What's Around the Bend?

This road?

It leads into the eastern side of Henry Coe State Park, off of Pacheco Pass (or Highway 156). I want to see what's down there around that bend.

Henry Coe shall be closing soon due to the California state budget crisis. Even if the park was to stay open, the opportunity to head down that road is still limited. The park only allows visitors certain times of the year to wander down that road to see what's around the bend.

One day.

Click these links if you'd like to know more about Henry Coe State Park and its eastern entrance called Dowdy Ranch Visitor Center.

Lover's Leap

Heading down (west) on Pacheco Pass. That peak up ahead is Lover's Leap

That craggy peak on Pacheco Pass (Highway 156) just past Bell Station is called Lover's Leap. I just learned that a few months ago. Here's what else I learned.

• It's 1,096 feet high.
• The land form used to be a volcano under a sea millions of years ago.
• The peak is also called Hollenbeck's Rock. The Mr. Hollenbeck for whom the mountain was named had owned Bell Station, which was called Hollenbeck Stage Station.
• An Indian princess climbed up to the peak and leapt to her death, hence the name Lover's Leap. One story goes that she was in love with a man from another tribe, which was a big no no. Romeo and Juliet all over again. 
• Hiking up the mountain is possible. 

What do you know about Lover's Leap?

A Sign about Pacheco Pass

You'll find this sign near the east entrance to Henry Coe State Park on Pacheco Pass, or Highway 152. It's just above the old Bell Station, which was a stagecoach stop.

According to the sign, Pacheco Pass was an ancient trail connecting the coast to the "Central Valley's wild tule marshes and dense riverside forests".

New Life

May 16 to May 22 Theme:  The Little Details in Downtown Hollister

 Most, if not all, of the store fronts in downtown Hollister have been home to one or more businesses, nonprofit organizations, and/or churches. This store front with all the wonderful details is no different.

You'll find this building at the corner or Fourth and San Benito Streets. What's there now? If you know what used to be there before, please share.

Man in the Tree

May 16 to May 22 Theme: The Little Details in Downtown Hollister

Next time you park in the lot on Sixth and East Street, take a look at the tree across Wentz Alley. There's a figure hanging out in the tree. Do you see it?