Great Geezer Getaway #3
CA 'King's Highway', Missions & More!
TEXT AND PHOTOS OF OUR MAJOR STOPS AND SIDE TRIPS ARE BEING
SHOWN ON THIS GETAWAY ADVENTURE IN SEQUENCE AS THEY OCCURRED.
This multi-pronged,10-day, 1,600-mile motor adventure was launched Friday, Oct.11, 2014 to visit the scenic California Coastal Route #1...and more! But getting there involved some "side trips!"
The first 'detour' was Saturday's participation in a barbershop chorus competition in Fresno. We improved our score over last year's competition with 20 choruses from that many district chapters competing as part of the international Barbershop Harmony Society. Please visit the video of our performance on our BARBERSHOP dropdown tab.
From there we headed to the San Francisco Bay area to spend two nights with Larry's daughter, Valerie,and her husband, David, in the East Bay coastal community of El Cerrito (not far from Berkeley). A highlight of the first day's visit was a grand photo tour of our first mission
-- San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores). This was followed by a visit to the fascinating WWII Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and a photographic tour of other landmarks in the heart of San Francisco. We also ventured into Sonoma County's wine country and explored a winery.
Sadly, this Getaway failed to offer up any campgrounds, so we had no opportunities to use our tent and other camping gear. We researched the journey in advance, but routing (and darkness) blocked our finding campsites of any type. The alternative proved to be motels and roadside restaurants. Site visitors are encouraged to read the accompanying text in which we've attempted to explain many diverse views depicted in our photos.
We ended up traveling as far south as Santa Barbara, where we turned northeastward and headed home. Please enjoy viewing our photos and reading our commentary.
We're going to take you on a southerly route beginning in the Greater Bay Area with our first visit to the mission in San Francisco, followed by a photo tour of several other notable San Francisco landmarks, the Rosie the Riveter museum,and the family-owned Cline Cellars Winery in Sonoma County. From there we headed south exploring the rugged California Coast on either end of the beautiful Big Sur region. Lastly, we were treated to a golf cart tour of Larry's college alma mater, Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo. We turned northeast and headed home after visiting our last mission in Santa Barbara. (P.S. The beautiful flower photos were taken mostly by Dave.)
SHOWN ON THIS GETAWAY ADVENTURE IN SEQUENCE AS THEY OCCURRED.
This multi-pronged,10-day, 1,600-mile motor adventure was launched Friday, Oct.11, 2014 to visit the scenic California Coastal Route #1...and more! But getting there involved some "side trips!"
The first 'detour' was Saturday's participation in a barbershop chorus competition in Fresno. We improved our score over last year's competition with 20 choruses from that many district chapters competing as part of the international Barbershop Harmony Society. Please visit the video of our performance on our BARBERSHOP dropdown tab.
From there we headed to the San Francisco Bay area to spend two nights with Larry's daughter, Valerie,and her husband, David, in the East Bay coastal community of El Cerrito (not far from Berkeley). A highlight of the first day's visit was a grand photo tour of our first mission
-- San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores). This was followed by a visit to the fascinating WWII Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and a photographic tour of other landmarks in the heart of San Francisco. We also ventured into Sonoma County's wine country and explored a winery.
Sadly, this Getaway failed to offer up any campgrounds, so we had no opportunities to use our tent and other camping gear. We researched the journey in advance, but routing (and darkness) blocked our finding campsites of any type. The alternative proved to be motels and roadside restaurants. Site visitors are encouraged to read the accompanying text in which we've attempted to explain many diverse views depicted in our photos.
We ended up traveling as far south as Santa Barbara, where we turned northeastward and headed home. Please enjoy viewing our photos and reading our commentary.
We're going to take you on a southerly route beginning in the Greater Bay Area with our first visit to the mission in San Francisco, followed by a photo tour of several other notable San Francisco landmarks, the Rosie the Riveter museum,and the family-owned Cline Cellars Winery in Sonoma County. From there we headed south exploring the rugged California Coast on either end of the beautiful Big Sur region. Lastly, we were treated to a golf cart tour of Larry's college alma mater, Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo. We turned northeast and headed home after visiting our last mission in Santa Barbara. (P.S. The beautiful flower photos were taken mostly by Dave.)
San Francisco 'Landmarks'
On our first full day (a Monday) in the Bay Area we wandered the streets of "downtown" San Francisco visiting many landmarks and popular tourist destinations. These visited sites included the towering 553-foot Transamerica Pyramid; Jackson Square Historic District; Fisherman's Wharf; a quick, evening peek at Chinatown; narrow, curvy, very steep Lombard Street (which Dave maneuvered very carefully and we were unable to personally photograph); and the new SF Bay Bridge illuminated at night. We also sighted flocks of wild and colorful feral green and red parrots swarming in a large city park at sundown. A delightful Monday overnight visit was spent at the Novato (Marin County) home of Larry's college roommate, Ed Slevin. Tuesday morning we crossed the majestic Golden Gate Bridge southbound "on our way outta Dodge". Special thanks to daughter Valerie for her yeoman service as our tour guide (and a third photographer)!
CLICK SMALL PHOTOS TO ENLARGE...and see captions )
THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO'S ONLY REDWOOD 'FOREST' HIDES BEHIND THE TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID (RIGHT). (Photo by Valerie Kippen)
THESE COLORFUL FERAL BIRDS (above) ARE 'RED-MASKED PARAKEETS', NATIVE TO ECUADOR & PARAGUAY.
THEY RANGE THROUGHOUT SAN FRANCISCO FROM WALTON SQUARE TO THE PRESIDIO'S EAST END
TTAND AROUND TELEGRAPH HILL TOO. WE TOOK THESE PHOTOS IN THE EARLY EVENING AT FERRY PARK (PICTURED ABOVE). THE BERRIES THE BIRDS ARE RAVENOUSLY DEVOURING ARE ON PYRACANTHA (or Firethorn) BUSHES, GROWN IN MANY HOME GARDENS FOR THEIR COLORFUL FOLIAGE AND SHINY RED BERRIES.
(WE VISITED IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, REPORTEDLY THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE BIRDS.)
THEY RANGE THROUGHOUT SAN FRANCISCO FROM WALTON SQUARE TO THE PRESIDIO'S EAST END
TTAND AROUND TELEGRAPH HILL TOO. WE TOOK THESE PHOTOS IN THE EARLY EVENING AT FERRY PARK (PICTURED ABOVE). THE BERRIES THE BIRDS ARE RAVENOUSLY DEVOURING ARE ON PYRACANTHA (or Firethorn) BUSHES, GROWN IN MANY HOME GARDENS FOR THEIR COLORFUL FOLIAGE AND SHINY RED BERRIES.
(WE VISITED IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, REPORTEDLY THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE BIRDS.)
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Pacifica State Park
A few miles south of San Francisco on State Route 1 we entered San Mateo County and came across this fabulous beach stretching for many miles. Larry was so excited he grabbed his camera and ran out on the sand amidst sand pipers and sea gulls pecking for food. He later said it reminded him of his early childhood playing on beaches on Massachusetts' Cape Cod. Dave stayed off the beach, but between the two of us we decided to share photos of this remarkable scenery at the northern 'demarcation' into the scenic, rugged coastline stretching southward.
This landscape of frothing, explosive ocean surf crashing on towering bluffs and boulder-strewn beaches is depicted in our many photos as we stopped to photograph the dramatic scenery!
Some details: it's the largest beach in the region and a popular beginners' surfing spot. It's said the park possesses the world's 'most scenic' Taco Bell restaurant, located on the beach side of the highway with a large public parking lot (we grabbed some drinks there). The beach is a habitat for the western snowy plover, a "threatened" shorebird under the Endangered Species Act.
A few miles south of Pacifica there are three sights worth exploring. They are (1) the breathtaking Devil's Slide coastal landscape, (2) the Tom Lantos twin tunnels (which you pass through on your journey), and (3) a lone remaining remnant WWII bunker (which can be difficult to find).
The decaying remaining bunker had six-inch guns, was one of several along that broad coastal region with the mission of using "triangulation" with other bunkers, pill-boxes and observation towers to protect San Francisco harbor from enemy attack. These and the region's other coastal landmarks are difficult to photograph due to the rugged environment. We hope you enjoy the sights on this website and in person along beautiful Route 1.
This landscape of frothing, explosive ocean surf crashing on towering bluffs and boulder-strewn beaches is depicted in our many photos as we stopped to photograph the dramatic scenery!
Some details: it's the largest beach in the region and a popular beginners' surfing spot. It's said the park possesses the world's 'most scenic' Taco Bell restaurant, located on the beach side of the highway with a large public parking lot (we grabbed some drinks there). The beach is a habitat for the western snowy plover, a "threatened" shorebird under the Endangered Species Act.
A few miles south of Pacifica there are three sights worth exploring. They are (1) the breathtaking Devil's Slide coastal landscape, (2) the Tom Lantos twin tunnels (which you pass through on your journey), and (3) a lone remaining remnant WWII bunker (which can be difficult to find).
The decaying remaining bunker had six-inch guns, was one of several along that broad coastal region with the mission of using "triangulation" with other bunkers, pill-boxes and observation towers to protect San Francisco harbor from enemy attack. These and the region's other coastal landmarks are difficult to photograph due to the rugged environment. We hope you enjoy the sights on this website and in person along beautiful Route 1.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
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Our Coastal Mission Adventure
The primary objective was achieved!
It was to visit as many missions as possible along scenic California Route 1, also dubbed "The King's Highway" or "El Camino Real". These monikers may refer to portions of U.S. Route 101, California State Route 82 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego County Route S11.
We managed to explore five missions and their expansive surrounding regions. From north to south, they were Mission Delores (San Francisco de Asis), the sixth of 21 total missions to be established. The others we visited were Santa Cruz (#12), Carmel (#2), San Luis Obispo (#5) and Santa Barbara (#10). In all, 21 missions (along both Hwy.1 and US 101) were built between 1769 and 823 under the supervision of Franciscan Monk Fr. Junipero Serra. They were not settled in any sequence. Fr. Serra died on Aug. 28, 1784; he's buried at Mission Carmel beneath the sanctuary floor.
The missions are arranged in one grouping, numerically in the order we visited them: 1. SAN FRANCISCO; 2. SANTA CRUZ; 3. CARMEL;
4. SAN LUIS OBISPO; and 5. SANTA BARBARA.
By the way, Dave was quite interested in the roadside "mission bells" that appeared randomly, mostly along both major California highways (state route 1 and US 101). The bells -- in place since the early 1900s -- mark the original 700-mile route of El Camino Real from San Diego northward to Sonoma. Originally some 450 bells were placed at roadside one day's journey apart by horse! Due to theft, only about 75 remain today. In 1974, the state legislature appointed Caltrans as guardian of the bells with the responsibility of repairing them...or replacing them with concrete duplicates. Larry plans to take a picture of a roadside bell on his next visit to the Bay Area and post it on the website.
By the way, the top row's, leftmost illustrations in each mission's "section" were taken by Dave of the "model missions" on display at the California Missions Museum, located at the Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma, which we visited he next day and are pleased to include below. We are including all five visited missions in one block on this site for continuity.
NOTE: Several ocean panoramas and other scenes viewed below are prominently posted within our five mission destinations as these beautiful coastal panoramas are in close proximity to the missions we visited. Dave's colorful floral images, snapped throughout our trip, are posted at random as space permits.
All 21 missions are California Historical Landmarks; many have been designated National Historic Landmarks. The California Missions Foundation was founded in 1998 to preserve and protect the missions. It is the only organization dedicated to the long-term preservation and restoration needs of all California missions and their associated historic and cultural resources for public benefit. Its website is www.californiamissionsfoundation.org.
It was to visit as many missions as possible along scenic California Route 1, also dubbed "The King's Highway" or "El Camino Real". These monikers may refer to portions of U.S. Route 101, California State Route 82 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego County Route S11.
We managed to explore five missions and their expansive surrounding regions. From north to south, they were Mission Delores (San Francisco de Asis), the sixth of 21 total missions to be established. The others we visited were Santa Cruz (#12), Carmel (#2), San Luis Obispo (#5) and Santa Barbara (#10). In all, 21 missions (along both Hwy.1 and US 101) were built between 1769 and 823 under the supervision of Franciscan Monk Fr. Junipero Serra. They were not settled in any sequence. Fr. Serra died on Aug. 28, 1784; he's buried at Mission Carmel beneath the sanctuary floor.
The missions are arranged in one grouping, numerically in the order we visited them: 1. SAN FRANCISCO; 2. SANTA CRUZ; 3. CARMEL;
4. SAN LUIS OBISPO; and 5. SANTA BARBARA.
By the way, Dave was quite interested in the roadside "mission bells" that appeared randomly, mostly along both major California highways (state route 1 and US 101). The bells -- in place since the early 1900s -- mark the original 700-mile route of El Camino Real from San Diego northward to Sonoma. Originally some 450 bells were placed at roadside one day's journey apart by horse! Due to theft, only about 75 remain today. In 1974, the state legislature appointed Caltrans as guardian of the bells with the responsibility of repairing them...or replacing them with concrete duplicates. Larry plans to take a picture of a roadside bell on his next visit to the Bay Area and post it on the website.
By the way, the top row's, leftmost illustrations in each mission's "section" were taken by Dave of the "model missions" on display at the California Missions Museum, located at the Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma, which we visited he next day and are pleased to include below. We are including all five visited missions in one block on this site for continuity.
NOTE: Several ocean panoramas and other scenes viewed below are prominently posted within our five mission destinations as these beautiful coastal panoramas are in close proximity to the missions we visited. Dave's colorful floral images, snapped throughout our trip, are posted at random as space permits.
All 21 missions are California Historical Landmarks; many have been designated National Historic Landmarks. The California Missions Foundation was founded in 1998 to preserve and protect the missions. It is the only organization dedicated to the long-term preservation and restoration needs of all California missions and their associated historic and cultural resources for public benefit. Its website is www.californiamissionsfoundation.org.
1. Mission San Francisco de Asis
"Mission Dolores", as it's locally called, is nestled In the heart of the City of San Francisco. It was built in 1776 and today stands as the oldest intact structure in the city. The city's namesake is St, Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order. The mission, still an active Catholic church, is located on Dolores Street near its intersection with 16th Street. Fortunately we were driven by Larry's daughter, Valerie, who knows the City much better than we do. San Francisco's large "neighborhood" surrounding the mission is known as the Mission District. Some It's located at 3321 16th St.; (94114); phone is (415) 621-8203.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
2. Mission Santa Cruz
This is one of the smaller missions in the California chain. It was first consecrated in 1791 on the San Lorenzo River's flood plain. That winter, it was flooded as the river swelled with heavy rains. Over the next two years it was rebuilt on a hill overlooking the river only to have it burned by native Indians. The original building still stands at 144 School Street. The road now leading to the mission from the west is called Mission Street, part of CA State Route 1. It's located at 126 High Road, 94845; phone is (831) 623-4528.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
3. Mission Carmel
This magnificent mission was established in 1770 by Father Serra. He considered this his favorite mission and, for that and other reasons it is where he's buried. It served as the ecclesiastical capital of California and also Fr. Serra's headquarters for administrative duties as president of the missions. Set between the sea and mountains 115 miles south of San Francisco, it offers the complete quadrangle courtyard typical of mission architecture. The beautiful gardens include culinary and medicinal herbs, citrus and olive trees, roses, Mexican sage and bougainvillea.
In 1834 the Mission is closed by the Mexican government and the property falls under Mexican control. The mission sadly decays over the next 50 years. In 1859, the mission is given back to the Catholic Church by the United States and restoration begins.
The mission was in ruins when the Roman Catholic Church regained control of it in 1863 . In 1884 Father Angel Casanova began some restoration. In 1931 Monsignor Philip Scher appointed Harry Downie to be curator in charge of mission restoration. Two years later, the church transferred from the Franciscans to the local diocese and became a regular parish church. In 1960, the mission was designated as a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII. In 1987, Pope John Paul II visited the mission as part of his U.S. tour.
The black and white photos depict stages of the major restoration, the first image explains the view of the other five illustrations..
The mission, designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, possesses a magnificent Casavant Freres pipe organ, a museum with four separate galleries, and a private Catholic School.
As part of his 80th birthday observance in August, Larry's family took him to the 11 a,m. mass, which gave him an opportunity to further explore the mission and hear the organ.
The mission is located at 3080 Rio Road; 93923; phone is (831) 624-3600.
The two warning signs flanking that sandy vista in the bottom row of images below are flanking beautiful turquoise-tinted "Monastery Beach" as part of the spectacular Carmel River State Beach, alias'Mortuary Beach'. It's a famous deep diving site that sprawls innocently for a half mile or so along beautiful Carmel Bay Beach.
The lurking 'villains' are extra-strong currents, a dense offshore kelp bed and a 100-yard-long deep submarine canyon!
Several divers have perished from scuba-diving drownings or heart attacks. Local advice: never swim here alone -- particularly novices.
In 1834 the Mission is closed by the Mexican government and the property falls under Mexican control. The mission sadly decays over the next 50 years. In 1859, the mission is given back to the Catholic Church by the United States and restoration begins.
The mission was in ruins when the Roman Catholic Church regained control of it in 1863 . In 1884 Father Angel Casanova began some restoration. In 1931 Monsignor Philip Scher appointed Harry Downie to be curator in charge of mission restoration. Two years later, the church transferred from the Franciscans to the local diocese and became a regular parish church. In 1960, the mission was designated as a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII. In 1987, Pope John Paul II visited the mission as part of his U.S. tour.
The black and white photos depict stages of the major restoration, the first image explains the view of the other five illustrations..
The mission, designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, possesses a magnificent Casavant Freres pipe organ, a museum with four separate galleries, and a private Catholic School.
As part of his 80th birthday observance in August, Larry's family took him to the 11 a,m. mass, which gave him an opportunity to further explore the mission and hear the organ.
The mission is located at 3080 Rio Road; 93923; phone is (831) 624-3600.
The two warning signs flanking that sandy vista in the bottom row of images below are flanking beautiful turquoise-tinted "Monastery Beach" as part of the spectacular Carmel River State Beach, alias'Mortuary Beach'. It's a famous deep diving site that sprawls innocently for a half mile or so along beautiful Carmel Bay Beach.
The lurking 'villains' are extra-strong currents, a dense offshore kelp bed and a 100-yard-long deep submarine canyon!
Several divers have perished from scuba-diving drownings or heart attacks. Local advice: never swim here alone -- particularly novices.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
4. Mission San Luis Obispo
This mission's humble chapel, built of logs, was dedicated in 1772. It was the first mission to use tiles extensively on the roof due to repeated attacks by Indians who used flaming arrows to ignite the original thatched roof. The mission, the 10th to be built, produced an abundance of crops. It underwent an extensive restoration in the 1930s and today and today welcomes to its nearly original condition. The extensive museum features rare collections of early California photograhs, authentic Fr. Serra relics and specimens of Chumash Indian craftsmanship. It's located at 782 Monterey St. 93401; phone is (805) 543-6850.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
5. Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara's name comes from a legend -- a girl named Saint Barbara who was supposedly beheaded by her father for following the Christian Faith. The early missionaries built three different chapels here during the first three years -- each larger than the previous one. It was only after the great Santa Barbara earthquake on Dec. 21, 1812, which destroyed the existing buildings, that construction of the current Mission was begun...and was completed and dedicated in 1820. The towers were badly damaged in another earthquake five years later, but rebuilt in 1927. The church's inside appearance has not significantly changed since 1820. A couple of these images reflect a sense of humor among the current resident priests! The mission's located at 2201 Laguna Street, 93105; phone is (805) 682-4713.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
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Rosie the Riveter &
WWII Home Front National Historical Park
If you were around during WW II or want to "educate" your kids or grandchildren about it, then this hidden jewel is worth visiting!
Dave was keen on visiting this unique destination and we were not disappointed. It's located in Richmond, CA (on the northeastern shore of San Francisco Bay). Neither of us had heard of this emotional tribute to WW II until Larry's daughter and her husband suggested it as a Getaway target. We were not disappointed! Its website is http://www.nps.gov/rori
We spent several hours exploring the many nooks and crannies...and saw a film!
VISITOR CENTER: 1414 Harbour Way S - Suite #3000/Oil House - Phone: 510-232-5050, Ext. 0'; open from 10 am to 5 pm year-round except on Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park is open year-round, dawn to dusk. Visitor tours are available. There is no admission fee, although donations are welcome.
The park preserves and interprets the legacy of the United States' home front during that war including the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards, the victory ship Red Oak Victory, a tank factory, housing developments and other facilities built to support America's entry into WW II. In particular, the role of women and African-Americans in war industries is explored and honored.
The site is a "partnership park", meaning that no land or buildings are actually owned by the National Park Service, which only administers the facility. This relatively new attraction was established in 2000 and is still under development. Bus tours of the park began in 2007. We're pleased to share this Getaway with you and hope you like our photos.
Richmond played a significant and nationally recognized part in the World War II home front. The city's four shipyards produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country.
The city also was home to over 56 different war industries, more than any other U.S. city of its size. Richmond grew from less than 24,000 people in 1940 to nearly 100,000 by 1943, overwhelming the available housing, roads, schools, businesses and community services. Through historic structures, museum collections, interpretive exhibits, and programs, the park tells the diverse and fascinating story of the WWII home front. Many colorful patriotic, morale boostiing war posters from the early '40s abound.
The fantastic visitor center is in the restored Ford Building, with a number of permanent and temporary exhibits about the history of Richmond's wartime industries and workers. A film also illustrates the home-front battle. Rangers are available to answer questions, and also lead guided tours and conduct other programs.
The Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park is open year round, dawn to dusk, as are the other Richmond city parks within the National Park Service's boundaries.
The four Richmond shipyards with their combined 27 shipways, produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Richmond was home to 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the U.S. The city grew nearly overnight from 24,000 residents to 100,000, overwhelming the available housing stock, roads, schools, businesses and community services.
Dave was keen on visiting this unique destination and we were not disappointed. It's located in Richmond, CA (on the northeastern shore of San Francisco Bay). Neither of us had heard of this emotional tribute to WW II until Larry's daughter and her husband suggested it as a Getaway target. We were not disappointed! Its website is http://www.nps.gov/rori
We spent several hours exploring the many nooks and crannies...and saw a film!
VISITOR CENTER: 1414 Harbour Way S - Suite #3000/Oil House - Phone: 510-232-5050, Ext. 0'; open from 10 am to 5 pm year-round except on Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park is open year-round, dawn to dusk. Visitor tours are available. There is no admission fee, although donations are welcome.
The park preserves and interprets the legacy of the United States' home front during that war including the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards, the victory ship Red Oak Victory, a tank factory, housing developments and other facilities built to support America's entry into WW II. In particular, the role of women and African-Americans in war industries is explored and honored.
The site is a "partnership park", meaning that no land or buildings are actually owned by the National Park Service, which only administers the facility. This relatively new attraction was established in 2000 and is still under development. Bus tours of the park began in 2007. We're pleased to share this Getaway with you and hope you like our photos.
Richmond played a significant and nationally recognized part in the World War II home front. The city's four shipyards produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country.
The city also was home to over 56 different war industries, more than any other U.S. city of its size. Richmond grew from less than 24,000 people in 1940 to nearly 100,000 by 1943, overwhelming the available housing, roads, schools, businesses and community services. Through historic structures, museum collections, interpretive exhibits, and programs, the park tells the diverse and fascinating story of the WWII home front. Many colorful patriotic, morale boostiing war posters from the early '40s abound.
The fantastic visitor center is in the restored Ford Building, with a number of permanent and temporary exhibits about the history of Richmond's wartime industries and workers. A film also illustrates the home-front battle. Rangers are available to answer questions, and also lead guided tours and conduct other programs.
The Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park is open year round, dawn to dusk, as are the other Richmond city parks within the National Park Service's boundaries.
The four Richmond shipyards with their combined 27 shipways, produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Richmond was home to 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the U.S. The city grew nearly overnight from 24,000 residents to 100,000, overwhelming the available housing stock, roads, schools, businesses and community services.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
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Cline Cellars Winery & Mission Museum,
We were driving northeast from 101 along rural route 37 in Sonoma County when we spotted a sign pointing north on 121 (Arnold Drive) heralding family-owned Cline Cellars. So we turned left into fields of verdant vineyards, a special world of nature, warm hospitality and a legacy dating back to the 1800s. Its history is detailed in a colorful brochure.
We wandered the grounds discovering many scenic photo ops, including a one-of-its kind California Missions Museum containing handcrafted wooden models of all 21 missions made for the 1939-40 Worlds Fair in New York City.
The winery also features a comfortable, well-staffed public tasting room beyond a shaded, sun porch with ample chairs. The property is home to many outdoor features, including serene pathways and a stone water fountain that splashes into a large pond. Palms and weeping trees shadow the landscape.
Visit Cline at www.clinecellars.com and at www.californiamissionsmuseum.com.
We wandered the grounds discovering many scenic photo ops, including a one-of-its kind California Missions Museum containing handcrafted wooden models of all 21 missions made for the 1939-40 Worlds Fair in New York City.
The winery also features a comfortable, well-staffed public tasting room beyond a shaded, sun porch with ample chairs. The property is home to many outdoor features, including serene pathways and a stone water fountain that splashes into a large pond. Palms and weeping trees shadow the landscape.
Visit Cline at www.clinecellars.com and at www.californiamissionsmuseum.com.
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
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The Big Sur Coastal Region
Poor timing found us arriving at this awesome destination in late afternoon, so our photo options were limited by fast-approaching darkness.
Nonetheless, we took a few striking photos as we approached the region, including a spectacular sunset. For sheer scenic ocean shoreline beauty, it's hard to beat Big Sur -- a sparsely populated region of Central California's coast where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.
The region extends about 90 miles from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Luis Obispo County; and about 20 miles inland to the eastern foothills of the Santa Lucias. The most dramatic segment is along Hwy. 1 from Carmel to San Simeon (It was dark when we reached the latter). The terrain offers stunning views as a popular tourist destination. Big Sur's Cone Peak is the highest coastal peak in the contiguous 48 states, ascending nearly a mile above sea level, only 3 miles from the ocean. The coastal panoramas are especially highlighted by dramatic sunsets and incredible cliffside views. We were unable to find campsites southward after our long late-afternoon visit at Big Sur.
Devil's Slide on the coast south of Pacifica is the location of this weathered military triangulation station and observation site used during WW II as part of the harbor defense of San Francisco. Before the advent of radar, military personnel would use binoculars and compasses to search for ships at sea and relay their coordinates to a central post. The pictured eroded bunker-like structure sits atop a tall eroded pillar of clifftop sandy earth. (source: Wikipedia)
The double tunnels also on the Devil's Slide promontory permits Route 1 to bypass the hazardous stretch. They are named after the late Congressman Tom Lantos, who was instrumental in securing project funding. The tunnels are the second and third longest road tunnels in the state (at 4,149 feet).
Nonetheless, we took a few striking photos as we approached the region, including a spectacular sunset. For sheer scenic ocean shoreline beauty, it's hard to beat Big Sur -- a sparsely populated region of Central California's coast where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.
The region extends about 90 miles from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Luis Obispo County; and about 20 miles inland to the eastern foothills of the Santa Lucias. The most dramatic segment is along Hwy. 1 from Carmel to San Simeon (It was dark when we reached the latter). The terrain offers stunning views as a popular tourist destination. Big Sur's Cone Peak is the highest coastal peak in the contiguous 48 states, ascending nearly a mile above sea level, only 3 miles from the ocean. The coastal panoramas are especially highlighted by dramatic sunsets and incredible cliffside views. We were unable to find campsites southward after our long late-afternoon visit at Big Sur.
Devil's Slide on the coast south of Pacifica is the location of this weathered military triangulation station and observation site used during WW II as part of the harbor defense of San Francisco. Before the advent of radar, military personnel would use binoculars and compasses to search for ships at sea and relay their coordinates to a central post. The pictured eroded bunker-like structure sits atop a tall eroded pillar of clifftop sandy earth. (source: Wikipedia)
The double tunnels also on the Devil's Slide promontory permits Route 1 to bypass the hazardous stretch. They are named after the late Congressman Tom Lantos, who was instrumental in securing project funding. The tunnels are the second and third longest road tunnels in the state (at 4,149 feet).
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
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THE CONCRETE BIXBY BRIDGE OPENED IN 1932
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YOUTHFUL BIKERS WERE ABUNDANT IN THE BIG SUR REGION.
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THIS ISN'T DAVE!!
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A GREAT SUNSET!
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... 15 MINUTES LATER!
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California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo Campus
CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
Our final Great Geezer Getaway 3 destination was a visit to San Luis Obispo -- home of Larry's college alma mater, affectionately known as Cal Poly. He graduated in 1958 with a BS degree in Agricultural Journalism and had not returned in the passing years (he had a bout with polio in 1957 and required an extra year to secure his degree). There were about 1,100 students in his day and now the college boasts a student enrollment of more than 20,000! We received a warm welcome and enjoyed a personal golf cart tour of the greatly enlarged campus. The vehicle was painted in the bold green and gold school colors and driven by a delightful young woman student, who worked in the Alumni Department..
We visited the on-campus memorial honoring the 22 passengers killed in 1960 on board a chartered flight home from a football game that crashed on takeoff from Toledo, OH. The deceased included 16 Cal Poly Mustang players, a student manager and a Cal Poly team booster. Details of the tragedy are available on Wikipedia.
Dave attended the University of Nevada at Reno and earned a degree in Secondary Education, with emphasis on Mathematics and Physics.
The top row of images, below, welcomed us into San Luis Obispo County early in the morning.
We were unable to find a campground or motel enroute south from Big Sur as darkness was upon us...so we decided to bite-the-bullet and drive thru to SLO. Larry was amazed at Dave's driving skills traversing the winding two-lane road facing approaching headlights with not a smidgen of worry. We finally found a lone motel, bedded down for the night and continued on the following dawn.
We passed towering landmark Morro Rock, a 581-foot-high 'volcanic plug' some 23 million years old and easily visible from Route 1. We next passed Pismo Beach -- a long time favorite of Cal Poly students during spring and summer months. We quickly landed in crowded downtown San Luis Obispo and Larry pointed out existing landmarks he remembered from the fifties. We grabbed a fancy breakfast (Larry's treat) and headed for the campus and the Alumni Association office where we secured a pre-arranged, student-driven golf-cart tour of the campus -- vastly larger than when he was a student.
After a lengthy tour, we headed back midday to U.S. 101 southbound to link up with U.S.15 back to Las Vegas.
We visited the on-campus memorial honoring the 22 passengers killed in 1960 on board a chartered flight home from a football game that crashed on takeoff from Toledo, OH. The deceased included 16 Cal Poly Mustang players, a student manager and a Cal Poly team booster. Details of the tragedy are available on Wikipedia.
Dave attended the University of Nevada at Reno and earned a degree in Secondary Education, with emphasis on Mathematics and Physics.
The top row of images, below, welcomed us into San Luis Obispo County early in the morning.
We were unable to find a campground or motel enroute south from Big Sur as darkness was upon us...so we decided to bite-the-bullet and drive thru to SLO. Larry was amazed at Dave's driving skills traversing the winding two-lane road facing approaching headlights with not a smidgen of worry. We finally found a lone motel, bedded down for the night and continued on the following dawn.
We passed towering landmark Morro Rock, a 581-foot-high 'volcanic plug' some 23 million years old and easily visible from Route 1. We next passed Pismo Beach -- a long time favorite of Cal Poly students during spring and summer months. We quickly landed in crowded downtown San Luis Obispo and Larry pointed out existing landmarks he remembered from the fifties. We grabbed a fancy breakfast (Larry's treat) and headed for the campus and the Alumni Association office where we secured a pre-arranged, student-driven golf-cart tour of the campus -- vastly larger than when he was a student.
After a lengthy tour, we headed back midday to U.S. 101 southbound to link up with U.S.15 back to Las Vegas.
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THAT'S IT FOR THIS GETAWAY, FOLKS...THANKS FOR DROPPING IN!
Stay tuned for our GGG4 camping adventure that launches in mid-October, 2014. Destination: NEW MEXICO, via historic Route 66!
THAT'S IT FOR THIS GETAWAY, FOLKS...THANKS FOR DROPPING IN!
Stay tuned for our GGG4 camping adventure that launches in mid-October, 2014. Destination: NEW MEXICO, via historic Route 66!
