Wandering Wednesday - California

Capital: Sacramento
Entered the Union: September 9, 1850 (31st state)
Motto: Eureka ( I have found it) It is widely believed this is because of the discovery of Gold
Facts: The first Spanish Mission was established in 1769 at San Diego. On Jan 24, 1848 gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill ( by James W. Marshal) and the California Gold Rush bringing with it a large number of settlers. California has both the lowest point (death Valley 282 ft below sea level) and the highest point ( Mt Whitney 14,491 ft) in the lower 48 states. California is the birthplace of the Frisbee, Barbie Dolls, skateboards and Video arcade games.

The California state Capitol building is gorgeous a lot of ornate sculptures.

  Also the state Seal says Eureka.

 Sutter's Fort which was key to the settlement of Sacramento and shelter to the survivors from the Donner Party.

 San Fransisco and the famous Ghirardelli square.. great hot cocoa on a cold day

 The Golden Gate Bridge

 Alcatraz. I was suppose to take a walking tour but the government shut down so it was cancelled :( maybe next time.

 Famous Pier 39

 and the Sea lions

 Winchester Mystery house:
This is the house owned by the widow to the inventor of the Winchester rifle. She believed that ghosts were out to kill her and as long as she kept up construction on the house they would nt find her. There is a stairway to the ceiling. , a door in the floor, and a lot of other odd things. It is an amazing tour! This place is HUGE and a must see in northern California.

 Venice Beach with my dad. I grew up about 5 miles from here so as a child this was my stomping grounds!

 Venice Canals. I great walking area. or if you have a boat you can paddle around.

 My favorite part of California - the sunsets!

 And You can't visit southern California without at least seeing the Hollywood sign...

 I took the hiking path up to it, or rather behind it.

 Lastly, Catalina island where southern Californians go to escape...