Places, Earth
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County
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Places, Earth
Contra Costa County |
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Day One, John Muir We made a trip a month earlier to Stockton and Solano and Contra Costa Counties, the only two counties in California that I hadn't visited. Then we didn't do anything in Contra Costa County. For this trip, planed before the earlier trip, we intended to fill the gap. We left a little after 7:00 and headed north. As we drove north on Interstate , we passed reservoirs, golden rolling hills, and crossed into Kern County. The Tajon Rest was closed, but fortunately, we didn't need it. We did stop at Buttonwillow Rest Area. In front of the car was a sick or injured bird sitting quietly. Someone had left a cup of water and some food for the poor thing, but I don't think it was helping. I didn't know what I could do so I wished it recovery and got back in the car and we continued. The Coalinga-Avinal Rest Area was closed, but we didn't need it. We stopped at John Erreca Rest Area Merced County). I noticed several double trailer trucks of tomatoes going south. This was noteworthy because a month earlier, we observed dozens of similar trucks going north. Why are so many tomatoes moving north and south on Interstate 5? Are these returns? Another rest area was closed. We turned west at I-580, north I-880 and eventually reached Martinez. We arrived at John Muir National Historic Site at 1:15. (51,434) We started at the Visitor Center for orientation and a quick video. John Muir's father-in-law had built the house and John made it his home for several decades. The ranch began with 20 acres and grew to 2600 acres. John became wealthy producing various types of fruit on the property and there a several varieties of fruit trees on the site. The house, known as the Strentzel Muir House, was built in 1882 on a small hill to protect . Originally 10,000 square feet and 14 rooms, Muir added three more rooms. The house has seven coal burning fire place and a large attic. We took the tour of the lower floor, then I wandered the upstairs, including John's "scribble room," and then climbed to the attic cupola and looked out over the property, no longer 2600 acres. Toward the back of the property is the Martinez Adobe, unfortunately, it was closed for structural reasons. I walked around it and returned to the Visitor Center. It was only 3:30 and I hoped to do something else, but both options required advanced reservations. We drove around a bit looking for a gas station, filled up, and found our hotel. We checked in, unloaded, and settled in for the evening. 51,450 end miles, about 4:15. 375 miles today. Day Two, Museums We slept well, got ready, ate, and I went to Mass nearby. We left for our day's adventure a little after 9:00. First stop Blackhawk Museum in Danville. It took a few minutes to figure where to park and where the museum is, but finally we found the grand entrance plaza. Fountains, life-size animal sculptures, and a large impressive facade rose before us. There are five museums in one, plus some smaller exhibits. To the right of the entry is a small exhibit on Pat's Compacts, straight ahead is the Auto Gallery, above is Spirit of the Old West, down the corridor to the left is Art of Africa, Into China, and below that is World of Nature. This is the order we followed except seeing the West last. I'm not a big car fan, but we were mesmerized by this space filled with high polished paint and brilliant chrome. Of course there were no ordinary cars, like mine. Highlights were a Stanley Steamer, 2026 electric Farrari, a 1967 Mustang (my first car was a 1966 Mustang), a Porsche made the year that my wife was made, and a Bentley, her family name, a Daimler with a small seat on the running board, and a number of old time gas pumps. The lighting only enhanced the effect. The Art of Africa was filled with many beautiful pieces. My favorites was a wonderfully sculpted heard of wildebeasts crossing a river and a five string banjo. Into China was filled with impressive exhibits. First was a large sculpture of a dragon, then a very large exquisite sculpture from tree roots of mountains, buildings, bridges, and boasts in a land scape that is probably over fifty feet long. Beside was another large miniature of the Forbidden City. A side space is Ceramics. Another space is filled with Terra Cotta Warriors. There were many other beautiful exhibits. Going downstairs is a large gallery of taxidermied animals. Video touch screens identified animals in a series of dioramas. And don't miss the wall opposite the restrooms with displays of insects and butterflies, easy to miss if you don't use the restrooms. From here we wandered the Spirit of the Old West gallery with numerous exhibits including another large model of western scenes. There are exhibits on important historical figures and firearms. I worked nine years as a professional Model Maker so I found all the models of great interest. We left after three and a half hours, very impressed. I was hoping to tour the USS Potomac, President FDR's presidential yacht, but the Blackhawk captivated us too long and there wasn't time. We had time for one more stop, Golden State Model Railroad Museum. The Model Railroad Museum filled a 10,000 square foot building with three layouts, an O gauge, an HO gauge, and a N gauge. We spent about an hour studying the details and watching the trains slowly moving through miniature mountains, towns, tunnels, and other scenes. From here we returned to the hotel and settled in for the night. End miles: 51,545 95 miles today Day Three, Journey Home We slept well, got ready, ate, packed, and checked out. We got on our way at 6:35. The voice on the phone took us cross country until we entered Interstate 580 where we passed a closed rest area. Finally we entered Interstate 5 heading south. After another closed rest area, we stopped for gas in Santa Nella so my wife could use a restroom. I saw signs for Firebaugh and Mendota and thought sometime I need to stop at these small towns with interesting names. The rest area at Coalinga - Avenal was also closed. We had planned to visit Bravoland on the way home, but first had to stop at a gas station across the street because my wife couldn't wait any longer for the restroom. I saw a sign for Twisselman and thought about this town, but research tells me it isn't a town name, so Im not sure what this is. We skipped Buttonwillow Rest Area, and have stopped there many times before, but someday want to visit the Town of Buttonwillow. The rest area at Lebec was closed and we needed a restroom stop. I have often wanted to stop at Vista del Lago Water Education Center between Pyramid Lake and Interstate 5 and since it has a restroom, my wife allowed a stop. We spent about half an hour studying the exhibits on water. We arrive home about 2:00 pm to be greeted by our pets. miles 51,899 miles miles today: 354 total miles: 824 |
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