We are watching our grandson's again this summer; Redmond, age 10, and Samuel, age 7. We really enjoy having them, but I must admit that sometimes it is a challenge to find something for them to do. Thursday this week we went towards the bay area and visited some spots. A couple new to us and one old friend.
First of all we drove to the top of Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet. I do the driving and believe me it was nerve wracking the whole way up and back down. I don't have pictures of the road because this is not something you want to stop and photograph. Just take my word for it. Although it doesn't seem like it is that high, it certainly is. Mount Diablo juts out of the ground with no other mountains around it, unlike the passes in the Sierra . So although you are not as high, the climb is treacherous. On a clear day you can see more land from the top of Mt. Diablo that anywhere else on earth with the exception of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
First of all we drove to the top of Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet. I do the driving and believe me it was nerve wracking the whole way up and back down. I don't have pictures of the road because this is not something you want to stop and photograph. Just take my word for it. Although it doesn't seem like it is that high, it certainly is. Mount Diablo juts out of the ground with no other mountains around it, unlike the passes in the Sierra . So although you are not as high, the climb is treacherous. On a clear day you can see more land from the top of Mt. Diablo that anywhere else on earth with the exception of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
There is a nice lookout spot with lots of information and a small museum.
Samuel and Redmond with the Bay Area behind them. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean. It was too hazy when we were there to make out any landmarks, however.
Breath taking.
Scary!
Another new place we took them to was the Blackhawk Museum. It is a classic car museum and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. Sweety and the boys had a wonderful time. Do plan to stop by if you are ever in the area.
It was difficult to photograph the cars. Black walls, floors and ceiling and lots of lights. But it made for a very dramatic display.
This was my favorite car. It is one of President Kennedy's actual limousines.
Samuel and Redmond in front of a 1949 Woody.
No trip to that area is complete for us without a trip to our favorite restaurant in Walnut Creek, The Hickory Pit. I've been eating at this same restaurant since we moved to California from Michigan, 47 years ago. That is customer loyalty!!!
The best bar-b-que ribs in the world.
Redmond in heaven!
Total concentration.We had a great day!!
6 comments:
Wow, I've never heard of Mt. Diablo. The view was breathtaking but I don't like heights so I'll live vicariously thru your photos!
If you need a place to take the boys they might like Castle Air Museum in Atwater. If you have been you can get more info here: http://www.castleairmuseum.org.
I just found out our dogpark may not open till Sept. They are reinforcing the fence in the small dog area (i guess the bars were too far apart for small dogs!) and working one bathrooms and driking fountains and such. I'll let you know when I hear more.
Enjoy your grandson's visit.
Dawn
oops - should have been "if you haven't been there"!
Did YOU really drive up to the observatory? I give you a huge star on your paper for doing that. At the top I freak out with the stone wall and the narrowness of the road. Haaaa- elp me Rhonda!
Looks like y'all had a fabulous outing!! You stopped at Amil's and didn't invite us? Oooo...bad Miss Jean. Bad......!!!!!
love ya,
becky
My parents used to live in Walnut Creek. Love the area. I think we ate at that restaurant once or twice. Mimi
Great Music! Who is it?
Wow, what a nice view. I am sure the boys will have nice memories of the day. What nice and loving Grandparents. Sandi
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