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 – Altitude
The heights in Nepal are not to be taken lightly. The high altitude can definitely be a problem for many people. Everyone adjusts differently to the altitude as I found out on our hike. Studies have estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all hikers on the Everest trail will develop some sort of altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness. Out of the 16 people on our trek, I would say that only 3 or 4 … [Read more...]
Nepal – Sanitation
The sanitation both in Nepal and on the trail in the Himalayas leaves something to be desired. I would say that most members of our 16 party group had some sort of food poisoning or upset stomach due to the food. There is a lack of sewer systems which results in a much higher degree of diarrhea. No water in Nepal should be trusted by the Western traveler. Even the tap water in Katmandu is suspect. There are certain ways around drinking the local … [Read more...]
Nepal – Katmandu
Katmandu, for all its poverty and dilapidated buildings, is a relatively safe city. In all my walks and travels through the neighborhoods I never once felt unsafe. In comparison, many times I felt unsafe walking through Bangkok, Thailand or even cities in California. The people in Katmandu were very friendly and easy going. This was the first city that I have ever seen that appeared to be crumbling to the ground. There were few paved streets, … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Attractions
Donner Lake can be seen driving east from Donner Summit on the 80 freeway (on one's right hand side). Donner Summit is just over 7,200 feet. Donner Lake is three miles west of Truckee, three miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. This lake is known as the "Gem of the Sierras" and is 600 feet in its deepest section. A public boat launching ramp is located at the west end of the lake next to a large parking lot. Fishing is excellent. The railroad … [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...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Gambling
We always enjoy going to South Lake Tahoe for some late night gambling. We have had good luck playing the slots at Planet Hollywood. The restaurant there tends to be quite crowded but once you are seated you are surrounded by movie memorabilia. Check out Cindy Crawford's high school yearbook photo. Whenever we are in Tahoe we always frequent Harrah's Hotel and Casino but Montbleu, nearby, is of similar caliber. We have a soft spot for Harrah's as … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Accomodation
The following list of hotels/motels/inns is only a partial one but it provides a wide range of places to stay in the Lake Tahoe area. Cities located near Lake Tahoe are listed with their respective accommodations. The prices below range from the lowest (off season single person) to the highest (holidays and weekends/dbl. person). The room rates will be higher during the winter months because of the ski season. Dave will be sure to provide … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Restaurants
The following restaurants are located in the Lake Tahoe area. This list is only a small portion of the total restaurants in the Lake Tahoe basin so if you find your "favorite" restaurant is not listed here, please email Dave with your recommendation. Major casinos usually have multiple restaurants. Dave has chosen to profile restaurants that he has either heard good things about or has personally at. He categorizes the restaurants according … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – State Street
If there is one street that Santa Barbara revolves around, it is State Street. State Street is the heart and soul of Santa Barbara. It is a mix of galleries, museums, theatres, and other quaint shops. Some advice regarding parking; park your car in one of the parking lots next to State Street or curbside on one of it's perpendicular adjoining streets. Then simply walk to State Street. Parking is tough to find directly on State Street and can … [Read more...]