Lake Tahoe

March 25^th - 26^th 2013

We woke up in (close enough) Sacramento. J.'s aunt and uncle were getting up as well. We had some breakfast and talked for a while. They really wanted us to stay as long as possible (more J. than me), but everything has to end at some point. It was very pleasant morning, we took some pictures as they wanted to have some memories. We left a bit past ten o'clock. Relatively nice morning. We got coffees and gasoline and started heading to Lake Tahoe. We drove on I-80, it was interesting to watch changing landscape and go up, up and up. We stopped at some visitor's center (it was in the town which name I forgot), we got some maps. I as well drove into town called Colfax, but J. was on the phone and not interested, so we turned around and got back on freeway. When we were high enough, we started to see some snow, but it was not solid layer anywhere close to the road. The mountains were pretty majestic and mostly white. Along side the hills there was a railroad (we saw a train there). It would have to be nice trip (very slow and if there is a passenger service). Donner pass and ski resort. The horror story of the Donner party (as they traveled west and half of them died in California's winter). In Truckee, there was historic state park (half close, half being build) and huge statue in memories of Donner party. We made a quick stop and then continue on road 89 toward Lake Tahoe. Nice surroundings.

People were still skying (somewhere higher) and there was some snow around the road, but the drive was just fine. To our surprise, there was quite a bit of traffic (between the season and on the workday). It was about 13 miles from the highway to the lake. There was actually small town that we just drove into. It was kind of strange, we did not see the lake, but normal boring (and kind of ugly) town. We stopped by visitor's center and it was very unhelpful. Unfortunately. It was about one o'clock in the afternoon. It was mostly cloudy and it did not create the best picture of the lake. We were driving along the lake on east side (Nevada). We stopped several times, there were parks or beaches, but were mostly unhappy with the private properties sitting on the lake. Again, to our surprise, there was many houses and vacation properties. Even Nevada side was not recommended to us, we thought that it looked less developed. Again, somewhat surprised, we could not believe the size of some houses in Nevada. It was pretty sad. So far, we had very mixed feelings about the lake and its surroundings. It looked like we finally left the developed part and were just driving along the lake. The shore got rugged and actually really pretty. The towns and houses kind of blended into the woods and we saw (mostly) just really clear and beautiful lake with incredible background. Finally something. There was not many places to stop, but we enjoy those few and just kept driving towards South Lake Tahoe (town's name).

We were in South Lake Tahoe sooner then we thought. And it was really sad entrance. We drove into very normal and ugly town (dominated by several tall buildings – casinos). It was so sad. We crossed the state line and drove to the lake, it was as well the area with several cheap motels. We looked around and got the room in Alpine Inn. If I am not mistaken, it was our cheapest motel room so far (38.50 with taxes, 32 dollars without taxes). And it was pretty nice room. We put our stuff in and drove back a bit, as we saw information center along the way. There was quite a bit of traffic, it was ugly building by the main road, we almost missed it. We went in (half basement) and it was quite big. We looked through booklets and maps and then heard the man who was sitting there. He was loud (and apparently originally from New York). He was actually helpful and told us what we should do and see in our short two half days. Finally someone helpful. Driving through the town (about 20000 population) to visit two sites he recommended. First it was a pier in the town (we did not find it or missed it). We continued and tried to find a historic site Tallac and marsh trail (paved). Most of the sites were closed for the season (probably opening by May). People were parking by the road or any available space. We parked by the marsh trail and walked on it. It was quiet and nice, we could see the lake. Very wet, some snow still left. The trail was more less next to the tallac site, so we just walked through the visitor's center (closed) and nice forest. Tallac site found, it was three historic residences (now part of the national forest). They were nice houses (even they were closed for the winter). Well, it was interesting. Walking back to the car.

We were thinking about pizza for dinner, but when we looked the menu over, we did not really want to spend so much money (it was pricy) for unknown product. So we ended up buying some stuff at Safeway. It was getting colder quickly. Walking back to the car, we enjoy sun slowly moving towards the mountains. That was actually pretty. Some what long drive back. We were both tired and ready to be done for the evening. We had (still) mixed feelings about Lake Tahoe. I would say it has to be great place for people who are coming here to ski. In summer, it has to be pretty nice place to enjoy the lake (even I am afraid there would be too many people). We each have different taste. Nice day.

J. slept more less normal, I had horrible night. I just could not sleep. We were up before seven o'clock. It was relatively cold outside. We eat some, I had (bad) in room coffee (better something than nothing) and packed our stuff. J. was tired (as usual) and took her time (we had plenty). So, it was pretty easy going morning. We left around 8 o'clock, surprisingly there was life in the town. We got gasoline and coffee and were looking for the pier. We drove into one of the resorts properties and parked. We found the pier and walked on it. It was nice view, maybe slightly too overcast. And cold. But the views were fabulous, our surroundings were quiet and peaceful (not looking back at the resort properties). At that point, we were done with the town and were heading out. We planned to check part of the west side of the lake and then head home on road 50.

Just unrelated note: as we talked to J.'s relatives, I have learned that in Los Angeles we drove through Skid Row (that was that ugly part of town experience). As well, as I was describing my San Francisco walking, I was told that “bad part close to Market street” is Tenderloin district. Who knew? We left the town and were driving north to see west side of the lake. Up and down and a lot of turning. I do not entirely enjoy such a scenery (too close to the road), but J. said the views were amazing. I had few glimpses and I would agree with that. There was more snow around the road. We stopped few times and finally arrived to Inspiration Vista Point. Again, the parking lot was locked, so we had to park along the road (we were not alone). The views of the bay were incredible (even it was quite cold). There is small island within the bay. On the shore, there is Vikingsholm Castle. Apparently, in 20's some 19 year old lady liked the place and had it build in scandinavian style. She was very fond of the place and wanted to preserve the setting, so no trees were cut (on her land). The wood was cut elsewhere around the lake (how considered). We stopped by the parking lot (this one open) that served as the trail head for the hike to the castle. Still, nice views. We continued further north (there was small state park and an historic light house within it). We found the park (closed) and were unable to find another parking (we were told there was one). We found some signs “private property” on both sides of the road. We got back to closed state park (there was few parking spaces) and tried to figure out the distance from here. Unfortunately it was about 4.5 miles round trip and we did not feel like that. At this point we started to drive south.

There was small parking lot just off the road for the Eagle Falls. We parked and walked over the snow to the area. We could not find the map or the length of the trail. Our assumptions was that the trail is pretty short. There was lower part of the falls that we saw from the Vikingsholm parking lot, it looked pretty good. Many steps up towards the fall. We saw it in no time, it was relatively small and there was a bridge over it. In some way it looked like Washington state. It was quite pretty, but our overall experience was mixed. We were told numerous time that Lake Tahoe is incredibly beautiful so maybe our expectations were too high. Hard to say. On the way back from the falls it started to snow. It got cloudy and dark. Interesting picture. At this point we were more less done and had plenty of time to enjoy the drive home.

It was strange to drive along that pretty road and see it snowing. We were not looking forward to four hours of driving. We got some coffee and left the town. There was some construction, one lane closed. Probably within 12 miles the road 50 became a freeway and we were heading away from the mountains (after we did some twisty driving and some ups and downs). We passed through some lonely settlements and buildings. We found really trashy building with the sign “Little Norway”. After a while the charm of the mountain were gone and we started to pass some bigger towns and villages. Nothing special. About an hour and half and we were passing Sacramento. From there we were taking the same road, so it became even more boring and tedious. But what can you do? We got gasoline, stretched the legs a bit and continued home. Luckily we were early enough to avoid the worse traffic. We were home a bit before four o'clock. It felt good to be done driving. It was nice and interesting trip. J. was very happy to see her relatives (and I believe they were happy to see her). Lake Tahoe was pretty, but we had some mixed feelings about it, happens. All good.

Week 17

March 18^th – March 24^th 2013

Sacramento - Sunday, March 24th 2013

We came home from our southern California trip. It is all described below. It was interesting trip, there were some things that were unimpressive, but we were still glad we saw it all. J. had to work for three days and than on Sunday we planned the trip to Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. J. has the family in Sacramento. Slower morning, but we still made it out at about 8.45. It was partly cloudy. About two hours of driving. There was nothing really special about it. We left the city, some rolling hills and than the towns again. We crossed the bay, paid the toll and were heading on I-80. It was flat and very boring. We were both kind of tired of driving. At least nice Sunday traffic. We got lost turning to Old Sacramento, but the downtown was relatively small so we turned around and parked in Old historic Sacramento. There was visitor's center (very unhelpful), we walked around those few blocks of old town, saw a river with a couple of boats. Some shops and restaurants. Pretty nicely restored old town. We got sun on the sky, it was really nice. There was old historic school house that was open as a museum, we walked in (one bigger room) and there were two people (probably volunteer). We answered the question where we were from (… it depends, we live in Sunnyvale, but are from Michigan and I am originally from Czech). He asked me in czech how am I (only sentence he knew). Apparently his grandparents were from Czech. The other person, older lady as well had some czech ancestors. It is strange how many people connected to Czech we met in California.

We crossed the freeway and drove to the downtown area. J. was not super excited but I figured out we would see a capitol building. First we drove around a bit. It was relatively nice town. We found a governor's mansion (now a historic park). Across the street, there was an economy lodge motel. There was some rally against brain injury. We parked and went to see California capitol. Obviously, we had to go through a metal detector (that entry way was pretty trashy). There was an historic original capitol building with several additions. We walked through, some rooms were furnished and showed as a museum. It was some what dark there. The railings, doors and walls were really decorative and well done. Actually, the difference between new and old buildings were huge. You walked from something nice and great looking to new maybe 70's building (kind of ugly). We saw assembly rooms (nice). The former governors paintings. Pretty much the same (including Reagan), there was one standing out, it was current governor from the time he was governor in 70's. They are still waiting for Arnold's painting, they are apparently unable to schedule it. Arnold as well apparently bought big statue of bear. That statue is now in front of the governor's office (we saw it). Interesting visit.

Nice park was surrounding the capitol building. We went to see a bit of Sacramento's downtown, if nothing else, it was fine and safe (nothing special though). It was relatively small and “cozy” for a state capitol. There was not much more we wanted to do and we did not want to be too early coming to visit a family. We drove to see a city's historic cemetery. We passed Odd Fellows and Masonic parts. We were than able to drive into the cemetery and park. We walked around a bit, it was pretty, quiet and so peaceful. One part of the cemetery had a rose garden (roses were part of the plots). It was really nice place, it got pretty warm. It was as well getting close to three o'clock, so we were heading to see J.'s family. It was about half an hour drive. We got back on I-80 and drove north. We did hit some traffic congestion and were stuck there for about 8 minutes (did not see a reason). We found the place and had an early dinner. J.'s aunt and uncle are in their 80's and she did not see them for a longer while. It was a bit strange beginning, but it turned out to be really great visit. We spent a night there.

Pismo Beach

Wednesday, March 20^th 2013

Santa Maria – Sunnyvale

Relatively early morning in Santa Maria. It was our last day on the road and there was still stuff to do and to get home. We were still unlucky (sort of) with the weather. It was cloudy and grey. Oh well, it could be worse (snowing, tornado or something else). Apparently after leaving the motel, I took the wrong turn (instead of right I went left) and we made a small detour to the farm country. Already many people working the fields. We got back to town and started to drive the right way. It was a country, no big cities anymore. On our left, there were Pismo Dunes, unfortunately they were either too far and mainly for four wheelers. On the beginning of the town, we turned into it and quickly got on the beach. This one was open to cars. We parked in the parking lot and just joked about our Utah incident (when we got into the sand and made it hardly out). The beach was huge, there were some dunes near by and as well some cars on the beach. It was pretty. J. found many “monkey business” on the beach and started to collect it. So, for her it was happy and good start of the day.

On this beach, there was a huge vehicle driving on it to clean it or compact it. It was funny. We drove couple minutes and entered the town and drove to the beach again. We parked, walked on the pier and J. got all giddy and walked on the beach collecting more shells and sand dollars. I was back in the car having my breakfast. There were already people on the beach (about 9.22 am). The sky cleared some. We continued along the shore. On the map, there was a lighthouse near Avila Beach. Even it was a detour, we drove there. It was nice drive, we passed the spa. We got the small harbor and found out, that the road ends there. The other option, another road was blocked by the entrance to the power company. Weird. We tried to find something on the phone, but it looked like you could access it on Saturdays via the guided tour. We drove back to the main road.

San Luis Obispo, that was our next destination. We drove on highway 101 / 1, nice road with the speed limit of 65 mph. The surroundings were very similar, it was inland, a lot of farming and rolling hills. Very pretty and enjoyable. We did not stop in the downtown area (kind of small and not super interesting), it was again in that spanish mission style. We found and stopped by the San Luis Obispo Mission. We passed several times another missions (without visiting), so we figured out we would visit now. There was small store, about 8 different rooms were now a museum. We walked through, there were many artifacts, indian history etc. We saw black wedding dress (she was a widow). We saw a great silver saddle. We were told (there was a staff in the room) that it was used in Rose Parade. We were looking at her silently and were asked about Rose Parade. She was startled that we never heard about it. (((Looking on the web, it is a new years celebration parade held in Pasadena since 1890.))) She even asked us if we were from this country. That was funny. We toured the rest of the museum. We saw washing machine (old one). At the end, we went into the church – pretty. It was really nice building. The park next to it, small but pretty. So peaceful. It warmed up and there was sunshine. So nice. We walked down to the creek and stayed for a minute.

This time, the road split into 101 (freeway heading to San Francisco) and road 1 (surprisingly heading to SF as well, but along the coast). We took a detour and followed number 1 for a while. The town of Morro Bay (apparently famous with a Morro Rock). We drove via the harbor main street (it is some what sad how all those place are becoming the same, store and restaurants, same trinkets sold everywhere). We continued driving along the harbor, enjoyed three chimneys standing there (power plant) on the way to the Rock. It was a small half island that we could drive on. And we did. Big parking area on the beginning, but we continued along the side of the rock and parked there. Short walk to the area marked “do not enter” and bunch of big boulders and a border or a wave breaker. We stood at the end and discovered that by the ocean (not safely accessible) there were tide pools. We could see bunch of star fish hanging on the rocks and looking more we could see bunch of midsize crabs crawling around there. That was cool. We walked back on the inner beach and found hundreds of sand dollars and probably five tiny crabs (or something like that) crawling on the beach leaving a trail behind them. Again, really cool. I forgot to mention, there was a big rock standing, and it was really big.

A bit more driving along the coast. We were some what pushing the time, as we wanted to arrive before the rush hour (J. have to work next day). The town was fine (that close to ocean, trinket stores and some restaurants). We just drive through to get to Moon Beach. It got nice and sunny (at the end of our trip, really). We parked, looked around and I lost J. to the beach, where she was looking for her monkey business. As usual. It was pretty there, again and surprisingly. She brought some shells and was super excited as she found an arrow head (or something like that). Life is good.

It was about 1.26 pm when we left Cambria. We crossed the mountains, the views were incredible. J. was trying to talk with some recruiters but it did not work super well with disappearing signal. Some big houses lost within the vineyards. The life has to be hard here. In no time we were about to get on 101 and head north. We got gas and coffee (J. finished her phone call). And about two and half hours on the road. It was not too bad. We already drove on the part of this road, so it was not really new. And going, going, going and going. It was boring. Finally, we made it. We had to stop by Costco and Safeway, to get some food and shortly before six, we were at home. It looked like rain, but nothing happened. It was interesting and good trip, but it was good to be at (temporary) home.

Santa Barbara

Tuesday, March 19^th 2013

Los Angeles – Santa Maria

We left the motel relatively early. Even the motel looked like the prison, the room was fine and the night there was good. And we enjoyed the same weather again, foggy, cloudy and gray, so gray. We had to drive through the airport (traffic, but livable). Nothing special. We drove for a moment and turned on the side streets to see canals in Venice Beach town. We found it, parked and looked around a bit. Interesting place (next to the crazy beach), quiet and peaceful. We booked the motel (after some what unpleasant experience around the airport) in Santa Maria, so we had longer drive this day. In no time, we were in Santa Monica. It did not looked too glamorous or extra pretty. There was a pier with an amusement part on it. It was quite early, but people were already there (I guess thanks god for tourists and image of LA). We walked on the pier, read some facts about it (it was almost gone, they collected money and restored it – how familiar story). The town (with high end shopping) did not really appeal to us, so we left and were driving away from greater LA.

I guess we were done with “the big city”. We were more less following the shoreline heading to Malibu. Again, I think we were picturing something served by media image and we were not finding it. Main road and quite often the shore blocked by row of houses sitting next to each other just on the beach. Weird. Time to time there were some “castles” on the hills just right to the road. There was very limited space to live on. We discovered that Malibu was long stretch of the road. We stopped several times, tried to enjoy the scenery and ocean, but were some what unhappy with the weather. As well obviously kind of underwhelmed by Malibu. We stopped by the municipal pier that had a building at the end. Closed restaurant and shop with trinkets. Apparently that restaurant appeared in movie Taken 2. Who knew? We drove and drove, found some nice houses and did not really understand the living on the top of the hill in the “castle”, but … Hard to say … it was pretty.

A bit more coastline driving and then we hit naval base that was covering big piece of land. It got really strange, a bit trashy maybe. We were closed to Oxnard and Ventura. We detoured and drove to see Port Huenene and the lighthouse. Pretty suddenly, between the road and naval base, we were in the middle of the farm fields. Lettuce and strawberries and probably bunch of other products. Many fields had a sign of Dole company. And there were some people working. We got some strawberries again. We got to the port area, where we found a park and beach. The lighthouse was far away enclosed by the port. It looked like there was a walk way along the shore to the lighthouse, but it was way too far. The weather was getting better. We drove on neighborhood streets to the town of Oxnard. Many empty store fronts, nothing special, looked pretty poor. I think we did not even stop there. We continued to Ventura (more less connected with Oxnard). It looked like Ventura was richer neighbor. We parked, walked to the visitor's center, got some maps and talked for a moment with the lady. She apparently spent a year at Lake Tahoe but could not stay there because of the cold of winters. We walked a sliver around and got lost trying to get to the beach. We thought about that and figured out that our timing and already 9 seen piers is good enough and got back on main road and left.

We got back on our road number 1 and continued driving. The landscape did not change much, we saw some sun and it was really nice. J. was getting less cranky as she did not like and enjoy LA or its greater area. She preferred the more quiet shoreline. We stopped along the way (not many times, as we were on highway). We drove towards the downtown, the town was nice and green. We got lost a bit, turned around and got to the downtown. There was a street closed for a farmer's market. We parked near by and walked through it. Shortly before and during our walk we enjoy sun and nice spanish style architecture, well preserved too. What was sad and less enjoyable was the commercial aspect of the town. One the nice old buildings was hosting Macy's. The heart of the town was one big shopping mall, anything you can think of was there. Very mixed feelings about that. We left that behind and drove to the shoreline. Another pier, beaches and parks and boats boats boats. We stopped on the top of the Shoreline park and looked down on the area of the pier. It was actually sunny and warm, really pleasant and we enjoyed our time just looking down and listening to the ocean. Within probably less than five miles, we stopped at another beach (on the hill we saw people with gliders). Much smaller parking, small restaurant and nice beach, actually much nicer, less crowded and surrounded by some hills and cliffs and rocks (not just huge flat sandy beach).

When you think you are not in Kansas anymore … We left Santa Barbara and left as well our route number 1 to cross the hills on different way. We climbed up the hills (views of the bay and the city). All the human creations were pretty much gone. We were in the nature. The rolling hills, green and lush, some farm land, some burgers (I called cows that way) and a vista point. It was (still) incredible. Almost no human activity, just hills, lake and so much green. J. was pretty happy by now. There was a lake, but we did not stop. It was pretty drive in the nature, I guess more to our taste. J. was looking through some of the brochures and there was something about Solvang, the danish town in Central California. It was not on our way, but it was not too far, so we figured out why not. More farming on those pretty rolling hills. A lot of wines. We were not expecting much. Entering the town, there was a traffic jam (after we saw almost no cars for a long while). The town looked normal. After one of the turns, we “found it”. It was actually pretty big “shopping mall” in “danish style”. It was the beginning of the evening, the shops were closed or closing. We parked and walked around a bit. It was much bigger than we thought. It somewhat looked “danish” but you would never found anything like this in Denmark. But … There was a mission next to the downtown (closed), several wind mills and all the buildings in the same style. Now apparently only about 10 percent of people of Solvang claims danish ancestry. Funny. Really nice stop

We drove through and gave Solvang last look. The landscape did not change. We got on the freeway and were heading to Santa Maria for a night. We found a motel (just off the freeway and main street) and checked in. We had to go to grocery store to get some food. After that, we just looked over the maps and talked a bit about next day and finished our day. Lazy.

Long Beach

Monday, March 18^th 2013

Huntington Beach – Los Angeles

More less the same morning, again unfortunately gray and cloudy. We had some breakfast and left the motel around 8.40. For a few miles we drove south to Huntington Beach (town). By the way, we had to use most of our coin collection for the parking (most of the places had parking meters). Early morning, cloudy, and Monday. Still, there were some people (surfing, playing volleyball, laying on the beach). We walked on the pier, unfortunately the views were not too pretty (gray, so gray). It was huge beach with the city behind it, so it was not that “wow” picture, more like the place to lie down and enjoy the ocean (when there is sunny day). Still, compare to Michigan (and winter), this was such a nice place. We saw couple of city's blocks (shops and restaurants) and left. We drove more less along the shore. There was a huge naval base (taking a lot of land). The towns along our drive were kind of boring. We stopped few times, walked along the shore or looked around. We were getting closer to Long Beach / Los Angeles port and with that we were getting closer to its industrial look. The traffic (so far) was fine, we did not really get lost either. We were not impressed, so far.

More of the same. We got more traffic (getting closer to the port). We somehow took a bit different turn and ended up in some amusement park or aquarium area. It was strange to drive through, seating benches, many fences, race tracks and so on. Really strange. We got to the port entrance (I wanted to see Queen Mary boat). It just continued to be strange, huge parking lots, not so many cars. There was Princess Diana exhibition on the boat. We did not have so much time, desire or will to spend 30 dollars to tour the boat. It looked really big. Oh well, it was interesting industrial site. And … we left. Some what confusing roadways, but we made it out and were crossing the port area. Traffic congestion just ahead of the bridge (the chance to overlook the port a bit). It was huge, probably ten of thousand of containers and other stuff. It was pretty incredible, in a way ugly of course and in a way fascinating to see all that. LA port is apparently 5^th largest in the world. Well, it took a while to cross the bridge (on both sides was the port's property. Definitely something.

We were in San Pedro area. There were places with houses along the shoreline. The beaches were still large and sandy, to enjoy sun (which we were still missing). Again, another port, some ships to visit (which we did not do). A lot of empty space, surprising for LA area. On our right side, there were hills raising and standing. Time to time, there were some houses, but mostly it was empty. We stopped at Point Fermin (I think), it was nice park with the light house. Really nice one, well kept house, beautiful garde and white fence. Unfortunately, it was not open on Monday. It was still really nice place. We eat a sandwiches there. And we continued along the shore. It was different and strange landscape. Houses, a lot of empty fields, ocean … strange mix. We stopped at another light house, but it was fenced off and very likely used. Next to it was nice park with small museum. We walked around, many people watching for whales. There was a museum, we went in and got “caught” by some older lady that gave us a tour. It was about whales and the industry, Marine life park that used to be in San Pedro, they had some stuff from the park (apparently Disney bought it for animals). Nice stop.

We were planning to stay in the airport area for the night (LAX), but we as well wanted to see some life at Venice beach (crazy californian beach life). We stopped at Manhattan Beach. We parked in the town and walked down to the beach. There was some article describing the most beautiful beaches (or interesting) in the area. Manhattan beach was on the list. When we were down, I did not know why it was really listed, it was very similar to other beaches in LA area, big sandy area with many volleyballs courts. For most people probably great place to relax and just enjoy the sun, but not really our cup of coffee. Still, interesting. We drove along the airport (on the shoreline side), enjoyed some heavier traffic and parked in Venice beach. We found a pier, but there was not “movies” quirky beach. We tried to figure that out and ended up driving couple more miles, parking almost next to the promenade (otherwise “public parking” was eight dollars) and walking along for a moment. There was a dog in cheerleader dress, many homeless people, small park and beach. And promenade with many “weird” shops. On the corner, there was a guy who was doing a “show” and at the end jumping over five people. It was something, it is just hard to describe what. It was getting late and we did not have a motel reserved (we were not quite sure where we will end up). It was some what difficult to find a cheap motel in the area. On our way was Santa Monica (too pricey). We had to get motel next to the airport (drive back). The motel looked from the outside like a prison. The room was fine.