Kaboom! Holy Moly I Was Almost On Fire, Best Kayaking 4th of July in Aquatic Park SF By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers

kayak path 4th of July aquatic park sf Postcard Travelers
kayak path 4th of July aquatic park sf Postcard Travelers

See the video below for my tour of the day.

NOAA Chart 18649
NOAA Tides

Willy Weather  

Kaboom! I can take this off my bucket list, being directly under the projection of the fireworks at the Aquatic Park Historic District pier!  We put-in our boat and launched at Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco, California. Hovering  under the pier A little too close for comfort, until the fireworks unsuspectedly started. The current kept making us drift quickly away so we hovered under the pier. We even had all our lights off to save batteries, so we were in the dark. The first echoing Kaboom explosions under the pier were un-describable. Enough to rattle your nerves! I was deeper under the pier being in the back of the boat looking out at Ghirardelli Square. *In this video I said ‘last time I got in trouble’. It was because I got too close to the  Historic boats. There were no signs that I could see at the time. It is kind of roped off with buoys. This time we stayed further away out side the line. One way or another, I recommend this spot. During the day there is a live concert  on shore. We had a back stage pass, a nice little additive to the day. The yellow box with the star is where the fireworks barge is. The Teal Green boater is where we hovered until the fireworks started. 

fireworks projection san francisco Aquatic Park
fireworks projection san francisco Aquatic Park

However, I don’t recommend right there. Much too close. Instead bring a anchor at least 20 feet long and hover at a safe distance like we are in the photo below. To the left and center of the park here we are look at the Municipal Pier a posed to being under it!

fireworksaquaticpark

 

Live Concert at Ghirardelli Square 4th of July
Live Concert at Ghirardelli Square 4th of July

 

So, planning for next year. I recommend going here. Be more prepared. I do own a kayak anchor. When I looked at the Coast Guard Map it said it was around 7-14 feet deep in the area but there is only one marker and I didn’t think my anchor was that long. Besides it being a pain to add more weight. Next time I will bring one for sure! If your planning on hovering in the ocean, there is always a current. Anyway, below is a live interactive google map with all my notes for 4th of July over the years in the SF Bay. If you click on any icon, it will zoom into that note.  When you click on  ‘Aquatic Park Historic District‘ And look at the orange line that was our path in 2017. To the upper left of the map are my notes, that little box’ie icon on the upper top left corner opens the notes, click on anything at it will bring you to the spot on the map. Bottom right is the + and – zoom button. You can then close the notes with the left arrow it to get the notes out of the way. I also have a layer of land notes, where I intend to go for a city hike and check out the same area on land someday.

 

Aquatic Park Historic District pier  Ghirardelli Square 4th of July
Aquatic Park Historic District pier Ghirardelli Square 4th of July

 

Launching on Hyde Street Pier AquaticPark. I’m not sure you can launch out of the museum. Since the public beach was full of people we couldn’t go their.

#SanFrancisco Maritime National Historical Park

Coordinates 37.8063°N 122.424°W

History of the 4th –
I think this is one of the safer and best spots in the San Francisco bay to view the fireworks from land or water. If you know the History of the 4th, or Independence Day and the inspiration to our National Anthem, you would know the 4th of July is meant to replicate what Francis Scott Key seen on that fateful day in 1812. He was a British lawyer on the French Ship; HMS Tonnant negotiating a British prisoner exchange were he was to negotiate the release of prisoners, during the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry. (The only other place that can possibly top this spot). Key learned too much about the French’s attack on the British, so they kept him a prisoner as well. So all during that night Key witnessed the fireworks in the bay of Fort McHenry. In the morning when the fireworks stopped, and lack of communication the only way to know who won the battle was the American flag still standing. He wrote a poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, that later became the lyrics to ‘The Star Spangled Banner’.

Photo: Battle of Baltimore 1812 or Aquatic Park SF 2017?

Bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British
Bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British

History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Baltimore

So why is this the best spot? First of all, the Maritime National Historical Park is situated inside Aquatic Park San Francisco… in the water! There are period ships to set the perfect scenery of what the bay may have looked like. The ships are much younger in the park; like the Balclutha 1886 and the C. A. Thayer 1895 but look very similar. Add a dark sky with a silhouette of the old ships sails from the 1800’s lit up by fireworks, well you’ll get the picture and full effect. A lot of people don’t know this History, so why do I? I wrote a book report in the 4th or 5th grade about it. I found it fascinating that people were so affected and heart felt over a song, it inspired me to want to write music. So now you know. Now let’s let Key set the story and imagine the background.

https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/historic-vessels.htm

Lyrics & Music  [link]

Oh say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thru the night that our flag was still there. Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

SanFrancisco Maritime National Historical Park Below
SanFrancisco Maritime National Historical Park
Fireworks Francis Scott Key, 1779–1843

Lyrics link

Text: Francis Scott Key, 1779–1843

Music: John Stafford Smith, 1750–1836

So we won. And every year we celebrate this day in a grand way.

Reason 2, why it’s the best place to kayak on the 4th? The park is protected by a breakwater pier. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t strong currents, but it’s a protected area and larger boats can only go 5 mph. There are actually crazy swimmers swimming at night. There are police and coastguards near by. Of course if you don’t have a walkie talkie that wont do you any good. So it is most watched by land and sea.

Next good reason, the fireworks barge is directly on the other side of the pier and they project the firework into the park. Giving the people on land and sea one hell of a show! Wow!! We hovered under the pier until the fireworks started because the current was so strong it kept making us struggle to stay in one spot. On land you can walk and board the ships.

Aquatic Park SF NOAA map chart 18649
Aquatic Park SF NOAA map chart 18649

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18649.shtml 

The depth in the park looks to be 7 to 14 feet deep. Of course I wouldn’t recommend where I was, the first fireworks rattled me to the core. Being under the pier echoed the effect in such away that you felt you were in a war being bombed. Not sure your supposed to be under there but we needed to be protected by the current. Eventually we let loose and drifted to the center of the park facing the fireworks and current. It was foggy as SF is, but it also had a unique effect in it’s self.

Dolphin Swim & Boat Club and South End Rowing Club
Dolphin Swim & Boat Club and South End Rowing Club

We Put-in at Hyde Street Park. I’m not gonna lie, I’m not sure your supposed to. I heard there was a public beach launch to the left of the photo but it was all blocked for pedestrians to view the show on shore. Since we got out next door to the rowing and dolphin club, I assume they assumed we were with them. Frankly it’s not fair there aren’t more safe put in areas for the public to launch. So you might want to try to arrange something or find out the real rules. We parked our car in the red zone on Hyde street, dropped the boat off onto the side walk, my friend parked the truck while I waited.  We communicated through walkie takies, which I highly recommend getting water proof ones even if you don’t think you need them. You don’t want to kill your phone batteries trying to communicate and it’s a pain other wise. I will list my personal favorite things kayaking. Eventually we walked the kayak through the crowded street.

Live Concert at Ghirardelli Square 4th of July

So, the park is not that big to explore a whole day, and if your going out side the park it should be done in much better conditions. You can putt around the park and see the ships below, just don’t get too close or they get mad. To the right / east, are docks you can explore. You can go in a area all the crab fishermen dock their boats. There is a lot of untold History in them, some barely afloat. Also before you get in the water you can actually go on these Historic ships for a small fee that supports our wonderful parks.

https://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm

It was next to the Dolphin Swim & Boat Club and South End Rowing Club. You might want get involved with them to launch your kayak. We technically just walked through the Hyde Street gate and put our boat in. However the gate closes at 5pm, so you have to be out by then, or the gate is locked. You can technically still get out from inside, but not go back in, should you leave something behind. It’s a beach launch and even though it’s a protected area, there is a strong current when it comes time. How ever it’s protected and the current isn’t as strong as out side the park. It’s cool because you kayak next to old ships. Perfect setting for 4th of July. We hovered under the pier until it came time for the fire works. But be aware, even at 9pm at night there are crazy swimmers. We had the best seat in the house, with a back stage pass to a concert and being literally under the projection of the fireworks! Here’s a important notation it’s a beach launch, pretty mild. You go through the gates of the Museum and the gates close at 5pm. Most the people who work at the Museum are volunteers over 90, kidding. I don’t think they care.

However you can still get out because the gate is only locked for people getting in. So if your out in the Bay and need a emergency out, here it is. There is a public restroom.

To take a rest, we ended up landing at the Dolphin Swim & Boat Club. The girl sitting on the beach was really nice and helped pull us ashore until she realized we weren’t members cuz we asked dumb questions. Then her face turned unfriendly like we were on her property and said they don’t take to kindly to non-members. So we went next door, and went out the Row Club doors to the street. Much more friendly group of people. They promised they would let us back in to get to our boat.

We just wanted out of the water to rest. We just weren’t sure where to go, so we can come back to our boat. I just think it’s pure BS. 4th of July, land of the ‘free’ BS. Land of we own this, get the f’ off. When it comes to boating it’s dangerous to send boaters back out that need to rest. Or set their lights or get out of rough waters. We had struggled for a long time against the currents and wind, we needed to rest. I’ve got nothin’ for people that don’t help, sorry I disturbed your cozy picnic. I mean we are loaded down to kayak, do we look like we want to stay here? All in, all. There were only 4 kayakers besides us, anyone who really kayaks wouldn’t go out in, apparently, gusting winds which I wish they would say MPH, which is 16.1 to 19.6 MPH. Gusting means ‘gusting’ temporary burst of wind. Ok got it! Ya, so I’m learning as I go. Anyway, take that off my bucket list.

Fisherman's Warf SF Stacy Poulos Photography
Old Fishing Boat Fisherman’s Warf SF Stacy Poulos Photography

Anyway, once parked we went across the street to the fancy Blue Mermaid Restaurant. I looked like a Uni-bomber with my kayak vest still on, walkie talkie, pilot knife. I had coffee while my friend had oysters and beer. Absolutely beautiful restaurant. I must go back. Anyway, all in all it was such a great evening. After the hair raising fireworks, Instead of leaving immediately, we loaded up the car with the boat, parked then went to a bar Jacks Cannery Bar  for a night cap to let all the traffic go away.  Sucks having to drink expensive beer (cash only) out of a plastic cup, when you just risked your life, I don’t know how many times… welcome back to land. But there was a mixed group of out of town’ers fun to chat with.

Below I listed some of my favorite things kayaking.

#1 My Kokatat MsFIT Tour PFD – Women’s  Life vest.
I love the walkie talkie pocket and the front stretch mesh pockets to stow essentials. The pocket are not water proof. But when I do put things in the pockets, they are in plastic in need be. The deep-cut neck and armholes maximize range of motion for my arms, there is a difference! I used to kayak  with a ‘water ski jacket’ and it gave me rub burns under my arms. Your life vest is –your LIFE Vest! It’s a investment. Having things on your body and not hanging from your neck it super important. If you capsize you have less to get hung up on.  Chapsitck and sunscreen and cell phone is in the pocket! However, getting back in the boat you have the pockets to contend with.  Kokatat is a great brand, when I went to The Travel Show, a pro Kayker had one and she gave me a personal tour of her’s and she swore by it. I had my eye on it the first day I seen one. They are all very adjustable in size. I have a Large. You can say I’m smitten by mine.   It also has a ‘Strobe lash tab’ I guess thats what they call it. Anyway, you can attach other things to it, for me I have my Rambo  ‘NRS Pilot Knife’ which I love.  There is Reflective tape on the back and chest. You never know when you will be out at night fall.

I will get more into products I love in a dedicated blog


Kokatat MsFIT Tour PFD – Women’s

Kokatat MsFIT Tour PFD – Men’s

Kokatat MsFIT Tour PFD Women pro favorite
Kokatat MsFIT Tour PFD Women pro favorite My NRS Pilot River Knife (Rambo) knife is always ready for action. It’s 3 inch stainless-steel blade with blunt safety tip has both smooth and serrated cutting edges; matte finish with a are hole in the handle that serves as a valve wrench for an oxygen tank a bottle opener is built into the handle. Comes in handy for many uses.


My NRS Pilot River Knife (Rambo) knife is always ready for action. It’s  3 inch stainless-steel blade with blunt safety tip has both smooth and serrated cutting edges; matte finish with a are hole in the handle that serves as a valve wrench for an oxygen tank a bottle opener is built into the handle. Comes in handy for many uses.


NRS Pilot River Knife

Favorite NRS Pilot River Knife
Favorite NRS Pilot River Knife

#2 Walkie talkie!

Motorola MS350R 35-Mile Talkabout Waterproof 2-Way Radio (Pair)
This is one of my favorite products. You think, everyone has a cell phone why not just call? You don’t want to ware out your cell phone communicating out on the road, trail or water. I use them everywhere! Hiking, kayaking. Used them in Europe to talk to my friends. Hands down best buy. They have a charging case so you just place them in the cradle after a long day. My mom got me mine for my birthday. You don’t want to dial and wait to ring, you want to send your message.

Ad a whistle to your vests, (super important) and your good to go! The whistle replaces a horn on a boat. I’ve actually been hit by a big boat, not dead on but swiped the side of my kayak. Having a whistle can help you let them know you are their since we sit so low in the water.

New discovery:  Waterproof Socks Amazon (See my review  https://blog.postcardtravelers.com/?p=633 )

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
 
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers
boat launch  at Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco, California

Dexshell Waterproof Hiking and Kayaking Socks- Tested and Review Not attractive But Works! By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers

Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks  http://amzn.to/2vd8ppa   Waterproof Tested Review, Not attractive but works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers –Unless of course you think my legs are sexy?

I recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks!   If Dexshell says it’s waterproof, I believe it! Not attractive but good! This link has more and better options.  http://amzn.to/2vFv3JI   XOXO

Ok, as you may know I have different interest in sports and like to get equipment with duel purpose. When you do any sport, it sucks to get wet and be in the cold. Your feet, hands and chest are the most important for me to stay dry and warm. So I got neoprene socks for kayaking, they may keep my feet warmer, but they don’t keep them dry! I keep seeing these ‘waterproof socks’ and thought I’d try them out. I figured I can also use them for hiking on rainy days. So I set out to dip them in water to see if they were in fact water proof and wa-la, they were. TIP: My feet stayed dry. My second suspicion was my feet will sweat more being in a something that keeps out water. However, this will also lock moister in when you sweat. So I put a cotton sock under one sock and one with out on the other. Yes, the one without a cotton sock, underneath was little more sweaty after a mild, 2 mile hike which means maybe after a long day, a lot more sweaty. So I say layer with a cotton socks. The socks are already thick and to me very unattractive. I got the Black and Olive socks. However, who cares when your feet are cozy warm and dry?  Anyway, you can see for yourself in this video I made. Enjoy. Here is a link to them on Amazon. I got a medium.  I don’t mind that they are longer, I intend to tuck them under my dry pants when I kayak.

Price?  There are different prices, not too spendy for the importance of dry feet. I would have a pair in all aspects of my life. I’m going to leave mine in the car with my hiking boots.

Video review https://youtu.be/kZ3OcjbOQKQ

Short link to share for this review: https://blog.postcardtravelers.com/?p=633

Thanks for listening, fan me baby!

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp - Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp – Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers
I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp - Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers  I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks
Dexshell Waterproof hiking and kayaking Socks http://amzn.to/2vd8pp – Waterproof Tested Review Not attractive But works By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers
I Recommend Dexshell Waterproof Socks

 

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
 
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Behind The Light – Mashup Documentary about the 5x Award Winning Music Video

Doors open at 10:00am for LIVE Music!

Mashup Documentary free show Stacy Poulos Photography
“Behind The Light – Mashup Documentry”
Starring Sarah Smith
+Music Video
January 7th 2017 10:00 AM
PostcardTravelers Pop-Up Art show Produced & Directed by STacy Poulos

42 minute film

 

Join me and distinguished guests to see the “Behind The Light – Mashup Documentary” (42 minutes) about the Five Time Award Winning Music Video “Into The Light” By Sarah Smith directed by Stacy Poulos on the big-big screen! Plus Pop-Up Art Show. Anyone in the music, TV, or film industry will appreciate the journey and be inspired.

Doors open at 10:00
This is a Free show!

We have a suggested donation of $5.00.  Funds will go towards finishing up the project and for Film Festival expenses.

Judea Eden will be opening the show with a Solo performance in the Theater at 10am
Judea Eden will be opening the show with a Solo performance in the Theater at 10am

Judea’s Song All Sexed up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=099FhqZlteA

Cinelux Chabot Cinema – Movie Theater

2853 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546

Phone: (510) 582-2555 Chabot College Live Stream

The event will be streamed live [click]

Doors will open at 10:00 AM for a preview of the pop-up art show of Stacy Poulos Photography from around the world including a small island in Haiti where we will have a distinguished guest who lives there.

Video presentation starts promptly at 10:40 AM please don’t be late!

Other prints include water front photography from around the SF Bay, Greece, Italy and many more.

5×7’s are $30.00

8×10’s $50.00

11×14’s 90.00

We accept cash, check and visa.

Donate 2 PostcardTravelers Stacy Poulos's Film ProjectWant to contribute and can’t come, or want to make a donation so you don’t have to haste with it at the show? Click here.

Print will be available for sale after the show inside the lobby and next door.

After party at 12:30, people visiting from out of town are welcome to go to Krayon’s Gallery.

If you can not make it, there are prints available at Bodies Java on  Castro Valley Blvd. during their business hours.

Sarah Smith Music
Sarah Smith Music

Facebook Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/128243397661912/

 

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The Music Video

 

Castro Valley Forum
Castro Valley Forum

#CastroValley
#Documentary #mashup #musicvideo #tellys #haiti #sarahsmith #hayward #calState #chabotcollege #judeaeden #livemusic

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

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Pop-Up Art Show Jack London Square Nov 12

Jack London Square during the  Jack of all Trades Show  Inside Lungomear's
Jack London Square during the
Jack of all Trades Show
Inside Lungomear’s

PostcardTravelers Pop-Up Art Show
Inside Lungomare’s Jack London Square
Featuring Award Winning Filmmaker / Photographer Stacy Poulos

Lungomare  1 Broadway, Oakland, California 94607

Available prints at the show:
http://goo.gl/obc6RW

5×7 = $30.00, 8×10 = $50.00, = 11×14 $90.00 Tax included.
If ordering $7.00 flat for shipping no extra charge for multiple prints. 
Orders or Intrested in me having a show at your event? Private message me on PostcardTravelers

Photography Samples Video
https://youtu.be/_TORYpr9t78

Enjoy a fun filled day in Jack London Square during the “Jack Of All Trades” show outside Lungomare’s. Inside Lungomare enjoy the food, drinks and Art show of Stacy Poulos Photography.

Stacy’s goal in 2011 was to take photos around the rim of the SF Bay from a kayak. Since, she has covered a lot of miles including San Francisco, Fremont, Sausalito, Oakland, Richmond, Point San Pablo. To name a few. In her journey she has recorded Historic dilapidated docks, 2 ship wrecks above water on from WWII and 100’s of other photo opportunities including filming under the Golden Gate Bridge, Richmond, Dumbarton, and San Mateo Bridges. An adventure like no-other in the SF Bay. Angles and unique nooks that can only be captured by kayak.

 


In the meantime, the Architect designing Lungomare encountered Poulos photo and design the restaurant around it. You can see it in the main dining room.

This day we will be celebrating her achievements in the most recent 5 time award winning song/music video she directed ‘Into The Light’ By Sarah Smith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ML_FMhKgo

#photography #jacklondonsquare #oaklandevents #oakland#popupartshow

 

 

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel.

Point Richmond California Adventures; Shipwrecks to Rosie The Riveter to Boasting The Worlds Largest Winery

By Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers

Wineheaven

I’m always astonished how much rich History, or HerStory, there is right under our noses in the San Francisco Bay Area. I explored the waterfront area of Richmond by land and sea in search of what was once the largest Winery in the world when the California Wine Association moved from San Francisco to Point Molate Richmond after the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906. It remained the title of “World’s largest winery” for 12 years!! (1907–1919). Until prohibition crushed it’s demise and was shut down in 1919. Really, THE largest?  Over Italy and France? Yep, it’s true. Now it’s an abandoned ghost town once called “Winehaven California” (It is in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places) and it’s castle remains in tact north of the Point Molate Richmond. Stenmark Drive is the last exit before you get on the Richmond Bridge and it is littered with a extraordinary and riveting California History.

#richmondcalifornia #californiahistory #explore #kayak #hike #adventurelife #postcardtravelers #favoritethings #favoriteplaces #bayarea #bayareahistory

REI goo.gl/thWgwA

Great things for any adventure @ REI Co-Op
The largest Wine producer in the world for 12 years.
The largest Wine producer in the world for 12 years.

If you walk on Pt. Molate Park Beach facing the water Winehaven would be to your right, around the corner less than a mile away, you can’t walk to it on the beach, but you can see it. If continue to drive on Stenmark Dr you can see the backside through the fence from the road. There is a bit of a battle to what they are going to do with the area. In my humble opinion, it is rare to be able to boast the ‘largest in the world’ of anything, let alone the most prestigious commodity of wine! So. I say restore the castle and keep boasting! But there’s more.

Winehaven Pont Molante 1907-1919

Winehaven 2036-2040 Stenmark Dr. Near Point Molate Beach Park Richmond, CA

My map and notes.

Shipwreck

App Skipper NOAA Boating map Richmond, CA   PDF Version: 18652 pdf  

Digital NOAA Chart https://devgis.charttools.noaa.gov/pod/

3 Shipwrecks Pt Castro Richmond CA
3 Shipwrecks Pt Castro Richmond CA

From that same beach, to your left walk 1,000 feet  towards the Bridge to Point Castro and there is a 200 foot shipwreck, with half sticking out of the water even at high tide. (There are actually 3, if you look at Google Earth. 5 If you look at lowest tide.)  With the completion of the bridge in 1956 the car-ferry service and inner city railway that resided there eventually rendered the pier useless and became a fishing pier. After years of lack of maintenance, it is now a barley recognizable battered pier. This once thriving corner of the Bay, is now a water front ghost town, mostly restricted from the public. For me, it’s a photographers dream. There is a public park you can enjoy where you can see the shipwreck. A 160-foot medium-endurance cutter patrol vessel  ‘The USCGC Hermes WPC-109’  it was a Thetis-class coastal patrol ship in service from 1932 to 1958.  It was assigned to San Pedro, California, and spent World War II watching for Japanese submarines, as well as escorting convoys out of the harbor.  After the war, it was used as a stationary training ship.  And was to serve as an enforcement vessel for Prohibition. A model is on display at the LA Maritime Museum. Hermes also served to deliver an important  marble Cabrillo monument January 1937 to the San Miguel Island in the Southern California. In honor of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (Portuguese: João Rodrigues Cabrilho; c. 1497 – January 3, 1543) who was the First European explorer in California where he laid to rest.  And yet another part of our Rich History.

The Hermes vessel was decommissioned November 2, 1948 and sold May 16, 1958. Eventually laid to rest where it is now, Point Molate. She still sits with her bow in the air above water,  surrounded by unnamed shipwrecks beside her, slightly below the water line. You can see them on google earth, and on a lowest tide you can see them even more. It is a dangerous area with pilings sticking up.

Just know it is windy out there facing the Golden Gate. If it’s a date night you can start here and work your way back to end up at the wineries near, The Riveter Rosie Museum. To me it’s crazy this area is not as explored as it should be. And I pray they do not develop this but to bring back what was there.

Point Richmond Ferry Terminal (aka Ellis Landing)
Point Richmond Ferry Terminal (aka Ellis Landing)

Point Richmond Pier

Next stop is Miller / Knox Regional Shoreline at Point Richmond on Canal Blvd.  At the very point, is a gutted out building. And a fishing pier which. Along side the new fishing pier is a dilapidated pier that used to be a commuter ferry service to the San Francisco Ferry. You can see where the train rails lead to the terminal which now are broken and lead underwater. I actually kayaked under it. Besides being broken-down and battered, it is clear there was a recent fire that further damages the battered pier. For me, it was the highlight of my 2nd kayak trip. It is said, it is at ‘Ford Point’ however you can’t find it on the map. Something I have found over time, places are renamed and it really depends on who you ask. It’s name came from the historic Ford Plant. But you put in ‘Point Richmond’ and you will find it. There is a whole walking tour of the area with points of interests. Across from the Museum is R&B Cellars where you can wine and cider taste and have a bit to eat while you enjoy the Bay view.

Point Richmond California ©2016 By Stacy Poulos Postcard Travelers #sfbay #Richmond #California
Point Richmond California ©2016 By Stacy Poulos Postcard Travelers
#sfbay #Richmond #California

SS Red Oak Victory Museum

Now it’s time to warm up and get out of the wind. Working your way back go to see the inside of the SS Red Oak Victory ($10 donation to get in, mostly Closes at 2pm). I have not been inside yet, however I have been under the massive destroyer it in a kayak. It’s A original ship made by the Rosie The Riveters. If you aren’t familiar who Rosie is, during WWII all the available men were summoned to fight the war with no one left to build the Ships and Airplane’s. So women were summoned to come work in the shipyards. There is a famous print by Norman Rockwell that advertised “You can do it” to encourage women to join the movement where the women, who other wise were expected to be housewives were summoned to work in the shipyards. Back in those days it was ludicrous a woman would do a “man’s job”—even if they wanted to. Rivets are basically like ‘a nut and bolt’ a all in one, permanent mechanical fastener that holds metals sheets together to make airplanes, ships, bridges and such. They did more than assembled them with rivets, they welded and did all types of non-traditional jobs. It was war-time and Richmond area was the largest producer of war time products. The rural City of Richmond exploded. Now the whole area is dedicated to preserving this HerStory.

Shipyard Trail General Warehouse Richmond 2016 By Stacy Poulos
Shipyard Trail General Warehouse Richmond 2016 By Stacy Poulos

Rosie The Riveter Museum

Open daily 10am – 5pm

1414 Harbour Way S #3000, Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 232-5050

After seeing the ship, go to the Rosie The Riveter Museum, it’s very tactile with life size people to give you a sense of that time. Maybe even go home with a lunch pail. Especially if you have kids, they should see how woman contributed to the war effort. The Museum is free but if you can spare it, donations are always appreciated.

Now that you’ve had a day of HerStory, reward yourself at the Assemble Restaurant you basically get to eat and drink in the boiler room of the Ford Assemble plant.

Assemble Restaurant @ The Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804

Pirate Harbor

Now you have a choice to call it a day and watch the sunset there, or go back to see the sunset over a Pirate Harbor. Yep, a pirate harbor only you me, John Wayne and and a few others know about. If you continue on back on Stenmark Dr. past Pt. Molate Park Beach make a right onto a dirt road to San Pablo Yacht Harbor or they like to say San Pablo Pirate Harbor. They have developed the area in such a what that its very artiest friendly environment.

Photo Pt. San Pablo Pirate Yacht club Harbor ©2016 By Stacy Poulos
Photo Pt. San Pablo Pirate Yacht club Harbor ©2016 By Stacy Poulos

Follow the ‘Point San Pablo (Pirate) Yacht Harbor sign. There are is  a public bathroom and public kayak launch. But this little eccentric cove has a long History. Is was originally made by By Captain Raymond H. Clark in 1939 lined up about 9 ships on both sides to create a breakwater Harbor eventually overtime the ships were covered with dirt. And yes, that’s what you walk on.. shipwrecks. Fascinating. At sunset, at least on this day was a golden calm. At one point in History that area was the setting of the movie ‘Blood Alley’ with John Wayne and Lauren Bacall!

Update! There is a quaint restaurant  you’ll have to figure out what they have there now. Here is a link: https://www.pspharbor.com/   I promise you explore this area by kayak, car or foot, you will not be disappointed!

Point San Pablo Yacht (Pirate) Harbor

Many buried ship wrecks
1900 Western Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
+1 510-233-3224


blood_alley_movieposter

1955 ‘Blood Alley’ with John Wayne and Lauren Bacall partly filmed at Point San Pablo Harbor.

More Photos

Thanks for listening, fan me baby!


PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to:  PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar with Yummy Roasted Buttersquash Seed oil!

Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar video tour
Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar video tour 

 

Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar has 70 varieties of olive oils and balsamics that you can taste before you buy free! Many of the infused Olive oils are the same olive oil base with different flavorings. The olive oils come from two different hemispheres in Tunisia and Australia, and the balsamics are aged the traditional Solera Method from Modena Italy.  Each container tells you the mix of oil and acidity.  Although I’m not big of infused flavorings, the ones I tried are rich in flavor. I’m a straight olive oil gal. I like the kind that has a natural nutty flavor to it. My favorite Olive Oil is ‘Koronieki  olive oil’ extra virgin from Greece. They do not mix their oils with any other oils like big grocery store chains do.   Hold on, I’m not done… You may get dizzy with so many varieties.

Black TruffelPressed every week are there specialties oils; white and black truffle oil, sesame seed oil, roasted almond oil, seasonal pumpkin seed oil and my favorite for the day; buttersquash seed oil. Which has a really unique roasted taste to it. Now that I have it, what am I going to do with it? The owner said it’s great for roasting vegetables on a BBQ or adding to mash potatoes. They have a sleek 200 ml bottle that they will bottle your favorite on the spot for around 13 bucks. Specialty oils are more and other sizes are available.
As far as the balsamics I liked the ‘Cranberry-Pear White Balsamic Vinegar Condimento’ and the ‘Pomegranate-Quince White Balsamic’ was best.  They are open everyday at 10:00am to 8pm and will give you a free taste with bread and education about the oils.

Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar
751 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 USA
831-242-8900
www.montereystastyolivebar.com

Fan https://www.facebook.com/montereystastyolivebar

Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar on Cannery Row

Link to this video https://youtu.be/zzvEhXJrYro

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/montereys-tasty-olive-bar-monterey

Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar Postcard Travelers

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel.

 

‘Cannery Row Fisherman’ McAbee Beach, Monterrey by Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers ©2015
‘Cannery Row Fisherman’ McAbee Beach, Monterrey by Stacy Poulos PostcardTravelers ©2015

#Monterey #OliveOil #canneryrow #californiacoast #foodnetwork #traveltips #postcardtravelers  #balsamic

 

The Crucible Oakland the coolest place in the Bay Area, no kidding!

The Crucible
Stacy Poulos, Randy, Lisa and Tanya Holland
Brown Sugar Kitchen

The Crucible is one of the Coolest places in the Bay Area, no kidding. Here you can exercise all your creative juices. This is my second time. We took a jewelry class and I made a reckless out of 2 pieces of copper. Fun! Annnnd to my surprise, Tanya Holland, owner and Chef of the famous Brown Sugar Kitchen was taking the class with us.

Ok, I know, The “Crucible”?? What does that mean?? Well one of the definitions is; ‘…a place or situation in which different elements interact to produce something new….’  Well it’s Blacksmithing, Machine Shopping, Ceramics, Mold making
Enameling, Neon & Light, Fire Performance, Artist Resources
Foundry, Stone Working, Glass work, Glass blowing, Soft Sculpture & Textiles, Hot Wheels, Welding, Jewelry, Woodworking, leather working, Kinetic & Electronics… whew… and more! As a creative person, it’s everything you wish you could do. With a impressive fire arch you walk through to get in. To all the displays of artistes works displayed. Classes are for all adults and youth. Try to make it on a open house so you get a tour. When you come back, you are going to want to thank me. (How ever make sure you don’t leave anything important in your car the are is in a warehouse district).  http://thecrucible.org

Thank you Randy and AB&I for inviting me again! AB&I is a big support of the Crucible.

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The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
The Crucible
PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel.

Car enthusiast? Never miss a Goodguys Rod & Custom Association event

Car enthusiast? Never miss a Goodguys Rod & Custom Association event. They are all over the Nation. Today they were in Pleasanton California. I love the swap meet part; old and new nostalgic stuff. There are demonstration 100’s of booths, food entertainment, cars for sale. It’s pretty inexpensive to go.
Here’s a mini tour. https://www.good-guys.com/

Thank you Bob Smith XOXO

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel.

What!! Some of Alaska’s Inside Passage under 60 dollars! Not kidding. Travel and Adventure Show Video

What!! Some of Alaska’s Inside Passage under 60 dollars! Not kidding. Travel and Adventure Show Video

Alaska’s Inside Passage on a budget

Parts of Alaska’s Inside Passage under 60 dollars Alaska Marine Highway System on a budget

At the top of my Bucket List: Alaska. When I looked into it, there is just ridiculous prices to experience it. So I buy lottery tickets and hope for the best. Postcard Travelers is all about crafting your own experience to get the best out of life and travel. Looking for the postcard picture perfect experience, maximizing my budget. When I met Lorene Palmer of Alaska’s Inside Passage I told her ‘You are my new best friend!” And pulled over my colleagues at Comcast Chabot 27 to interview her. You must listen to what she says. [Video Link]

Craft your own experience.
9 hour ferry ride Juneau to Sitka $53.00 Craft your own experience. More info @ PostcardTravelers.com

You can go from some of the most insanely beautiful locations in the world… the Inside Passage for under $60.00. What!! That’s right. Like we have a public bus and BART system, Alaska has a waterway transit system ‘The Alaska Marine Highway System’ (AMHS). It only makes since for the local community to be able to get from one town to the next. Not like you can drive over a glacier to get home. Example Juneau to Sitka is a 9 hour ferry ride around $53.00! Woot, woot, woot!

You can thank me later. Come to find out my mom took this transit system when she went to Alaska and drove her camper on the boat a bit more than just going on the ride. There are cabins you can sleep in as well. My fantasy is to, of course, kayak around the glaciers. I never even thought bringing my own car or motorcycle was a possibility. So I am in fantasy heaven working out the details! In the meantime, here is the interview with Eddie Hazzard (Chabot 27) at the Travel & Adventure Show and link to http://www.alaskasinsidepassage.com/ please let us know about your experience if you happen to go before me. Tips please! XOXO

Stacy Poulos

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
 
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

#AlaskaMarineHighwaySystem #MarineHighway #Cheaptravel #Alaska #postcardtravelers +PostcardTravelers #bucketlist #Travelandadventureshow

PostcardTravelers Pop-Up Art show

Prints available:
http://goo.gl/obc6RW

 

Come to my Pop-up Art Show Sunday! https://www.facebook.com/events/835039739889418/
Come to my Pop-up Art Show Sunday!
https://www.facebook.com/events/835039739889418/

Event invite
https://www.facebook.com/events/835039739889418/

Ascension Historical Society’s Art Exhibit
Featuring Stacy Poulos Photography

Link to Catalog of prints http://goo.gl/obc6RW

Come celebrate Greek Independence Day with the Ascension Historical Society Art Exhibit featuring Greek American Bay Area Artists.
$5 entrance fee for observers, this includes cheese, olives, wine/beverage of choice. Please RSVP so we know how many olives to bring.

March 29th, 2015 12:30 till 5pm
Located at
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in
Greek Orthodox Cathedral,
4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602
(Where they have the largest Greek Festival in Northern California).

Finally see in person photography from Stacy travels that are blogged http://www.PostcardTravelers.com/

Stacy will also have a rare photo of her Grandfather Achilleas Poulos Famous Greek Musician who Originated ‘Why I Came To America’ Capital Records
www.achilleaspoulos.com

Join Stacy’s blog to get tips and updates of her journeys. From Greece to the SF Bay Area from a kayakers perspective of water front photography. (One which hangs on the wall of Lungomare‘s, One Broadway Oakland).

We are trying to decide what prints to bring. Prints of Greece, of course. What else would you like to see up close? If you have a particular interest in a subject She has taken let us know. We’ll see what I can do.


Some prints will be available for sale. 10% proceeds go to Ascension Historical Society.

http://goo.gl/obc6RW

List of Photography:
Bay Area Water Front
Catalina Island
France: Paris
Greece: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Syros
Haiti: La Gonave, Anse-a-galets
Hawaii: Big Island
Italy: Roma, Florence, Venice
Mexico++

After reception in the lounge at 5:30pm till when ever at
Lungomare One Broadway Oakland
If you plan on having a sit down dinner please RSVP with Lungomare’s. (510) 444-7171

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Tune in Live On the Radio …When you go places in the world, and you look through those postcards racks, I want you to think of me…

 StacyPoulos on ihear tRadio; WRNW1
Stacy Poulos on iheart Radio; WRNW1.

“When you go places in the world, and you look through those postcards racks, I want you to think of me.  The daydream of a 12 year old determined girl, staring at the rack with a used 35mm camera in her hand.  Dreaming about having her postcards on that rack someday. That was the seed that sparked the journey of PostcardTravelers.com and my career of film making” –Stacy Poulos

Tune in Tuesday March 10, 2015
4:36 PM Eastern / 1:36 PM Pacific
http://www.wrnw1.com/listen-live/
Atlanta’s Women Radio Network WRNW1 interviews PostcardTravelers Adventure Magazine’s Filmmaker / Photographer and Host Stacy Poulos about her dream life from childhood. (Also owner of Playback.net Video Film Multimedia and founder of Girlpages Network).

#WRNW1 is committed to empower female professionals as they navigate through the pathways to success.

(The recording will be available on this page after the show. )

 

“I love my job! It’s the most Stacy Poulos Photographyrewarding and fulfilling job I could ever imagine. I’m a great story teller, and I love when it all comes together, I levitate. When a client tells me their vision of what they want, I start a virtual walk through of it. It’s what I was born to do. Recently I finished a badass music video ‘The Stars’ By Sarah Smith. I love the song and was so honored to be the one to direct it. I listened to her ideas of what the song meant to her, coupled with being inspired by the song, and then movie magic. We connected as artists on a mission and she trusted in my process and ability. I told her story on film.  That’s what I do, one frame of photography, or lots of frames in a video. It’s an honor everyday to work with people and helping to realize their goals. In the end, I have a piece of art I can be proud of and I helped put something good out in the world.”

The Stars by Sarah Smith.

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Beer note: Don’t you hate when…

“Don’t you hate when you’re at the corner of making a decision about the least of all evils?” -Stacy Poulos

Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy By Stacy Poulos
PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Women’s Travel Fest 2015 is here in San Francisco, CA!

Womens Travel Fest

Open, Open Open! Lets see. I’m a woman. I like to Travel… and the Women’s Travel Fest 2015 is here in San Francisco, CA!
Go! Girl Guides. I’m on it!
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM –
Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 5:00 PM
San Francisco, CA
http://womenstravelfest.com/

AuthorPatriciaSchultz-1000places

 

By the way Author Patricia Schultz will be here I can’t wait to ask her more hot tips.

Here’s what she said about 5 places.

 

For lesbian Travel Check out: Girlpages Travel

#WomensTravelFest #Girlpages #Postcardtravelers #travel #lesbain #Lesbiantravel ##1000places #Adventure

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

Insider Video Empty Streets Haiti’s Gas crisis

Insider Video at the near empty streets of Haiti’s Gas crisis. This is what it looks today by the people who actually live there, and how gas effects a community.  My brother is in Haiti 3 years now and lives where the video was taken.

Haiti Gas Crisis 2015 Photo HaitiXchange
Haiti Gas Crisis 2015 Photo HaitiXchange

 

In case the video is not showing here’s a link to it…
“A street view of Port-au-Prince during the gas strike on Monday, February 9, 2015. New rounds of transportations strikes have cripples Port-au-Prince yet again. People are protesting gas prices which are high despite despite low gas prices on the international market. This new round of strikes has been announced to show dissatisfaction with the Haitian government’s 20 Gourde decrease announced last week after the initial gas strikes. This time, I’ve decided to go out into the streets to take a look at how things were going.”
Map of area the video was taken.
This is how the news covers the crisis…
________________________________
In the meantime. My brother has helped many people start their own business. If you go to the area support Minouche’s Cafe Bar / Resto.  All the charm of La Ganave. Haitian Women Owned & Operated. Of course the businesses on the Island should be effected with the crisis too. But they don’t have a lot of transportation there anyway.
PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

One Month to Live Author Patricia Schultz gives us 5 places to go. PostcardTravelers

One Month to Live Author Patricia Schultz gives us 5 places to go. -PostcardTravelers

1000 Places Patrica Shults

Patricia Schultz is the Author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers; 1000 places to see before you die. She gives us five Hot Tips if you only have a month to live. You wont believe what she says! Host; Photographer, Filmmaker Stacy Poulos www.PostcardTravelers.com
Get the book:
http://1000places.com/
Music; Connie M. Gaxiola

Patricia Shults Chicks Rock Girlpages Network

#chicksrock
#1000places #PCTravelers #PatriciaSchultz #stacypoulos #travel @postcardtravelersxoxo #placestoseebeforeyoudie

PostcardTraveler Adventure Magazine
Host: Photographer / Filmmaker Stacy Poulos
Author of ‘Life In A Nutshell’
 
>>Pinterest Bucket List: https://www.pinterest.com/pctravelers/
 
Need a product or service reviewed?
Send it to: 
PostcardTravelers
Po Box 20608, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Have camera will travel. 
©2017 Postcard Travelers

by stacy poulos