Day 1B San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery May 2008

We drive a long way out into the country, wondering whether we've missed a turn, particularly when we come to this sign and fence that seem to tell us that we're at the end of the road and t ...

2008-05-25T14:24:16Z

elf1
We drive a long way out into the country, wondering whether we've missed a turn, particularly when we come to this sign and fence that seem to tell us that we're at the end of the road and t ...

But the road continues past the "END" sign, so we drive cautiously along the gently curving lane. We begin passing evergreens planted in the median, each with a small plaque.

2008-05-25T14:24:16Z

elf1
But the road continues past the "END" sign, so we drive cautiously along the gently curving lane. We begin passing evergreens planted in the median, each with a small plaque.

We stopped to check the plaques on the trees. The two closest to us were labeled for ships, the USS Darter (SS227) and the USS Shark (SS314), Oct 24, '48. So apparently the trees, battened d ...

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
We stopped to check the plaques on the trees. The two closest to us were labeled for ships, the USS Darter (SS227) and the USS Shark (SS314), Oct 24, '48. So apparently the trees, battened d ...

Finally we reach the actual entrance to the cemetery. It's all dignified, low-key, quiet, comforting.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Finally we reach the actual entrance to the cemetery. It's all dignified, low-key, quiet, comforting.

But there are warnings about rattlesnakes and other critters here, too.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
But there are warnings about rattlesnakes and other critters here, too.

At first, the wide sloping lawns look empty but for an occasional flower or flag. We wonder how they know where to put the flowers, so we park the van and get out to stroll across the groun ...

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
At first, the wide sloping lawns look empty but for an occasional flower or flag. We wonder how they know where to put the flowers, so we park the van and get out to stroll across the groun ...

Wide paths meander through the park-like setting. We encounter this stone memorializing Pearl Harbor.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Wide paths meander through the park-like setting. We encounter this stone memorializing Pearl Harbor.

A small, artificial but natural-looking, stream and pond drift through the grass, the still waters reflecting the plentiful willows.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
A small, artificial but natural-looking, stream and pond drift through the grass, the still waters reflecting the plentiful willows.

The natural pond feeds into more formal reflecting ponds with planters for flowers and a bridge for contemplation. Linda contemplates.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
The natural pond feeds into more formal reflecting ponds with planters for flowers and a bridge for contemplation. Linda contemplates.

On a hot day, the water and flowers are also calming and cooling.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
On a hot day, the water and flowers are also calming and cooling.

Linda strolling among the willows.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Linda strolling among the willows.

The only building on the site houses a museum and the usual cemetery facilities. We didn't look for the museum. The bunch grasses along the slope in front of the building also exuded calm.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
The only building on the site houses a museum and the usual cemetery facilities. We didn't look for the museum. The bunch grasses along the slope in front of the building also exuded calm.

My main goal was to see the California Korean War Veterans Memorial, and we found it here, surrounded by roses, some of which were still in bloom.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
My main goal was to see the California Korean War Veterans Memorial, and we found it here, surrounded by roses, some of which were still in bloom.

Linda surveys the simple granite slabs engraved with names.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Linda surveys the simple granite slabs engraved with names.

The front entrance to the memorial.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
The front entrance to the memorial.

You could tell that these were Californians who gave their lives; the engraved lists were flush with names like Hernandez, Fernandez, Sanchez--

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
You could tell that these were Californians who gave their lives; the engraved lists were flush with names like Hernandez, Fernandez, Sanchez--

--although "Mc" and "Mac" names also filled two rows, which I thought was interesting.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
--although "Mc" and "Mac" names also filled two rows, which I thought was interesting.

From a greater distance, you can see how the memorial is formed of concentric circles of marble, walkway, roses, bedding area, and so on.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
From a greater distance, you can see how the memorial is formed of concentric circles of marble, walkway, roses, bedding area, and so on.

Against one hill, "The Airborne Soldier" monument stands at rest.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Against one hill, "The Airborne Soldier" monument stands at rest.

Far above the Airborne soldier, the American flag flies on the golden hilltop.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Far above the Airborne soldier, the American flag flies on the golden hilltop.

It's a stark and poignant reminder of the lives given in service of our country. It flies, alive, the only thing still brisk and breathing in this quiet place. Linda pointed out that there ...

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
It's a stark and poignant reminder of the lives given in service of our country. It flies, alive, the only thing still brisk and breathing in this quiet place. Linda pointed out that there ...

We had to walk all the way around to the back side of the hill and then follow a long, curving roadway up the hill.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
We had to walk all the way around to the back side of the hill and then follow a long, curving roadway up the hill.

Linda stayed way ahead of me most of the way, which was typical on uphills all weekend. Especially if I were taking pictures (who, me?) and especially if it was hot. Which it was. We reassur ...

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
Linda stayed way ahead of me most of the way, which was typical on uphills all weekend. Especially if I were taking pictures (who, me?) and especially if it was hot. Which it was. We reassur ...

From below, it's hard to realize how tall that flagpole really is. Linda stands beside it.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
From below, it's hard to realize how tall that flagpole really is. Linda stands beside it.

From the hilltop,you could see all the way back out to the San Luis Reservoir, which we had left 20 minutes earlier.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
From the hilltop,you could see all the way back out to the San Luis Reservoir, which we had left 20 minutes earlier.

A panorama of most of the cemetery. For some reason I didn't photograph the small area to the right (west). Maybe I couldn't see it clearly from the hilltop.

2008-05-25T14:25:04Z

elf1
A panorama of most of the cemetery. For some reason I didn't photograph the small area to the right (west). Maybe I couldn't see it clearly from the hilltop.

I look far too jolly here for the serenity and peace of the cemetery. But I've just successfully climbed a fairly steep uphill in fairly impressive heat and I'm still alive. I feel good. My ...

2008-05-25T14:29:33Z

elf1
I look far too jolly here for the serenity and peace of the cemetery. But I've just successfully climbed a fairly steep uphill in fairly impressive heat and I'm still alive. I feel good. My ...

After leaving the cemetery, I had to stop and take a quick look at Pea Soup Anderson's. I've been to the one in Solvang many times, but never this one in Santa Nella. They used to have an al ...

2008-05-25T14:24:20Z

elf1
After leaving the cemetery, I had to stop and take a quick look at Pea Soup Anderson's. I've been to the one in Solvang many times, but never this one in Santa Nella. They used to have an al ...