geno's blog

Sacto MoFo

2011-12-03T15:46:00.001-08:00

Being a big fan of Eat Street on the Cooking Channel which features food trucks, I organized an informal bike ride around a really cool event called the Sacto MoFo. This one day event was held under the freeway near Southside Park. However, untimely blustery winter winds made the ride unappealing so we opted to go for a long walk instead.

Sacto Mo Fo (Sacramento Mobile Food Organization) is a group advocating for more food options in Sacramento. The group is focused on changing the current 30-minute city ordinance for mobile food trucks and raising awareness through organized events.

Today, they sponsored a big eating extravaganza with over 20 food trucks gathered under the I-80 freeway. Many trucks came from the bay area joining some of the best local mobile eateries.

Under bright blue skies, we started the walk from my house and completed a 5+mile walk around the downtown area

Taking the scenic route through the Broadway Cemetary - Mike D, Jim, Rich, Dennis, Herb, Kay and Mike B

We arrived at 11 a.m. when the event opened but there were already long lines at the popular trucks

A big part of the attraction of the food truck phenomena besides good-value grub are the cool graphics and colors of the trucks . . .

. . . and clever play on words

Corn bread

Always event t-shirts on sale

One of my favorites . . . cool conversion of VW van

The food was great - strawberry waffles and waffles with slab of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup

One of the most popular food trucks

A long line even before the event opened up

Herb and Kay stood in line for 1 hr for the pork belly bao sandwiches

Fans said it was worth the wait

I couldn't wait so I ordered a great hot dog from Drewski's

It was very gooood!!

Rich sizing up the menu at An the Go

Time for a good joe - Jim, Mike D, Dennis and Lizzy

JapaCurry, another real popular eatery

It's menu

This guy said the tonkatsu (pork) curry was pretty good

One of about 6 trucks from the Bay Area

Jim wolfing down a hefty gyro

Young foodies enjoying the day

Vegetarian food is hard to find but she found a couple deep fried potato dishes

Peter swung by on his Moulton

It was breezy and cool so we dragged the table into the sun

Dennis and Lizzy

Mike wolfing down 2 mini-burgers

It was really worth the wait at Chairman Bao's. . . Kay and pork belly burgers and two kinds of bao. The one closest is mine. Quite yummy!!

Through Capitol Towers

After the big eats, it was time to walk off the calories so we swing through the downtown area to complete our 5 mile walk

We didn't bike today but got some inspiration from a new piece of artwork

A brief stop on the K Mall

Couldn't end the day without some dessert . . . hitting the latest and greatest downtown hot-spot - Devine Gelateria

End of a great day!

Valley Vista Hike

2011-10-27T17:46:00.001-07:00

The current issue of Sactown Magazine featured an article about 10 great fall hikes near Sacramento. One of the featured hikes was the Valley Vista hike in picturesque Capay Valley.

Frank and I took advantage of another exceptional fall weather day and drove to Rumsey in Cache Creek Canyon to tackle this hike.

This is a double hind-kicker hike from the the very beginning. The trail switchbacks very steeply for 2 miles, ascending approximately 1800' to Rumsey Knob. The trail from the trailhead to the Knob is very well developed and marked.

We elected to continue another couple miles to Lookout Point Summit which added another 1000' of elevation gain. The trail from Rumsey Knob to the Summit was over-grown with chaparral and sketchy but there was enough trail to find our way to the top. The elevation at the summit is about 2266'.

The views of the surrounding ridges and valleys were quite spectacular from the ridge trail and high points.

The trailhead is located on Hwy 16 across the road from Camp Haswell on Cache Creek. There is plenty of parking space at the trailhead.

As the switchback trail ascends, Cache Creek comes into view. Camp Haswell is located across Hwy 16 next to Cache Creek.

It's a grunt for 1.7 miles to Rumsey Knob

A great view of Cache Creek and Capay Valley. This why this trail is appropriately named Valley Vista.

A birds-eye view of Rumsey Canyon from the Knob - Cache Creek and Hwy 16 below

The view of farms along Cache Creek

Beautiful oak woodland and riparian habitat along Cache Creek (above and below)

On the top of Rumsey Knob is a "hitching post" for giraffes. We couldn't figure out what this was for.

Man vs. Apple . . . taking a break at Rumsey Knob

The view north of ridge across Cache Creek

From Rumsey Knob, we continue another 2 miles to the top of Lookout Summit where I'm pointing. The trail from this point onward was overgrown and sketchy which required some bush-whacking through thick chaparral.

The trail follows the tops of ridge

Frank approaching the top on very steep pitch

The view east

Most of the terrain was chaparral with the exception of this bare spot with a stand of oaks

The view of Capay Valley from the top of Summit Point at about 2266'

At the summit is a cairn where we discovered a register under the rocks

The view (south) of Blue Ridge Mountains

Dead-man eating!

A laid-back lunch at the top of summit

Two at the top

Frank signing our names in the register. The last hikers listed on the register were here back in April indicating not too many people get this far.

Descending on steep trail to our car parked near Cache Creek . . . our legs took a pounding

A cruel joke!

A sign at base of mountain.

It was a tough hike and we were all smiles when it was over.

Hope Valley Overlook Hike

2011-10-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Today's hike to Hope Valley rates a 10-10-10. A 10 for the glorious colors of the quaking aspens, a 10 for the beautiful fall weather, and a 10 for the congeniality of the hiking group.

Howdy Hoover (yes, that's his real name), our hike leader, started monthly mid-week day hikes - Howdy Hikes - in the last year and this was the first one that I was able to participate in.

And what an awesome day for my inaugural Howdy Hike.

With the high Sierra aspens in prime-time color, Howdy selected the Hope Valley Overlook Trail near Sorenson's Resort on Hwy 88 as the October hike. The trail ascends 1,200' to a basalt escarpment high above picturesque Hope Valley. The RT hike distance is about 5+ miles.

An enthusiastic group of 11 veteran hikers met at Sorenson's Resort and enjoyed a picture perfect day viewing the marvelous fall colors under blue skies and ideal temperatures in the high 60's.

Here are highlights from today's hike.

The Hope Valley Overlook trail-head is located near Sorenson's Resort and climbs 1,200' for about 2 1/2 miles

Gathering at Hwy 88 under a canopy of golden aspens

The aspens at Sorenson's in glorious color

At an overlook of Sorenson's cabins

Trail covered with a blanket of aspen leaves

Howdy, the hike leader, with Dick, Bonnie, Carol, Terry, and Herb

Our destination lies ahead - a volcanic basalt escarpment

Rich

Taking a break and Rich checking map. Are we on the right track?

Reaching our destination - a cliff overlooking a clump of aspens

Terry and Rich at the edge

Herb on the edge

Overlooking a meadow across Hwy 88 from Sorenson's

On cliff overlooking Hope Valley

A great place for lunch

The rim of basalt cliff offers spectacular views of Hope Valley and Sierra peaks

A view of Pickett's Junction where Hwy 88 and 89 meet

Totally awesome views

Freel Peak on horizon to the right lies on the east-side of Lake Tahoe. Freel Peak at 10, 881' is the highest peak on the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail.

Gold and orange aspens line Hwy 88

Group photo of hikers - Rich, Linda, Tom, Bonnie, Katrina, Howdy, Dick, Carol, Terry and me.

Herb taking photo.

The trail meanders through the cabins at Sorenson's Resort

I was told brown spots on aspen leaves may have been caused by recent snow storm or perhaps, some kind of disease. Hopefully, the former.

What ever the cause, the patterns on the leaves are beautiful

End of beautiful hike. Thanks Howdy for organizing today's fantastic hike.

Red Rabbit Ride

2011-10-13T15:35:00.001-07:00

Jim and Al in front of the big Red Rabbit

Sacramento has a grand spanking new airport terminal which has received rave reviews. Terminal B is a lofty 4-story atrium full of light and art. The new terminal and concourse cost $1 billion, the largest public works project in Sacramento County history, and the art budget was $8 million.

Today, Jim Regan, Al Marshall, and I took a bike ride out to the airport to check out the new building. We met Bob Tribe and Mike Broderick at the airport for a tour and snacks at the Old Soul Coffeehouse.

Here are pics of the new terminal for a quickie tour:

Nice landscaping complements new Terminal B

No bike racks so we lock our bikes to a railing outside the new terminal

The leaping red rabbit greets passengers as they come down the escalator. The enormous size of the rabbit dominates the large interior space.

Big Red leaping down into a giant suitcase on the first floor

In contrast to steel, glass and neutral colors, Big Red really stands out

The suitcase with hole below the rabbit. Can the symbolism of the rabbit jumping into the hole mean that it will pop out in some other part of the world as many of the passengers will?

What ever the artist intended, I think it's a pretty cool piece.

Maze of escalators connecting three floors of Terminal B

Another major mural near one of the ticket counters

The 3rd floor has a series of terrazzo murals

Bob checking out green bird cages hung above the bird floor

Another floor mural

The automatic people mover wisks passengers from the terminal to the gateway concourse

The people mover heading out to the concourse

Al says the wooden rockers are very comfortable

One-Eye Jack and Jim rocking away

Old Soul Coffee is one of the new vendors on the "land-side" of the terminal. A great place for grabbing a good cup-o-joe.

Laughin' n scratchin' at Old Soul

We were all very impressed with the architecture and grand scale of the new terminal. The 4-story window wall floods the interior with natural light, the layout and organization of airport functions appear well thought out, the public spaces are airy and spacious, the furniture comfortable, and showcasing local retailers and eateries is a nice touch.

Big Red Rabbit will certainly give people arriving in Sacramento a memorable first impression, hopefully a positive one. Being a contemporary art-nut, I think it's a hoot!

Minaret Vista

2011-09-23T22:19:00.001-07:00

Panorama of Minarets, Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner from Minaret Vista

This was my second visit to the Eastern Sierra this year. At the invitation of Dick and Jan, I joined the Fraschettis with his brother Dave and wife, Lynn, for 5 fantastic days on the east slope.

The Fraschetti's rented a unit at the Snow Creek Condos in Mammoth Lakes. We spent the next 5 days hiking into some awesome canyons searching for waterfalls. We were hoping to catch some early fall colors but were about 7-10 days too early.

This photo-journal blog chronicles my latest trip starting with pics of the Ritter Range at sunrise viewed from Minaret Vista above Mammoth Lakes.

Day hike blog entries include:

-Lundy Creek Canyon
-McGee Creek Canyon
-Parker Creek Canyon

Click on pic once/twice for enlarged view

Continue to scroll down or click on "older posts" to continue the Eastern Sierra blog.

Close-up of Minarets (above and below)

Mt. Banner - 12,936'

Mt. Ritter - 13,143' and Mt. Banner - 12,936'

Similar view a couple minutes earlier when peaks are bathed in alpen-glow

San Joaquin Mt - 11,601' - to the far right of Ritter and Banner

A few other photos taken over next couple days:

Boundary Peak at 13,147' is the highest peak in Nevada. Photo taken from Hwy 120.

Inyo Crater (above and below)

The craters were created by catastrophic eruption (steam explosion when hot magma contacted underground water) emitting ash and pumice throughout the Long Valley Caldera about 500-600 years ago.

The Inyo Craters are located just north of the town of Mammoth Lakes.

Blue water caused by leaching minerals

Next to the blue pool crater stands another crater with waters of a different color

Scroll down or click on "older posts" to continue Eastern Sierra blogs

Lundy Lake Hike

2011-09-23T21:41:00.001-07:00

The view toward Lundy Lake Canyon below majestic mountains

Lundy Lake (above and below)

It's Sept. 18th and the trees are just starting to turn color

Lundy Lake, a popular fishing spot

Remnants of old mining town

Passing a small pond on the way to the trail-head

Click on pic once/twice for enlarged view

First major waterfall as we climb up the beautiful canyon

Looking back down the canyon where we started the hike. Lundy Lake barely visible in far horizon.

Passing another pond with very clear waters

The colorful canyon wall

A giant bonsai tree

Dick and Lynn marching up the canyon

One of the side canyon waterfalls

Passing another pond created by beaver dam.

Hiking through a dense aspen forest

The aspens were huge

Graffiti on aspen trunks

Lynn standing amidst beautiful blue wildflowers

As we ascend further up the canyon, a side-canyon fall (above and below) feeds into the main stream

Dick standing near the beginning of the main waterfalls

The stream cascades down the mountain

About 2 miles up the trail, we encounter the major falls

Dave and Lynn at the base of the biggest fall

Late afternoon sun casts neat shadows on the canyon walls

Returning past shimmering blue beaver pond

Scroll down or click on "older posts" to continue Eastern Sierra blog

McGee Creek Canyon Hike

2011-09-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

According to Dave Henry, the Sac Bee photo-journalist who chronicles the annual fall color columns, McGee Creek Canyon is the #1 place in California to view fall colors. We were probably a week too early but the canyon is spectacular none the less.

The canyon are full of aspens, birch and cottonwoods and surrounded by towering mountains. One could imagine how beautiful this place would be when the trees are in prime color.

Walking into the canyon swaths with aspens

Brown veins streak across the white mountain

A copper birch tree, a very rare specimen in the Eastern Sierra has bright red branches similar to a manzanita.

We were the only hikers in the canyon

The view back down the canyon with the White Mountains across the valley

Our destination, a horsetail waterfall located near the back of the canyon

Horsetail Falls

The aspens were just beginning to turn

Tumbling McGee Creek

We reach the base of Horsetail

Dick, Dave and Lynn

Lunch time

The ground cover is beginning to turn

Rabbit Bush were in full bloom

Lower McGee Creek and early fall colors

On the drive back down the canyon, we stop to take in the views of Crowley Lake

The view north - Hwy 395 and Mono Craters (in horizon on left)

Close-up of Mono Craters with my 400 mm lens

Two views of White Mountain - 14,252' - covered with early season snow

Scroll down or click on "older posts' to continue with Eastern Sierra blog

Parker Canyon Hike

2011-09-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Don, Ward and Dick above Silver Lake

Don Dupage and Ward Schroeder, two old hiking buddies, joined Dick and I on a hike to Parker Canyon to find another set of cascading waterfalls we spotted from a distance a day earlier.

We took the Parker Trail starting at Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop. The 6 mile RT hike was very strenuous. The trail ascends a 2,000' wall from the get go to a plateau with spectacular views of the Sierra Crest and Mono Lake.

The trail abruptly ascended a 2,000' wall. No easy warm-up today.

The trail switch-backed through clumps of aspens forests and low growing vegetation

Dick working his way up the wall

Mule ears turning color. Looking up at Mt. Wood (12,657').

Don and Ward taking a break about half-way up

After 2 miles and 2,000', we reach a vast plateau at 9,000'

Heading toward Parker Canyon over the next ridge

A fantastic view of Mono Lake from the plateau . . .

. . . and views of Mono Craters to the east (above and below)

On the plateau were stunted juniper trees hammered by winter snow and winds. All the lower branches were beaten down and dead. Life up here is brutal.

Skeletal remains of a dead juniper

We reach a ridge but could not get good view of the falls. Another ridge blocked our view.

A glimpse of upper falls

An intervening ridge obscured most of the falls. We did not have enough time to bush-whack our way to the next ridge. Well, maybe next time . . .

A grand view of the Sierra Crest north toward Tioga Pass Canyon.
Possibly L-R - Mt. Gibbs (12,773'), North Peak (12,242'), and Tioga Peak (11,526')

Grand view of Mono Lake and Grant Lake

Where forests meets the desert

Me and Grant Lake below

Heading back through a thick stand of aspen

Dick, Ward and Don about 2,000' above Silver Lake.
End of tough but great hike.

A couple last views - Convict Lake

Mt. Morrison - 12,241' - at sunset sits above Convict Lake

End of Eastern Sierra blog

Buffalo to Bar Harbor - Prologue

2011-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tour Leader - Emperor Lee

Cycling from Buffalo to Bar Harbor, concluding in Portland, Maine. What an amazing tour!

The 5-week tour took place between July 10th and August 18th.

First and foremost, let me give Herb Lee the highest of accolades for conceiving, organizing, and leading this tour. He did a magnificent job in all respects.

Herb laid out a route that hit many of the major points of interest in New England.

We flew into Buffalo and visited Niagara Falls, followed the scenic Niagara River to Lake Ontario, and along the shores of Lake Ontario. We headed southeast to the Finger Lakes region, and then northeast to 1,000 Island State Park along the St. Lawrence Seaway. We continued east to Burlington, VT, down to Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, then east into the Green Mountains of VT and White Mountains of NH. Finally, we crossed ME easterly to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, concluding with a ride to Portland. We flew back to Sacramento from Portland.

The total distance was 1,360 miles, averaging 45 miles/day. The route was very mountainous and hilly and we climbed a whopping total of 60,100'.

The tour encompassed 40 days and we camped 16 nights, motelled 21 nights, and stayed at the Bronk home 2 nights.

Besides Herb and myself, the tour participants included Bob Anderson from Santa Rosa, Jay Okada from Los Osos, and Tom Gamage from Watertown NY.

I jokingly referred to this tour as Emperor Lee's Kung Pao Chicken Tour. We hit as many Asian eateries we could find.

Touring with Technology

Smart-phones and GPSs have revolutionized the way we cycle tour. Herb wore out his I-Phone with way-finding, finding and reserving campgrounds and motels, and good eateries.

Most of the tour was determined on the fly so high technology pointed the way to cycle-friendly roads and minimized the grief of getting lost.

The photo-journal blog is organized with the major points of interest having separate entries:

Niagara Falls
Watkins Glen Gorge
Bronk Home Vist/Lake Skaneateles
Antique Boat Museum
1,000 Island State Park
Ft. Ticonderoga
Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Great Dogs
Movie Houses
Libraries
Babes!

Photos of "Places in Between" follow with 5 entries.

P.S.
A plug for Bike Fridays. Herb and I toured with our folding bikes.
This is the 3rd tour which involved flying and I can't say enough about the convenience of schlepping a Bike Friday on an airplane, let alone the cost savings.

My Pocket Rocket ROCKS!

To view the entire tour, continue to scroll down or click on "older posts" to the end.

Happy travels!!

For enlarged view, click once/twice on pic

Scroll down or click on "older posts" to continue tour

Niagara Falls

2011-08-22T07:21:00.001-07:00

Below American Falls

Our first stop - Niagara Falls

Bob, Herb, Tom, and Jay

We meet up with Tom Gamage, a friend of Herb's from Watertown, NY, at Niagara Falls. He rode from his home and met us at the Falls.

View of City of Niagara Falls on the Canada side

Beautiful parkland promenade on the Canada side

Rainbow Bridge over Niagara River connecting Canada and US

Observation Tower provides great views of both falls

Edge of Horseshoe Falls (Canada-side)

A popular photo spot

View of American Falls (US side). Bridal Veil Falls to right.
American Falls drops 70-100' and is 1,060' wide.

Overlook at American Falls (above and below)

"Mist Trail" below American Falls

View of American Falls (near) and Horseshoe Falls (distant).

The Niagara Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in North America.
The waterfalls are situated on the Niagara River which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

Niagara Falls is composed of two sections separated by Goat Island: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canada side and American Falls on the US side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are located on the American side.

The lads at Goat Island overlook. Goat Island separates American and Horseshoe Falls.

Another view of Goat Island

View of Horseshoe Falls overlook from the US side

Switch-back ramps below American Falls

View of ramps below Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls from boat

Taking "Maid of Mist" boat ride into Horseshoe Falls

The Blue Man Group

Tom and Jay

Bob

They don't call it Maid of the Mist for nothing!

Full speed ahead! Let's get outta' here!

One of about half-dozen tour boats

Maid of Mist at base of Horseshoe Falls.

Horseshoe Falls drops 173' and is 2,600' wide.

End of the rainbow

The "Fisherman's Wharf" Entertainment District of Niagara Falls City is pretty garish but is popular with young families

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Watkins Glen Gorge

2011-08-22T07:13:00.001-07:00

The Gorge is located in the Watkins Glen State Park near the edge of the Village of Watkins Glen NY. The Gorge is south of Seneca Lake, which is one of the Finger Lakes.

The Gorge is about a mile long, 400' deep, and created by a stream cutting through sandstone and limestone rock over the last 12,000 years.

The trail follows the narrow chasm over stone-arched bridges and by many cascading waterfalls and pools of water.

On a really hot day, this was a really COOL place!

The Gorge is Gorgeous!!

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Lake Skaneateles (Finger Lakes) & Bronk Home Visit

2011-08-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

The 2 day visit to Tom's relatives was a highlight for all of us. What gracious and delightful people. The timing of the visit couldn't have been better. On the road for 10 days and temps hitting 100+ degrees with dripping-wet humidity. It was time for a layover day.

We were hosted to a couple great BBQs, went swimming in the lake, treated to a fantastic boat tour, and just lazing around for a couple days.

Thanks to Mary Beth, Jeff, Margaret and the rest of the family for hosting us. It was great to meet you and really enjoyed the talks and fun times. Indulging in the gracious lifestyle of Lake "Skinny-atlas" for a couple days was just what the doctor ordered.

Jeff took us on a boat ride around the Lake

Time to hop in!

A family pulling in as we were leaving

Lake Skaneateles, one of the Finger Lakes, is surrounded by upscale homes. The boathouses were particularly cool.

I could live here!

Tara on the lake

Look like a giant dollhouse

The big estate on the Lake

The townhomes in the village of Skaneateles

Even the church has a lake-front view

A magnificent new compound with matching boathouse

Jeff, in the middle, gave us a running narrative of the people and history of the Lake

Tough life, heh guys?!

It doesn't get much better than this . . .

Jeff and Mary Beth's home overlooking the Lake. Our base camp for 2 days. Herb and Tom decided to camp out on the back 40.

A lovely BBQ on the deck w/ the fam - Margaret, Mary Beth, Chip, Ellen, Conner, Thomas (?), and Jeff

Next evening, dinner at Chip and Ellen's home

Margaret (Tom's sister), Ellen, and Tom

A great view from the house

Kickin' back on the deck

On our lay-over day, we take stroll thru the Village

Grand homes in the Village

A lake-side park

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Antique Boat Museum

2011-08-22T06:44:00.001-07:00

In the town of Clayton, NY, on the shores of Lake Ontario is a fabulous boat museum. Bob and I got off the bikes and spent a couple hours touring the museum.

The main museum building. The museum is comprised of a complex of interconnected buildings.

Bob's favorite boat

In the restoration building, a craftsman was rebuilding a run-down runnabout

The restoration building

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1,000 Island State Park

2011-08-22T06:16:00.001-07:00

Early in the trip, a man recommended we visit 1,000 Island State Park located in the northern part of NY on the Canadian border. The state park is located where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The park was a 100 miles off our tentative route but we decided it could be worth it.

Boy, were we glad we did.

Thousand Island (actually there are more than 1,800 islands) State Park is a gem. The islands are simply beautiful and during the gilded age, the tycoons of industry built opulent homes on the islands. The Bolt Castle being the most prominent.
It is akin to building Hearst Castle on a small island.

We took a 2 hour boat tour of the islands which takes you by many of the magnificent homes. Not all the homes are ostentatious. Some are quite small and are built on tiny islands, some not much bigger then a large rock.

We hit the islands on a beautiful warm day and the Seaway was bustling with speed boats, sailboats, and tour boats.

Taking a tour on a stern wheeler

A splendid day so we took the upper deck

Passing an island park

One of the more modest mansions

Do you believe this is a Coast Guard Station? Talk about a tough assignment.

More grand homes

Looks like a Frank Geary designed house at first glance.

The snow loads are quite heavy here. A structural engineer really screwed up.

Abby Wambach's (US soccer superstar) parent's vacation home

The Peace Bridge connecting US with Canada

Great day off the bike

The Bolt Castle

The 8-story castle started construction in 1900 on Heart Island by George Bolt, owner of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in NYC. He was building the Castle for his wife Louise.

She died suddenly in 1904 and construction was abruptly stopped. The castle laid abandoned for 73 years until the 1,000 Island Bridge Authority acquired it for $1.00 in 1977.

The agreement with the Trust was to rehab the Castle and make it available to the general public. The Castle has been partially restored and is a work-in-progress with restoration an on-going process.

The Bolt Castle Boathouse

Arched Gateway

Children's Playhouse

The powerhouse

Taking a tour of the Castle

Dining room

Watching a tanker go by from the balcony of the Castle (above and below)

The Heart Island garden

The powerhouse (above and below)

Bolt had a tower fetish

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Fort Ticonderoga and King's Garden

2011-08-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

At the southern end of Lake Champlain at the NY and VT border is Fort Ticonderoga. The fort, formerly Ft. Carillon, is a large 18th century fort built by the Canadians and the French.

It was originally constructed in 1754 and 1757 during the French-Indian War.

Located at the narrows near the south-end of Lake Champlain, it was of strategic importance during the 18th century conflicts between Great Britain and France, and again played a role during the American Revolutionary War.

The musket of Ethan Allan, leader of the Green Mountain Boys. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Allen and the Boys captured Ft. Ticonderoga from the British in May 1775.

Below the Fort, is King's Garden established by the Pell family. The beautiful garden is located behind the Pavilion, a former hotel and estate for the family on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Unfortunately, the Pavilion is in decay and need of restoration. The gardens are well maintained and in excellent condition. Future plans call for the restoration of the Pavilion.

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Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park

2011-08-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Picturesque Bar Harbor and Porcupine Islands

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park was the eastern most destination of the tour.
We reached Bar Harbor at the end of the 4th week, right on schedule.

We booked a motel in Bar Harbor for 3 nights. The motel was within walking distance of the town's attractions and near the National Park.

I took advantage of the free shuttle bus system to visit the Park on a rainy day and other attractions on Desert Island.

We spent 3-days exploring the Park and hanging out in town.

Colorful boats contribute to the ambiance of the Harbor

Bonaparte or black-headed gull (L) and female Eider Ducks (R)

Typical Bar Harbor home

Lobster pizza . . . what else?

Riding up Cadillac Mt., at 1,350', the highest peak on the US eastern seaboard

View of the Porcupine Islands from Cadillac Mt.

At the top - a 6-mile, 1,350' climb from Bar Harbor

360-degree panoramic views from the top

A nice view of Bar Harbor from the top

Great slabs of granite form the cap of Cadillac Mt.

View north toward Canada

Jordon Pond below

Beautiful native plants in the Wild Garden

Sandy Cove along the Loop Rd.

Rocky coast line on the Loop Rd.

It's raining pretty heavy today so I take the shuttle bus on the Loop Rd.

Thunder Hole

Taking the ferry to Skoodic Peninsula, another part of the National Park. A 45 minute ride from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor.

Bob and Lilly, the Seadog

Lilly - part lab, mastiff, pit-bull - belonged to the ferry deck-hand

Lobster boat zips by

Shear cliffs of Porcupine Island

Frenchman Bay is full of lobster traps

Riding the 12-mile loop road on Skoodic Peninsula

Very scenic, low traffic - biking is a great way to see the sights

Skoodic Point, known for its extensive granite shoreline

Another blow hole

Great blocks of granite on the Point

The Rockefeller Apt . building on the campus of the Skoodic Educational and Research Center (SERC)

Very impressive stone and brick facade

Chatting with Professor Lisa, who explained the mission of SERC - an interdisciplinary learning and research center that enhances the understanding of natural and cultural resources of the National Park system.

Huh!?

Cool sculpture in front of admin. building

Classic red canoe photo. A cliche but had to take it.

Cleat sculpture in Winter Harbor designed by Dan Meserve, famous stone artist.

Has a very Japaneeze feel.

We had lunch at Nui's hot-dog stand in Winter Harbor. She has lived here for 6 years and told us about the challenging life in ME. She looks forward to visiting Thailand during the winters.

Visiting Littlefield Gallery in Winter Harbor with owner Kelly and Jane Littlefield standing next to sculpture. Their gallery had a nice collection of sculptures and paintings from local artists.

A great roadside lobster shop with the cookers cranked up and smokin'!

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Cool Dogs

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Sprocket, the sleepy bike shop dog at Brockport Cyclery

I have a soft spot for lovable dogs. I came across a number of cool dogs on the tour.

Lilly, the Bernese Mountain Dog at the Conway Library

The rust colored round eye-brows are sooo funny . . . a common trait for these lovable dogs

Peggy with Snoopy and Hope, two rescue dogs who are blind

Lilly, the captain of the ferry - part lab, mastiff, and pit-bull - is a friendly gal

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Movie Houses

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The Riviera in Tonawanda, NY

Historic movie houses is another keen interest of mine. I took shots of old movie houses in the towns we passed through. Through hook and crook, most of them are still in use.

The American in Canton, NY

The Palace in Lake Placid, NY. I saw Cowboys and Aliens here.

The Hollywood in Ausable Forks, NY

The Flynn in Burlington, VT

The Colonial in Belfast, ME

The Grand in Ellsworth, ME

The Alamo in Bucksport, ME

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Public Libraries

2011-08-21T20:31:00.001-07:00

Lake Placid, NY public library

What will be the future of public libraries in the world of Kindle? In order to check my email, I sought out public libraries when I had time. I came across some really wonderful historic public library buildings on this trip.

With the world changing so fast with the internet and local government budgets strangling in a sea of red , it would be tragic if public libraries such as these shutter its doors.

Here is a sampling of a few neat ones . . .

Two great views of Mirror Lake from the library windows (above and below). What a wonderful spot to read a book or just day-dream.

Conway Public Library, NH

Beautifully restored interiors (above and below)

Bucksport Public Library, ME - looks like a church

Reading room feels like an exclusive Men's Club

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Babes!

2011-08-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

OK, got your attention!?

The joys of cycle touring is meeting people and engaging in light conversation, no matter how brief it may be. We met our share of nice looking women, mostly in diners and coffee houses, who didn't mind having their picture taken.

Here's a few . . . enjoy!

Alicia, the 3-star general, at Sacket Harbor, NY

Angela at Dairyman's Diner, NY, serving great pie ala mode

Forgot her name or where but the lunch was great

Kate serving brat-dog at Hops Spot in Sacket Harbor, NY

Barrista at Speeder and Earles in Burlington, VT

Chantelly, serving lemon-raspberry pancakes, at Pop Shoppe Diner in Lewiston, ME

Haley, at Poor Folks Gourmet Restaurant, in Bar Harbor, ME

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Places in Between - #1 of 5

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We flew into Buffalo where we started our 5 week adventure.

The following 5 blog entries - Places in Between - chronicle areas we traveled through between the places highlighted in the previous section.

The beautiful stretch of the Erie Canal where it meets the Niagara River

Gateway to the Erie Canal

Entering Canada in Niagara Falls

Stopping by a Buddhist Monastery leaving Niagara City

Gondola crossing "Whirlpool" in the Niagara River Gorge, several miles downstream from the Falls

The "Niagara Whirlpool", a bay created by a big turn in the Niagara River

We followed the Great Lakes Seaway Trail along the southern shores of Lake Ontario

A beautiful stretch of the Seaway Trail

Arriving at Lake Ontario where the Niagara River flows into the lake

Visiting Fort Niagara, the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America. It was originally built in 1678 to protect the interests of France in No. America.

The Fort is situated on a strategic site at the confluence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario

The French Castle built in 1726

Docents gave a good presentation of Fort's history

The Fort was expanded to its present size in 1755 due to increased tensions between the French and British colonial interests. The Fort played a significant part in the French-Indian War, and fell to the British in 1759.

Through the American Revolutionary War, the Fort remained in British hands. It was ceded to American forces in 1796, but later retaken by the British in the War of 1812.

The British relinquished the Fort to the US in 1814 upon the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812.

The Fort has remained under US control ever since.

Lighthouse next to Fort Niagara

Hwy 18-F, a nice highway with good shoulder follows the southern shore of Lake Ontario

A beautiful stretch of Hwy 18-F through some boutique neighborhoods

An evening stroll on the Lewiston waterfront

Fisherman lands a 37" pike

Separated at birth . . . see next pic of Tom

Upstate NY is primarily farmland

My first fried haddock, a common whitefish served throughout New England

Camping at Lakeside Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Ontario

At Brockport, we cross over the Erie Canal

Coleen's, a great diner in Brockport

Coleen runs the cafe single-handed and whips out a mean breakfast scramble

Downtown Brockport (above and below), neat college town

I get a kick out of Americana food history and talked the lads into stopping off at the Jello Museum in the village of LeRoy.

A few years ago, I visited the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. Now I can check off the Jello Museum :-)

Museum houses memorabilia related to everything Jello

There's always room for Jello

At the Genosee County RV Park in LeRoy where we camped, a custom trike confab was taking place. Here's a few of the really cool trikes . . .

We stop at Bob's namesake cafe for breakfast

More evidence of farm country in up-state NY

As we proceed east to the Finger Lakes, we begin to encounter bigger hills. Note the width of shoulders. This was very common in up-state NY, making cycling safe and enjoyable.

Arriving at Lake Canaandaigua, the first of the Finger Lakes

It's time for a DOG!

A sign describing history of Finger Lakes. Click on pic for enlargement.

The Finger Lakes region is the Napa Valley of New York and we rode by many vineyards and wineries

Stopping for another DOG!

Randy, the owner, cooks up some great dogs

Quite tasty!

Vineyards above Senaca Lake

Another great winery sign

Daily ritual

Breaking camp at Watkins Glen State Park

Leaving Senaca Lake on 11% grade

Heading to Ithica and more rolling hills

Hey, Bob, are you having fun yet!?

Bob hates rollers!

A photogenic decrepit barn

Silo or observatory?

Rollers are getting smaller as we approach Ithica

A odd farm equipment crossing the road

A visit to Upper Falls of R. Treman State Park

Another beautiful gorge

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Places in Between - #2 of 5

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Visiting bike shop in downtown Ithica, home to Cornell University

The Ale House rocks! . . . some of the best grub on the tour

The burgers were outstanding!

As well as the steak salads

Swinging through the campus of Cornell

After leaving Ithica, we ride on Rockefeller Road past the birth home of John D. Rockefeller

Nice digs . . . birth home of John D.

Rockefeller Road, on a ridge straddling two lakes, took us past some of the prettiest scenery of the tour

Hamlet of Owasco

Temps heating up to 100 and time for a break in the shade.
The lads are whipped!

Looks like Iowa

Another beautiful stretch on Plainville Road after leaving Lake Skaneateles

Crossing the Oswego River

A nice campground at Selkirk Beach State Park on Lake Ontario

Campground in beautiful forest

Right outside of State Park was Cherry's, a fantastic frosty/diner

A hearty breakfast at Cherry's before continuing north to 1,000 Island

Note 3rd floor door . . . it must snow pretty deep here

NY kudzu

Byrne Chocolate Milk had a funny message written on the back of the bottle:

"You've traveled far to be with her.
When you finally meet, you look deep into her brown eyes
as you savor the flavor of our chocolate milk.
Then you realize that you're in a pasture with a bunch of cows.
You need help. But its OK to keep drinking our chocolate milk . . ."

P.S. I've been on the road too long . . .

Arriving at the St. Lawrence Seaway

Swinging into Sacket Harbor, a picturesque village on the Seaway

Fortuitous timing . . . finding free lemonade at the town gazebo

Near the end of a long, hot day

Jay and Bob split a carnivore special at Hops Spot Cafe in Sacket Harbor

Another ritual . . . finding good ice cream

An alien army invades our campground

Our campsite at Black River Bay looks like a homeless camp

Young lads fishing at dusk on the Black River

In Clayton, the lads encounter 3 female cyclists who were training for a x-country ride

A cool wooden boat on the Seaway

An ominous sign . . . purple sky and beautiful rainbow. Minutes later it started raining like hell!

Hey Mike, how'd you like my rain chaps!

Jay and CVS Pharmacy plastic bag

Saying good-bye to the St. Lawrence Seaway . . . we're heading south to Lake Placid and the Adirondacks

Stopping off for breakfast at a cool diner in Ogdensburg, NY

We catch a little culture and visit the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg. His wife lived here and donated the home and collection to the City after her death.

Remington home converted to a museum

Some of the artifacts and art pieces in the Museum

Finally reaching the Adirondack Mountains . . . the terrain changes from hills to mountains

Better cut back on the eats!

Big Bob testing the tensile strength of the barrier cable

Arriving at Tupper Lake

Nice ped path borders the lake

Small town carnival happening across the street from our motel

A modest motel at Tupper Lake

On the way to Lake Placid, we encounter a big beaver dam

Cool city hall bell tower in Saranac

The Olympic Center skating rink where ice dancing finals were taking place

The town of Lake Placid overlooks picturesque Mirror Lake

Lake Placid, an upscale village

Main Street, a great spot for people watching

Main Street shops

A beautiful Episcopal Church sits on a hill above Main Street

Inside . . .a beautiful wooden transept

. . . and stained glass windows

White Face Mountain, where the Olympic downhill ski races took place

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Places in Between - #3 of 5

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Jay discovers his namesake town

Fork in the road . . . which way do we go?

Passing Ausable Chasm

Bridge over Chasm

Leaving NY and taking ferry across Lake Champlain to Burlington VT

A nice day on Lake Champlain

Burlington skyline on the hill

After we get off ferry, we had a terrific lunch at Breakwater Cafe on the wharf

In Burlington, the Church Street Mall is rocking with ped traffic

Very cool entertainment on the Mall

Speeder and Earl's . . . get my vote for a great java-jolt

An early morning break

From Burlington, we head back into NY to visit Fort Ticonderoga

Taking a break at Addison's 4-Corner Store

Tom has the nose . . . he smelled the cinabuns from outside the store

More hills heading to Ft. Ticonderoga

Taking a ferry across Lake Champlain back into NY

The new bridge will put an end to the ferry service

Young kayakers pulling out invasive weeds from Lake Champlain

After visiting Fort Ticonderoga, we take another ferry back into VT

VT hills . . . a 11% grinder

Do I see Camelot? . . . Middlebury College on the horizon

A beautiful campus with buildings constructed of white stone

The village of Middlebury was equally nice

The Beauty . . . and

On our way to Lake Dunmore

. . . The Beast!

Camping at beautiful Lake Dunmore, VT

Kickin' back at the lakefront after a long day in the saddle

We hit the steep climbs in the Green Mountains

Herb and Tom nearing the summit of Middlebury Pass . . . after a long steep climb

Jay and Bob making it to the top

Group foto at the summit

More neat signage

The terrain eases up after leaving the Green Mountains

More beautiful VT scenery

Hitting another steep climb

More buccolic scenery

Isabell's . . . another fantastic eatery

Isabell's puts out a great meal

Hitting covered bridge country in VT and NH

A cool arched bridge across the Connecticut River

Gilman's Fairlee Diner, a classic old-time diner

Flowers outside the diner

Into NH, and passing great round barn

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Places in Between - #4 of 5

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Entering NH and the White Mountains

At the summit, the Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the highway

The lads approaching the summit

Beaver Pond at the summit

After an extreme day in the saddle, we reach North Woodstock and chowdown at the Woodstock Inn

A humongous meatloaf sandwich with mash potatoes and gravey

One of the best meals on the road

A couple cute signs

Note the Kancamagus Hwy pancake at the Flapjack Pancake House

Kancamagus Hwy, leading to the last big mountain pass

Rest-stop at the summit . . . crossing the White Mountains

Great job Bob!

Bob at the summit . . . t-shirt drenched with a gallon of sweat

It's all downhill from here!

The highest point of the entire tour

A really old historic cemetery

Solid granite wall surrounds the cemetery

Heading into Conway on quiet scenic road

Crossing the Saco River over a 1870 covered bridge

Entering Lovell Village and a break at Rosie's

Rosie's Diner

Another great diner with awesome cookies

The Plains of ME . . . ain't so flat

More tough climbs on a very hot day

The lads finding shade to take 5

A cool wooden boat show on Long Lake in Naples

Leaving Naples Campground on a rainy day

Misty island photo taken through the rain

The state capitol in Augusta ME

Reaching Belfast Harbor on our way to Bar Harbor

Belfast Harbor

I had my first lobster roll at the Weather Vane

A wine barrel trailer . . . very creative . . . and odd!

Crossing a new suspension bridge near Bucksport ME

Crossing the Penobscot River

Another look at the cool bridge. An observation room is incorporated into the top of the far tower.

Stopping at the Lounder Family Blueberry stand for some homemade pie

Mrs. Lounder is proud of her fresh blueberry pies

The sorters . . . picking out the bad berries

Time for pie!

City Hall in Ellsworth

The only wild animal we saw on the tour

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Places in Between - #5 of 5

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The Village of Bucksport on the Penobscot River

Fort Knox sits on a hill overlooking the Penobscot River. Construction of the fort began in 1844. The fort saw two periods of military activity during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. No enemy ships ever appeared on the Penobscot, nor threatened the town of Bucksport or other river towns.

A photo with irony. Bob had multiple accidents (I counted at least 5) on the tour where he needed medical attention. He could have used the ambulance.

Main gate

Fort Knox, built of solid granite from quarries 5 miles away

A mighty big cannon

The parade ground inside the fort

A guy named Norman is the desk clerk :-)

If you look close, this is a bench made of lobster floats. Clever but not very comfortable.

Passing through the boutique village of Camden

The village library with beautiful garden overlooks the harbor

The Camden Harbor

A schooner flying a CA bear flag cruised into the harbor

Cappy's - the best darn bakery of the entire tour

The blueberry walnut sticky bun was outstandingly yummie!

Baker taking a tray of goodies into the retail store

The lads woofing down tasty pastries from Cappy's

A church adapted to Performing Arts Center

Visiting Bowdoin College in Brunswick ME

The Museum of Art where Ed Hopper paintings were on exhibit

Architectural gems of Brunswick

A farmer's market at the main square

The last stop, Portland ME, where we spent 3 days preparing for our departure. We had time to tour the downtown area and see the main attractions.

Near the Portland Art Museum is the Arts District where there were many galleries, lofts, eateries, and Maine School of Art.

The PMA is a 4-story building containing an excellent collection of fine arts from around the world and superb collection of ME art.

Inside views of the PMA

Street scenes

A piece of the Berlin Wall was displayed on the Wharf

View of the Waterfront

A funky bus boat taking visitors around town . . .

. . . and into the bay

Portland Observatory

The tower, built in 1807, is the last surviving maritime signal tower in the US. Using telescope and signal flags, 2-way communication between ship and shore was possible several hours before an incoming vessel reached the docks. The tower facilitated the preparation of the docks to accept arriving cargoes.

The tower is 86' tall and stands 222' above sea level. It was last renovated in 1998-2000.

Views of the city/bay from the tower (above and below)

Fine graffiti portraits painted on electrical panels at the waterfront park

End of New England Tour

Sensory Overload

2011-07-01T22:58:00.001-07:00

Pumpin', crankin', rippin' . . . pick your adjective. With the formidable snow pack this season, the deepest amount ever recorded this late in the year, dating all the way back to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1868, the waterfalls in Yosemite were flowing at the highest rate in generations.

The media coverage of the raging waterfalls made national news so needless to say, I had to check it out. It was time for a road trip. Seeing the snow-capped Eastern Sierra Mountains was also on my bucket list so I decided to take 3 days and take a swing through the Central Sierras by way of Tioga Pass Road, which was just opened.

All the stars were aligned to see some of the most incredible natural wonders of the world in one short trip. Taking in all this scenic beauty was mind-blowing. My mind and senses were on max overload!

First, my route took me down the central valley into Yosemite via Hwy 120.

I spent 1 1/2 days in the Valley checking out all the major waterfalls. The second day I hiked up the classic route to see Vernal and Nevada Falls, a must do hike. Getting up close to raging Vernal and Nevada Falls is a rush of a lifetime.

The 2nd day, I left Yosemite Valley and drove Tioga Pass Road over the high Sierra range to Lee Vining. I took Hwy 395 south to Bishop and spent the remainder of the day at Sabrina Lake at above 9,000'.

The 3rd day I drove north on Hwy 395 past Mammoth Mountain, took the June Lake Loop, and continued up Hwy 395 to Monitor Pass Road. I drove over Monitor Summit and returned to Sacramento via Markleeville, Caples and Silver Lakes, and Jackson.

I logged about 750 miles making this big loop. In my humble opinion, this specific route is one of the most beautiful drives in California, if not the US. See if you agree.

The following blogs chronicle my 3 day trip. The entries are categorized as follows:

Part 1 and 2 - Yosemite Valley waterfalls and other cool sights
Part 3 - Tioga Pass Road
Part 4- Eastern Sierra views along Hwy 395

Continue to scroll down or click on "older posts" to view all entries.

To see enlarged view, click on pic once/twice