The highlight of today's drive from the rest stop outside of Medford, Oregon to a hostel in Groveland, CA was a spur of the moment detour into Redding. It was rather serendipitous - without knowing where I was going or why I ended up at the Sundial Bridge, something I had read about ages ago and forgotten about completely.
The Sundial Bridge is supposed to be a bit of an architectural marvel as it was created by the world-renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrave. Although I do not follow architecture much, I do appreciate a beautiful creation - and especially one that is sensitive to the environment around it.
The Sundial Bridge is supposed to be a bit of an architectural marvel as it was created by the world-renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrave. Although I do not follow architecture much, I do appreciate a beautiful creation - and especially one that is sensitive to the environment around it.
The tall pylon and cable stays allow the bridge to stand without putting any supports into the water and disturbing the salmon spawning habitat in the waters below. The bridge also draws residents and tourists alike to enjoy the lovely Sacremento River. The adjacent park has what looks to be a wonderful trail system for biking and walking - something that almost tempted me to set up camp in town for the night. The short walk I did along the trail was a delight! I first saw a group of black birds (about the size of ravens) in one of the trees, and while I was stopped to ponder what these birds could be, I heard the distinctive sounds of a woodpecker behind me. When I turned to look at the woodpecker, I caught the eye of a small deer feeding a stone's throw away...... this is my kind of place.
I was hoping to make it to Yosemite before nightfall, so I had to tear myself away and hit the road - well after quickly checking the internet and getting some groceries. The sun fell when I still had a couple hours to go, so I stopped at a hostel in Groveland - not too far from one of the entrances to the park. I plan on getting up early tomorrow morning to get a full day of.... snowshoeing perhaps... and just checking out the sights. The town here seems to be really cute - very small, with old style saloons and hotels. I say seems to be because it is really too dark to tell, but I did take a short stroll through the town. I saw no other people... this is definitely the off season!
One last thing of note - and what a note! The guy who checked me into the hostel had made a fresh batch of cookies and gave me one! Delicious the kindness of strangers.
I was hoping to make it to Yosemite before nightfall, so I had to tear myself away and hit the road - well after quickly checking the internet and getting some groceries. The sun fell when I still had a couple hours to go, so I stopped at a hostel in Groveland - not too far from one of the entrances to the park. I plan on getting up early tomorrow morning to get a full day of.... snowshoeing perhaps... and just checking out the sights. The town here seems to be really cute - very small, with old style saloons and hotels. I say seems to be because it is really too dark to tell, but I did take a short stroll through the town. I saw no other people... this is definitely the off season!
One last thing of note - and what a note! The guy who checked me into the hostel had made a fresh batch of cookies and gave me one! Delicious the kindness of strangers.
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