California Here I Run #7

Posted on June 27, 2014 by hbcassandra

Madera County

The geographic center of California is marked by a sign in North Fork, an unincorporated community in Madera County. Highways 99 and 41 cross through this Central Valley area known for its trees and gold rush history. A picturesque summer drive for travelers northbound is the National Forest Scenic byway, beginning in North Fork and passing near a strand of giant sequoias at the Nelder Grove. The county extends to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. www.madera-county.com

California’s Gold Guide Map available at Automobile Club of Southern California

Home of:

Oakhurst – Art galleries, craft shops, and motels greet the tourists traveling through Oakhurst north to Yosemite on Highway 41. Fresno Flats Historic Park welcomes visitors to its century old structures – a schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop, among others.

Highway 49, The Golden Chain Hwy, begins in Oakhurst and winds through the fabled gold rush towns of Jamestown, Sonora, Auburn, Coloma and Placerville. www.oakhurstchamber.com

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad – 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA. You can buy a ticket for a ride through the trees of Sierra National Forest on this narrow gauge train. (I could hear the distinctive train whistle while running the Shadow of the Giants 50K.) A variety of ticket packages are available: a Moonlight & BBQ Ride, a Moonlight Melodrama with a performance by the Golden Chain Theatre, and the daily Logger Steam Ride. www.ymsrr.com

The Narrow Gauge Inn offers lodging and a restaurant within walking distance to the railroad. www.narrowgaugeinn.com

Bass Lake – Also known as Crane Valley Reservoir and owned by PG & E, this body of water is formed by a dam, originally built in 1896 from a tributary of the San Joaquin River. Camping, boating, fishing, and hiking are popular during the hot summer months. (I remember camping on the lake as a child and my mom’s futile efforts to keep us kids clean around the dusty campsite.) About 15 miles from the south Yosemite gate, Bass Lake provides electricity and irrigation. Vacation rentals are available around the lake. www.basslakeca.com

Coarsegold – Once an overnight stage stop for travelers to Yosemite, this gold rush town now lures visitors to Chukchansi Gold Rush & Casino, just off Hwy 41 on 711 Lucky Lane! www.coarsegoldchamber.com www.chukchansigold.com

Madera – The city Madera is the county seat, incorporated in 1907. Hwy 99 runs through the former lumber town. www.cityofmadera.org

North Fork – In this unincorporated community, the exact geographic center of California is marked. Huell Howser spoke to locals and featured the precise spot on episode #608 of his series, “California’s Gold.” The Automobile Club of Southern California has published a map of places he visited for the well known PBS series. The popular host donated his archives to Chapman University in Orange. www.northforkcalifornia.com www.chapman.edu/huell-howser www.calgold.com

An Auto Club Map of many of the Gold Country sites visited by Huell Howser.

Nelder Grove – Located just north of Oakhurst, off Hwy 41, a one mile loop of giant sequoias is well worth a visit. A campground is adjacent to these magnificent trees. The Shadow of the Giants 50K Run, held in June, takes runners along the interpretive trail, inviting photo opportunities of the more than 100 trees. www.neldergrove.org www.bigbaztrailraces.com

Devils Postpile – Access to Devils Postpile National Monument is off Hwy 395 in the High Sierras. Cooling lava flows cracked into columns and formed this unique natural structure on the eastern edge of Madera County. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail wind through here. www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm

Sierra National Forest – Sierra Vista Scenic Byway begins in North Fork and follows 76 paved of 100 miles through the Sierra National Forest. Traveling through graceful old oaks, rolling hills, and stately evergreens is a welcome respite from busy interstates. www.northforkcalifornia.com/scenic.htm

Shadow of the Giants 50k Run

Highlights: June 2014 was the 25th anniversary of Shadow. it’s a favorite among Southern California ultrarunners. The scenery is beautiful – trees, rivers, and wildlife.

Distance: A 50k ultra and a 12 mile fun run are the choices.

Amenities: The aid stations provide the necessary replenishments. Lodging is available at the start at Green Meadows Camp.

Location: The race begins in Fish Camp at Green Meadows, just off Hwy 41, about 2 miles south of the Yosemite National Park southern entrance.

Course: The total climb is 3750 feet. The course follows single track trail and fire roads, much of it under the trees. The giant sequoias in Nelder Grove are spectacular and require a brief stop for photos!

My Observations: It’s a fun weekend. The pre-race dinner at Green Meadows, the gorgeous scenery, the friendly runners and volunteers, and the post-race camaraderie keep many coming back year after year.

My Results: 50k

6/4/05 7:30

6/2/01 7:38

6/3/00 7:41

6/4/94 7:21

Website: bigbaztrailraces.com

Smokey Bear Run/Walk

The 27th year of this event takes place September 27, 2014, at Recreation Point, Bass Lake, and benefits fire prevention programs. The races begin on the south shore of the lake and include a 10k, 2 mile run and several kids’ runs of 1/8 mile to 1/2 mile. When I participated, Smokey made an appearance. A fun event and a good cause! www.smokeybearrun.com

Posted in California's 58 Counties, Madera | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #6

Posted on June 2, 2014 by hbcassandra

California Here I Run

#6 in a Series

The Nanny Goat Ultra course passes through a mini orange grove on a horse ranch in Riverside county.

Riverside County

Despite being the 4^th most populous county in California, Riverside has room to grow. Across 7200 square miles, it spreads from Orange County on the west to the Arizona border, a rectangular swath of land cut from San Bernardino and San Diego counties in 1893. Juan Bautista de Anza, the Spanish explorer, wrote about this area in 1776 and 1778, described the terrain, lakes and deserts. Over the past several decades, residential housing developments and shopping centers have sprung up in Riverside, the county seat, and surrounding communities of Temecula and Murrieta. State and National Parks and Temecula Valley wineries attract weekend visitors. countyofriverside.us

Home of:

Palm Springs

A winter get-away and spring break destination, Palm Springs offers shops, museums, and art galleries to attract vacationers. Hollywood notables frequent this desert community for a little R & R from the hustle bustle of L.A. Sonny Bono of Sonny & Cher was once the Mayor of Palm Springs.

Established in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum features contemporary painting and sculpture; Western American art of Charles Russell, Thomas Moran, and Frederic Remington and drawings by prominent architects Richard Neutra and Frank Gehry. psmuseum.org

Mission Inn 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

The Historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is a National Historic Landmark in the city of Riverside. Names on the guest lists include Reagan, Nixon, Hearst, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable. From its roots as a 2 story adobe guest house, it has become a setting for weddings, reunions, and movies. My dad’s 57^th Bomb Wing reunion took place here. It was an ideal spot to meet and relive the WWII days, as it was close to March Air Force for tours. http://www.missioninn.com

Keeping up with the times, the Mission Inn has a cute little shop, Casey’s Cupcakes. All flavors and colors, the delectable sweets are tempting. Wedding cakes can be ordered, also. caseyscupcake.com

The annual Festival of Lights opens in October, featuring four million lights for the 22^nd holiday season 2014.

Just up the street from the Mission Inn

The Spaghetti Factory offers good food and historic décor.

Orange Empire Railway Museum 220 S. “A” St., Perris, CA 92570

Over two hundred historic railway cars and locomotives are on display at this railroad museum in Perris. Miles of rails cover 100 acres. Movies are filmed here and trains operate every weekend. The Pacific Electric “Red Car,” L.A.’s favorite mode of transportation in the early 20^th century, is represented by 35 cars. Henry Huntington formed P.E. in 1901. The design for Disneyland’s California Adventure came from the equipment here. oerm.org

The Ramona Pageant 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet, CA 92544

The official state outdoor play, Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, is presented at the Ramona Bowl. This year marking its 91^st season, the outdoor play tells a love story of life in early California during the 1850’s. ramonabowl.com

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mt. San Jacinto stands 10,834 feet in the mostly wilderness state park. Two drive-in campgrounds are located near the little town of Idyllwild. The PCT passes through here. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at 2,643 ft. and climbs to 8,516. A restaurant, visitor center and a panoramic view of the high country greet the passengers at the top. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=36

The 150^th Anniversary of the California State Parks is being celebrated this year. www.150.parks.ca.gov/

CA Citrus State Historic Park 9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside

A smudge pot beside a winding trail leading from the visitors’ center to an overlook of orange groves.

Native plants adjust to the drought years.

Many citrus varieties still grown in Riverside. Roadside stands sell in season fruit.

Many citrus varieties are still grown in Riverside. Roadside stands sell in season fruit.

The importance of the citrus industry in So. Cal. is the theme of this state park. Pick and taste tours, a speaker series and bird walks are held on the grounds with picnic areas, demonstration groves and an activity center for visitors. The Washington navel oranges thrived in this area. Two original trees remain at the intersection of Arlington and Magnolia Aves. in Riverside. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649

Lake Perris State Recreation Area 17801 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA 92571

Eleven miles south of Riverside via Highway 60 or I 215, Lake Perris offers picnic sites, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and an Indian museum.

www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649

Temecula Valley Wine Region

Temecula Old Town is popular for its restaurants and antique stores.

www.cityof temecula.org

Desert Hills Premium Outlets (Cabazon) 48400 Seminole Dr., Cabazon

Fifty stores have just been added to this popular outlet mall.

www.premiumoutlets.com

Indio

The popular California country music festival, “Stagecoach,” is held in Indio. The desert town is off the 10 freeway, past Palm Springs. The event just took place April 25-27 and received considerable media attention. www.stagecoachfestival.com

Diamond Valley Lake

I visited the bottom of this lake on a field trip for teachers. It was just an enormous hole in the ground, under construction by the Metropolitan Water District. Now it holds emergency water for Southern California. Recreational uses include boating and fishing for black bass, trout and catfish. As it’s a drinking water reservoir, no swimming is permitted. dvlake.com

Lake Elsinore

A stop on the Butterfield Stage Line, the city of Lake Elsinore was incorporated in 1888. A bit of trivia – It was named after the town of Elsinore in Denmark in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The lake went dry in the 50’s for 10 years. Water from the Colorado River was used to fill it in 1964, but flooding in the El Nino years of ’81 and ’83 demanded a project to build a levee and use recycled water. lake-elsinore.org

A Class A minor league baseball team, the Storm, is an affiliate of the San Diego Padres and makes its home at Diamond Field in Lake Elsinore. The Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

www. milb.com/index.jsp?sid=+103

Another outlet mall in Riverside County, Lake Elsinore Outlets is located at the intersection of Highway 74 and I 15. www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com 17600 Collier Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

March Field Air Museum

Aircraft from WWI to Afghanistan are on display. The Yeager Family Library holds over 5,000 volumes on aviation, with an emphasis on WWII, vintage aircraft and the U.S. Air Force. marchfield.org

Riverside National Cemetery

Built on land from March Air Force Base, the National Cemetery is a site for a National Medal of Honor Memorial, a Fallen Soldier Veterans’ Memorial and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial. My uncle, Duane Van Pelt, was buried, here, with full military honors for his service in WWII as a member of the 101^st Airborne. He was awarded the Silver Star at the Battle of the Bulge. Bill and I visited the gravesite on June 6, 2014 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day and to pay respect to the valiant soldiers who fought so bravely.

Joshua Tree National Park

Named for extensive stands of Joshua Trees, this desert national park offers campgrounds, walks, hikes, campfire talks. Wildlife includes herds of desert bighorn and six species of rattlesnakes. A good selection of books is available at the nature centers in the park. nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

The Nanny Goat 12 Hour Run 5/25/13

Highlights: Ultras are the best – friendly, familiar faces, lots of time to ponder your goal or change it. The Nanny Goat 12/24 Hour Run held on Memorial Day Weekend was a benefit for Wounded Warriors. One strong female runner hefted a large Stars & Stripes. Her t-shirt read, “ Honor the Fallen.”

Distance: The choices were a 12 hr., 8 AM Sat. – 8PM Sat., a 12 hr., 8PM Sat – 8AM Sun., a 24 hr., or 100 miles.

Amenities: A fully stocked aid station included hamburgers at noon and pancakes on Sunday morning. 24hr. runners were allotted one of the stalls in the barn for their private space!

Location: A few miles off the 91 fwy, a horse ranch provided the facilities. Traces of early California remain here – horses grazing, dogs lounging by the barn, oranges ready to pick.

Course: Starting at the barn, about 200 of us wound around a horse pasture on grass and dirt, through a small grove of orange trees, along a brief out and back on asphalt for a total of 1 mile.

My Observations: Knowing Riverside to be hot in May, I was pleasantly surprised by the moderate temps, probably jutting into the 80’s for the hottest part of the afternoon. The breeze compensated for the dusty first half of the loop. Another plus for this run was the “Made in USA” t-shirt and hat!

My Results: 5/24/14 12 hours – 40 miles

5/25/13 12 hours – 32 miles

5/28/11 12 hours – 31 miles

Oldgoatrunners.com

Riverside Running Clubs

Riverside Road Runners – All ages and abilities are welcome. riversideroadrunners.com

Loma Linda Lopers – This group meets at Loma Linda University, and conducts 1/2 marathon and marathon training programs. They’ve been around since 1977. lopersclub.org

Posted in Riverside | Tagged Riverside County | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #5

Posted on January 31, 2014 by hbcassandra

San Bernardino County

Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino Mountains

From the mountain biking, snowboarding, ultrarunning village of Wrightwood, on the L.A./S.B. County line, to Earp, CA, named for the infamous Wyatt, just across from Arizona, the vast San Bernardino County covers miles of desert and military installations; but, it is not empty! The history, as with all California counties, is fascinating. Southern Californians know this Inland Empire county from trips to Vegas: endless miles of Mojave Desert, over Cajon Pass, through Apple Valley, and Barstow (an outlet mall stop) to Stateline, NV. Founded in 1853, San Bernardino County covers over 20,000 square miles, population 2,035,021. Ninety percent of the land is desert. http://www.sbcounty.gov

Home of:

The High Desert Mavericks – Just off Highway 395, in Adelanto, this minor league baseball team is a Seattle Mariners affiliate Class A. The stadium opened in ’91 and the team has won three California League titles. http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t504

The Inland Empire 66ers – This baseball team is an Angels affiliate, located in the city of San Bernardino, 280 S. E Street. Kevin Costner played here in an exhibition game in 2002. Kids can play in a Fun Zone for $5/all night. http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t401

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes – Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp rehabbed at this Dodger Class A affiliate. It’s easy to get to, close to Victoria Gardens, at the intersection of the 15 and 10 freeways, 8408 Rochester Ave. http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t526

The Quakes Baseball Field – Formerly, “The Epicenter”

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino – The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians opened the popular gambling spot in 1986 in Highland. The San Manuel Chuck Wagon frequents local events. http://www.sanmanuel.com

Victoria Gardens – A great place to spend time and money, Victoria Gardens is an outdoor mall on Day Creek Blvd., off the 210 freeway. A library, Performing Arts Center, and an AMC Theater, share the expansive property with many restaurants and shops. There is plenty of parking and you can hop on a trolley to explore. http://www.victoriagardensie.com

Packing crate labels are a colorful reminder of the history of the area.

Victoria Gardens – a Wonderful Setting at the Base of the Mountains

San Bernardino National Forest – You need a forest Adventure Pass to park in the San Bernardino National Forest. The main highway, Rim of the World Scenic Byway, traverses from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass – 110 miles. The winding road passes through the local ski resorts and mountain communities: Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Big Bear. On a clear day, the views are spectacular. http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

Portions of the Rim Highway extend out from the hillside!

The Crestline Exit

January 2014 – California in a Drought

Available at Sporting Goods Stores and Ranger Stations

Lake Gregory – Lake Gregory Regional Park offers public access to the lake for fishing, hiking and water sports. The little town of Crestline sits on the rim, the first exit on Highway 18, the Rim of the World Highway. http://www.mountaininfo.com (webcams and weather)

Lake Arrowhead – It’s a pretty lake. Local residents moor their boats along the shoreline. The only public access is at The Resort. Weddings and other events take place among the trees outside the hotel and restaurant. A small outlet mall houses Bass, Van Huesen, Rocky Mountain Chocolate and some local shops and restaurants. The waffle house has good food and nice views of the lake. http://www.lakearrowhead.com/directory/stores.html

Lake Arrowhead Resort

Big Bear Lake – When the snow comes to the San Bernardino Mountains, skiers and snowboarders flock to Big Bear. The lake is manmade and the economy of the town depends on good winters. The summers attract hikers and campers around the lake and into the woods at Holcomb Valley. Gold was discovered in 1860 and the rush lasted until 1875. bigbear.com

Mt. San Gorgonio – “Old Greyback” is the highest in Southern California, 11,499 feet. Hiking trails lead to the summit. In the winter, its snow cap can be seen from Orange to L.A. Counties. http://www.summitpost.org/san-gorgonio/150533 http://www.sgwa.org/aboutsg.htm (San Gorgonio Wilderness Association)

Mt. Baldy – Actually, it’s Mount San Antonio and the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064’. It’s just inside San Bernardino County and the third highest in SoCal. http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/baldy.html

Calico Ghost Town – 500 mines dot the desert and hills around Calico. It was silver that drew the miners in 1881. Walter Knott of Knott’s Berry Farm fame restored it in the 1950’s. Now it’s part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks and a State Historical Landmark. http://www.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx

Barstow Outlet Mall – To or from Las Vegas, it’s just the right timing for a stop off I-15. http://www.tangeroutlet.com/barstow

Running in San Bernardino County

– My recommendations include:

Holcomb Valley – Held in June, The Holcomb Valley Trail Runs offer a choice of distances, 7, 15, or 33 miles. Much of the course is on the Pacific Crest Trail with beautiful views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Big Bear Lake. holcombvalleytrailruns.com

Calico – The race starts in the Calico Ghost Town and loops through the rocky colorful hills, lots of turquoise! The January run features a 30K and a 50K ultra. calicotrailrun.org

Chino Hills – The Chino Hill Trail Run Series has distances from a 10K to a 50K. Runchinohills.com

Chino Hills 30K

11/9/13

The Highest Spot on the Course

The Chino Hills Trail Run Series presented a 30K and 50K on this November morning. Never having run out on these trails, but heard they were challenging, I decided to limit my endeavor to the 30K. I’m glad I did!

Hot and hilly! Unending scrubby brown landscape, mostly fire roads with some uneven single track occupied my attention for 18.6 miles. Several steep ascents slowed the pace considerably. On a clear day, the views would be spectacular. On this particular hazy morning, the outline of the San Bernardino Mountains was barely observable. Towards the coast, the tops of buildings were exposed above the grey/ochre colored air.

One runner walking just ahead of me a couple miles from the finish had a huge branch in her hand and announced she had sighted a coyote. I didn’t see any wildlife, just a few lizards.

My time – 5:24.

The Chino Hills State Park office was the start and finish line. These trails would be excellent training courses for 50 or 100 mile ultras, lots of hills to practice running up and down.

Chino Hills State Park

Miles and Miles of Trails and Dirt Roads

Posted in San Bernardino | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #4

Posted on November 5, 2013 by hbcassandra

California Here I Run

4^th in a Series

Kern County

Gold mining, outer space projects, oil drilling enterprises, white water rafting all share the 8,000 square miles of Kern County. Formed in 1866, the county was named for the Kern River, in turn, receiving its nomenclature from Edward Kern, the cartographer for John C. Fremont’s 1845 expedition.

My experiences in this area of the state entail hot drives on major highways – 99, 5, 395, usually at the speed limit, through the desert terrain. Not until researching the history, and size did I appreciate the diverse industries and recreation. I remember a daytrip to view the Voyager airplane after it circled the globe without refueling from Edwards Air Force Base in 1986. I purchased a photo of the elongated plane with the pilots’ autographs, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager.

A history of gold mining, a future in space, a present of desert beauty, Kern County is a true example of the California experience – unexpected, but rewarding. co.kern.ca.us californiacountymaps.com/kern-county.shtml

Home of:

Edwards Air Force Base – Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier here on Oct. 14, 1947. The Space Shuttle drew Southern Californians to its landings before being transported on a 747 back to Cape Canaveral, Florida. The sonic boom alerted many in the area of its arrival. Edwards, a weapons testing facility, is the 2^nd largest base in the Air Force, employs 13,000 on 481 square miles of desert landscape. Public tours are available. edwards.af.mil

Mojave Air & Space Port – A former Marine Corps Air Station in WWII, this flight research center supports over ten companies. The X Prize Launch took place here on Oct. 4, 2004. The team of aerospace designer Burt Rutan and financier Paul Allen won 10 million dollars when the first privately built manned spacecraft, SpaceShipOne, reached outerspace. Movie and TV productions also use backdrops from the airport. airracinghistory.freeola.com/pilots mojaveairport.com

Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake – As the Navy’s largest landholding, the 1.1 million acre weapons testing facility employs scientists, engineers, military personnel and defense contractors. On any given day, driving up 395 or 14, you may hear a roar and see a jet streak across the sky. Way too fast to get a photo! The base opened in 1943 for rocket testing.

A petroglyph site of Native American rock art is open for public tours. The China Lake Museum of Armament and Technology is open for guests, but passes are required. cnic.navy.mil/chinalake

Ridgecrest – The city provides housing for the Navy personnel at China Lake. It’s just off highways 14 and 395. One main street bisects the town. The Matarango Museum is well worth a visit. The exhibits explain the geology, early inhabitants, as well as the current aviation industry of the Mojave desert. The gift shop carries a selection of books on local flora, fauna and colorful individuals. I bought a biography of Pancho Barnes, a legendary barnstormer.

Along with many Southern California ultrarunners, I look forward to early December and the annual 50K run through the desert. It starts and finishes at the Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest. ridgecrest-ca.gov

Randsburg – Dirt bikers stop by here on the weekends. Only a mile off 395, the historic mining town has a general store, saloon, and antique stores. The root beer floats hit the spot after a dusty drive. Photos ops are plentiful. The hills are dotted with eclectic houses, rusty vehicles. The views of the Southern Sierras are awesome! randsburg.com

Johannesburg – This is a tiny desert town, right on 395, part of the Rand Mining Area. totalescape.com

Desert Tortoise Natural Area – Near Randsburg, the desert tortoise is protected on BLM land. Signs are posted.

Red Mountain – In the Rand Mining Area, coming up 395, this is the first evidence of diggings. Many dilapidated structures are scattered about.

The Silver Dollar Cafe

Red Rock Canyon State Park – Highway 14 cuts through these rocky cliffs, another good spot for photos. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631

Lake Isabella – A dam constructed in 1953 formed this lake at the southern end of the Sierras, with the Kern River flowing in and out of the lake. Tourists often drive up for “Whiskey Flat Days,” a local western celebration, and visit the little town of Kernville. lakeisabella.net

Kern River – River rafting and kayaking are adventurous on the wild waters of the Kern. When my brothers and I were kids, our folks would warn us repeatedly, “Stay back from the edge.” We sometimes took a side trip here after camping in the Sierras. kernrivervalley.com totalescape.com/destin/rivers/kern.html

Frazier Park – At 4639 ft. elevation, the mountain community of Frazier Park is usually pictured in the L.A. Times when the first dusting of snow comes through Tejon Pass, on Interstate 5. The Waltons TV series was filmed here. My grandparents had a cabin here and the family would go up for get-togethers in the 1940’s – 50’s. mountainenterprise.com

Frazier Park Cabin 1940’s

Winter at Frazier Park

Fort Tejon State Historic Park – Rolling hills with oak trees and native vegetation provide a respite from a grueling drive up I-5. The fort opened in 1954 by the U.S. Army to protect and control the Indians of the region. Restored adobes from the original fort and exhibits on army life can be viewed. Living history demonstrations are worth the trip. I attended one of the Civil War era re-creations. With the surrounding landscape as a backdrop, it felt like 1863! parks.ca.gov/?page_id=585

Bakersfield – Buck Owens and Merle Haggard are famous for performing country music in Bakersfield, the county seat. Vince Gill, the country music hall of famer, recently paid tribute to their unique sound by performing selections from his new CD, “Bakersfield,” at the Rabobank Arena in Oct.

Agriculture and oil production support the city. visitbakersfield.com

Tehachapi – A little mountain community at 3970 ft. elevation, along highway 58, which crossses the county west to east, Tehachapi hosts several 5K, 10K races, a July 4^th bull riding event and a pro-rodeo in August. The town of 14,000 boasts a four seasons climate. tehachapi.com

Boron – “Death Valley Days” (1952 – 1975), the TV series, and Erin Brokovich, (Julia Roberts 2000) the movie, were filmed around this mining area. The 20 Mule Team Museum tells about the mining and processing of boron into the cleanser, “Borax.” The 20 mule team moved the product from the mines to the railroad in Mojave. Ronald Reagan was one of the hosts and stars of the “Death Valley” series. digital-desert.com/boron-ca/

Delano – Founded as a railroad town in 1869, Delano was the site in 1965 of the birth of the United Farm Workers of America. Cesar Chavez and the Filipino leaders joined forces for a “walk off” from the table grape farms to improve wages and working conditions. California honors Chavez with a state holiday on his birthday, March 31^st.

What’s New in Kern County? November 2013 – A $90 million dollar outlet mall is under construction where I-5 and 99 meet. The Outlets at Tejon Ranch, with over 70 shops, will tempt travelers to pull over at the Laval Road exit. (L.A. Times 11/07/13)

High Desert 50K

December 2, 2012

A Little Pavement at the Start

But Mostly Rocks, Sagebrush and Desert Sand

The Ridgecrest run was presented by the OTHTC (Over the Hill Track Club). This local fundraiser is a tradition among Southern California ultrarunners. My nephew, Shawn Van Pelt brought his family and ran the 30K and I completed my 16^th High Desert 50K.

The weather was cool, not freezing, with clear skies. The high winds impeded forward progress on much of the course. But, the desert is beautiful in December, no heat and no snakes!

Ultracjj

10/30/13

My Results for High Desert 50K

12/10/95 – 6:35 12/05/04 – 7:35

12/08/96 – 6:24 12/04/05 – 7:10

12/07/97 – 6:06 12/03/06 – 6:22

12/06/98 – 5:50 12/02/07 – 7:39

12/05/99 – 5:43 12/07/08 – 7:20

12/10/00 – 6:07 12/05/10 – 7:32

12/09/01 – 6:27 12/02/12 – 8:10

12/08/02 – 5:54

12/07/03 – 6:47

Finisher Award & Age Group Awards

Posted in California's 58 Counties, Kern | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #3

Posted on October 4, 2013 by hbcassandra

San Francisco County

Palace of Fine Arts

Both a city and a county, celebrated through songs and movies, San Francisco welcomes vacationers from all over the world. “Open up your Golden Gate, California here I come!” The fog over the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, the stately Victorian style homes and Golden Gate Park invite photographers and artists to capture a ‘49er past with a big city reality. Runners, walkers, hikers and bikers love the ideal temperatures. Spending a morning jogging through Golden Gate Park can be the highlight of any trip to the city.

Home of:

The Golden Gate Bridge – Whatever the weather, rainy, foggy, or crystal clear, photographing the bridge is an inspiration. Some of my best shots were through the windshield coming from Marin. For the complete history, souvenirs and photo ops, turn off at the Golden Gate Pavilion. goldengatebridge.org parksconservancy.org

Fisherman’s Wharf – The best time to enjoy it is in the morning, before the crowds. My recommendations for food: The Buena Vista, known for its Irish Coffee, and Ghiradelli’s, the original chocolate factory. To get a feel for the early days along the wharf, visit the Maritime National Historical Park and climb around the 19th century seafaring boats on display. Imagine being one of the crew or a passenger on a trip “around the Horn” in the gold rush times. fishermanswharf.org thebuenavista.com ghiradelli.com nps.gov/safr/index.htm

Golden Gate Park – It’s an oasis, lush and green. Ferns, redwoods, picturesque lakes, bark-covered trails, fragrant bushes and flowers offer a respite from the city. The Conservatory of Flowers resides here. The San Francisco Marathon and the Nike Women’s Marathon include Golden Gate Park on their course. golden-gate-park.com

The Presidio – The former military base is now a national park. Many of the buildings are in the process of renovation. Lucas Films is headquartered here. The Walt Disney Family Museum tells the story of Disneyland’s founder. The Inn at the Presidio had been officer’s quarters. The rooms are beautifully restored. You get a real sense of history standing on the parade grounds, gazing out at the bay, imagining the drama of the times – Juan Bautista de Anza setting up camp, General Pershing giving orders to the troops, WWII soldiers waiting to deploy across the Pacific. An action packed drama, The Presidio, was filmed on the grounds and in the military quarters in the 80’s, starred Mark Harmon, Meg Ryan and Sean Connery. It’s fun to watch after you’ve visited this national park. nps.gov/prsf

Picnic on the Parade Grounds on a Summer Day at the Presidio

Alcatraz – Boat tours can be booked at Fisherman’s Wharf for the infamous prison. alcatrazislandtickets.com

Fort Mason – I enjoy browsing the shelves of the used book store and usually find something pertaining to the local history. Once a year the San Francisco Library has its book sale here – it’s huge! fortmason.org

A T & T Park – The San Francisco Giants make their home at this stadium on the bay. The S.F. Marathon course goes around The Park on the way to the finish line. Statues of Giant baseball greats Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, and Orlando Cepeda stand guard. Some fans watch the home games from boats in McCovey Cove. sfgiants.com

Fort Point – If you want to delve into the history of the Golden Gate, back to the Civil War, walk through the fort. Be sure to climb up to the top and look out over the bay. Spectacular! nps.gov/fopo/index.htm

Fort Point at the Base of the Bridge

Crissy Field – Read a book, jog, ride a bike or become mesmerized by the 360 degree view. Parking is free! Crissy Field is a former military airfield and now offers a recreational spot for the public, down the road from Fort Point. Grab a snack at the Beach Hut Café. Newly installed gigantic steel sculptures by Mark di Suvero are placed here and there on the field. They’re impressive. I took many photos with the San Francisco skyline or bay in the background. parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/crissy-field.html

The Sculptures Creak in the Wind

The San Francisco Marathon

Highlights: The Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is the raison d’etre for this marathon and half. I’ve always wanted to run over the Bay on that majestic span. It’s absolutely exhilarating, the stiff breeze, the 2 mile view to the other side, the massive orange latticework so close to my body, the loop around the Vista Point, pounding steps, juggling my water bottle and phone/camera. It’s worth it! The next day, taking in the view from Crissy Field, you revel in the idea.

Running towards Marin

Distance: Several events took place: the full marathon (26.2) was a loop from the Ferry Building, across the Bridge, through Golden Gate Park and back. Two half marathons – one went over the Bridge, a 5K, and an ultra (52.4) were also options.

My Observations: I’ve completed both ½ marathons. Logistics of parking and shuttles were challenges, but all in all, it was fun and would rate a 10 on my scale for scenery and ideal temps. One older gentleman expressed my sentiment, “I just love running over the bridge!

sfmarathon.com

My Results:

June 16, 2013 – San Francisco ½ Marathon (the first ½, over the Bridge) – 2:46

July 29, 2012– San Francisco ½ Marathon (the second ½)-2:52

1982 – San Francisco Marathon (a different course from the present) – 4:52

Ruth Anderson Ultras

Highlights: Held in April, this ultra allows the runners to choose their distance during the race. I’ve completed four 100k’s, two 50 mile runs and eight 50k’s.

Distance: Decide on your distance (50k, 50m, or 100k), but don’t stop in between or it becomes a DNF.

Location: Lake Merced is a scenic area close to the beach in San Francisco. Joggers, walkers, bikers share the path, while long boats with synchronized rowers move swiftly across the lake. Animal hoots and cries can be heard from the neighboring San Francisco Zoo.

On the Loop around the Lake

Course: The course circles Lake Merced, a 4.475 mile loop on paved bike path with a dirt shoulder.

My Observations: Usually the weather is ideal – cool and misty. The low-key event (90 participants in 2013) is well run with excellent aid stations.

run100s.com

My Results:

2013 – 8:03:23 (50k)

2012 – 7:32:58 (50K)

2011 – 7:03:09 (50k)

2010 – 7:19:03 (50k)

2009 – 6:55:04 (50k)

2007 – 6:24:43 (50k)

Juan Bautista De Anza Statue at Lake Merced

2006 – 6:01:35 (50k)

2005 – 6:06:25 (50k)

2004 – 10:14:12 (50m)

2001 – 10:11:09 (50m)

2000 – 12:41:48 (100k)

1998 – 12:07:54 (100k)

1997 – 12:49:42 (100k)

1996 – 12:01:00 (100k)

Posted in California's 58 Counties, San Francisco | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #2

Posted on August 30, 2013 by hbcassandra

California Here I Run

#2 in a Series

ry=110[1] Orange County

Tourists love this SoCal County. It’s the O.C. – home of Mickey Mouse (Disneyland) and Surf City, U.S.A (Huntington Beach). The third largest county in population, with over 3 million in 34 cities, Orange County offers unlimited recreation, from water sports, and beachside camping, to golf, biking, running, walking, and hiking. Local newspapers list a plethora of weekend events. ocgov.com

Home of:

The Founder and His Mouse

Disneyland – For a morning treat sans crowds, have Mickey Mouse pancakes at the River Belle Terrace. Disneyland.disney.go.com

Knott’s Berry Farm – Shop outside the park at the Market Place Shops. Berry Market features the Knott’s jams and jellies. Virginia’s Gift Shop has beautiful collectibles, gifts, and red and purple glass collections. knotts.com

John Wayne Airport – Named after “The Duke,” JWA is accessible from the 405 and 55 freeways. An impressive 9 feet statue of the actor and past resident of O.C., sculpted by Robert Summers, stands on a marble base in the terminal. Ruby’s Diner, popular for its red and white décor and delicious shakes and cinnamon rolls, is one of several in the OC. ocair.com

South Coast Plaza – Just off the 405 fwy, South Coast Plaza is a fantastic shopping mall. Name a store and it’s here! One of my favorites for furniture and glassware is a 2-story Crate & Barrel in the complex on Bear and South Coast Drive. Afternoon browsing is fun! southcoastplaza.com

Huntington Beach – The renowned Surf City, besides its city beach, has miles of CA State Beach with fire rings, RV sites, and wetlands to explore. For parking convenience, the Surf City Shuttle operates from the Civic Center parking lot. huntingtonbeachca.gov

Huntington Beach Pier

Laguna Beach – To thoroughly enjoy Laguna Beach you need to walk! Shops, museums, art galleries and darling seaside cottages are a magnet for tourists and locals any time of the year or weather. lagunabeachcity.net

The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum – Richard Nixon’s birthplace (1913) is on site. The museum also houses a Sikorsky helicopter, Army One, used during his administration 1969-74. nixonlibrary.gov

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Music, dance and theater productions draw audiences year round. Holiday musicals, like White Christmas sell out early. scfta.org

Newport Center/Fashion Island – Off Pacific Coast Hwy and Newport Center Drive, with bay and ocean views, Fashion Island is a great outdoor shopping experience. Upscale shops and department stores, unique ice cream and cupcake boutiques, are intermingled with walking paths and kiosks selling Newport Beach t-shirts and local signature items. I spend most of my time and money in a 3-story Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Island Cinema features current movies in a small theater with comfortable seats and side tables. Order a chicken quesadilla, a diet coke and have it delivered to your reserved seat. shopfashionisland.com

Mission San Juan Capistrano –The historic landmark and museum was founded in 1775. missionsjc.com

Newport Beach – The little community of Balboa and Balboa Island are part of the city of Newport Beach. Take a stroll around the Island. The lovely custom cottages are beautifully landscaped with the flowers of the season. The colors are amazing! Newportbeachca.gov

Crystal Cove State Park – To get the feeling of “old California,” spend the day at Crystal Cove. Vintage beach cottages, a visitors’ center, the Beachcomber Restaurant, and the stunning views of water and eroding cliffs will immerse you in a bygone era – the 40’s and 50’s of the 20th century. crystalcovestatepark.com crystalcovebeachcottages.org

Orange County Races

OC Fair Fun Run 8/4/13

Ready to Run

Highlights: What an ideal fun run for a family! The t-shirt exclaimed, “Run, Walk or Skip through the OC Fair.” Many moms with baby joggers, dads with little guys scooting out at the start and stopping abruptly for an O.C. Fair Detour (the Giant Slide or a midway game), and older walkers came together as a group of about 1700. A beautiful orange and blue medal, a matching t-shirt, a free ticket for the fair, even a commemorative chip for your shoe added up to a bargain – $40.00 (adults), $25.00 (children), and kids under 5 free.

Distance: 5K

Course: The detours were a novel idea. Runners could take a break, win a prize on the midway, zoom down the slide or come up on stage in the amphitheater for a photo op, as the BBQ aromas wafted overhead.

My Observations: This year was my 3^rd and I’ll return next year. It’s really a fun run for all!

Comments: One 6 or 7 year old young lady pinched her nose with 2 fingers, minding her mom, and posing for a photo by the animal barns, walked away, sighing, “I held my breath the whole time.” Yes, the summertime fair smells take me back to childhood.

Finisher Medal & Timing Chip

Orange County Half Marathon 5/5/13

Highlights: The Pacific Ocean appeared on the initial downhill of the Marathon and Half as cool temps welcomed the runners. One young lady runner addressed her friend, “You’re all perky already!”

Distance: The 26.2 marathon and 13.1 mile half started separately.

Location: Newport Beach Fashion Island Shopping Center provided room to spread out at the start.

Course: Both races were loops with views of the ocean and the bay and ending at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

My Observations: Margaritas at the finish greeted the runners on Cinco de Mayo Sunday. Sitting on the curb at 5:57, waiting for the O.C. Half Marathon to start, I was eye level with a cavalcade of shoes- turquoise, Halloween orange, shocking pink and yellow and black reeboks. Cloudy and a bit shivery cool in Newport Beach.

The runners flowed en masse down the hill from Fashion Island to Corona Del Mar. Maybe it was the overcast weather, but the mood was subdued, as we traversed the steep avenues through the upscale Corona Del Mar and wound around the Back Bay. Scenery extraordinaire, 360 degree views!

The finish at the O.C. Fairgrounds was festive and crowded. Got the medal. Found the car.

Comments: One bystander shouted to the stream of runners, “It’s supposed to hurt!” About midway into the run, a less than enthusiastic runner exclaimed, “I’m going to enjoy not doing this when I finish.”

Ultracjj 5/6/13

My Time: 2:51

Posted in California's 58 Counties, Orange County | Leave a comment

California Here I Run #1

Posted on July 26, 2013 by hbcassandra

California Here I Run

#1 in a Series

Los Angeles County

Big! Huge! L.A. County encompasses 4,060 square miles, includes 88 cities, and a population of close to 10 million! Born in Pasadena and raised in Monrovia in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, I had the opportunity to explore the serendipitous sights of Los Angeles County. Therefore, I decided to begin the California 58 Project in the vastness of L.A. County, blogging about my participation in a running race and points of interest in each of the Golden State’s 58 counties. lacounty.gov

Home of:

Dodger Stadium – It’s “blue heaven on earth,” according to Dodger spokesman and former manager Tommy Lasorda. I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening, sitting in loge, gazing at the purple sunset behind the San Gabriel Mountains, listening to the mellifluous voice of Vin Scully. ladodgers.com

Sandy Koufax, Orel Hershiser

Pasadena’s Old Town – Stroll down Colorado Blvd., shop at Crate & Barrel, browse Barnes & Noble, eat at Barney’s, enjoy an original play at the Pasadena Playhouse. It’s a perfect combination, 21^st century stores in historic buildings with beautifully scrolled facades. oldpasadena.org

Catalina Island – Yes, it’s actually in L.A. County. Take the “Express,” the Long Beach catamaran service, for the hour’s ride to Avalon. Cute residential cottages, the Avalon Ballroom and the cobblestone streets take you back to an early California era. catalina.com catalinaexpress.com visitcatalinaisland.com

Pantages Theater – On Hollywood & Vine, in the midst of new development, this 1930’s theater offers several new productions a year, often a Broadway musical. It’s worth a visit just to admire the opulent interior design. pantagesonhollywood.nederlander- theaters.com

Angeles National Forest – Drive or hike to Mt. Wilson, el. 5,710 ft. L. A. County has woods, valuable for the watershed and recreation. Just a little ways off the freeway and you’ll be welcomed by solitude. fs.usda.gov/angeles

The Queen Mary – Have dinner or take a tour in Long Beach. Imagine being on this boat as a troop ship in WWII. queenmary.com

L.A. Live – This conglomeration of sports and entertainment venues lights up the sky in downtown L.A. – Staples and Nokia, hotels, public transportation. Parking is convenient! lalive.com

L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – What an oasis in the midst of suburban Arcadia! Plant collections from all over the world, a lovely lake, and Queen Anne’s Cottage sit on 127 acres of Lucky Baldwin’s Rancho Santa Anita, vintage 1875. Scenes from countless movies and TV series were filmed here: Dallas (1981), Love Boat (1975), Tarzan Escapes (1936), Road to Singapore (1939). My mom, from East Pasadena, and her brothers and sisters, in the 1920’s, played hide and seek in this neighborhood playground! arboretum.org

Monrovia – My home town, established in 1886, sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Quaint shops, restaurants and a new library along Myrtle Ave. are often used as movie backdrops for a small U.S. town. ci.monrovia.ca.us

Arc Light Theater – Formerly the Cinerama Dome, this multiscreen theater hosts sneak peeks, and classic showings, as well as, new releases. It’s a short way from the Pantages, located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. I’ve taken in a movie, had the chocolate fudge brownie cake at the Arc Light Café, browsed the gift shop (unique movie items for sale), and walked down Hollywood Blvd, to the Pantages for the current production. arclightcinemas.com

Los Angeles County Races

L. A. Marathon 3/18/12

“It’s no use complaining,” one young lady admonished her partner at the 11 mile mark, 15.2 to go. Considering the unexpected weather, there was little to complain about. The temperature at the start was 45 degrees, but no rain!

The day began in the dark at Dodger Stadium. The elite women started with a 17:31 minute head start, the elite men just ahead of the pack of 23,000. The women were attempting to cross the finish line first to win $100,000 and a car.

Out Stadium Way, the throng pushed up hills and relaxed on downhill segments. L.A. is L.A. The Pantages, and Grauman’s Chinese, high-end sleek shopping, Rodeo Drive, entertainment centers, the Disney Concert Hall, and the reality of a big city – a homeless person on a bench oblivious to the parade passing by.

The aid stations were placed every mile offering water, electrolyte drink, oranges and bananas. The volunteers cheered and encouraged, maybe a little too enthusiastic as one teenager shouted, “You’re almost there!” The 10 mile sign was posted above. Another diversion from this runner’s aches and pains was the entertainment along the course: bands, mariachis, pounding drums to give your steps a cadence and even belly dancers in bright midriff bareness.

The final straight downhill miles were a delight for the early runners, a breeze wafted. The crowds increased. But, for me in the middle to back of the pack, the wind became a confrontation. Debris flew everywhere. Barricades collapsed. The final assault, turning the corner from San Vicente to Ocean Blvd. and striding at an angle into the wind was rewarded by the view of the orange balloon arch. Although the time to get there seemed interminable, the relief was instantaneous. A beautiful, heavy L.A. Marathon 2012 medal was placed around each finisher’s neck.

The first to the finish line was a woman, a tiny 20 year old from Ethiopia, Fatuma Sado. She beamed when her $125, 000 check and the keys to the car were handed to her.

As one runner summed it up, “ I’ve been out here over 6 hours. The first 3 hours were the best.

Ultracj 3/21/12

My Time: 5:38

L.A. Marathon 3/17/2013

The Wearing of the Green

My 15^th L.A. Marathon was on St. Patrick’s Day. The finisher’s medal and race shirts paid homage to the leprechaun spirit. Another 25,000 runners lined up in Frank McCourt’s parking lots and tripped along the same route as the previous 2 years. McCourt showed up at the finish with Mayor Villaraigosa to award the shamrock shaped medal to Erik Mose (2:09:43) from Kenya and Aleksandra Duliba (2:26:07) the fleetest male and female of the day.

Always agonizing over what to wear, as L.A. in March can be anywhere from 50 to 80 degrees, I was pleased to be comfortable in a long sleeved shirt and tights.

Will I show up for 2014? We’ll see.

Ultracj 3/18/13

My Time: 6:20

Los Angeles Marathon

Highlights:

– Being a life-long Dodger fan, I was thrilled when the 2011 race started at Dodger Stadium. What a kick! Sitting in field box at 5:00AM, imagining Clayton Kershaw pitching Opening Day. Actually, the ballpark was perfect for a gathering of 25,000 runners, plenty of restrooms and seating before the event.

– Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” booming at the start and all the hoopla surrounding such a large field overwhelmed the senses.

– The course was the best of all the L.A. Marathons of previous years, point to point, the iconic boulevards and communities we all know and read about.

Website: lamarathon.com

Pasadena Marathon 5/11/11

Rain was a threat for the 3^rd annual Pasadena Marathon. Held in May, the 26.2 mile event can be hot and smoggy or cool and drizzly as it was on Sunday. The weather couldn’t have been better.

I got up at 4:00, was in the car on the way at 5:00. The 605 was almost deserted. (A car was parked with lights on in lane 2 of the 405 – could have been a huge crash if another vehicle approached from the rear.) The directions in the race packet were clear and concise: 605 to 210 to Allen St., follow the traffic directors to Parking Lot “P” at P.C.C. Finding the parking and starting line is often confusing at races, but this was a breeze. I wasn’t too early or too late.

The starting banner was visible. Runners entered the fenced off area on Colorado Blvd. I waited a bit in back, could hear most of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Not wanting to be scrunched, (I’m not very tall) or deal with claustrophobia, I entered the chute a few minutes after the start. With a computer chip on my shoe, it didn’t matter when I started. My time was recorded when I crossed the rubber mats at several spots along the course.

A few sprinkles on my jacket and Dodger cap were not a discomfort. I tripped along, feeling fine, at my self-regulated pace. Overhanging oak trees line many of the broad streets in Pasadena, providing a canopy for rain or heat.

If you want to sacrifice a few minutes of your time, this is the ideal marathon to bring along a camera. Pasadena is an historic foothill community of the San Gabriel Valley. I had close-up views of the San Gabriel Mountains. This particular day was so clear you could see trails winding up to the transmission towers on Mt. Wilson. I ran up the Arroyo Parkway along the golf course and majestic Rose Bowl. I ran under the concrete Colorado Bridge with its curved, sculptured architecture. I ran down Colorado Blvd where the Rose Parade travels each New Year’s Day. I ran on Orange Grove Blvd past the Tournament of Roses House, the site of photos of the Rose Queen and her court. I loved the route!

As always, for me, the enthusiasm wore off at about 16 miles. You’ve come far, but still have miles to go. At about 20, my spirits rose. On an uphill portion toward Eaton Canyon, I knew the end was in sight. A few twists and turns, even some welcomed downhill, and the finishing line loomed ahead.

The bronze colored medal was placed around my neck and the pain subsided as I planned for another 26.2 venture.

Ultracj

May 18, 2011

Time: 5:38

(The Pasadena Half Marathon was held in 2013, but not the 26.2 mile distance.)

Posted in California's 58 Counties, Los Angeles | Leave a comment

CJJ Explores California

California Here I Run #7

California Here I Run #6

California Here I Run

Riverside County

Palm Springs

A winter get-away and spring break destination, Palm Springs offers shops, museums, and art galleries to attract vacationers. Hollywood notables frequent this desert community for a little R & R from the hustle bustle of L.A. Sonny Bono of Sonny & Cher was once the Mayor of Palm Springs.

Mission Inn 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Orange Empire Railway Museum 220 S. “A” St., Perris, CA 92570

The Ramona Pageant 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet, CA 92544

Lake Elsinore

March Field Air Museum

Riverside National Cemetery

Joshua Tree National Park

California Here I Run #5

California Here I Run #4

California Here I Run #3

California Here I Run #2

California Here I Run

California Here I Run #1

California Here I Run

Los Angeles County

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Blogs I Follow