Stanford University

Stanford University is a world famous university and research facility found between the cities of San Francisco and San Jose.  It is located near Silicon Valley and technology companies such as Google, Oracle and Apple, just to name a few.   But its architecture is impressive and a reminder of the history of California, which was settled by early Spanish missionaries.

View from the Main Quad at the center of the campus.

The university is also the home of a large collection of Rodin sculptures located throughout the campus and in the Cantor Arts Center.   This is The Burghers of Calais.

The Memorial Church.

A large grassy area at the center of campus perfect for a bit of relaxation on a beautiful spring afternoon.

The Hoover Tower.

 Wild flowers located elsewhere on campus.

I found this interesting sculpture at nearby Menlo College.

Fly away!

I went to Fort Funston today.  Like many areas along the coast near San Francisco, Fort Funston was at one point used by the military. It's been decades since it was last used for that function.  Now it is a coastal area popular for hiking and even dog walking.   But the most unusual activity that occurs here is hang gliding.

 

Setting up to hang glide on a nice windy day.

Ready for take off!

Dogs don't require leashes here.  These two are roaming freely and begin chasing after the hang gliders overhead

One of the many steep trails leading down to the beach and ocean.

More photos here.

World peace in the state capital

Today I went to Sacramento, the capital of the state of California.  I had never visited the State Capitol Building, which is located near downtown. There is also a large park adjacent to the Capitol Building. A nice place to spend an afternoon on a warm spring day.

There are roses planted near the entrance to the Capitol Building.

One of the many gardens throughout the grounds.

A giant redwood tree shading this corner of the park.

Orange trees planted along this path.

I thought this was an unusual sight, bamboo growing.

 A replica of the Liberty Bell.

One of the best parts of the State Capitol Park is a large rose garden.  It is actually called The World Peace Rose Garden.  The theme of this garden is to inspire peace and love. 

There are many poems and messages of peace written by school children of the area here. Their messages of peace and love are inscribed on plaques like these that are located all over the garden.  Quite a beautiful sentiment to go along with the beautiful roses that were blooming.

I also found this unusual sitting area with these columns.  Even looking it at in person, I think many people don't realize it is actually in the shape of a heart.  I tried to photograph it but it's hard to see it.

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament located near the State Capitol in Downtown Sacramento.

 More photos here.

Outside the city limits

I drove out to the countryside on this day.  I really had no idea where I was going.  I just headed south and ended up in this rural area, not so far from the heart of Silicon Valley.

I stopped along this single lane road because I saw this farm.  It was really peaceful and I imagined that one can really relax living out here in an area like this.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

The other rose garden located in San Jose is only a few miles from the Heritage Rose Garden, probably only 5 minutes away by car.  The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, dedicated in 1931, is more like a park that sits near a school in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  It is easy to find and a very nice park to visit for a leisurely picnic on a sunny California afternoon.

More photos uploaded here.