“I believe that summer is our time, a time for the people, and that no politician
should be allowed to speak to us during the summer.
They can start talking again after Labor Day.”
Lewis Black
Sunset at the Hallmark Inn in Davis, California
Hope everyone has a healthy and happy Labor Day.
Shine On
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
Confucius
What a perfect day. Since the Hallmark Inn has bicycles for their guests to use, we decided to bicycle around town.
The first stop this morning was the farmers market. This market has got to be one of the nicest outdoor markets I’ve ever visited. The produce, nuts, breads, jams and especially the fresh apple ciders were delicious.
The people of Davis are friendly and laid-back. Everyone looks healthy and happy as they walked and biked throughout town. Lots of people with their dogs and young couples with their new baby’s strolling around. I just had to snap a picture of this border collie waiting patiently for his owners, a young couple with their new-born baby.
Here’s some shots of the beautiful produce at the market:
After we bought up some goodies from the farmers market, we walked across the street to Crepeville on 3rd Street. We split a strawberry crepe and a side of potatoes, which was delicious.
Our next stop was a short bike ride up 3rd Street to the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame. As a bicycle enthusiasts, I was in heaven walking through this famous bicycle museum. I could have spent all day just talking with David, the Program Director and looking at all the antique bicycles.
The majority of the bicycles on display are from the Pierce Miller collection which is owned by the University of California Davis. Pierce Miller was a successful rancher near Modesto with an avid interest in transportation history. He amassed over one hundred horse-drawn vehicles of every description, some antique automobiles, and a large collection of bicycles. The University acquired the bicycle collection in 2000 when it became available for sale by the Miller estate.
The Miller collection encompasses almost 100 years of bicycle evolution between the 1820s and the early years of the Twentieth Century. During this time, bicycles evolved from pedal-less “swift-walkers” to machines that would scarcely turn a head on today’s roads and paths.
If you are interested in antique bicycles, I highly recommend visiting this museum. Here are just a few photos of some of the bikes that caught my eye:
After visiting the Bicycle Hall of Fame, we were motivated to jump on our bikes and continue our tour around town. We decided to end our ride at the Vampire Penguin for some shaved ice cream. We split a small strawberry cheesecake shaved ice and I was glad we did. It was huge and I can’t even imagine ordering the large.
Perfect weather, perfect bike ride and perfect company made today a memorable and a perfect day in Davis.
Shine On
“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.”
Robert Orben
I arrived in Davis at almost 1am Friday. The drive took an extra two hours due to two major car accidents on the 5 Freeway. Just so thankful we made it in one piece.
The Hallmark Inn is a lovely boutique style hotel set right smack in the heart of old downtown Davis. The area is surrounded by great eateries and shopping. So much more different from Southern, California. Northern California feels more like you’re on the east coast, especially this time of year while the tree leaves are beginning to turn color for fall.
The Hallmark lobby and my room were exactly as they had advertised. At first I was a bit concerned when I heard the Amtrak train come through town in the early morning hours, but I actually enjoy the sound of a train so it doesn’t bother me.
The Inn has a great selection for breakfast, which is complimentary each day from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Also, was happy to see they offer smoothies on their breakfast fare.
The staff at the Hallmark were friendly, helpful and extremely accommodating. What I really appreciated was the underground parking and no extra charges on the bill like other comparable hotels.
The first day in Davis was extremely relaxing and I enjoyed all the great food and shopping. The weather was a perfect mid 70 degrees, which I like. My son stopped by later in the day to enjoy the pool and exercise room with me.
Saturday we plan to visit the Bicycle Museum just two short blocks up the street as well as the wonderful farmers market they offer every Saturday morning right across the street from the Hallmark Inn.
Shine On
“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.
And all plans, safeguards, policing, and
coercions are fruitless.
We find that after years of struggle
that we do not take a trip;
a trip takes us.”
John Steinbeck
Today I’m heading to Davis, California. Why Davis you may ask? Well, my son’s girlfriend is studying for her veterinary degree at UC Davis and my son invited me to drive up with him for a visit.
I’ve always wanted to visit Davis, so this is a perfect opportunity for me to explore. I found a lovely hotel in the heart of town that I will be staying at while my son stays with his girlfriend.
I don’t usually travel on Labor Day, but I’m looking forward to four days of exploring by bike (the hotel provides bicycles free of charge) all the sites Davis has to offer. Also plan to relax, read and work on my novel.
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve taken a road trip.
Shine On
“The worst thing that being an artist could do to you would be
that it would make you slightly unhappy constantly.”
J. D. Salinger
J. D. Salinger, January 1, 1919 to January 27, 2010
In February this year I read the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger. If you follow my blog you know that when I read a book I always Google the author and learn as much as I can about them.
After reading Salinger’s famous book, I wrote my post on The Catcher in the Rye. I wrote about the similarity between Mr. Salinger and his character in the book, Holden Caulfield.
Salinger was an extremely private person and was not a fan of movies or Hollywood. In fact, during success of the novel, Salinger received (and rejected) numerous offers to adapt The Catcher in the Rye for the screen, including one personally from Samuel Goldwyn. Salinger was so adamant about this, he left specific instructions in his will. He authorized a timetable, to start between 2015 and 2020, for the release of several unpublished works including instructions for movie rights to, The Catcher in the Rye.
I wasn’t surprised at all today to read in Variety that actor Nicholas Hoult will play J.D. Salinger in the upcoming movie Rebel in the Rye. The movie explores the life and mind of the secretive author and will tell the story of the birth of The Catcher in the Rye. The story will touch on Salinger’s rebellious youth, his experiences on the bloody front lines of World War II, enduring great love and terrible loss, a life of rejection to the pages of the New Yorker and his writer’s block — which led to a spiritual awakening.
I don’t know what his will stipulated but from what I’ve read about the man, it sounds to me that Salinger wouldn’t approve of this biopic movie or the fact that his name and life are being depicted in a movie. However, like I said in my original post, I sure hope they do right by him and the captivating life story of J. D. Salinger.
Shine On
Chronicles of a Blogaholic 