NY to CA-6

Day 11 Tuesday 7/18/17

Not quite

Hello, California. I made it and achieved half of my goal to visit family in San Jose defying concerns that I'd disappear without a trace in Nowhere, USA. A big thank you also to those of you who took the time to write me your comments, support and good wishes. I'm happy that we're traveling together. I hope to keep you on board for the return trip beginning July 27th. As mentioned on my Facebook page, unlike the early pioneers I made the cross country trip in just 10 days and all along the way marveled at those who paved the way before either by constructing the railroad or the highway. This last leg from Reno, NV to San Jose, however, was not without its challenges. Starting off I was "robbed" at the gas pump in Soda Springs, NV, (on Donner Pass Road, no less; let me know if you don't know what happened here in 1847) for diesel at $2.99/gal, the highest yet I've paid anywhere. During the drive along I-80 through the Sierra Nevadas I averaged about 55 mph due to the warnings, curves and steepness of the road ahead. This explained why the 250 mile trip took 5 hours. Signs like "5% (or 6%) grades next 20 miles. 50 mph advised" sets one to thinking about all that could go wrong. Alas, my trusty Winnie (Mercedes) saw me through. There's a nice feature of the cruise control that once set and the grade is not too steep (less than 6%) the speed will be maintained without the use of brakes. My brakes are hydraulic and I dreaded the thought of pumping my way down. As the big boys came whizzing by I could smell the overheated brake fluid and prayed it didn't belong to me. As I approached the California border, a toll booth-type barrier stood across the freeway before me. Not thinking I-80 as a toll road, I maneuvered into one of the green light lanes and was stopped by a CHP. Aha, says I, a checkpoint. After the "Good morning, sir" came "Do you have any plants, produce or wood on board?" After the "No, sir", he waved me on. Whew, good thing he didn't ask me about the firearms and drugs. Thus was my introduction to the state of California.

Beside the radical transition of topography, there was a radical change of scenery. At first I was greeted with a landscape that showed off the majestic beauty and abundance of pine trees. A sharp contrast to the Nevada dessert landscape. 

At 6,000 ft, the snow line was even higher.

And a beautiful blue mountain lake

But so much for the fascinating change of landscape. Pay attenton to the steep grades, slow down for the curves and watch the signs indicating elevations. I started at 6,000 ft and the signs appeared at 1,000 foot intervals on the way down until, finally, the last one indicated 1,000 feet. It was at this point, leaving the mountains behind, that another stark change in landscape and color took place. Dried, straw colored grass everywhere. My reaction? This place (state) was a tinderbox for a major wildfire; a catastrophic event waiting to happen.  

Can you imagine what Smokey would
think if we humans were careless with
matches?

I pulled off for a view of Port Benicia. Note the
different backdrop from my stop in Utah.

And finally, at 3:00 pm I made my right on Trinidad, a left on Elwood Road and arrived at Chuck's safe and sound. Mission ½ accomplished!!

Fortunately, Winnie will be able to spend its days
(I don't like getting anthropomorphic
with inanimate objects) parked on the street
opposite Chuck's residence. I will visit
as the need arises for my change of clothing, etc.

After I take a picture on the steepness of that hill,
you'll see why my needs will be kept to a precious few.

Bruce let it be known that I, the stranger, would
have have to undergo scrutiny before entry into
his territory.

After slipping him a biscuit, I seem to have won
his approval.

The lizard on the wall beneath Bruce wasn't
bothered at all by my presence.

The Gamer in his element

Greetings from Sivia

'Twas one welcome toast

The two-tiered deck from which I will be writing
my blog--that is, when the sun isn't beating down
on me. Mornings and evenings are the most pleasant
complete with gentle breezes.

Sergio joined us for dinner; grilled
chicken and the best salad I've had
in more days I care to admit. After dinner...

...homemade nocino. Chuck and Silvia brought it back from their recent trip to Italy. 

Nocino is a sticky dark brown liqueur from the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It is made from unripe green walnuts. After steeping in spirit (vodka), the walnuts are removed and the now-black alcohol is mixed with simple syrup. Nocino has an aromatic, but bittersweet, flavor. Limoncello followed.

Upcoming blogs will a tad more sporadic. I'll try to capture the more interesting things that occur while savoring the moments of everything I experience. Till next time, stay safe, happy and healthy. I'm receiving warnings and bulletins about the nasty weather taking place in the northeast.