Sturgeon's historic steam-powered lumber mill

Well, this is not another trip to some exotic place, but a local trip just 10 miles from home.  Still it was a wonderful day where we were transported back in time and it is the only way I can think of sharing our experience.

This steam powered lumber mill was started in Coleman Valley in 1912 and after the supply of logs ran out there, the mill was shut down, dismantled, and moved to its present location on Green Hill Road near Graton, California.  The mill operated in its present location until 1963.  In 1993 the restoration began.  After a new boiler was installed in 2006, the mill was once again being powered by steam.  Four weekends a year this 'working' museum is opened to the public.

We wander along a road up to the mill, passing wonderful old machinery.

First stop is the steam donkey.

With the attached cable, it can pull itself up on a ridge and then pull the logs up there, too.

This is the mill.

We go inside to watch.  The logs are rolled in and positioned so it can be moved and cut by a 60 inch blade.

After the slabs are cut from log, the slabs are cut with 4 blades which can be adjusted to the wanted widths.

There is a mirror set up so you can see the blades.

You can see the steam coming out from under the mill where the boiler is.

Under the mill

The old boiler...

Finally the boards are cut to length and the go to the planer.

We explore some of the other exhibits....the office

Old trucks....

A model of a steam engine..Beautifully done!!

An engine that pumped water out of the irrigation canals to the crops..

I had meant to visit here for years and finally did.  What a great day!!

Day 6 - Cozumel, Mexico and day 7 at sea

View of sunrise from the Windjammer Restaurant

The pilot boat coming to guide us to shore

We are ready to go ashore

Walked to town for lunch and wifi 

Walked almost all day

Our latest room pet greeting us as we returned to our room

The first 1/2 of day the winds, wave, and rain caused all outside decks to be closed, but in the afternoon things calmed down and we enjoyed the sunshine and pools. We went to two evening shows, one before our last meal in the dining room and one after.  This whole cruise experience has been wonderful.  We are back in Texas now and will be home around 11pm.  

Day 5 - George Town, Grand Cayman Island

Well, luck was on our side as it has been too windy for cruise ships to come in here for six weeks.  Here on the west side of the island there is little wind and calm seas. 

However, on the east side it is still blowing, so our excursion to swim with the sting rays and snorkel on the barrier reef has been cancelled.  Although disappointed, we went ashore on the tenders and regrouped.

One good thing was we were all together.  Originally, we had booked different excursions, but they were all cancelled.  We had coffee ashore and decided to go to Seven Mile Beach..  The kids walked down the beach to look around the fancy hotels. We stayed on the public beach....Teri enjoying the shade on a beach chair, Jeff getting a message, and Milinda and I snorkeling.

Not much in the way of coral, but lots of fish.

When the beach got crowded and it got hotter, we headed back to the boat.

We spent the rest of the day in the pool...me drinking Margaritas!

And then we dressed for the aerial performance and dinner. 

Another good day,

Day 4, Kingston Jamaica

leaving the ship

Milinda and I went on a catamaran trip to snorkel

A great day in the water and on the boat!!!!  (Even a foot message :-) )

And then back to the ship

And away