Day 41 - 10/15 - To Las Vegas and a Night Tour

This was yet another day for traveling with a bit of sight-seeing tacked on at our destination. We left the Los Angeles area and traveled through the hills of the San Bernardino Forest and through the relatively flat Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. Not far out of the San Dimas Valley, we were greeted with desert scenery; mountains of just dirt and rocks of all sizes with not a tree in site. At the base of the mountains, scrubby bushes dotted the landscape. We crossed two passes of about 4,000 feet each before dropping down into the Vegas area. On the way, the desert changed by adding cactus. It was interesting.

The high desert of south-central California shows little sign of

much by the way of green color. The hills, however, do have

different colors because of the different mineral makeup.

As we got closer to Nevada, cactus plants of two varieties

began to appear on the horizon.

We took a Big Bus night tour of Las Vegas. Unlike the taped narration of San Francisco, we had a live guide. He was OK but hard to hear. Instead of ear phones for each occupant, there were small speakers about every other seat or so. We weren't near one. We probably hear half of what he said. We heard more wind noise and chatter of those behind us.

The tour took us past the famous welcome sign near the

edge of Las Vegas.

The tall casino hotels are in the newer section of Las Vegas.

Lights are everywhere and you know who pays the bill; losers.

Every big city needs an Eiffel Tower. This includes Las Vegas.

We learned there are two, main property owners around

the strip. MGM and Ceasar's Palace Entertainment.

Our tour included a trip up the main drag to the older section

of hotels and casinos. We were allowed an hour to walk

around the area between the Golden Nugget and the Fremont.

The enclosed streets are filled with people and street performers

with their ”contribution” cans prominently displayed.

They called this “the Fremont Experience” which features

 a light show every hour on the ceiling of the covered streets.

Fremont Street got its start back in 1905 when William Clark held a land auction for the construction of the railroad that went from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. Fremont Street started with two hotels and has evolved over the years. It now has about 26 million visitors annually and covers five city blocks with direct access to eight downtown hotel casinos. The central attraction is a barrel vault canopy 90 ft high at the peak and four blocks long. Free concerts are held on the three stages in the area. There is a SlotZilla zip line attraction in addition to stores and restaurants.

Vegas was a busy place. The Raiders had played earlier in the day and Nascar was in town as was a golf tournament. The streets and sidewalks were full of people looking for somewhere to go or something to do. The city was alive and just as crowded as any big day at Walt Disney World. Plus, it was loud!

Having had enough noise and lights, we returned to the motor home to close out the day. After all, we needed to get ready for milder experiences over the next few days, the kind that don't involve hoards of people.

 

Day 40 - 10/14 - Football and Rest Day

Last week we celebrated a day for watching football and resting (catching up on dealing with our photos and thoughts) by not going anywhere. Since it was so successful, we decided not to drive the nearly 100 miles (one way) to an entrance Joshua Tree to some of what we’ll see when going to Las Vegas.

For Georgia fans, it was a good day. For Louisville fans, it was not so good.

Bonelli Park is a Los Angeles County Park. It is in a great location

and offers a lot of amenities.

Our site is interesting in that the paved portion is very wide

but not wide enough for us to pull our vehicle parallel

to the motorhome. And over-the-air TV? How about

more than 80 in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Day 39 - 10/13 - Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Today we drove to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. It took nearly 90 minutes to get there from our location. The library is a 100-acre site, perched on a mountaintop with sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and the Pacific Ocean. Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s life story is elegantly portrayed. There is even a separate exhibit hall for an Air Force One, Marine helicopter, and a Presidential Limousine. Reagan traveled to 26 countries during his tenure as President. Reagan is known as a “man who inspired freedom and changed the world.” It is very obvious that the curators underscored that viewpoint.It took quite a bit of time to cover the 24 galleries and interactive exhibits. Before leaving the library, we were able to enjoy a picnic lunch on the library grounds.

The Regan Presidential Library and Museum sit atop one of the

a tall hill that separates Simi Valley from Santa Rosa Valley.

The location was acquired especially for the library and gives

one the feeling of being at a large ranch in Southern California.

The library and museum overlook the Southern California

valleys that surround it. Posters on street lighting

are off all the presidents to date. Interestingly, however,

those that came after Regan are viewable on the trip

back down to the valley level.

This statue shows Reagan in casual western wear. The style

is what he preferred.

Unlike the Nixon library, the Reagan library was well funded and well endowed. In fact, according to the guidelines established for operations, the federal government isn’t involved. At first blush that doesn’t see like a bad thing but, in reality, the messaging can carry with it a certain bias.

In contrast to the Nixon and Truman libraries we’ve visited on this trip, Reagan’s is much larger in size and capable of handling a much larger number of visitors simultaneously. In fact, four of the galleries are reserved for traveling exhibits such as the Auschwitz exhibition. There was also a café on site as well as a bar. And, like other establishments, there are photographers to take photos at various sites allowing one to purchase photo mementoes of the visit. (We have no difficulty in resisting such economic opportunities.)

Byron observed that every gallery had bronze plaques with the names of benefactors. For instance, Boone Pickens and Merv Griffin contributed substantially to the Air Force One exhibit. And, in the gift shop, it was possible to purchase a book authored by one of the GOP presidential candidates for 2024. This form of commercialization would not be allowed in a historical facility supported by the National Archives or the National Park Service.

The Oval Office

Air Force One on display in it's own gallery.

As the president’s work area was appointed aboard the 707.

Note that "the football” sits under the desk.

The exhibit about the Berlin Wall features Reagan and Gorbachev

in conversation.

Final resting place of the Reagans.

As Reagan commented, nothing does the inside of a man as much

good as his legs around the outside of a horse.

With the statue of Nancy Reagan.

We have visited quite a few Presidential Museums and have a few more to visit before the end of this trip.  In fact, the order in which we’ve experience them is: Lincoln, Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Hoover Childhood Home, Nixon, and Reagan. Thus far, the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois is still our favorite! We still have H.W. Bush, W. Bush, and Johnson schedule for this trip.

One last stop for the day, the Rose Bowl Stadium located in Pasadena!

This photo was taken especially for our football-loving

grandson, Ben. (Please ignore the Honda promo).

Day 38 - 10/12 - Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

One of our objectives of this trip is to visit the presidential libraries and museums along our way. Today, we ticked off another by making our way to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. It sits on the of the original eight acres his father purchased and where the family home, Nixon’s birthplace, sits today.

In sunny and warm Southern California, the sight of a water

fountain at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

in Yorba Linda has aa welcoming and cooling effect.

The Presidential Seal on the floor of the entrance is enough

to grab one’s attention even without the large portrait.

Seeing them together immediately engages the mind

and with it, memories of an era.

Martha noted that the displays seemed more sedate in comparison to what we've observed at others. Even so, it was well done and covers the life of Nixon well, even the Watergate fiasco. There are probably a couple of reason for this. One may be the fact that he was raised in a Quaker environment. In fact, there is a church not far from the museum and birthplace. Humility and simplicity were hallmarks of the religion as were others. The second reason probably has more to do with his financial situation. Until 2007, all presidential libraries were funded privately via the foundations created by or for the person. Since Nixon’s popularity had diminished, there was probably little to draw on.

The National Archives did not assume administration of this facility until Congress passed an act in 2007. The act helped provide ongoing support for the institution. The preservation of their documents, tapes, digital media, and other artifacts is important so that subsequent generations can study and learn from them. The library is staffed and operated by federal employees working under a director appointed by the Archivist of the United States.

One of the first displays upon entering the museum is this

reminder of the timeframe in which Nixon was not in office

yet had to deal with issues that developed during that time of tumult.

“In these difficult years, American has suffered

from a fever of words… We cannot learn from one another

until we stop shouting at one another.” Richard M. Nixon

The Nixon Museum and Library are well done with beautiful fountains, an extensive and manicured rose garden, and preservation of the home where Nixon was born. As mentioned, it sits on the exact site it did when Nixon was born. In fact, when the house needed the foundation renovated, the option was presented to turn the front door toward the other buildings. Nixon stated that it should remain pointed the direction in which his father placed it.

Winston Churchill, served two terms as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Charles de Gaule, President of France from 1958 to 1969

Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt from 1970 to 1981

Golda Meir, Prime Minister of Israel 1969 to 1974

Nixon was a voracious reader. He had a favorite place when

in the White House; the Lincoln Bedroom.

U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev,

meeting in Moscow in 1972, signed the Strategic Arms 

Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements

Also in 1972, the Nixons flew to China to establish relations

between our countries. It was a very big deal. This photo

shows Nixon extending his hand to Premier

Premier Chou En-Lai.

The Nixon Foundation hosted the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of 

Operation Homecoming. Signatures of may attending were on this poster.

The event was held May 23-25 of this year. Nearly 200 POWs and their families

gathered at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

for a three-day reunion. They even hosted a welcome home parade

with attendees riding in vintage automobiles.

The museum tells the story of the good and bad decisions made by Nixon as well as his ultimate redemption. From perusal of the displays, it is apparent that Nixon was not afraid of facts being presented to that visitors could judge for themselves. It is also apparent that different viewpoints were also to be tolerated as archivists assembled the displays of information. Since the 37th president’s death in 1994, Nixon has remained a prominent yet polarizing figure. Continuing interest in his career—successes and setbacks, and the Watergate affair, including his resignation and pardon—are all presented with little bias.

How about a photo opportunity with Richard and Patricia Nixon

leading the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena?

Pat Nixon had the Oval Office furnished in golds and blues to

signify California. The office, in comparison to other presidents,

is decorated with few mementos, paintings, etc. Other presidents

tended to overload the space with all kinds of items. Nixon, however,

preferred simplicity.

According to the information posted, this was the helicopter on

which the Nixons flew when leaving the White House

after his resignation. A friend of Byron’s in Louisville

proudly served on the crew at the White House during

some of the Nixon administration. The one’s for you, Russ.

This gentleman, who was from China and had a basic understanding

of English, took the photo (above). Byron made sure he got

a photo with the gentleman who was very respectful

that Nixon saying: “He was a friend of China."

The boyhood home sits near the rear of the property. A simple

house, constructed using a kit, was completed by his father.

Simplicity is duplicated with the markers of Patricia and Richard Nixon

in a well-manicured plot with flowers and roses surrounding the area.

Day 37 - 10/11 - On the Road Again; SF to LA

 Yes, we were back on the road again for another travel day. In fact, this travel day turned out to be our longest. Not only was it a greater distance than normal (387 miles) but also a time-consuming one (around 12 hours). 

Our route from the SF area to the LA area was on I-5 and some

connecting routes. This was better than going down the coastline

which, of course, took us across some desert-like terrain.

I-5 For some of our travel we were within miles of the California Aqueduct, through the San Joaquin Valley. For miles we drove past groves of fruit trees, herds of cattle, and golden hills of dry vegetation. We had another pass to cross, known as The Grapevine, before we reached our destination, San Demis is just east of Los Angles but still in the cluster of cities and towns that make up Greater LA.

Until today travel had been uneventful. Wednesday, however, proved different. The culprit was an issue that involves getting our engine started. There we were, in a diesel lane after having just filled the tank when the starter wouldn't kick in. Byron and Martha both tried performing the trick that had always worked. This time, however, it simply didn't work.

Long story short; an angel in disguise, whose name was David, got us started and on our way. Not only did he get the Caterpillar engine running, but he also took the time to diagnose the issue before letting us go on our way. He was also kind enough to sell us his remote starter switch. The switch jumps around the solenoid to engage the starter. By the way, two Freightliner shops had not been able to find the problem, but David did. Now we just have to convince Freightliner to make the fix.

After a couple of hours waiting for service, etc. we continued on to San Demis. Of course, we got into the LA area in time for rush-hour traffic that took 90 minutes to go 35 miles. Finally, we arrived at Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground in San Dimas.

Bonelli Bluffs covers over 2,000 acres in attractive, natural

surroundings high over the valleys below.

The park will host the 2028 Olympic Mountain Biking Course

on the 15 miles of bike paths. 

There is a large lake that has space for motor boating,

sailing, fishing, and swimming in addition to the

100s of tent and RV sites. It is the largest campground

at which we have ever stayed.

Day 36 - 10/10 - Return to San Francisco

We got a later start today. Yesterday, (Monday) was a long, full day and a challenge to our stamina.

One of Byron’s objectives was to eat at his favorite restaurant one more time. So, Martha made a reservation for a 1:30 lunch at The Spinnaker in Sausalito. Given that fact, we needed to plan our time accordingly. That means taking into account drive time.

In addition to a lunch reservation, we wanted so see some San Francisco highlights from out car and moving at our own pace. Our GPS routed us around the east side of the bay and northward over the San Quentin Bridge to enter San Francisco via The Golden Gate Bridge.

Our campground is in the lower portion of the map. Our GPS app

showed that we’d get into San Francisco by going

the long way around.

Our first stop was Lombard Street. Getting there involved going across Cow Hollow on Lombard and past Van Ness to the top of the hill. Then came the drive down drive through the six switchbacks on what is the equivalent of on block. It was interesting to drive that tight stretch and even more interesting with all the tourists walking around in the middle of the street. Neither of us can imagine living there! Just imagine the difficulty of moving in or out.

Which is worse, looking down or driving down Lombard Street?

Having done it, Martha commented that once was enough!

Having conquered Lombard Street, we headed on eastward on Lombard to Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower. Most of the views of the city are now blocked by overgrown trees. We could see see Alcatraz, the Oakland Bay Bridge, and even the Golden Gate Bridge. Coit Tower has an elevator to the viewing area at the top. It was out of order. That meant the only way up and down was 234 steps each way. We opted to save our energy and move on.

Cylindrical in shape, many believe the tower was modeled after

the shape of a fire nozzle as a tribute to firefighters. In reality, that 

may not be the case. There are murals painted by 27 different artists

in the interior of the tower.

The view at the base of Coit Tower looking westward.

The Golden Gate Bridge can bee seen in the distance.

The view looking northward from Coit Tower. Alcatraz Island

is in the distance near the middle of that portion of the Bay.

Looking in a northeasterly direction, Treasure Island and

Yerba Buena Island (with tall hill) can be seen beyond

a Princess ship that was in port for a few days. The northern

half of the Oakland Bay Bridge can also be seen.

The southerly exposure shows two, prominent building

that make up a part of downtown San Francisco’s skyline.

On our way to Sausalito, we drove through Crissy Field, formerly a military air strip that has been converted into a nice park and beach area. It is located west of Ghirardelli Square and east of the GG Bridge near the beach of the Bay. 

This photo was taken from along the beach of Crissy Field.

The morning fog had yet to disappear...

...and the fog is still there, if not worse. Truly, it is a natural

development of the weather and terrain working together

to create a microclimate. This photo was made

at the Vista Point on the north side of the bridge.

A great place to eat in Sausalito that is on the bay but not

the on the touristy path.

We enjoyed a nice lunch on the bay at The Spinnaker where we watched a couple of sea lions or seals play in the water. After lunch we decided to say goodbye to SF and head back to the motorhome so we could rest and prepare for our travel day for Wednesday.