps with no treatment, only occasionally treating when tests reveal something that needs it.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This water comes from the mountain, Mt. Shasta, that looms over everything here. It gets a ton of snow each winter and the volcanic soil filters the meltwater that eventually comes out very pure in the area's springs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, we're going to visit some of the features of this water in the area.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB89zho0FOkUtLFoddDWcpMO-ST-G2O54PCkaeZMYXQyD0enp-ObSRMq7L3AGlGej5MJ8ckf2Gp3O3uhOXnwiGOks-KXQWZkOtjVD-I6jMy6j-RkMGqHQQu47Szn7OWsB1iWVDyLxgYzJrUeW2v5xQs7YFinWWUBhgzP1Na3BjuZTtc3CCvJpnkFN/s1200/20220826_142705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB89zho0FOkUtLFoddDWcpMO-ST-G2O54PCkaeZMYXQyD0enp-ObSRMq7L3AGlGej5MJ8ckf2Gp3O3uhOXnwiGOks-KXQWZkOtjVD-I6jMy6j-RkMGqHQQu47Szn7OWsB1iWVDyLxgYzJrUeW2v5xQs7YFinWWUBhgzP1Na3BjuZTtc3CCvJpnkFN/s320/20220826_142705.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Just a few minutes out of town is the McCloud River. Our first stop is Lower McCloud Falls.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rwha0OOxU2X9it_4d9WYPGOXG9SeGf3odZCY7aaNdWVusCeAdg3suxMssgRDf46RdltwkW4wksKdMXP2Bnxy8Bv0iHdYqJWcQox797XJrIaAQQcFIJjqheuAQ9psfJQhOYRuBh_j_wyBoxC517OC2a31piBuZfA2TR3-FK7SJ5Viuh2lM73wUb4L/s1200/20220826_120114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rwha0OOxU2X9it_4d9WYPGOXG9SeGf3odZCY7aaNdWVusCeAdg3suxMssgRDf46RdltwkW4wksKdMXP2Bnxy8Bv0iHdYqJWcQox797XJrIaAQQcFIJjqheuAQ9psfJQhOYRuBh_j_wyBoxC517OC2a31piBuZfA2TR3-FK7SJ5Viuh2lM73wUb4L/s320/20220826_120114.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />This is also a popular place as a well-known swimming hole for the town although no one was swimming the day we were there. It doesn't help that the Forest Service removed the steel ladder that the locals would use to climb back on top of the rock after jumping off the 20 foot or so cliffs surrounding the pool.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNhaTvK99OoPk9dW7xQkjaDjKX-CLrJ9lqHn-2vxkkoeZSaVAv6g8guLy4otq_iw1wC6k2iGbUXp2DHhvDDDe1n5xp_OvLMzQFod7Gm67Y50nv5c6RNVNGA9PL8-HwHKGRIVDJ4rMAhpAp5yhCPOo_IFc_gpT1_gLgWsnGgCUeubfQJf7UvPnkPfC/s1200/20220826_142649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNhaTvK99OoPk9dW7xQkjaDjKX-CLrJ9lqHn-2vxkkoeZSaVAv6g8guLy4otq_iw1wC6k2iGbUXp2DHhvDDDe1n5xp_OvLMzQFod7Gm67Y50nv5c6RNVNGA9PL8-HwHKGRIVDJ4rMAhpAp5yhCPOo_IFc_gpT1_gLgWsnGgCUeubfQJf7UvPnkPfC/s320/20220826_142649.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />There were a few fishermen trying their luck.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's an easy sight to see, only about 100 feet from the parking lot where wheelchairs can easily access the viewing areas above the falls.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If there's a lower falls, there must be an upper falls but, first, is the middle falls. About a mile away, it's a slightly longer but still flat and accessible hike to the viewing platform for the Middle Falls of the McCloud River.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItM7YKop6Dleqj_kl4qHooqylBomvi___K4pFl3FHoOdI9N4Uakk76qH_RTRtb8pto2VjYVasZl7EmE_Q-_-u_ZrP_td-xt9HmDiene_wpE77aJ70kA2-wOZgOnYHJyPOHZGipzOJCBgbZd8Igh5vg4IeUCY1_wda83BraLsG_hxkVoQDDLYxGg1S/s1200/20220826_142602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItM7YKop6Dleqj_kl4qHooqylBomvi___K4pFl3FHoOdI9N4Uakk76qH_RTRtb8pto2VjYVasZl7EmE_Q-_-u_ZrP_td-xt9HmDiene_wpE77aJ70kA2-wOZgOnYHJyPOHZGipzOJCBgbZd8Igh5vg4IeUCY1_wda83BraLsG_hxkVoQDDLYxGg1S/s320/20220826_142602.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />These are a bit prettier, with a bit of a bridalviel effect, and a couple of swimmers. The viewing platform is a little farther away from the water than the first one but still offers great scenery of the cararact.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, on this loop, we get to the Upper Falls of the McCloud river. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jhLGCcbxqjJVHWnn8v6ffA6KBRu4XBmh8NVvo6NtH6M5K4st10orfJZDRU0458syMSK2mQoxI7yF1Wt1bicZnrC5wz1h_TWewJit0wIdo2BnR4DMcsW3SY5WjlmiJEAa6CTARM5EK9XHbc6lOr1PorR9HbdGVkX00i_V4sEqQdcnwqcF8Z0hvGyr/s1200/20220826_142615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jhLGCcbxqjJVHWnn8v6ffA6KBRu4XBmh8NVvo6NtH6M5K4st10orfJZDRU0458syMSK2mQoxI7yF1Wt1bicZnrC5wz1h_TWewJit0wIdo2BnR4DMcsW3SY5WjlmiJEAa6CTARM5EK9XHbc6lOr1PorR9HbdGVkX00i_V4sEqQdcnwqcF8Z0hvGyr/s320/20220826_142615.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />These are the tallest of the three and the hardest to get to. The viewing platforms are about the same getting to from the parking lot as the middle falls are but the angle makes it a bit harder to see the falls.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJIhlWwKb9Uygaejvz6jwFebq-ovCdalZz6Cb2b-spCdfV-E4wLFh_uGr35NDcKPGUhEAFdXd1c6HgsVuIZAPPE9gEL5teRuRvbOmU-pKkguO5a8pppJBMAZZALskrFtuAYRtIxsn6avGTtY6rSxh2C3QdfFzPQa8csDhhftGKH6SdDw6H6QEeqtI/s1200/20220826_142537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJIhlWwKb9Uygaejvz6jwFebq-ovCdalZz6Cb2b-spCdfV-E4wLFh_uGr35NDcKPGUhEAFdXd1c6HgsVuIZAPPE9gEL5teRuRvbOmU-pKkguO5a8pppJBMAZZALskrFtuAYRtIxsn6avGTtY6rSxh2C3QdfFzPQa8csDhhftGKH6SdDw6H6QEeqtI/s320/20220826_142537.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Still, we find a spot where Tim can get a look. This is also the deepest canyon of the three so, if you wanted to hike down, it quite a ways, steep, and not wheelchair accessible.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Our final water spot for the day would take us over to Mt. Shasta. No, not the giant mountain looming over us at every moment of this trip but the town of the same name on the western slope of the mountain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Sacramento River is the largest river in California (the Colorado is bigger but is shared with other states and Mexico). One of the sources of that river is here in Mt. Shasta.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We drive through town to the City Park at the northern outskirts. As a reviewer on Tripadvisor said, it's "hippies as far as the eye can see." Many homemade campers house free spirits in this park.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We find handicapped parking at the visitor's center and follow a sign that says "Headwaters - 150ft."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGUJeMpV75BzTAcD2auDMEgdk_kEgxfO0qhwgkb9UkaKa1HTp6QDHTfvL9YFaGH_2vEWHscKun45sPPokmjF69JcEMdYPpdRnBB4WcBJF1f_Z4BzuFyj4rxLqyHqvEn-mIyIMxD38Kbu4AuQCzNKW-VP7dhigA7L1Cj7d8JSM7AFaCzmFJE5DSmV/s1200/20220825_163511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGUJeMpV75BzTAcD2auDMEgdk_kEgxfO0qhwgkb9UkaKa1HTp6QDHTfvL9YFaGH_2vEWHscKun45sPPokmjF69JcEMdYPpdRnBB4WcBJF1f_Z4BzuFyj4rxLqyHqvEn-mIyIMxD38Kbu4AuQCzNKW-VP7dhigA7L1Cj7d8JSM7AFaCzmFJE5DSmV/s320/20220825_163511.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />At the end of the short trail is a jumble of rocks where thousands of gallons of water come rushing out of the ground. These are the headwaters (well one of them, anyway) of the Sacramento River.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvMFPn5eRUraGuDYYxjP4zXhUJaAmrY-0veRH2aYCPQfNzsFuHPhrUq26CzfdCpfImrMnHUanrocUbgmUdqxrUI6Y0Tr6OJfpXkh8NydixbaL5kLh3AA1IBcDknhHwRn8LrhhZvoNhkcRQ9OYlAqMxSBdiYzPMsbC6vCx0cvvFYJ_rwa3v23MC5v_/s1200/20220825_163501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvMFPn5eRUraGuDYYxjP4zXhUJaAmrY-0veRH2aYCPQfNzsFuHPhrUq26CzfdCpfImrMnHUanrocUbgmUdqxrUI6Y0Tr6OJfpXkh8NydixbaL5kLh3AA1IBcDknhHwRn8LrhhZvoNhkcRQ9OYlAqMxSBdiYzPMsbC6vCx0cvvFYJ_rwa3v23MC5v_/s320/20220825_163501.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Glacier melt on Mt. Shasta percolates through the porous volcanic rock. After an estimated journey of 50 years, the water emerges at this spring. It is exceptionally clear and pure water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIwAmCANuYYGeVCcqIyNEuhYdOhqHDxwKx5-9oa96zU4rtB1XxGBPDUFXJsWKVCEyLykwmVi2oRjmRQfioFFceYpmCIy9vUR9S_9v8PuwfDFxmoPe6PmGdrbnNtG_SvemP7fgsyiApBcUbkSZ081hqxklmyC2B7mwZ58UVHf63lC2bBUU5ZXw6gYk/s1200/20220825_163600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIwAmCANuYYGeVCcqIyNEuhYdOhqHDxwKx5-9oa96zU4rtB1XxGBPDUFXJsWKVCEyLykwmVi2oRjmRQfioFFceYpmCIy9vUR9S_9v8PuwfDFxmoPe6PmGdrbnNtG_SvemP7fgsyiApBcUbkSZ081hqxklmyC2B7mwZ58UVHf63lC2bBUU5ZXw6gYk/s320/20220825_163600.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />People come from all over the world to fill containers with this water the moment it emerges out of the rocks. We fill a few bottles ourselves and it is really good water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl55jkqbsO7SZKkQMQbDOK5PqTuBEdxaZCdYoyXhZQ1H5Pwac5cnqXNaL8BW3qRUxuXvtjYYSQU-I3ynrm0vm7LQYlDnvRX3PeZCGj3ngeG9hs3XQ3Ng95xXAplBwag0z3UfoCzjZoOqTm8WSNwBLDGIMoQ2JGI3v2exf6G7iC-9LjfPbuf9HuVIEE/s1200/20220824_171602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl55jkqbsO7SZKkQMQbDOK5PqTuBEdxaZCdYoyXhZQ1H5Pwac5cnqXNaL8BW3qRUxuXvtjYYSQU-I3ynrm0vm7LQYlDnvRX3PeZCGj3ngeG9hs3XQ3Ng95xXAplBwag0z3UfoCzjZoOqTm8WSNwBLDGIMoQ2JGI3v2exf6G7iC-9LjfPbuf9HuVIEE/s320/20220824_171602.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Back in McCloud, we have some wings with one last dinner at the Axe and Rose Pub. We'll call it a night, relax in our nice suite at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel, and then head home in the morning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</span></div>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-16907749723021822522022-09-26T04:30:00.001-07:002022-09-26T04:30:00.238-07:00In the Shadow of the Mountain: Burney Falls<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz1lwHr4fokO4dix9oZ1NwINu8eYMIkMR0Fd0S3Pp5dalDa6smQ0ja2Y6Fqsfyt0vfJQtxKZoLUnfBZaeue3yz8kjEmm-YjZLSa5lnUGBdJP1glK7QB7jhURC_vZG7HKgPQZ3C0eAb48D0vZFudMaJSu0Rn-oPf6cbVNMEAQHV42fIyYEqGJOrI02/s1200/20220825_163656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz1lwHr4fokO4dix9oZ1NwINu8eYMIkMR0Fd0S3Pp5dalDa6smQ0ja2Y6Fqsfyt0vfJQtxKZoLUnfBZaeue3yz8kjEmm-YjZLSa5lnUGBdJP1glK7QB7jhURC_vZG7HKgPQZ3C0eAb48D0vZFudMaJSu0Rn-oPf6cbVNMEAQHV42fIyYEqGJOrI02/s320/20220825_163656.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Breakfast is a heap of pancakes with eggs and housemade sausage. We get a $30 credit ($10 for each person) at the White Mountain Cafe, which takes up the northeast corner of the building we're staying in.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaTkXXmxBfib3WtNauaHSi3OCDqqBEUHW9aM_bZc5J6oI1SBd5-JqBSbsCbLzmHttZ2rtFeO09x2P0uFcLzEZp5hmFgMUqAoAx1aNyFK19xIK-CTczFIhR6Ti-BauZcyACWiK9atKlkJpDW7L4lP5qFLcIRTRkMiyKbbS6d8ZNt5V9-eL--moqvtM/s1200/20220825_093434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaTkXXmxBfib3WtNauaHSi3OCDqqBEUHW9aM_bZc5J6oI1SBd5-JqBSbsCbLzmHttZ2rtFeO09x2P0uFcLzEZp5hmFgMUqAoAx1aNyFK19xIK-CTczFIhR6Ti-BauZcyACWiK9atKlkJpDW7L4lP5qFLcIRTRkMiyKbbS6d8ZNt5V9-eL--moqvtM/s320/20220825_093434.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It will help fortify us for the day ahead.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Hopefully, our spare tire will carry us through as we drive 40 miles east to today's destination, <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455" target="_blank">McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park</a>. It should be fine as it's basically a new tire that's never been driven on before and it does seem to drive just fine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS-Xymb48GObcj13HpQO1onImS2cj5Yfik21kfTMJV6RI1G9-MoLv4y3Xb8EcPttsaX3EWNYuaDp3pdT-uW-Ao7bPt5QaNLkfzuiPhSTA_jfGTt98ByXSWTy9eSvFdFiRrKc4BgWLGgI-gCj1oamjJc_VYXZFWh57yGGP7hXG92LSGCXw6VVR_95k/s1200/20220826_142722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS-Xymb48GObcj13HpQO1onImS2cj5Yfik21kfTMJV6RI1G9-MoLv4y3Xb8EcPttsaX3EWNYuaDp3pdT-uW-Ao7bPt5QaNLkfzuiPhSTA_jfGTt98ByXSWTy9eSvFdFiRrKc4BgWLGgI-gCj1oamjJc_VYXZFWh57yGGP7hXG92LSGCXw6VVR_95k/s320/20220826_142722.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />After paying our $10 entry fee, we find a wide accessible parking spot right in front of the visitor's center front door. We go inside to get a map and talk to a ranger about the most accessible ways to see the falls.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcA1EK4I0Ilwz4L5ZmZnHvzGFh7PNrm7hvsocj1M5r8sZeI25piH_keQMGB7ivElv8jqeqvwMg_nOFWapgGIUr_q1jhLJ4tiEid5vzMhF16CwC1tdGzpsii19K3Fz6jIieT02DC1sGCJptQKyC52-stcR153gDD5fQOSWNJTPCkV94swlymIeWl3e/s1200/20220825_163721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcA1EK4I0Ilwz4L5ZmZnHvzGFh7PNrm7hvsocj1M5r8sZeI25piH_keQMGB7ivElv8jqeqvwMg_nOFWapgGIUr_q1jhLJ4tiEid5vzMhF16CwC1tdGzpsii19K3Fz6jIieT02DC1sGCJptQKyC52-stcR153gDD5fQOSWNJTPCkV94swlymIeWl3e/s320/20220825_163721.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It's a hard packed dirt path that leads to the viewing platform for the falls.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC8sKb0phgFoqugDtGV9r0u9TkAv4rqohnrusnUpT5VPTM3S9cRac5jeTInqK9btUZMcTqjazpsCrihlBtMd0epJSdbD8lggLBrrYIsBKQQQq4_eVXqjFKLvL8heQPiWa-m6B1YqQe0h5zHjtJ_QAUOUiFdm6a3UBrsk9HLUCNKzJKyhJYs_miqqS/s4032/20220825_163712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC8sKb0phgFoqugDtGV9r0u9TkAv4rqohnrusnUpT5VPTM3S9cRac5jeTInqK9btUZMcTqjazpsCrihlBtMd0epJSdbD8lggLBrrYIsBKQQQq4_eVXqjFKLvL8heQPiWa-m6B1YqQe0h5zHjtJ_QAUOUiFdm6a3UBrsk9HLUCNKzJKyhJYs_miqqS/s320/20220825_163712.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Unfortunately, this is as far as wheelchairs can go but the view is very good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWljp3AfREAcUFE9FFUQsJynsRYhz1Z3x68t0_YoaVUzA6BZbJc-ohzlSeACKxNkjLhnvVizUBWCikTTI_JcbcT1rx-j-x_FwWOmh0MET2DU5qu5d1bFPFXEecsp9u3yLO-W9GUvXUotJMpaPbj9AuGoxhqIdGOjPT23TSyRnO8blsLl6eeLe7Vyb/s1200/20220825_163632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWljp3AfREAcUFE9FFUQsJynsRYhz1Z3x68t0_YoaVUzA6BZbJc-ohzlSeACKxNkjLhnvVizUBWCikTTI_JcbcT1rx-j-x_FwWOmh0MET2DU5qu5d1bFPFXEecsp9u3yLO-W9GUvXUotJMpaPbj9AuGoxhqIdGOjPT23TSyRnO8blsLl6eeLe7Vyb/s320/20220825_163632.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Letty and I take turns walking down the stairs...it's a third of a mile to the bottom and a steep hike back up...to get a closer look and take pictures.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kSgIPyfq8KWvRN6wE70NcpBRR2bviLDfIqgot_wwXZq4tCbNE4y-LgKTKA3-5x5WACMS6ZxCeZlnWnrvcv7M3fi15HxYxvyQact0bNgLcBUP_N3gHGu2PqkOxx_um6y3EgXQ15tY2O-2bGfkyNGIFikUD9Jb_WCPn3FSHHKJZ1mPy5eUXHdAYY39/s1200/20220825_163618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kSgIPyfq8KWvRN6wE70NcpBRR2bviLDfIqgot_wwXZq4tCbNE4y-LgKTKA3-5x5WACMS6ZxCeZlnWnrvcv7M3fi15HxYxvyQact0bNgLcBUP_N3gHGu2PqkOxx_um6y3EgXQ15tY2O-2bGfkyNGIFikUD9Jb_WCPn3FSHHKJZ1mPy5eUXHdAYY39/s320/20220825_163618.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The falls are spectacular, among the best in the state with maybe the falls of Yosemite giving them a run for the money.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVvxT9iz-4cNuFZMLJjkMjCWci6CSwCK0FFSJvbfwxLD_4cwE6P_B_Y-QHz_-1ptW7XZbebq-mhtIJTynZNuDpLDC2GbPi3TLTTdvaZE2TR4-4WCYxcR_4CRssnDT8tR1YaljevzYyh16dKp21VLi8SK7JT4ia4dL6NkZkbrqno8sge6Gg6hJdJs1/s1200/20220825_163645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVvxT9iz-4cNuFZMLJjkMjCWci6CSwCK0FFSJvbfwxLD_4cwE6P_B_Y-QHz_-1ptW7XZbebq-mhtIJTynZNuDpLDC2GbPi3TLTTdvaZE2TR4-4WCYxcR_4CRssnDT8tR1YaljevzYyh16dKp21VLi8SK7JT4ia4dL6NkZkbrqno8sge6Gg6hJdJs1/s320/20220825_163645.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />In addition to the main two cataracts streaming over the cliff face, hundreds of cliffside springs also release their waters creating a very nice bridalveil effect. It's also noticably cooler here at the bottom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It's National Banana Split Day and ice cream sounds good. We head back to McCloud to the Frosty stand we saw there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">They had soft serve ice cream, they made sundaes, but they did not make banana splits. Thinking on our feet, we quickly jumped over the the grocery store next door, bought a couple of bananas, some cherries, and nuts. Back over at the Frosty, we improvised and turned that sundae into a delicious split.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpA5KFME6T7jDy6tWgUglUHFPJ2I8tybPHFFvTjJaDI5x59g7sooIU_oHW7pKHvhCwy0nChroAujJO6WbXIBljGzXVWCmYtrRl1KwfoclFRHWaIvZIywne6ZSUbEj2gZsFvym25iALfCpbSM61zT-RWY4ArquJY3Sx75i3A8sTei2ezeTkk_nWuYs/s1200/20220825_163422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpA5KFME6T7jDy6tWgUglUHFPJ2I8tybPHFFvTjJaDI5x59g7sooIU_oHW7pKHvhCwy0nChroAujJO6WbXIBljGzXVWCmYtrRl1KwfoclFRHWaIvZIywne6ZSUbEj2gZsFvym25iALfCpbSM61zT-RWY4ArquJY3Sx75i3A8sTei2ezeTkk_nWuYs/s320/20220825_163422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With that yummy dessert, we'll call it a day and do some more exploring tomorrow.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</span></div>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-30663600302980509182022-09-25T04:30:00.001-07:002022-09-25T04:30:00.207-07:00THE COCKTAIL HOUR: Tasting A Trio of New Motherlode Wineries<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now that we're pretty much settled into our new digs in Northern California's Amador County, it's time to visit a few new neighbors. Specifically, three wineries that we've never visited before...plus a quick stop at an old favorite for a fill-up.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">First, it's a short seven minute drive to <a href="http://www.tanisvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Tanis Vineyards</a>, run by Andrew and Jill Tanis. Andrew is manning the tasting bar today and we taste some exceptional whites...Sauvignon Blanc and his nice, dry Muscat Canelli.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The reds are very good, too. We especially liked his Petite Syrah and the Dynamite Red blend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaHHXSnNIHTlbAnl3IP1jg1385-n1fqV_cWQ_63EfZYb7iOXeaitutGIxWb_36mL08XUzW4GqaAwIyBQ58XCNkBcYYkl_SSEIowUc2-0rmFKIjW0xIEdgOClLijga5YFCxRc520IG3gw/s1600/20190330_110133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaHHXSnNIHTlbAnl3IP1jg1385-n1fqV_cWQ_63EfZYb7iOXeaitutGIxWb_36mL08XUzW4GqaAwIyBQ58XCNkBcYYkl_SSEIowUc2-0rmFKIjW0xIEdgOClLijga5YFCxRc520IG3gw/s320/20190330_110133.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We take a few bottles and thank our new neighbor for his hospitality and move on just as a limo full of tourists amble into the driveway.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdCRMnas8Z6KW8sTyqJxrd8pS5Tjh8aRH6Chn870P946A9eMO3ypfaCyTbLUQs2nn_N-fQIS5AQszeWbCRRj__jwkEbFGeqgaaHCYLkI-oCOr8De4k0DIWZKtEERrIWmyImdID4p1Np8/s1600/20190330_111859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdCRMnas8Z6KW8sTyqJxrd8pS5Tjh8aRH6Chn870P946A9eMO3ypfaCyTbLUQs2nn_N-fQIS5AQszeWbCRRj__jwkEbFGeqgaaHCYLkI-oCOr8De4k0DIWZKtEERrIWmyImdID4p1Np8/s320/20190330_111859.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Back up on the other side of highway 124, the closest wine neighbor to <a href="http://www.tanisvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Tanis</a> is <a href="https://www.convergencevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Convergence Vineyards</a>. The wine is not quite in the same league as the similarly priced winery across the way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjI-5OcGnDWDfxK3zC3K5A41Ac-x3mmQDzYGxkjXGXurN4OGWLmgQW13isZicBJEuYBBi01R08G1Nf_xHeURP5OlmwrnSYWytT2noGpsUkS5wS6FH62k3tK-8lXrS78g6CQDCIt523mg/s1600/20190330_114841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjI-5OcGnDWDfxK3zC3K5A41Ac-x3mmQDzYGxkjXGXurN4OGWLmgQW13isZicBJEuYBBi01R08G1Nf_xHeURP5OlmwrnSYWytT2noGpsUkS5wS6FH62k3tK-8lXrS78g6CQDCIt523mg/s320/20190330_114841.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We did enjoy their Killer Syrah, their port, and petite syrah. I asked for a bottle each of the port and the Killer Syrah but the overwhelmed lady at the tasting bar put in the El Diablo red blend instead of the syrah. I noticed when we got home...I'll drive back up tomorrow and trade it in for the one that I really wanted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpB9JSWdWUG5_Vux9zkbiPS1S9_8IcunQU10OQqqyHJlMCCOA5jR7pHlng6l_0EWuX_ywabcpKmxoc8082ywMYAsxZt9hSHoAJOOKhkmwcYMkgDp_nI0CVbHPHjdOBI8iwN5x-woqdEs/s1600/20190330_121454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpB9JSWdWUG5_Vux9zkbiPS1S9_8IcunQU10OQqqyHJlMCCOA5jR7pHlng6l_0EWuX_ywabcpKmxoc8082ywMYAsxZt9hSHoAJOOKhkmwcYMkgDp_nI0CVbHPHjdOBI8iwN5x-woqdEs/s320/20190330_121454.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Before our next new winery, we pop up to the nearby Shenandoah Valley to one of our long time favorites, <a href="https://www.brayvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Bray Vineyards. Bray</a> always keeps a barrel of a red blend handy that has a tap on it to fill growlers. I bring in two of mine for a quick refill and then we're on our way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRdu-XTe42wpuXsjBHj936-eKd_YRv3XLCrq_wjiYcq7XyAcz0flG4pmhfir_g4EeQYsGqnhtxmJxI7i9Hp4ToSjrpqGEjZaqsy4TBtrrVZGZ160UjorlYcfbEs08mr2Bsxl2TRe-Nwk/s1600/20190330_124648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRdu-XTe42wpuXsjBHj936-eKd_YRv3XLCrq_wjiYcq7XyAcz0flG4pmhfir_g4EeQYsGqnhtxmJxI7i9Hp4ToSjrpqGEjZaqsy4TBtrrVZGZ160UjorlYcfbEs08mr2Bsxl2TRe-Nwk/s320/20190330_124648.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Our final stop is <a href="http://www.aviowine.com/" target="_blank">Avio Vineyards</a>, up on a ridge overlooking Sutter Creek and Jackson near the Amador County Airport on Ridge Road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJ40LDGeJlnOtOCbkkcDeLNmCi9lzkxh9qMw5ST12jMMcDAbte83gt2xFEKfXh8uoPJdI-sOVByEY9NzBWUyY7VIerlJTwwaungn6zkx7wIaSBKclrftN7l6VOljyUFxIoXZhDmYoDMw/s1600/20190330_125542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJ40LDGeJlnOtOCbkkcDeLNmCi9lzkxh9qMw5ST12jMMcDAbte83gt2xFEKfXh8uoPJdI-sOVByEY9NzBWUyY7VIerlJTwwaungn6zkx7wIaSBKclrftN7l6VOljyUFxIoXZhDmYoDMw/s320/20190330_125542.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It's slightly crowded in the tasting room but we get our samples to taste. We are pleased with the wines, they're very good and the icing on the cake is the pricing is 1/2 to 2/3 the price of the last two wineries we visited.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We ended up taking their zinfandel, barbera, and estate grown pinot noir home.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">These three new-to-us wineries are great additions to our collection of frequently visited Sierra Foothill vineyards but we still have a long way to go until we visit them all.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Copyright 2019 - All Rights Reserved</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-85772335422154160942022-09-23T04:30:00.003-07:002022-09-23T04:30:00.248-07:00In the Shadow of the Mountain: McCloud, California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkE_-AiKqVzqU3cznKwNh_6m5bz7UfPttTMkFUNPc9hqlYGNyKVM8x9Jc5GBOwPOmW6DEQqnp9pe3TKA4E5dozKrtiwesruaROKtSKZIOV1QIf3qWsu0TXr4F3hXs20TyNKmfMiVkeYb9VxDfA2ACL9E-bu0RJ-2FnI1u4G9DEr8NsyR1J6XPY74a/s1469/Screenshot%202022-09-07%209.24.56%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1469" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkE_-AiKqVzqU3cznKwNh_6m5bz7UfPttTMkFUNPc9hqlYGNyKVM8x9Jc5GBOwPOmW6DEQqnp9pe3TKA4E5dozKrtiwesruaROKtSKZIOV1QIf3qWsu0TXr4F3hXs20TyNKmfMiVkeYb9VxDfA2ACL9E-bu0RJ-2FnI1u4G9DEr8NsyR1J6XPY74a/w400-h217/Screenshot%202022-09-07%209.24.56%20PM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy of Google Maps</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />You know when your driving through the mountains and you see the sign, "Watch out for Falling Rocks," and wonder how many people actually get hit by one? Well, I did, and it finally happened to us.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We were driving through Bigfoot country, along highway 299 near Willow Creek, California when we heard a loud knock on the side of our van. I looked in the side mirror and saw a rock, about 8 inches in diameter, spinning on the road like a top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I got a chance to pull over and take a look, only a small chip off of the fiberglass running board was what looked like the total damage. We're lucky it didn't hit a window.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's about four in the afternoon when we pull into McCloud, sitting on the southern slopes of California's second tallest mountain, 14,162 foot Mt. Shasta and try to check into our hotel room. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqHfrkccCwu_bReOBMKk16ML53bHspEucg3Iec74Pf8hNB8KDYkEiEjS1zfVOjB7YpKBDf-rpVjfWE2LF2diWqNv6w27Ud3hRVzAtlZ9h3_mDjzHQW23rrxsWBIFc3PQovWqXH4gAn4TQWa1uP7ktyrm4kSd-7NRXAVxvVGhEbleDMsZtdZGp-nyL/s1200/20220824_194839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqHfrkccCwu_bReOBMKk16ML53bHspEucg3Iec74Pf8hNB8KDYkEiEjS1zfVOjB7YpKBDf-rpVjfWE2LF2diWqNv6w27Ud3hRVzAtlZ9h3_mDjzHQW23rrxsWBIFc3PQovWqXH4gAn4TQWa1uP7ktyrm4kSd-7NRXAVxvVGhEbleDMsZtdZGp-nyL/s320/20220824_194839.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I say try because I can't find a checkin counter. We explore the bottom floor of the McCloud Mercantile Building...the home of our hotel...but don't see anything. We find an elevator at the far end and take it up to the second floor.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Exiting into a ballroom, we cross to the other side and enter a kitchen and living area. The doors on either side have room names and numbers, so we've found where the hotel rooms start but still no checkin area.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back downstairs, I'm about to enter a gift shop to ask when I see a small sign "hotel guest register inside store." OK, this must be it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Once I go to the cash register, it goes smoothly. We're given our keys and told we'll get a $30 credit for breakfast at the diner nextdoor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, it's back to the other end of the building, back up the elevator, and across the second floor to our room, the Charles Miller Suite at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel. It's always the moment of truth when we walk through the door not knowing if the room we'd booked will actually be appropriate for us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirewoWCXKdDkCHLHHcBPp7nk1EEoq9vP_MQEmhYZCilGAyaH8_h3zoiFpTxMqh8PIOrVGlZcszX13YX4HGDaayZQj38a5s8-w9pVz0dntkeXESusKlc-zsEq2o_o5Q9l8xgPXaa68CrzqHGdd9Phg8aq49f8nY_Rrwag-Lkdj9zh0hja1kaTrmbtUU/s1200/20220825_081751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirewoWCXKdDkCHLHHcBPp7nk1EEoq9vP_MQEmhYZCilGAyaH8_h3zoiFpTxMqh8PIOrVGlZcszX13YX4HGDaayZQj38a5s8-w9pVz0dntkeXESusKlc-zsEq2o_o5Q9l8xgPXaa68CrzqHGdd9Phg8aq49f8nY_Rrwag-Lkdj9zh0hja1kaTrmbtUU/s320/20220825_081751.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />No worries here, the suite is stunning. A wall of windows perfectly frames Mt. Shasta in the distance, veined with late season glaciers. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3INuyafD4PTox9g3hONaCBri5AKoXqAOe6jAEXYNXjvwxyJrhTAivW4aE-nu9IgAkDVA6j9VIngImR0tihpY4_E4mj0yM_8B_WEKNS-u3rR5rUg25EKgY91Ru7mLxQP0gLvvRI6K30aRhJslPnnJqLbj_wi61lq_cLNiJ0RgCRm8fLh8y9q3qn0sJ/s1200/20220824_161434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3INuyafD4PTox9g3hONaCBri5AKoXqAOe6jAEXYNXjvwxyJrhTAivW4aE-nu9IgAkDVA6j9VIngImR0tihpY4_E4mj0yM_8B_WEKNS-u3rR5rUg25EKgY91Ru7mLxQP0gLvvRI6K30aRhJslPnnJqLbj_wi61lq_cLNiJ0RgCRm8fLh8y9q3qn0sJ/s320/20220824_161434.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />A massive king size bed sits next to a small table between two antique chairs. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIetHN-wuk1ZjVDTjuNNnpK-iIgN_Tv8gph0JG2GtoMXoQDt4az56wr9xC1-cvpf-nzSe6rq-PQ_T07_MKudAnTCwKQGbhAgMFTGCZld8OBBZXEEiMHf99iTI9J0u93r1T3KYO6PMdgEPDzjOWltngQKokQ5sFjE8qtLnMcq8MWhWTNtxHQeS9JCR1/s1200/20220824_161644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIetHN-wuk1ZjVDTjuNNnpK-iIgN_Tv8gph0JG2GtoMXoQDt4az56wr9xC1-cvpf-nzSe6rq-PQ_T07_MKudAnTCwKQGbhAgMFTGCZld8OBBZXEEiMHf99iTI9J0u93r1T3KYO6PMdgEPDzjOWltngQKokQ5sFjE8qtLnMcq8MWhWTNtxHQeS9JCR1/s320/20220824_161644.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Tim will call the twin bed sitting under a roof nook in the next room home for the next three nights. An antique armoir at the foot of his bed will hold our clothes.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwBCop7RNQ6zGJwpI-y8Ikt9yS4uDpbYEddNsFEf0wLhIcuC6fbpz-vH38YToT6F1a88Rq9gXg2SEsbVjWSEVjOMY_mkpE93zUd-0hdjgue-L3uH00OAAuHKYk127W0IhUKhJYBxiUxtCu-GxYsufjWazagvm4A143AxVHLiH2T9GIhP8s_U-0d9W/s1200/20220824_161613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwBCop7RNQ6zGJwpI-y8Ikt9yS4uDpbYEddNsFEf0wLhIcuC6fbpz-vH38YToT6F1a88Rq9gXg2SEsbVjWSEVjOMY_mkpE93zUd-0hdjgue-L3uH00OAAuHKYk127W0IhUKhJYBxiUxtCu-GxYsufjWazagvm4A143AxVHLiH2T9GIhP8s_U-0d9W/s320/20220824_161613.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The washroom has room to roam, a jetted tub, and two roll under sinks. The next room is a wet room with a large roll-in shower, folding bench, and toilet.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">No, there will not be any problems with this room at all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After settling in, we find our only options for dinner are taco night at the American Legion, the local gas station mini mart, or a pub up the block from the hotel. We chose the pub.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Axe and Rose is next to the town's other big hotel. Back in the day, McCloud was an honest-to-god lumber company town. Where we're staying was the company store (and theater, restaurant, clothing store, etc), while this one...the McCloud Hotel...used to be the single men's dormitory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rlplcd5UVqcf-DooweQDmQ_dbrIjq-rlyDVoQ5G1FYQkJv1_BFqor4nAnZhn-vAf1ixPHKJNyBKYHhdKVBlfEyGXarMgfKfCjP2FDPdqhL1yqzolqRYchfPtgIMjdxSKvhp5JaVG-MqEuZkpLdtUH5DpsciPVvubiOV3mP6lO_tsVQFunA8L9xMd/s1200/20220824_191828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rlplcd5UVqcf-DooweQDmQ_dbrIjq-rlyDVoQ5G1FYQkJv1_BFqor4nAnZhn-vAf1ixPHKJNyBKYHhdKVBlfEyGXarMgfKfCjP2FDPdqhL1yqzolqRYchfPtgIMjdxSKvhp5JaVG-MqEuZkpLdtUH5DpsciPVvubiOV3mP6lO_tsVQFunA8L9xMd/s320/20220824_191828.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I think the pub is missing some marketing options by not putting an "L" after the first part of the name and pulling in the Guns 'n Roses crowd by calling it the Axel and Rose.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQphL_zYaW5RdfOsX-3qPBh8Qq357-yMeQFnWV4ku8CTP_RpE0ee1DBCA8DlLVckrxE4m5uUyTbLNMDa_RgtVJFn2hVb7j3NDVxIMz1gw4zcxnXChDE0oLr1pHdIQEmTbAWdQ3TpySYf3cBgTGYkjmw4eP9m_H8MNbmhFixm_2gyB55HEOvQSsdw8/s1200/20220826_164541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQphL_zYaW5RdfOsX-3qPBh8Qq357-yMeQFnWV4ku8CTP_RpE0ee1DBCA8DlLVckrxE4m5uUyTbLNMDa_RgtVJFn2hVb7j3NDVxIMz1gw4zcxnXChDE0oLr1pHdIQEmTbAWdQ3TpySYf3cBgTGYkjmw4eP9m_H8MNbmhFixm_2gyB55HEOvQSsdw8/s320/20220826_164541.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Still, the food was very good and we'll probably come here again before we leave. But...the server comes over and says "are you staying at the hotel down the street?"</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Yes"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"They just called and said you have a flat tire. Would you like some help changing it?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, darn. Maybe that rock did more damage than just the running board. Or maybe it's just a coincidence. In any event, no, we didn't need help. I just put in a call to AAA and they dispatched someone to change the tire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm hoping it won't cause a kink in the rest of this trip. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Tonight, we'll rest up and start exploring the surrounding area, hoping the spare tire holds up until I can get the flat one repaired or replaced.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</span></p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-90512729306763991682022-09-19T04:30:00.004-07:002022-09-19T04:30:00.220-07:00North Coast Explorations: Heading for the Border<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5BWpAVzyTCwH7oaCzGZvF0ho3FCT4Vy8MTAOOz-e3MZ4OKGinHEfPaYx2M6GvsYmdlMQPQ76BK4fwfarVvANUi4TdmUc3TN6_gg6er1TuoOlSjCPUvZAug5e8qq6M_DmThD9vNB7LvBOg1CANI9eXQ9B_5sMG7PssMZ61pktZMsCjlYXekuS-6Oy/s2016/305945691_1739141993119789_638855644312501640_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5BWpAVzyTCwH7oaCzGZvF0ho3FCT4Vy8MTAOOz-e3MZ4OKGinHEfPaYx2M6GvsYmdlMQPQ76BK4fwfarVvANUi4TdmUc3TN6_gg6er1TuoOlSjCPUvZAug5e8qq6M_DmThD9vNB7LvBOg1CANI9eXQ9B_5sMG7PssMZ61pktZMsCjlYXekuS-6Oy/s320/305945691_1739141993119789_638855644312501640_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One more day in Trinidad. It's a tiny town and we've seen pretty much all we came to see. We've not been north of the Trees of Mystery so today we've picked a point on the map...the first town in Oregon, Brookings...and are headed there to see what's up there.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxclG5w4ppHN7rpD0f6xO3yPTV3Bo5292qJ-z53xyTE-eWT7KnFa5TEbJ8NvxcNc233_QOUaP7ysHVxW0g_W_V1j5u-ZBtGVYlniaSGAkPqlRbk0PbvmvolaXHgH4trIRnUaBr0f-OmwWV2tC13Z5CXEQoDj0y-GVEo37cYCpXjvlWNAVBo67HSVSu/s2016/305314323_621766309513847_6211273136454291554_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxclG5w4ppHN7rpD0f6xO3yPTV3Bo5292qJ-z53xyTE-eWT7KnFa5TEbJ8NvxcNc233_QOUaP7ysHVxW0g_W_V1j5u-ZBtGVYlniaSGAkPqlRbk0PbvmvolaXHgH4trIRnUaBr0f-OmwWV2tC13Z5CXEQoDj0y-GVEo37cYCpXjvlWNAVBo67HSVSu/s320/305314323_621766309513847_6211273136454291554_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At the sleepy little town of Orick, we stop at the general store to grab a few sodas and keep going. Stretches of highway 101 go down to a narrow two lanes with giant redwoods pushing into the tarmac.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQGje8NDC_n_K7p2a3JveWQ8yYtc9oCEcdpGbRDxj8nYoWEq4h5yk2vKq_3kupihuyYPj_Dykd0p6x2VRq38EOdcDngs5FLoxomy-1ON0AhF4_vXKCUKDTiOarGjVU66hzqagk3fzb9KfTPyMDRYc59L0yzx0iyvmHP6Xilqo0cftLKBCuGxgu_kQ/s960/67264900_2754876671207666_8560213907937951744_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQGje8NDC_n_K7p2a3JveWQ8yYtc9oCEcdpGbRDxj8nYoWEq4h5yk2vKq_3kupihuyYPj_Dykd0p6x2VRq38EOdcDngs5FLoxomy-1ON0AhF4_vXKCUKDTiOarGjVU66hzqagk3fzb9KfTPyMDRYc59L0yzx0iyvmHP6Xilqo0cftLKBCuGxgu_kQ/s320/67264900_2754876671207666_8560213907937951744_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The giant Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, let us know we've reached the <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2019/09/californias-northern-coast-big-elk-and.html" target="_blank">Trees of Mystery</a>. Everything beyond here is virgin territory for us.<p></p><p>We drive through Crescent City, the county seat of Del Norte County. This is the farthest northwest county in the state. The city is named for the shape of it's beach and bay. This geographic anomaly also means it's susceptible to tsunami damage and has been hit a few times, most recently in 2011 when numerous docks and boats were damaged or destroyed when 8 foot waves originating from Japan from the earthquake that destroyed the Fukushima nuclear plant.</p><p>The city looks like a miniature version of Eureka and we'll make a quick stop here on the way back.</p><p>Next is the small town of Smith River and then the border which welcomes us with a big cannabis shop and hardware store.</p><p>Not long after that, we arrive in Brookings which is full of traffic and what seems to be more cannibis shop on each corner.</p><p>We can't really find anywhere we want to eat and the gas prices were actually cheaper at an Indian casino we passed back in Smith River.</p><p>I walk out to Chetco Point while we stop for a bathroom break. The scenery is very similar to Trinidad with rocks scattered about the bay except for the giant sewage plant taking up the space on top of the bluff.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtg-qNOx1qoljrPfJbz_8djn_Sjx1xP6tL6sI5T0i_ADfQR0M5XvN6xidsTZMH3mR3Jzm-rs63-Zovj-kcPdKCzxhDEVh4qdrrLke1tMbTBYFqgpQDy5w0-GP_cNWWzeD3oHmCFwx_GN3eWl_jv02x1E6sBeyEnq8MvysSZJuSjo9niZ5dlq9NJvm/s1200/20220823_170443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtg-qNOx1qoljrPfJbz_8djn_Sjx1xP6tL6sI5T0i_ADfQR0M5XvN6xidsTZMH3mR3Jzm-rs63-Zovj-kcPdKCzxhDEVh4qdrrLke1tMbTBYFqgpQDy5w0-GP_cNWWzeD3oHmCFwx_GN3eWl_jv02x1E6sBeyEnq8MvysSZJuSjo9niZ5dlq9NJvm/s320/20220823_170443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Nothing's calling to us here so we head back. We stop for a rest at the friendly bar at the Lucky 7 Indian casino in Smith River and gas up with their cheap gas.<p></p><p>We look for a place to eat in Crescent City and end up at a hot dog truck, Shruggie's, in downtown. The food, while basic, is very good. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ1b6VcCQoxoMYU71hAk0F36zi1xMFF8IvDbnJT8tCrgMUtEKAeVaq4-nryQcEgfQ4MwNd6hx4Z5EZDPAb3Jy1ERo56JmYKr_7v2pMOKyqeuCgw2zvUbg_mGiu2lJ8MJfVLb4yFewhS00jFGb32Qhk0G_Q2Pg6gYhYAtKUMvD6S9U-3OwmVpEdjeA/s1200/20220823_170416.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ1b6VcCQoxoMYU71hAk0F36zi1xMFF8IvDbnJT8tCrgMUtEKAeVaq4-nryQcEgfQ4MwNd6hx4Z5EZDPAb3Jy1ERo56JmYKr_7v2pMOKyqeuCgw2zvUbg_mGiu2lJ8MJfVLb4yFewhS00jFGb32Qhk0G_Q2Pg6gYhYAtKUMvD6S9U-3OwmVpEdjeA/s320/20220823_170416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A transient is sleeping on a nearby picnic bench. He soon rolls over and falls to the ground. EMT's show up to check on him. He yells at them to leave them alone. They shrug it off and join in by getting some hot dogs of their own.<p></p><p>I buy a few baked goods at a local Hmong club's bake sale then we get back in the van to go.</p><p>It's been a so-so day and drive to Brookings. We did enjoy the food in Crescent City and the little time at the casino.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AnZuOkHF5BqirG5JcaBk1qDMNlUxKosc5QpZHlkaflEqexDnM0j_2SB5cid7tH93N_MkDIpw04WhoiDEZV05ZLXtMcz7YjTNBCeXwRcR6ZoGot6vIHrtrAFZp27qcsczySkXiQV_in08JsbwarrNgjlQAxSiLt8lYr7283HOvqwrJDHow6-WUrXe/s1200/20220823_170346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1200" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AnZuOkHF5BqirG5JcaBk1qDMNlUxKosc5QpZHlkaflEqexDnM0j_2SB5cid7tH93N_MkDIpw04WhoiDEZV05ZLXtMcz7YjTNBCeXwRcR6ZoGot6vIHrtrAFZp27qcsczySkXiQV_in08JsbwarrNgjlQAxSiLt8lYr7283HOvqwrJDHow6-WUrXe/s320/20220823_170346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One last thrill, though, was the traffic jam caused by a herd of Roosevelt elk crossing the road a few miles north of Orick. After that, it wasn't much longer back to the cabin where we spent one more night watching the wifi TV in our room.<p></p><p>Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-61948727649974738742022-09-18T04:30:00.001-07:002022-09-18T04:30:00.206-07:00THE COCKTAIL HOUR: Oregon Ale Taste Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWB8kp6fw6UxCKdIbZBEIwjMHa0DNeKjZIsCbCWr2Alr62SEQtIeOJo-_D-SH42QtuLK4tmEprOhOP1h0EgN2OEzdGhmufRbaxuYmNjmOi4rGwwbgvoQP0BGOE9J6dja8M9pULRnytjQz/s1600/DSCF3681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWB8kp6fw6UxCKdIbZBEIwjMHa0DNeKjZIsCbCWr2Alr62SEQtIeOJo-_D-SH42QtuLK4tmEprOhOP1h0EgN2OEzdGhmufRbaxuYmNjmOi4rGwwbgvoQP0BGOE9J6dja8M9pULRnytjQz/s320/DSCF3681.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's Oktoberfest season and here at The World on Wheels we're celebrating by focusing our Cocktail Hours on beer...</span><br /><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Tim and I are back again, this time tasting two Oregon produced ales. Why? Because this is what I found in the clearance basket at Albertson's!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The first ale is Drifter Pale Ale, produced by the Widmer Brother Brewery of Portland. They're more famous for their hefeweisen and I'd never even heard of this ale before. According to the brewery, there is supposed to be notes of citrus in the flaver. It's an amber colored brew with a slight off-taste, probably that citrus essence they're going for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CNcNIkUeGM0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Watch the Video!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The second is Dead Guy Ale, produced by the Rogue Brewery out of Newport. A cloudy, golden ale, this was made in celebration of the Mayan Day of the Dead. The skeleton on the label makes it popular with Grateful Dead fans. Smooth, and tasty, we liked this one the best.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">-Darryl</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-55836174502877069892022-09-16T04:30:00.001-07:002022-09-16T04:30:00.226-07:00North Coast Explorations: The Lighthouse Walk of Trinidad<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwmGuOEFv99O6Y2Cc5EaYh-MsrEDxhBgjonsXva-tJFJQkfsjtVo_AeCY-3326lcHElVXi9xbk4NgkeF7a_STpEH-Id2ddd4DXgvnarqXzZ9SQQMrGddgA3FVsu3hX_cTjO6sy8wQBY_DpOBUxlGASoSLi2gNFRFGYvoF23w-ANfw0zKS_c0cdj46/s1200/20220822_123005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwmGuOEFv99O6Y2Cc5EaYh-MsrEDxhBgjonsXva-tJFJQkfsjtVo_AeCY-3326lcHElVXi9xbk4NgkeF7a_STpEH-Id2ddd4DXgvnarqXzZ9SQQMrGddgA3FVsu3hX_cTjO6sy8wQBY_DpOBUxlGASoSLi2gNFRFGYvoF23w-ANfw0zKS_c0cdj46/s320/20220822_123005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Trinidad is very compact. As the crow flies, it's less than a mile from Trinidad Head Lighthouse to the freeway exit for the town. This will come in handy as we can just park and see everything we want today without a lot of driving.<p></p><p>Next to the foot of the town's pier are about a half dozen handicapped parking spots. We take the one closest to the pier, which is also the widest one, allowing us to deploy the lift to unload Tim.</p><p>There's a highly regarded seafood restaurant here, owned by the local Yuroc tribe. We'll come back and try that later. First, we're going for a hike.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbIq7uXWeMhNstyKexNd8aUfqHTF0Vz8y4xPwqRqyEST5f3l9BE7Zg3pzOo5NlEF1FyQC2oybRyB3ihD-zzyiILG4xjKWd2GkSJWrhGihZiXuIvL19eCYSwweB27NDJqgByZJSw6jG90FKZBn8NxY0Xw9nIhqObbNXCsOpSNFLsk-TmpWRgm86qu0/s1200/20220822_122938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbIq7uXWeMhNstyKexNd8aUfqHTF0Vz8y4xPwqRqyEST5f3l9BE7Zg3pzOo5NlEF1FyQC2oybRyB3ihD-zzyiILG4xjKWd2GkSJWrhGihZiXuIvL19eCYSwweB27NDJqgByZJSw6jG90FKZBn8NxY0Xw9nIhqObbNXCsOpSNFLsk-TmpWRgm86qu0/s320/20220822_122938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Back at the entrance of this lot, there are accessible restrooms and what looks like the top of a lighthouse. This is actually a replica lighthouse, built in 1949, and now is a memorial to locals who were lost at sea.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzzwzU6zfnNnZ0FBOF580sRgC4SZosogzpTYW0rnlB4-6mCwxpmqxSAQ_Z8jKyKanI1t5Hyh0t_05G8Rs3jjCDxBqVhPmgM8G8kVHpOF6BQx_JIFONlGKki75K6SD4NJK1a80wsN0RApXKXXeafzLAAjUsxcCvXYmrP_mS9ySgAnniG4jDpEoZkEZ/s1200/20220822_122946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzzwzU6zfnNnZ0FBOF580sRgC4SZosogzpTYW0rnlB4-6mCwxpmqxSAQ_Z8jKyKanI1t5Hyh0t_05G8Rs3jjCDxBqVhPmgM8G8kVHpOF6BQx_JIFONlGKki75K6SD4NJK1a80wsN0RApXKXXeafzLAAjUsxcCvXYmrP_mS9ySgAnniG4jDpEoZkEZ/s320/20220822_122946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A plaque with their names is attached to the back.<p></p><p>Next to this faux lighthouse is the trailhead for today's walk. We'll be heading out to the real lighthouse. The trail is about a mile and a half, each way.</p><p>A house sits here, overlooking the pier and the pretty bay. We find out it's a vacation rental. Not accessible, though, but you can see the details about it at <a href="https://www.vacasa.com/unit/30994" target="_blank">this link</a>. There's probably not a more picturesque place to stay in the area.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_WiLpjY624ghQF_DD_dG5vIpLL0c_B_z3tkdCvzPb79mg39ccUQmCk81LRWBWCW1Spn5N75MSDhAJdT9ECwXQ0iIdlY_PsbxhYi6QpnX_kVi9UdJBHt_jGtqbO7_rMs4P3353MctTXCoywLJidnPeAJM5PQy8pCS4lGUKwz1ACzxDHrRJVZyByZm/s1200/20220822_122612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_WiLpjY624ghQF_DD_dG5vIpLL0c_B_z3tkdCvzPb79mg39ccUQmCk81LRWBWCW1Spn5N75MSDhAJdT9ECwXQ0iIdlY_PsbxhYi6QpnX_kVi9UdJBHt_jGtqbO7_rMs4P3353MctTXCoywLJidnPeAJM5PQy8pCS4lGUKwz1ACzxDHrRJVZyByZm/s320/20220822_122612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A few feet further on, a chain across the road blocks access. It's not locked, though, so I just unlatch it and let Tim through.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodf5p3mLbTGky2NlaMdiHRQs-BY7xY94vYq4p_IvWHqqpxFzhi-dboKdsfyk9BbwaP6_i0pUADcloGBFe6Y4cGhwJs82k38SMzZgrOKSuTwgnfj3BT7HQ3lqcyeNMCO6kc8majfAUw3d7kVI8_3BuRdlxwAeXhJXR73wsfwjoej1aPHX3wCuCXqDN/s1200/20220822_122921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodf5p3mLbTGky2NlaMdiHRQs-BY7xY94vYq4p_IvWHqqpxFzhi-dboKdsfyk9BbwaP6_i0pUADcloGBFe6Y4cGhwJs82k38SMzZgrOKSuTwgnfj3BT7HQ3lqcyeNMCO6kc8majfAUw3d7kVI8_3BuRdlxwAeXhJXR73wsfwjoej1aPHX3wCuCXqDN/s320/20220822_122921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We stop for a minute to take in the view below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboRQRlIAlt-h-KVoSODzHTusOdBQsFHIsYS4dC1Dhh4vLvN_EnWpqqMXlQDyxRVKb-GytFmAUG4zR4LP7DbW5U7ZliX55BVP9RgvnZ9kIFU2qxfcLc_e2NruSncU3M6gy7xD20CC7iujx6CW5b2Aig2gwwVAqIyErWvXJUdPIRjmLt9UWQhaA5GBc/s1200/20220822_122808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboRQRlIAlt-h-KVoSODzHTusOdBQsFHIsYS4dC1Dhh4vLvN_EnWpqqMXlQDyxRVKb-GytFmAUG4zR4LP7DbW5U7ZliX55BVP9RgvnZ9kIFU2qxfcLc_e2NruSncU3M6gy7xD20CC7iujx6CW5b2Aig2gwwVAqIyErWvXJUdPIRjmLt9UWQhaA5GBc/s320/20220822_122808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Just a bit further up is an overlook to the beach on the other side of the point. Here is where the trail forks. A dirt path to the right and the paved (accessible) path to the left. They both meet up again later.<p></p><p>I should also mention that a lot of the trail (maybe a quarter mile) up to this point is rather steep. Tim had no trouble with his power chair but I can see manual chair users or their pushers having quite a go of it here.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LDCYOl2wIuj4TCORLDSiLLDLVHDkMhhmf6NX_UU5-BAkAyOiDCxuZ2wkSaQiri-810DRUPWsi-yWxs_R84aTB02n5sdZBUcbhjNz3BbJs4zLV4g9pE-tI92fm5bwnPTlB34z78kdt1sNI6QEPL1aQgauzpQ35W6JBdH8h5Wac28XjYhPGaAee586/s1200/20220822_122756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LDCYOl2wIuj4TCORLDSiLLDLVHDkMhhmf6NX_UU5-BAkAyOiDCxuZ2wkSaQiri-810DRUPWsi-yWxs_R84aTB02n5sdZBUcbhjNz3BbJs4zLV4g9pE-tI92fm5bwnPTlB34z78kdt1sNI6QEPL1aQgauzpQ35W6JBdH8h5Wac28XjYhPGaAee586/s320/20220822_122756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We continue up the paved side, stopping now and again to take in the spectacular views of Trinidad Bay.<p></p><p>We're almost to the end, where the lighthouse is, and the last 50 feet or so of trail is loose gravel. Tim finds it easier to roll on the adjacent lawn.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQRCprwmrQfa6A6YQRZOxJWad7oqsZrHVDb7vT3qhb0wQQc3lXxF16GcHC061hYtqDOfGzrktBpyNeHz7kxg1lDUWKzKUZGIK7gqtgbdP28lWfQQ5-tV2S64vU4j__82TPkwMIgUtIrTtYNHGzoIqaTZIIEGOMRFSVlD0XJbNL4MSrWx9y28Vm4mR/s1200/20220822_122728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQRCprwmrQfa6A6YQRZOxJWad7oqsZrHVDb7vT3qhb0wQQc3lXxF16GcHC061hYtqDOfGzrktBpyNeHz7kxg1lDUWKzKUZGIK7gqtgbdP28lWfQQ5-tV2S64vU4j__82TPkwMIgUtIrTtYNHGzoIqaTZIIEGOMRFSVlD0XJbNL4MSrWx9y28Vm4mR/s320/20220822_122728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The lighthouse is only open to the public for a few hours one Saturday a month, which is not today. It's rather small by lighthouse standards, only about 20 feet tall, so we take a few pictures and take in the view.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY5f-LgH1lcBSPjTPp8JhAZTaV72KxV4kTGowhKOsIfHa1aQgqbj2fJIGRnpgWG4l2dPGQb0O9P2rhAQtrUXvodJ6XHbuM-hOAJw5k2r0szVQPN4fY4xISaeckEZ1-Ytkomtha0J42yYiFlg68_FNeUyFetmC8Heycl7dngSjJ7PjWUqswB0BMoRi/s1200/20220822_122521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1200" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY5f-LgH1lcBSPjTPp8JhAZTaV72KxV4kTGowhKOsIfHa1aQgqbj2fJIGRnpgWG4l2dPGQb0O9P2rhAQtrUXvodJ6XHbuM-hOAJw5k2r0szVQPN4fY4xISaeckEZ1-Ytkomtha0J42yYiFlg68_FNeUyFetmC8Heycl7dngSjJ7PjWUqswB0BMoRi/s320/20220822_122521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Going down is much easier than going up. We build up a bit more appetite by walking out to the end of the pier, waving goodbye to some fishermen as they head out on an afternoon party boat.<p></p><p>The Seascape restaurant sits right at the edge of the beach and we get a great window table in the patio.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmjRxsXL1ZgzB8qG8bb_DsGZ3hZobbRKlFgcWiy7wgJplG0V-QJvm53oVpzmD6cnKYOTb22opnh6HgtUPDPHkds8oyT2Q_eQ8_gZ0zzLaeVlhogPpi9nPi5j3cMbbAYQf1s1RSBKHc29WNcMjdtN-pDuJD5xBjNJQl6I1FJ5bsPb1qGcwwVEL8EuH/s1200/20220822_123704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmjRxsXL1ZgzB8qG8bb_DsGZ3hZobbRKlFgcWiy7wgJplG0V-QJvm53oVpzmD6cnKYOTb22opnh6HgtUPDPHkds8oyT2Q_eQ8_gZ0zzLaeVlhogPpi9nPi5j3cMbbAYQf1s1RSBKHc29WNcMjdtN-pDuJD5xBjNJQl6I1FJ5bsPb1qGcwwVEL8EuH/s320/20220822_123704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm not much of a seafood lover so I get by with a bacon grilled cheese sandwich.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6utH7Uteqw6kuPuqdjytkpuTQq7ybot8UM9-c9yCDFSvhA5H_8HKwxrkA08dhtgBDGxEGziyORT2kZP7Dom4NNdbp5qHSyYYZyWxfmxA9kPoM4BLA5mUk_PSKPozabC2vwsoZedjyvIQFM5-PrkO_LglZ6Ps3HBGYWt01qF97YO6f1DBPoXHN88/s1200/20220822_123634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6utH7Uteqw6kuPuqdjytkpuTQq7ybot8UM9-c9yCDFSvhA5H_8HKwxrkA08dhtgBDGxEGziyORT2kZP7Dom4NNdbp5qHSyYYZyWxfmxA9kPoM4BLA5mUk_PSKPozabC2vwsoZedjyvIQFM5-PrkO_LglZ6Ps3HBGYWt01qF97YO6f1DBPoXHN88/s320/20220822_123634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tim ops for the fish 'n chips...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr_EBB-OGy1VvsiUrvLf3vmk2x5Hmafyg0uIVScX_0siQFRjDMeYa3WB5QpAo2rDzbz3VTJh7ohwiSLKQLtX4YUZS3LwMbT3aCKA1yF3dAnMUrLIoFnMA6fcJl76VGnUyor19zSd_vlLASg9_hwplhst4L4JCyKoP1rhRHireups6QnqwTbQUlEGp/s1200/20220822_123653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr_EBB-OGy1VvsiUrvLf3vmk2x5Hmafyg0uIVScX_0siQFRjDMeYa3WB5QpAo2rDzbz3VTJh7ohwiSLKQLtX4YUZS3LwMbT3aCKA1yF3dAnMUrLIoFnMA6fcJl76VGnUyor19zSd_vlLASg9_hwplhst4L4JCyKoP1rhRHireups6QnqwTbQUlEGp/s320/20220822_123653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />...and my wife goes for the crab salad and clam chowder.<p></p><p>It's all very good, satisfying, and relaxing.</p><p>Afterwards, we go back to the cabin, pop open some wine, and enjoy heaps of junk food while watching stand-up comedy on the inn's Tubi channel.</p><p>Tomorrow, we'll take a little drive up to Oregon. We'll see you then.</p><p>Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</p><br />D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-2859624689902766702022-09-12T04:00:00.002-07:002022-09-12T04:00:00.239-07:00North Coast Explorations: Trinidad, California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhfXp7FQGyKsR9PVbLEYH_aVrT58cpf6mViTO-rIqwuCFYThzyCdgT4rwd-2J5kizbfDxOZCHKnROMhNGfNo3ixiANayXItw-hP7DCJX06RdOpBaOkOrRQPwbnwIxXGTNpaACa2ohC_tmWGd75gJTmGVSlGhNt4sarybwdoP3mKqyQRbjzCY78yOA/s1200/20220822_121402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1200" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhfXp7FQGyKsR9PVbLEYH_aVrT58cpf6mViTO-rIqwuCFYThzyCdgT4rwd-2J5kizbfDxOZCHKnROMhNGfNo3ixiANayXItw-hP7DCJX06RdOpBaOkOrRQPwbnwIxXGTNpaACa2ohC_tmWGd75gJTmGVSlGhNt4sarybwdoP3mKqyQRbjzCY78yOA/s320/20220822_121402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've been exploring this state for over 6 decades and, yet, there are still wide swaths I have yet to see. I may have been up this way when I was a child but, if I was, I don't remember. As far as I know, Trees of Mystery...near Klamath...is the farthest I've been up the northern California coast.<p></p><p>At the request of my wife, we're going to be spending three nights in Trinidad, about 30 miles north of Eureka, and seeing what this area is like.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEyj7-W5FoPMnUkwoEAd536x2H5Xx5j8RiraSYna6lhEWf2Ji_3inyaA1hr0kOoz1HWKEBr9OVhB3TFts8guGx2laNkE4RC64ANNCpL_hBm6NU82yRW3K-QvHh5_a0uKlwMS8tbzBq5GMgjaAGjv3nBr0_QtM_rNrrlOsYJI3uM6MpObgzaDSJ3C8/s1200/20220821_212228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEyj7-W5FoPMnUkwoEAd536x2H5Xx5j8RiraSYna6lhEWf2Ji_3inyaA1hr0kOoz1HWKEBr9OVhB3TFts8guGx2laNkE4RC64ANNCpL_hBm6NU82yRW3K-QvHh5_a0uKlwMS8tbzBq5GMgjaAGjv3nBr0_QtM_rNrrlOsYJI3uM6MpObgzaDSJ3C8/s320/20220821_212228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a six and a half hour drive from our home. We'll stop along the way in the Colusa County town of Williams to have lunch at Granzella's and gas up the Love's truck stop here to get the cheapest gas before heading over to the coast where the fuel costs will increase considerably.<p></p><p>I was told they close the office at our inn at 6pm so I push as hard as I legally can and arrive at 5:59. They actually go home around 7:30 so I could have taken it a little easier.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl4ModO8SKOVpkoyGnEzNwY95vFDuElFg3e9V796yLEjwGEmrStiBV0Jh052aQeIkhBMKu34Oop3aR3LSS6tKqMxivbwI-XH7j4g8yDaEGamgx7fBuOe7X1JhAtEJ4rq1wzoOV7u9evoirFMybArP0FB8S42QVDC07bAVqzr8khEGQQ5APB9AO6Tj/s1200/20220822_095905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl4ModO8SKOVpkoyGnEzNwY95vFDuElFg3e9V796yLEjwGEmrStiBV0Jh052aQeIkhBMKu34Oop3aR3LSS6tKqMxivbwI-XH7j4g8yDaEGamgx7fBuOe7X1JhAtEJ4rq1wzoOV7u9evoirFMybArP0FB8S42QVDC07bAVqzr8khEGQQ5APB9AO6Tj/s320/20220822_095905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The View Crest Lodge is actually five miles north of downtown Trinidad...a small city of just a bit over 300 souls...and sits just across the street from the beaches of the Pacific.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8HdBNA-VnDAgflIm9-EDOfbb1XXs80wmj9vqnR6bgnRO3SI1_QgpW1z8lFifZ_uBuc2KXpCNI9tSZsyJDa7E878rw5AXTxzCOmn0lx-JONOkDWL8xWlYlZ6W3KEkyrDRIoyZhmdIfKrrOGw5kwoJdKPwLhGagx5SV64sNa_2x1rIAp4MaKMtdG_a/s1200/20220821_182250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8HdBNA-VnDAgflIm9-EDOfbb1XXs80wmj9vqnR6bgnRO3SI1_QgpW1z8lFifZ_uBuc2KXpCNI9tSZsyJDa7E878rw5AXTxzCOmn0lx-JONOkDWL8xWlYlZ6W3KEkyrDRIoyZhmdIfKrrOGw5kwoJdKPwLhGagx5SV64sNa_2x1rIAp4MaKMtdG_a/s320/20220821_182250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We have a nice, clean, and a bit spartan two room cabin. A queen size (my wife calls BS and says it's full size) bed sit's in its own small room. This room is not really considered wheelchair accessible.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhkOQApzJ0pW_P3Coy3XhxgBcjaYG0BTFzlo5HIaAq5KEUWuMjYAH0PzlOP1iqdEvZmjueg73oAZ7H_z2Mz8LTETiVdrZDHtJ6Tuw2_qt751motpMJ4hyJ9IScxI-B9Esiaa35R9zSDqtSCQ3McWCI4anzxyAQI7H2WBb5tmwqzu2Aco_Mh5rtIrV/s1200/20220821_182146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhkOQApzJ0pW_P3Coy3XhxgBcjaYG0BTFzlo5HIaAq5KEUWuMjYAH0PzlOP1iqdEvZmjueg73oAZ7H_z2Mz8LTETiVdrZDHtJ6Tuw2_qt751motpMJ4hyJ9IScxI-B9Esiaa35R9zSDqtSCQ3McWCI4anzxyAQI7H2WBb5tmwqzu2Aco_Mh5rtIrV/s320/20220821_182146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The living room, however, is much roomier and has another queen size bed (this one does meet my wife's approval). A ramp leads to the deck and the back door of the cabin, giving access from the assigned parking spot. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjy2XBFhMV4jH2wDyH2FhW2vH12t0379SudgFamuVBkYh3GVWgt9hSQQ9gBn5bOWSZqPAJ6ikas2_40s5zOl9dt3m6oMYyAEjaYiZrnktSTPmxb5sb67Vz6lU1clT38Q22USZkq7Bzh-WUa2-FZLZDzK9f4hbCTuPfHQ44wdMTX3cqMje6yAIBcUl/s1200/20220821_182039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjy2XBFhMV4jH2wDyH2FhW2vH12t0379SudgFamuVBkYh3GVWgt9hSQQ9gBn5bOWSZqPAJ6ikas2_40s5zOl9dt3m6oMYyAEjaYiZrnktSTPmxb5sb67Vz6lU1clT38Q22USZkq7Bzh-WUa2-FZLZDzK9f4hbCTuPfHQ44wdMTX3cqMje6yAIBcUl/s320/20220821_182039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There's a large bathroom with a bathtub with bars. It'll be a bit of a challenge but I can get Tim on the fold down bench for a wash.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj408i6Dd-3t3EBXqR-MWeC1umnrVWyFehHDlt72Ege8n1mATjeLt8OJ9VmQA1uOiW5QvyYNxmqoxOOv7BLjaluatsTt_VHQoyVzbMQ04r-ZeTYvowX_JLCdIhZVWwUWc1lK7o2Ibi8SbZTabd27g5coDDb10wNc79_1lTGMWHkF6HxIGGtSuox7CV/s1200/20220821_182314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj408i6Dd-3t3EBXqR-MWeC1umnrVWyFehHDlt72Ege8n1mATjeLt8OJ9VmQA1uOiW5QvyYNxmqoxOOv7BLjaluatsTt_VHQoyVzbMQ04r-ZeTYvowX_JLCdIhZVWwUWc1lK7o2Ibi8SbZTabd27g5coDDb10wNc79_1lTGMWHkF6HxIGGtSuox7CV/s320/20220821_182314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The room also includes a full kitchen with utensils. I'll make use of this to cook breakfast which will help with this trip's finances.<p></p><p>A cozy living area completes the setup with a large TV that is limited to whatever we can get with the Tubi channel on the hotel's sometimes spotty wifi.</p><p>There is no dresser so we'll have to live out of the suitcase. We drop it in the bedroom and head into town for dinner.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMt4AUEZG5Umi_QYsPuIw_VqJZl0xwBvcnla05cxdoXIefvtk9oKTUVQdcC3xh7r4IIcmMkaG9g9rOZG3MIYACDCAdzF_-IW5MJWBYQv_XuFiCS9zVbY2hXzbS5-Al2zIEfEWka7gaaazsiGxLE9O0DS7casaGP-rW3rXYnA_yTy7nEUJ6MHqY6l_/s1200/20220822_084659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMt4AUEZG5Umi_QYsPuIw_VqJZl0xwBvcnla05cxdoXIefvtk9oKTUVQdcC3xh7r4IIcmMkaG9g9rOZG3MIYACDCAdzF_-IW5MJWBYQv_XuFiCS9zVbY2hXzbS5-Al2zIEfEWka7gaaazsiGxLE9O0DS7casaGP-rW3rXYnA_yTy7nEUJ6MHqY6l_/s320/20220822_084659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the morning, I get into the groceries I'd brought along for cooking breakfast. I had planned on making chorizo and eggs but packed some Italian sausage instead by mistake. Oh well, improvise...I cook it the same way and we have sausage and egg breakfast burritos instead.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYPr3Xb7YSlWghZXMEKuUnH-y6F68nOhDmCZcC1yv9uqCr2KtdItJNVoTGrtg6YgC_6SS8cCXtq_96d8b4yC7kdJahWVgUe9hwavkwJufUUH8wbnp0BzlY_Fv4IebWVtC18i0LVyTCOebCIcJSLnancgrEf97XPwGfiQ4hFGqY8aW50IA273tAEmk/s1200/20220822_073208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYPr3Xb7YSlWghZXMEKuUnH-y6F68nOhDmCZcC1yv9uqCr2KtdItJNVoTGrtg6YgC_6SS8cCXtq_96d8b4yC7kdJahWVgUe9hwavkwJufUUH8wbnp0BzlY_Fv4IebWVtC18i0LVyTCOebCIcJSLnancgrEf97XPwGfiQ4hFGqY8aW50IA273tAEmk/s320/20220822_073208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's a cool morning but devoid of the fog that usually hugs this coast in the mornings. It makes for a nice time to sit on the deck, hot cup of coffee in hand, and listen to the sea lions bark on the ocean rocks across the street.<p></p><p>I take a little walk around the property and the area surrounding to just soak up the views, reveling in the cool air, while my wife and Tim get ready for a day out.</p><p>We're going to spend the day in downtown Trinidad and go for a little hike there. That's coming up in the next report.</p><p>Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-36091732750590671262022-09-11T08:56:00.001-07:002022-09-11T08:56:00.211-07:00WE'LL NEVER FORGET...New York, New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIROVm0Gabu0WrdwM6NWBGcDOawLZ6wSWiA_aLgZP-bwezxQZL_imOK1cvMs_R9bZ9fjn4u_OhuDUmbcBvdrUtNLgtOAbYg010gfWlyKeGqy6CrPdsCm-sARwt0T48j9sE7Gp6eUhmZFk/s1600/NY8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIROVm0Gabu0WrdwM6NWBGcDOawLZ6wSWiA_aLgZP-bwezxQZL_imOK1cvMs_R9bZ9fjn4u_OhuDUmbcBvdrUtNLgtOAbYg010gfWlyKeGqy6CrPdsCm-sARwt0T48j9sE7Gp6eUhmZFk/s320/NY8.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please say a prayer for the world today.</span></div>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-78015496194929767852022-09-09T04:30:00.001-07:002022-09-09T04:30:00.234-07:00Traveling in 2022? The Era of The Road Trip...<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ6j09UhxcUI53uTSeNd2n4pqEP5ZkqjioCzuO-EJloWbqZbpCUYl1uYoKw3vIcGuJDlIVBx91Ldus5eUWymXvsa_I8Dr7QmQOiAHSwtHQ3m7mEaTKwTP7sm-dODQA2xmFhvNGOa07jPeFm39nBa6zp6Bj7_Mi6YKSSEXI4c4HUcDBll8Lb6Kden6/s800/800px-Lonely_Road,_Carrizo_Plain_(8159011451)_(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ6j09UhxcUI53uTSeNd2n4pqEP5ZkqjioCzuO-EJloWbqZbpCUYl1uYoKw3vIcGuJDlIVBx91Ldus5eUWymXvsa_I8Dr7QmQOiAHSwtHQ3m7mEaTKwTP7sm-dODQA2xmFhvNGOa07jPeFm39nBa6zp6Bj7_Mi6YKSSEXI4c4HUcDBll8Lb6Kden6/s320/800px-Lonely_Road,_Carrizo_Plain_(8159011451)_(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Lost luggage, delays, missed flights, canceled flights, security delays…what used to be rare is now very common in air travel. With this in mind, we’re avoiding airports and planes for awhile and will be focusing more on destinations we can drive to.<p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6a75cb6d-7fff-32e5-e0c4-9448e09f59b6"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2022 is the Era of the Road Trip for the Musick family.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbcPaZKpiC-QonoHms7_LbT_6q1Q4WOkIMi_mdtHxg2dG2gtE3H6TYt2TzEsQh0uYNCjxB5FXtkaR4qhBTRI6xP_MD_csgJ8HVFGy6VvJWyJlGm25Eu6BUAzYUivUnfuYle0qnSZlikd3IfKA1kTAg_bpZBv2GXB-MEvUkRz2cNKVQPjqGOCQmYY4/s2048/271879329_5307395292622445_1511262647122540808_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbcPaZKpiC-QonoHms7_LbT_6q1Q4WOkIMi_mdtHxg2dG2gtE3H6TYt2TzEsQh0uYNCjxB5FXtkaR4qhBTRI6xP_MD_csgJ8HVFGy6VvJWyJlGm25Eu6BUAzYUivUnfuYle0qnSZlikd3IfKA1kTAg_bpZBv2GXB-MEvUkRz2cNKVQPjqGOCQmYY4/s320/271879329_5307395292622445_1511262647122540808_n%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Earlier this year, we spent a few days at one of our favorite beach towns, </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/02/rocking-post-pandemic-world-morro-bay.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Morro Bay</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, in Central California. It was a nice getaway and helped to get some of these pandemic-induced travel cobwebs cleaned out as we </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/03/so-where-are-elves-hiking-elfin-forest.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hiked oceanside trails</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and ate some great food.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While we love Morro Bay, it would also be nice to stretch our legs and get to someplace we’ve never been, so we make a Basque-themed trip through the wide open deserts of Northern Nevada. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/basquing-it-on-road-pit-stop-in-elko.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ps4cVFzdIDfKFOwVMy_XB0bi7lWkHwJRNVp51XQHnBKs1sft79dBFG4_-TOFlSxtKLlmffN1HCRa1GXzuaXAYJu0R4HHcubTMo2SqDYrc6Qug3DpSo5twBlGKDPEO471OBKgvNUpmrARs5uVl74-9fR6a8R7yA-ywgCQnDkZ2lkMCLUaQ4j_7Piv/s960/279226202_5599246736770631_7197611520084891560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="960" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ps4cVFzdIDfKFOwVMy_XB0bi7lWkHwJRNVp51XQHnBKs1sft79dBFG4_-TOFlSxtKLlmffN1HCRa1GXzuaXAYJu0R4HHcubTMo2SqDYrc6Qug3DpSo5twBlGKDPEO471OBKgvNUpmrARs5uVl74-9fR6a8R7yA-ywgCQnDkZ2lkMCLUaQ4j_7Piv/s320/279226202_5599246736770631_7197611520084891560_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Elko<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a nice town that served as a railroad hub for the area. We had some great Basque food and got in some steps with a </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-cocktail-hour-elko-nevada-pub-crawl.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pub crawl</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> while we were there.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/winning-in-winnemuca.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLB-1rbF3ZPuSelA9GPMDfsR8DNj2MlmBFp2fNi2ZaCyvT8jrIemH87Pl2KHHQm283tVRhNobbzAJRavJ5T__ajro-uW4ra59OC3yUBrd4AydjztbFbZg_32QISw_0y2-62MUWERdkusCLG4sZFrWy4osNgIBnXizWNpUWUzn6aK4fXMCkdQp5O25/s1316/278842385_5596352970393341_592711433321522797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLB-1rbF3ZPuSelA9GPMDfsR8DNj2MlmBFp2fNi2ZaCyvT8jrIemH87Pl2KHHQm283tVRhNobbzAJRavJ5T__ajro-uW4ra59OC3yUBrd4AydjztbFbZg_32QISw_0y2-62MUWERdkusCLG4sZFrWy4osNgIBnXizWNpUWUzn6aK4fXMCkdQp5O25/s320/278842385_5596352970393341_592711433321522797_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Winnemucca<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> turned out to have one of the best Basque restaurants we’ve ever been too, and we’ve </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/our-basque-restaurants-visited-and.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">been to a lot</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Plus, we actually came out slightly ahead at the casino there, although we had to walk out of our original hotel when the accessible room was anything but.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aNONcQ86Yd4J1ZVxzipYXuqcP_spJuVeUZyIxc8UkI6FjZ-JIjrExI33WCIk_ruftUskLh4amX0EEAIj0jZOqtuDRK4mAZsH7f5pDrBEioekebZMTnY8CwapbFqCoY24fMHOgXZx-AUKiNFUN6HGMQ_fb2TKR4ykxUC1VnUxRClfHx0hxet2bp_n/s2016/279218913_5599390756756229_4971430603327717105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="2016" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aNONcQ86Yd4J1ZVxzipYXuqcP_spJuVeUZyIxc8UkI6FjZ-JIjrExI33WCIk_ruftUskLh4amX0EEAIj0jZOqtuDRK4mAZsH7f5pDrBEioekebZMTnY8CwapbFqCoY24fMHOgXZx-AUKiNFUN6HGMQ_fb2TKR4ykxUC1VnUxRClfHx0hxet2bp_n/s320/279218913_5599390756756229_4971430603327717105_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While we were in the area, it wasn’t too hard to make a turn north and spend a few days in <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/basquing-in-boise.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Boise, Idaho</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Another </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-cocktail-hour-boise-pub-crawl.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pub crawl</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and a visit to the </span><a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2022/05/boise-blues.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blue football field</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of Boise State University were a lot of fun.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next up will be two trips…one for my wife’s birthday and another for my birthday pick.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEnqaQKiJrayJk6A330oWTsW9C4idtbzWUv8xAaZpI8rmO_OEVv3K2_NUdL4O6t2rPJuRSW5IqR_8PAV_v-NwLTTUDaoxiet_x2EvCPGWEhx9yX-tYPjqpbWizdhltkmn_Oy7igX1nWoEJI92i9YN0AvZ3Phsxoxw83rHRoSvLWq5XPYoq3MjRPSq/s1316/301127837_5954094521285849_5737031144760494560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEnqaQKiJrayJk6A330oWTsW9C4idtbzWUv8xAaZpI8rmO_OEVv3K2_NUdL4O6t2rPJuRSW5IqR_8PAV_v-NwLTTUDaoxiet_x2EvCPGWEhx9yX-tYPjqpbWizdhltkmn_Oy7igX1nWoEJI92i9YN0AvZ3Phsxoxw83rHRoSvLWq5XPYoq3MjRPSq/s320/301127837_5954094521285849_5737031144760494560_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My wife has chosen Trinidad, way up on the northern coast of California for her birthday pick. It’s about a 6 hour drive from home.<p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBfHvcOU0KBpJQibnMR8qBvy2P8dnNwq6nJKryTNajC839ynyibwoEZ8ILH-5-1rrAnbxmYqpRcGR8w5veof_9Sfbvv4ugcdGHqo4CGoxbX_guiARZixPSpBiSbKeK1h38nwBCn9y7DXw9fiUVdgMzmhha3m19MUj91XsYYNOKSMrKVxhSWBd3tkS/s1316/300399027_5956835204345114_4677366566302137317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBfHvcOU0KBpJQibnMR8qBvy2P8dnNwq6nJKryTNajC839ynyibwoEZ8ILH-5-1rrAnbxmYqpRcGR8w5veof_9Sfbvv4ugcdGHqo4CGoxbX_guiARZixPSpBiSbKeK1h38nwBCn9y7DXw9fiUVdgMzmhha3m19MUj91XsYYNOKSMrKVxhSWBd3tkS/s320/300399027_5956835204345114_4677366566302137317_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I’m choosing a destination that’s a short 4 hour drive, McCloud, which is a tiny town in the shadow of the massive Mount Shasta.<p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They may be a long drive but it won’t be near as bad as flying is these days. Stay tuned for that.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Darryl Musick - Copyright 2022</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All Rights Reserved</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-30456473736307916252022-09-05T09:07:00.000-07:002022-09-05T09:07:42.941-07:00Traveling in 2022? Let's Think About That...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9mIreb4b03A3bHx3tse35AJ-TYv5dfiWxgVv9ppERoAtSeSvRXVrZetzbzQYsOSibmqX98viK3uuJiA0p6-0mT9a2RIiHSsbt76rtFo36pHsSk8XPZLnLX1LMFn7UkQ9fmumg4R_vF04lqPBZRSn4USgRvKAGp1rCVMi9B2O3zoxB0166A3iX8k1/s2016/26173595_1917696004925741_4861325055313858080_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9mIreb4b03A3bHx3tse35AJ-TYv5dfiWxgVv9ppERoAtSeSvRXVrZetzbzQYsOSibmqX98viK3uuJiA0p6-0mT9a2RIiHSsbt76rtFo36pHsSk8XPZLnLX1LMFn7UkQ9fmumg4R_vF04lqPBZRSn4USgRvKAGp1rCVMi9B2O3zoxB0166A3iX8k1/s320/26173595_1917696004925741_4861325055313858080_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />We like to travel, as you can see by browsing our site, but let's get one thing straight...we travel to have fun. If it turns out to be more of an ordeal, we'd rather skip it.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, what about travel during this post-Covid year of record travelers to the world's destinations? I think we'll pass for this year and here's why...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It seems that everyone wants to satisfy their travel urges and want to do it right now! At the same time, airports, airlines, car rental companies, hotels, and more are having staffing shortages and trying to train new hires while this travel boom is going on.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCGcfCAL9sOV9Z-EZPGuOit3FQ0_oeR4ZmqiuuIdIm5lAGxqqRt62XZUh30tkcvLvtY-yqPggzHz1PvbTIhbkJkZGZCrafShpcIS4F8qkalpfc6v3HE3t6dksKs2TZqgNrkusZEcW24EX1GizXl1KDwNCF8r5EumvYkux3Np9NnL8TFu0hVhLmBjR/s500/safe_image%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCGcfCAL9sOV9Z-EZPGuOit3FQ0_oeR4ZmqiuuIdIm5lAGxqqRt62XZUh30tkcvLvtY-yqPggzHz1PvbTIhbkJkZGZCrafShpcIS4F8qkalpfc6v3HE3t6dksKs2TZqgNrkusZEcW24EX1GizXl1KDwNCF8r5EumvYkux3Np9NnL8TFu0hVhLmBjR/s320/safe_image%20(2).jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I can't think of one friend who's traveled recently that didn't complain of long lines, serious delays, lost luggage, no car available for their reservations, and more. Add that frustration to someone who has to travel in a wheelchair and that doubles the pain.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We've already heard stories of people waiting for hours on a plane waiting for the access crew to show up and get them off. Or booked, confirmed, and guaranteed accessible hotel rooms given away to someone else before you showed up (this has happened to us several times in the last couple of years).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's also add to the equation that we're experiencing the highest levels of inflation in four decades plus fuel costs have skyrocketed beyond belief. Travel...in addition to being more of a pain than fun...has gotten rediculously expensive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the other hand, we don't want to just hunker down in our house until these hard time are over so we've come up with some other strategies, starting with finding fun things to do in our own neighborhood.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYQ_eKLfW347oEOyIYfO1PMCkVE84ZeU-3fXqEiwQsGT-1R-RV2HlmQ3e1yfPZq8nnUpsfLeWGpMk04lB4hjCaMuTyOPxqLnUOcuGhF0Q7ayZLqwt2RrFqujMuCb8vO1iJVG8TOsS7PcV5Ht1_xjnnzfJRr-CAqwZerAvhhiZfrfnp5BJt4AjVDYL/s1440/67402936_2773209639374369_1194665799290191872_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYQ_eKLfW347oEOyIYfO1PMCkVE84ZeU-3fXqEiwQsGT-1R-RV2HlmQ3e1yfPZq8nnUpsfLeWGpMk04lB4hjCaMuTyOPxqLnUOcuGhF0Q7ayZLqwt2RrFqujMuCb8vO1iJVG8TOsS7PcV5Ht1_xjnnzfJRr-CAqwZerAvhhiZfrfnp5BJt4AjVDYL/s320/67402936_2773209639374369_1194665799290191872_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Within an hour of our home are several county fairs...<a href="https://amadorcountyfair.com/" target="_blank">Amador</a>, <a href="https://www.frogtown.org/" target="_blank">Calaveras</a>, <a href="https://eldoradocountyfair.org/" target="_blank">El Dorado</a>, <a href="https://www.sacfair.com/" target="_blank">Sacramento</a>, and <a href="https://www.sanjoaquinfair.com/" target="_blank">San Joaquin</a> Counties...plus the <a href="https://calexpostatefair.com/" target="_blank">California State Fair</a> where we can go out and have fun in a carnival atmosphere for a day. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr6SxeZ_8xHcNSRBVJLB9TUrHEKKy2cv9OWrkg3mZhIU7npyG17Q9KSH5Gu0HV9FRYD9b4gdEfTjMEbD8q0Wb4gK8dJdoNXaEWnmCJfyFGTC6eTyBcTPWfrAJhcj2usap_jaqMdmN4C-zQR8VdmmLFrpax5clJUB1X2JmImXfTXhlKlcHlDdBjzJW/s960/242330725_4874703212558324_1528351534573477377_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr6SxeZ_8xHcNSRBVJLB9TUrHEKKy2cv9OWrkg3mZhIU7npyG17Q9KSH5Gu0HV9FRYD9b4gdEfTjMEbD8q0Wb4gK8dJdoNXaEWnmCJfyFGTC6eTyBcTPWfrAJhcj2usap_jaqMdmN4C-zQR8VdmmLFrpax5clJUB1X2JmImXfTXhlKlcHlDdBjzJW/s320/242330725_4874703212558324_1528351534573477377_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />In addition, there are several other festivals to attend...the <a href="https://www.sanandreasrotary.com/ragincajun" target="_blank">Ragin' Cajun Festival</a> in Valley Springs, the <a href="https://www.grapefestival.com/" target="_blank">Grape Festival</a> in Lodi, the <a href="https://www.smokechasersevent.com/" target="_blank">Smokechasers Fair</a> in Plymouth, the <a href="http://italianbenevolentsociety.com/picnic-information/about-the-annual-picnic-parade" target="_blank">Italian Picnic</a> in Sutter Creek, the <a href="https://bestofamador.com/event/ione-homecoming/2022-05-14/" target="_blank">Homecoming Festival</a> in our local town...where we can see great local exhibits, eat great food, and have a drink while watching a great local band (if you're counting, that's 10 weekends right there...almost enough for an entire summer).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(While we are concentrating on Northern California, you can <a href="https://www.fairsandfestivals.net/states/" target="_blank">find a fair or festival near you here</a>)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p-VxlZCD8ZfjgjwjirZsac5os0alp7ryN0TCQo9-h9ED5fmMo88FlRMC_DY9CMjUREZDt97t3b783j_qwdMsGrw8Qd37lojKXke5HJD9q2KLnpCfDqGHd3TvXRoEwjSXMPd9AofaL4x4G__JoZjrNtyxjiAPlDzN3cJSRq0y0mzY1wzSkJ4JAMQL/s960/241779019_4852327674795878_4048935521012296897_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p-VxlZCD8ZfjgjwjirZsac5os0alp7ryN0TCQo9-h9ED5fmMo88FlRMC_DY9CMjUREZDt97t3b783j_qwdMsGrw8Qd37lojKXke5HJD9q2KLnpCfDqGHd3TvXRoEwjSXMPd9AofaL4x4G__JoZjrNtyxjiAPlDzN3cJSRq0y0mzY1wzSkJ4JAMQL/s320/241779019_4852327674795878_4048935521012296897_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Speaking of music, we also support local live music as much as we can. We follow local musicians on social media and find where they'll be playing...often for free (but make sure to tip your musicians)...notably a local winery, brewery, bar, restaurant, etc. This makes for a very inexepensive and fun outing.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(See Tim's take on our <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/2020/02/amador-county-rural-country-living.html" target="_blank">local music scene</a>)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_OhnOCMJ_FoXoGyKG4VbC-GfsXHLEDacLGdI6K8TBt53JCc_QkNoKgWDczJ9VED3OO07XEGs32teOkm8L_A9eYBNbQOjk1tLQaBahVUcsK9leeigYqNaITlsuGnEQLGhYmDQbNsB-Fy-CI1WeDPPySd182JKKrfeRSGlWIXLrayh2yGP5BrIdZJE/s960/119999134_3804377702924219_8366176005667368353_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_OhnOCMJ_FoXoGyKG4VbC-GfsXHLEDacLGdI6K8TBt53JCc_QkNoKgWDczJ9VED3OO07XEGs32teOkm8L_A9eYBNbQOjk1tLQaBahVUcsK9leeigYqNaITlsuGnEQLGhYmDQbNsB-Fy-CI1WeDPPySd182JKKrfeRSGlWIXLrayh2yGP5BrIdZJE/s320/119999134_3804377702924219_8366176005667368353_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Beyond fairs, festivals, and local concerts there's always just getting outside and enjoying nature. Take a walk along the beach or go for a hike. No matter where you live, there's certain to be some public space like a state park nearby which will probably be free or have a minimal entrance fee.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(Need information on accessible hiking trails in California? Check it out at <a href="https://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com/search?q=top+wheelchair+hiking+trails&max-results=20&by-date=true" target="_blank">hiking at The World on Wheels</a>)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IHHfqNqZStj4E_GhXGcObPQb6lV7Re74j-cGsOAhoylrxZPUBIw9kUyOmwlZq06ZTG2EL30d4nU6CQPgBociWbpmhdvtVuKMC5hV76n4aNChFOeZNrQy8-4iKqbbWqkkLWIQEGd_hPDKSy406HAUEqnXY4xV2s0DAgtHqaWU7b4j8he9ysSRDJCg/s2048/253565147_5044632338898743_1321118356431342539_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IHHfqNqZStj4E_GhXGcObPQb6lV7Re74j-cGsOAhoylrxZPUBIw9kUyOmwlZq06ZTG2EL30d4nU6CQPgBociWbpmhdvtVuKMC5hV76n4aNChFOeZNrQy8-4iKqbbWqkkLWIQEGd_hPDKSy406HAUEqnXY4xV2s0DAgtHqaWU7b4j8he9ysSRDJCg/s320/253565147_5044632338898743_1321118356431342539_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Even with so much to do near home, we do also want to get away and see some new scenery now and then. While we'll be avoiding the crowds at major destinations and flying, we'll still do getaways. For us, in 2022, that means it's the age of the road trip.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's talk more about that next time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl Musick<br />Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved</span></p>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-70497274294608961302022-09-04T07:02:00.001-07:002022-09-04T07:02:00.200-07:00The Cocktail Hour - Hurricane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Hurricane_cocktail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Hurricane_cocktail.jpg" vt="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Below is the video for the Hurricane but read the recipe at the bottom for an extra ingredient that made it much better.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/syHORbaS1h0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="340" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/syHORbaS1h0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560"></embed></object></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Hurricane is the classic New Orleans drink. Sold in take-out windows so you can drink while perusing the French Quarter, it's a very tasty thirst quencher. It's also quite potent. Many of the recipes I found called for up to six different spirits (yikes!), so I experimented a little before coming up with this lighter version...that is if you can still call something with two shots of rum in each drink light.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the video above, I used a different grenadine than I usually do. It was weak and wouldn't hold its color so the drinks came out orange. In the recipe below, I added cranberry cocktail. It not only gave the drink its usual red color but also boosted the taste considerably.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">HURRICANE - Two Drinks</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2oz - light rum</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2oz - dark rum</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 1/3 oz - lime juice</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">splash of passion fruit syrup</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1/2 oz simple syrum</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1/2 oz grenadine</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2oz - orange juice</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1oz - cranberry cocktail</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mix all ingredients in a shaker 1/3 filled with ice. Strain into two old-fashioned glassed half filled with ice.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">-Darryl</span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-62130187731764592902022-09-02T06:30:00.002-07:002022-09-02T06:30:00.205-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: Leaving Liberia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Bienvenidos_a_Liberia_Costa_Rica.jpg/640px-Bienvenidos_a_Liberia_Costa_Rica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Bienvenidos_a_Liberia_Costa_Rica.jpg/640px-Bienvenidos_a_Liberia_Costa_Rica.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">On arrival to Daniel Ober airport on Thanksgiving, after the melodious tones of the flight attendants noting that we have many options that they appreciate us for flying Alaska Airlines, a more jarring , male and official voice comes on over the plane's PA system with a local accent.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"Be advised that before leaving Costa Rica, there is a mandatory twenty eight dollar exit fee that you must pay before checking in, therefore it is necessary that you arrive at the airport no later than three hours before your flight time to allow time to pay this fee."</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Wonderful.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's been a week of adventure, ripoffs, exploring, meeting people, and enjoying the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica. Now we have to leave early to get to the airport. Also, because we had such a hassle at the rental counter when we arrived, I'm allowing two hours to allow for any necessary arguing or fighting at the rental agency when we return the car.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I'm kind of dreading that part the most.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJwk4hlzHvX9_HXlkW3aP4mX-tkJCI6NomaZZfWXcTQ84fozBGhgP3f1IPJ42o4QMBJ3b1qYNUG9spikpWDvoetXQcfoEnh0CgZPNJ-DJyvO6hGWq9WfNNWRW2a7ye5NcZoExhYbsd2wY/s1600/DSC_0648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJwk4hlzHvX9_HXlkW3aP4mX-tkJCI6NomaZZfWXcTQ84fozBGhgP3f1IPJ42o4QMBJ3b1qYNUG9spikpWDvoetXQcfoEnh0CgZPNJ-DJyvO6hGWq9WfNNWRW2a7ye5NcZoExhYbsd2wY/s320/DSC_0648.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We also notice that we haven't bought anything in the way of souvenirs. Not that we really want too much from here, Tim and I already have our t-shirts from the zip lining park, but we would like to take home some of that great Costa Rican coffee.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Driving around our hotel, we've noticed signs for Sun Burst Coffee with tours and store in the "doit" center. We decide to stop there on the way back to buy some. Following the signs, we come to realize the the "doit" center is actually the Do It Hardware store center and the tour is just a slide show and some exhibits on the counter there.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There is a roaster and many coffees available for sampling and sale. I particularly like the dark roast but they don't have any in stock and are unloading the raw beans from a truck as I'm there so I settle on some French roast to take home. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's good but not as good as the Trader Joe's French roast I have back home as a later taste comparison test will reveal.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">At the Alamo rental agency, the turn in of the car goes smoothly. I find the agent that I dealt with at the beginning and he comped the GPS unit rental in the car, which came within eight dollars of negating the $120 of insurance I was forced to buy and had no need for, so I'm letting that issue drop.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Now, it's four hours til flight time, we're at the airport, and we're told that Alaska Airlines won't open their counter for at least another hour and a half. It takes all of two minutes to pay the exit fee and now were stuck in the non-airconditioned ticketing hall until the Alaska crew shows up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Liberia%2C_Costa_Rica_-_Airplane_taking_off_from_international_airport.png/640px-Liberia%2C_Costa_Rica_-_Airplane_taking_off_from_international_airport.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Liberia%2C_Costa_Rica_-_Airplane_taking_off_from_international_airport.png/640px-Liberia%2C_Costa_Rica_-_Airplane_taking_off_from_international_airport.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22px;">Picture courtesy of Wikimedia </span></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; line-height: 21.28px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: xx-small;">Bernal Saborio </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22px;">under </span><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 22px;" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0 license</a></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Eventually they do and two of them even recognize us from our arrival last week and make sure everything goes swimmingly from there. We make it through the easier-than-TSA security, have a nice lunch in the air-conditioned gate area, buy some duty-free Nicaraguan rum (better than the Costa Rican stuff, in my opinion), and take an easy flight home.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-69685394922634788212022-08-29T04:30:00.002-07:002022-08-29T04:30:00.201-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: More Fun Than a Barrel Full of Monkeys: The Capuchins of Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y-6svWkTGxkve_cp914yGM4b9clRENqiW4ewQSog70eSa_nS2MGz7eokd0QNsbKf8iVFLsa-17EurW_z6nve00Da8ymz0SXKbeFWkfbFtbScnmJtUoj6eGjgYw7D0VFU4i27-oxCvBCp/s1600/DSC_0562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y-6svWkTGxkve_cp914yGM4b9clRENqiW4ewQSog70eSa_nS2MGz7eokd0QNsbKf8iVFLsa-17EurW_z6nve00Da8ymz0SXKbeFWkfbFtbScnmJtUoj6eGjgYw7D0VFU4i27-oxCvBCp/s320/DSC_0562.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">One more item on the agenda for our Costa Rican adventure. We want to see some monkeys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhQ0Ai-k5qG8DKanIt64xWP-3uWnrJ9sb0EUGN80kDTghYJCYCC0MNI76p06Jf7O1lYVoiptunQRtrcbRZ4FgQCsz8HoOEuzvKQ6Ct5HVD53mjwJrscSZUr3XEFS6MDPKxKdNPWcevJ5V/s1600/DSC_0654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhQ0Ai-k5qG8DKanIt64xWP-3uWnrJ9sb0EUGN80kDTghYJCYCC0MNI76p06Jf7O1lYVoiptunQRtrcbRZ4FgQCsz8HoOEuzvKQ6Ct5HVD53mjwJrscSZUr3XEFS6MDPKxKdNPWcevJ5V/s320/DSC_0654.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Down the beach from our hotel, the Riu Palace, there's a little jungle bar called the Monkey Bar. The local monkeys come down from the trees at sunset to beg from the tourists gathered there.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We tried to get down the beach to it but, at a certain point, the sand just gets too deep and soft for the wheelchair.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Letty talks to a security guard at the hotel and he tells her not to bother...just go to the trees along the south side of the hotel and you can see monkeys there too. It's also hard-packed enough that we can get Tim and his wheelchair to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-5c-xAzDEJ4" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" width="640"></iframe></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Armed with a couple of bananas from the buffet, we head over in the late afternoon to see what we can find.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Beyond the entrepreneurial massage tables, trinket stands, and enterprising banana salesmen that congregate right on the other side of the Riu property line, it's a short walk into the trees and jungle. We notice that the 100 feet or so from the beach into the forest also means a temperature spike of another 20 degrees.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's hot in here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim5-ge8B_FqE2_68mlDCQZPxispcPa_iw_Cu5iaT_mxjHNglUn_4sgHDoTmd93tpG7d4zOUL8rXU3cKiaPOazaWjREnXljEtkP_c0QdbyI-LG-Ik-6dfwPFuCTALwyKTDIfSZJ3sToH9d/s1600/DSC_0603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim5-ge8B_FqE2_68mlDCQZPxispcPa_iw_Cu5iaT_mxjHNglUn_4sgHDoTmd93tpG7d4zOUL8rXU3cKiaPOazaWjREnXljEtkP_c0QdbyI-LG-Ik-6dfwPFuCTALwyKTDIfSZJ3sToH9d/s320/DSC_0603.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A few people have come before us so we join them in admiring and tempting the little capuchins that scamper among the branches.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC7nvZseAp_DNXBay__uSYCteA9Hk3R10tXG24uP_uYbhS0dHNrUMbM9Jvvb7Ho2WKFCgaxxg0RUstOx2UNfFTaLkLvdHT1Nt0l-O6ZE-ASlBVobRHZzA04zvXNcL0Ifp9hebjijC0bTP/s1600/DSC_0620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC7nvZseAp_DNXBay__uSYCteA9Hk3R10tXG24uP_uYbhS0dHNrUMbM9Jvvb7Ho2WKFCgaxxg0RUstOx2UNfFTaLkLvdHT1Nt0l-O6ZE-ASlBVobRHZzA04zvXNcL0Ifp9hebjijC0bTP/s320/DSC_0620.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Some are timid, some are a little more brave and will guardedly snatch a banana out of your hand, and one was downright mean. He took the banana offered but growled at me and slapped my hand as hard as he could when taking the free food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31nIQAnpk3WNaBd3GCE6gS5JO31rUMY89WZFxsnuCJRzdrnFz43TvlLKjk4iYVyfSI1-Ti2ljo9oRNSFMMTC1KUIkVagb3PeJ4gwnhY9LOE7Ta5pVKcbcfsySc-6FlcEGo7bUO2JE0306/s1600/DSC_0568.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31nIQAnpk3WNaBd3GCE6gS5JO31rUMY89WZFxsnuCJRzdrnFz43TvlLKjk4iYVyfSI1-Ti2ljo9oRNSFMMTC1KUIkVagb3PeJ4gwnhY9LOE7Ta5pVKcbcfsySc-6FlcEGo7bUO2JE0306/s320/DSC_0568.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And there we have it, we've completed our goals of coming to Costa Rica...lazing in the pool and on the beach, wandering out into the countryside to experience regular Tican life, adventure touring (zip lining on a volcano), and now interacting with the local wildlife.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's been a grand time, we'll spend the rest of our time with the drunk Canadians ("we was hammered, eh!") we've made friends with in the pool before heading out to the airport in the morning. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We'll update you on that in our final post.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Photos by Letty Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - All Rights Reserved</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-75328376808887080752022-08-28T04:30:00.001-07:002022-08-28T04:30:00.186-07:00THE COCKTAIL HOUR: Lounge 24, Riu's Do-It-Yourself Bar in Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzmsQ5KCqeoQwcQ5SwJT3VeQotNVjLo6yI-g2w9lEzWQqet0gXzpB2amEtZixrpdxQs_JHSWER_R1ZlD5j_uqWuiJ7br0XFNpeK_7bDjCTkC-PqX8gNHNWeodlTL76RqLSrJpvTCtKXQ/s1600/Snapshot+1+%25281-13-2016+6-09+PM%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzmsQ5KCqeoQwcQ5SwJT3VeQotNVjLo6yI-g2w9lEzWQqet0gXzpB2amEtZixrpdxQs_JHSWER_R1ZlD5j_uqWuiJ7br0XFNpeK_7bDjCTkC-PqX8gNHNWeodlTL76RqLSrJpvTCtKXQ/s320/Snapshot+1+%25281-13-2016+6-09+PM%2529.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I think I count six bars at the Riu Palace in Costa Rica. There may be a couple more but there's definitely not any less. Plus, guests of the Palace also have full bar privileges at the Riu Guanacaste next door. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You don't have to walk far to get your buzz on, that's for sure.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">One of the unique bars is Lounge 24, at the back of the lobby behind the coffee and pastry bar. It gets its name by being open and available to guests 24 hours a day. Feel like a nacho and beer craving at 3 in the morning? This is your place.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A fairly good selection of quality snacks and bar food line the back wall. It's definitely a step up from the all-night offerings of the last Riu we stayed at in the Dominican Republic. For drinks though? You're on your own.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">That's not a bad thing, it's just what makes Lounge 24 unique...all the liquor and fixings are there for you to make whatever you want. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Think the lobby bartender is making your mai tai too weak? Make it as strong as you want here. It's a nice break and even makes a good arts 'n crafts activity for those who want to play with a little mixology.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Watch in the video above as Tim and I demonstrate how to make a mai tai in this little DIY bar off the lobby of the Riu Palace in Costa Rica. As an aside, after we finished, the other people in the bar watching us film the video, had me make mai tais for the whole group. For the rest of the week, wherever we went in the resort, when one of those guests would see me, I'd get a greeting "hey, Mai Tai Man!"</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-13971900439276687292022-08-26T04:30:00.002-07:002022-08-26T04:30:00.201-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: Tim of the Jungle...Watch Out For That Tree! (Accessible Zip Lining in Costa Rica)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Our hotel is on the beach. This is a beach vacation. All our activities were supposed to take place on or near the ocean.</span><br />
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This was the task at hand when planning our trip and I was researching things we could do on the water.</span><br />
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While looking in vain for a boat that could take us on the ocean, and maybe even go snorkeling, I came across a video on Youtube of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwGHRRZ96tY" target="_blank">guy in a wheelchair zip lining in Costa Rica</a>.</span><br />
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I knew my timid son would never go for that but, just for kicks, I went over to the living room.</span><br />
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"Hey Tim, guess what?"</span><br />
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"What?</span><br />
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"I found a video on Youtube that shows a guy in a wheelchair zip lining."</span><br />
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Before I could say anything more, the reply came back immediately "Sign me up!"</span><br />
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A few e-mails back and forth to <a href="mailto:info@VolcanoLakeAdventures.com" target="_blank">Erick Zalaya</a>, owner of <a href="http://volcanolakeadventures.com/en/home/" target="_blank">Volcano Lake Adventures</a> in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and we'd set a date.</span><br />
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Twenty years ago, the three of us went to Maui and drove the road to Hana. Today, this three hour drive over mountains covered with thick jungles reminds of of that trip with its narrow roads and dozens of one-lane bridges.</span><br />
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Finally, we break through to see Lake Arenal. Once across the dam, it's just a few more miles to the busy but little town of La Fortuna.</span><br />
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<a href="http://volcanolakeadventures.com/en/home/" target="_blank">Volcano Lake Adventures</a> is located off the lobby of the Hotel Central Lofts in the middle of town. The parking lot is being repaved today so I park around the corner and leave Letty and Tim in the car while I go check in.</span><br />
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I meet Erick and he tells me he'll call the zip line park. At first, it's 1:30 then it's a no-go. </span><br />
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"They're booked."</span><br />
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"I though you booked us when I e-mailed you six weeks ago and confirmed it last week?"</span><br />
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"Let me call another place that does it, is there anything else you'd like to do if you can't go zip lining?"</span><br />
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"No, I emailed you six weeks ago before we flew the 3,000 miles here and drove the three hours this morning to get here. I thought we had an iron-clad reservation to go zip lining. That was the only thing it seemed we could do."</span><br />
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Luckily, his plan B came through and, with voucher in hand, we drove over to <a href="http://arenalecoglide.com/en/" target="_blank">Ecoglide Adventure Park</a> just outside of town.</span><br />
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We arrive at the office about a half hour before our new appointed time of 12:30. The guy in the office tells us it's 3:00. I tell him what Mr. Zalaya said. </span><br />
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"My guys are out to lunch, you'll have to wait until they're through."</span><br />
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No problem, we brought a lunch and the gardens at <a href="http://arenalecoglide.com/en/" target="_blank">Ecoglide</a> are a pleasant place to have a picnic.</span><br />
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1:00, the tour guides show up. There's Armando, Eduardo, Alfredo and Warren. We make introductions and they proceed to gear-up my wife and I with all the safety equipment we would need. It is cinched up very tight all around, let's just say it's a good thing my child producing years are behind me or this would put a big crimp in that plan.</span><br />
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In a nearby clearing, there's a zip line strung up between two poles where we learn the ropes...no pun intended...of zip lining. We're shown how to regulate our speed with the thick, padded glove on one hand and how to hold on to the ropes on the other hand. Once that's done, we take a test glide on the training line in the clearing.</span><br />
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Next, they put Tim into the front seat of a large, four wheel drive truck while the rest of us ride in the bed. We're driven up a rough, jungle road up to 2500 feet on the Arenal Volacano and hike the last couple of hundred feet up to the first platform.</span><br />
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And Tim? How does he get up here? Well, notice I said "handicapped accessible" not wheelchair accessible. One of the crew, Warren, is called "la mula" by his mates. He's a big, strong man and carries Tim on his back, piggy back style, to the first platform. A plastic patio chair is brought along to set Tim on between platforms to give him and Warren a little break.</span><br />
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It's quite a bit of hooking up, clipping onto lines, and making sure we're ready. Warren is not only Tim's mule but his zip lining companion, too, and helps Tim fly through the trees with the greatest of ease.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Soon, him and Warren are a couple of lines ahead of us on this 12 line, approximately 2 miles course down the volcano.</span><br />
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Letty and I follow behind, on our own with no companions, and it's a glorious sight, skimming the treetops through the jungle, with miles of views across the Arenal valley.</span><br />
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About halfway through, we take a break and are given an opportunity to take a ride on the Tarzan Swing, which is kind of like a bungie jump but is instead a giant rope swing where you jump off a cliff and trust the the rope will hold and swing you high into the trees safely.</span><br />
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Of course I'm doing it. Scared the crap out of me, too.</span><br />
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Letty passes and, since he'd have to go on unaided, I advise that Tim take a pass on it too. Wisely and with rarity, he takes my advice.</span><br />
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The last few lines take us to a platform very high into a ceiba tree and on to another line that's half a kilometer long.</span><br />
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Finally, a rather tame last line takes us back to the visitor's center.</span><br />
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It's a blast and Tim has said this was his biggest highlight of the trip. It's a fantastic day that, unfortunately, does not leave us any time to do any other adventures while we're in the area.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxLxDZV2bQsPgoZQBnG6RgPiRLliWgRT5hbdROdUCahw7EWbrmsmGfCQe9vXpGHrR7vUw2V8fTCe_3P-h6AV_F6G0UYSbRh60-RSoj52KKs2npd6NQONUW-PiVl8p1pK3RF6xV4ylrp8V/s1600/DSC_0401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxLxDZV2bQsPgoZQBnG6RgPiRLliWgRT5hbdROdUCahw7EWbrmsmGfCQe9vXpGHrR7vUw2V8fTCe_3P-h6AV_F6G0UYSbRh60-RSoj52KKs2npd6NQONUW-PiVl8p1pK3RF6xV4ylrp8V/s320/DSC_0401.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
It's a long, windy road back so we stop to get a couple of strong cups of Costa Rican coffee for the ride home.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Click on the links, above, if you'd like to take advantage of this very unique opportunity while you're in Costa Rica. You'll thank me later.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Links:</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://arenalecoglide.com/en/" target="_blank">Ecoglide</a> - <a href="http://arenalecoglide.com/en/">http://arenalecoglide.com/en/</a></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://volcanolakeadventures.com/en/home/" target="_blank">Volcano Lake Adventures</a> - <a href="http://volcanolakeadventures.com/en/home/">http://volcanolakeadventures.com/en/home/</a></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
Darryl</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Photos by Letty Musick - Copyriht 2016</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-61107403339444601912022-08-22T04:30:00.002-07:002022-08-22T04:30:00.205-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: Costa Rica Touring - Liberia, Guanacaste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xnn1awn_JEHhFToL-glJ1hZEnj4K_KZTTcz22XLx0Yi81217h-GzCjBPS7MOLQO3GoohII4boGR50XJF_KBTCMprkrYwoOgID_uHAzzPoe9eonxaX6Hqm9fMxK_jNdRfshh-EuG-8QvI/s1600/DSC_0136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xnn1awn_JEHhFToL-glJ1hZEnj4K_KZTTcz22XLx0Yi81217h-GzCjBPS7MOLQO3GoohII4boGR50XJF_KBTCMprkrYwoOgID_uHAzzPoe9eonxaX6Hqm9fMxK_jNdRfshh-EuG-8QvI/s320/DSC_0136.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even though we were ripped off a bit and had quite a row at
the rental agency, we still ended up with a car so let’s get in and go for a
drive. The big city here in Guanacaste is Liberia, where we flew into, so we
head in that direction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Watch the Video!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Rht1UGK1s0" width="640"></iframe></span><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Driving in this country is quite an adventure as we find
out. A good portion of the drivers will pass you at any moment and in any
traffic condition. Another large portion will drive exceedingly slow and will
never, ever pull over. You soon learn that passing is a very necessary part of
driving here in Costa Rica and passing lanes are pretty much nonexistent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Add to that all the pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals
that can be in the middle of the road at any given time, and you have your work
cut out for you. In cities and towns, all the above turns into a free-for-all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDARb1EICU2VICCBMBfNPXU2oOAYM6iSK6vXb2JUDBx3tSNf2KLXn816d2Ff6fUvNB39rPufhBrwtedgKeD4zX_9Eb8SKFVrHxLWD1k4kqt1f1hzTdVdzxZ_PreMz80NmRnMBd28As0YL/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDARb1EICU2VICCBMBfNPXU2oOAYM6iSK6vXb2JUDBx3tSNf2KLXn816d2Ff6fUvNB39rPufhBrwtedgKeD4zX_9Eb8SKFVrHxLWD1k4kqt1f1hzTdVdzxZ_PreMz80NmRnMBd28As0YL/s320/DSC_0127.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">We make it into Liberia and find a place to park near the
town’s plaza. The local church presides over it all…an ugly one, according to
my wife…and it’s fiesta weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Y1ZgW6M37ZFxdlN-fCk1iMJW2KujMhCv7OEvAjJd-HraN9SfYZ2CyIQeBSGyX_PSqpXxW4jVt7TMhJVUAXfXL130uq36vfdy5-RmXwOfQDPZl7BO60_YbNzSmFtNh5MYsywgAbinXtS/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Y1ZgW6M37ZFxdlN-fCk1iMJW2KujMhCv7OEvAjJd-HraN9SfYZ2CyIQeBSGyX_PSqpXxW4jVt7TMhJVUAXfXL130uq36vfdy5-RmXwOfQDPZl7BO60_YbNzSmFtNh5MYsywgAbinXtS/s320/DSC_0134.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Not much too festive in the daytime though. A few booths are
open selling chicken and rice or dessert. We opt for dessert with some fritters
covered in caramel and condensed milk and some churros.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZz9CI40yuJ2-sdJ6eQXua4nacgJFCzsYJlfZoCf5g1EIJ47fkQDjji6wECO3e4u3gI0GToaRl5zZpTmmY19Gut_4Ag1x0HNLcV8fagnzPTJ8gPjlJ7q7QNsn9VLZ8g6dKKnxxLIFPBK/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZz9CI40yuJ2-sdJ6eQXua4nacgJFCzsYJlfZoCf5g1EIJ47fkQDjji6wECO3e4u3gI0GToaRl5zZpTmmY19Gut_4Ag1x0HNLcV8fagnzPTJ8gPjlJ7q7QNsn9VLZ8g6dKKnxxLIFPBK/s320/DSC_0131.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">It’s hot, quiet, and a few kids hit us up to buy a t-shirt or
just to beg for money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2eqFlyIW5O7NmFr0R66z3VlChFi6s2IjFJoeTN79iO26bFIitURRkSFwijRQpwi-2RwEC4Hv0f42LtCnDjbVRdCOc8ONn04Eryenf6T0ToeoV-ilaqHEoIhmAUj1sGTzOvfdwmzcSlBw/s1600/DSCF0310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2eqFlyIW5O7NmFr0R66z3VlChFi6s2IjFJoeTN79iO26bFIitURRkSFwijRQpwi-2RwEC4Hv0f42LtCnDjbVRdCOc8ONn04Eryenf6T0ToeoV-ilaqHEoIhmAUj1sGTzOvfdwmzcSlBw/s320/DSCF0310.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Walking around the perimeter of the park, I notice about 1
out of every 5 taxis are wheelchair accessible. One driver lets me take a
picture of his for posterity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">We also notice that every public transit bus we see has a
wheelchair lift and a spot to tie down a wheelchair making this the most
accessible Latin American country we’ve seen for transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">The town’s a bit down in the mouth and sleepy in this humid
heat so we move on. We program the GPS
unit in our rental car to take us to the nearby Rincon Vieja volcano but soon
the pavement runs out and we’re on a very bumpy dirt road. When the Garmin says
“drive 22 kilometers on this road,” we give up and look for a new plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">On the map, it says there’s a zoo in nearby Salto. We head
that direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">In Liberia, we switch to Ruta 1, which turns out to be a
modern freeway except it’s not quite finished. Instead, only one side is open
and it’s on the honor system to be one lane in each direction. Again, we run
into the problem of 25 kilometer per hour drivers on a 90 kph road. One truck had over 50 vehicles behind him but,
despite an abundance of space to pull over, he obliviously soldiered on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">We find the zoo, called the Adventure Park, and pull into the
empty parking lot. A lady greets us at the entrance, offers us a cool drink,
and wants to explain their “packages,” the cheapest being a basic zoo entrance
fee of $100 per person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">That explains the empty parking lot which is empty once more
as we hightail it out of there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">For today, we figure we’ll have more fun back at the Riu
pool on the beach and spend the rest of the afternoon there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh-3pPTnKUzjj2uxoT9nI-JLEc6xfqjPXS2WvXf5l5kMn34hP_w41JVejka8c8YD_fvKZM6C_sVdLFELIhcTA4lVl3FAIR5SDIqvYIWeJGGz7uHhU7HNVEmc7JThlcgGDOxX84slf7o6s/s1600/DSCF0305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh-3pPTnKUzjj2uxoT9nI-JLEc6xfqjPXS2WvXf5l5kMn34hP_w41JVejka8c8YD_fvKZM6C_sVdLFELIhcTA4lVl3FAIR5SDIqvYIWeJGGz7uHhU7HNVEmc7JThlcgGDOxX84slf7o6s/s320/DSCF0305.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Dinner will be at Papagayo, the steakhouse on the beach
where Tim has this great looking burger…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1twFuHpsCUpnfOsXaHYayI3z3RdOpdst_T6eoPVUpVkD5gcfID7bNaMmjMwDxpzC3Gg_ntsNkRJBiSi5K979P5taMvYXISccGH-Bw2CsJhYfK5WSXqNClrbhSuaHaA1tzLbh2B2-tIGjc/s1600/DSCF0307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1twFuHpsCUpnfOsXaHYayI3z3RdOpdst_T6eoPVUpVkD5gcfID7bNaMmjMwDxpzC3Gg_ntsNkRJBiSi5K979P5taMvYXISccGH-Bw2CsJhYfK5WSXqNClrbhSuaHaA1tzLbh2B2-tIGjc/s320/DSCF0307.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">…and Letty and I have steak, hers with the surf ‘n turf
option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">It’s fine and delicious but down on the beach, the mosquitos
know where dinner is also. Luckily, we put repellent on before dinner. Not many
of our fellow diners were such forward thinkers, unfortunately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Tomorrow, we have grander plans but until then, it’s chill
in the room while listening to the floor show below and resting up for a very
long drive and a big adventure.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">All Rights Reserved</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Photos by Letty Musick</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Copyright 2016 - All Rights Reserved</span></span></div>
D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-24624549591734258672022-08-21T04:30:00.001-07:002022-08-21T04:30:00.203-07:00THE COCKTAIL HOUR: The Matapalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYPkBKGTFyxvJ5NfMqFybdUTPlvD1Qs2CHWBKFANuKpXsDAWD2mV_nRykBRWoooLg-nxeNvnOVo6D3_GcFEy3UJM8a-MMnAYTweWeNYn_-l0-KW6QQbPzBIHH4F5SohAzpjHwUZGBMEyV/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYPkBKGTFyxvJ5NfMqFybdUTPlvD1Qs2CHWBKFANuKpXsDAWD2mV_nRykBRWoooLg-nxeNvnOVo6D3_GcFEy3UJM8a-MMnAYTweWeNYn_-l0-KW6QQbPzBIHH4F5SohAzpjHwUZGBMEyV/s320/DSC_0022.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Coming to you from lovely Guanacaste, Costa Rica, it's Tim and Darryl with another new cocktail for you.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As you may know, when we travel, we like to create cocktails out of our room's minibar or local drinks. Today, with a free minibar and unlimited liquor courtesy of the Riu Palace Hotel, it's another new cocktail named after the beach we're residing on. This time it's Playa Matapalo.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Watch the Video!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hkilV3Gi3vs" width="640"></iframe></span>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">So, here we go...take a tall glass and fill completely with ice. Dump in a shot of dark rum, another of brandy and top off with Fanta and soda water.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The matapalo which, as you'll see in the video above, tastes remarkably like a picon punch of Basque fame.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Cheers from Costa Rica!</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Darryl</span></span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-48122093183460095262022-08-19T04:30:00.001-07:002022-08-19T04:30:00.220-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: Letting the Jet Lag and Stress Float Away in Costa Rica<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijKs2tc2jRQeJW1eBzzNm94RIM9rwQ68rK_n5HL5GiapVMY4REdXuHG97Tmgs2vbFQkw2tJXBdfbPM9VDJngCwJ2kDjj4NJc8WbGG_FwF7Hhpg_-SbPnOGWc43a9Cry4NH0tQkRCtZiob/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijKs2tc2jRQeJW1eBzzNm94RIM9rwQ68rK_n5HL5GiapVMY4REdXuHG97Tmgs2vbFQkw2tJXBdfbPM9VDJngCwJ2kDjj4NJc8WbGG_FwF7Hhpg_-SbPnOGWc43a9Cry4NH0tQkRCtZiob/s320/DSC_0034.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">With the rental car shenanigans behind us, it was a dark and
lonely road to the Riu Palace Hotel on Playa Matapalo. Around one dark corner,
a lone horse stood in the road. I almost put him down. Now and again,
speedbumps would appear in front of a school.
Narrow one lane bridges popped up with some regularity. Pedestrians and
bicyclists would materialize out of the
dark, moving slowly in the traffic lane.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Watch the Video!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bkU9WKmslI" width="640"></iframe></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">It was a bit harrowing that first evening then coming down
the steep hill into the little bay we’d call home for the next week. My wife urged me to slow down while I
informed her my foot was already pressing on the brake pedal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Three massive speed bumps really slowed us down and then we
were at the gate to the Riu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">There are two hotels here, the Riu Guanacaste...the nice but
more budget friendly of the two…and the Riu Palace, the top level brand of the
Riu chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Unloading the car, we step up to the checkin counter and I
immediately remember why I love the Riu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">As a server hands us each a welcoming cocktail (especially
nice after the fight at the rental car agency and the dark drive) checkin goes
efficiently and effortlessly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH6mhh0i7plFhmjvT9YtHsjZjvfUfsM3ou-o4UUYWaJwgshhIRkqnS24aKVqTbFMI9p5wHzAUhB9esPagsZaUAr0VXGcFZ4iRPdwxfOQK38sJc6hrKhbKSzikdKPRgCQ4ylsud887QKM0/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH6mhh0i7plFhmjvT9YtHsjZjvfUfsM3ou-o4UUYWaJwgshhIRkqnS24aKVqTbFMI9p5wHzAUhB9esPagsZaUAr0VXGcFZ4iRPdwxfOQK38sJc6hrKhbKSzikdKPRgCQ4ylsud887QKM0/s320/DSC_0035.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“Remember, we are here to serve you. You only have to dial 9
on your room’s phone and we will get anything you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">And, as we’ve found out at the Riu before, that is not an
empty promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Our room is just what we booked. Oceanview, though not quite
beachfront, over the pools, with a nice terrace and three beds set up just for
us. The bellman shows us the ropes, with the in-room liquor dispensers, the
minibar, TV, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">There’s also a spa tub between the beds and the bathroom
that’s really more in the way than useful but I can see where some people might
like it. For us, the large, walk-in shower is more of a luxury making it easy
for Tim to have a bath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">It’s not an official accessible room (although they do have
some available) but we find the regular rooms here work just fine for us and we
get better views and locations than the wheelchair rooms offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">After tipping the bellman, we hit the buffet for dinner
before retiring back to our room for a deep, night’s sleep to catch up on all
we missed the day before and to shed our travel frustrations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">The morning dawns bright and sunny. A hot sun. The breakfast buffet is very good
and extensive. Great protein in the fried eggs, scrambled eggs, and more. Costa
Rican food is represented by their banana –leave wrapped tamales, gallo pinto,
and several varieties of rice and sausage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">A couple of shady lounge chairs invite us to stake out a
place by the pool. A ramp makes it easier to get Tim in the water. We wade in
and roll the chair as far as we can, put Tim’s feet through the hole of an
inner tube, stand him up, let him fall through the hole till his arms hook onto
the tube…holding him up…and away he goes to float for a few hours in the Riu’s
pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LMIPUs2xFjwewxoMc8jxMDsiSZfyUSTfMGM5XDn3VgdcEIL8KsZ9_1h9u1OVCLpFANwJF9xv3oeaj16NKsayiK3eXYue1xu438oJVBfUKwsSvkE1HTwQ7CZK8nbAPQ_0cYnPkhi9nCaZ/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LMIPUs2xFjwewxoMc8jxMDsiSZfyUSTfMGM5XDn3VgdcEIL8KsZ9_1h9u1OVCLpFANwJF9xv3oeaj16NKsayiK3eXYue1xu438oJVBfUKwsSvkE1HTwQ7CZK8nbAPQ_0cYnPkhi9nCaZ/s320/DSC_0022.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Nicole, our pool server, keeps us supplied with Mai Tais,
chocolate martinis, beer, and water. The three of us float around like this,
soak up the sun, and meditate on what activities we’ll be doing this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">After swimming, soaking, and meeting new friends at the
pool, it’s off to L’Anfora off of the lobby. This is the Riu’s Italian
restaurant and the only one besides the buffet that does not require a
reservation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUTdQPrviDNHW-Ax5jL5SjWV9o-Rs1dZWJpdFik_oODdEx5lG9DnyMmHvwU9-ymhEwUjkdm4yX3grOBqinxq_4nVIoQO_M0AORFecZgAJ1-3u5Paoh9EW_xGnLQlDripElT_jxuKbo2Hi/s1600/DSCF0294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUTdQPrviDNHW-Ax5jL5SjWV9o-Rs1dZWJpdFik_oODdEx5lG9DnyMmHvwU9-ymhEwUjkdm4yX3grOBqinxq_4nVIoQO_M0AORFecZgAJ1-3u5Paoh9EW_xGnLQlDripElT_jxuKbo2Hi/s320/DSCF0294.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">I have a local version of ossobuco while Tim has lasagna and
ravioli. Letty has a nice seafood pasta.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X64ij_TdfTO8uQvNPeu3Dq9D9uRHp9SjWcAcIHeeMIVnqoJ54TGgQ9go7vtw0pzO8Fgv0J5XuoQNF59f8llwhOV-hocsx9ogS5pcgyq8wpxwefTRBk5ZdlbNnkNlkZS3n610Yw9VWcr5/s1600/DSC_0527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X64ij_TdfTO8uQvNPeu3Dq9D9uRHp9SjWcAcIHeeMIVnqoJ54TGgQ9go7vtw0pzO8Fgv0J5XuoQNF59f8llwhOV-hocsx9ogS5pcgyq8wpxwefTRBk5ZdlbNnkNlkZS3n610Yw9VWcr5/s320/DSC_0527.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Our room is right over the floor show area, so after dinner,
we can watch from our terrace. The music can be loud, so you might want to ask
for a room away from it if it bothers you. Since they have a curfew of 11pm
that is strictly enforced, we can live with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">After a day of cocktails, sun, and water, our minimal jet
lag is diminished and we retire to rest up for the next part of our adventure
where we head off property and go exploring the Central American countryside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Copyright 2016 – Darryl Musick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">All Rights Reserved<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Photos by Letty Musick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Copyright 2016 - All Rights Reserved</span></div>
</div>
D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-55277258646822083042022-08-15T04:30:00.002-07:002022-08-15T04:30:00.204-07:00CLASSIC TRIP: The Rental Car Con - Welcome to Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u232xMI4iEP7q3aJSR64Xh9MllY7AldQE7Ho54EZ2O7O1jaWcFAGP92Vf0l8Mh6jb6VvGLg49eRjihPLi2mX5CcVs_TaYeqh1kVRdZSeXLpeaLoioavq1OuglqqhNlkr6r1y5k1hibW-/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u232xMI4iEP7q3aJSR64Xh9MllY7AldQE7Ho54EZ2O7O1jaWcFAGP92Vf0l8Mh6jb6VvGLg49eRjihPLi2mX5CcVs_TaYeqh1kVRdZSeXLpeaLoioavq1OuglqqhNlkr6r1y5k1hibW-/s320/DSC_0034.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Signs say the new LAX is coming but, today, it’s still the
same old worn out Terminal 6 only with more construction. The old bones of the terminal are clearly
visible…the circular gate area, the old tiled columns, and the stained acoustic
tiles…while new shop and construction barriers sit in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It’s not ready for prime time, yet, and there are only three
places to buy hot food. All with long lines. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Instead, we opt to get some sandwiches from Hudson News to
take on the plane with us</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Alaska Airlines doesn’t serve free food to us in steerage
and no First Class upgrades were available this Thanksgiving morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">The plane does leave on time and the crew is bright and
cheery. This is because, as one told me,
they get a 48 hour layover at our destination, Liberia, Costa Rica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">While the crew enjoys their two day adventure on the company
dime, we’ll be at the Riu Palace over on the Pacific Coast for the next week
but first, we must procure transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">The flight was flawless but the rental counter was a
nightmare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">We’d booked a full-size SUV through Alamo’s web site for a
little over $300 a week. Once at the airport, we found the Alamo rep who got us
on a shuttle to the off-airport lot a few kilometers away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">I waited while the three parties in front of me argued
endlessly with the two rental agents over their costs and cars. I was thinking
“quit whining and get your car” so I could get mine and be on our way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Finally…it’s my turn at the counter. I hand the agent my
reservation. Thinks are moving along swimmingly. Then, he pulls out a notepad,
“let’s talk about insurance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eSS75m-Y9BKh-XKns-QZpmRIdN03rUR6l6R17PUJIhJoVLEFggn6GvYQnOUPm6cypE6ZnDpxeUSyWpf26uaxRyr-279CyVwcomzJKeEXPpb4EZKSU4UNFwRT3F5E2KC-biTxFxe4PQMG/s1600/DSC_0499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eSS75m-Y9BKh-XKns-QZpmRIdN03rUR6l6R17PUJIhJoVLEFggn6GvYQnOUPm6cypE6ZnDpxeUSyWpf26uaxRyr-279CyVwcomzJKeEXPpb4EZKSU4UNFwRT3F5E2KC-biTxFxe4PQMG/s320/DSC_0499.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“I bought a policy from CTA that covers $75,000 in damage,”
I tell him. “I just need your cheapest liability.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“Senor, that insurance is no good here in Costa Rica. You
have to buy the mandatory insurance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“No, it’s a special policy I got for this trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“It’s no good. You must buy our insurance. It’s an extra
$681 dollars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">“Let me use your phone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">I call CTA…”our offices are closed for the Thanksgiving
holiday. Please call back tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Damn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">I argue for two hours. I have a copy of the entire policy.
He won’t budge. I finally make a deal for a smaller car with a smaller
insurance policy and only get ripped off to the tune of $120 instead of over
$680.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmK_UJYJIn_cTaNRD2GhW9dQvfKyzUxVdXq1t5grf8DiTevBvm8BgTaGbd6zBDmSI5-77s8QLpZNyyPK4bw2YiHGfGV8Y5TLrfr8x7yaGjiuOocU_j_nrt98MOxfkcYfNyIf96zdDiUJ/s1600/DSC_0632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrmK_UJYJIn_cTaNRD2GhW9dQvfKyzUxVdXq1t5grf8DiTevBvm8BgTaGbd6zBDmSI5-77s8QLpZNyyPK4bw2YiHGfGV8Y5TLrfr8x7yaGjiuOocU_j_nrt98MOxfkcYfNyIf96zdDiUJ/s320/DSC_0632.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to Costa Rica. Now I get to feel my way through a
dark, narrow, mountainous road to our hotel instead of getting there at sundown
like I planned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Let’s see how the rest of this trip goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Darryl</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Copyright 2015 - Darryl Musick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">All Rights Reserved</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Photos by Letty Musick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial;">Copyright 2015 - All Rights Reserved</span></div>
D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7409096082549308744.post-82994591583284184932022-08-14T04:30:00.001-07:002022-08-14T04:30:00.202-07:00THE COCKTAIL HOUR: St. Pete Pub Crawl, Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU158wCzj4htT4XzEUZObCG2DUG9PcwH4INXDZFriDQ-HYTevgXy3YK8icT5ULh_gLI0eDhjc5GvM7qMTHGRIoqMBm8HKyaL8sRY8PPG5-IygPBcab8my1EG2MZvzY5nxM7tHZtxKmMUT2/s1600/20180510_150647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU158wCzj4htT4XzEUZObCG2DUG9PcwH4INXDZFriDQ-HYTevgXy3YK8icT5ULh_gLI0eDhjc5GvM7qMTHGRIoqMBm8HKyaL8sRY8PPG5-IygPBcab8my1EG2MZvzY5nxM7tHZtxKmMUT2/s320/20180510_150647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week, we took you along for our warm-up pub crawl in St Petersburg, Florida. Today, we delve in a little deeper, hitting four pubs and a pizza joint. All are within a block from our hotel, in fact, we just walked across the street, went up one block, crossed over to the next one, and walked back to the hotel...all in one square block.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Easy walking and easy drinking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Watch the Video!</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixFAXRZODiU" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another good thing about the bars along this route is that they seem to be in a perpetual happy hour during the daylight hours. I know, but we're beyond our nightlife days and enjoy an earlier party life now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First stop, the Del Mar Gastro Lounge. Almost all the bars on our walk had $2 beer specials on select varieties. Here, one of those varieties is Rolling Rock so it's a little better than the usual Bud or Coors Light specials you see. They're also 16 ounce tall boys, which went well with the pulled pork sliders we got to go with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sliders and beer were delicious, cheap, and the cold beer really hit the spot in this Florida heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up is Mastry's, which is the alcohol pouring outpost of Mastry's sportfishing not far from here over on the bay. According to the signs inside, this is the city's oldest bar...and also voted the best dive bar in St. Pete.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd have to conduct a much deeper investigation to see if that's true but it is a nice, dark, cash-only spot where we get a shot of whiskey and some wine...served in disposable plastic cups.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back out into the light and up the block, it's the Five Bucks Drinkery. The name says it all, although my drink...a Captain Morgan on the rocks...was considerably less at $3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Letty met a couple of friendly dogs here, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coming around the corner into the home stretch, MacDinton's Irish Pub has just opened for the day. Inside, to the strains of AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, we have some beer and Jameson shots while having a lively discussion with the bartenders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, it's Pacifico and slices of cheese pizza at Joey Brooklyn's about 100 feet from the hotel lobby. the Pacifico is good as always, the pizza...well...it'll do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Darryl Musick</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Copyright 2018 - All Rights Reserved</span>D. Musickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732066060512288839noreply@blogger.com0