Monday, September 7, 2009

Labor Day Celebrations

After unloading the bicyle we began cycling on the bicycle trail. Only pedestrains, horses, cyclists, and skaters use this trail (no motorists). It is approx 50 km long. However, we only cycled about 35 km today. Notice the beautiful American River in the background.
Off loading the tandem before we began our 35 mile cycle along the trail next to the American River. Some of the most exquisite scene's in nature can be seen along this trail!

Soon after we began cycling we picked up a thorn. George changing the tyre. He comes totally prepared. Almost every cyclist that passed us asked if they could help. How impressive!


The tarred bicycle path ends at the Sacramento River, close to where the American and Sacramento rivers meet.

Part of the Old Sacramento celebrations was "a Cowboy from the Wild West!" Showing off his shooting skills.

Old Sacrament.


The I Max Theater is close to the California State Capitol Building.


We locked our bicycle in Old Sacramento and walked over to the Imax Theater where we watched "Whales and Dolphins" in 3 D. An excellent documentary


Some officers on horseback also enjoying the festivities in Old Sacramento.

Me, standing in front of the Mormon Batallion stand

One of the earliest Mormon pioneers to arrive in california was William B Ide. After the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Ide headed for Oregon with his wife Susan and five children. An old fur trapper at Fort Hall convinced him to go to California instead. They arrived at sutter's Fort on Oct 25, 1845. Soon afterwards Ide received word that the Mexicans were going to run the "Americanos" out of the area. He was one of a group of 30 men who rode to Sonoma and captured the Spanish General and his garrison of men. The group established the Republic of California and created a flag. They chose the grizzly bear, representing strength and unyielding resisstance as their emblem. Ide was chosen to serve as California's first and only president. However, 26 days later they turned the republic over to Captain Fremont an official of the United States of America.



After watching some people riding the old rail cart we cycled back to our car'



Taking a break from cycling by swimming in the American River.


It takes me a while to immerse as the water is icy cold. Refreshing when you are boiling hot and perspiring.




Ahh wonderful!




Labor Day is a holiday we celebrate working by not working! I had hoped that my beautiful Samantha would spend some of labor day in labor, however Dylan knows better. Here are some pictures of how George and I celebrated the day.

6 comments:

  1. Looks like you were right, Kamryn would have loved to spend labor day with you guys at the Imax. Instead she spent ALL day at two different parks with her friends from church. She had a blast though. Too bad little D didn't want to meet us, actually it might be a good thing because you and Dad wouldn't have had so much fun if you had spent it in the hospital. I'm glad you went cycling mom. Love you.

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  2. Just brings back very pleasant memories for me. I guess George did all the hard work while cycling ............. because that is what I did to Andrew when we had a tandem and he does not have your husbands calves. If you are not strong you have to be smart, very smart!

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  3. Looks like you guys had a blast mom. Rob and I also went to the river that day. So Fun. We all should have hooked up.

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  4. Wow...35km is far! Good job! I'm proud of you guys for staying fit! It's so important;)
    We miss you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks time!!!

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  5. All I can say is I miss you all so much and am so grateful for blogging.
    At least we get small glimpses into each others lives. Amber has has bronchitis and tonsilitis this week, Jessica has a serious back problem and my Mom in law to be was taken into hospital this morning so its been a stressful time for all of us.
    Great to see you and Uncle George are doing so well and I am sure you are looking forward to Dylan making his appearance!!
    Love and Hugs

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  6. I just love long weekends! It looks like you guys had a lot of fun! I am very impressed that you biked that far! Garreth and I went on the tandem last time we were visiting and it about killed me! Ha ha. So way to go! You sure did some fun stuff :)

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