Big Basin

http://www.bigbasin.org/travelbasicsmain.html

This weekend we went to Big Basin. Only about 50 minutes from my house it made me realize how we need to get out and explore our own back yard! Right now the forest is at its peak of beauty. I kept thinking I was in the movie Avatar. I snuck my chihuahua Ruca on the trail too...but technically dogs are not allowed. She walked the entire 8 miles though! Impressive.

Idea Number 2: Murder Mystery Train

http://www.sierrarailroad.com/dinnertrain/choose-a-trip-murdermystery.html

I have always wanted to do this! How fun to be on a train with a murder mystery theme and all the while viewing beautiful scenery, eating yummy food, drinking a cocktail, and spending time with John! Perfect.

Here is what I found out:

There are a lot of different train rides you can take. Some are just dinner, some are geared towards seeing the sunset...and then there is the murder mystery one. This one is done mostly on Fridays and is 64 dollars plus service charge and taxes. This cost includes a three course dinner, murder mystery show, and a 32 mile train trip. The train usual departs at 7pm and comes back to Oakdale at 10pm.

Directions from Bay Area: (San Jose, 1½ hours, 85 miles)(San Francisco, 2 hours, 100 miles):Oakdale is 60 miles from Pleasanton. Take Highway 580 east to the Central Valley. I-580 turns into I-205 around Tracy. Continue on to Manteca and take Highway 120 east towards Yosemite. Go west on Highway 108 for 31 miles to Oakdale. Cross the railroad tracks and take a left on Yosemite Boulevard. Go two blocks and take a left on H Street and park.

I will let you know how this date turns out...if I survive!

Idea Number 1: BROOKDALE LODGE

11570 Hyw 9, Brookdale, CA 95007
(831) 338-1300 Fax (408) 338-1303

http://www.hauntedbay.com/features/BrookdaleLodge.shtml
http://www.brookdaleinnandspa.com/surrounding.html

The Brookdale Lodge is an old lodge built in the 1870's and was a big draw to movie stars like Mae West, Joan Crawford, and president Herbert Hoover in the 1940's. Eventually the place was sold to two men who were gangsters and the place took a more evil turn. Hidden rooms and secret passage ways were erected and rumors of dead bodies lying beneath were told. During this time the owners six year old niece Sarah Logan drowned in the dining room creek. She is the most seen ghost at the lodge.

I think this place looks different and I like that there is the haunted element to it...adds to the excitement. Another thing to like about this place is that the surrounding area also offers a lot of fun things you can do with your honey. This date can start with a hike or wine tasting and end with a dinner at the haunted dining room at the Brookdale Lodge. Below is a list of near by attractions you can consider doing:

1.)Scenic Highway 9 through the redwoods.

2.)Santa Cruz Beach / Boardwalk, 14 miles to the South

3.)Big Basin State Park, 10.5 miles to the North

4.)Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad, 4 mile to the South

5.) Boulder Creek Golf & Country Club, 6 miles to the North

6.)Wineries with relaxing tours and tasting

Keep you posted on how our adventure went!

OK WE went there and it was closed. The place is very run down but under all the negligence you can see the beauty that was once there. I guess they are in the middle of changing ownership and so nobody wants to throw money at the place to fix it up. Quite a shame, because it really has potential. I was bummed that it was closed, but John and I still had a good time.