Please vote. I drove my British racing green Mini a lot this weekend and realized she needs a name! Since Mini Cooper is a classic British brand, she needs a British name with English roots. Please vote for the one you think fits my Mini best:
Ag & Art in Yolo County
Needing to learn some basics about photography I called my friend Bill Reid to give me some pointers. He invited me to the Yolo County Art and Ag Project. We left Davis early on Saturday morning and made our way to Chowdown Farm near Esparto.
After the frustration of watching the video tutorial for the Canon Rebel T5i (narration so quick it may as well as been in Spanish), getting a private coaching session with Bill empowered me to take lots of photos and try different camera settings.
The farm had handsome Dorper sheep, a hardy breed from South Africa, interesting trees and outbuildings including a classic barn.
It was very kind of the farmer Brian to open up the property to painters and photographers through the Art and Ag Project.
My camera is sufficient quality to challenge me for a very long time. Fortunately it also has an automatic setting that takes super pictures without any effort.
When we returned to Davis I downloaded my photos and I was very satisfied. We also watched a video from YouTube (YEAH for YouTube videos!).
I bought this camera to be able to supply better pictures for this blog. Hopefully with the “burst” feature (taking several photos a second) and the lenses I will be able to bring you the color of le Tour de France.
Quick Knits in Washington, DC Area
I look forward to visiting Washington DC at least one time during the year. College chum Carole lives in Alexandria and it is always good to catch up. My work does not take me to the nation’s capitol as often as it once did. The last time I was in DC was with junior highers from Humboldt County to attend the Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. I was overdue.
I took Amtrak from Greensboro to Union Station in business class. Terrific experience! Sure it takes longer than flying (8 hours) and yet I was able to get work done, nap and saved money.
Looped Yarn Works is one of the places I like to shop when in Washington DC. In DuPont Circle, this upstairs shop is welcoming and offers great yarns, patterns and accessories for the avid knitter.
I bought yarn for a couple of Debbie Bliss projects for babies and wrote down the names of several patterns available on Ravelry to purchase from home. Plus I bought a couple of charming patterns–one named Harriet Dress (from Blue Sky Alpaca).
Oh joy! The service is great and while we were there small children were learning to knit from a very patient and wise knitting instructor.
Later the same day we were shopping in Old Town Alexandria, VA before going to Serenity Spa for a massage or facial. We bopped into Fibre Space at 1219 King Street. The vibe is different–more hipster. They make an effort to welcome men who knit. Cool. Worth a visit.
Asheville: Jewel of a Town
Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains is fun little Asheville. It may be home to “America’s Largest Home” (Biltmore Estate), but the town feels small and is a great mix of fun and funky.
Curious about the Biltmore Estate, I researched it on-line and experienced sticker shock: $50 per adult if you buy the ticket in advance. Since I was not certain I would be able to spend enough time to see the house and grounds I decided to forgo any advance purchase savings. It probably is not fair to Biltmore that I am seeing it just after revisiting Yosemite. The National Parks are such a deal by comparison. The National Park fee is $20 per carload and only $10 for motorcycle, pedestrians, equestrians or cyclists.
Still I plonked down my $59 to see the gardens and the house.
I really liked the grounds at the Vanderbilt “country home” Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Frederick Law Olmstead designed the gardens and grounds for both. The gardens are lovely and well maintained; however, they pale next to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I was a little less excited about the house furnishings, or the multiple gift shops and cafes that offered the same ol’ same ol’ for a lot of money. Biltmore also suffers from excess in the same way its West Coast cousin Hearst Castle does. In today’s second gilded age, it is tough for me to celebrate that a family of three had this as their primary residence.
Allow a lot of time to drive out of the Estate and back into town. It only took about 10 minutes to get into downtown and find parking. I wanted to check out the knitting store Purl’s Yarn Emporium and the bookstore Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe. I enjoyed both and all of the shops and street musicians in between.
I wanted to catch up with my friends Chris, Angie and sons. We made arrangements through Facebook to meet up for dinner. We met at Louella’s Bar-B-Que, a local casual dining spot in North Asheville. Yum! I loved my BBQ chicken with hush puppies, squash casserole and cucumber tomato salad. Plus we ordered delicious deviled eggs!
I was staying at Hotel Domestique in Traveller’s Rest, South Carolina and it was an easy 45 minutes down Highway 25/26 to Asheville. The next day my neighbor on Amtrak expressed her enthusiasm for Asheville and suggested I check out The Spa at the Grove Park Inn. I can envision a garden tour with my Auntie J from Charleston to Asheville. With a day at the The Spa!
Hotel Domestique Almost Perfect
Due to my own planning errors I was driving the four hours from Raleigh, North Carolina, and calling Robert at Hotel Domestique to give me directions because my phone was almost out of juice and I could not rely on Google maps. (Forget the pathetic Dollar Car Rental map). Robert was very gracious. “Drive carefully. Don’t worry about the time. I’ll be here.” AT 1:00 a.m. I pulled in exhausted from driving through torrential rains and navigating on smaller highways with a minimum of signage. (I like more encouragement along the way). He carried my bag to my room and opened the wooden door with a real key. This was my first impression:
The next morning I woke up to the sound of music wafting up from the dining room where a delicious complimentary breakfast is served. The decaf coffee was really, really good. Very rare occurrence. My poached egg was done just right. I was tired and excited to get out on my bike. The front desk said they would set me up with a GPS programmed with one of the shorter rides. Oh, and the co-owner of the hotel (and inspiration), George Hincapie, was going to be leading a “climb” if I wanted to join them. Umm, thanks but no thank you. (I couldn’t imagine keeping up with George Hincapie or the sleek group of Toronto cyclists (average BMI 18).
I did see George Hincapie arrive and greet some other guests who were friends. I suddenly felt awkward about meeting him with the only agenda “meeting someone famous who I admire.” If you are not familiar with George Hincapie’s resume… he is best known for being an exemplar “domestique”. This involves working your fanny off for the general classification rider (Yellow Jersey). He has worked for several Tour de France overall winners, most controversially Lance Armstrong. He has just published his own memoir, The Loyal Lieutenant. I like him best for his time on Columbia High Road, the team based out of San Luis Obispo most famous for being the most successful lead out train for sprinter Mark Cavendish. The hotel restaurant is called “17” for his 17 Tour de France finishes. This boutique hotel is styled after a modern (up-to-date) French chateau complete with vineyards. It is already popular with cyclists across North America.
I took off on my own ride and discovered how ill prepared I am for the Yorkshire hills. I have my work cut out for me!
I returned and cooled off on my balcony, showered in the amazing bathroom and went downstairs to rustle up some lunch. I really, really wanted to try the restaurant for dinner. Alas, they do not serve until after 1 a.m. They do not have a lunch menu so much as a collection of paninis. I chose the goat cheese and spinach with tomato spead. It was yummy and hit the spot.
Listening to the car radio for hours educated me about the literal and figurative divide between South and North Carolina. The hotel is located near Traveller’s Rest. I learned from my new friend Pleasure Sawyer that this is in Upstate where Charlestonians go to get a break from summer heat. It is close to Greenville, SC. Hotel Domestique is also close to Asheville, North Carolina. However, it might as well be a world away. People in Asheville are quite happy to be from Asheville and when I stopped at a terrific local bookstore (for later post on Asheville) and they did not carry George’s book and had never heard of him.
I loved my time in Asheville and got back to the hotel around 9. The parking lot was full and a party was in full swing. I asked the front desk clerk if I could get a cup of decaf from the restaurant and she had me follow her to collect it. She pointed to a large group of festive people and said, “George is having a few friends in tonight.” I was ready to go to my room, pack up my stuff for my early morning launch back to Greensboro at 4 a.m. I was tucked into bed at 10 and the party was still in full swing. The music was clearly discernable in my room and when people left the party and said their farewells in the lobby it sounded like they were in my room. Suddenly the french doors to my balcony were not such a great thing. At 11:15 I called my pal Robert at the desk and asked if the party was ending by midnight. He offered to ask them to turn down the music and I dithered. I could hear the much quieter breakfast music so I was not sure it was worth it. Then Habitat for Humanity called me to ask for a donation! Argh. Now I was really awake. I used all of my relaxation tricks and the next time I woke up and checked my phone it was completely quiet and 1:15.
One lesson I learned at a Model United Nations conference in college. If the people making the noise in a private party at hotel would just invite their neighbors… the neighbors will likely say no (if they are like me) and will resent the noise so much less.
I was out the door with my farewells to Robert about 4:10 a.m. I had a 3.25 hour drive to the airport to return my car in Greensboro, then a quick trip by cab to the Amtrak station (because they are never co-located, right?!) When I stopped for breakfast at 6 and called Robert and asked him to have the manager to call me to discuss the noise.
Around 10:30 I got a call from Webster. He apologized and asked me more specifics about my experience. It was a great example of above and beyond service. Of course, sleep deprived should never be mentioned in the same sentence as hotel. He even said he would bring it up with his boss George. Wow. And he comped my last night. Wow! Did not expect it. It was a relief because I love this hotel. I want to be able to recommend it unreservedly. Since Webster asked such detailed questions I bet they address the noise situation and they made it right for my situation.
I will definitely stay again. However, I will fly into Atlanta or Charlotte and drive a lot les! And I will use their hotel’s excellent road bikes.
Giant Trees in Mariposa Grove
Within Yosemite National Park is the Mariposa Grove–an excellent grove of giant Sequoia trees. It is an easy drive from the Narrow Gauge Inn in Fish Camp and not far from Wawona Hotel. UK Sarah loves trees so we made sure to find time to walk in the grove before we drove back to Sacramento.
You can walk about a mile and see several terrific specimens, including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tree. It is a little steep in places, but there are lots of places to stop and admire trees, tree roots, tree rings, chipmunks and robins.
The grandfather tree is the Grizzly Giant, aged 1800 years. He has obviously survived multiple fires, and if he could talk he would have lots of stories to tell. 
The California Tree has survived a cut out and is clearly a “tourist attraction.”
There is a lovely atmosphere in the grove, and a great diversity of admirers. We spoke to people from Holland and Germany. Everyone is in a good mood–taking turns of taking photos of groups, remarking on the majesty of the trees.
Not everyone is as in awe of the trees as we. One woman stepped over the barrier to sit on a stump to smoke a cigarette, in spite of the extreme fire danger. We were so stunned we did not say anything, but wish we had later.
I never understand how someone can see the galaxy of stars, or a Sequoia grove and not see the divine. I am not saying one must enjoy the grove in hushed reverence. At least show respect for the rules the National Park has set for reasons best for the trees.
We strolled back to the car park and drove back to quickly shower off the dust before going to the Tenaya Lodge spa for massages. It made a lovely, lovely day.
Magnificent Yosemite National Park
How easy it is to take for granted the treasures in our own backyard. How wonderful when we show a guest the place and see it as if for the first time through their eyes. Such is my recent experience exploring Yosemite with my friend UK Sarah. She was stopping over on her way home from UK to Auckland. We left Sacramento on Wednesday afternoon. Driving down Highway 99, we turned off in Merced and through Mariposa. We were aiming for Fish Camp and we missed the Google Map direction to turn off on Highway 49, so we went into Yosemite National Park through the Stone Arch Gate, then through Wawona, and into Fish Camp from the eastern side. I bought the yearly pass that gives me unlimited access to all national parks for a mere $80. A real bargain.
Along the way we saw practically tame mule deer along the road.
Plus we stopped at the vista point for the wonderful view just before the tunnel.
We stopped at the Wawona Hotel to eat dinner at the dining room, but the wait was 30 minutes–the same amount of time to drive to Fish Camp–so we pressed on to eat at the Narrow Gauge Inn. We checked into our room and dashed to the Narrow Gauge Inn dining room for a delicious dinner. The service was terrific and we met Lucy who makes the “puddings” so we had to try dessert. The carrot cake was divine.
The next day we set off early for the Yosemite Valley. It was fun to witness Sarah’s reaction to El Capitan, the puzzle bark on Ponderosa Pines, the birds and other wildlife.
We parked by Yosemite Village store and visited the main visitor’s center before taking the bus to the Mirror Lake trail. I remember when the Mirror Lake was much larger; eventually it will be a meadow. This year in the drought it is not much wider than a small river. We hiked the horse trail side and enjoyed seeing woodpeckers, butterflies and trout. Surrounded by the grandeur of the granite walls and blue, blue sky, we delighted in our walk. We continued on to look at the Merced River tumbling over boulders near Happy Isles. Quite refreshing on a hot June day.
By this time we had finished our water and were ready for a cool drink on the patio of the Ahwahnee Hotel. I kept reassuring Sarah that we would get a good look at the Royal Arches once we were at the hotel. And we did. We paused long enough to read a little and enjoy a truffle from the gift shop.
After collecting the car, we stopped and walked to the base of lower Yosemite Falls before heading back to Fish Camp. So much beauty in one day!
Cycling Montezuma Hills Road
While driving to Oakley for a meeting I noticed the rolling hills near Rio Vista. A light bulb turned on, “Biking hills!” To prepare for my multi-day rides in Yorkshire in July, I have been driving to Folsom for hills. This morning I drove out to Montezuma Hills and Birds Landing Roads.
I set off with some trepidation. I decided to ride 5 miles out and then turn around and cycle back on the same road. Montezuma Hills Road is well paved to serve the windmill farms that dot the hills. I immediately began pedaling up a hill alongside curious sheep staring through barb wire.
The journey out was a challenge but the last 3 miles was all downhill. Of course this means uphill on the return. Also from a car I did not factor in the wind. Afterall, there is a reason for all of the windmills. With the wind at my back I was flying downhill. On the return I went as slow as 7 mph into the steady breeze. (I wondered if my computer has negative numbers if I started rolling backward.)
I rode 5 miles out in 15 minutes and back in 35 minutes. The ride boosted my confidence. I did not have to stop once except to take this photo. Shifting gears is still challenging. I am going to consult the used copy of “Greg LeMond’s Complete Book of Cycling” for tips.
After I loaded my bike rack, I slowly turned my car around. A woman cyclist appeared from Montezuma Hill Road so I waved and called out, “Where did you ride from?” Rio Vista. She stopped and she explained that she and 2 friends were riding to Collinsville and back. They often windsurf in Rio Vista but since the wind was not strong enough, they decided on a training ride. One is preparing for a triathlon and the other two for the Vineman Aquabike.
I am definitely going to research riding from Rio Vista to Collinsville and back. Hope Sarah Harriet can go with me next time. And, after a quick consult with Joe at Freewheeler I learned to improve my gear shifting. Good thing because I would not want to be stuck in my big gear for my first ride with the Davis Bike Club tomorrow.
Powell’s Books Box Arrived Today
It is like Christmas. Or the day the Scholastic book order arrived in my classroom! I forgot some of the books I bought: some great used books on cycling and World War I. In among the treasures lay a book called Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra. Enjoy the poem below while you watch the video from YouTube.
Penguins First Swim by Judy Sierra
Ten little penguins all in a line–
One jumps in, and now there are nine.
Nine little penguins, how they hesitate–
One tumbles in, and now there are eight.
Eight little penguins pushin’ and shovin’–
One slides in, and now there are seven.
Seven little penguins, scarcely more than chicks–
One slips in, and now there are six.
Six little penguins can’t decide to dive–
One falls i, and now there are five.
Five little penguins huddle on the shore–
One flops in, and now there are four.
Four little penguins fidget fearfully–
One hops in, and now there are three.
Three little penguins wonder what to do–
One rolls in, and now there are two…
Two little penguins missing all the fun–
They both leap in, and now there are…
Ten little penguins, brave as they can be,
Splashing in the waves of the salty southern sea.
24 Hours in Portland
Recently spent 24 eventful hours in Portland for my friend Lisa’s birthday party. I flew in on Saturday morning in time to meet friends Dale and Erik for brunch. We texted back and forth while I was riding the MAX red line in from the airport. We settled on Mother’s Bistro and Bar. We enjoyed a delicious brunch and a great catch-up conversation. We walked to Powell’s for a book shopping expedition. (Hooray for Powell’s shipping service!) Then split up to go our separate shopping ways.
I promised other friends, Jen and Leslie, I would meet them at their hotel for a drink before the birthday party. I had a couple of hours to walk a couple of miles with my shoulder bag to my hotel in NW Portland. I was about 2/3 of the way to my destination and feeling a little foot sore when I spied a tea house in the middle of “nowhere.”
I entered the tea room and my spirit was immediately refreshed. After consultation with the barrista, I selected Kandy, a black tea described as “fragrant and intense, yet light in liquor, named for one of the sweetest towns in Sri Lanka.” My pot of tea was refreshing and I did a bit of tea shopping in anticipation of UK Sarah’s upcoming visit.
I continued hoofing it to my hotel (wishing I had brought my Brompton bike afterall). My hotel, the Silver Cloud Inn, was worth the effort: great price, spacious room, and good amenities.
I took a Radio Cab to the Sentinel Hotel and met my friends in the majestic lobby and lush bar. The cheese platter was the perfect amount for three to nosh on.
Lisa Goren is a very talented health care speaker, super smart, and wickedly funny friend. Over 50 of her lovely, funny friends gathered to celebrate her birthday. The food, the talent show, and the Ruby Jewel ice cream made an evening to remember.
The next morning some of us gathered at Clyde Common restaurant for a late breakfast. So much good food! The restaurant is next door to the super hip Ace Hotel. After a good long visit I caught a ride to the airport and was on my way to back to Sacramento.
With just 24 hours you can still literally get a taste of Portland and have Portlandia type experiences. Case in point, one of my cab drivers engaged me in conversation and shared his 2 pager on what’s wrong with the world’s economy. I would go back to Portland in a heartbeat.
IFragrant and intense, yet light in liquor, this blend is named for one of the sweetest cities in Sri Lanka.
americanjulie.com 