Sonoma County, while not the first destination in the state for growing commercial grapes (that being in Los Angeles County), is certainly one of the state's most historical viticultural regions and posseses a heritage that the county does not necessarily promote as much as they should. While not the first wineries founded in the state, two of the oldest ones still in existence are both in Sonoma Valley - Buena Vista (dating from 1857) and the … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Tubbs Fire October 2017
A sculpture honoring a single firefighter - but in reality paying tribute to all those who were integral in helping fight the fires and providing huge amounts of ongoing support to all who were affected by this terrible natural disaster. This page covers first-hand some of the worst hit areas in Santa Rosa - during and after the fires of October 2017. TUBBS FIRE OCTOBER 2017, SANTA ROSA In the evening of October 8th a fire that started … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Trek
This is a short story about a 12 day trek I took in the Himalayas. This was the trip that turned me on to International travel and was the direct inspiration for starting Dave’s Travel Corner, i.e., this website. Sometimes people speak of “a trip of a lifetime” – for me, Nepal was that trip. Be prepared to read – this is a long one! We were delayed in the Katmandu airport for some reason. Our guide speculated that someone had paid more money … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Hiking, Biking
The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara called the "Queen of the Missions" was founded on Dec 4, 1786, on the Feast of St. Barbara. This mission is the tenth of the California missions and is the only one with two bell towers. It's construction was completed in 1820, and today is still one of the best preserved missions. However, between the founding of the mission and today it has been severely damaged by several earthquakes, one in 1812 and one in 1925. Both … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Museums
For the relatively small population of Santa Barbara, the amount of and quality of museums will surprise you. Here are a select few that we have personally visited; they are listed in alphabetical order: Carpinteria Valley Museum of History is located at 956 Maple Ave, just south of Carpinteria Ave. Descendants of Carpinteria's pioneer families donated household furnishings and clothing to this museum. A turn of the century schoolroom and … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Attractions
Besides extensive shopping areas, wineries, the UCSB campus, beaches, Santa Barbara Mission, historical buildings, various museums, Stearns Wharf and the wonderful climate, numerous other attractions still need to be mentioned. These are a few that we have visited in Santa Barbara - all are listed in alphabetical order: Breakwater Flag Project. Numerous flag poles are located down on the break wall near the Santa Barbara Marina. On … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Beaches
Santa Barbara and surrounding vicinity features a diverse set of beaches ranging from the state park beaches north of town, to the wide flat sand beaches in the vicinity of lower State Street. Beach side bars and restaurants can be found - and are part of the enjoyment of visiting some of the area beaches. State Park beaches charge an entry/parking fee - a receipt is given to you with a piece of tape that you tape to your windshield. Once you … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Montecito & San Ysidro Ranch
Montecito is located just south of Santa Barbara off of the 101 freeway. Take the San Ysidro Road exit off of 101 and follow the road to Montecito, continuing straight past East Valley Road. Montecito (Spanish for "little mountain") is an exclusive residential area. Montecito has been compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Many expansive estates, mansions, and lush exotic gardens dot the area's hilly landscape. The town of Montecito is … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – City & Regional Parks
For hiking enthusiasts there are dozens of foothill trails in the Santa Ynez mountains. Maps and information can be obtained from Los Padres National Forest Headquarters located at 42 Aero Camino, in Goleta. Chaucer's Bookstore on State Street (mentioned in the Other Information section) has a number of good books and maps on day hiking in the Santa Barbara area. The Phone Number of the Los Padres National Forest is (805) 683-6711. Some of … [Read more...]