The National Parks

On the way to Crater Lake 1953

A few years ago, we bought the book The National Parks - America's Best Idea.  It is a big rather intimidating book with some wonderful pictures, that has remained on the shelf waiting for a rainy day.

The story of  the preservation of these lands is fascinating.  Never before had lands been set aside in this way for the enjoyment of the "public".

It is my goal for 2019 to read it all and to share some of the the many family pictures I have of the National Parks  dating from my grandparents trip from Minnesota to the west coast in 1929 to the present.

The National Parks - America's Best Idea -  The Film
The National Parks - America's Best Idea -  The Book
Records of the National Parks - NARA
Mapping the National Parks - LOC

Harmony

Most of my quilts are given away, but a few I fall in love with as I am creating them, or occasionally I would make them for a particular place in the house.

This one ended up with my guitar on it.  It had to stay!

San Bruno Mountain (SP) (CP)

Such magnificent views! On a hike with family, including grandchildren we reached the top of the mountain. Pictures here are from a great spring hike in 2018.





"San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, standing as a unique open-space island in the midst of the peninsula's urbanization at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. The Mountain's ridge line runs in an east-west configuration, with considerable slopes and elevations ranging from 250 feet to 1,314 feet at the summit. The 2,416 acres of rugged landscape offer excellent hiking opportunities and outstanding views of San Francisco and Central Bay Area."
San Bruno Mountain State and County Park

San Bruno Mountain State Park

San Bruno Mountain State and County Park

San Bruno Mountain State Park (Wikipedia)

 

Patchwork Wedding

 My patchwork days began in high school, and I got married in a patchwork skirt on 19 Dec 1972.  Many years ago, I turned that skirt into a "wedding quilt" with pictures of our parents  and grandparents and names and dates of earlier  ancestors. 

Over the last twenty years I've modified it a few times adding the lace from my wedding blouse and rebinding with more of the skirt patches.  One day I might get more of those ancestral names added!! 

Santa

These homemade versions are just a few of the many Santas that reside in the library at Christmas time.  It has been nicknamed the Santa room.

Christmas Cabins

This was the first of my Christmas Quilts, finished sometime before 1996. Some ten years ago I added more border as our mattress had gotten thicker.  There were two pillow covers, one is now the center of my window seat cover.  This quilt is usually on my bed from the beginning of December until Valentines day!

NPS - Crater Lake

1950

By the time both Greg and I visited Crater Lake as infants, Crater Lake National Park was about fifty years old.  Established in 1902 by Teddy Roosevelt, it was the 5th National Park.  The Crater Lake Lodge was officially opened in 1915.

 

1953

Crater Lake is the only National Park in Oregon.

LOC Map Collection - 1996 National Park Service

we visited again on a trip to Washington about 1980 but I can't seem to find any pictures.  

My third visit was with the Madden Gathering at Klamath Falls in 2016.

2016

Crater Lake National Park

2016

Crater Lake - LOC Collections

Crater Lake - National Archives

Crater Lake - Wikipedia

Frogs

For Alexis on her 3rd birthday, the one she shared with her grandpa.  Hard to believe she turned 7 yesterday.

For a while, every time she would come visit Grammy she would request another pillow,  She helped design them, eventually moving on to belts, skirts and more.  She would direct the effort as I did the work!

CSP - Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

This park is home to a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846.  Visiting it was a fun addition to a trip to the Napa Valley, where we stayed at the Wine Way Inn in Calistoga.  After a tour and demonstration we came away with a bag of cornmeal.



Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Bale Grist Mill - Wikipedia  

3369 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena

Fall is in the air

Falling leaves, pumpkins and crows.

CSP - Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo is where the elephant seals mate.  We took an insider tour with the State Parks Foundation in 2014.  They fed us and we then led a walk out to the cove which was covered with seals.

The Fresnel lens from Pigeon Point was on view in the visitor center.

Año Nuevo State Park  

Año Nuevo - Wikipedia

Ano Nuevo Lighthouse

 

For Tim

CSP - Butano State Park

1981 - Camping with Daddy and the Raccoons

A family favorite, Butano mixes our beloved forests with magnificent views, creek hikes and more.  We often headed over on Greg's day off for a picnic and a hike along the creek.  This was also one of our favorite camping spots.  There were car camping spots, walk in spots and Greg and I backpacked in a couple of times.  It was all uphill on the way there fortunately leaving downhill for the way back.

1985

1981 Backpack camp

Butano State Park   

Butano - Wikipedia
Family Pictures at Butano

1981

1985

Aspire

For my talented, nephew....

NP - Golden Gate National Recreation Area

At the Fishing Ponds 2013

California 

How lucky to have a National Park in the middle of a city.  It has been well explored from ocean shore to the Haight.  One day I met a fox while walking.  Site of many a family picnic, and many hours of wandering around while Greg practiced his fly casting.  Alexis often joined Grandpa, playing by the ponds while he got in a cast or two.  Nicholas and I would wander through the Science museum and then go watch the ducks while we had lunch. 

Walking Along Ocean Beach 2014

But Golden Gate is not just a park, it is a giant recreation area spanning the area from Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County to the Phleger Estate in San Mateo County.  I've spent many a day within it's boundaries which include the Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, Cliff House, the Presidio, Fort Point, Fort Funston and more!

Nicholas at Ocean Beach 2016

Golden Gate National Recreation Area 

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

National Park Foundation - Golden Gate

Golden Gate - Wikipedia

 

Pictures from Bay to Bridge Hike 2014

Swan Lake in Golden Gate Park 1929