California has a strong gold rush history as many people know. The entire Gold County stretches over most of the eastern part of California above the Central Valley. I recently had the blessing to attend my cousin's wedding in Sonora, California and took advantage of the opportunity to spend time with my family and explore the region. Sonora is a large town on the southern end of the main gold fields and has a rich heritage with a present day tourism industry providing a great escape from Stockton and the Bay Area.
Back Porch View
To make thing easier and more fun, we decided to rent a large and wonderful house. It was the center of our activities nestled in the foothills with expansive views and lots of space for a huge family. Having a huge porch was wonderful for morning and evening leisure and made a great backdrop for the weekend. You can also rent this fine property or just view the great pics here. Do not forget your golf clubs!
Interior of Moaning Caverns
Before the family arrived, I had the opportunity to explore the region. Since I have so many friends from the Murphys area, I have been to the region many times and was excited to do a little caving on the trip. Moaning Caverns is not the best in the region, but it is very convenient and close to Sonora. The name comes from an early sound heard within the cave of moaning sounds likely caused by wind at the surface, but modifying the cave over time eliminated the sound. It is a vertical cavern with a good amount of cave features, but many visitors enjoy the zip lining and gold panning at the surface. You can also rappel down into the cave for an added treat. Most visitors opt for the massive iron spiral staircase which was a good way to burn off all the calories from lunch.
Before the wedding, I had to drive down the road to Jamestown for a ride on a classic steam locomotive. The Number 3 locomotive at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the surrounding facilities have been featured in many television shows and movies. It may be most famous in its co-starring role in Back to the Future Part 3. The excursion train takes about an hour chugging through the back country and is fun for the whole family. Arrive early as the first train was packed before the afternoon heat.
Wedding Chapel at the Union Hill Inn
It was finally time for the big event. After a whirlwind of activity dressing up and getting the kids ready, it was time to head to the Union Hill Inn near Sonora for my cousins wedding. This very popular facility is rustic chic and perfect for young couples. The ceremony was short and intimate and everyone loved the facility and the reception including all-you-can-eat prime rib. Even with all the hassle, it turned out nice. After the wedding cake, it was time to bow out gracefully before the sun sets leaving the wedding party to dance the night away!
Wagon and Buildings at Columbia State Historic Park
After waking up to the wonderful view of the foothills, it was once again time to leave the homestead and explore the region. Staying close, I ventured to Columbia State Historic Park just north of Sonora. This restored gold rush era town is still active with several small businesses including gold panning, stagecoach rides, blacksmithing, and various food and drink options. The town was great with a fun atmosphere and lots of cool history and excellent photography. Admission is free so you have more money to spend on ice cream!
Highway 49 in honor of the 1849 Gold Rush
After a whirlwind weekend with family, I was able to do a little wine tasting and see my friends in Murphys on the way home. The region including Sonora, Murphys, Calaveras Big Trees, and some great fall color has so many different vacation options - camping, caving, parks, reservoirs, shopping, wine tasting - its a destination in and of itself. Being on the way to Yosemite National Park also helps. Please enjoy the rest of my photos below.
If you have not noticed, my travel blog has been quiet for several months. This was a combination of some much needed California rain both reducing my weekend travel and creating tough conditions for beautiful photography. I am also planning a massive trip later this year, so be prepared for future updates!
Hogwarts Castle
The grand opening of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood was perfectly timed with a free admission ticket and nearly free flight courtesy of my past travels. Since I knew Harry Potter would soon apparate to Southern California, visiting Universal Studios was not part of my last trip to Los Angeles. Boy was I glad I waited!
Morning Coffee at 30,000 Feet
I prefer to fly Southwest Airlines because they treat me well and are very reliable and a good value. Universal Studios is very close to the Burbank Bob Hope Airport, so I was able to fly in and out in one day saving a hotel trip. It is rather unusual to travel without luggage, but I can pretend I am a hot shot executive flying in for a key business meeting rather than just a Harry Potter geek heading for the park. Burbank Airport is a real old school airport without jetways making it easy to use. I was inside the park three hours after leaving my house. Pretty cool indeed.
Frozen Butterbeer
The Harry Potter attraction is nearly identical to the one in Florida, however it is just as magical entering Hogsmeade. Universal outdid themselves recreating the feel of the movies with snow and icicles surviving the Southern California sunshine with a scale model Hogwarts castle dominating the skyline. Thousands of Harry Potter fans crowd the narrow streets wearing their robes and waving their wands to activate the special magic features in the park. The main ride is simply amazing with an excellent combination of special effects and action to really make you feels like riding a broom through the movie. Plus, they serve Butterbeer.
Studio Tour Bus
Universal Studios is still a major television and movie studio with active shooting on a continuous basis. It is a testament to their skill that they can film right next door to an active theme park! The Studio Tour takes you through the back lot and production areas. Other studios have a much better tour for film buffs, but this one has some special wild rides and added features. On a sunny day without smog, the mountains are a great co-star to the tour.
The Simpsons Ride Entrance
Another recent addition to the park is their Simpsons World recreating the most iconic parts of the cartoon show. You can grab a Duff beer at Moe's Tavern and eat a delicious giant pink donut with Chief Wiggam at Lard Lad Donuts. The central ride is a CGI enhanced roller coaster through Krustyland which is a fun experience, but lacking the wonderful Single Rider line found at the other attractions.
Watch Out for Velociraptors
The Lower Lot of Universal Studios has most of the wild rides in the park. After a very long escalator ride, you arrive and must choose to visit dinosaurs, mummies, or Transformers - or all three! Jurassic Park is a fun take on the classic log flume ride concept with the Mummy & Transformers using the motion simulator ride concept well. I was quickly overwhelmed with mild motion sickness since I could hit so many rides quickly and had to retreat back up the hill for an ice cold Duff.
Entering the Aft Doors at Burbank
After one more ride with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, my cab quickly returned me to the airport for a quick ride home. I chose to enter through the rear doors of the aircraft which was a unique experience walking under the large wing of the 737. Traveling from Hogsmeade to Sacramento in less than 3 hours can only be beaten by port key or flue powder. Fortunately, the dementors were kept at bay for a fast and gentle flight back home. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
Burbank Bob Hope Airport Terminal Exterior
Historic Replica Main Street Entrance to Universal Studios
Me at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Fish and Chips inside the Three Broomsticks
Norman disposing of "Trash" at the Bates Motel
747 Crash Set from War of the Worlds
Simpsons Family outside the Kwik-E-Mart
Giant Pink Donut from Lard Lad Donuts
Panoramic View of the San Fernando Valley
Ribwich Sandwich at Krusty Burger
Chief Wiggam at Lard Lad Donuts
Entrance to Hogsmeade
Olivander's Wand Shop
Entrance to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride
