All aboard: My first train ride

After getting an hour less sleep than usual...thanks to daylight savings time...I still got up bright and early to drive to Boulder City, location of the Nevada State Railroad Museum.  I was looking forward to the highlight of weekend visitors...a ride on their excursion train! Now, I've never ridden on a train before, not counting modern mass transit.  Well, that's not entirely true.  When I told my mom about riding a train, she said I did when I was 2 years old.  Of course, I don't remember that, so I'm sticking to my statement.

The excursion train I rode today was powered by a 1963 Union Pacific GP30 locomotive. There were a couple of open-air cars, but I opted to ride one of the Pullman cars.  It was pretty cool to be a 1911 Pullman...it was 100 years old!

The train went on a 3.5 mile trip to the historic Railroad Pass and back again...about a 45-minute ride.  The Pullman car was comfortable, and I didn't even hear the engine, save for the horn at railroad crossings. After that experience, I certainly wouldn't mind riding more trains in the future!

Afterward, I drove back to Las Vegas and had a very nice lunch at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab at Caesar's Palace.  I'm not one to normally go to pricey restaurants, but I decided to treat myself when I found out about their lunch special. Joe's Classic: five stone crab legs, hashed browns, cole slaw and key lime pie.  I had never had stone crab OR key lime pie before, so this was perfect.  The food was great, but I ended up taking most of the hashed browns with me...it was a pretty massive amount of potatoes.

As I was walking through the Caesar's Palace Forum Shops, I noticed a small commotion in front of a sports memorabilia store.  I peeked inside, and recognized a man sitting at a table signing autographs.  It was the legendary Chicago Bears football player, Dick Butkus.  I snapped a couple of photos, just so people would know I really saw him.

While visiting Las Vegas, I was hoping to try out something a little different.  There's a place called The Gun Store, where you can fire all kinds of guns...handguns, shotguns, semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic machine guns.  Unfortunately, when I got there, I found out there was an hour and a half wait before I could try my hand at shooting.  I didn't want to hang around, so I left.  Maybe on my next visit to Vegas.  Tomorrow, I reprise my exhilarating experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway! 

Panorama over Palm Springs

Another BEAUTIFUL morning in southern California!  I know I've been saying that a lot on this road trip, but I guess I appreciate it after experiencing so much rain and overcast skies in Washington this past winter.  I left Redlands, CA and drove to Palm Springs.  I only had one activity scheduled for the day...to ride the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and hike in Mt San Jacinto State Park.  I drove up the steep curved road to the visitor's center, and bought a ticket for the 9:30 am trip.  The tram goes up...and down...every 30 minutes.  It's the world's largest rotating tramcar...that's right, it slowly turns as it goes up and down the mountain.

As we ascended, it took about 11 minutes to reach the top...8400 feet up!  The view was spectacular as the floor of the car slowly spun around.  After disembarking, I breathed in the fresh mountain air.  The sun was shining brightly, and temperatures were pleasantly cool.  I went down the paved walkway to access the 1.5 mile Desert View Trail.  I was surprised to find much of the trail covered with snow and ice.  In fact, a few people actually brought plastic sleds with them to slide down snow covered slopes.

The trail traveled along the edge of the mountain, which gave awesome panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the desert floor below.  The view provided a lot of really nice photo opportunities...and a relaxing backdrop for my lunch break!

I spent about two hours walking the trail and taking photos before heading back down in the tram.  The tram was a lot less crowded for the descent.  At that time of the day, it seemed like everyone was going up.  When I reached the bottom, I tried getting a pic of the next tram ascending...I was only partially successful. 

I left Palm Springs and drove all afternoon to reach my pit stop for the night...Las Vegas.  Actually, the term pit stop is fitting for this weekend in that city.  There is a big NASCAR event going on, and I saw a LOT of people walking the Strip.  There will be more racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway tomorrow, but that's not where I'm heading...at least not yet.  I'm planning to take another sort of ride...something quite a bit slower and older. 

Slice revisited

It was chilly when I left King City, CA this morning, but I knew things would warm up later. It was mostly a driving day, but I tried to make it enjoyable. Lunch was a double double burger at In N Out. Sadly, I don't have In N Out where I live in the Pacific Northwest.  There IS Five Guys, but I tried it once and I prefer In N Out. And, it's just something I have to have at least once...or maybe twice...on my road trips.

As I traveled south, I made a side trip...call it a pilgrimage...to a place all Five For Fighting fans should recognize. The location is just outside the city of Lancaster, CA, at a place called Club Ed.  I had been there in the past, but since it was on the way, I decided to revisit it.  John Ondrasik used this location for promotional photos, and you can see it on his Slice album. On the cover of his CD, John is standing on the road in front of the property.  Here's a photo of the CD, and a pic I took today...yes, it's the same place!

And, here's a photo of the old gas station also seen above that was used to promote the Chances single, and my snapshot. 

I would have loved to explore the buildings, but it's private property...they use it for movie and television productions, too.  And, I DO remember seeing this place in other things.  I had some time before checking into my hotel, so I took my Blazer for a well needed car wash.  I did the deluxe hand wash thing...looks great now!  Hopefully, it will stay that way for the rest of my road trip.  Tomorrow...Las Vegas!

The pinnacle of my day

When I left San Francisco this morning, I got caught up in a little rush hour traffic.  Most of it was traveling into the city, but it was slowing down my day.  Luckily, my GPS is equipped with live traffic updates, and suggested an alternative route...I took it.  I arrived at Pinnacles National Monument a little behind schedule, but all was good.

After getting some information at the visitor's center, I started out on my day hike.  I decided to be ambitious and take the Condor Gulch-High Peaks Loop, listed as a Strenuous route.  Normally, I don't like to challenge myself TOO much...I'm not really in shape for that...but, it was the only way to get the best view of the park's pinnacles.  So, I set off up the Condor Gulch Trail.  And, I do mean up.  The trail was all uphill, made slightly easier by the switchbacks.  I stopped frequently, not only to take a breather, but to snap photos along the way.

When I reached the end of the Condor Gulch trail, it merged with the High Peaks Trail.  As I was getting my second wind, a couple of guys came down the trail I was getting ready to ascend.  I asked them if I was anywhere near the top, and they replied it was not much farther.  I don't know if I looked tired out, but one of the guys offered me water.  I told him that I was okay...I had water.  He then offered me a pear.  I politely declined...said I had food, too.  It was nice of him to offer, though.  I continued walking, and got great shots of the pinnacles and other rock formations.

The biggest challenge turned out to be just before the summit.  There was a section of trail that traveled up and down a set of rocks.  Steps were carved into the stone, and there were railings also installed to make things a bit safer.  It was a little scary, but I took things slow and got through that section without a problem.

As with many other parks I've visited in the past, I found myself always on the lookout for wildlife.  The vultures and ravens circled overhead, probably waiting for me to keel over so they could eat my corpse.  There were little lizards skittering along the sides of the trail.  I particularly liked this large ground squirrel which was nibbling on grass...so cute!

After walking uphill 1200 feet, it was quite a relief to hike back down the same distance.  In all, it took me about 4 1/2 hours to hike the 5.3 mile loop.  It would have been quicker had I not taken so many photos and had a brief lunch break.  When I reached the parking lot, I could feel a small blister on the bottom of one foot.  A minor thing after conquering the Pinnacles. 

Walt Disney: Man behind the magic

Another beautiful sunny day, and the low 60s temps were just perfect for me!  I started things out by driving to the western border of The Presidio at Baker Beach.  I took photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from there, and some shots of Battery Chamberlin, built in early 1900s to house coastal defense artillery.  Next...and the highpoint of my day...a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Located on The Presidio grounds, this museum is devoted to the life and work of the Walt Disney, the father of Disney Studios and of course, Disneyland.  From his early life growing up with family, his budding career in the film business, and creating first short animated films before advancing to animated feature films, this museum had it all.  There were detailed exhibits on his most famous animated star, Mickey Mouse, along with some of his well-known movies...Snow White And The Seven Dwarves, Dumbo, Bambi and Pinocchio. Not to leave out the live action stuff, there were displays on Mary Poppins, and TV heroes such as Davy Crockett and Zorro.  Ever the visionary, Walt created the greatest theme park in the world...Disneyland...and a large part of the museum was all about that.  The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must see for any Disney fan...and those like me who love great museums!

I went to one other small museum in the afternoon...the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) History Museum in the Castro District.  The only museum of its type in the United States, I found it to be quite informative.  I've always believed in the idea that knowledge is power, and I'm always looking for new ways to expand my horizons.  Museums are a perfect way to do just that.  Tomorrow, I say goodbye to San Francisco and continue on my road trip...hiking! 

Suddenly...parrots!

I didn't get up so early this morning because my first destination of the day wouldn't be open till 10:00 am. The downside to getting a later start...the free continental breakfast was basically picked through.  At least there was one last cheese danish...just what I wanted! 

I walked a mile to the cable car station, then rode the cable car to the Cable Car Museum.  The museum building also contains the powerhouse...the heart and soul of San Francisco's cable car system.  The cable cars are literally pulled around not by electricity but underground steel cables, constantly spinning around. Nowhere else in the world has such cable cars, which is the reason people from other countries come to San Francisco to ride them.

Afterward, I hopped on the cable car again, and rode it to Lombard Street.  I wanted to take some photos of the famous crooked road.  I had driven the road on a previous road trip, but didn't get any photos.  I watched cars negotiate the curves, and snapped some pics.

Back on the cable car, I took it down to it's final stop at Fisherman's Wharf.  Lunch time!  I went to a tried and true lunch spot... Alioto's Waterside Cafe.  I had the scallop basket with clam chowder...delicious!  I didn't eat all my fries because I preferred to finish off the awesome sourdough bread which came with the meal.  You just can't visit San Francisco without eating sourdough!

With some extra time on my schedule, I decided to check out the World War II era submarine, USS Pampanito, docked at Fisherman's Wharf.  It was cool walking through a piece of history...I love World War II stuff!

Next on the agenda...a little walk up to Coit Tower. I took the light rail trolley...on rails like a cable car, but electric...to the stop nearest to the Filbert Steps.  This very steep staircase goes all the way up from the waterfront to Coit Tower.  When I reached the top, I elected not to pay to go to the top of the tower.  Instead, I took some distant scenery photos from around the base, then looked for my descending route via the Greenwich Steps.  But, I couldn't find the staircase.  I ended up asking a friendly postman who pointed me in the right direction.

After traveling a short distance down the stairs, I suddenly heard a loud cacophony coming from the trees above.  I couldn't believe my good fortune...the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill!  I had been wanting to see the famous parrots, but I heard they could be elusive.  There were about a dozen chattering in the branches overhead...green with a bit of red on their heads.  And, they were pretty big, too.  As I walked down the staircase, the birds flew away to row of trees.  There, I was finally able to snap a few pics.

I took the trolley up Market Street and after grabbing an early dinner from the Westfield Centre food court, I walked to my final destination...the Defenestration Building.  I know what you're thinking...what?  Well, you have to see it to believe it, but here's a pic.  Let's just say it's a large art piece.

Tomorrow, I do a little driving around the city...to hard to take mass transit or walk to reach the sights I have planned.  Like today, a mish mash of sightseeing...it keeps things interesting! 

A road tripper's greatest fear

Well, the free hot breakfast buffet I had this morning was only so-so.  At least it was free.  I didn't have anything on the agenda today except driving...lots of driving.  Things were uneventful as I left Crescent City, CA on my way to San Francisco on U.S. Hwy 101...otherwise known as the Redwood Highway.  That would change pretty quick.  As I was passing a slow moving car, my burst of acceleration brought an unexpected reaction from my Blazer.  The "Service Engine Soon" light started blinking yellow...then stayed on!  Oh, no!  It's what road trippers fear most...car trouble. 

I kept driving while thoughts started swirling in my brain.  What to do!  If I stop, and shut the engine off, what if it didn't start again?  As I drove on, nothing SEEMED amiss, except for that light staring me in the face.  The first thing I could think to do was find a Chevy or GM dealer and have them check it.  But, I was on Hwy 101, where good sized towns are few and far between.  Yeah, I COULD have returned to Crescent City, but I wanted to go south, not the opposite direction.  After about a 100 miles of driving, I stopped for lunch in Eureka, and checked my vehicle's owners manual.  It explained the "Service Engine Soon" light indicated an emissions system problem.  Okay, that didn't seem so bad.  Basically, it appeared my engine wouldn't just conk out on me. I had some time to deal with the situation.  The manual didn't have a whole lot of answers, but did mention something about the gas cap.  I checked it...taking it off and putting it back on...but, the light stayed on. 

At that point, I thought about calling my auto shop back in Bellingham for advice.  But, I decided to try one last thing.  I got back on the road and drove another 100 miles...yes, the light stayed on...then, stopped to fill up gas.  When I was done, I started the Blazer...and the light didn't come on!  Talk about relieved.  For the rest of the afternoon till I reached San Francisco, the light never came back on, and that was after doing some normal accelerations.  So, I'm not sure what happened.  When I checked into my hotel for the night, I Googled for an explanation of why the light came on.  I got some possibilities, but only a mechanic can tell me for sure.  I might call my auto shop tomorrow anyway to see what they say.  In the meantime, I'll just cross my fingers and pray I don't see any strange lights for the rest of my road trip.  My day wasn't all bad...I had a nice takeout dinner.  Check out my Greek lamb kabobs.

Here there be lions

It was a bit foggy when I left Wilsonville, OR, but by the time I reached the Oregon coast, the sun was out and it was pleasantly warm...at least to me.  After dealing with day after day of 40s temps all winter, 60 degrees felt downright balmy.  I reached West Coast Game Park in Bandon, OR just after noon.  All my previous visits to this unique wildlife petting zoo were so rewarding.  I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled interacting with baby wild cats...tiger, leopard, cougar.  The one thing missing on my list...lion cubs...and I was pretty sure that would change today. 

Just a few minutes after arriving at the zoo, there was an announcement that a black leopard cub would be available for petting.  I had played with one of those on my last visit, but there was no way I was going to turn down another chance to meet one.  Seven-week-old Onyx was one playful little dude, and it was wonderful getting to know him.

The zoo handler said that there would also be two lion cubs available for petting...YESSSS!  I can't remember their names, but the 12-week-old brother and sister cubs were quite bigger than the panther baby.  One thing I noticed while interacting with the lions, they tended to climb and grab without their claws extended.  It was so awesome to be so close to the two beautiful cats.

Another awesome time at West Coast Game Park, and I'll definitely be back for another opportunity to intermingle with the baby cats.  Before heading for my nightly pitstop, I did a little hike at a place just north of the California border.  The U.S. Forest Service Redwood Nature Trail in Brookings, OR features the northernmost grove of redwood trees on the coast.  The mile long trail snakes it way through the redwoods, crossing over a water-filled ravine a few times.  It was pretty peaceful...I only encountered one guy and his little dog going in the opposite direction.

Tomorrow, I make the long drive to San Francisco.  It will be nice to relax in that great city a couple of days and not do a whole lot of driving.  I'm also looking forward to getting some good eats...lots of that in San Francisco!

On the road again

Today was Day 1 of yet another road trip adventure...my first vacation of the year.  My ultimate destination will be the Mardi Gras Bash for Augie's Quest in Los Angeles on March 16.  But, along the way, I'll be having fun experiencing new things...and old.  When I left home, my ride was clean, having taken my Blazer to the car wash yesterday.  But, misty road conditions took care of that...it's not quite so clean now.  Oh, well.  I may take it to another car wash somewhere along the way.

I didn't have a whole lot planned for the day.  I was thinking of maybe a museum in Portland, OR, but decided to check out the Portland Saturday Market instead.  It's touted as the longest running outdoor arts and crafts market in the country.  Today was the market's opening day of the year, and the weather was pretty nice...high 50s and overcast, but no rain.  I perused the market's wares, but I didn't see anything I liked.  On the other hand, I DID end up buying something for my cat.  Like she doesn't have enough toys already!  Still, she doesn't have a catnip filled cat body pillow!  There were quite a few street performers at the market, including this guy...at least I THINK it was a guy!

Before leaving, I decided to grab some takeout dinner from the numerous food booths at the market.  Wanting something a little different, I went with an African combo plate.  It was still a bit early when I checked into my hotel for the night, but I was ready for what awaited me in my room.  When I booked my hotel accommodations, I opted for a room with a jacuzzi tub.  It may seem strange, but I've never been in a jacuzzi tub, or even a hot tub for that matter.  Maybe it's because I just don't like baths...I'm a shower person.  The idea of wasting time lounging in a tub and getting all shriveled up just doesn't appeal to me.  I find a nice hot shower very refreshing.

After filling the jacuzzi tub, I turned on the jets.  I won't get into great detail here, but needless to say, but my curiosity was satisfied pretty quick.  A bigger tub and water jets made no difference to me...a bathtub is a bathtub, and it still shrivels you up.  I think I can say with complete certainty that I will never do a jacuzzi tub again, and it will be a LONG time before I set foot in ANY bathtub any time soon!

Party at the Showbox: Fitz and the Tantrums

First of all, I admit I don't go to a lot of concerts that are not Five For Fighting concerts.  When I do, I preferably stick to artists that I already know... Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode are examples.  So, when I discover someone new, and I mean REALLY new, that's unusual.  Such is the case of the pop-indie-soul group Fitz and the Tantrums.  Last September, I attended Seattle's Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival over Labor Day weekend.  My main plan was to see Hall & Oates...I've been a fan of their music since the 70's.  You can read about that day in my blog The heart of rock and soul. The musical act before Hall & Oates was Fitz and the Tantrums, and I was pleasantly impressed with what I heard. When I found out they were coming back to Seattle to perform at the Showbox, I had to go. I was especially looking forward to the more intimate club setting...nothing like seeing a band up close and personal. 

 
I was unsuccessful in getting anyone to accompany me to the concert so I went solo.  I arrived early at the Showbox and had a bite to eat in their bar called the Green Room.  One perk in doing this...you get to go in the club before the other folks lined up outside.  I found myself in my customary spot front and center at the stage. There were two opening acts... American Tomahawk and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.  I didn't much care for the former...they sounded much like a garage band.  The second band was a little better, but still not my cup of tea.  At least they both didn't spend too much time on the stage, as I was starting to get a little antsy.

When Fitz and the Tantrums finally made their appearance, the crowd definitely perked up.  As they started into their first song, I made eye contact with my buddy, bass player Joe Karnes.  He toured with Five For Fighting last year and I got to know him when I followed the tour for six shows.  I waved to him, and Joe smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement.  It didn't take me long to realize that picture taking would prove too difficult for me for this show.  My camera can't handle a lot of movement on stage, and there was a LOT of that!  So, I opted to just take a few videos and do some screen captures for shots of the action.

The concert was pretty much non-stop...about an hour and a half of the most energetic music I've ever experienced!  The stage was literally hopping!  Here is the set list for the night:

Don't Gotta Work It Out
Breakin' The Chains
Winds Of Change
Wake Up
Pickin' Up The Pieces
Steady As She Goes
Rich Girls
6 AM
Tighter

Love Sick Man!
L.O.V.
In Bloom
Dear Mr. President
News 4 U

Encore:
Sweet Dreams
MoneyGrabber

Since this was a 21+ show, there were people drinking in the audience.  I think some had a little TOO much to drink, and it didn't take long for it to manifest itself.  A few songs into the concert, a couple of guys to the right of me became overly enthusiastic while getting into the music.  They started shoving their way forward, pushing not only their girlfriends, but people around them, including myself.  At times, I found myself shoving back.  What was this, a mosh pit?  Thankfully, their antics caught the attention of lead singer, Michael Fitzpatrick.  After finishing a song, he called them out and told them to cool it.  They got the message and settled down, and kept their enthusiasm to themselves.  I have to give Fitz credit...what a classy guy!  Throughout the show, Fitz would often come to the very edge of the stage, many times right above me!  At one point, he even left the stage and disappeared into the audience, although I could still hear him...it was pretty dark in the room.  Then, next thing I know, he appeared right behind me, and literally used my shoulder to help steady himself as he hopped back on stage!  OK, glad I could help! 

After the concert, Fitz and singing partner Noelle Scaggs were available for a meet and greet.  I had brought my CD of their album Pickin' Up The Pieces to get signed.  I was hoping to talk to Joe, but he and the other band members stayed backstage.  I greeted Fitz and Noelle with a handshake and told them that I really enjoyed the show.  I added that it was the most exciting show that I had ever attended, which is true.  The energy that I witnessed on stage was truly amazing!  They really appreciated my compliments, and were truly thankful for all the support from the fans.  Really nice people!  Of course, my encounter wouldn't be complete without a photo, so here it is...I think it came out pretty good!

Afterward, I still found myself wanting to see Joe, so I looked back toward the stage to see if he was anywhere around.  To my surprise, I spotted him walking in front of the stage.  I called out to him, and he stopped and came over.  Joe greeted me with a hug and we chatted.  I reiterated to him about the energy on stage, and compared it to the relatively low energy Five For Fighting shows.  Joe seemed to lament that he wasn't touring with John Ondrasik, but I told him that he was probably going to be busy for quite awhile with his new band.  Basically, I was telling Joe that I could see great success and longevity with Fitz and the Tantrums, and he was lucky to be able to showcase his bass playing talents with them.  Joe said he spotted me right off the bat at stage front, which made me laugh, since I'm always in front for Five For Fighting concerts.  After another hug, I bid my friend goodbye.  A fitting ending to an awesome night!  Thanks Fitz and the Tantrums for an unforgettable show!  Looking forward to seeing you again next time you come to Seattle!