Ever since I saw an old black-and-white photo on a brochure promoting historic sites around Lake County, I’d been eager to go in search of the lost gem that was the Lucerne Hotel — sometimes referred to as “The Castle.” I’d actually built it up in my mind, certain that it was hidden away at the top of a steep, […]
As I strolled along Lakeshore Boulevard in Nice, looking out over Clear Lake, I couldn’t help but notice that someone seemed to have forgotten to bring in their seating arrangement from the launch ramp area. Nobody but me seemed the least bit interested in this chair; it seemed the most natural thing in the world for it to be standing […]
I’ve been back to visit the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in Lower Lake a few times now since my first visit in 2019 — probably making up for all the times in earlier years I drove right past and never even knew it was there. In fact, although I know there are loads of other great places to explore […]
I always enjoy the balcony views whenever we visit the Worldmark resort on the north shore of Clear Lake; but if I had known we would have such a great lake view this time, I would have brought along a tripod for more night photography. Also, it may have had something to do with spring break, but I saw a […]
About a month ago I shared the first bunch of images from the Hicks album (Week 6) featuring wildflowers shot in late April of 2010; I don’t know the precise location, but Solano County is a pretty good guess, given the landscape and the fact that Mount Diablo is visible in several shots. In that previous post, I mentioned that […]
In our visits to the Sonoma and Mendocino coastline, we sometimes feel a little frustrated to find that some of the most beautiful and tempting areas are inaccessible. The reasons can vary; a lot of coastal property is privately owned and jealously guarded. Or maybe the landscape doesn’t allow for safe access to the shore. We’ve also found that some […]
When the afternoon sun gets a bit too strong, there’s nothing like hiding under the shade of old oak trees for a few minutes. It’s extra good if a cool breeze happens to come along. A drink of cool water from my flask, and then I can carry on and make it back to the waiting car. Which is parked, […]
With over 30 wineries and 9,000 acres of vineyards currently in Lake County, it’s never too surprising to find yourself driving or hiking in close proximity to a vast field of carefully staked grapevines. On my hike to the McVicar Audubon Sanctuary near Lower Lake, part of the trail ran alongside a portion of land belonging to Vigilence Vineyards. I’m […]
One final look inside the Gladding McBean factory during Feats of Clay XXIII, March 2010.