Snowflake's California Adventures

[Snowflake]

Okay, taking inspiration from the 2008 swanking thread, I realized that there are many many spots in the Golden State I've not been to, or not been to in years (Disneyland being a good former example). Originally planned to do Paris and parts of Italy in 2008, sadly, the funds are just not there for that trip, so I decided to devote 2008 to visiting and enjoying spots in the Golden State.

A couple of things I absolutely want to do would be Hearst Castle and some of the California Missions farther south of me. Not to mention roads trips to some of the more local state parks and eventually up North to Shasta and the many examples of big trees.

This is also going to include stops in my own fair City by the Bay, be it museums (Frieda Kahlo exhibit at SF MOMA has my moth watering) or the aforementioned Mary Blair at the Cartoon Art Museum (waiting on iSm's schedule) and The Presideo.

With any luck with my camera, I'll post about them here. Anyone who is local or not is free to join in on the fun.

[Gemini Cricket]

You simply must visit Hearst Castle. Knowing your love for classic movies and actors, it's like you are actually visiting Xanadu from Citizen Kane. And with all the actors who spent lots of time partying there, it's fun to know that you are walking where Clark Gable, Cary Grant and Bette Davis walked.
There's a great book called "The Golden Days of San Simeon" that recalls those times.
Oh, and go on more than one tour, each one shows you different areas but I believe all of them show you the two pools.
:)

[Snowflake]

You simply must visit Hearst Castle. Knowing your love for classic movies and actors, it's like you are actually visiting Xanadu from Citizen Kane. And with all the actors who spent lots of time partying there, it's fun to know that you are walking where Clark Gable, Cary Grant and Bette Davis walked.
There's a great book called "The Golden Days of San Simeon" that recalls those times.
Oh, and go on more than one tour, each one shows you different areas but I believe all of them show you the two pools.
:)

Oh yes, I've been to Hearst Castle, but not in d-e-c-a-d-e-s. As a kid, I always fought the urge to jump into the Neptune Pool, I wanted to so very bad! I could also get in two of the CA missions, San Miguel and San Antonio with a Hearst Castle trip.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Why don't you just go to DCA? ;)

[Snowflake]

Why don't you just go to DCA? ;)

Been there, done that!

[Morrigoon]

I've had Mission San Juan Capistrano pegged for a swanking for a while now. I'd love to have us do that one. Sohrshah and I went there last year, and it was fun. The little town around it has cute little restaurants and antique shops and such. We didn't explore much, but that's what we could see from the mission.

And if Snowflake came down for that, well, she'd be sure to get in a Disney day :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/photography/img017.jpg

[Snowflake]

I've had Mission San Juan Capistrano pegged for a swanking for a while now. I'd love to have us do that one. Sohrshah and I went there last year, and it was fun. The little town around it has cute little restaurants and antique shops and such. We didn't explore much, but that's what we could see from the mission.

And if Snowflake came down for that, well, she'd be sure to get in a Disney day :)

Well, I know NA mentioned this in theswanking thread. I'm definitely up for a San Juan Capistrano day, and whatever else comes to mind. I'm also up to a Hollywood Forever day, it's a very cool spot to wander in. Reminds me, I need to visit the very fabulous columbarium in SF.

[JWBear]

I'd be up for Capastrano as well. I love it down there!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Yeah, Amtrak stops right in Capastrano!!

[JWBear]

Yeah, Amtrak stops right in Capastrano!!

Oooo.... Yes!

[Snowflake]

Yeah, I started this thread a long while back and it would appear I have had no adventures, but I have. I've just not posted about any of them, yet.

Tonight I had a mini-adventure in my own hometown. It was a pleasure and a 100% treat (in more ways than one) to get to meet BossRadio at the venerable and beautiful Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

Once upon a time there was one who was Not Afraid. Not Afraid was well versed in the social graces. Not Afraid's fame has spread to many kingdoms where she has many friends and no enemies. Having such a large circle of friends, Not Afraid advised Boss Radio (the Prince of our story) who was traveling far from his kingdom of Santa Monica that there might be a friendly face to meet in the far off land of San Francisco (especially since Strangler Lewis was too far away). After transmitting to him the super secret code numbers and sending him forth, she proceeded to key in the super secret code numbers to contact Snowflake and to give warning that the original chick magnet was coming to town.

Like two taxicabs slamming in to one another on Market Street, almost, Snowflake cabbed to the venerable and beautiful Palace Hotel (http://www.sfpalace.com/) where she scanned the lobby and came upon Boss Radio enthroned in a very ornate chair.



454


He was, said he, admiring the splendour of the Palm Court (splendiferous it is, too).

455

Having quickly decided it would be more fun to talk and nosh and imbibe, rather than roam the streets of San Francisco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0wlfmxKdU) we adjourned to The Pied Piper Bar for noshing, imbibing and conversing. I also came to admire the Maxfield Parrish mural over the bar.

456

Like the walrus, we talked of many things. Of people who are Not Afraid and the little childhood history of Boss Radio and €, both LSPE and EH1812 came up in the conversation (all good mind you, rest assured you, all of you, are universally adored). Boss Radio came also with sage advice for this would be writer. That was much appreciated. Princely wisdom, indeed.

Having decided that feeding some hunger would be a good idea, a delicious Niman Ranch burger was consumed by me (with the very best french fries, seriously, very delicious) and it's been so long since I recall having had a burger, this one, topped with cheese and the most delicious bacon, was a burger to be remembered. The Prince in the Rocky T-Shirt (vintage 1976) paid for dinner, for which I am indebted. It was a visit that afforded me great pleasure and (I think) a new friend. The food was delightful, the conversation was delightful, Boss Radio is delightful all in a rustic Baronial atmosphere that was a pleasure to indulge in (except when the place filled with the urbanites after work, who insisted on noisily trying to drown out our intimate conversation).

Our short time together was over far too soon, and next time, we will make it to the Cartoon Art Museum (which is RIGHT BEHIND the Palace Hotel).

If you want to see a cool site on the history of the Palace Hotel, this is the place to go, (http://thepalacehotel.org/) much wonderful content if you love venerable buildings as I do. Much to recommend here.

A small adventure, certainly, but not without merit and one that will be remembered by me with much pleasure, once upon a time.

[Not Afraid]

What a fantastic report! I'm so glad you were able to get together and talk amongst yourselves. That looks like a wonderfully fine place to do so, I might add.

[wendybeth]

Too fun, and what a beautiful place! :snap:

[MouseWife]

Which missions have you been to, south of you?

On our trips, I can't believe how many we've come across!!

http://www.ca-missions.org/contact.html#miss

This next one has two forgotten missions...forget forgotten, I never knew!

http://missiontour.org/

Isn't there even a mission near Olvera Street? And, we went to one between here and L.A., not Capistrano. We passed a lot of signs to missions....:rolleyes:

[Snowflake]

Which missions have you been to, south of you?

On our trips, I can't believe how many we've come across!!

http://www.ca-missions.org/contact.html#miss

This next one has two forgotten missions...forget forgotten, I never knew!

http://missiontour.org/

Isn't there even a mission near Olvera Street? And, we went to one between here and L.A., not Capistrano. We passed a lot of signs to missions....:rolleyes:


Oh my, I've been to many of the missions, but mostly done in childhood trips. So, for most, it has been decades since I paid a visit. It's actually been a few years since I've walked around Mission Dolores in my own fair city!

That won't be this weekend's adventure. This weekend, I will be wallowing (I hope) at the San Francisco Public Library in the SF Historical Society Center oggling photos from the SF Call Bulletin collection for possible new/unusual photos of Valentino etc. (the collection is approximately 250,000 photographs) Hopefully the Valentino, Rambova and Acker files were not pillaged. I won't know until I see them, but I am hopeful for a few new images I've not seen before. Failing that, it is always fun to look. I will also be looking for a friend who is working on the Fatty Arbuckle trials, there should be plenty of photographs of that mess.

[Moonliner]

With my new interest in walking, I was wondering just how far "A days walk between missions" was. It looks like it ranges between 30 and 40 miles. Damn. That's a lot of walking in a day. I would have needed to pack a bed roll and a tent....

Has anyone here ever walked between missions?

[Snowflake]

With my new interest in walking, I was wondering just how far "A days walk between missions" was. It looks like it ranges between 30 and 40 miles. Damn. That's a lot of walking in a day. I would have needed to pack a bed roll and a tent....

Has anyone here ever walked between missions?

Heh, I have not even walked to Mission Dolores (probably not more than 2 miles). I think I had better add that to the list of to-do items.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh, yay! I'm glad you guys got to hang out. (Can we have him back, though? I've missed him this week.)

[Snowflake]

Oh, yay! I'm glad you guys got to hang out. (Can we have him back, though? I've missed him this week.)

He's back. I can see why you'd miss him, he's a kick!

BTW, he told me to call you LSPE, re Retroland re-writes.

[MouseWife]

Wow, to walk between missions. Ha, there are some that aren't that far apart.......even though they are supposed to be the same.

That would be very very very interesting to try. I walk a lot {try}. I just got home from an 75 minute walk, nice and full of hills.

Yeah, this is my break. :D

I love the things you are researching, the Valentino and Fatty Arbuckle files. SOOO interesting!! I love those times.

[Snowflake]

Heh, MW, if only I did not have to work for a living! I'd have more time for my hobbies and research!

BTW, proud of you on your 75 minute walk! You go!

[MouseWife]

I'm with you on that!!

Well, looking at the glass half full, it only makes the time you have to devote to your hobbies/research all the more sweet!

I hate work. But, it is a means to an end, no?

Thank you, this was a long walk today. Usually we break it up with a stop for water at Starbucks but took a different route. I think it is much better not to stop, keep the heartrate up. But who can turn down sitting out at Starbucks and people watching while chatting it up with my cronie? :snap:

[Boss Radio]

Yeah, I started this thread a long while back and it would appear I have had no adventures, but I have. I've just not posted about any of them, yet.

Tonight I had a mini-adventure in my own hometown. It was a pleasure and a 100% treat (in more ways than one) to get to meet BossRadio at the venerable and beautiful Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

Once upon a time there was one who was Not Afraid. Not Afraid was well versed in the social graces. Not Afraid's fame has spread to many kingdoms where she has many friends and no enemies. Having such a large circle of friends, Not Afraid advised Boss Radio (the Prince of our story) who was traveling far from his kingdom of Santa Monica that there might be a friendly face to meet in the far off land of San Francisco (especially since Strangler Lewis was too far away). After transmitting to him the super secret code numbers and sending him forth, she proceeded to key in the super secret code numbers to contact Snowflake and to give warning that the original chick magnet was coming to town.

Like two taxicabs slamming in to one another on Market Street, almost, Snowflake cabbed to the venerable and beautiful Palace Hotel (http://www.sfpalace.com/) where she scanned the lobby and came upon Boss Radio enthroned in a very ornate chair.

He was, said he, admiring the splendour of the Palm Court (splendiferous it is, too).

Having quickly decided it would be more fun to talk and nosh and imbibe, rather than roam the streets of San Francisco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0wlfmxKdU) we adjourned to The Pied Piper Bar for noshing, imbibing and conversing. I also came to admire the Maxfield Parrish mural over the bar.

Like the walrus, we talked of many things. Of people who are Not Afraid and the little childhood history of Boss Radio and €, both LSPE and EH1812 came up in the conversation (all good mind you, rest assured you, all of you, are universally adored). Boss Radio came also with sage advice for this would be writer. That was much appreciated. Princely wisdom, indeed.

Having decided that feeding some hunger would be a good idea, a delicious Niman Ranch burger was consumed by me (with the very best french fries, seriously, very delicious) and it's been so long since I recall having had a burger, this one, topped with cheese and the most delicious bacon, was a burger to be remembered. The Prince in the Rocky T-Shirt (vintage 1976) paid for dinner, for which I am indebted. It was a visit that afforded me great pleasure and (I think) a new friend. The food was delightful, the conversation was delightful, Boss Radio is delightful all in a rustic Baronial atmosphere that was a pleasure to indulge in (except when the place filled with the urbanites after work, who insisted on noisily trying to drown out our intimate conversation).

Our short time together was over far too soon, and next time, we will make it to the Cartoon Art Museum (which is RIGHT BEHIND the Palace Hotel).

If you want to see a cool site on the history of the Palace Hotel, this is the place to go, (http://thepalacehotel.org/) much wonderful content if you love venerable buildings as I do. Much to recommend here.

A small adventure, certainly, but not without merit and one that will be remembered by me with much pleasure, once upon a time.

Snowflake,

The pleasure was all mine. You are wonderful company, and if that in itself was not enough, you refer to me as a "prince," which is high praise indeed.
I am usually referred to as a "hobo," because of a certain plaid sportcoat I favor.

I shall put my new royal nickname to use immediately.

[Snowflake]

By sheer dumb luck (and being a member of the museum certainly helped) my visiting friend Jeff (I call him my brother, if I had one, he'd be it) and his family (Dad, Stepmom, Sister and Brother in Law) went to the De Young Museum today and managed to get into the sold out opening day of the Dale Chihuly Exhibition (http://www.chihulyatthedeyoung.org/).

Not thinking we'd get in, I left my camera at home (stupidly) and as we walked through the incredible exhibition, I remembered, I had my cell phone with me. I took 65 pics, but only managed to get a few off the phone before the battery died. (Le Sigh)

Here are a few samples (sorry, crappy cell phone camera, but some are not too terrible) at least they do not kill Chihuly's artistry (also, sorry, too tired to resize them, if a mod wants to or can, please feel free):

This is one called Sun, an outdoor installation at the Palace of the Legion of Honor (ther is one inside and one at the Conservatory of Flowers) and one more outside the De Young (I took a pic from the observation platform, still on the phone)
http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00001.jpg

Two from the Boat installations, incredible and HUGE
http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00004.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00007.jpg


Some sea forms
http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00013.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00016.jpg

Reeds (alas, fuzzy, I have 3 others on the phone, clearer)
http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00019.jpg

Persian Ceiling was beyond incredible
http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00022.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00025.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00034.jpg

Final was Mileflores

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00028.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ATT00031.jpg

We had a great time, no question about it. I plan on going at least 5-6 more times to take this all in. Anyone wanna join me?

Later we stopped at the Cliff House for drinks and appetizers (I do not normally imbibe, but for Father's day and to see my bud, my brother, Jeff, I had a pear martini and got more than buzzed on that one drink) then a quick visit to the USS San Francisco Memorial at Lands End, most moving, I'd never been there. I will go back to hike the trail (preparation for Yosemite, me, for once, thinking ahead)

Frida Kahlo this coming Thursday at SFMOMA.

[innerSpaceman]

Ugh, the photos are so big ... I can't see any one all at once. Um, but beautiful. The floral stuff looks like it may have been done by the same artist that did the incredible ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

[€uroMeinke]

Ugh, the photos are so big ... I can't see any one all at once. Um, but beautiful. The floral stuff looks like it may have been done by the same artist that did the incredible ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

That would be correct

[Snowflake]

Ugh, the photos are so big ... I can't see any one all at once. Um, but beautiful. The floral stuff looks like it may have been done by the same artist that did the incredible ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

I just resized em iSm

[Snowflake]

Hopefully no repeats from before. These in no way do any justice to what I saw, but I had to share!

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-1.jpg



http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-2.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-3.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-4.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-5.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-6.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-7.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-8.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-9.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-10.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-11.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-12.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/chihuly-13.jpg

[Deebs]

As usual, I've been loving you too much. Consider yourself mojo'd again.

GORGEOUS photos.

You, me, libraryvixen & Frida?

[Not Afraid]

Oh, I need to see Frida. I wonder how I'm going to manage that one.

[Snowflake]

Oh, I need to see Frida. I wonder how I'm going to manage that one.

Tell me when you want to go and I can get tickets

[Snowflake]

You, me, libraryvixen & Frida?

Ya! Absolutement! When?