Tag: California

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Butcher Boy…Fast and Pretty

The sailing yacht, Butcher Boy of 1902, is more than San Diego’s oldest yacht. It’s also the oldest working watercraft, a veteran of the first Lipton Cup Race, and a storied flagship of San Diego Yacht Club.

Having said all that, when you look at it as it sits now…you’d wonder. It’s in pieces. Literally.

That’s because the Maritime Museum of San Diego is preparing for a complete restoration. They will return Butcher Boy to her sailing condition.

This restoration is undertaken as a public exhibition and educational project the Museum’s former San Salvador build site.

Butcher Boy was commissioned in 1902 to be the fastest thing on water. She needed to be. Before the bay had its deep-water channel, large ships coming into San Diego were often forced by their draft to anchor outside the bay in Coronado.

Servicing these ships required a fast, seaworthy boat to make daily runs from the downtown waterfront. Butcher Boy was designed based on the Columbia River fishing vessels and served as a sailing delivery platform. She took supplies to those ships anchored in the harbor. She was also attractive enough and fast enough for yachtsmen to charter her for weekend races.

One day…she’ll look as good as she did in 1902. With a few modifications, of course

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Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and Sparkling Wine…Oh My

For me, bubbles in a glass are a favorite. I like most all Champagnes, Cavas, Proseccos, and Sparkling Wines…as long as they’re not sweet. Over the next few posts, I will give you some information about each one. Let me know your favorites.

American Sparkling Wines

In the US we don’t have any laws about what grapes can be included in what wines, so technically just about anything could be used.

Having said that, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most common choices. Some are made in the Methode Champenoise, but many are not.

In general, cooler growing regions are better bets because the acidity in the grapes is preserved. That means parts of Northern California and upstate New York are great places with this climate. However, New Mexico produces a fantastic sparkling wine. Yes, New Mexico.

 

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Cabrillo National Monument…San Diego

 

First…a little history.

As the park’s namesake, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore what is now the west coast of the United States. Cabrillo departed from the port of Navidad, Mexico, on June 27, 1542. Three months later he arrived at “a very good enclosed port,” which is known today as San Diego Bay. Historians believe he anchored his flagship, the San Salvador, on Point Loma’s east shore near Cabrillo National Monument. Cabrillo later died during the expedition, but his crew pushed on, possibly as far north as Oregon, before thrashing winter storms forced them to back to Mexico.

Cabrillo National Monument, established in 1913, commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s voyage of discovery. A heroic statue of Cabrillo looks out over the bay that he first sailed into on September 28, 1542. At the Visitor Center, the film “In Search of Cabrillo” and an exhibit hall present Cabrillo’s life and times. Ranger-led programs about Cabrillo are usually available on weekends and on many weekdays during summer months.

Visiting…

Stop at the Visitor Center. Information about the park, tidepools, and trails, exhibits showcasing Cabrillo and the native people, films documenting the park and its history, and commanding panoramic views make the Visitor Center here an ideal place to start your visit.

Bring your shoes if hiking is on your agenda. The Bayside Trail is about 2.5 miles roundtrip. You’ll descend about 300 feet as you walk past native coastal sage, prickly pear, and chaparral. Leftover military control stations, bunkers, and other remnants of the defense system which protected the harbor during WWI and WWII can be seen on your way through this coastal Mediterranean ecotype.

Wear waterproof, sturdy shoes if you want to explore the tidepools. Keep in mind the rocks get slippery. Remember to explore by looking. These are protected to maintain the marine life in their natural habitat. Don’t take anything home with you.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a reminder of sailing ships and oil lamps. When in operation, a dedicated keeper was on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No vacations. No time off. An oil lamp was lit in 1855 to reflect the light off the newly installed Fresnel lens. This was reported to be seen 32 miles away, protecting ships from the rocks and coast. Being the highest lighthouse along the coast, it seemed like an ideal spot. It wasn’t. Fog and low clouds often obstructed the light. In 1891 the lamp was extinguished for the final time. It was shut down and a new one was constructed at a lower elevation.

Definitely worth a trip, the Cabrillo National Monument offers an insight into San Diego and California history. With so much to do here, plan on spending the day.

If You Go: Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106. The entire park is open from 9am until 5pm. The only exception are the tidepools which close at 4:30pm. Park passes are available at the Entrance Station until 4:20pm. For more information, https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm.

 

 

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La Jolla’s Map and Atlas Museum…A Rare Find

La Jolla brings to mind sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, great shopping, wave skimming armadas of pelicans, and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. I don’t necessarily think of museums or old maps when I head to La Jolla.

But, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, how about the Map and Atlas Museum? Not your ordinary museum, this one offers an appreciation and awareness for the geography, history, politics, and beauty of antique collectible maps and atlases.

I was impressed by the maps detailing the world…from centuries ago. Many of the old drawings were so close to what is reality today. This is a rare find. And, not one you’d probably expect in La Jolla.

Next time you’re here…stop in.

 

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So Close…So Far Away

Pantai Inn

About a year ago we stayed at the Pantai Inn in La Jolla. Looking at the resort today…I would stay there again in a heart beat.

Welcome to Bali. Well, maybe not actually Bali.

But it sure felt like it.

Stepping out of the car, soothing sounds of gently flowing water and lightly tinkling bells made me smile. Tasteful, gold and purple umbrellas and lightly scented tropical flowers took my smile to another level. Walking between impressive sculptures, which I learned were Padma sculptures, gave me a peaceful feeling. Immediately, I was in a different place.

Walking in to the Pantai Inn in La Jolla, California, offered a glimpse of a Bali inspired resort. Those Padma sculptures? Being greeted by the Padma lets you leave the stresses of the outside world, and welcomes you into a place of serenity and tranquility.

Guess what? It worked.

But, it kept getting better. Attention to every detail, and I mean every detail, greeted me with water features, exotic landscaping, colors, sights, and sounds. I could have landed on any tropical island.

My own private island.

As it is, this one-acre piece of property includes rough-shingled cottages to Art Deco influences to Balinese design. And, it’s not on an island at all.

But, the peace and quiet, the lush, flower-filled greenery, and even the furnishings trick your mind into believing you really are at your own private island resort. I mean, get a glass of wine, relax in the courtyard, and look at the view. Seemingly endless blue sky meets wave after wave for as far as you can see. And, those sunsets. You have to see them to believe.

The best part? This was my home for a few days.

I was told the Pantai Inn had undergone an extensive renovation in all of its 30 suites and cottages. But, it was so much more than just renovating an existing motel that had been in the family for three generations. It’s more than wanting a place to resemble a Balinese resort. Authenticity was imperative to the family. So was state-of-the-art. Think contemporary beach resort meets old-world luxury.

I’d say they achieved it.

While each suite and cottage are unique, the Bali and Indonesia themes are evident. Authentic artwork and murals decorate the resort. Everything is just a little bit better than you’d expect.

Want to know what’s for breakfast the next morning? Just look on your refrigerator. A menu is posted for the following day. Maybe you’ll be lucky and have the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote, or the feta, sun-dried tomato quiche. This is the way to start the day…great food and a spectacular view.

Stop in the reception area in the afternoon for a delightful, chef prepared sweet treat. Oh my…key lime mini cupcakes today. Or sit around the fire pit in the evening, enjoying the weather and a glass of wine.

I just lost track of the outside world. Now, that’s a vacation.

https://www.pantai.com/ for more information

 

 

 

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How Do They Run?

San Francisco Cable Cars

By Wendy VanHatten

“If it pleases Providence to make a car run up and own a slit in the ground for many miles, and if for twopence-half penny I can ride in that car, why should I seek the reasons of the miracle?” Malcom E. Barker

Mention San Francisco to people and images come to mind of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies Victorian homes, Alcatraz…and the clanging of the cable cars. This tourist attraction and yet viable means of transportation came about due to a man witnessing a horrible accident on a typically damp summer day in 1869.

Andrew Smith Hallidie saw a horse drawn streetcar slide backwards on a damp cobblestone street, causing five horses to lose their lives. He knew he needed to do something about it. His father held the first patent in Great Britain for wire rope, and he used this technology in California’s gold country, in building a bridge in Sacramento, and in pulling heavy ore cars out of underground mines.

Using this technology, he devised a cable car system where giant wheels pull a wire cable through a trench embedded in a roadway. The cars attach to the cable and are pulled along. His first ride downhill, August 2, 1873, was alone as no one wanted to ride with him. Once he demonstrated their safety, cable cars dominated the city’s transit scene for more than 30 years.

Then came the 1906 Earthquake and Fire and they were almost extinguished.

In the 1890s there were eight active cable car companies, covering the city with 127 miles of track. Today, there is one combined line with 10.5 miles of track in three branches. Thirty-one cars, weighing six tons each, travel at a speed of 9.5 miles per hour up a 21 percent grade.

Whether this is your first time visiting San Francisco or if you want to enjoy the City by the Bay from an iconic landmark, hop aboard a cable car. Want some insider tips on best to enjoy your ride?

For the best views, you want to be on the side that faces the bay. For the Powell cars, that’s the east side. If the car is leaving downtown, you would want to be on the right side. If you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, the left side. If you don’t know, ask the driver.

Exit off the car and wait for it to pass. Drivers always pay attention, but if something should happen, they can’t swerve to avoid you.

Cable cars are pretty good about staying on schedule. Unless, it’s raining. You might have a short wait in this case.

Wear a sweater. Even on a warm day, it can get cold on the cars. The warmest spots are on the inside. You won’t get the best views there, however.

Don’t let anything…purses, backpacks, kids…hang off the edge.

Hold on and watch your kids.

There are three different cable cars routes. The Powell/Hyde and Powell/Mason lines start at the busy intersection of Powel and Market. They head toward Fisherman’s Wharf. These are the most popular as they climb some great hills, giving riders fantastic views. The California/Van Ness line starts at California and Market and goes to Van Ness. You get different views from each line, so if you have time…ride more than one.

Cable cars stop almost every block on California and Powell/Mason lines.

Cable cars are not handicap accessible.

If there are long lines, walk a few blocks to the next stop. The car will probably be full and you’ll have to stand, but the wait is shorter. Your call.

You are allowed, with a ticket, to get on a cable car at any stop along the route. It will stop for you.

Cable cars start operations about 6 am and run until about 12:30 at night. They usually run every 10 minutes and run all year.

Fun Facts: Cable cars are the only moving National Monument in the world. There have been two women in history who have served as a gripman.

IF YOU GO: Visit the Cable Car Museum at 1201 Mason Street. This free museum offers you a chance to see the inner workings below the street, to watch the gigantic wheels that pull the cable cars, watch the sheaves, which are the pulleys, and view an original car from Andrew Hallidie’s Clay Street Hill Railroad.

 

 

 

 

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Winter Ideas

Summer is ending. Leaves are beginning to turn color or have already fallen…depending where you live. The pool is a little too cool. Days can still be warm here in northern California.

Maybe it’s time to think about a winter getaway.

If so…now is the time to book that airfare and decide on those accommodations.

Yes, now is a good time to get serious about booking your airfare. Especially if it is an international trip you’re planning. I’ve found that international airfare starts rising about 90 days out. Domestic fares are supposedly at their best 54 days out, unless you find a fantastic fare.

Also, where do you want to stay? Is it an all-inclusive, a vacation rental, hotel, or resort? Are you flexible or do you need a specific time and location? Look at Internet specials. Sometimes you can get lucky and find deals at the last minute as resorts like to have all their facilities booked, but don’t count on that.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check your passport. Make sure it doesn’t expire in the next six months. If it’s close to expiring, apply for a renewal immediately. Right now, the passport offices tell me there could be a three month wait. After all, it will be January in two months!

Do you have a house sitter or pet sitter? If so, check their availability. You wouldn’t want to find out at the last minute they are already booked with someone else.

Do your plans include a special type of getaway where you need a guide? If you’re thinking of diving in the Caribbean, exploring Antarctica, checking out all the Christmas markets in Germany, or hiking in the Andes…regardless of the time of year, you’ll need some type of guide. Start looking now at who offers what packages and what appeals to you and your budget.

If you’re planning weekend getaways instead of a longer stay, start looking at where you want to go and what’s going on that weekend. Maybe there are festivals, wine harvest events, concerts, sporting events, or performances which would be fun to attend. Accommodations might already be booking or booked. Check the calendar for events in the area where you want to go.

Regardless of when or where you are thinking of going…a little advance planning now will help you have a wonderful time on your winter getaway. Let me know where you went…

 

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The Old Sugar Mill

Mention wine tasting in northern California, and the obvious destinations come to mind. Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Livermore Valley, Mendocino…just to name a few. Ask about Clarksburg and you might get some puzzling looks. Others realize the area as a great place to grow Chenin Blanc grapes. But, they don’t really know much else. And, they might not realize it’s also a great place to taste wines.

Locals knew the area before grapes were the main crop.

Sugar beets used to be harvested on the same area where rows and rows of grapes now sit. The Old Sugar Mill was constructed in 1934 by the Amalgamated Sugar Company, and was an operating sugar mill until 1993. At its peak, they processed 900,000 tons of sugar beets into 100,000,000 pounds of sugar.

That’s a whole lot of sweet.

Fast forward to today. The beautifully restored, red brick buildings sit surrounded by perfect rows of grapes…not fields of sugar beets. It took some work. Transformation from the Old Sugar Mill and its processing of sugar beets to what we see today began in 2000. With new owners and investment partners, the property has been transformed into a showplace wine facility.

It’s like the transition to wine tasting was a natural progression.

Currently, the Clarksburg vineyard appellation encompasses almost 60,000 acres in a 16-mile long, eight-mile wide area. This appellation is home to over a dozen wineries, 13 of which call the Old Sugar Mill home…Clarksburg Wine Company, Heringer Family Estates and Vineyard, Todd Taylor, Three Wine Company, Carvalho Family Winery, Elevation Ten, Rendez-Vous Winery, Due Vigne Di Famiglia, Draconis by Matt Powell, Perry Creek Winery, Bump City, Batia Vineyards, and Seka Hills Winery.

Wine varietals from all over northern California, some of which include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sangiovese. In fact, there are ovver 35 different varietals grown here. Wineries from other parts of California buy grapes from here to bottle wines under their own labels.

Tasting the wines…I can see why.

The climate for the Clarksburg AVA creates a moderately long growing season with plenty of airflow and light. Located on the Sacramento River, this maritime influence of the Delta offers cool evenings, warm days, limited summer fog, and a significantly less probability of spring frost. Less rainfall is a good thing as well. Not having rain during critical growing stages, like late spring, depletes the ground water faster.

Good? You bet. The vines become stressed sooner and the flavors increase. Try it for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Napa Valley

Perhaps you’ve read about or watched the news regarding the devastating fires in northern California over the past weeks.

So, what’s going on with wineries? Are they open, should you go, what do you need to know?

Yesterday, we toured though the areas of Napa Valley, the town of Napa, the town of St. Helena, and just north of there. We have not seen Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Glen Ellen, or other parts of the fire damaged areas.

Damage is real in the Napa area. Much of the fire damage is in the hills, on the hillsides, and above the valley floor…especially in the southern area of the Silverado Trail. Signorello Winery is completely gone and many others have damage, some extensive, all important. There is other damage to homes and areas we didn’t see.

But, Napa and St. Helena wineries and businesses are open for business. In fact, we were told they welcome visitors.

Some things we discovered:

Smoke still lingers in many areas. If you’re going to be outside for any length of time, wear a mask. But, it’s not solid smoke. You can still see the vineyards and hills. Also, if you have trouble breathing, a mask is a good idea. We didn’t have any problems breathing.

When the wind shifts, the smoke clears in one area and drifts to another area.

The hills are blackened in many areas. You can see where the fires burned the hillsides and stopped a few feet or less from a vineyard.

For the most part, the vines are not burned. There are some areas where they are singed, but not destroyed. Most of the harvesting of grapes was finished, with some crushing finished as well. We were told it’s a ‘wait and see’ about this year’s vintage.

Dozens of signs, if not more, thanking fire fighters and first responders line the streets and highways. Every business, every home, every corner has a sign. The work of the fire fighters and first responders is not taken lightly. It is all appreciated.

There are thousands of folks working to get these fires under control.

Restaurants and cafes offer free meals to fire fighters, first responders, and those who have lost their homes. In some cases, those restaurants deliver to fire camps or individuals. Everyone is pitching in.

Wineries and restaurants are open. If you plan to go, you’ll probably have your choice of appointment to taste wine and your choice of seating in most restaurants.

We had a fantastic tasting at Stony Hill Winery north of St. Helena. Sitting outside, enjoying the view was not much different than other times we’ve been there. Off in the distance wisps of smoke could be seen, but nothing that bothered us or hindered our tasting.

Lunch at the Goose & Gander in St. Helena was terrific, if not a little quiet. They thanked us for coming in and appreciated our business.

Tasting wine at The Terraces, along the Silverado Trail, we saw smoke in the distance. Business must go on. These people are all working hard to reestablish their livelihood.

Everyone is still vigilant. Fire is not something to ignore, even when it appears to be out. The winds can change, sparks can fly. But, Napa Valley is surviving this and wanting to get back on the road to recovery.

Bottom Line: Take a trip to Napa Valley and see for yourself.