Old Sacramento

I have been a bit of an overachiever this week and have taken two hikes, quite the change of pace from these last several months where one hike a month is more the norm.  I will be making an effort to make the time to make this trend last.  Okay, I admit that two hikes a week will likely not be a common occurrence, but it is my goal to make one-hike months just as rare. 

Old Time Photos

Carriage Rides



Lady Adams Bldg, oldest building in Sacramento



Yesterday I took a drive up to visit Old Sacramento.  This is a place that is both familiar and favored by me for many reasons.  Growing up, it was always a treat to make the drive and spend the day exploring the shops (especially the many candy shops scattered around) and pretending to be living in “olden times.”  While in school, there were countless field trips to the area, each one seen through new eyes.  And during my time attending Sac State, I worked in a small art gallery and gift shop that, by the way, is still open now (yes, I did stop in for a visit).  All of my memories of Old Sacramento are good ones.  Including the one I just made. 

While I have made many trips to and around Old Sacramento, this was the first one I took alone.  It is a different feeling to sightsee on one’s own.  What you lose in companionship you gain in independence.  People watching and exploration take center stage and you become surprised at what you find hiding in plain sight.  I saw things that I never saw until today; at least not from the same perspective with which I’ve always looked before.

 I saw the railroad museum, an imposing brick structure on the north side of Old Sacramento.  Instead of giving it a passing glance as I walked by, I stopped and watched as little families bustled in and out, the parents frazzled but happy, the kids excited and amazed.  I meandered past and walked by the Sacramento History Museum, which I had forgotten even existed.



I'm not even sure what this is, but it was fun to photograph.



I turned up Front Street and walked along the railroad tracks that are still strewn with fallen leaves.  To my right was the river, and as the sun began to set over the water a beautiful panorama appeared.  As I walked I snapped photos, and before I knew it I had arrived at Sacramento’s most unique hotel, an old paddleboat.  It is docked and has a lounge, restaurant and even a theater where performances are held regularly. 

By this time, however, the sun had sunk lower and the wind blowing off the water was becoming too chilly for me, so I turned and headed back to my car.  I crossed the cobbled street and returned to the wooden boardwalk that borders all the buildings and shops.  I noticed as I hustled along that the crowds hadn’t thinned very much.  It seems that Old Sacramento is just as bustling and busy as when, once upon a time, it was New Sacramento. 

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Ok, I know I've never seen this in Old Sacramento before.