Monterey is rich in California heritage - many of these old buildings are well preserved. Most of these historical sites are within a short walk of the downtown area - and about a 15-20 minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf. Many of these sites are related to the government's influence in Monterey. Monterey used to be the capital of Alta California. An excellent history resource regarding Monterey is: www.montereyhistory.org Colton … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico
We first visited the city of Oaxaca in December, during the dry season so some of our mentions in this article may be seasonally related. For example, some of the fruits we saw in the markets are only ripe during that time of year, and some of the festivals we experienced certainly only occur during December. Oaxaca (elevation 5,084 feet, population 265,000) is located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The Oaxaca airport offers … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Tram Hike
We have visited Palm Springs a number of times in January for the warm wintertime weather. The weather was what we had expected during the day each trip with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's. In fact the town of Coachella (south of Palm Springs) recorded the nation's high temperature during one of our trips. We were staying with a group of 15 people in a time share condo. The condo was built against the base of a hill, and at night the … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Museums
Museums in Oaxaca range from displays of treasure (the jewels of Monte Alban), to historical artifacts to wonderful artwork. We visited the following museums during our time in Oaxaca. Museo de Arte Contempraneo de Oaxaca (Contemporary Art Museum), is located inside Casa de Cortes at Alcala 202. This museum houses permanent displays of five famous Oaxacan artists including Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Gutierrez and Rodolfo Morales. The … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Churches
Iglesia de Santa Domingo is truly an impressive building. It is located a few blocks north of the zocalo and easily noticed due to its impressive twin towers. This church was built between 1570 and the early part of the 17th century. It was the primary church used by Oaxaca's Dominican Monastery. Take a look at the incredibly thick walls. The building has survived many earthquakes - in the early 19th century it was even used as a stable. A … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Festivals
Oaxacan Festivals are the most exciting times of the year in Oaxaca; many have religious significance. Participants in certain festivals will parade between churches in order to complete a variety of rituals. Others march around the zocalo wearing ornate costumes. December is a popular festival month but festivals are held at certain times throughout the year. Guelaguetza is perhaps the largest and most exciting Oaxacan festival. This … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Monte Alban
For travelers on short schedules who are not able to visit any of the surrounding towns or other attractions in the Oaxaca area, at least go and see Monte Alban. These historical ruins are among the most impressive in all of Mexico. Most of the ruins have been restored to their original splendor but some of the original structures can also be seen. This site was occupied by the Zapotec Indian tribe between 800 BC and 400 BC. Archaeologists and … [Read more...]
Mt. Lassen, CA – Directions
Mt. Lassen National Park is located in northern California north east of Red Bluff and south east of Redding. Lassen is about a 4 hour drive from Sacramento and about a 1 hour drive from Red Bluff. Highway 89 bisects the park and is the same road that winds along the spine of the northern Sierras all the way down to Lake Tahoe. From the town of Red Bluff take Highway 36 (the turnoff is about a 1/4 miles east of the city limits). This highway … [Read more...]
Mt. Lassen, CA – General Info
Admission to Lassen National Park is $25 per vehicle. Sometimes if it is late there are may not be attendants present at the park entrances and payment is on the honor system. The $20 entrance fee is good for 7 days, just don't lose your receipt. Those 62 of age and older can pay $80 a lifetime pass to National Parks (this is one of the best admission entrance fees out there!). Lassen National Park has 7 campgrounds and all are above 5,650 … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Independance
Like Big Pine, Independence is a good starting point for various attractions in the surrounding area. This is the quintessential Eastern Sierra Nevada town - small, laid back and full of history. Oh and surrounded by the gorgeous Eastern Sierra Nevadas. Town features quiet residential neighborhoods with homes that date back decades. And some very historical buildings. It is also the county seat for Inyo. And was the home to noted author Mary … [Read more...]
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