BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 02:18 PM

I believe this lady now lives in Cambria...

                                                            http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jillknight

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 03:35 PM

pdq:

Jill Knight has lived in Cambria for many years and sings in the local joints. We don't know her but there are a few local folkies and most of us get together on the first Monday of the month.

SRS:

Hearst Castle has four different tours although they overlap to some extent. For example, we think all four include the Neptune Pool which is outside and has fabulous statuary around it. Some tours include the indoor pool as well.

We think Cambria is the greatest getaway spot in the U.S. It's off the beaten path and has about 7 or 8 thousand residents. There are lots of motels and, if you don't insist on being across the street from the beach, they're not too expensive. We even have a hostel! You can take the tours of Hearst Castle or Piedras Blancas Light Station and there are more than 200 wineries in our county with about half of them offering tasting. There are lots of shops and no chain stores. You won't find a lot of 'made in Taiwan' junk here - only quality merchandise, much of it created by local artists. The climate is perfect. It has never dropped to freezing at our house in 23 years and if it gets over 75 degreees it makes the front page of the weekly newspaper. There's no movie theater here but we do have a live theater venue. In fact, Jerry has the male lead in a play opening on August 6 and is rehearsing most nights.

That's why we moved here from the Los Angeles area when we became full time musicians in 1987.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 03:43 PM

Mudcatter Mudlark also lives just east of Cambria ina town a few miles south of Paso Robles. Lovely lady with a singing voice that will give you shivers of delight. You might try PMing her to see if she's up for a visit.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: michaelr
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 04:51 PM

Jacqui, I would strongly advise you to AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE the tawdry, kitschy rip-off tabernacle to mammon that is Las Vegas. There truly is no there there.

While based in SF, I'd recommend an excursion north on Hwy 101 to see the giant redwoods and dramatic coastline, not to mention the Wine Country. I live in Santa Rosa, an hour north of SF, and from here it's not far to Mendocino and the Avenue of the Giants.

Happy trails,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 08:52 PM

I personally like to take a bus tour when visiting a new city. Let them show you all the tourist spots, explain some of the history, point out spots that you can then visit later. Have done that in San Francisco, lived in LA and San Diego, visited Vegas and Tijuana. All worth seeing in their own way, but way too much to see in 2 or 3 weeks. Go for the overviews and then pick out what you want to go back to. Go with someone who knows their way around in Tijuana.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 09:06 PM

Yeah, I think I'd agree it's best to stay out of the desert in the summertime. I've worked a lot of desert areas in summer. It's doable, but not pleasant. Still, I had a wonderful time in El Centro one July, dancing to conjunto music with a beautiful woman and drinking big schooners of beer with salt and peppered lime.
Something about the heat and the sweat and the beer and the dancing....

Oh, wait, this isn't THAT kind of forum.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 10:35 PM

Stay the heck AWAY from Mexico. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 12:26 AM

TJ is not dangerous, at least in the main parts of the tourist zones. I think it is one of those cases where media stories get blown out of proportion. But it is probably better not to go over if you don't have a US passport, these days. It's a long slow shuffle to get across the border into the US, depending on time of day.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 01:21 AM

We've been hearing too much news about Arizona and Texas border crossings and all of the drug violence.

If the members of the party who are determined to go to Las Vegas can be pursuaded to change their minds about that part of the trip, I agree with Joe, it really is a long and very hot drive. I've made that kind of long trip many times (different destinations, but over long uncomfortable stretches of ground during difficult weather). It isn't for the faint of heart. I don't go to Vegas unless there's no way to avoid it. Usually it involves an airport and changing planes.

And that is another option - have them hop on an air shuttle from LA to LV. Better than driving and probably pretty cheap.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dave Swan
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 11:38 PM

Be sure to check your PM's , Jacqui.

D

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:35 AM

They are going to Las Vegas, guys. Live with it! LOL I have never set foot in the place and successfully avoided several conventions in the town. Unfortunately, I had to do Atlantic City - poverty stricken as well as tawdry.

Anyway, the young man and I went to a ball game last night. On the way there, he mentioned that his grandfather, AKA Kendall the Grump,had opined that baseball is boring and silly with a bunch of grown men running around chasing a ball.
Our team (took me three innings to figure out who that was) was down by two runs, had a man on first and another on third. My companion was on the edge of his seat fixated on the batter. "Just a home run and we win". I asked him if he was bored and he laughed.
Didn't like the time outs, though.
I love night time baseball.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 11:48 AM

It is amazing to learn that The Kendall himself can be mistaken about something as fundamental as baseball.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 12:40 PM

If go to Vegas you must, Jacqui, my dear, go forewarned: it is a loud and vulgar place, that would qualify for inclusion as an extra circle in Dante's depiction of hell, but it does have a certain animal exuberance which offsets the crawly side. I will be interested in hearing your impressions!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:15 PM

Oh I don't know, Amos. I disinctly remember a platinum blonde, middle-aged woman in too tight capris complaining loudly in Atlantic City claiming that that she "hated NJ. Las Vegas has class."
Get ready for classy, Jacqui.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:02 PM

The question, of course, is which class it has. Further, deponent sayeth not...

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Becca72
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:42 PM

My ex and I did Phoenix/Grand Canyon/Vegas/Mexico all by car in about 5 days... 2.5 weeks is plenty of time to see all those sites and more.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 12:55 AM

Nice hiking trails in Will Rogers State Park, in Pacific Palisades, LA.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 01:12 AM

Long Beach Aquarium, not too far south of LA is pretty nifty, but I bet the aquarium at Monterey is even more interesting. Monterey, Point Lobos, and the Pacific Coast Highway are must do.

A bit out of your way, but if you can make it to Huntington Gardens at Pasadena, they are fabulous. The Ghetty Museum in LA is also very nice, with a lovely garden to boot. Marina Del Ray is a great place to gawk at fancy sailboats.

Also fabulous, in Los Angeles, are the buskers along the pedestrian mall in Santa Monica. (At least on a weekend night.) Venice Beach is worth strolling just for the show. There is also a Buddhist center in Pacific Palisades with lovely gardens. I forget the name, but as best I recall, it is on Sunset Blvd. shortly before the blvd. drops down to the coastal highway.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: open mike
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 02:26 AM

is La Jolla (La Hoya) near San Diego?
I recall many years ago seeing people
hang gliding off of a tall cliff there
and sailing out over the ocean. i think
they landed back on land...looked like
fun.http://flytorrey.com/cms/

i was in Lost Wages once...for a protest
march...against nuclear bomb testing in
Mercury, a place about 60 miles north.
We marched about 10-12 miles a day and
after a week arrived at our destination.
there is a mountain near there, i think
it is mt.Charleston, that had snow on it.
this was in the spring, so there might
not be any there now, but it is quite
close to Las Vegas...

unfortunately there has been a forest fire
there but it might be cooled down by the
time you get there..20 acres were scorched.
http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/24111655/detail.html
this place might be a nice place to go for lunch..
http://mtcharlestonlodge.com/
maybe there are chipmunks there...
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/outside_lasvegas/mountcharleston.html

head for the hills!!
to escape the 120 degree heat...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Charleston

http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/districts/smnra/index.shtml
wherever you go, let us know how you like it!!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 10:17 AM

is La Jolla (La Hoya) near San Diego?
I recall many years ago seeing people
hang gliding off of a tall cliff there
and sailing out over the ocean. i think
they landed back on land...looked like
fun.http://flytorrey.com/cms/


La Jolla is part of the San Diego area. I live right on the edge of La Jolla, just east of it. The glider port is just north in the section called Torrey Pines because of the State Park by that name where the rare Torrey Pines grow.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 05:16 PM

The current temperature on our front deck is 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do you need another reason to come to Cambria?

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 11:06 PM

We haven't seen 60 since mid-May, I think. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM

We're in a hotel in Boston, just getting ready to get to Logan Airport for the flight to San Francisco.

It's still very warm here so lower temperatures on the West Coast would be welcome.

We're being entertained by Claire Bear on Saturday and Dave Swan (work permitting) on Sunday.

We tried to get booked for Alcatraz, but the website kept crashing and, by the time we got through, there were no tickets for the time of our stay!

Further reports to follow.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: maeve
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:18 AM

Safe and happy trails, Jacqui.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:54 AM

Alcatraz usually has tickets available at the ferry. Give it a try.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:10 AM

5.4 earthquake in Southern California. LOL
They are probably still in flight.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Becca72
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:26 AM

Sins,
that's just California getting ready for their arrival... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM

Does the plane shake if it's flyin' over an earthquake???

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:50 AM

And so it begins. Happy, happy, Jacqui.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:43 PM

Welcome to California, sistah Jacqui!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Alice
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:09 PM

Plenty of room at the hotel California
Any time of year, you can find it here.

Have FUN!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:36 PM

We're in the hotel - Lewis and I are watching Harry Potter and trying to stay awake for a while longer to get in sync with West Coast time.

We had a great cab ride with a running commentary from the mad taxi driver - cheaper than the shuttle and much more fun.

The hotel is old, small rooms, but clean and comfortable. We found food and wine so we're all fairly happy right now.

Tomorrow we're looking at the tour bus - one complete trip and then go round again, hopping off as takes the fancy.

Amos - it doesn't look as if we'll make it down to San Diego - we'll most likely fly from LA to Las Vegas. Trying to fit in all that it would be good to do would take more time than we have.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:43 PM

And so it begins....Jacqui's (and grandson's et. al.) excellent adventure!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 11:05 PM

Hooray, you're here! I'll call you in the morning. Pleasant dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:36 AM

Stay cool! Use your sunscreen! Have fun!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM

I don't think we'll need sunscreen - just checked the weather report and it looks like it's a good thing we brought sweaters!

It seems that even San Diego had a record low temperature yesterday and my son-in-law is making noises about getting a pair of jeans to wear, instead of the shorts that were packed!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:09 AM

The weather report says it should start warming up later on and tomorrow in earnest (although I am sure you've heard that famous Mark Twain quip about the coldest winter he ever spent being a summer in San Francisco).

Definitely a place for which dressing in layers is advisable!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM

From today's news:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38135809/ns/travel-destination_travel/

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:50 PM

In spite of the cold weather this morning we had a great day.

We started out on a tour bus that took us all around the Downtown area and to Fisherman's Wharf. That gave us an idea of what was around and we then hopped on and off the buses, finishing up at Fisherman's Wharf looking at tacky souvenirs and warmer clothing!

We spent the afternoon in Piedmont with Dave Swann, who took one very delighted kid (and three equally delighted adults) to his fire station for a full tour and a ride in a big red fire engine. The view from the top deck of the fire station was amazing - right across the bay to San Francisco and up into the hills. Such a beautiful view and such a quiet spot. Lewis ended up with lots of goodies to do with the Piedmont fire station - some of which will be shared with his class at school. Many thanks to Dave and his mates for such a terrific time.

We ended up having a drink with Dave before heading back into SF for food and a rest.

Lewis, who has been bouncing off the walls, having had a large coke and chocolate this afternoon, has just fallen asleep and I probably won't be long following his example.

Tomorrow we're out with ClaireBear and son - it's amazing how many wonderful people the 'Cat has let me meet.

Good night all.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 01:02 PM

Jacqui, if you get back to Fisherman's Wharf, come over to the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. it's living History day today. You'll find me in 1901 period clothing, leading a strike of sdailors (reenactment of 1901 SF waterfront strike).Just ask a ranger and they'll point me out to you, and come over aqnd say hello.

Chanteyranger (Peter)

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 07:12 PM

If I recall correctly, ClaireBear is just blocks from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. Amazing place.

Just accross the street is a free park called the Rose Garden, a nice place to eat a bag lunch.

San Jose also has the Winchester Mysterey House, if you want the city's ultimate turist trap.

A visit to the Performing Arts Center, which looks a bit like a German cake, costs nothing. It was designed by Fran Lloyd Wright's firm. You can pet a carved rock bear by Benny Bufano.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 08:09 PM

Toured the fire station???? Did you get to slide down the pole? I am jealous.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:32 AM

Sins - we inspected the pole but stayed a healthy distance away.

We had a great day out with Claire and Martin, who is a matter of three months older than Lewis. The boys got on extremely well and had a terrific time at the Exploratorium, as did Steve, in particular.

It was lovely to spend some time with Claire - we've been hatching plans for the Getaway already. We made use of the trams - an experience in itself as they get stuffed so full that no one else can get on. Getting off at one stop was impossible as we couldn't fight our way through the crowd before the driver took off from the stop!

We waited for Dan, Claire's husband, to join us in the courtyard of the Cannery, where a guy murdered quite a number of folk tunes on harmonica and flute, using his foot to bang little cymbals. Dan asked if we should reward him for his efforts (coming in late he hadn't heard much of the performance) but we told him no - don't encourage such 'talent'.

We found a great restaurant, serving amazingly good food, and were treated to dinner by Claire and Dan before finding our way back to the tram stop to take us back downtown.

Lewis is eagerly looking forward to meeting up with Martin again on Monday, when we break our journey south to stay with Claire overnight. Right now he's tucked up in bed fast asleep after his long day, and I won't be long following his example.

Night all.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:42 AM

As it happened the cloud cover peeled off and we had an absolutely balmy afternoon. I did a weddnin' in Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Poifect!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:19 PM

good to know you are all having a fine time.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:22 PM

I must say, Jacqui has a fine arm for hoisting a protest sign, much to her daughter's mortified chagrin. We were "swept up" by Chanteyranger and my friend Jim in the verbal fray between longshoremen and unionbusters yesterday at the Hyde Street Pier. I am pleased to report that jacqui and I held our own, to the tune of "Solidarity forever," against the figuratively slime-coated (technically frock-coated) vintage 1901 corporate lawyer who had the temerity to accuse the union supporters of being lazy and shiftless. Chanteyranger, Jim, Jacqui, Martin, and ClaireBear, lazy and shiftless? I think not!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:53 PM

I think not, therefore I ain't.

Back to the travels

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:59 PM

I know Lewis would have loved it but please tell me you did not spend the night in the pokey. You'll all be deported. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:44 AM

Sounds like you're having adventures every stop along the way! Good for you!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:06 AM

100