Nature in the Bay Area

Apparently there are a mind-boggling number of outdoor attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. These attractions are of the “Sunday Drive” type and appear in the San Francisco Chronicle every Sunday. The author, Tom Stienstra, provides information on his chosen area along with detailed driving directions. He also writes a column on the outdoors that appears below the Sunday Drive. He’s a good writer, informed and has a sense of humor.

We’ve been reading these articles since our arrival in the Bay Area and finally decided to follow the most recent one. We headed to the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area. The first part of the drive took us across the San Mateo Bridge for the first time. At 7 miles long it is the 25^th longest bridge in the world. It is mind-boggling to me how they can build a bridge that long that is able to handle the approximately 93,000 vehicles that cross the bridge on a typical day. We were glad an earthquake didn’t take place when we were in the middle. Since our arrival in the Bay Area this journey was our first to the East Bay.

Following the directions provided by the article we drove down Interstate 880 then through the suburb city of Union City. According to the directions we should have been arriving at the lakes any time but we continued to drive through heavy residential and business area. Just when we thought we had taken a wrong turn the entrance to the Recreational Area appeared. I must use the term mind-boggling once again. Three lakes, hiking trails, grass and flowers appeared just blocks from the developed areas and the rumbling traffic. There were few humans to be seen at first but the numbers grew. The transition was mind-boggling. These lakes lie nearly in the sun-baked hills of the East Bay but are only a mile or two from San Francisco Bay. Characteristics of desert, mountains and bay-country all co-exist side-by-side. The peace and quiet of the place was interrupted every few minutes by the commuter train, BART whizzing by on the tracks bordering the east side of the recreation area. Another example of the mind-boggling mingling of nature and development.  

It was hot but with a pleasant breeze. We hiked the trail that follows a route around the lakes (2.66 miles) taking our time to observe the variety of birds, vegetation, and people. A dragon boat race was taking place on one lake. The swimming areas became more populated as the day wore on. Bikers, hikers and fishermen did their thing. We enjoyed a beautiful rose garden in full bloom. Our exploration was completed with a picnic lunch sitting on the carpet of green grass under a small shade tree.

For our trip back home we decided to drive around the South end of the Bay, through San Jose where we had never been before. We ended up being lost and wandering about for some time in Silicon Valley until we found a familiar freeway that transported us back home. This was not a wilderness experience by any means. We did decide, however, that utilizing the “Sunday Drives” from Tom Stienstra in the Chronicle will be an excellent way for us to get familiar with all the Bay Area outdoor resources. For more on East Bay Parks go to www.ebparks.org .

Stan the Man

       

A Permanent Home???

It is a mind-boggling new place, the place we now live. Yes, it is intended to be a permanent residence. I think about 5 years is permanent for Katherine and I. For most of our life together we have been gypsies, wanderers who have tried many locations and many challenges. So where is this mind-boggling new “permanent location?” Redwood City, California.

Redwood City is 24 miles south of San Francisco. The claim to fame here is: “Climate Best by  Government Test.” Apparently the U.S. Government gathered weather and climate data for every location on earth for years. In 1925 it was proclaimed that three locations share the title of “best climate on earth.” These locations are the Canary Islands, the African Coast of the Mediterranean and Redwood City. Thus, since that time, “Climate Best by Government Test” has served as Redwood City’s motto. The average high temperature from April through October is 77 degrees and 63 degrees for the balance of the year. The average rainfall is about 20 inches. The sun shines nearly every day.

The home we chose, or more aptly stated, as is often the case, the home that chose us is in an area intersected by a network of waterways off of San Francisco Bay known as Redwood Shores. Our town- home graces the edge of one of those waterways. We have many neighbors but the most interesting are the birds, waterfowl, and wild animals. Resident geese graze on the lawns and obstruct traffic; squirrels scamper up and down trees; jack rabbits sun themselves at the foot of our deck. One morning I watched 2 adult raccoons clamber down a tree outside our window. Another morning a 4 foot gopher snake startled us as we walked on the nearby Bay Trail. My favorite visitors are the long legged Egrets that hunt delicacies as they wade by the window where I sit to write. It is a mind-boggling re-attachment to nature after two years in Manhattan and three months in San Francisco.

Our home grew from 700 square feet in Manhattan and San Francisco to 2000 square feet in Redwood City. New furniture became a necessity. A shopping spree for additional furniture has resulted. Today’s delivery will fill all rooms but one. Oh that’s right, there’s a new computer desk with a hutch in the garage waiting to be assembled. Yuk!

Living in California is a mind-boggling experience for me. Being a Washingtonian I always resented Californians. They invaded or as we said, californicated our beautiful state. They used our freeways, bought property, built houses and taught us the California stop. Now I am one of them. I find most to be friendly, liberal and thoughtful. It does feel strange to be here though. I’m still getting used to seeing the hated garb of Stanford, Cal-Berkley, the 49ers and the Giants instead of the Huskies, Cougars, Seahawks and Mariners. Perhaps I will adjust but then maybe not.

Stan the Man

  

More Mind-Boggling Differences Observed

My recent travels through the deep south of this fine country of ours opened my eyes once again. For my purposes the Deep South wouldn’t include South Florida. It seems to begin around Ocala, Florida as you travel north. Then one is deep into the culture of the Deep South through the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and a big part of Texas. The folks you meet along the way are, for the most part, about as friendly and helpful as you can find, and seemingly genuine. They aren’t superficial like inhabitants of the Great Northwest, they aren’t self absorbed and angry like New Yorkers. Most of them are not transplants like the populations of many cities. I’ve never met a resident of Miami who was born and raised there, except some second generation Cubanos. Transplants typically bring their own culture and are slow to adopt the culture of their new place of residence.

A large part of the population of the Deep South has been born, raised and never strayed from their locale. I talked to adults who had never been across a state line thirty miles down the highway. Others had never heard of cities at the other end of their own state. You have to figure these folks haven’t been exposed to much in the way of outside ideas. They do watch TV and it seems listen to a lot of radio. I was exposed to their radio programming as I drove through the Deep South. One morning Rush Limbaugh was on four stations at once and another four stations were broadcasting religious programming (I don’t mean church services or music). I’m talking political diatribes similar to Rush. This mode of communication or dare I say education seems to be part of the Deep South culture.

These radio stations, from my perspective, promote ultra-conservative and extreme right views. Fine with me except they dominate the air waves and on a 10 hour drive I can’t find any decent music. Admittedly, I have another issue with the phenomenon. It is always presented as a rant, as a diatribe, as an attack on one liberal or another. The material is presented as if the character on the radio has exclusive access to the truth. Furthermore it is his or her obligation and right to scream at the listener about the subject matter they are preaching on this particular day. I notice two approaches as they carry on loudly: They talk as if the know the facts, as if they have the proof of what they are saying but they don’t bother sharing it with the listeners. And when they do attempt to provide proof it is usually a snippet taken out of context. It might be from some obscure document or newspaper article or perhaps the bible. The message is, “just listen to me and believe. Don’t worry about the details or proof.”

So I drove through the Deep South getting more and more claustophobic. Driving mile after mile on the interstate, feeling separated from the world by a wall of green. Yes, tall green trees. Granted they are beautiful and I’m the first to enjoy nature. But it goes on and on and that’s all you see for miles on end. I got so curious what this wall of green was hiding. Does anyone live out there to listen to these radio stations? The consistent barrage from the radio stations that never seems to change helped promote my claustophobia as well. I was much relieved to reach the desert lands of New Mexico and Arizona with the classic rock stations of university towns like Albuquerque and Flagstaff.

I recognize this post reflects some of my biases. I own them. They are mine.

Stan the Man  

Mind-boggling Steak Opportunity?

My most recent post on this blog promised more story from my 7 day drive from South Florida to Northern California. Where to start? How about here:

I departed La Quinta in Shreveport, Louisiana at 9AM hoping to make it to Amarillo, Texas by the time I drove out of energy. My goal seemed to be in real jeopardy in Dallas. I was lost. Driving the myriad of freeways, express ways and construction sites in and around Dallas I became more and more exasperated and confused. Three times I stopped to ask directions and received opposing opinions. One gas station attendant told me he had never been to Amarillo and had no idea how to get there. Finally, a helpful Pepsi delivery man consulted his smart phone and quickly pointed me in the correct direction. So, I arrived in Amarillo that night at 8PM.

When on the road I try to stay at La Quinta motels since I can earn free nights with earned points. This night I couldn’t locate one and settled for a Comfort Inn right along Interstate 40. Standing at the front desk checking in I looked at the key card given to me. It had emblazoned on it an advertisement for a free 72 ounce steak. From my memory bank came images of several billboards I had seen along the freeway that advertised the same thing. I exclaimed, “Wow, free steak! What’s up with that? And 72 ounces, that’s 4 ½ pounds isn’t it?”

The answer came from a Texan looking blond woman now standing behind me. “It’s not free unless you eat the whole thing,” she informs me. She had apparently driven in behind me and noted my Florida license plate so she added authoritatively, “If you did it you would be the first person from Florida to ever eat the whole thing.”

I have to admit the potential claim to fame enticed me for a moment but I’m not really a big eater or much of a steak eater either. I said, “No way, not me. I’m not even going to give that a try.” She laughed and said, “I don’t blame you.”

It turns out that the Big Texan Steak House and Motel that makes this offer was close by. As the story goes, some years ago a cowboy came into the restaurant and said, “I’m so hungry I could eat the whole cow.” Thus was born the 72 ounce steak challenge. One has to pay $17.95 for the dinner which includes the steak, shrimp, baked potato and salad. If the challenger can successfully eat all of this in one hour or less they get their money refunded. I guess then they can go to the 54 unit AAA rated motel located next door and sleep it off. Several thousand have accomplished this feat. Check out the details at www.bigtexan.com. Like they say, “Everything is big in Texas.”

Stan the Man

http://www.bigtexan.com/

Mind-boggling process of transition once again

Initiating and managing change and transition involves enough knowledge and expertise that at least several books have been written about it. I think I should have written such a book. Everything is changing again. Katherine has accepted an offer to serve as permanent Director of Case Management over four large hospitals in San Francisco. So it looks like a little stability may come into our lives. It also means another transition is underway and so I swing into action.

My initial action was a 6 hour American Airlines flight to Miami, Florida followed by a wild 30 minute taxi ride to our condo in Bal Harbour. Yes, we had planned on living there. We love the climate and the environment but everything has changed once again. My job, to get three bids from moving companies to move all of our worldly possessions to our new home. The process is not much fun but I am a professional at it after all of our moving experiences. North American Van Lines was the winner primarily because they could pick our belongings up on the earliest date.

In the middle of this process close friends Jon and Sonya appeared in Florida on vacation from California. They were a welcome diversion. We spent a great day together after their 4AM arrival. They enjoyed the beach, my favorite restaurant and we had on-going great conversations like always. Too bad Katherine remained back in the Bay Area slaving away. I guess somebody has to work.

After vacillating back and forth I decided to drive our practically new car back to California rather than shipping it. I’m always up for an adventure and a road trip. One hour after the movers were gone and the floors mopped I was on my way. The trip took me through the length and breadth of Florida, across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, through Dallas and Amarillo in Texas, then on to New Mexico and Arizona and finally California. The trip consumed most of six days and put 3100 miles on the Mazda 3. I arrived safe and well.

It was a mind-boggling trip. Many lasting impressions and experiences of people, cultures, and topography remain with me. I will write about some of them on this blog shortly.

Stan the Man

Mind-boggling Secrets of Vegas

Upon our return to San Francisco from Las Vegas we needed a few groceries. I walked up to Trader Joes our favorite purveyor of groceries in the neighborhood to get something for dinner. As I checked out the chatty checker asked, “Did you find everything you needed?” My response was “Yes and more!” The checker cheerily said, “Yep that’s what makes America work. We don’t know we need it until we see it.”

Immediately that comment took me back to our four days in Las Vegas. That city is full of things we don’t need but Americans as well as international travelers see and buy, buy, buy. Actually, when we gamble most of us have paid good money and get nothing for it except perhaps a few moments of giddy hope. The ads are now saying, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Now I know exactly what they mean. It’s our money that stays when we go home.

I had never been to Las Vegas before except as a stopover to get somewhere else. I won’t be returning. I thought Las Vegas was all about the gambling and giving every visitor to the city at least a chance to go home with some winnings. I was wrong. Instead it’s about high end shopping. Women’s clothes, purses, jewelry and much more are waiting for people to discover they can't live without one or more of those overpriced items. These shops are everywhere, one cannot escape them. Well, that is unless you are a hardened non-shopper like me.

Amongst the shops are a multitude of restaurants. If my memory serves me right one of the attractions use to be cheap food. There were cheap all-you-can-eat buffets attached to every casino. There are still a few buffets in evidence. The standard rate seems to be $44.99 per person. And what about drinks? We ate dinner in a mid-range restaurant at Caesar’s Palace where we were staying. The cheapest glass of wine was $25. That’s a 6 ounce glass not a bottle.

Upon our arrival we ate lunch at an Italian restaurant. That entailed waiting an hour for our pizza and upon inquiring we found that the waiter neglected to turn in the order. Twenty minutes later we were finally satisfying our hunger. Next our room wasn’t ready and we were rewarded with an upgrade to a nicer room for an additional $50 per day. Oh by the way, four days of cold showers with only brief moments of hot water were provided in that upgrade. Another day our lunch of a hot dog and a salad ran us over $28. Okay, okay, you probably get the picture, expensive place with not very good service.

Gambling, of course, is the big thing in Las Vegas. Not being a big gambler, because I don’t like to lose, I am pretty much a wimp. I don’t play Blackjack, roulette, craps, poker or any of those other high stake games. Penny and quarter machines are my speed. I have always been able to win enough to give me some fun until I lose everything I’m willing to put into the machines. This time there was essentially no winning. I would play a quarter and win but winning paid .20 cents. Even as a winner you lose. Enough of that. I assume there were some winners amongst us but I was not their witness.

Now I know, I am not abiding by the rule that Las Vegas is putting out there: What happens in  Vegas stays in Vegas. Now I have a pretty good idea why they don’t want us telling on them.

The other side of the coin is that Las Vegas is “over the top.” It is an American extravagance. I love the desert, the climate and the open skies but it must have taken a miracle to plop this commercial phenomenon down in the middle of the desert and for it to survive and thrive even during difficult economic times. Everything is make-believe, fantasy, unreal. Perhaps that’s the trick.

Katherine the Great and I enjoyed a great dinner together to celebrate our 19^th anniversary. Would you believe we were in Paris half way up the Eiffel Tower? Incredible views, a water ballet across the street, wonderful food and great service contributed to a special evening. I highly recommend experiencing the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower.

A visit to Las Vegas is a mind-boggling experience in many ways. I still haven’t shared most of what happens in Las Vegas so I should be safe.

Stan the Man

 

Mind-boggling Birds and Connections

Remember the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, The Birds? We had a close encounter with those birds last weekend. Staying at the Inn at the Tides in the village of Bodega Bay we discovered this beautiful spot’s claim to fame: The Birds was filmed there. In 2010 the census counted 1077 humans living in Bodega Bay. I think there are more birds and cows than people. Probably more tourists also, judging by the traffic. Pretty Bodega Bay, the rugged Pacific Coast with whales migrating and The Birds seems to be the extent of what the area has to offer.

Okay, there are also several nice resorts and restaurants along with a State Park crammed with RVs. Our stay at the Inn at the Tides was comfortable. Great room, great view and the huge, delicious complimentary breakfast at the waterfront restaurant satiated appetites until dinner. Never having heard of Bodega Bay we jumped at the invitation to escape San Francisco to meet a long lost cousin and his wife for the weekend. Good company, great conversation in a serene environment. Meanwhile, just a few feet away cattle grazed while looking at us with curiosity.

Upon our arrival in Bodega Bay we drive around the Bay to where the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the cliffs to discover that whale watching is underway. A short walk along the cliffs and a watchful eye and we have our chance to see a whale migrating north. Always a thrill. The day is sunny, sort-of warm and the wild flowers are decorating the hills. Each time we see ravens, seagulls or any bird we think of the terror of that movie The Birds. But we are safe and un-hurt. 

Back to The Birds. It depicts a massive onslaught of violence by throngs of birds on the people of Bodega Bay. The movie was produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1963. It introduced Hitchcock’s recent discovery at that time, Tippi Hendren. Rod Taylor was her co-star. Today Tippi, who I had never heard of, is 82 years old. She will make an appearance at Bodega Bay Labor Day weekend. That village is obviously trying to get all of the commercial mileage they can out of this one claim to fame. Tippi has actually appeared in 50 films during her career. One of those was the thriller Marnie. Her co-star in that film was Sean Connery. Today Tippi resides on her game preserve in Acton, CA. She has some 70 animals including lions, tigers and more. She produced a film called Roar in 1981. The film depicts the wild animals of Africa and is considered the most dangerous film ever made. During the filming her daughter was injured by a lion. You’ve probably heard of her daughter: Melanie Griffith.

Another film made in Bodega Bay was The Fog, a horror movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis. After seeing the fog roll in during the evening and hanging over the Bay the next morning I find the fog theme more realistic than the birds. In The Fog a mysterious fog invades the village and creates all kinds of havoc.

Travel continues to be mind-boggling. All the way from Bodega Bay, known for birds and fog, one weekend to the desert of Viva Las Vegas coming up this next weekend. Or is it what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas? We shall see.

Stan the Man