Fall 2019 – Finally, On the Road Again

On October 11, 2019 By LToddIn Travel15 Comments

We leave our 2014 adventure in the past and zip forward to September 2019. That’s right, we’re back on the trail. After a false start in the spring, followed by doctor appointments, an MRI, physical therapy, spinal injections, and medication, Jon is pain free as of three weeks ago from the date of this post.

Packed up, hooked up, and buckled in the truck, we drove into the sunrise on September 21. With smiles on our faces and adventure in our hearts, we headed for San Diego for a week not daring to venture too far from home in case the sciatic nerve monster attacked again.

Often, we only make one stop when driving to San Diego. Breaking up the 9-hour 467-mile drive with two one-night stays seemed a good idea. We pulled into the Mountain Valley RV Park, in Tehachapi for the first night.

This park offers water and electricity at the sites and a dump station. The lack of train and freeway noise and the glider port next door are benefits we find hard to pass up. Of course, the hurricane-force winds at certain times of the year would see our rig driving by.

That was not the case this time. During this visit we caught the glider port in action. I looked on with longing as we watched the small plane pull its glider into the sky, circle around the mountains, release the tether, and fly back to port. A bit later the glider silently made its way to the runway.

Since I was a kid, I have dreamed of taking a ride in a glider. The low risk of injury or death associated with gliders has not yet convinced me to climb into the cockpit. I did grab a rate chart for future reference, though, to keep the dream alive.

A free night is always welcome, and when combined with visiting relatives, it is even better. Jon’s brother ensured we could stretch our rig in front of his house for the night in Fontana, California. A stop in Fontana also meant a trip to Ontario for a half-order dinner at Vince’s Spaghetti. Vince’s has been a Todd family favorite since Jon was born. Sadly, there are no pictures to share. I really need to remember to take photos of people.

No matter how many times we pass under the West Lilac Road Bridge on Interstate 15, I’m always overcome with amazement at the engineering that supports its 3.79 football field length across the span.

It stirs something inside of me that I cannot explain with words. I imagine Fred G. Michaels and John Suwada, the designers, sitting in a café drawing several designs on napkins. When they selected the image that would become the bridge, did they experience the same emotional reaction I do when I see it in person?

We arrived at San Diego RV Resort on September 23, 2019, for one week. Although it has its drawbacks (freeway noise and ants), we like this RV resort for its friendly staff, cleanliness of the park, convenient location, and price. Rates for RV sites close to the beach start at $70.00 for a parking spot with no hookups and can go over $300.00 per night for a supersite. And good luck securing a reservation during certain times of the year.

Visions of a relaxing week in San Diego with time to write, work out, and hike turned into a let’s-go-here-and-there adventure. A walk around Lake Murray gave Jon an opportunity to test his walking distance.

We knew he could get through the grocery store without stopping and having to rest. How far could he make it along the 5.9-mile out-and-back path, was the question.

Waking up the next day with shin splints and sore ankle muscles revealed the two-mile roundtrip as a starting point was sufficient.

Now the hard work began to strengthen the muscles that had gone dormant during the sciatica flareup and increase his stamina.

A friend from high school and I arranged to meet in Ocean Beach for lunch. We met Suzie and her husband Dan at The Old Townhouse Restaurant for a good meal and conversation with great people. Of course, a walk on the pier for a photo opportunity was in order after our meal and before we parted ways.

Susie and me on the pier. Unlike me, Susie is always on the hunt for photo ops.

Balboa Park is one of our favorite haunts while in San Diego. Creatures of habit that we are, we ate at The Prado and watched Turtle Odyssey at the Imax theater in the Fleet Science Center.

Did I forget to mention Jon woke up with Bells Palsy the day after his back stopped hurting? Poor guy walked around with a crooked smile for three weeks.

Okay, I guess a little spout of water on top of my head is better than the large one.

Botanical building and lily pond at Balboa Park

Spreckels Organ and Pavilion at Balboa Park

We couldn’t pass up a chance to see the Blue Angles in action. We didn’t have time to view the entire airshow, so at Doyle Community Park we managed to catch a glimpse and take a few shots and movie clips. I never tire of watching their performances and hearing the screaming jets. For some reason, my eyes turn blurry every time. I blamed my tears on the heavy mist that appeared as soon as the planes came overhead.

En Fuego Cantina & Grill satisfied our craving for Margaritas and Mexican food. Sitting on the patio and catching a glimpse of the ocean now and then was a treat.

Son Kevin with what looks like a scowling Jon…seriously he was trying to smile

Kevin has lived in San Diego for 20 years and never once stepped foot on the Star of India, so we staged an intervention. First, we took advantage of a snack at the Lane Field Park Market. All types of food are offered as samples and to purchase. Bring a blanket to spread out on the grass under the umbrella shades and munch away.

Across the street is the Maritime Museum of San Diego where the Star of India calls home. She is listed as both a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

Star of India at Maritime Museum of San Diego

According to the museum, she is considered the oldest active sailing ship. The iron-hulled ship was launched in 1863 carrying the name Euterpe. The ship’s history includes damage from a collision and cyclone in India.

Besides her voyages to India, the ship was used as a cargo ship and later as transport for emigrants to New Zealand, Australia, California, and she also sailed to Chile.

The bunks would have been too short for me

Several other ships are docked at the Maritime Museum. They include the steam ferry Berkeley, steam yacht Medea, HMS Surprise, and many others.

Bailey took time out to take care of business

A visit to Costa Brava in Pacific Beach for tapas for lunch topped off our days in San Diego as we said goodbye to Kevin and Bailey. Thanks, guys for a wonderful week. We enjoyed spending time with you.

Next stop, Gila Bend and Payson, Arizona.

Safe Travels

Quincy and Graeagle in Plumas County, California

On September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 By LToddIn California, RV Travel, TravelLeave a comment

Exploring new territory is our favorite type of adventure and Plumas County in California was a place we had yet to explore. So, on October 4, 2014, we headed north from Yosemite along State Route 49 to Interstate 80, and then north on State Route 89. We had often passed State Route 89 near Truckee, when driving to and from Reno, Nevada, and wondered what lay beyond the thick forest. We were about to find out.

We selected Pioneer RV Park in Quincy as base camp for four nights.

Campsite at Pioneer RV Park in Quincy, California

James H. Bradley, one of the organizers of Plumas County, donated land for the county seat that would become Quincy. Bradley had named his farm in Illinois after John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) and decided that name was just fine for the new town in California. In 1858, the town was formally recognized. The estimated population for Plumas County in 2018 was 18,800, of which about 1,900 people lived in Quincy.

We began our exploration at Buck’s Lake on the Oroville-Bucks Lake Road. Surrounded by the Bucks Lake Wilderness and Recreation area, residences, and resorts, visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and water sports during the spring and summer months.

When winter descends on the valley that sits at 5,200’ elevation, the snowmobiles and snowshoes came out to play. Several campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs in Plumas National Forest or in private campgrounds. Only a small number of full hookup sites are available.

Our next stop was Thompson Lake where the trees showed off their yellow and gold fall colors.

We hiked around Gansner Park where the green grass and shade from the tall pines made for a pleasant stroll. Overall, the park was in good order, except for the tennis courts. It looked like they had been abandoned for several seasons.

The next day we headed out to the Cascade Trailhead. The Spanish Creek flows next to the trail and leads to five small falls. The trail was originally built to transport water for hydraulic mining and used as a supply road for the Western Pacific Railroad. Fall had surely made its way into the canyon.

Purple daisies look more like it’s spring

The Union Pacific railroad runs through the canyon. I had seen the tunnel high up on the canyon wall.

Then the roar and thunder of a freight train grew in intensity and soon there it was chugging away and disappearing into the tunnel.

We moved our base camp to Movin’ West RV Park in Graeagle to explore another area of Plumas County. Once a company mill town, recreation now drives Graeagle’s economy. With a championship 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, nearby Plumas County National Forest and lakes basin and the Plumas Eureka State Park, visitors have plenty of activities to enjoy during their stay.

The Plumas Eureka State Park museum was closed when we arrived, which should have disappointed us. Instead, we managed to learn about the artifacts while wandering around the exterior grounds and examining the old gold-mining equipment and buildings. Although it would have been nice to have a docent tell us the history of the place, we were able to grab enough information from reading the signs, which told each object’s story.

This Huntington Mill was used to crushed gold-bearing ore for processing

JT inspecting the antique mining equipment

Fall had definitely descended upon the Madora Lake Loop Trail.

Hmm, does he want to go through there or not?

We finished our exploration of Plumas County at the Plumas National Forest Lakes Basin Recreation Area. The lush forest, crystal blue lakes, and fall-inspired scenery was the perfect setting to close out our adventures. We selected the loop trail that skirted Big Bear Lake and passed by Little Bear Lake, Cub Lake, and Silver Lake.

Putting together these past posts has made me homesick for the thick forests, alpine lakes, and trails. I want to lace up my shoes, sling my camera around my neck, and walk the trails exploring new territory.

Jon’s back has been pain free for almost a week as I write this post. Now comes the slow process of avoiding another flare up and regaining strength and stamina. However long that takes, I have hope that one day soon we will once again climb mountains and sit along an alpine lakeshore eating our lunch.

Safe Travels

2014 Carlon Falls and Yosemite

On September 12, 2019September 12, 2019 By LToddIn California, RV Travel, Travel4 Comments

Our 2014 adventures continued with a trip to Yosemite National Park for a few days in September. Our son and his better half met us there for some hiking and fishing. Yosemite, like most of the nation’s parks, requires reservations several months in advance. Luckily, Yosemite Lakes RV Resort had space for us. Although it was only 5.5 miles from the entrance, it was another 19 minutes to reach the valley.

View from our campsite at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Carlon Falls

We chose the Carlon Falls hike as our first activity. The trail to the falls is 2.8 miles roundtrip from the trailhead and travels through Yosemite National Park Wilderness. Six years after the August 2013 Rim Fire, the park’s website still warns of danger trekking through the burn area. Loose and falling rocks, and trees weakened from the fire and drought, could cause injury or even death to unsuspecting hikers.

In 2014, we found the trail well marked as we passed through burned-out logs and fire scared tree trunks and then we entered a lush green forest and underbrush. The south fork of the Tuolumne River meandered through the rocks and vegetation as it made its way toward the main river.

One year after the 2013 fire, these little seedlings had sprouted among the charcoal debris. I wonder if they survived the remaining drought and harsh conditions.

Little sprouts vying for survival in the ashes

The trail seemed to disappear just short of the falls, blocked by huge boulders.

The holes in the granite reveal a powerful river compared to what we saw.

No, this isn’t an ad for Arrowhead water, just a cute pick of Bailey

I wasn’t quite as quick to scramble over the impediments as the others, especially with my pack strapped to my back and a camera slung around my neck. I’m not so sure it was worth it given our visit was in the fall during the middle of what turned out to be a seven-year drought.

Images of the falls online show a wall of water rushing over the granite wall and mist rising from the pool. During our visit, it was not such a spectacular sight due to the drought, but it was peaceful back there. With birds flitting among the trees, squirrels scampering about, and the water tumbling over the granite wall and gently splashing into the pond, it was the perfect respite after the boulders.

Fishing

Fishing is not allowed in the Park, but at the Carlon Falls parking and picnic area, there is access to the south fork of the Tuolumne River. The gang grabbed their gear, baited up, and stood back to wait for the fish to come and take a taste of whatever goodies covered up the hook.

Fishing is not my thing. I just can’t bring myself to hurt the rainbow-striped critters, so off I trotted up and down the stream looking for interesting artifacts to photograph. Here are a few things that caught my eye.

Obviously, the water runs deep enough at times to erode the soil from these tree roots

Layers upon layers upon layers of graffiti, modern-day petroglyphs, on the bridge support

Raindrops cling to branches after a short rain

Poisonous or edible? I’ll leave it for the bears.

Watch your step across the reflecting pool

Let’s see. One, two, three, . . . Perhaps 30 years old?

When I returned from my photo walk, the gang had caught enough trout for a small dinner feast. I may not like to fish, but I sure do like to eat them.

Yosemite

On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating the Yosemite Grant, which was turned over to California to operate. The area surrounding the grant became Yosemite National Park in 1890.

From left, Jon Todd (my hubby), Bailey Bishop (Kevin’s better half), and Kevin Todd (my son)

Seeing damage caused by overgrazing and other commercial activities in and near the park, John Muir, among many other conservationists, lobbied President Theodore Roosevelt to have the federal government take control of the grant and expand and protect the park. Three years later, Roosevelt signed the bill that accomplished the conservationist’s goal.

Site of meeting between Muir and Roosevelt

Jon, Bailey, and Kevin with El Capitan in the background

With limited time to visit Yosemite, we selected a one-way bus ride to Glacier Point and a hike down the mountain on Four Mile Trail. I was concerned my knees might falter on the 3,200′ downhill slope.

We joined the crowds along the paths and overlooks around the visitor’s center to marvel at the breathtaking views.

The ancient art of marking up an object with petroglyphs and pictographs lives on in modern times

Way down in the valley there are roads and vehicles and buildings. At this distance, they fade into the scenery.

Never can take too many pictures of Half Dome

“Yes, dear. You’re so strong and handsome.”

Four Mile Trail continues around the giant granite slab

My knees held up during the hike thanks to the switchbacks that eased the descent. We all were glad to come to the end, visit the restroom, and head back to our vehicle. I’d sure like to try hiking up the trail someday.

Safe Travels

154th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games 2019

On September 5, 2019 By LToddIn California, Travel11 Comments

Each Labor Day weekend, tartan and kilted-clad folks descend on the Alameda County Fairgrounds for the annual Scottish Highland Gathering and Games. Labor Day 2019 marked the 154th year of celebrating Scottish heritage in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Caledonian Club of San Francisco has continuously run the annual games since its founding on November 24, 1866. From their humble beginnings as a picnic with a few athletic events, the games have marched through the years with never a break. Two world wars and the 1906 earthquake could not stop the dedication of the club to celebrate their heritage. The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, has been the home of the games since 1994. It is one of the largest ethnic festivals in the United States.

My grandson Jackson and I began our visit soaring above the crowds on the sky ride to get our bearings and catch a glimpse of the festival from a birds-eye view.

Colorful canopies and chairs lined the area where the pipe bands gathered for practice ahead of their competitions.

The concentration of 30 or more bands created a cacophony of sound that was actually more soothing than expected. The addition of drums that accompanied the pipes sent vibrations through my chest, stirring memories of standing on the curb watching parade marching bands pass by.

Pipes practicing before their competition

Food vendors offered American and Scottish dishes as well as the typical festival fare like funnel cakes, kettle korn, beignets, and waffles. Fancy a bit of alcohol? Step right up to the World of Beer stand, grab a pint of Guinness, or enjoy a sampling of some of the finest scotches, bourbons and whiskeys.

From hamburgers to haggis, this festival has it all

I opted for a Shepherd’s Pie for my lunch. Jackson ordered Teriyaki chicken. After a few bites he said he couldn’t eat any more Asian-type food, so he fed his meal to the trash can instead of his tummy. Maybe he was still full from the french toast at breakfast.

It was overwhelming to look at the schedule and choose which activities to take in so I let Jackson lead the way. Our first stop was the Living History section. We sat in on a presentation by Mead and Meadow Crafters Guild where we learned about the plants and herbs that treat itching, migraines, and fever; how the lowly snail helps reduce scars while healing and that sphagnum moss is a natural antibiotic that can be used to pack wounds.

Other groups demonstrated different weapons used to either protect the queen and her entourage or guard against invading marauders.

This fellow demonstrated using a chain like a whip. I never knew a chain could mack a sound like a whip until the man swirled the chain around and around over his head and snapped it so hard it made a loud crack. Imagine the ripping of flesh as the chain slices through an arm, a leg, or a face. Yikes! Grab me some sphagnum moss to mop up the blood.

One group gave lessons on sword fighting and another group offered archery lessons, for extra fees, of course. We found a shady spot to watch the sword-fighting lessons for a bit.

“Okay, you hold your sword straight out and I’ll try to hit it.”

Then we ventured over to the Sheep Dog Trials. We both found it fascinating to watch how the handler and the dog worked together to corral the sheep. Most of the time the three sheep stuck together like Velcro, but occasionally one of them would go rogue and rush back to the safety of her pen, her 60 other friends, and food.

Jackson takes a break under the misting canopy.

Mary Queen of Scots was in attendance with her entourage, brought to you by St. Andrew’s Noble Order of Royal Scots along with a group of nobles, the Royal Scots, stating their allegiance to the Queen. They also take strolls through the grounds throughout the day.

Mary Queen of Scot’s chalices and other artifacts

When the sun and heat reached a level that was too hot for comfort, visitors moseyed on over to one of the 6 stages where live bands played traditional and Celtic music, inviting guests to dance.

Highland dancing was another favorite of visitors. Oh, my. Such energy they had as they stomped their feet in complicated steps and swung their partners around in a circle, all while belting out the words of a song.

The Gathering of the Clans was another place for visitors to keep cool and learn about their Scottish heritage at one of the 100 booths. The shady walnut trees provided plenty of respite from the sun.

While walking to the Gathering of the Clans booths, one must stop and gawk at the British automobiles.

Although not a large collection of vehicles, I found the Morgan +4 and its baby of interest. The Morgan Motor Company began operations in 1909 and still makes the +4 today along with three other models.

The three-wheeler in the following photo was also produced by the Morgan Motor Company from 1932 to 1952. A new model is also in production.

Another alternative to cooling off is to explore the commercial buildings where all manner of Scottish goods are available for sale.

The commercial buildings filled with gifts, clothing, jewelry, food, and so much more

Need an outfit to wear? The selection ranges from the fancy dresses for royals to everyday wear for the merchants and servants. Wool kilts, sweaters, scarves and all the paraphernalia that goes along with the costume. Or maybe pirate attire is more to your liking. Craving shortbread cookies for that taste of the old country? Vendors had plenty of choices to select from.

And what would a gathering and games be without the games? Weight for distance consisted of 14, 28, 42, or 56-pound metal ball at the end of a ring and chain with the goal of flinging it the farthest.

Putting the stone is similar to American shot put events. Men use a stone that weighs 26.6 pounds while women use a 16-pound stone.

Eight teams competed this year in the five-a-side soccer event.

Other athletic events included weight for height, the Scottish hammer, and tossing the caber. Highland dancing competitions were also held.

The Scottish Gathering and Games truly has something for everyone from young to old no matter their passions or ancestry. For a fun time, visit a Scottish Gathering and Games near you.

Safe Travels

The Traveling Todds

Category: Travel

Fall 2019 – Finally, On the Road Again

Quincy and Graeagle in Plumas County, California

2014 Carlon Falls and Yosemite

154th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games 2019

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