The Valley

During our stay in San Francisco, we took occasional trips out to the central valley to see some family. We had wonderful get-togethers with my parents, siblings, cousins and some old friends. We also took time to take some short road trips out along the San Joaquin Delta to check out not only the incredible high water in the river system from all of this rain, but to visit some old hang out spots from my younger days.

 Us with brother Ben, sister Pat, Mom and Dad and cousins Muffie and Telpher

We just happened to be lucky enough to be out here during the California orange season. With all of this endless rain, it is turning out to be the best season in years.

 These oranges were picked fresh from my parents tree. We brought loads of them back to San Francisco with us to enjoy for the next couple of weeks.

We paid a visit to my god parents, whom I haven't seen in a very long time.

 Me, my sister and Lu and Lamar

My best friend growing up was Debbie. We did everything together and were inseparable. I hadn't seen her in almost 40 years. She actually found me in the Midwest just before we left on our trip, so we got together while we were visiting my parents. What a BLAST from the past! Wow!

 Rowan, Debbie, Me

Rowan being a pool lizard. Soaking up that winter California sun.

Locke, CA

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta River System

 We took my folks on a wonderful drive out through the farm fields and along the northern San Joaquin Valley river system to the tiny spec of a town called Locke. Locke was built by Chinese immigrants who came here to build levees in the early 20th century. The town is barely standing with most of it's buildings sagging and crooked. There are still 10 Chinese descendants from the original settlers who live in the town. There are a few businesses located there including the famous Italian restaurant 'Al The Wops'. 

Go here for more on Locke: http://www.locketown.com/index.htm

Some interesting photos from the main street

Bust of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen

 Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was a Chinese physician, writer, philosopher, and revolutionary and the first president and founding father of the Republic of China.

Bust of Confucius

 551-479 BC, Confucius was a Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher
The philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. Boy could we use some of that right now! :o)

 I loved the strange bats hanging around the Strange Cargo collectible shop. So very strange..........

The famous Al The Wops

 This bicycle was completely covered in fake fur. I would have loved to have seen the person who rides this thing.

Rio Vista, CA

Not far from Locke is another Delta town with some interesting stuff to see. Rio Vista sits along the Sacramento River and has one of the craziest coffee shop/bars I have ever seen - Fosters Bighorn, a restaurant and bar where the sportsman is in his element, surrounded by world class trophies. A classic and historic place to stop for an excellent meal, cold beer, and a glimpse into the world of big game hunting in the 1930’s. With a private collection of over 250 specimens from Africa and North America. Yes, we are talking major taxidermy here. You really have to see it in person to believe it. I stopped here for a meal many times when I was young and I was glad to see it is still in operation. Go here for the full story on the place and lots more photos: http://fostersbighorn.com/

 It kind of feels like you are being watched when you sit at the bar :o)

 I must say that I have never seen an elephant bust up on a wall!

Yes, I am still frightened from all of those animals staring at me.

My cousin Muffie.......well she is just being silly like most of my family :o)

Back to the Bay Area in my next post.