One of the things to do in Denver is to visit the Pikes Peak Cog railway (actually at Colorado Springs), which we did when we visted our niece Sarah. Quite unusually on that Cog railway trip up the mountain (actually coming down, but never mind), Sally got into converstaion with a very nice Fireman from Sacramento. In the conversation we mentiioned that we were going to visit Folsol Lake SP, by coincidence he lives but 2/3 miles from the park, so we arranged to meet up when we got to Folsom Lake SP. So today Sally and I had a quiet morning, then toured old Folsom Historic Arean, which is very nice, down by the Americas River, across from the prison, before going to the local supermarket (Raleys) to catch up on the weeks shopping. In the evening KC came and visited to our trailer. He also brought his lovely wife Rose and their son Walter. We had a splendid evening and chatted for far too long into the evening. We swopped stories of the road (walter had been on vacation to England) and learned more history of the Central Valley and just chatted, we got on like a house on fire, (which is OK because KC is a fireman). We had a very pleasant evening. When they left their car would not start (flooded we think) so I took them home in the van, whereupon Walter, having been left with the car to await the arrival of AAA, got the car started and drove home as well.
So we now have some good 'people memories' of Folsom Lake as well as the lovely lake and blue skies which always improve a place.
Thanks KC, Rose and Walter
Trip 9 - California Dreamin'
On this trip we set out to immerse ourselves in the culture and the nature of California. To discover its textures and see some of its natural wonders. We discover that California is very big. It is not a state that you can just pass through, it is, more than any other place we have visited, more like another country. It is a land dominated by mountains, the spaces between and like nowhere else, water.
Our start in the heavily populated area to the East of Los Angeles, known as the Inland Empire, is crowded into the lowlands surrounded by magnificent mountains. The feeling is of a cauldron which is trying to boil over the mountains to the fresh air of the rest of the state.
To the South is a band of Desert, which is the buffer to Mexico, which we did not explore on this trip.
We travelled North through the mountains (everywhere in California you can see mountains) to the desert, and on again to the huge Central Valley, mile after mile of intensive agriculture. Culture here is dominated by food, flatness, low income and trying to impact on the 'sameness' of the flat lands through music and festival. It is the communication and administrative corridor that links all other areas of California.
To the East is the huge mountain chain of the Sierra Nevada which clearly demonstrates the magnificence of the natural world, both in its geology and nature, reflected in the pysche and pride of most Californians. It is Eldorado, dominated by Gold!
To the West of the Central Valley are the coastal mountains, San Francisco and the magnificent coast. More isolated cultures, from mixed resources, communities seperated by mountains.
To the North of the Central Valley more mountains and a culture which looks more North towards Oregon than South to Sacremento.
This blog details our journey through California, where we pick and choose, or just scratch the surface, of this diverse and beautiful state.
Our start in the heavily populated area to the East of Los Angeles, known as the Inland Empire, is crowded into the lowlands surrounded by magnificent mountains. The feeling is of a cauldron which is trying to boil over the mountains to the fresh air of the rest of the state.
To the South is a band of Desert, which is the buffer to Mexico, which we did not explore on this trip.
We travelled North through the mountains (everywhere in California you can see mountains) to the desert, and on again to the huge Central Valley, mile after mile of intensive agriculture. Culture here is dominated by food, flatness, low income and trying to impact on the 'sameness' of the flat lands through music and festival. It is the communication and administrative corridor that links all other areas of California.
To the East is the huge mountain chain of the Sierra Nevada which clearly demonstrates the magnificence of the natural world, both in its geology and nature, reflected in the pysche and pride of most Californians. It is Eldorado, dominated by Gold!
To the West of the Central Valley are the coastal mountains, San Francisco and the magnificent coast. More isolated cultures, from mixed resources, communities seperated by mountains.
To the North of the Central Valley more mountains and a culture which looks more North towards Oregon than South to Sacremento.
This blog details our journey through California, where we pick and choose, or just scratch the surface, of this diverse and beautiful state.
Monday, October 10, 2011
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Terry & Sally,
ReplyDeleteWe were DELIGHTED to be able to visit you at Beals Point @ Folsom Lake...glad you avoided picking up any fellows in striped suits while in the vicinity! :) Truly enjoyed our chat, the "nibbles", and learning more about you and Britain. God be in your travels, to guide and to stay safe...
KC, Rose, & Walter