“A bridge adds energy to the landscape.” ~ Santiago Calatrava, world-renowned Spanish architect and engineer who conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design
I was in the Redding area (in Northern California) for a wedding last June. With a few unscheduled hours early in the day I decided to do a little exploring, and knowing that the Sundial Bridge was nearby I made that my destination.
And . . . Wow!
Multiple Sclerosis is a challenging and unpredictable disease. One week you may be able to get out of bed, transfer to the wheelchair, and take care of daily living activities – shower, dress, prepare meals – without too much stress.
And then you may be blindsided with an intense flare-up and need to spend some time in the hospital.
One of the many benefits of living in Northern California is the close proximity to the beach!
It’s just a three-hour drive from Sacramento to Monterey County and its well-known attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Aquarium, the scenic views of 17-Mile Drive, and the monarch butterflies of Pacific Grove.
Taking advantage of the spring-like weather in the Sacramento valley, I recently spent an afternoon at the UC Davis Arboretum.
I have visited many times over the past few years, enjoying the ever-changing flora, the frequent sightings of birds and other creatures, and the peaceful, meditative ambiance of this Yolo County treasure.
In October of 2013 my family gathered in San Diego, California, to celebrate the 18th birthday of my granddaughter, Jennifer. Prior to our trip, Jen had asked each of us to tell her what we most wanted to do while we were there (sort of a “San Diego Bucket List”).
My list was short and sweet: Besides spending time with my children, I wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo and also to Balboa Park. Both wishes came true!
I’ve previously written about our Zoo adventure; now I’d like to share my Balboa Park experience.
Located 30 miles south of the city of Sacramento (and just north of the San Joaquin County line), the Consumnes River Preserve is part of a vast network of waterways in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta … and one of my favorite local venues for watching and photographing birds.
[A story, and another self-promoting post. Thank you for indulging me!]
While at a networking function last year, my friend Wendy Sipple – who happens to be the COO and Publisher of Style Media Group, a Folsom (California) publishing company – asked me where my next travel adventure would take me. I told her I was going to New Zealand in early 2013.
And then I boldly asked if SMG’s other publication, Style Magazine, might be interested in having me write an article about my trip.
During my recent trip to the Monterey / Carmel (California) area, Carrieanna and I visited with the docents, volunteers and other enthusiastic members of the team at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
They were excited to show us this newly-created slideshow about Easy Access Point Lobos, set to the tune of “Sail Into the Sun” by Gentlemen Hall.
Check it out: http://youtu.be/o5gkMiXeCSQ
(And if that doesn’t inspire you to plan a trip to Point Lobos, I don’t know what will!)
On a warm and sunny day in late April, Sherry and I took a short road trip. Our destination was Lands End Coastal Trail on the northwestern edge of Golden Gate Park, and a hike to the labyrinth at Lands End Point.
We began planning this trip nearly three years ago, when the Sacramento Bee newspaper printed an article by Chad Jones on Sunday, August 30, 2009. I was excited about seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the south side, and walking along this part of the headlands.
But life events – and bridge repair – caused us to postpone … indefinitely.
So when my dear friend, Sherry, told me that she and her family had visited it recently, and what an awe-inspiring walk it had been, I knew it was time for me to go. We found a Friday that, miraculously, was clear on both of our calendars, and with lunch and cameras packed, we headed west.
Traffic was as reasonable as possible for Westbound 80 at 9:00 a.m. However, we crossed the Bay Bridge at 9:45, and shortly after 10:00 a.m. we pulled into one of the many open parking spaces. [Note to weekday travelers: Bridge toll is $6 between 7 and 10 a.m.; $4 thereafter.]
The paved trail was wheelchair-accessible for the first portion of our walk. Not to the labyrinth, though; sadly.
The afore-mentioned Sacramento Bee article provided some historical information about the area. I’ve included it below because, for me, it helped set the tone and encouraged me to be mindful during our walk.
“Originally the home of the Yelamu people, part of the Ohlone tribe, this windswept and desolate area was later held by the Spanish (mid-1700’s), followed by the Gold Rush of the mid-1800’s.
“In the 1880’s visitors boarded Adolph Sutro’s steam train to ride – for 5¢ apiece – from downtown San Francisco to his elaborate Cliff House restaurant and Sutro Baths. “Opened in 1896, the baths could house 10,000 people, some enjoying the water, others exploring Sutro’s collection of tropical plants” … or the amphitheater shows, galleries and museum exhibits (including an Egyptian mummy).
“The restaurant, of course, remains. The baths are mostly gone; a four-alarm fire in 1966 destroyed the structure; the ocean has helped reduce the Sutro Baths to ruins.”
Sherry and I started our walk from the Lands End Parking area.
I wanted to check accessibility of the trail, and found that the path was paved until we got to Mile Rock Overlook. The pavement ended, and at first the dirt path seemed to be level and smooth enough for wheelchair access. However, we soon came to steps that would not accommodate a chair, nor would much of the path thereafter.
Edge of the Path – Overlook
Sherry is a kindred spirit. Especially when it comes to photography!
We chose not to ascend these steep steps, which would have taken us to a eucalyptus grove and another view.
Instead, we backtracked a little and went down the many, many steps to the “Y” in the path.
Had we gone left, we would have reached Mile Rock Beach.
We veered to the right instead, and walked out to Lands End Point, where we picnicked and enjoyed the view and the beautiful weather.
Top of Lands End Point
And then … the labyrinth.
Sherry walking the labyrinth
Situated – literally – on the point of Lands End, the labyrinth was created in 2004 by Eduardo Aguilera. Made of small stones, Aguilera described the walkable maze as a “shrine to peace, love and enlightenment.”
I was moved.
By the view – Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge – and by this sacred space. Walking a labyrinth is, for me, a spiritual experience.
We took our time, and mindfully walked our path.
Finished with our labyrinth walk, we headed back up the umpteen stairs
[I’ll count them, the next time I’m there!]
Retracing our steps, we headed to Point Lobos and the Sutro Baths. They, too, were inaccessible.
As was mentioned above, the baths were destroyed by a fire in 1966.
There’s a newly-opened Visitor’s Center – fully accessible – at the end of Point Lobos Avenue, with clean bathrooms, a small gift shop, and helpful staff.
We had a lovely day, and because we wanted to maintain our happy mood by avoiding the Friday afternoon westbound traffic, Sherry and I left at 2:30 p.m. However, there are more trails for me to explore, and I plan to return to Lands End in the very near future!
Anything Is Possible Travel 