Old Town

Another laid back day, exploring Sacramento, on foot. As we left the hotel, early, we decided to check out the Amtrak railway station, an impressive building which has a high vaulted ceiling and frieze depicting the joining up of the transpacific railway. We then ventured down to the historic old town and signed up for the 'underground' tour. The tour began from the museum and we followed our guide through the city's first streets.

Our guide was of Hawaiian descent and he told us that this was not unusual in Sacramento, as a number of Hawaiians and Polynesians settled here. Because the founding city was plagued with flooding from the two nearby rivers, the city built levies to keep the rivers out. Despite their efforts the rivers still flooded. Accordingly a unique solution was found. Over a period of thirteen years, the buildings were jacked up and the city was literally raised. Subsequently some of the original buildings were also levelled (i.e.) an additional upper floor was added them. The tour took us beneath several of the original buildings to view the archaeological excavations and artefacts that have been unearthed. Fascinating! It was now midday and time for a riverside lunch where we saw the famous gold bridge being raised.

We had then planned to take a river cruise, but the boat sailed as we were having lunch and we decided to visit a movie theatre instead (to see "The Peanut butter Falcon"!)

Once again, no Sirius XM today, so today's track was picked from past memories, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young .... Suite: Judy Blue Eyes