Tall Ship in port

Gary and dad went fishing and discovered that one of the tall ships was docked at Rio Vist. This is the Lady Washington. It is 112 feet, has 11 sails, and has 4.400 square feet. It currently has a crew of 14 but can sail with a crew of 8. This ship was used in the first Pirates of the Caribean movie. We enjoyed talking to the crew and got to go onboard. During the week-end, people can pay for a three hour tour as the ship sails on the river.


Lady Washington docked in Rio Vista, California.




One of the 3 lb. cannon.


Gary, Mom, and dad on board the Lady Washington.

Gary caught a couple of bass

We have enjoyed our stay at Delta Shores RV park in Isleton, Ca. We made it to our favorite restaurant twice. Gary was able to fish as often as he wanted. My folks were able to camp with us here for 5 days which meant that mom and I got to go shopping while the guys went fishing. Weather was just marvelous.

Gary caught this 18" in the Sacramento river.


This stripper was 23 3/4" long. Gary says it gave him a good fight.


Our new view just across the road.


Gary and dad fishing. Lots of bites.

Coloma Gold Rush Live, Oct. 11-13

We discovered that they were going to hold the Coloma Gold Rush Live Days at Coloma while we were camping at Ponderosa. 1000s of people attend this celebration of the gold rush days. The event was held in the John Marshall Gold Discovery State Park located in Coloma, Ca. The only cost was $7 to park the car. We enjoyed our day walking around and seeing the people in period costumes. Some were even cooking in the dutch ovens. Gary and I played a game of Farro, just don't ask who won. If you are ever in this area when this event is happening, make sure to attend. Lots of events for kids.


This group was playing music of the gold rush era. Great entertainment.


Gold miner's camp.


This gentleman was showing us what was meant by a "flash in the pan."


These ladies were spinning threads and making lace the old fashioned way.

Marshall Gold Discovery State historic Park

We took a tour of the site where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848. Lots of buildings and items to see. Cost was $5 per car. The visitor center has about 6 informational movies that you can watch. We really enjoyed our day. For more pictures just click on the travel photo link and look for the Coloma album.


Concord Stagecoach


Replica of a miner's cabin.


On Jan 24, 1848, James Marshall went to check out the tailrace of the sawmill. He scooped them up with his fingernail, pounded them between 2 rocks, placed them in the crown of his hat and hurried off to tell the mill workers what he had found. Four days later, he rode to Sutter's fort with the samples of gold. Sam Brannan, who operated a store at Sutter's fort, went to the mill to see about the gold discovery. When Brannan visited, San Francisco in May, he paraded up and down the streets with a bottle full of gold shouting, "Gold, Gold from the American River!" By the end of May, San Francisco was reported to be half-empty.


Replica of the sawmill.