Welcome to Sonoma.

 Today I traded city streets for the quiet charm of Sonoma, California. While Napa is famous for its vineyards, Sonoma has a slower pace that made me feel right at home.

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Our first stop was the historic Sonoma Plaza, where we found a giant bear standing proudly in the middle of town. It wasn't a real bear, of course, but a reminder of the short-lived California Republic of 1846. For just 25 days, California was an independent nation before becoming part of the United States. 

The bear on the California state flag traces its roots back to this fascinating chapter of history, known as the Bear Flag Revolt. It was fun imagining what the plaza must have looked like during those exciting and uncertain days.

Just a short walk away stood one of Sonoma's most important landmarks—the historic Sonoma Mission. Officially known as Mission San Francisco Solano, it was the last and northernmost of California's 21 Spanish missions.

A little tipsy from some wine tasting but being beary respectful in the mission. 

Walking through the adobe buildings and peaceful courtyard, I couldn't help but think about the many people whose lives crossed paths here over the centuries. I was especially interested in the servants' quarters, where the mission's workers lived and carried out many of the daily tasks that kept the community running. It offered a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people whose stories are often overshadowed by the mission itself. The simple architecture and quiet gardens created a peaceful atmosphere, making it easy to slow down and reflect on the mission's long and sometimes complicated history.

Nearby was the mission's hospice, which served as a simple hotel where travelers could find a place to stay and a warm meal, while also helping provide food for residents of the mission community.

Before leaving, I spent a little more time wandering around Sonoma's historic plaza. The town has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, with locally owned shops, cozy cafés, and an impressive art scene.  As you might have guessed this painting really called spoke to me. 

 

Time to head home (well almost)

 Hiya Gang.
Little Fox and I here.  Today Little Fox has offered to take me around Hood River.  It's near The Dalles and on the way home why not.

Hood River is a super popular town.  Today we are doing a volksmarch around town.  Hoping to see some sight (check off the Columbia River).  

Met this cool dinosaur outside of the gas station.  This guy is in great shape (except for that pesky sticker on it's side).

A mile or so away from the dinosaur we came across this pedestrian bridge. It goes across the Hood River (which flows into the Columbia).  Sadly no spawning salmon in the Hood River. 

What a nice day. Along the way the volksmarch organizers had all sorts of public art.  This is one our favorites.

So much more adventuring to do.  Lunch, cocktails and a drive home.  This little fox and bear need their rest.

Hiya Blog World, Little Fox here.  Today, I am exploring the  State Capitol.  They gardening staff at the capital does an amazing job year round.  A few early tulips (daffodils are long gone).

As you can see if the grounds of the capitol or well protected.which car do you think is cooler? The blue  or the gray one?  I wish they had a fox orange cruiser?

My next stop on the capital campus is the sculpture garden.  The first sculpture here is of our state animal, the beaver. You'll notice that each of these beavers has a nice stick to enjoy.  

Up next we have the sculpture a"Animals on parade". This is a personal favorite of mine.

These gators look so happy (and who can blame them?).

Sequoia wanted to be part of the animal parade as well. 

Time to leave the capital grounds and explore town.

I came across this interesting statue at the local park.  The carousel was packed today (actually, this picture was taken the day before Easter....one might say the carousel was hopping that day...). 

Finally, as my exploration ended I came across this building.  Some say it's Art Deco others not.  It's the Capital Tower office building built in 1927.  

Whatever style of architecture it is I'm beary impressed by this building.  Whew, this fox is tired, time to find some lunch.    

 

Beanie's Art Contest. An entry from a little fox, drunk fox, and the gang

Good Day Stuffies.  Three entries.
Entry #1: Done by Little Fox.  Titled: Untitled.
My art is inspired by the many artists who use LED displays to do small and large scale installations.

Entry #2: Done by the Gang.  Titled: Family Portrait
Inspired by every home photographer trying to get a good  portrait of their family. 

Entry #3: Done by Drunk Fox.  Titled: Selfie

Inspired by tourists around the world

Thanks for the contest Beanie. Good luck artists.  LF

Carbondale Art Walk

Now as my regular readers might know I have a keen knack for adventuring, traveling, and hiking.  On my latest adventure I decided to take some of the public art around Carbondale, Colorado (my home base for the trip).

Do you see me to the right?

Just hanging around. 

Here I am, in the middle. 

Gid-ee-up

Bought time I got a proper rest. 

Bike bells?

Some sort of guitar

Not part of the art walk but it's a perfect fit for a fox. 

The color is perfect. 

I doubt I will get lost in this labyrinth . 

Passport Adventures Part Two

Today was a nice fall day there wasn't too much rain and the sun was out.  My roommates decided to drive out to the country to the Hotel Oregon.  We have been working on our Mcmenamin's pawsport, once we get all the stamps we win neat prizes.  

The Hotel Oregon is an old hotel from 1902.  It fell into disrepair many years ago but McMenamins bought it about 15 years ago and remodeled it.

The entrance has this nice sitting room.  I love this couch.

This long table is perfect for me to host a party for my stuffie friends and I.

We started off on a scavenger hunt looking for a piece of art where there was more than wine on the mind.  Hmm this seems like a challenge for Beanie.

Is this it?  No, this squirrel wearing a nut as a hard hat.

Is this it?  No, this is a skyline view of the Hotel Oregon.

Here I am relaxing at a table on the rooftop bar.  Oh no!  It's starting to rain.

Back to the scavenger hunt.  Is this it?  No, this is the name of the old coffee shop from years ago.  I do admit I like the bear.  I wonder if he is drinking coffee or hot chocolate?

Ahhh, here we go.  I think I found it.  Looks like this guy has more than wine on the mind.  Hey, why am I out of this picture?

Now that I have found my art work I think I am going to relax with a  few sips of my roommates beer.  Last time I had beer I got awfully “tired” and had a hard time sitting up straight. 

Apparently, little foxes don’t have the tolerance for beer that humans do.  I think I will just take a little nap until my roommates are ready to go out again and explore.