A Visit to California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

California Academy of Sciences , an Eco-friendly structure using green technology

Rain Forest Section

Plants in rain forest

Plants in Rainforest

                                       

Soon after our coming to California our first place of visit is the famous  California Academy of Sciences, where we can see an aquarium, a planetarium and a natural history museum—a sort of three centers at one place. Of course in San Francisco there are many museums like Walt Disney Family Museum, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern art, Musee Mecanique, Cable car Museum etc. But as most children in our batch were interested in watching various types of plants, fishes and animals, we chose this place which is a must see for everyone. It requires almost one whole day to see so many rare and astonishing things here that we have not seen elsewhere. The academy people deserve our utmost compliments and appreciation for their untiring efforts in preserving all these specimens and in promoting the spirit of science and in creating awareness of caring for our environment and other fellow creatures and beings which have their right to live and grow in their habitats. For this purpose the Academy provided suitable surroundings and simulated conditions for all these creatures to survive without any discomfort and troubles.

 This Academy is located at Music Concourse Drive on Martin Luther King Jr.Blvd., in the heart of the city. This institution started as a society in 1853. In 2008 it was designed by the famous Italian architect, Renzo Piano and re-built in a spacious area. It was opened for public on 27^th September, 2008.The building was constructed in eco-friendly style having a spacious area of four lakh square feet. Nearly 26 million specimens are preserved and looked after here by the managing committee consisting of forty one trustees who allocate duties to executive members. This academy is a scientific and educational institution “dedicated to exploring, explaining and sustain life on earth.”Apart from display of exhibits this academy arranges lectures, workshops, field trips and demo classes on bio-diversity, taxonomy, anthropology, marine biology, herpetology, ichthyology and phylogenetics.

Aquarium

Coral reefs at Steinhart Aquarium

Giant clams in coral reefs

Weedy sea dragon in waters of Australia

                             

Fish in the watertank

Various kinds of corals in different colors

Albino Alligator, Claud

Albino Reticulated Python

Cochranella South American Glass Frog

Mantella, madagascar's toxic golden frog

 Kimball Natural History Museum has three sections; The Osher Rain Forest, Aquarium and Africa Hall (the oldest running exhibit). The Rain Forest section is housed under a 90 foot glass dome kept at 82-85 Fahrenheit temperature with 75% of humidity in air to suit the rain forest flora and fauna. Various trees and plants from Borneo, Madagascar and Costa Rica are seen on three floors as we climb the stairs enclosed on both sides by glass covering. Huge palms, mahogany trees, orchids and others with dark green leaves take us into the world of nature filled with so many different kinds of plants and flowers.  Colorful butterflies, moths and birds are seen flitting all around. Under the first floor the Amazonian forest is displayed with flooding waters. One can also see various types of reptiles and amphibians kept in glass cases. Nearly 1600 live animals are displayed here and one is surprised to see so many different kinds of snakes and frogs. In Steinhart Aquarium various types of fishes, corals, crabs, sea anemones, urchins, stingrays, star fish, and snails are displayed. The aquarium is the star attraction of this place. Many children love to see the bright colored fish and multicolored corals and urchins.

African penguins in Tusher African Hall

Stuffed antelope figures in African Hall

Evolution of man (Human Odyssey)

The Tusher African Hall is another place of attraction to see lifelike models of various jungle animals displayed in glass cases. At the entrance “Human odyssey” the evolution of man is shown by display of various human fossils and skulls. The computer animation of the famous Lucy skeleton shows how changes occurred in physical structure of human species in course of time.  The models of African animals like the tiger, the lion, the rhino, the elephant and the antelope are quite realistic and impressive. At one of the hall within a glass enclosure are kept the African penguins which dip and dive in the 25,000 liter water tank.  In the East Wing one can see Foucault pendulum, a huge 16-inch diameter brass ball weighing about 238 pounds hung from the ceiling by an aircraft control wire. It demonstrates the earth’s rotating movement on its axis. In the West Wing many geophysical exhibits are shown in various glass cases. There are nearly four hundred types of various mineral rocks and gems in this section.

Gems and minerals

Amytheist

Butterfly Collections

Saffron Pinch

Blue necked tanager

In the Earthquake section a lot of information is given about the occurrence of earthquakes with details photos and models. The effect of earthquake is practically experienced in the chamber by technological simulation. As we had to hurry to get into the planetarium we did not spend much time there to know about earthquakes. The Morrison Planetarium is one of the largest completely digital planetariums with a spacious dome above measuring about ninety feet in diameter and with a seventy five feet broad screen. The introducer gave a lecture about the theme of earth’s evolution and galaxies with their enormous size and numbers. The appearance and features of Pluto were clearly projected on the screen. But we felt it would be better to give more visual details instead of verbal explanation. Details may be shown on the screen itself.  At the Naturalist Center many books, toys, specimens, printed T-shirts, films and interactive games are available. In the main hall   skeleton of a blue whale is displayed while in another hall the huge skeleton of Tyrannosaurua Rex is seen. At another place the huge skeleton of 87-foot long blue whale is seen suspended from the roof.

Foucault Pendulum weighing 238 pounds

Naturalist Center

Morrisons Planetarium

Flying Dynosaurs

Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton

87 foot long blue whale skeleton

Earthquake Zone

 At the Science Project one can look at the scientists working on real, live research projects and also at several smaller exhibits. But most of the scientific research work is carried out in private labs. This institution publishes a journal called “Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences” to inform people about their latest discoveries and information. In 2011 scientists of this institution went on an expedition to Phillipines and discovered nearly three hundred species quite unknown to science.

This Museum is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Sundays. At present the Rain Forest section has been closed from 5^th September to 12^th October as renovation works are going on.  The entry ticket for adults is 35.75 dollars, 30.95 for senior citizens and for those aged between 12 and 17 years and 25.95 dollars for children below twelve years. The authorities may consider reducing the entry fee to facilitate more people coming to this museum and get enough knowledge and awareness in protection of the surroundings and our fellow creatures as well. Visiting places of scientific knowledge is very much essential not only for kids but also for elders as our every day life depends on contributions of science and it is our bounden duty to use scientific gifts properly without damaging our surroundings, climate and other beings too.

                          ********************************************************************

    15th September, 2017                                        Somaseshu Gutala

A Visit to Muir Woods

               

                 

Wooden bridge across the Redwood Creek

Vegetation on the ground

   

Dedication Plaque at Cathedral Grove in memory of President Roosevelt

                                     

Our last leg of journey is to Muir Woods located near Mt. Tamalpais of Pacific Coast in South Western Marin County, Northwest of California. This park is very famous for the oldest and tallest surviving redwood trees and for other flora and fauna. The coast redwood is related to the giant Sequoia of Nevada region and grows up to 380 feet. The tallest tree in the Muir Woods is 258 feet. Most of the redwood trees are between 500 and 800 years of age. The oldest tree in this park is 1200 years old. Under the broad shade of these trees plants like ferns, bay laurels and big leaf maples grow which require moderate sunlight. The seeds of red wood are enclosed in a hard cone out of which they are scattered around on the wet soil to germinate again.

 Muir Woods Park is managed by the National Park Service. Once a few hundred years ago these trees were found in two million acres of land spread all over Pacific Coast in Coastal California and the south western corner of coastal Oregon. Man’s indiscriminate cutting and destruction of trees reduced the area of these trees to mere 1, 50,000 acres out of which 50% is now protected by national and state parks. As the red wood has a natural insect and rot resistant chemical substance inside its pores it was widely for house construction and as lumber. Now use of redwood for construction purposes is not permitted. In this park spreading over 554 acres, nearly 240 acres of redwood trees are protected. As it is near Pacific Ocean the wet environment with floating damp vapors motivates vigorous plant growth. The fog provides nearly 25 to 50 percent of moisture needed for redwood trees and plants .The brown sandy soil is congenial for growth of redwood trees.

Redwood seeds enclosed in cones

Wooden bear figures near the Cafe

Wooden sculpture of John Muir

Kent Memorial on Muir Woods

           

Redwood Creek flowing through Muir Woods

             

Fern Creek Trail

 Fascinated by the majestic growth of these trees William Kent (1864-1928) , a member of American Congress and member of Tamalpais Sportman’s Association, purchased 611 acres of land out of which he donated 211 acres in order to protect these trees when a water company planned to dam the redwood creek which may result in flooding of the valley. On Jan.9, 1908 the American President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land as National Monument. As per the wishes of William Kent this park was named after John Muir whose campaigns helped to establish the national park system. As a member of Congress Kent introduced legislation in 1916 that created the national park service to look after parks without being destroyed and encroached. In December 1928 the Kent Memorial was erected at the Kent Tree (a 280-foot high Douglas fir tree) in Fern Canyon. This tree fell down later in March 2003.On May 19^th 1945 the U.N.O. delegates from fifty countries came to California to sign the United Nations Charter. They held a commemorative ceremony in Muir woods cathedral cave where a dedication plaque was placed in honor of the President Roosevelt.

 As the park has limited parking space one has to reach this place before 9.00 p.m. otherwise one can avail shuttle services to and fro after parking the vehicles nearby. We started late and hence we went by shuttle to Muir Woods. Near the entrance there is a Visitor Center where one can get much information about the redwood trees and their conservation. There are many exhibits on redwood ecology and a store selling books and gift items. The rustic log gate at the entrance was re-construction of the original in 1934. The weather was very dry and hot. We hurried inside to feel the cool shade of the tall redwood trees with bulky scarred trunks and branches stretched far and wide.


 We proceeded straight to Muir Woods Trading Company café and gift shop to quench our hunger and thirst. The ladies in our team came full prepared with refreshments and bottled water. Many other people were also seen eating and drinking on wooden benches and tables in a leisurely manner. In the Store also many delicacies, cool drinks and ice cream are sold. In Muir woods all constructions made of wood give out a simple and rustic outlook. At the entrance of the café and store many tall figures of bears made of redwood are erected along with a life-like wooden statue of John Muir, who dedicated his life for preservation of parks and nature. We went inside to see various souvenirs and gift items, all made of redwood. The skills of woodcraft are prominently displayed even in small items like key chains, toys, trays, clips, beads and figurines. Many picture cards and photos are also kept for sale. But we felt the prices are quite high. Even a moderate sized bear figure costs nearly 80 dollars. If these things are sold at moderate prices, many people will come forward to buy these items and keep them as tokens of their memorable journey to this place or give them as gifts to their near and dear.

 Later we walked through woods along the Main Trail Loop covering a distance of two miles just beside the red Creek Stream.  This stream starts from Mt. Tamalpais and flows through Muir woods and down Frank Valley and joins the Pacific Ocean at Muir Beach. The creek’s water sustains a wide variety of plants and animals in the redwood forest and in wet lands. This is a very easy trail suitable for people of all ages and the path is paved and boarded without any uneven ground. For disabled people can come on wheel chairs or use strollers. One can shorten one’s walk by crossing the bridges spanning the red creek stream and going back. Many children and even adults will love to watch the Coho Salmon fish and Steelhead trout in the shallow waters of the creek. One can see many types of ferns, sorrel plants, broad leaved maple trees and dense green laurels. On the branches are seen chirping chipmunks, spotted owls and bats. The fluttering butterflies, dragon flies and various types of lady bugs are seen all around adding life and color to the woody surroundings. As it was broad daylight we could not see the nocturnal animals like deer, foxes and raccoons. To relax many benches are erected throughout the trail. For trekkers this is a very suitable place as there are many Nature trails varying in distance and in the level of difficulty. If you cross the fourth bridge and walk uphill and turn left to the Hillside Trail, you can have a full view of the forest. As our group has many children and elderly people we did not walk along longer and uphill trails. We just sat on the benches and watched the green canopy of leaves and distant hills filled up to the core with dense greenery with sloping ups and downs. The cries of playing children near the creek added mirth to our relaxing state.

To maintain the purity and ecological safety of these woods, the national Park Service has taken many measures and laid down regulations. The Park is open from 8.00 a.m. to8.00 p.m in summer and only up to 5.00 p.m. in other seasons. No partying and picnicking are allowed here. No pets are allowed at this place. No camping or lodging facility is available here. One can avail this facility in the adjacent Mt. Tamalpais State Park. One should not take away any specimens and stones from this place. Bicycles are allowed only on designated roads. No smoking and no loud noise are allowed. One should walk only on specified trails following the directions given on sign boards. One should not touch leaves of stinging nettle and poison oak. Weddings, commercial filming and special events should not be held here without prior permission.

 On the occasion of the centenary year of this park, Muir Woods was listed in the National register of Historic Places in January, 2008. The National Park Service has taken all necessary measures to preserve this rare gigantic tree park along with the historic buildings, trails, bridges and monuments of Muir Woods. The tall majestic trees on either side looked like beautiful stone columns supporting the green canopy of leaves above. We returned by shuttle with a sense of satisfaction of seeing  the tallest trees of Nature which are protected from destruction by a noble person like William Kent whose efforts led to the establishment of this historic park.

                            +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 7th September, 2017                                   Somaseshu Gutala

Camping Under the Stars at Cloverdale (Part--I I )

                                 

View of wild deer on the mountain slopes

                             

Luxury Camping Lodge

                               

Deluxe Camping Lodge

                               

KOA Camping Area

               

We are invited by our kin to spend two days in the woods under a tent along with their friends. We doubted our ability to adjust ourselves in a forest cut off from modern facilities and comforts. Further our delicate health posed another doubt. Yet we decided to go with the flow and were curious to know the experience of spending two nights in the forest. We had to take all provisions, tent material and equipment and also cooking gas, eatables and water in our vehicles. We felt as if we are going to a marriage function. Our lady members prepared dishes in enormous quantity and packed them neatly so that soon after pitching our tents we can have our lunch in time without further delay.

            

View of the Cottages

                          

Wooden Swing outiside the cottage

                      

Children's Park

                            

View of Vineyards

                              

Swimming Pool

                     

 The camping site is KOA (Kamping Grounds of America) located in Cloverdale, Sonoma County.  It is one of the largest systems of privately held camp grounds spread over an area of sixty acres. It is situated on a mountain ridge overlooking Alexander Valley, a famous vineyard place having nearly fifty wineries and cultivating different types of grape varieties. Our camping site is nearly 135 miles from our stay and it took nearly three hours to reach the site. First we have to book and register our names to go there. The hills covered with brown tufts of grass and clover on one side and the sea waters on the other side with many buildings all along the mountain slopes led us through the big city of San Francisco. We passed by Golden Gate Bridge as we took exit 520 off the main highway U.S.-101. We entered the valley region with many winding turns going up the hills.

 By the time we reached our camping site it was already past noon. The young team in our group used their skills and alacrity in setting up five tents for all the members to stay in. It took more than two hours in digging, unfolding and fixing the tents on the site. Meanwhile all refreshments already prepared at home by ladies with much diligence quenched our hunger and thirst. Though there are big trees all over the area it is very hot. We took rest in the tents for some time and later went out to watch people fishing in the nearby pond and took a stroll on the road flanked by forest trees and bushes. Surrounded by hills and dense green trees all around we felt quite relaxed and free. We went to the nearby country store to buy some provisions and wood. After having our evening tea and snacks we went to the children’s park and spent some time watching the children play on swings and hanging bars. In the evening again all were busy in cooking food and making camp fire. Here mention should be made about the culinary talents of our young team who excelled in preparing barbecue items, fried curries and salads. The food was quite really delicious and amazing. Later they sang and chatted right up to midnight. Tired with day’s journey we went to bed early and slept soundly forgetting our surroundings. The cool breeze and silence made us quite forget about electric fans and A.Cs.  As it was midsummer we did not see any birds. But early morning we were awakened by the sounds of crows.

 We got up early to wash as we have to walk 200 yards and make use of limited facilities available and also to avoid long waiting time. Only four bathrooms and two toilets are provided for gents and same number for ladies too. The authorities could have provided more toilets and bathrooms to avoid inconvenience to tourists who come here in large numbers along with their family. But the warm shower bath is quite refreshing. Most of the tourists make their own breakfast and tea. Here canteen opens only after 8.00 a.m. For early raisers like us it would be better if coffee and tea are served in canteen by 6.30 at least.  In the country store basic essential provisions are given including milk, coffee, packed food items and cosmetic articles. But yogurt is not sold. It would be better to include that item also. More things needed by tourists have to be included. 

In the afternoon we went to a mountain stream where children can wade through shallow waters and play there. Even elders were tempted to cross the shallow ford and enjoy the cool waves of the stream. Meanwhile we saw some people going for a swim in Lake Sonoma which is nearly 27 miles from the camp. In the evening we went for a stroll up the hilly slope to watch the scenic surroundings. We sighted a herd of deer grazing on hilly ground. We felt elated to see those wild animals from such close quarters and we immediately started clicking the photos of those pretty creatures. Our camp has been guarded by a wire fence to avoid forest animals intruding into our area. In one way they are provided security from human crowd also who may throw stones and disturb their leisurely, calm habitat. That night we had a grand dinner prepared by our youthful team members. Special mention should be made about one elderly couple who enthusiastically took part in all activities and encouraged us with their interesting tales and songs. In preparing various dishes the elderly lady showed her experienced skills and managed to arrange everything in time without wasting time. So we got everything we wanted in time and did not find any delay in having our food at all hours. Our young members along with their children got maximum entertainment and a lot of fun and at the same time lent their hands in preparing food and in cleaning the surroundings. I appreciate their team spirit and mutual co-operation in managing everything in a tidy manner without getting disturbed or irritated.

 The next day we got up early and after having our breakfast and cleaning the surroundings we dismantled our tents and packed our luggage. After dispersing from there we met again at Saravana Bhavan, at Fremont to have typical South Indian meals and later dispersed to our homes with loads of fresh memories about our friendly gatherings and the scenic beauties of Cloverdale camping site. Occasional trips to rural side and scenic places refresh our minds and keep us in touch with Nature augmenting our mental and physical health also. Our hearty thanks to the young members in our team who looked after us with meticulous care and concern so that we did not miss anything essential to keep ourselves cosy and comfortable.

  ****************************     ********************                   






           31st August, 2017                                                     Somaseshu Gutala                            

Camping Under the Stars at Cloverdale (Part—I)

                           

                                 

Cloverdale Camping Site (KOA) is located on a ridge overlooking the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, north of California. It was opened in 1962 and since then many tourists come here to spend their time in midst of hilly surroundings and wooded valleys. At this place there are many 100-year old oak trees, Eucalyptus trees and evergreens. It is located nearly 80 miles from the famous Golden Gate. The organizers of this camping site provided requisite facilities and enhanced the beauty of this place by providing suitable places for fishing, boating and swimming. Nearly fifty wineries are located nearby for those who wish to enjoy wine tasting and learn about various kinds of wine produced here.

Camping  Cottage

     

Inside the cottage

Country Store

Swimming Pool

Picnic Table

Lake Sonoma

Russian River

     

Fishing Pond

  For staying at this place many options are given. One can bring tents and stay on the open space allotted here. Otherwise one can stay in Kamping Kabins with accommodation up to four people. In bigger cabins six people can stay. In one room cabin one double bed, one bunk bed, a swing porch, a fire pit and a picnic table for four are provided. In double room cabin a double bed, two bunk beds, a swing and a picnic table for six is provided. But there is no provision for bath room and rest room in these cabins. In Luxury Camping Lodges facilities like kitchen, a coffee-maker, a barbeque, a fridge, a stove, a blender, a private bed room, a bunk bed, a bath room and A.C. facility along with a micro-wave oven are given with accommodation for four people. In Deluxe Camping Lodges only two people can stay with all above mentioned facilities. One has to book at least for two nights during weekend days and three nights during vacation time. In this camping site spread over 60 acres, there is provision for 75 R.V.(recreational vehicles), forty-nine tents, twelve one-room cottages, six two-room cottages, six Luxury camping lodges and four Deluxe Luxury camping lodges.

 Facilities like mini-golf court, basket ball half-court, fishing pond, solar heated swimming pool, hot tub (Sauna), spa and gym for children, country store, snack bar, outdoor movies, bike rentals and a center to provide wood and cooking gas are available. Silent hours are from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. Radios and other electrical equipment are not to be played during this time. One should not inconvenience others by causing loud sound disturbance. Washing of cars and R.Vs is not permitted. Likewise cloth lines to dry clothes are not allowed. Pets are allowed but they should be held on leash. Check out time is 12.00 noon and after that three dollars are charged per person every hour. As limited resources are available no one should waste water. Children and kids should return to the camp before 10.00 p.m. The swimming pool is open from 10.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. The rest rooms are open at all hours.

 This site is suitable haven for nature-lovers, bird-watchers, Nature trail trekkers, cyclists, and swimmers. There are forty miles of trails for those who wish to walk and view the scenes of hills and valleys. For boating and canoeing one has to go to Lake Sonoma at a distance of twenty seven miles or to Russian River at a distance of sixteen miles. To maintain the clean surroundings the organizers took special care. But there is a need to set up more garbage bins. The way to rest rooms is quite dark at night time and so sufficient illumination may be provided. For the convenience of the people more rest rooms have to be set up.  More sign boards giving directions to various destinations may be set up to help the tourists. TO meet any emergency a helpline should be provided to help the tourists. To save time tents already fixed will help a lot as nearly two to three hours are to be spent for setting up tents in open space. At the canteen more dishes may be given and breakfast may be provided by 7.00 instead of 8.00 a.m.

 The main motto of this camping site is “TO conserve, preserve and protect our world”. Let us also follow their ideal and avail this unique opportunity of living in the lap of Nature without depending too much on machinery and electronic devices. 

                          ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

27th August, 2017                                                                      Somaseshu Gutala