Click on the picture to view a slideshow from our trip. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Black Diamond Mines Regional Park
Exploring the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District within the Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Overall, the East Bay Regional Park District includes 65 parks spanning more than 100,000 acres with 1,100 miles of trails. With the onset of winter and snow in the mountains, these regional parks which are often too hot during the summer months, are prime areas for wintry day hikes. In the past years, I've been to a number of the East Bay Regional Parks, but this is my first hike within the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park. On the heels of the latest storms, Geno, Dick and I encountered crisp blue skies above soft colored hillsides of golden grass and phenomenal views of the east bay and central valley. Discover more about the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park using a Google search.
Click on the picture to view a slideshow from our trip. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Click on the picture to view a slideshow from our trip. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hawaii On My Mind
It's been more two weeks since returning from Oahu and a winter chill is beginning to settle upon Northern California. We had spent two weeks on the Pacific Island with no particular agenda other than to relax and enjoy the scene. Our place was a 10th floor condo above the noisy streets of Waikiki near the busy shops and restaurants a quarter mile from the beach. Our motto while there was to simply act as if we lived there. Some highpoints from our trip include the completion 4 books between us, exploring Oahu with my Bike Friday, strolling the streets of Waikiki on warm evenings (especially on Halloween Night), and of course sampling the great local foods. Speaking of food, in my opinion, the best Ramen in Waikiki can be found at the Tenkaippin at 617 Kapahulu Avenue.
Now, Halloween Night on the streets of Waikiki was a surprise to Kay and I. We had no idea that locals and visitors alike took to the streets in costumes, from the elaborate to the minimal. Don't forget this is the tropics where little clothing is needed. From end to end on the sidewalks of Kalakaua Avenue was an endless parade of costumes and sightseers. People with the most elaborate costumes often attracted a crowd and were trailed by the flash of cameras. And I didn't have my camera! Shoulder to shoulder with the throngs, we spent the evening strolling the sidewalks enjoying the costumes, street performers, and its festive atmosphere.
Click on the picture to view a slideshow from our trip. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Now, Halloween Night on the streets of Waikiki was a surprise to Kay and I. We had no idea that locals and visitors alike took to the streets in costumes, from the elaborate to the minimal. Don't forget this is the tropics where little clothing is needed. From end to end on the sidewalks of Kalakaua Avenue was an endless parade of costumes and sightseers. People with the most elaborate costumes often attracted a crowd and were trailed by the flash of cameras. And I didn't have my camera! Shoulder to shoulder with the throngs, we spent the evening strolling the sidewalks enjoying the costumes, street performers, and its festive atmosphere.
Click on the picture to view a slideshow from our trip. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
More Crocker
On a quiet Friday, the first day of an impending chain of storms, Kay and I venture to the newly renovated Crocker Art Museum. What we found was an active thriving art scene full of energy with a building that is both seamlessly functional and the epitome of the art of design. The amount of art on display was impressive as well as its wonderful exhibitional space. The new architecture appears to frame the historic Victorian, a showcase in itself, and the internal transition between past and present is effortless. The breathtaking open space leads to a maze of corridors and rooms as one wander the arts. If you love art and design, visit the Crocker Art Museum, the envy of any major metropolitan centre. Click on the picture below to open a new window and view my slideshow. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Crocker Art Museum
On Oct 10, 2010, the Crocker Art Museum celebrated the opening of its newly expanded facilities designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects. The expansion tripled the size of the museum which opened with great anticipation from local officials, artists and art enthusiast. The event included performances by the Sacramento Youth Jazz Band, Symphony and Choir; Salsa, Indian, Mexican African and Irish dance and music. Car art from the Art Car Fest 2010, provided plenty of fascination outside the museum. Kay and I rode our tandem to the event, but decided to visit the facilities on another day due to the crowds. Click on the picture below to open a new window and view my slideshow. When you are done or just wish to quit, click the "X" on the upper right corner of your window.
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