Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 74

A Special Place in Eldorado

By Linda Tancs

The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada, less than two hours from Sacramento, California. Its mountainous topography is broken by special places like the Mokelumne River Canyon, arguably the star attraction of the Mokelumne Wilderness. The 105,165-acre wilderness has a long history of use by both Native Americans and European settlers. Ranging in elevation from 3,960 feet to 10,380 feet, it features old growth virgin forest at all elevations and a varied plant life. Geologically, it’s prized for prominent volcanic peaks and ridges overlaying massive granite features. In fact, the granitic valleys and highlands of the Mokelumne are part of the combined masses of granitic rock that have been uplifted by tectonic action to form the 400-mile-long Sierra Nevada range. The canyon is generally free of snow this time of year, but snowcaps typically linger into June in the higher elevations.

Auburn’s Historic House

By Linda Tancs

William Henry Seward enjoyed a storied political career, having served as a New York State Senator, Governor of New York, a United States Senator and as Secretary of State in the Lincoln and Johnson administrations. Among his many achievements, he negotiated the purchase of Alaska and also became an influential lawyer. His longtime home in Auburn, New York, is a historic house museum. Given his political ties, one of the home’s most interesting collections is in the “diplomatic gallery,” where over 120 photographs and engravings represent every country with which the United States had a diplomatic relationship. The home is located at 33 South Street and is available for viewing by guided tour only.

Japan’s Ramen Museum

By Linda Tancs

Ramen is arguably the national dish of Japan, with styles varying according to the region in which it is served. There’s even a museum dedicated to the stretchy noodle. Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum in Yokohama is designed like a food court, offering up different styles of ramen and featuring original recipes from its inception. You’ll learn about ramen history and have the opportunity to participate in a noodle-making workshop.

Red Rocks and a Railroad

By Linda Tancs

Arizona is defined by canyons presenting unforgettable views. One of those treasures is Verde Canyon, where a distinctive confluence of high desert and wetland provides enviable wildlife viewing opportunities. You can do that on a four-hour return train ride aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad between Clarkdale and the historic ranch town of Perkinsville. Using 20 miles of heritage track built in 1912 to serve the copper mines out of Jerome, the well-appointed vintage train cars journey through a red rock canyon that follows the curves of the Verde River, offering spectacular views of unusual geology, abundant wildlife, lush greenery and Native American ruins. The climate-controlled cars run year round.

Experiencing the Hemispheres

By Linda Tancs

Kiribati is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations located in the central Pacific Ocean about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. In addition to boasting the biggest water-to-land ratio in the world, it bears the distinction of being the only country to fall in all four hemispheres. It comprises 33 coral islands, all but one of which are atolls. The majority of the atolls are surrounded by barrier reefs, creating picturesque lagoons for world-class fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and other water sports. You’ll also find a fair share of historical and cultural experiences, like artifacts from the Battle of Tarawa during World War II and a demonstration of toddy cutting (a sap that comes from the blossom of the coconut before the spathe that contains it bursts). Fiji Airways serves the area from Nadi or Honolulu.

America’s Famous Dessert

By Linda Tancs

Jell-O is “as American as apple pie” (as the saying goes). It was invented by a carpenter in LeRoy, New York, in 1897. He sold the rights to it to a fellow townsman who made it into what is now proclaimed as America’s most famous dessert. The history of this gelatinous wonder is explored at the Jell-O Museum in town. On exhibit are original advertising art, molds, toys, recipe books and other memorabilia.

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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

The King of Drakesville

By Linda Tancs

In what would become Drakesville, New Jersey (present-day Ledgewood), European settlers pioneered Morris County’s iron industry in the 1700s. The area was originally named for Abraham Drake, who owned a mill and a tavern. One of his grandsons, Jacob, later achieved prominence as a colonel of the western battalion of the Morris County militia during the Revolutionary War and as a member of the first New Jersey Legislature. Despite the Drakes’ fame, the local economy really prospered under the helm of Theodore King, who invested in mining, real estate and hotels and founded a steamboat company as Lake Hopatcong began to court tourists. The pioneering spirit of these early settlers is commemorated through rehabilitated buildings located at Drakesville Historic Park in the Ledgewood historic district of Roxbury Township. You’ll find the King Store there, flanked by the King Homestead as well as the Silas Riggs House, a so-called saltbox house because of its extended, rear sloping roofline reminiscent of the design of salt containers of colonial times.

A Unique Area in New York

By Linda Tancs

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation defines a Unique Area as “land owned by the state that was acquired due to its special natural beauty, wilderness character, or for its geological, ecological or historical significance.” The first area to be so designated is Labrador Hollow Unique Area in Cortland and Onondaga counties. The 2,000-foot-long boardwalk traverses a diverse wetland complex where you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive great blue heron or pied-billed grebe whose range covers the area. You should also look out for the Kentucky warbler, which has been identified as a rare and protected species by the New York Natural Heritage Program. While you’re there, be sure to visit Tinker Falls, with its impressive natural rock amphitheater above a 30-foot-high rocky cascade. The falls are most spectacular during the spring thaw this time of year.

The Dunes of Dorob

By Linda Tancs

Sea and sand meet at Sandwich Harbour along the Atlantic coast of Namibia. One of the area’s key attractions are the sand dunes backing the coastline, rising in many cases to over 300 feet. Historically a commercial fishing and trading port, legend has it that the name derives from an English whaler, the Sandwich, that operated in the area in the 1780s. The scenic locale is now part of Dorob National Park, a conservation area running from Walvis Bay to the Ugab River.

Water Biscuits in New York

By Linda Tancs

At approximately one-fifth acre in size, Squaw Island is New York’s smallest state park. Located at the northwest corner of Canandaigua Lake (one of the state’s Finger Lakes), it functions primarily as a wildlife management area and features water biscuits. Found in only a few locales worldwide, the so-called biscuits are flat, whitish cakes of lime that deposit over pebbles and twigs. The island is accessible only by boat; a public boat launch is available at Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, and paddlers may launch directly off Canandaigua City Pier.