On our first day in Lake County we picked up a magazine.
Well, it was not truly a magazine, although packaged in the same shape, with the same glossy pages. Instead, “Lake County Destinations” proved to be a door that when thrown open revealed much of the colored motion and serene beauty of the region.
We tossed a copy in the car and went out to explore. And we haven’t stopped .
The publication is intended for visitors to the county, of course. It lists events, restaurants, casinos, parks, museums and so on. It might even mention the lake a few times.
One of the most common complaints heard from local residents involves the lack of activity. There’s apparently “nothing to do,” along the Northshore. South County is all quite. Lakeport shuts down at 9 p.m.
You’ve heard it all before.
Flipping through its 114 pages, however, Lake County comes roaring to life. On one page you see the whirling lights of the county fair. On another the pounding action of the rodeo. As the images mount up, you realize that in the winery tasting rooms, the concerts in the park, the festivals and golf courses and boating and birding that the people issuing such criticisms must have a very narrow range of interests indeed.
The negativity is difficult to understand. Lake County shimmies to a thriving music scene, with live performances every weekend and street dances throughout the summer. But I’m fine secluding myself at home, streaming some classic rock. Oktoberfest showcases seasonal beers and hearty meals. But I can pop open a brew and slouch on the rocking chair.
In other words, one can choose to avoid the almost constant action — never drop a line in the lake, never go tasting room hopping on the Wine Adventure, never search the stars at Taylor Observatory, pound down (in the most genteel manner possible) spirits at Ely Stage Stop’s annual whiskey dinner, never visit the farmers markets or the Pear Festival or hear old school blues at The Blue Wing.
The guide lists 11 bike routes on the Konocti Regional Trail. There are views of waterfalls (in El Nino season, obviously) in the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area. An advertisement mentions aerial tours. Several ranches offer horseback riding. The so-called “largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi takes place in May. Fireworks sparkle in July, and classic Detroit chrome in August — and other months, for that matter.
So you can see why I’m confused when anyone compares Lake County to a rustic old still life.
These events may simply not spark a person’s interest. But a “nothing to do” harrumph should not follow the decision to sit at home watching television.
Maybe I’m fortunate that one of my first acts when I arrived in Lake County was picking up that Destinations magazine, guide, gateway. Right away I saw a county alive with events and possibilities.
Lake County hosts a symphony. It’s probably a little too sophisticated for someone brought up on The New Lost City Ramblers and the Rolling Stones. There are several places that look ripe for antiquing, if only we had not committed to downsizing. It’s possible to hike to the top of Mt. Konocti, but that brings reminders of that old football injury. Heron Days or a bald eagle tour sound fun, once I make it to the eye doctor for a new prescription.
Oh, I’m not one to play the casinos or spend Saturday evening at the speedway. But the options are there.
This week I picked up the 2016 edition of Destinations. So I’m set for another year of adventure.
Well, as much adventure as I can pack into those few hours when I’m not stuck in front of a computer or lounging in front of the TV.
At least I know what I’m missing. And looking at this year’s publication, I’ll be missing a lot.
