We went off in lovely sunshine through citrus, nut and fruit tree farms and lots of vegetables too. The irrigated parts are so green and lush and the rest so very brown and dusty. The rows of produce form many geometric patterns as this newly planted area show. At times, we follow the aqueduct supplying the water. Signs read, 'Food grows where water flows.'
As we drove through Sacramento, I read that this city was settled in 1839 on a 50,000 acre land grant from the Mexican government to Capt. John Sutter, a Swiss emigrant. It became the state capital in 1854. Gold was discovered in 1856 and the rush was on. The railroad arrived in 1856 and it became the western terminus of the Pony Express in 1860. It became a great agricultural area. Then above Sacromento, we were surprised to see the the rice paddies had been allowed to dry up and go to seed.
Stayed overnight at the rollings Hills Casino and enjoyed a lovely Easter dinner after we phoned the family.
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