Pack Your Sunscreen, Camera, and What Was That?

Oh yeah. Don't forget that civil rights card.

Yes, the ACLU has issued travel warnings. To Arizona.

That's never good.

Don't Get Swept Away

According to Jim Butler, the Department of Justice is conducting ADA sweeps on the West Coast.

Hotels are initially sent a compliance survey to complete and according to Marty Orlick, one of the top ADA defense lawyers in the country, the questions are "deceptively simple" and,

Every question on the form has been carefully drafted to elicit important information about ADA compliance.

In his blog post, Jim and Marty give some valuable advice about room class and other assorted issues. Do go over and read the whole thing.

What happens if you get a survey? Take Marty's advice and don't let it sit in an inbox, unanswered. Get good legal advice, if you haven't already, about your responsibilities to meet ADA compliance. Answer the questions honestly and completely but make sure you understand fully both the questions and your responsibilities before starting. The room class questions alone can raise issues that are often misunderstood by innkeepers.

So learn, comply, answer.

In other words, do the right thing. It's the only way.

And then let the light in. After all, you have nothing to hide.

Blue Skies Gold Hills

And it's hot here.

How's the weather in your world?

Running Fence

To understand the extraordinary determination required by Jeanne-Claude and Christo to bring the Running Fence installation to fruition, you'd really have to understand the nature of ranchers here in the farthest west reaches of California.

Say Sonoma County and visions of gentile hills covered with vines come to mind. And that's not an altogether incorrect vision.

But the West County, as we call it out here, is full of rugged individualists. They are not now and never were all hippies here, much as it sometimes appears that the hippies have taken over.

As the clip above shows, ranchers don't necessarily have an appreciation for installation art and are not shy about their opinions.

The fence was 18 feet high and ran for over 24 miles across the remote hills and on to the Pacific. It took 3 years to build and remained intact for only 2 short weeks. The cost of the project was $3 million dollars.

But that cost pales in comparison to the investment of sheer will made in convincing folks to let this happen and getting all of the signatures necessary to make it so.

Today, there's a tiny plaque at the Watson School commemorating Running Fence. Another small plaque can be found in the tiny village of Valley Ford which found itself 30 some odd years ago at ground zero for the momentous project.

Here and there, folks in Marin and Sonoma still find uses for the pieces of the fabric. Recreated into clothes, art, or window dressing, each fiber continues the thread of art left on these hills by two of the finest artists of our time.

Too little, though, for newcomers to fully understand. So the current exhibit at the Smithsonian is a welcome one.

As is "The 'Running Fence' Revisited," a new film directed by Wolfram Hissen. Catch it if you can.

Or pick up a copy of "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Remembering the Running Fence" by Brian O'Doherty. Never having seen the fence himself, O'Doherty asks, "If you did not see the original Running Fence what is lost?"

A question to ponder while you're exploring the rolling hills of this western frontier.

And when you do, send a thank you through the universe to Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The fence itself may have stopped running over 30 years ago but its spirit remains.

That very memory of Running Fence serves as a constant reminder that, yes, even out here everyone can all agree to work together. For art's sake.

Saved

The quiet dignity of Fort Ross will, thankfully, continue to be shared with visitors thanks to an agreement announced today.

Fort Ross is a place that inspires feelings of profound stillness. Its raw magic is something that should really not be missed by travelers on the Mendonoma coast.

Sadly, California budget cuts have recently left this historic site unable to stay open more than 3 days per week.

So when a wealthy Russian stepped forward to establish a foundation to keep the cherished park open, the entire Russian American community in San Francisco rejoiced.

A rare agreement for a rare treasure. Next time you're driving along the coast, take a break from the winding drive down Highway One. The tales of Fort Ross will quietly renew and refresh you for your journey.

Summer Flowers

The late season rain and the late onset of spring weather has brought an explosion of summer flowers all over Northern California.

While I'm generally inclined to prefer the native California wildflowers, I must admit the bursts of Star Jasmine and Sweet Peas that I see all around are equally irresistible.

The blackberries this year also promise to be sweet and abundant.

Yes, I have several brambles already staked out for the exact moment they ripen. The watch is on.

Coastal Fog

Just a wee bit of coastal fog creeping across the hills here. No doubt it will burn off by lunchtime.

Another perfect weekend in paradise.

The Race Continues

Hotwire just released its report of the US markets with the biggest rate drops in June.

It's not pretty.

Here in the West, Sacramento is included with a 4% drop compared to last year. Considering how low last year's rates were, any drop at all is bad. 4% is really bad.

Can we stop this?

Yes.

But it takes a concerted effort to maintain viable rates. Competing with the lowest common denominator just won't swing it.

That is unless your inn can afford to drop its rates every year.

No, I didn't think that would work either.

I Am Both

A Tired Ball Speaks from THE AMEN PROJECT on Vimeo.

Lovely preview of Jessica Hilltout's fabulous photography project.

Definitely brought me a little feeling of zen on the whole football thing.

Especially nice to have a little feeling of zen at 4:30 AM.

Yes, that's what time the Frenchman is waking up to watch the World Cup.

Ommmmmm.

Or something like that.


H/T Sully

The Comeback Kids

They're hardy and they eat invasive plants.

What's not to love?

Hot

That long long winter and crazy rainy spring we had is over.

Drove through hills that were a patchwork of green and gold. Just 4 days later and the hills are now completely gold.

The good news? After the sun comes fog, at least if you're anywhere near the coast in Northern California.

The other good news? This morning a tiny little bird flew into our living room and thought the best exit would be through the skylights on our 16 foot ceiling. No go. He finally figured out just where the front door was and flew right out.

A very good morning indeed.

Especially for the bird who now knows it's not really all that much cooler inside. The grass, it turns out, is not really always greener.

An American Original

100th Dipsea Race on Sunday

Any hike through Mill Valley promises a glimpse of nature, a winding and almost invisible trail through redwood groves dotted with cottages that were once summer homes.



Mill Valley was once known as the town of 1000 steps. Many of those original public steps remain and are one of its many secret charms. Many of the private homes have some pretty serious steps all their own.



Each of the town's hundreds of staircases provides an instant moment of zen with no shortage of wonder for those who take the time to see.



But the Dipsea Race is the grand jewel of the faster set, the runners that is. The annual race begins downtown, sprints to Old Mill Park, runs up more steps than most of us want to walk in a day, across the ridge and down the steep trails of the aptly named Steep Ravine at Stinson Beach.



It's a crazy course promising runners both stunning views and challenging conditions. It's a course and tradition that has survived fire, earthquake, the depression and war.



If you're in Marin County, it's not to be missed. Be there or be square.

And the good news? You don't have to trek up the 672 Dipsea steps to enjoy Mill Valley.



The charms on the valley floor are as stunning as the views at the top.

Which Famous Race?

Runs up a gazillion steep steps before running across this ridge and back down through a steep trail?

Hint. It dips before making it to the sea.

Marin Magic

Back in Marin County for a few days.

And I have to admit, all the super expensive sports cars notwithstanding, there is really something magical about the landscapes in this county just north of the Golden Gate.

Marin really has it all. Some of the loveliest beaches in California. Redwoods. Hiking trails galore. Fabulous restaurants. Great artisan foods in charming shops.

Yep. There's something really magical about this place.

Buzzing Around

Here and there the next few days so will post as I can.

Carry on.

World Ocean Day

A day to appreciate all that we get from those great bodies of water that surround our lands.

Hope you got to a beach to enjoy an ocean near you.

If we've learned anything over the last few weeks, it's just how little we should take those oceans for granted.

So get out there and love an ocean.

Don't wait.

Armstrong Woods

When Plato was just a boy, the oldest redwood trees of Armstrong Woods State Park were already reaching to the sky for air.

Before the signing of the Magna Carta, these trees sheltered the people of the coast, the Miwok who believed them to be sacred.



I think they were right.

And The Answer Is

Occidental.

Yes, bears are said to continue to roam the forests of Occidental.

In fact, sightings are said to occur with some regularity along the Bohemian Highway between Occidental and Cazadero.

I love Occidental. Great little hippie village, close to some pretty remote beaches, close to plenty of wonderful wineries. Great restaurants around. Lovely B&Bs. Small but interesting downtown. Great enzyme baths at the ever fabulous and unique spa, Osmosis. What's not to like?

Hmmmm. I wonder if the bears know something about enzymes?

Sonoma

Heading out to do some exploring. Some wineries, some redwoods, some beaches, some galleries.

So here's the question of the day.

Which area of Sonoma County still has bears?

And no, I'm not really hoping to see any bears on my hike.

Of course, the Fabulous Frenchie would like nothing better than to snap a close-up of big black bear.

Ah yes, viva la difference.

Summer's Here

Ready or not.

Lots of things going on here on the West Coast. In Sonoma County, open studios are happening in the West County and this year there are just oodles of artists participating.

Farmers Markets are open, too, just about everywhere.

If you're in the San Francisco Bay area, it's not too late to head to Point Reyes for Western Weekend. The annual chili cookoff alone is worth the trip.

Get out there. Don't let this beautiful day pass you by.

Sure, lots more beautiful days on the horizon. But this day won't come by again.

Does Not Leak

Every Creature Great and Small

Every single one of us plays a role in sustaining life in our world.

Which creatures will you cherish today?

Ya Think?

As much as I have to acknowledge that there are always some idiots who will swim in oil as long as they're allowed to, most people won't.

We Americans get less vacation time than the rest of the developed world. What we do get is precious.

Who is going to go to an oil soaked beach or a former wildlife refuge now filled with carcasses?

Of course the tourism industry in the region will be devastated.

What other outcome could there possibly be?

Why

Please tell me why people are still being allowed to swim in the water of the gulf, even as tar balls are washing ashore?

I know denial is a powerful motivational force whenever stupidity comes into play.

But really. Isn't it time to close those beaches?

Seriously.

Did I Mention

That the Memorial Day Weekend really did seem to trigger summer weather on the West Coast?

It's summer.

Spring came in spurts and often confused itself with winter.

So we have a patchwork of hills. Not the normal summer gold. Not able to hold the green very long either.

They're a mix of both. Patches of brown in otherwise green hills.

By next week, I'm expecting that trend to reverse before the golden hills themselves take over.

Right now? It's just gorgeous out.

Maybe the colors are a little mixed up. But that's okay. It's still gorgeous.

Yes, Please Install These

Yes, jauntsetter is right, these are a new must-have in guest rooms.

And at only $25 a pop, why would you not install these u-socket ports?

After all, as jauntsetter says, they're

"Good for the environment (they're energy efficient and only output power when something is connected to them) the outlets are just $25 a pop. And not only would their installment mean less clutter in travelers' luggage, but they'd also eliminate the hassle of trying to procure spare chargers from a hotel's business center or front desk."

Very very smart.