Historic Jamestown - what stories could these buildings tell
As we neared Sonora we took a short detour through Historic Jamestown. This is the sort of place I could easily spend a few hours in. I would love to hear the stories those historic building would tell, of dreams shared, dreams shattered, lives changed – some for better, some for worse – but all stories rich with human experience.
We didn’t stop there, as we were close to our destination and the thought of a shower and a chance to explore Sonora sounded good. It was a shorter riding day today – only 250 miles (400 km) with a 2-night stop in Sonora (time to do the laundry).
Glenn, Tracey, Zea nd myself - exploring 'old Sonora'
We came into Sonora along West Stockland St into what I now call ‘old Sonora’. This is the lovely historic part of town, and again I was imagining the stories these streets have seen. Old gold-rush towns fascinate me, but now Sonora survives (maybe thrives – I’m not sure) on tourism.
We soon found accommodation that suited us at the Inns of California in Washington St. It’s quite a grand looking historic-style building. Reading back on ‘online’ reviews these are quite mixed, but our experience was fine.
Bomb scare at the Sonora Courthouse
We loaded the laundry and took a walk downtown. It didn’t take too long to find some ‘local action’. Outside the local courthouse were a few sheriff cars and trucks, and a large ‘Special Operations Division’ truck. They seemed reasonably relaxed so I went over to chat to them. Guns and trucks and things are always interesting, and I believe in being friendly with as many police officers as I can – never know when that friendly smile of recognition might pay off.
It turns out there had been a bomb scare in the courthouse, but all was under control. They even let me photograph their vehicles inside and out provided there were no personal ID details visible anywhere.
Sonora Psychic sign - I thought they 'knew' stuff, like that someone is at the door.
A short stroll back to hotel – clothes in the drier and back down for something to eat. We passed a local Physic’s office with this sign on the door. Pretty poor of the Psychic to not be able to tell that you have arrived!
We selected the Diamondback Grill for dinner – it looked to have a good atmosphere, and the menu suited us. I continued my quest to sample local beers, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was the suggestion by the young lady who took our order, and what an excellent suggestion. It could have been that we had been riding for many hours in 106F temps that helped, but that was a GOOD beer. (From memory, the previous night in Carmel the most ‘local’ beer they could suggest at Hogs Breath was Budweiser. Not good).
Sierra Pale Ale at the Diamondback Grill
The great meal, great company, cold beer and prospect of tomorrows ride up Sonora Pass all combined for that lovely warm inner glow of a day well spent, and another great day coming up.
Tomorrow we hit our first real ‘twisty’ road that was a ‘must ride’ when I first started my planning. WhooHoo!!
