Armenian Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony 2016

One feels very fortunate to be able to stumble into a ladybugs love-in when on a hike. We encountered thousands upon thousands of ladybugs on a February hike in Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park in California. The colorful display is mind-boggling, colorful, spectacular and unforgettable.

A Nevada County favorite since 1987 The Draft Horse Classic, held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Northern California every September since 1987, is recognized as the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States among perhaps hundreds around the world.

The Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony still takes place at Armenian churches all around the world in mid-August. For curious travelers, it remains a worthwhile tradition to visit and will feel as if you are in a different country.

The Underground Gardens tourist destination offers an intriguing tale for all ages that is well worth a stop. The Underground Gardens is what it sounds like: A weaving labyrinth of caverns, rooms and passages all dug underground and filled with fruit trees, vines and plants in spaces that open to the sky. This oddity was built – or shall we say, dug – by Italian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere for about 38 years starting in 1906.

A beautiful stream of reflected light fell across the river from Old Sacramento and its lights. I was standing on the opposite side of the bridge from Old Town. Now, if only that goose would swim over into the right place….

When thoughts start to turn to spring and flowers, the question arises, where to find wildflowers and perhaps butterflies and ladybugs too?

South Yuba River State Park’s Bridgeport wildflowers are fantastic in spring. A perfect time to visit the Bridgeport Historic Covered Bridge and enjoy a guided walk.

When you are in Carmel on the Monterey Peninsula of California, don’t forget to seek out inland trails to find the best hike in Carmel. Palo Corona Regional Park.