Henry Cowell Camping- Annual trip July 2007

Well, the China blog is finished and I am back to the usual hiking, wildlife, and plants stuff. Time for our annual camping trip with our friends, for a total of four families including us. Always fun, it is good to hang with our friends and live in the woods for four days. ("Live in the woods" being defined as car-camping, actually).


Henry Cowell is a nice park near Santa Cruz, CA. It is known for its hiking trails and its giant redwoods. The Redwood Grove Self-Guided Trail is a popular one. Lisa served as our guide, doing a great job reading points of local info at the various numbered spots.


"Hey, Glen and Kayla, go stand by the giant redwood. I'll get your picture! I'll bet no one thought of getting this shot!"

This tree is my favorite. Like the beehive-behind-glass at Knotts Berry Farm that so fascinated me as a kid, this does the same. Seeing the ring that grew during such events as the birth of Jesus, the voyage of Columbus, the signing of the Magna Carta, and the various wars gives me the chills. Just like seeing an entire beehive two inches away safely behind a half inch of glass.

Henry Cowell State Park is a cool place, though a little crowded for me. The redwoods are huge, as expected, but I goofed up and got one of those tree-growing-out-of-the-subject's-head shots.



Lots to do at the park. We like hanging out with our friends Hippo, cooking a great meal, Ellen looking happily retired, Winnie pensive, and angelic Kayla.



There was an impromptu wood-chopping contest. Lisa kicked butt and had the hardest piece of wood. I had a hard time chopping the carrots.



The main part of camping is the tent. It is fun to set up if you like jamming poles through plastic sleeves in the sun, bugs, and dirt. Tents always look cool from a distance.



The second key part of camping is that you have lots of free time, something that I am not unaccustomed to. Other than cooking and hiking, there is not a lot to do, so in my free time, I consider a new career.



Everyone is happy when camping. Lisa and me, Ryan and Win, Kayla and Liz, and the famous painting, the MonaLisa.

Pallas likely laughing at one of my jokes. OK, probably not.

Win decides to cook us up some grubs, beetles, and tree bark. We are, after all, camping. He pours in some moldy pond water just for flavoring.

Fortunately, we all survive Win's stew by sharing a box of this.


Being a police officer, Win is entitled to wear special socks. If a criminal tries to run, Win whips off his shoe and sings the COPS tune. Stops the bad guys cold every time. Actually, Win is the coolest cop I know. He didn't even get mad when I accidentally tossed his club into the fire.

Ellen, Mona, and Lisa decide that they are going to put up the shade tarp.

I decide to help by doing what I do best. Actually, work fascinates me; I could watch it for hours.

In truth, we ate pretty well thanks to everyone's great cooking.

We took several hikes through the park, including an edible plants hike, led by a local naturalist. Here, we picked Huckleberries.

We learn the proper way to eat a Hazelnut.

And a crowd favorite, Wild Ginger.

We wander around the giant redwoods enjoying the big trees.

OK, time for a hiking group photo. Check out this "before" picture. Everyone looks nice and normal.

Then, everyone ate a handful of Poison Oak.

We wander around the trees and see this cutie who seemed mesmerized by the Redwood Grove sights.

We had a great time as usual and spent a lot of time telling everyone about the China trip.

One last group photo with the whole gang, Liz, Kayla,Win, Hippo, Nick, Ryan, Glen, Mona, Ellen, Pallas, Lisa, and me.

Time to leave Henry Cowell and begin planning next year's location.

China Day 13 -- Beijing, The Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Goodbye

Day 13, Beijing -- Jade factory, The Great Wall, Cloisonne', and The Ming Tombs.

First stop, the Jade Factory. As usual, I am not too interested in this stuff, but, as usual, I get interested after seeing it. The Jade Factory was my favorite "factory" since the carvings were amazing. The Chinese love jade and it goes back as far as Chinese civilization itself. They equate it with virtue.

It's hard to believe that a craftsman can make these things. Here's one of those "gotta-have-it" items, and I had it all picked out, but Lisa didn't want to spend $4,500 US on what she called a dumb boat. "It's art!" I argued, but she wouldn't budge. "I'm sure this baby would be worth $4,550 in 10 years! Don't you want virtue?"

The jade carvings were fun and I could have stayed taking pics, but we were all anxious to see the Great Wall. I started to work on Lisa about how we needed a jade horse to complete our home decor of "Early Ming Dynasty", but the bus was leaving.

We hop on the bus and are excited to see one of the great wonders of the world; the only man-made object one can see from space. (Clicking on the pics, as always, enlarges them. Hit your "back" arrow to return.) Stretching over 4,000 miles, The Great Wall is awesome. It is the longest man-made structure in the world. Construction of the Great Wall started in the 7th century B.C. The vassal states under the Zhou Dynasty in the northern parts of the country each built their own walls for defence purposes. After the state of Qin unified China in 221 B.C., it joined the walls to hold off the invaders from the Xiongnu tribes in the north.

We are taken to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, one of several access sites. Here's my review: The Wall is very cool and steeped in Chinese history. We are told that you can go up to the right or the left. When I asked about the difference, I was told that the left side offered a greater view and better pictures. This photo shows the steepest part of our climb. Almost straight up, I was surprised how steep this part was. I was excited to be on the wall and had lots of energy. We hiked 3,999.9 miles, but just couldn't make that last 10th of a mile since we had to get back to the bus.

Speaking of buses, here's what brings 4, 000,000 (four million, no joke) visitors a year to the Great Wall. I don't think that I have been to a more popular tourist site.





I liked everything about the Great Wall except one thing: they allow vendors on the wall as far as the vendors wish to hike. Here is what we saw at every turn, (although I have to admit, a cold brew is just what the doctor ordered after the Long March.) I did however object to the t-shirts, chop sticks, paintings, and silly certificates that said, "I climbed The Great Wall." I am very selective in what I find inappropriate.





The wall is fun and everyone seemed to be having a good time walking on a piece of history. It's just like walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, except that it's a wall, different country, different history, different historical importance, and different relevance. Here, one of the local girls kept waving at me.





Guess what is one of the biggest problems facing the wall. Erosion? Cheap hiking sticks chipping the stones? Nope, it's graffiti. Enlarge this pic by clicking on it and you'll see the Chinese writing in every brick. Seems like everyone wants to be immortalized by carving their name or a saying into the millions of bricks along the wall.



The steps are old, uneven, and worn. With the heat and crowds, sometimes you just need to take a break.



After the Great Wall, we are taken to a Cliosonne' factory. Cloisonné is a unique combination of copper and porcelain working skills, traditional painting, sculpting,and etching skills. As bored as I thought I'd be walking around a "vase store", I actually was impressed with the workmanship of the items. Also, you cannot believe what they can make from this intricate process. Lisa shopped and I wandered around looking for pics like this one.

After the Cloisonne Factory, we head to the Ming Tombs, a 15-square mile complex where 13 emperors are buried. Construction of the tombs started in 1409 and ended with the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644. Everything ever written about the Ming Tombs is here.





One of my (and many others) favorite spots in this area is the Sacred Way. The emperor, it is believed, gets to return to heaven via this road. It is lined with 12 human and 24 animal statues.

And, of course, I get a kick out of the signs.

OK, this is the last funny sign that I see in China and the last photo of one. I wasn't looking for this site, but while researching about the Ming Tombs, I bumped into a guy who collects funny signs. His pics of signs are here.

One irresistible part of the Sacred Way is to goof with the statues. I don't don't why, but no one can resist it. Everyone took silly pics in some sort of wacky pose while standing next to, under, or atop a statue. Even Mao got into it.

Like the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, the Ming Tombs are full of temples, pavilions, statues, walkways, archways, thresholds, and glorious history. This statue of one of the emperors fascinated me. Not the statue so much, but the amount of money people had thrown at his feet. I don't know what the money is for or represents, but there was a lot of it, and unguarded. I don't think you would see this in the US.

At one end of the Sacred Way is the Stele Pavilion which houses poems, inscriptions, and the accomplishments of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty which lasted almost 300 years.

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, the China blog is about to end. It has been fun remembering our trip and going through the pictures.

Throughout the trip, we looked for the "real" China. I am not sure what that is. Like the US, what is the "real" part? New York? The South? The Grand Canyon? I suppose it's all real. This is what I thought it would be, and in parts, it was.

This too was real, and frankly, not surprising. My guess is that this is where it is all heading, so if you are thinking of visiting China, you might consider going soon.

We enjoyed meeting and travelling with our tour comrades, many of whom are reading this now. I hope you are all doing well and that you enjoyed looking through the China trip again.

On Day 14, I took no pictures, but we walked around Beijing and were taken to two shopping areas. We then departed for the airport for the 12-hour flight home. So long China; we had a great time.

China Day 12 -- Beijing Sites

OK, looks like we are winding down on the China trip, but we have some great stuff coming up. We head to the Beijing Zoo to see, what else? The Giant Pandas!



These bears are as cute as can be, but they are bears! With teeth. And they are huge. Seeing them in person, you are glad that you are not in the pen with them. I know that sounds dumb, but seeing them on TV, I always say, "Ahh, how cute...wish I could pet them..."



Seeing them live, you say, "Ahh, how cute, glad they are behind the fence!"



These bears are wonderful. They seem very docile and seeing them in Beijing was a real treat. I had to knock down small children and old ladies to get these shots, but I think that it was worth it. Hey, c'mon, it's not like they can fight back, right?



I was snapping away, but actually gave up my spot so some kid could take a peek. He gave me a look like, "Hey Ansel, give it a rest and move your fat a$$ out of the way."



We saw a lot in China and were in many towns and cities. Throughout, I commented that in 10/20/30 years, China would be the dominant power in the world. Here's why. Socialist government, capitalist economy. You'll see; call me in 20 years.



After the zoo, we head for the Summer Palace and Kunming Lake. The grounds are a 300 hectare park. (Remember what a hectare is? Really big or 2.471 acres.) We take a ride on the lake and end up at the "marble Boat."



The Dowager Empress Cixi, in the 1800's supposedly squandered the naval funds and commissioned the boat to be built in semi-Western style with two Mississippi type of wheel paddles, to signify that the water can propel the boat instead of toppling it, thus indicating the stability of the Qing Dynasty. She was wrong, by the way, and most believe that the decadence of her rule provoked the demise of the Qing Dynasty.

Lots to say about the Summer Palace and, like explaining the history of Boston, one cannot cover it in a few sentences. I could go on for pages about the historical importance of the joint, (Hey, I'm a guy who can go on for hours on the blooming cycle and characteristics of the Sticky Monkey Flower; see previous blogs) but if you are that into Chinese history and the Dowager Empress, I suggest you click here.


On to Tian'anmen Square. We look out onto the square and see this! OK, sorry, I took a 1989 cheap shot.

Tian'anmen is a great square, one of the largest in the world, and has many purposes. In addition to its historical, political, and cultural importance, it is to me a fine photo opportunity.

I love this one: I can hear her mother say, " Hey, honey, how about we take little Zing to the Square and put on her watermelon suit with the purple Crocs? I'll get the Crocs decorations."








I tried to get a different perspective of Tian'anmen Square and this was the best I could do. Mellissa will probably will hate it, but I think it's cute. Wonder if you can get a photo of a nearly half million-yard square with a camera that is three inches. (She did.)

At the end of the Square is a giant picture of Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung). A brilliant politician and military strategist, Mao is pretty much revered in most places that we saw. Did you know that in May of 2007, there was a fire attack on this famous portrait? It's here. That's how Mao got the bags under his eyes.









I liked Tian'anmen Square. There was lots to see and apparently, an opportunity to be seen. These kids got a big kick out of a tall Caucasian with enormous feet. They loved waving and yelling the only English they know: "Hallo, hallo! Good morning!"





Hey, get this: Tired of walking around the square? Just lift your feet! Yeah, it's one of my favorites too.









I have lots of pics here since the square was so interesting to me. It's really just a big open place with statures, buildings, and signs. Oh yeah, we saw the usual helpful signs. I can't get enough of this...
"Relic protected, no scratch". Now, that's funny!








We were fortunate to have wandered into an umbrella convention. Everyone is hanging out (everyone being several thousand people) and having fun.









Gary was with me when I asked these people how many dorks have you seen today?









So, you are in the square and decide that you are going to walk through the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and walk through to the Forbidden City.









Every time you walk through an archway and through a courtyard, there is another one. And another, and another and you gotta be kidding me. It never ended. Historically, common people were forbidden to enter the city hence the name. Too bad that rule isn't enforced today. The Emperor would be rolling over in his tomb if he saw how many commoners walk through. He'd be mortified to know that there is a Starbucks there as well.
Like Tian'anmen Square, there is lots going on in the FC (Forbidden City). Like collecting cardboard. The amazing Chinese can convert a bike into anything. We saw bikes made into haulers, vans, trucks, and flatbeds.







Yellow, the imperial color is everywhere and like everywhere else, the Chinese love their roofs.







...and bridges.







The main activity seems to be walking through the endless courtyards and saying profound things like, "Gee, honey, this place is big!"







The other key activity is saying, "Hey, go stand over there and I'll get your picture.







OK, now for the big news. Do you recognize this woman? Here's how it went.

Everyone in our group: "OMIGOD, there's Meredith Vieira!!"

Me: "Who?"

Everyone: "You know! She's the moderator on the View!"

Me: "Who?"

Everyone: "OMIGOD! In the Forbidden City! Meredith Vieira! She hosted Who Wants To Be a Millionaire!"


Me: "Who?"
Everyone: "I got a picture of her! She is sooo nice! You must get her picture!"

Me: "OK"
So, I stroll across the courtyard and approach Ms. Vieira and ask her if I may take her pic. She is nice and asks me where I'm from. She was there with her film crew and was doing a shoot and story. So, there you have it. Famous people in the FC!
Here's someone NOT interested in the celebrity hubbub. He's got his outfit going on and a set of flags. It doesn't get any better, unless one had ice cream.





Our gang stops for a group picture that gets placed in a book of the area which we all buy. We end up winning "The Best Looking Tour Group Award" presented by the Chinese government. Everyone got a paper fan.
Before lunch, I go into the bathroom to wash my hands. Common sinks for men and women are, well, common in China, but check this out. Yep, every time someone leans over to wash their hands, their buddy snaps a picture. It's great, but what I call "8th-grade funny."





Time to leave the big squares and head back. Cute, huh? Tomorrow is the Great Wall, a real highlight of the trip.