This trip seems to have been one very grand history lesson and each new thing we learn adds to our adventure novel. I love it all.
I have a thing for covered bridges so we had to visit this one, located just outside Chico.
The wooden Honey Run Bridge was originally built in 1886, and was later covered in 1894. The bridge was open to vehicular traffic until a car crashed into and damaged it in 1965. The covered bridge is now used as a pedestrian footbridge and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The bridge spans Butte Creek Canyon, nicknamed "The Little Grand Canyon". The scenery was breathtaking and we agreed it was a pretty accurate moniker.
Another of my 'things' are pioneer cemeteries. Started during the Gold Rush, we found that the earliest burials here were gold miners who came to Butte Creek Canyon seeking their fortunes. In March of 1900, five pioneer families joined together to form the Centerville Cemetery.
I love this name: Friend Baker, a Native of England.
After Centerville, we took a long, winding dirt road, high above Butte Creek Canyon, back to town. As we traversed the mountain top, a young black bear ran across our path. He was too quick for us to stop and photograph him, sadly.
But in the town of Paradise, we glimpsed these cute bears and made a u-turn. We had to stop at Second Hand Sally's to see the extensive (and darling) selection of chainsaw carved bears created by World Famous Bear Carver, Daniel Forschler. This pair, according to Daniel, is 1 of 4,000 he has sold this year. We absolutely love them.
A picnic lunch and more local history lessons occurred at The Patrick Ranch Museum, a unique place dedicated to enhancing people’s understanding and appreciation of Chico's rich agricultural heritage through the presentation of its collection, rotating exhibits, and interpretive displays.
We couldn't remember the last time we were on a teeter-totter. This John Deere creation was pretty darn fun and a nice break from touring!
The gardens beckoned us to linger and explore.
This was the first time we have seen walnuts growing, up close.
The Ranch is a very bee-friendly place. They teach classes to help people learn how to make adjustments to gardens, using a variety of plants to provide food, water and shelter for bees. They also share an interactive children's story, about bees and why they are important. Got to love bees!
The Museum is home to the 1877 Glenwood Farmhouse, a Visitor Center and Gift Shop, as well as multiple barns, a priceless collection of artifacts, and is located on 28 picturesque acres between Chico and Durham. Our lessons were extensive, and included the history of how this all came to be and how uniquely tied with the Gold Rush it all is. Originally, this land was a Grant given to James Marshall (yes, the man who first discovered gold, 134 miles away). It was all so very interesting to learn, especially while exploring the fully restored and wonderfully furnished Farmhouse. Fabulous, almost overwhelming history!
Last time we were in Chico, we toured Bidwell Mansion. Today, we ended our day at Bidwell Park (1905). We only barely scratched the surface of the Park's 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles). We definitely have a great deal more to explore!
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1 comments:
Well, where to start? In order? Yes, that will work.
The covered bridge is fabulous. What a find.
I love the humming bird picture, and the prairie grass at Tidwell Park. California is so diverse.
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