We found this little county recreation area last year when we stopped to visit family. County parks are sometimes difficult to find, but usually turn out to be a good deal so worth the effort to find. We are the only residents, other than the host, so there's plenty of elbow room. There is a bit of construction going on as they are rebuilding the boat ramp, but the crew really isn't that noisy, and go home every day before 5 so no complaints there.
We've been battling the cold since arriving here on Wednesday, so haven't been able to do any exploration. Too bad, as we are right on the edge of California Gold Rush Country. Rough and Ready and several other historic sites are just east of us - to be explored next time I guess. We'll be lucky if we're back in working order by tomorrow, when we are supposed to watch the U of O vs. USC football game. . . . oh, and just for entertainment, Steve just discovered plumbing problems in the bathroom. Seems there's always something breaking - one of the joys of home ownership - even a home on wheels!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Red Bluff Recreation Area, California
That "laid low" due to a cold comment from the last post should be changed to "laid flat". We did manage to make it to Yuba City, where we intended to visit my brother, but we've been holed up ever since fighting the germs. I'll post later about this area, but need to comment further on our last stop, as it really had a lot to offer.
Though we were a bit low in energy we did manage to look around a little before we left Red Bluff. It really is a target rich environment for exploration. The Sycamore Grove campground itself is packaged with hiking and nature trails, the Sacramento River Discovery Center, a large group camp area with sleeping cabins, and a boat launch and picnic area.
The Discovery Center is geared primary for school children, but has a wealth of information for all ages on the salmon and other wildlife in the area. There's a nice garden area in back with wildflower and plant information too. Many of the trails have informative signs, and you can pick up a self-guided nature walk guide in the visitors center that highlights 30 points along that particular tail. Who would guess you could find all that just a couple of miles off of I-5.
During our stay we were able to see (and hear) some of our "stimulus dollars" at work in the form of a diversion dam removal project. This will supposedly support increased salmon production when completed. Fortunately the equipment stopped rumbling every day about 4:30 so it wasn't particularly disturbing.
Red Bluff is an old ranching town, originally platted by Pete Lassen, who obtained the land as a grant from Mexico. The older downtown section still has remnants of several older brick buildings with nice architectural details, and businesses have done a nice job of maintaining a western town feeling. Other than the downtown area there are few historic buildings in the area.
One exception is the William B. Ide Adobe, in a nice park setting right along the river.... and yes, the Sacramento river does have water in it. People always seem surprised at that!
The park is really nice for picnics - lots of tables and BBQs and well shaded by large trees. The visitor's center is closed Monday and Tuesday, so we couldn't see their offerings, but the restored adobe and outbuildings are available any time. The park was originally established, and the the building protected, because it was believed to have at one time been the home of William B. Ide, president (for 25 days) of the "California Republic", formed after the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. It turns out, he never lived in or owned this property at all, but live nearby. At any rate, the adobe is nicely restored and during the summer season supports living history presentations, so provides a nice opportunity to experience early pioneer life in California.
See the Red Bluff album for more photos of the park and Red Bluff.
 |
| Sycamore Grove |
The Discovery Center is geared primary for school children, but has a wealth of information for all ages on the salmon and other wildlife in the area. There's a nice garden area in back with wildflower and plant information too. Many of the trails have informative signs, and you can pick up a self-guided nature walk guide in the visitors center that highlights 30 points along that particular tail. Who would guess you could find all that just a couple of miles off of I-5.During our stay we were able to see (and hear) some of our "stimulus dollars" at work in the form of a diversion dam removal project. This will supposedly support increased salmon production when completed. Fortunately the equipment stopped rumbling every day about 4:30 so it wasn't particularly disturbing.
 |
| current diversion dam |
One exception is the William B. Ide Adobe, in a nice park setting right along the river.... and yes, the Sacramento river does have water in it. People always seem surprised at that!The park is really nice for picnics - lots of tables and BBQs and well shaded by large trees. The visitor's center is closed Monday and Tuesday, so we couldn't see their offerings, but the restored adobe and outbuildings are available any time. The park was originally established, and the the building protected, because it was believed to have at one time been the home of William B. Ide, president (for 25 days) of the "California Republic", formed after the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. It turns out, he never lived in or owned this property at all, but live nearby. At any rate, the adobe is nicely restored and during the summer season supports living history presentations, so provides a nice opportunity to experience early pioneer life in California.
See the Red Bluff album for more photos of the park and Red Bluff.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Red Bluff, California
Sunday - We had a trouble free and picturesque drive down from Oregon. We hit the season just right as far as foliage color goes, and the steep, craggy hills were covered with golden oak, the leaves brighter than usual and the bark almost black thanks to the gentle rain. The contrast was striking, and when you add in the wispy bits of cloud hovering over some of the canyons it was a classic autumn scene. 'Made me want to start a painting or a quilt or something - but I already have too many projects going! As we drove past Weed and Mt. Shasta we could just barely see the hills on through the rain and clouds, the snowy mountain tops leave no doubt, winter is just around the corner.
When you cover the miles we have (over 8,000 since June 6) you see and hear so many humorous things, I thought I'd share a couple we noticed today.
Signs seen along the road in Redding:
Greeted at the entrance by two chubby gray squirrels, we arrived at our campsite in the Red Bluff Recreation Area around 2 o'clock, in a mere drizzle. After all the trips we've made up and down I-5, we never knew this place existed until Steve did some extensive research on the area. So far we're quite pleased. Nice size spaces, some with utilities and some without. There are showers too if people are interested. There are indications there's a lot more to the park, but that will have to wait. We were completely set up before darkness set in, and as usual this time of year, have the campground pretty much to ourselves. We spent the afternoon relaxing, time to explore tomorrow.
Monday - The information center isn't open until tomorrow, so we just took a leisurely morning walk to look things over. Does it sound corny to talk about "stately oak trees"? Well, sorry, but these are. This area has the perfect climate for Valley Oak, and they grow big, strong and healthy. None of that moss and scraggly look we were used to in Oregon. The whole park is full of different trees than we are used to - sycamores, gum, and different types of oaks. They are just beginning to lose their leaves, so it makes for a very lush campground view.
Laid a bit low by a cold, we both felt rather low in energy, so other than a brief grocery shopping excursion, we only attempted one other field trip . . . and it was worth the effort! With little time or energy to go rock collecting in this area, we had looked up a local rock shop. Gaumers, a family owned rock shop and museum, is definitely worth a stop. You don't have to be a rock hound to appreciate the beautiful sample they have displayed, and their museum area that includes mining, assaying, and other early pioneer equipment. There are photos galore from their various collecting expeditions - there's probably one from your area! If there are children in the family, they have low-priced pocket rocks, if you are a collector there are samples and display stands, if you are in the market for custom jewelry they have that too. We wandered around for almost an hour, coming away with a few display stands and some bulk stone for carving. (Daph's newest hobby.) The photos on their website give a very honest view of what's in store. 'Definitely worth a stop!
Hopefully we'll be up to more exciting activities tomorrow.
When you cover the miles we have (over 8,000 since June 6) you see and hear so many humorous things, I thought I'd share a couple we noticed today.
Signs seen along the road in Redding:
LOOK OUT CONGRESS. . . THE PEOPLE ARE COMING!
and
BOOT BOXER!
. . . 'nuf said.Greeted at the entrance by two chubby gray squirrels, we arrived at our campsite in the Red Bluff Recreation Area around 2 o'clock, in a mere drizzle. After all the trips we've made up and down I-5, we never knew this place existed until Steve did some extensive research on the area. So far we're quite pleased. Nice size spaces, some with utilities and some without. There are showers too if people are interested. There are indications there's a lot more to the park, but that will have to wait. We were completely set up before darkness set in, and as usual this time of year, have the campground pretty much to ourselves. We spent the afternoon relaxing, time to explore tomorrow.
Monday - The information center isn't open until tomorrow, so we just took a leisurely morning walk to look things over. Does it sound corny to talk about "stately oak trees"? Well, sorry, but these are. This area has the perfect climate for Valley Oak, and they grow big, strong and healthy. None of that moss and scraggly look we were used to in Oregon. The whole park is full of different trees than we are used to - sycamores, gum, and different types of oaks. They are just beginning to lose their leaves, so it makes for a very lush campground view.
Laid a bit low by a cold, we both felt rather low in energy, so other than a brief grocery shopping excursion, we only attempted one other field trip . . . and it was worth the effort! With little time or energy to go rock collecting in this area, we had looked up a local rock shop. Gaumers, a family owned rock shop and museum, is definitely worth a stop. You don't have to be a rock hound to appreciate the beautiful sample they have displayed, and their museum area that includes mining, assaying, and other early pioneer equipment. There are photos galore from their various collecting expeditions - there's probably one from your area! If there are children in the family, they have low-priced pocket rocks, if you are a collector there are samples and display stands, if you are in the market for custom jewelry they have that too. We wandered around for almost an hour, coming away with a few display stands and some bulk stone for carving. (Daph's newest hobby.) The photos on their website give a very honest view of what's in store. 'Definitely worth a stop!
Hopefully we'll be up to more exciting activities tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)