CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS

After days of heavy rain, strong wind and cold temperatures, today dawned clear, sunny and bright blue. It was far too nice of a day to stay inside so Lou and I headed to Old Sacramento for a walk along the river. Old Sacramento is several square blocks of old restored buildings housing tons of shops and restaurants on the Sacramento River.

Even though it was still chilly out, it was really nice to have to wear our sunglasses for a change! This was a great day to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. I was having fun just snapping pictures of anything and everything.



Some interesting angles and blue sky - the first in several days!




A tree with some unusual bark patterns and the last remnants of fall.



The paddle wheel of the Delta King - now a hotel and restaurant.



The historic Tower Bridge across the Sacramento River.



At the end of the river walk there is a street light museum of sorts. They have preserved street lamps from every era of Sacramento history and put them all in one area of the walkway. Here are a few of the early city lights.

Along the way we saw several turtles – we watched one for several minutes as he struggled to climb up on a log and relax in the sun. An informational sign said they were Northern Pacific Pond Turtles. I had to repeat it to myself several times to remember the name. Things just don’t stick in my head like they used to.

This is the guy who finally made his way onto the log.

These three were totally enjoying the morning sun - just like us.

I absolutely loved that the designers of the new river walk thought of our four-legged friends in their plans. There were several water fountains which had an adult size fountain, a child fountain and a dog fountain at the bottom. What a great idea!

One of the doggy-friendly drinking fountains.

The trees along the river which usually grow out of the riverbanks are now partially submerged since the water level is really high. We are supposed to have a break from the torrential rains that have been pounding California until Christmas night but there is more on the way.

The water level is closing in on the Tower Bridge.

You can see the trees "growing" out of the river.

Following our stroll we had lunch at a small café before heading back home. Sometimes it is the simplest things that can lift your spirits and give you a real feel for what Christmas is all about. I know many people think that you must have a white Christmas, but being a California girl through and through there is nothing like a bright, beautiful, sunny day to get me in the mood for the holidays.