Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Roadtripping with Elaine




This weekend I saw something I don't see very often.  I saw blue birds; that is birds that are blue.  I don't really know what kind of bird this is but I imagine someone out there visiting here knows.  Yes?













I found a stairway to a little piece of heaven.






 I love the smell of the seashore and the blunt scents of the oils, decaying woods, painted metal, and accumulations of cargoes and diesel.    As I trained my camera across the Carquinez Strait, I discovered another little piece of heaven again, the ship below.  I couldn't read its name from that far distance but I had a great surprise waiting for me when I returned home.


Several years ago, I spent the night on a  California Maritime Academy training ship, The Golden Bear, after celebrating the retirement of the Dean of the Academy.  Tonight I was examining the picture and tried closing in on the name of the ship and to my surprise discovered it was the Golden Bear of my memory


Gives new meaning to the phrase "dry dock".



Carquinez Bridges - old and new






Getting in and out and OVER Crockett, CA




There is one way in and one way out of Port Costa, a tiny little enclave of businesses and homes just east of Crockett.  Free and rebellious spirits live here.  



The very unexpected St. Patrick's Catholic Mission Church.
It's the only church in town.  




All ready for Christmas


And just up the road, as you enter the town, we saw these signs.  I caught the pictures on our way out.




We got a good laugh out of them.  It was a hoot finding these uber-anti-government signs in this part of California.

On the way back towards Crockett, we enjoyed a glorious view of the Carquinez Strait and the gently bending grass revealed another hidden surprise waiting to be discovered.





This old truck was caught on the fly as we drove past it.




Just like the towns of Crockett and Port Costa, the old girl still runs.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is so exciting for you Annie. I love your spirit of adventure, and through you I get to see places in the U.S I could never dream of seeing! I am mindful of your purpose and wish you all the very best.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I love these blue pictures! The blue churches are extraordinary. This bird looks like a Rocky mountain, or Steller's Jay. The males have crests, but maybe this could be a female. An amazing ship reunion!!

DeniseinVA said...

This is a wonderful post Annie, I loved all the great photos you took. Those bluebirds are wonderful. I saw them for the first time on this trip we're taking. That's a wonderful trip you took us on.

Nonnie said...

I loved the tour you gave us. The blue birds dazzled me with their spectacular color! I'd love to have that vintage truck. The yellow lady (house) takes my breath away.

Jeanie said...

I have never seen a bluebird. I love your photos -- and all the pix in your lovely day!

Diane AZ said...

Really enjoyed the tour, lots of interesting sights and beautiful scenery. :)

sandy said...

The bird looks to be a scrub jay - cousin to the stellar jay. Enjoyed your post and the photos, looks like you had a great time.

Darla said...

Yep, I think that is a scrub jay. I haven't been to Port Costa in ages. Years ago (maybe early 70's) one of the huge old buildings was filled with antique booths and there was also a really great restaurant there but the last time I visited it was pretty much a ghost town. I'll have to go back.

Darla

Amy Burzese said...

Nice variety of ahots! Interesting about the ship.

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

Hi Annie! Dropping by ti say Hello! I've missed you. You on Facebook?

:) Joyce Ellen Davis
followingthelittlegod.blogspot.com

Pepek

Annie Jeffries said...

Hi Joyce. Surprise! Nice to see you. Yes, I'm on FB. You can find me listed under Annie Jeffrie. Turlock, CA i.d. will pop up too.