Archive for June, 2009
From Hartland Nursery
We’ve been looking forward to this trip for a few weeks. As Tom’s family were not able to get together for Easter, Jim, Tom’s cousin, suggested and then booked a Delta Eccotour. Hartland Nursery. on Grand Island, run several boat trips a year and we were booked on the Tule Wilderness tour on June 6.
Tom and I left very early – so nothing new there. We decided to go via Suisun to have breakfast at Bab’s Delta Diner. After another fabulous breakfast, we made our way through Rio Vista and over the two ferries, thus retracing our previous trip.
(Click on the images for larger versions)
After crossing the Steamboat Slough to Grand Island we tuned left and drove a couple of miles to Hartland Nursery. The tour started at 10.00 but we were asked to report in by 9.30. Tom and I arrived just before 9 so we were in good time. Hartland Nursery is mainly a wholesale retailer to landscape and restoration professionals but is open to the public on Wednesday and Saturdays. They specialize in plants native to Northern California’s Central Valley.
Tom and I had plenty of time to wander around. I discovered, in a grove of gated woodland, lots of free range chickens. Later I found out the eggs are for sale and bought a dozen fresh eggs.
The rest of the family did not arrive until just before 10. We were getting worried and beginning to think we would have to go without them. Don and Arlene, Tom’s Dad and his wife, were unable to come at the last minute due to sickness, so our party was smaller than expected.
Captain Tule
The boat, the Tule Queen II, is a 45 seat catamaran. Today though there were only 30 people on board. Our driver and guide was Jeff Hart – known as Captain Tule. He is a naturalist and owner of the Hartland Nursery and he informed and entertained us for the four and a half hours of the tour.
We set off down Steamboat Slough and turned right on Sutter Slough. Captain Tule explained that the Delta was fresh water though there are some
who say it isn’t. It’s true that due to higher water levels there is more salt water flowing in.
The folks at Hartland Nursery are experts in growing plants native to Northern California’s Central Valley. They also specialize in an ecological approach to restoring natural wetlands and protecting levees. During the trip Captain Tule pointed out all the places we passed where they have landscaped, using various methods to stop the levees from crumbling. Many methods have been used by a variety of organizations over the years but the most successful have been by using rocks and plants. The roots of the plants attach the rocks to the levees themselves and the rocks stop the levees from being eroded by water and wave action.
On our right was Sutter Island and Ryer Island on our left. Traveling round the top of Ryer Island we entered Minor Slough and Prospect Island was on our right. An osprey was spotted almost overhead. I was hoping to see it hover and swoop but it flew steadily away from us.
Abandoned fishing boat named 'Merluccius' out of Fort Bragg.
Some of the land we passed looked neglected. Captain Tule called it ‘benign neglect’. There is not enough money around to maintain the levees or the land behind them. Due to subsidence, many of the islands are sinking and if the levees are breached, many acres of land will be under water. Then, of course, there is always the danger of earthquakes. The last major earthquake in the delta was before the levees were built. Now, many of them are in such sad repair, that, if an earthquake struck, it could be a catastrophe equal to Hurricane Katrina with Sacramento itself threatened.
Along Minor Slough we saw several interesting things. There was the abandoned fishing boat named ‘Merluccius’ out of Fort Bragg. It’s rusting hulk was grounded on the bank. We also spotted a green heron taking off. Captain Tule pointed out a Buckeye, with a lovely display of white flowers, on the bank.
We came to a waterway junction with the Sacramento River Deep Water Canal, which we proceeded to cross, and entered Cache Slough. Soon we turned right into Prospect Slough and entered the wilderness. On our left was Liberty Island. This was the focal point of our trip. Liberty Island was flooded when the levees were breached in 1998. Hundreds of acres of farmland were inundated and are still under water. It took nearly two hours to circumnavigate the island and it was an eerie trip. Not too many people venture this far up the delta and it is truly a wilderness. Taking a boat through the levees to explore what remains of the island would be dangerous but it would be an interesting expedition for kayakers.
continue reading »
June 23 2009 | Special Places | 6 Comments »
Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens
I read an article recently (can’t remember which magazine it was in) about the botanical gardens at Santa Cruz. I checked their website and looked at the map to see where they were. I didn’t see the actual address but they were on Empire Grade and from its position on the map it looked like, traveling from Santa Cruz, they were on the left side of the road. As the gardens were part of the University of California Santa Cruz campus I expected that there would be signs from the university pointing us in the right direction.
We did see signs for the Arboretum and Norrie’s Gift Shop but it was on the right hand side, so we continued along scenic Empire Grade for several miles. Eventually we decided to turn around and head back to the arboretum and ask there where the botanical gardens were. Well, of course, they are one and the same thing. If only I had printed a map from the internet I would have known that. What threw me was the fact that I was expecting it to be on the left hand side.
We parked just inside and deposited our $10 in the post at the entrance. There is no entrance fee as such and donations are much appreciated. Near the post was a box with maps inside so I helped myself to one.
A short walk uphill took us to the gift shop where I wanted to pick up a leaflet on the Hummingbird Trail but it didn’t open until 10. It was almost 10 so I took a stroll around the Aroma Garden nearby. Tom also started in the same garden but he soon disappeared with his camera, on a mission of his own. There was one plant which overpowered everything with its perfume but it took me a while to discover exactly where and what it was. At first I thought it came from some white flowers growing over a metal archway. It turned out to emanate from yellow flowers on a small tree. Unfortunately I didn’t see a label near the tree which told me what species it was.
At 10.15 the gift shop still had not opened but I saw somebody inside. He opened the door and apologized but the volunteer had not arrived yet. I asked if there was a guide to the Hummingbird Trail. He looked but could not find anything and then went ‘up the hill’ to see if he could find one. While I waited I wandered around outside looking at the plants for sale. Was nearly tempted to buy one but thought I would wait until we left, as I didn’t want to carry it around with me. Ten minutes later the man came back but had no leaflet. Once again profuse apologies. He did tell me the best place to go to see hummingbirds though so off I trotted.
continue reading »
June 16 2009 | Special Places | No Comments »
Cafe Brasil in Santa Cruz, California
We have wanted to try Cafe Brasil for some time but it has either not been open when we are passing (it opens at 8 a.m.) or there is a line out the door. According to the reviews, it is worth a visit, so here we are.
The outside of the building is striking – painted bright green and yellow with banana trees planted outside. There is a small car park at the back but the entrance is narrow and this roadway is also the exit. We parked on the street round the corner.
Inside there is a counter where you can purchase drinks to go. While we were waiting for our breakfast, there was a loud grinding noise. We concluded it must be ice bring crushed at the drinks counter – at least we hoped it was.
The cafe itself is small with about 13 tables, mostly for 2 or 6 people. The only seats at a counter are by the to go drinks counter. There are no booths. The tables are very close together. At first we had nobody sitting at the next able but when it became occupied we heard every word of their conversation, so obviously they could hear what we were saying.
We were impressed with the menu, apart from the fact that they do not offer oatmeal. Granola is there though. The names of the dishes were different but each had a full description. It was interesting just to read it all. Tom ordered Orfeu Negro – black beans (veggie or chili) over baguette, topped with two soft poached eggs, Mozzarella cheese and Brazilian salsa. Served with potatoes for $7.95. As for me, I ordered a Veggie Fritada – three eggs scrambled over potatoes, mushrooms, green onions, onions, tomatoes and baked with Mozzarella cheese and topped with salsa for $8.25.
The decoration inside was bright and colorful. There were pictures on the wall with a definite feel of Brazil. I particularly like the collage type art. On the wall near us was a 2D sculpture of a vase containing tropical fruity. Around it was a wooden picture frame – very unusual. Also on display were Brazilian produce to buy like salsa, coffee, juices and so much more.
Before long our food arrived. Both dishes were well presented and cooked to perfection. Mine also came with a basket containing three slices of soft baguette with pats of butter. Everything was really scummy. Tom barely managed to finish his Orfeu Negro but he really enjoyed what he did eat.
The trip to the restroom was pleasant and I loved the artwork. One was a cartoon picture of Rio de Janerio signed by the artist Perry Foster. The other was a bright print depicting Brazilian locals.
Would we come again – definitely. We love the food, the service is great and the prices reasonable.
June 12 2009 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
It was a little foggy over the Santa Cruz mountains when we set out but it should clear by 8 a.m. As we drove over the summit, the fog was thick. It was remarkable how few cars had their headlights on.
First stop in Santa Cruz was the Boardwalk. The streets around the Boardwalk are typical of most seaside resorts; small motels, cafes and gift shops. The classier hotels are further out. We parked at a meter opposite ‘The Hurricane Ride’. By the way, parking is free before 10 a.m. We’ll be gone long before then.
Last time we came here, we were able to walk through the Boardwalk to the beach. Not any more. Now there are locked gates manned by guards.
Dominating everything is the Casino building. It is large and garishly painted but has a lot of history. The original building was built at the beginning of the 20th century but it burnt down two years later. In 1907 the new Casino was opened and two years ago it celebrated 100 years of being in business. Although it is called the ‘Casino’, there is no casino. Inside there is a large arcade called Neptune’s Kingdom and a conference center called The Coconut Grove. The main feature in the arcade is the 18 hole miniature golf course with a pirate theme. Originally a swimming pool, called The Plunge, occupied that site but it was closed in 1963.
We walk past the Casino to get to the beach. Already there are small groups and families walking towards the beach with towels and coolers. I guess you have to stake out your pitch early. Later on this place will be heaving.
Rounding the corner of the Casino, we heard the sea lions, at rest under the pier, calling out. The sound reverberated against the buildings on Beach Street. Then we saw the beach with the pier stretching out into the bay. It is not a large beach but it is sandy. There are several volley ball pitches laid out which are a regular feature but today there were also some small soccer pitches.
I took a seat near the grassy area to the side of the Casino and start to write. Tom wandered off to take photos. I did spot him at one point down at the waters edge taking photos of the pier.
More and more family groups were arriving and most of the kids were wearing soccer gear. It finally dawned on me that there must be some sports event taking place today down on the beach.
The fog had disappeared, though it is still a bit hazy. There is a slight breeze but it is not that cold. I see Tom at the end of the beach near the
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
pier but I turn the other way. I wanted to find out what was going on at the other end of the beach.
The temporary soccer pitches were stretched all along the beach nearly to the end of the Boardwalk. People were busy marking out the pitches with white tape and erecting small goalposts and weighting them down with sandbags. In England we call this Five-A-Side football but here I discovered it is called Beach Soccer. The event is the 2009 Pro Am Soccer Championship.
There was a large, small moving, brightly painted yellow tractor like vehicle clearing the beach of rubbish. It’s turning circle was large and as I walked towards it, I had to make a huge detour to stay out of its way. It was fascinating to watch though as it deftly scooped up both large and small objects from the sand. When the tractor crossed the white tape, the conveyor pick up was lifted so it could be driven over the tape without damaging it. Every so often the operator stopped to use a litter stick to pick up trash which had blown onto the white tape. I could have stopped to watch for ages but it was time to move on. There was now a steady stream of competitors and families arriving for the soccer competition and it was time for breakfast.
Walking back along Beach Street towards the car, I spotted a mural painted on the side of a building. It depicted Beach Street in 1962, with iconic cars, Anne’s Koffee Shop in the foreground and Casa Alto Hotel and the ‘Giant Dipper’ in the background. The only thing that has not changed is the ‘Giant Dipper’ roller coaster, which still stands as a landmark and has done so since 1924.
June 08 2009 | Special Places | No Comments »
