Tag: California

Dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train-California

Rows of lush green vines pass the Napa Wine Train. Our gaze is broken by the vibrant purple-red liquid, streaming into our empty glasses. After several days of hiking paths in Redwoods National Park, sipping wine in a restored 1915 Pullman car is an indulgence. Napa Valley wasn’t a part of our original Northern California…
The Peanuts Museum-Santa Rosa-California

The stranger stands next to me at The Peanuts Museum. We are staring at the piece of art. Laughing out loud at the same time, we simultaneously say,“It’s still funny.”This art is timeless. This humor is timeless. Hopefully, this museum will be timeless. The small city of Santa Rosa, California, embraces what it is known…
The Final Oakland A’s Game-The Coliseum Stadium-California

It’s the 7th Inning Stretch, at The Final Oakland A’s Game. The entire stadium stands, belting out the famous, “Take me Out to the Ballgame.” Some sing joyously, a slight hint of defiance in their tone. Some have tears in their eyes. Everyone is aware that this is the last time they will sing in…
Visiting The John Muir National Historic Site-California

There is a 7-Eleven directly across the street. This is the first thing I notice, as our rental car pulls into the parking lot, at the John Muir National Historic Site. The street also includes a fast food restaurant, a tire store, and several places to grab a cup of coffee. Progress. I’m always grateful…
Touring the WWII SS Red Oak Victory Ship

The Park Ranger and Park volunteer at Rosie The Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park insist that visiting The SS Red Oak Victory ship, is worth the time. The ship is only open to visitors on Sundays, and we are fortunate to be in Richmond, California, on a Sunday. Recognizing how lucky we are,…
Visiting Rosie The Riveter National Park Site

The headband speaks out to me from my headband holder. Red with white polka dots. Do I dare? I only need an appropriate shirt, and I could do it. Anticipation of visiting Rosie The Riveter National Park Site is high, but the feelings sky-rocket when I realize for the very first time, I can National…
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood-California

The familiar theme starts to play. Dun-Dun…Dun-Dun…DunDunDunDunDunDun…Thrilled that I am sitting on the right side of the tram, my heart beats with excitement. The shark pops out of the water. The tram group cheers. Moment over, I lean back into my tram seat, grateful for a first-time visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Where to StayWhen…
Hiking to the M*A*S*H TV Set-Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

We’re exhausted. The pre-dawn flight from the East to West Coast, is catching up with us, but we are determined to go hiking, to the M*A*S*H TV Set. Not always jetsetters, once upon a time, we are newly married, fresh out of college kids, intent, above all else, to pay off debt. This means, for…
Visiting Santa Monica Pier-California

The fog is significant. Unlike our clear, blue-sky day, at Channel Island’s National Park. The weather at Santa Monica Pier, California, is a moody teenager. Initially, I’m disappointed. How can I get the perfect picture of the Santa Monica Pier, Ferris Wheel, through this soupy veil? The more we walk the pier, however, the more…