SACRAMENTO
It wasn’t on our list of ‘must go to’ places but when we learned that Sacramento is actually the capital of California, we thought we would stop in for a day or two and check it out. Again, it’s the unplanned and unexpected things that happen that are making this trip so much fun. Here are a few of our best from Sacramento.
Planes, trains and automobiles - found a cheap but cheerful RV park just off the i99 right under the flight path of the local airport and right across from the railway line but the park manager put us way down the back away from the noise. J We were so tired that we slept like babes.
Shopping – we needed to stock up and got directions to Walmart and guess what, right across the way was Macy’s – a very upmarket store over here – and that very day they were having a BIG sale with extra discount if you had a Macy’s card. We didn’t but the sales assistant got us ‘visitor discounts’ so we saved a bundle, oh, and spent a little.
Blessing - whilst we had all the basics, a few extra glasses and bowls would be handy so we dropped into a Christian thrift shop. They were getting ready for a gospel ‘open mic’ night - a new concept for us but one that seems popular over here. Anyway when we said we were Aussies looking for some extras to set up the RV, they couldn’t be more helpful and filled a box with all kinds of goodies to enhance our temporary home. We chatted for a while and shared our experiences before the music got started.
New Friends – John and Linda live in the RV park right across from our site. When they heard we were going to walk to the light rail station and go into Old Sacramento they offered to drop us off. We appreciated their offer but decided to head to the station. It was about 95o that day but we were up for it. However John and Linda had another idea, so they followed us up in their car and then proceeded to drive us all the way into the city. We felt honoured that people we had only just met would be so kind and helpful. These generous God-loving people have experienced the harsh reality of the GFC and have lost their home, their jobs and their lifestyle. They are survivors and are optimistic about their future. We pray that God blesses all they put their hand to and trust that they remain true and faithful servants.
Ole Sac – What a surprise! On the banks of the river sits an authentic settlement of old buildings with raised wooden boardwalks, genuine architecture and even horsedrawn carriages in the street. The goods for sale are new but many of the shopkeepers were dressed in period clothing. The Post Office had a really interesting Wells Fargo display and there were lots of antique shops and heritage displays. I understand that it’s the most comprehensive display in California so we were pleased to have seen it.
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| Music in front of the town hall |
Music – Free and Funky – It was late afternoon and we were thinking about headinghome but Johno’s radar picked up the sounds of live music and so we followed them to a park in Downtown Sacramento. There we found a free Twilight Concert sponsored by local radio and tv stations and of course, Bud Light Beer. SO we sat on the steps of the water fountain for a couple of hours, listening to the music and watching the uninhibited and very talented locals dancing the night away. It was still light at 9.00pm but we called it a day and went home.So much fun and excitement in one day - we are so pleased we stopped in Sacramento.
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| The Sacramento Town Hall ( I think) |
WHISKEYTOWN
Not really a town, but definitely a destination. After leaving Sacramento our next planned stop was Redding as we wanted to check out the Bethel Church there. Johno had read about Whiskeytown and its close proximity to Redding so we decided to go through Redding and stay there.
Before I wax lyrical about Whiskeytown I must tell you about the drive over from Sacramento. Yes, it was a dual lane divided highway and yes, there were lots of heavy vehicles and other traffic but the ever-changing scenery ensured we stayed attentive and alert. From industrial areas to open plains, dry grasslands to snow-capped mountain ranges, rice paddies to small crops, and small towns also dotted the way.
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| the view as we drove along |
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| another view as we drove along |
Now back to Whiskeytown, it’s actually a huge lake nestled in the hills of the Klamath Mountains; covered with old-growth conifers and newer plantings of oak and pines; the waters are icy as it is snow-fed and the caps are still melting and again it was 96 degrees while we were there.
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| view from carpark which was also RV Park - $5 a night!! |
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| Taken from outside the RV - it was about 90degrees that day |
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| ducks!! |
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| couldn't resist this snap of grandfather with his little one:) |
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| Whiskeytown Lake |
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| Johno liked this tree |
It was surreal - our RV park was essentially a black-tar carpark but our vista was a million dollar view of the lake with the snow capped mountains in the background. There is a beach down by the lake where families gathered to barbeque and swim from daylight til dark – which is about 10 o’clock now.
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| Waterfalls near Whiskeytown |
There are also some waterfalls closeby and we checked them out as well – again full force, gushing water rushing down the mountainside. Awesome!!
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| We passed this truck in the middle of a conifer forest - not quite right, me thinks.. |
The national parks are managed differently over here and domestic animals are allowed but have to be controlled. There are also differing levels of commercialism – from public use, but user pay, showers and toilets to cafes and drink and snack machines, and any number of commercial ventures (water and land activities) that you can pay to participate in, for example – boating, kayaking, fishing, bush-walking, rock-climbing, 4WD driving… and the list goes on. Some joke that the Golden Arches are on their way into the National Parks as well – hope not!
While at Whiskeytown, we went to a ‘night sky’ presentation by Ranger Robert who told us about how the light from the cities is reducing the ability to see the night sky, the milky way, the moon and the stars. Not something we have to worry about in Australia, given the lack of development and low population, compared to the USA, but you could see how it could happen. Anyway, he was a really nice bloke; very keen to keep us in conversation – I think he liked our accents – apparently we have a ‘lilt’ in our voices.
BETHEL CHURCH, REDDING
This church has intrigued Johno for some time as it promotes ‘signs, wonders and miracles’ and it’s been on our list of places to visit since we started planning this trip.
So, no surprise really that we walked in the front door of this very large building full of people we didn’t know and met someone that we do know really, really well.
Stephen and Stephanie are attending a five week School of Worship at Bethel and this was their second Sunday there – they were leaving as we arrived, the window of opportunity was so small and we could so easily have missed each other – but our footsteps are blessed and the Lord knows what we need and where we will go.
We’ve known these two young people since they were babies and have watched them grow up in the church, then marry and become parents themselves. We hold their parents as lifelong friends and so it was very exciting to catch up and share fellowship and meal with them.
It was Father’s Day on Sunday and so the talk by Pastor Danny Silk was for the men – an excellent encouraging, empowering presentation that made all the men feel ten feet tall, invincible and in control of their Godly lives. In fact, the whole service was enlightening and empowering – a moving experience and well worth the visit.
Heading away from Redding, we are excited about what other surprises await us.
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| Old Sac Streetscape |
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| another Old Sac Streetscape |
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