Showing posts with label Almost Like Being There. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Almost Like Being There. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

El Dorado Park – Long Beach, California

El Dorado Park – Long Beach, California

Almost Like Being There


The El Dorado Park neighborhood of Long Beach, California is on the east side of the city adjacent to the large El Dorado Regional Park.


  • Hours of Operation:
  • Fall/Winter 7:00am-5:00pm Nov 1- Feb 28
  • Spring/Summer 7:00am-8:00pm Mar 1 – Oct 31

Photos by Stacey Kuhns

 


The park is bounded on the east by the 605 Freeway, on the north by the Long Beach Town Center shopping mall, and on the south by Stearns Street. Because of the barrier of the freeway and park between the neighborhood and the rest of Long Beach, as well as the barrier created by near Norwalk Blvd and the Coyote creek and the neighboring cities, the El Dorado Park neighborhood feels quite separate.

The regional park sits in a flood zone, and it protects residences from spillover from the neighboring San Gabriel River. Additional undeveloped land south of Willow street near the confluence of Coyote Creek and the San Gabriel River is held by Southern California Edison, and some designated to become part of the park's Nature Center.

The park was developed in 1968 after the land was sold to the City of Long Beach by the Bixby Family and was financed using bond money floated in the 1950s and 60s, and the varied topography comes from soil removed to construct the San Gabriel Freeway.


Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Don McDaniel - Just Sayin

By My Buddy Don McDaniel

As I tentatively approach my FIRST 90 years here on planet earth my thoughts turn to what could have been versus what actually was and in retrospect I have absolutely no regrets, it's been one hell of a ride, and with God's blessings, it aint over yet.

I was born at an early age and along with 3 cousins I was "Brung Up" in the mountains of Northern California by an aunt and uncle who were firm believers in the old adage, "Spare The Rod, etc" My teen years were largely misspent, I was a total failure as a bull rider in the local rodeos, with a working knowledge of the dumb end of a shovel and a manure fork and the south end of a north bound cow, then during WW2 a few years as a government pack mule provocateur, a frugal life on the backstretch of various race tracks and horse farms and ultimately a beginning entry into the hallowed halls of horsemanship, fostered by a wonderful old school spade bit horseman

As wandered into legality I entered into a contract with the U S Navy, experienced the futility of the Korean "Pizz Up" then after several years of wasted efforts I gained my freedom and returned to my apprenticeship in the study of the noble equine and his use and functions.

At this point I was privileged to become acquainted with a variety of men and women with names like Mac, Jimmy, Barbara, Clyde, Red,John, and others who introduced the world to the function, beauty and wonders of the "Western Horse" I made every effort to join the ranks of these splendid horsemen and women and was rewarded with a mediocre career of training horses for wonderful customers and a gaggle of juveniles who I still call "My Kids" and who remain dear friends even after all these years.

Barn builder, equestrian center manager and consultant, horse show judge, actor, model, off road racer, cop, author, and several occupations that I hesitate to discuss and many other "Cow Plops" in the pasture of life that have led me to the edge of senility and a rapidly deteriorating carcass.

I've been horse-bit, mule kicked, bull stomped, robbed, lied to, run off with, bucked off, cussed and discussed, blessed and cursed, but ya know what?, I loved every damn minute of it. I've been lover, a fighter and a wild horse rider and I still think I can buck harder, kick higher and fart louder than any OLD horse in the corral.

As for my advice to anyone who is remotely interested I say, " Just Keep Spurring, Because If You Don't They'll Damn Sure Catch Up." Just Sayin

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Beach Babies - San Elijo State Beach

California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California. These treasures are as diverse as California: From the last stands of primeval redwood forests to vast expanses of fragile desert; from the lofty Sierra Nevada to the broad sandy beaches of our southern coast; and from the opulence of Hearst Castle to the vestiges of colonial Russia.

Located on the San Diego Coast, San Elijo State Beach offers swimming, surfing, showers and picnicking. The narrow, bluff-backed stretch of sand has a nearby reef popular with snorkelers and divers.



Sunday, August 13, 2017

Family Camping - Lake Hemet

Family Camping - Lake HemetLake Hemet, one of the most popular vacation spots in Southern California for waterpark play, camping, fishing, RVing, festivals and weddings.



Photos from our weekend: