JB in the Wild E. 48

Welcome to episode 48

I.???????????????? Introduction

This go round we dive deep into my home town.? The city shaped me into the explorer I am.

The Town as it is affectionately nick-named, is a true cultural melting pot.? A? jumping point for all the natural riches in Northern California often kicks off here.? Geographically it is a regional crossroads.

The city is also a transportation hub into, through and out of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Bias is real, yet I also know from deep, immersive experience it is a city that will surprise most any traveler. ?How?

The city is a rainbow culturally.? Topographically, a series of coastal waterways, creeks tumbling from rolling hills, to jagged, steep hills all within the city limits.

Urbanists, those who jump when they see a spider and think tents are nonsense, will appreciate the city’s vibrance.? Live music, jazz to rock and hip hop, pop and symphonic, to artisan enclaves scattered in all districts of the town make it a cultural dynamo.

Likewise, nature lovers will also find their slice of heaven in a diverse mid-sized city.? Population, about 400,000.?

The estuary is home to scores of wildlife, aquatic, terrestrial and avian, all have communed for millennia.? In up in “them” hills, a winding high banking ridge road snakes for a dozen miles with plenty of turnouts with majestic views of San Francisco and a regional park wilderness to the sunrise horizon.

A broad view of what makes the City Across the Bay from San Francisco worth exploring.?

Travel ideas, you guessed it are all about Nor Cal.?

II.?????????????? Oakland – (Very) Brief History

Founded in 1852.? Two short years after California was admitted into the United States, the 31st state if you’re counting stars on the flag.? For the first 50 years it was a rough and tumble back water on the east bank of San Francisco Bay.

Post 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which devastated much of the city, waves of people moved across the Bay to the largely unsettled East Bay.? Mostly ranches, orchards and homesteaders.? At the time, it was an agricultural city.

By the end of World War 2, the city had a booming manufacturing sector.? The U.S. military had two bases in the city, heavy industrial factories produced steel, autos, canned foods and a variety of consumer staples.

By the tumultuous 60s the city was a flashpoint for social and political causes.? The Black Panther Party was founded in the Town.? So too were the notorious Hell’s Angels.? The two group’s club houses were blocks apart.?

A decade later, the city was at the pinnacle of pro sports.? In a short 5-year span, the local sports teams racked up 5 world championships.? (baseball: 3, football: 1, basketball: 1).

In the 21st century Oakland has continued to be a landing place for tech entrepreneurs and small Mom & Pop businesses.?

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III.???????????? Oakland – Culture + Nature

I could go on and on about the virtues of the Town.? For a (lit bit) of brevity.? Oakland excels at two things:

Food culture:? A respected travel brand, Conde Nast readers’ poll announced Oakland the best American foodie city in 2024.? Didn’t see that one coming I bet.? Fine dining, to downhome delicious eats, the city is rich with culinary talent.

Urban nature:? Let’s start with, the city’s flag and name both include a tree species.? The city flag, a green silhouette of an oak tree on a bright yellow background.?

The city is in two topographic zones, the “flats” and the “hills”.? Up in the hills, lush woodlands, giant redwoods soak in the regular fog baths cruising through from the mighty Pacific on the jet stream.?

Horseback riding, archery, camping, swimming, the hills are an alpine wonderland seemingly cut off from the greater modern world.

Oakland Photo Essay

IV.???????????? Travel Ideas – Northern California

1]? Lake Tahoe - Summer

8 days

Arrive Reno, private transfer to and from Lake Tahoe

Luxury private cabin with lake views

Hot tub with alpine views

Mountain bikes for 6 people

Passes to 2 mountain parks

Night on the lake, private transportation to South Lake Tahoe

Casino + culinary experience

Miles of hiking trails

Private boat rental, swim in a cove or lounge on the beach

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2] Marin County – North Bay

6 days

Arrive Oakland, private transport from and to Oakland airport

Mountain side luxury home rental

OR bay side boutique hotel

Sailing expedition around the San Francisco Bay with a maritime historian & captain

Day trip into San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge

Local historian walking tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Little Italy, North Beach

Private or small group hike with a naturalist in an ancient redwood forest

Private or small group beach sunset and star party with an astronomer

3] Oakland Urban | Woodland Expedition

8 days

Arrive Oakland, private transport from and to airport

Luxury hotel with views of the San Francisco Bay

Foodie marathon – walking + dining with a local guide

Optional small group food culture + cannabis curated event

Day on the bay, sailing with a local captain, through the Golden Gate, lunch board

Optional VIP sporting experience – schedule permitting (basketball, baseball)

Horseback trail ride with local naturalist in Redwood Regional Park

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V.?????????????? Trivia

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What is the longest ticketed train journey?

Lagos Portugal to Singapore

13,000Km / 8,077 miles, travels through 13 countries

Takes about 3 weeks to complete

Source:? https://wildplanetexplorer.com/

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What city was founded in 1852?

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VI.???????????? Song lyrics

What you own is your own kingdom

What you do is your own glory

What you love is your own power

What you live is your own story

-??????? Neil Peart

Source:? https://www.rush.com

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Thank you for reading!

Ready to travel?? Talk about travel?? Dream up an epic trip?

Find us online @ https://www.holidayroadadventures.com/team/josh-black

https://calendly.com/josh-black-w53w

Already planning a trip, we can help.

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Dream.? Plan. Go!

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