Susan Wood

Hummingbirds

June 7, 2014 by Susan Wood Leave a Comment

A Photo Essay by Susan Wood

Hummingbird nests are so small and well camouflaged that you can look right at one and never see it. So it was just by luck that my neighbor discovered the hummingbird nest built on a wind chime in her back yard. When I first saw the nest, the two baby hummingbirds had just hatched from eggs the size of a Tic Tac. They were no bigger than a penny, had short, stubby beaks, no feathers, dark skin, and closed eyes.

Not wanting to miss a moment, I grabbed my camera and became a fixture in my neighbor’s backyard. I spent the next three weeks up close (on a ladder) and personal with the chicks and their mother—watching, waiting, and learning everything I possibly could about them.

Momma returned every 20 to 25 minutes to feed her babies. Each time she came back, she would buzz around me, coming in closer and closer, sometimes so close she would tickle my cheek with the wind from her wings.
Within a couple of days, the baby hummingbirds almost doubled in size and began to grow little fuzzy pinfeathers. After one week, they were covered in these fuzzy feathers making them look like miniature prickly balls.

By two weeks, the babies were completely covered in pin feathers and starting to grow real feathers, and their beaks had become much longer. At almost three weeks old, the little babies looked more like real hummingbirds. They tested out their wings more and more, preparing for their first flight.

By three weeks, the chicks had become full grown adults and flew away. As for me, I am still recovering from “empty nest syndrome!”

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Fun Facts
• Hummingbirds are the tiniest birds in the world.
• They get their name from the humming sound produced by their wings when in flight.
• Early Spanish explorers called hummingbirds flying jewels.
• Hummingbirds are extremely smart and can remember every flower they have been to, and how long it will take a flower to refill. They will visit an average of 1,000 flowers per day. They remember year to year, where each and every hummingbird feeder is, both at home and along their migration path.
• Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any animal on earth (roughly 100 times that of an elephant).
• They need to eat on average seven times per hour and will consume anywhere from half to eight times their body weight in one day.
• Hummingbirds do not “drink” nectar from flowers and feeders. They lap it with their tongues, which are grooved (like the shape of a “W”) and have tiny hairs on the tip to help gather the nectar.
• Hummingbirds are great little hunters and need to eat bugs for protein. Being very resourceful, they have even been known to steal little bugs out of a spider’s web, then eat the spider and steal the web to build their own nest.
• Toilet training of baby hummingbirds comes built in (a definite benefit of being a hummingbird mom). The baby hummingbirds will do everything they can to dispose of waste over the side of the nest. But, a word of caution: If you are lucky enough to be that close to a nest, DO NOT stand next to a baby hummingbird after it’s fed!
• When they sleep (daily), hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state called Torpor (TOR-per). Their metabolism lowers to one-fifteenth (1/15) of normal. Their body temperature drops to the point of becoming hypothermic. Their heart rate drops to about 50 beats per minute. Their breathing slows to the point that it looks like they have stopped breathing. By sleeping like this, hummingbirds can save up to 60% of their available energy. When in the Torpor state, they can appear to be dead and occasionally have been found hanging upside-down.
• Hummingbirds are the original helicopters. They are the only birds that can fly both forward and backwards and can also hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside-down.
• They can fly an average of 25-30 miles per hour and reach 60 mph when diving.
• They have the fastest wing beats of any bird, around 70 beats per second and up to 200 beats per second during a high speed dive.
• A hummingbird’s heart can beat up to 1,260 beats per minute, 250 times per minute at rest.
• An average sized hummingbird will have about 940 feathers. This is more feathers per square inch of their body than any other bird in the animal kingdom.

• Hummingbirds have very large eyes in proportion to their body weight. The eyes are set on the side of the head allowing the hummingbird to see both ahead (binocular vision) and on the side peripherally (monocular vision). Hummingbirds have many more rods and cones than humans in their eyes to help them see well. This makes them better able to see colors and ultraviolet light.
• Hummingbirds have regular eyelids to block light from each eye but also have a third eyelid call a Nictitating Membrane that is clear and will protect the hummingbird’s eyes while flying.
• A hummingbird has two ears located on each side of its head to improve hearing, and can easily decipher small fluctuations of tones better than most humans.
• Hummingbirds have very weak feet and can barely walk (they like to perch and spend most of their life perching).
• 30% of a hummingbird’s weight consists of flight muscles. Human pectoral muscles are about 5% of body weight.
• A hummingbird can weigh anywhere between 2 and 20 grams. A penny weighs 2.5 grams.
• Depending on the type or species of hummingbird, the little babies weigh approximately 0.62 grams. That’s one-third the weight of a United States dime.
• If a hummingbird survives its first year, it will live for an average of five years. Unfortunately, only about 20% of hummingbirds survive their first winter.
• Hummingbirds are found as far north as Alaska and as far south as Chile.
• There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds.
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Hummingbird nests are made of plant down and other soft materials, glued together with spider webs. The spider webs allow the nest to stretch and be flexible as the baby hummingbirds grow. The bottom and wind side of the nest are usually thicker than the top and leeward side. This helps regulate the temperature inside the nest.

Most hummingbird nests look like a small cup about the size of a walnut shell, and range from having the diameter of a penny to about an inch and a half when completed.

When a mother hummingbird comes to feed her chicks, the babies feel the wind from her wings and lift their heads up and open their mouths. The mother inserts her beak all the way down into the mouths of the babies while dropping a mixture of regurgitated insects and nectar inside. When the mother hummingbird does this, you can see her throat swell as she pumps the baby food out of her beak in an up and down motion, kind of like a sewing needle on a sewing machine.

Baby hummingbirds will usually have enough feathers to regulate their own body heat by about nine days after hatching. The mother hummingbird will no longer need to sit on the nest all the time. This works well because the baby hummingbirds are now too big for the mother hummingbird to fit inside the nest anyway.

The baby hummingbirds will start stretching their wings by gripping the floor of the nest with their feet and flapping away. By hanging on to the nest, the baby hummingbirds will not have to worry about accidentally flying away too soon.

Hummingbirds are very clean and groom themselves quite often.

Some feathers on a hummingbird hold bright radiant color. This coloring comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism and requires sunlight to show these colors off.

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Special thanks to my neighbor Marilyn for letting me “camp out” in her backyard for three weeks and to her granddaughter Hailey for helping me with the research for this project.

Resources: World of Hummingbirds – www.Worldofhummingbirds.com
Wild Birds Unlimited – www.wbu.com

For additional photographs, go to susanwoodphotography.com

Documenting History

November 3, 2013 by Susan Wood Leave a Comment

It’s been a great journey following a little piece of history in the making, as the project I began in 2008 just kept getting better and better. So many wonderful photo opportunities have come my way—from land, sea and air—that it’s difficult to pick just a few to share.

Many late (sometimes very chilly) nights were spent on Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands, exploring different views of the Bay Bridge with my friend and dedicated driver, Rod Harris. Exciting aerial shoots were had, thanks to my pilot friend, Chris Chilson and fun photos from the Bay were possible thanks to my dearly departed friend, tugboat Captain Eric Gohs.

On August 17, 2012, I had an incredible private tour of the Bay Bridge construction site with Bridge Safety Engineer, Edward Garcia, who went out of his way to show me around. The elevator ride up to the bridge was a little scary but I was thrilled, and as I stepped out onto the construction site, I was blown away with the immense scope and details of the bridge project. Needless to say, my cameras were put to work immediately, and as I was shooting, I realized that future photos of the site would never be the same as a long parade of concrete trucks would be arriving the very next day to cover up the detailed roadwork I’d been documenting.

On August 28, 2013, I witnessed, firsthand, the historic closing of the Bay Bridge from the roof of the Toll Plaza (watching drivers jockey to be the very last car to go through) and then stood in the middle of the closed freeway to photograph the closed Toll Plaza. Who would have thought I’d get those exciting photo ops!

During the bridge closure, I had some amazing opportunities to explore and photograph the old, eerily quiet bridge. Most impactful though was standing on the 50-foot section of the old East Span’s upper deck where it collapsed during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. My thoughts and prayers were definitely with those who lost their lives there.

Seeing “the troll” attached under the bridge (put there in the wake of the 1989 disaster, to honor the workers who repaired the old bridge, and to protect it from future damage) was another memorable highlight.

Walking and taking photos out on new Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge on opening day (before the Bridge was opened to the public) was an extra special treat. I must have set the world record for the number of times one can say, “WOW,” in one day. As I documented an unforgettable, “moment in time,” the question kept entering my mind: How could life get any better?

Special thanks to Officer Daniel Hill and the California Highway Patrol for giving me so many incredible photo opportunities during the bridge closure. For more Bay Bridge images, go to www.SusanWoodPhotography.com

Believe in Dreams: Catching up with Bay Area Olympians

December 6, 2012 by Susan Wood Leave a Comment

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Excitement buzzed through the gym as Melissa Seidemann shared her gold medal and spoke to the College Park High School community about her Olympic debut in women’s water polo. Her message? Set goals, work hard, and never stop believing in yourself! As Team USA’s second highest scorer at the London Olympics, the CPHS alumna helped her team make history with the USA’s first ever Olympic gold medal in water polo.

Melissa began training with the National Team in 2010, splitting her time between the national team and Stanford. She took the past year off in order to compete at the Olympics. Adam Krikorian, head coach of Team USA’s women’s water polo, said he is thankful to her for making the commitment and for pushing through the hard times for the team. “It came with a lot of difficulty for Melissa in the beginning,” said Krikorian, “She struggled with her decision about making the commitment – mentally more than physically. I told her I would love to have her on the team, but that it would be the hardest thing she would ever do in her life. However, in the end, it would be the most rewarding. When forming a team you need understanding, respect, and trust. And it all starts with communication. Mel and I have a very good relationship. She is open and able to communicate, and she is rarely afraid to have a discussion. We have had many respectful discussions over the past couple of years that have been important for me to get a good sense of where not only she is, but where other younger players are coming from. And, behind Mel’s strong opinions is a huge, huge heart, and she cares deeply about everyone on the team.”

When asked about Melissa’s future with the national team, Krikorian replied, “I sincerely hope she continues. She is a big part of the team, in and out of the water. Ultimately, it’s her decision. It would be another great four years for the team, with a large impact on how the team performs in the future.”

Melissa started playing water polo in the 7^th grade and has had positive role models along the way. Now, as an Olympic Gold Medalist, she is “paying it forward” by sharing her story of success and inspiring younger kids to set their goals high. “I’ve always been very competitive and I’ve always wanted to be the best,” said Melissa, “Now I’m working and playing with the best of the best.”

Melissa shared some of her experiences in the following interview:

SW: What was the biggest challenge you faced getting to the Olympics?

MS: “Taking time off school was hard. I felt like I was missing out on my senior year. But looking back now, I know it was the right decision and I’m blessed with a second senior year at Stanford.”

SW: Was being one of the youngest on the team hard?

MS: “I didn’t feel like there was a separation. The older players shared their past experiences, which helped our team. We learned from their successes and their failures. We trusted each other and came together and played as a team.”

SW: How did you stay focused at the Olympics?

MS: “My family was there. Seeing them when I walked out of the waiting area before games and spending time with them after games kept me grounded.”

SW: What have you learned about yourself?

MS: “I used to be a more emotional player and it was hard to control my emotions in the pool. I check myself more now, which has come with maturity.”

SW: Has water polo changed for you?

MS: “Before I only thought about water polo and just wanted to play. Now it is more about “the team”. We are not just individuals playing. There’s a major focus on team building.”

SW: What advice would you give younger players?

MS: “Find a sport you love and remember to have fun. Get involved with the community of your sport. It could have a lot to offer.”

SW: What advice would you give parents of younger players?

MS: “Be encouraging of their successes as a team. Be diligent about getting them to practice because we don’t always want to go.”

SW: What now for you?

MS: “It’s too soon to commit 100%. I’m enjoying my freedom right now and I’m going to enjoy my senior year at Stanford. I was having fun being a kid and didn’t really want to grow up. Traveling the world, I’ve had to grow up and become more responsible. I’m going to take a little more time now before growing up any more.”

Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Technical Director Kim Everist runs the pipeline for USA Women’s Water Polo. Everist (a Pleasant Hill resident) was a member of the USA Junior National Team in the late 80s and has coached and mentored countless girls and young women. She offered some advice to parents of young athletes:

Let your kids have the freedom to explore their own journey. It’s easy to be protective and afraid our kids might fail. Trust that they will find their own way. Let them take risks. Once they step outside of their comfort zone, it will change them forever. It will start a ripple effect, planting the seeds for building their confidence and their belief that they can succeed. Let them fail. It’s in our failures that we actually learn life’s lessons, building character.

As they continue to grow up, don’t stop letting your kids fall. When our babies are learning to walk, they fall and we pick them up. They fall again and we pick them up. Soon they stop falling, having learned how to stand on their own two feet.

When the Women’s National Team failed to reach the medal round at the 2011 FINA World Championships, they learned from it, pulled themselves up and came back to change history with the Olympic Gold Medal. I work to help girls build their self-esteem and confidence so they can achieve their ultimate potential. And it always comes back to believing in yourself.

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Twelve years ago, opportunities in girls’ sports were extremely limited and it wasn’t until 2000 that women’s water polo first appeared in the Olympics. East Bay locals, Maureen O’Toole-Purcell and Heather Petri were both members of that first USA Olympic team. Growing up, no girl’s water polo teams existed for them so O’Toole-Purcell and Petri played on boy’s teams. Bringing home the silver medal from Sydney focused attention on the sport and more girls started playing. “Opportunities have expanded tremendously over the past 12 years,” said O’Toole-Purcell, “With growing numbers of club, high school, and college teams, girls now have something to strive for. Now, with Olympic Gold, the spotlight will shine even brighter on the sport.”

O’Toole-Purcell encourages her water polo players to constantly challenge themselves by getting out of their comfort zone every day. “If you want to get to the next level you need to go above and beyond what is asked of you,” says O’Toole-Purcell, “You have to work harder, attend more practices, and be a student of the game.” To parents she advises, “Be supportive of your kids. Be proud of them and get them to practices. Love them and then stay out of the way so they can learn for themselves. They need to learn responsibility all on their own.”

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Danville’s two-time Olympian, Jessica Steffens started playing water polo in 9^th grade. “Any kid who plays sports dreams about going to the Olympics,” she said, “When Maureen O’Toole-Purcell came back to town with her silver medal in 2000, it was the first Olympic medal I’d ever seen and it inspired me. When she told me she wanted to see me in Bejing, I knew it would be tough physically and mentally and, at that time, I didn’t think I could do it. Then I made my first Junior National Team and got a taste of what it was about. That’s when I realized I wanted it and that it was possible if I worked hard enough.”

“Jessica has the fighting spirit,” said Olympic team coach Krikorian, “After winning the world championships in 2009, she was forced (with shoulder surgery) to sit out all of 2010. Halfway through the Olympic cycle, when most people would probably have chosen the easy way out, Jessica showed her determination and deep competitive spirit and committed to her rehab. Watching her team continue to be successful and win in 2010, she must have had some doubt but her ability to handle diversity and overcome obstacles really showed her character, fighting back to play her best at the end of 2012.”

Younger sister Maggie joined her on the 2012 Olympic team, making a big splash as Olympic MVP. “I’ve wanted it since I was five years old,” said Maggie, “I played soccer and wanted to be just like Mia Hamm.”

Being an Olympic athlete is a full time job and tough physically and mentally. “We worked HARD to get there,” the sisters said, “You can’t just ‘be there to get there,’ you have to take every opportunity and must be completely present at every workout, at every game. We were forced outside of our comfort zones every day, constantly being put into uncomfortable situations that we didn’t necessarily want to be in. We finished swim sets that we didn’t think we could finish. We carried chairs across the pool for eight minutes with our bodies burning. We had to go to bed early and were up at 6:00 a.m. every day to get in the pool. We had to watch what we ate because of the importance of good nutrition. We were in the sun during the worst hours of every day. Not doing these things was NOT an option. Normal life is put on the side.”

“It makes you more aware of everything you do. Someone is always watching and we use that to inspire other people, other kids,” he sisters added. It sometimes felt overwhelming to them but, looking back now, they both say, “It was so worth it and we were still having fun. Having your sister with you receiving the Gold medal made it even better. We were sharing not only our country’s name but our family name too. We can’t think of being prouder!”

“Put your full effort into whatever you do,” they say, “It’s all important – homework, friends, family, sport practices… If you have a dream and REALLY want something, go for it! It can happen!” Now, with the 2012 Olympics behind them, Jessica is taking some time to decide what she will do next. For Maggie, it’s off to Stanford and college water polo with USA water polo on the side. She will continue working hard but is excited to start her college career and just be 19 again for awhile.

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Four-time Olympian (and CAL alumna), Heather Petri understands the importance of “giving back.” Since being on the National team, Petri has traveled the world, met three Presidents, worked out with the Navy SEALS, gone in the “O” Cirque pool and played water polo with their performers, hung out with the USA men’s Basketball team and talked to coach K and lived in Italy and Greece. Now she spends her days “paying it forward” with a non-stop schedule of community events, parades, TV shows and charity appearances—sharing her medals and inspiring others.

Cancer charities are a passion of hers. Having watched her aunt and others in her life battle the disease, she is most frustrated at how helpless it makes patients and families feel. “As an athlete I know that I have complete control over many aspects of my life and training. I choose my attitude, how hard I work, what fuel I put in my body, what lifestyle choices I make, what physical therapy treatments I seek, how much sleep I get—all of these—if I do to the best of my ability, will put me in a good place to succeed,” says Petri, “But a disease like cancer just does what it wants. While doctors and medicine are doing their very best to combat the effects of the disease and find what causes it, at this point it still is a disease that just keeps attacking no matter of age, race, or status.”

Teaming up with former CAL water polo teammates, Petri took part in her first “Swim Across America” event in San Francisco bay four years ago after the Beijing games. “It was an incredibly inspiring event and I knew I wanted to do it again,” she said. This year Petri joined another group of water polo players and her team, the Chemhoes, raised $24,640 toward the total $359,890 raised in this year’s SF Bay swim. SAA raises money that goes directly to local hospitals and Petri got to visit those hospitals and meet children going through treatment, sharing her medals and bringing smiles to their faces. “It is real,” said Petri, “What we do just swimming in the Bay can change the lives of these people.”

Petri also organized a breast cancer awareness game for her National team during the Holiday Cup this year. During the game their team wore pink caps and presented a signed sports bra for an auction in support of breast cancer awareness.

In November, Petri will be off to Africa as an Athlete Ambassador for “Right to Play,” a non-profit started by an Olympian to help give children the right to play sports in areas of the world where they are simply trying to survive. She’s excited to be going to Rwanda and Uganda where she’ll be playing with the kids, meeting the coaches, and seeing firsthand how the organization functions in the field.

Asked about the best advice she ever got, Petri responded, “My parents wanted me to try everything when I was little. If I wanted to paint I could try it. Wood shop, sewing, softball, volleyball, swimming, piano, basketball—I tried them all. But there was a stipulation. If I started something, I had to finish it. That meant I needed to go to every class, every practice. I couldn’t skip one because I didn’t feel like going. I would show up early and give it my full attention. Then when the activity ran its course I could re-evaluate if I wanted to do it again. If not, that was fine. No pushing to do it again. I needed to make the decision for myself.”

“I realize now that they were instilling in me the need to be accountable for my choices and complete what I started. They were teaching me to respect the time I put into activities and have pride in my efforts. Some things I didn’t enjoy as much as others and that was part of the process of learning who I was and what I truly enjoyed. I found myself gravitating toward the pool and poured all my energy into it, dedicating myself because I loved it rather than because someone told me to do it. At 34, I was still playing (in the pool) and loving it. Sadly, I am now retired from the National water polo stage. I have loved every second of this 13 year journey, but now, it is time to search for the next adventure.”

Olympic team coach Adam Krikorian said Petri will be missed. “If anyone was the glue that held the team together outside of the water, it was Heather with her unwavering support of her teammates. Heather is as decorated as anyone in the sport but behind it there is a huge heart and she provided a lot of love and support to the entire team throughout.”

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STRIIVE

STRIIVE’s Dr. Troy Chamberlin and his staff train adults and young athletes in weight loss and core development at their Danville studio. Maureen O’Toole Purcell is a big supporter of Dr. Troy and STRIIVE. In addition to working out with him personally, she encourages her players to work out with him too. “I think the program is fantastic,” says O’Toole-Purcell, “They are hard, big energy workouts that get you in great shape.” For more information on STRIIVE, go to www.STRIIVE.com

Assignment: Thailand

June 10, 2012 by Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Just one week after receiving an incredible opportunity, I was boarding an airplane to travel half way around the world with my cameras. The global news media had reported on the unprecedented flooding in Thailand, vividly documenting the devastation that had displaced millions and taken over 400 lives. Fear was soaring and countries around the world were warning their citizens not to travel to Thailand.

Enter the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with a plan to ensure the rapid recovery of its crucial tourist trade. Their plan included inviting the media and travel agents from around the world to see directly what was happening in Thailand.

Our assignment? To observe Thailand’s tourist industry first-hand during its recovery from the floods and share those observations back in our own countries.

The TAT welcomed us with an unforgettable event that included magnificent floral arrangements, incredible cultural performances, and a huge array of beautifully presented foods to amaze the palate. The artistry and impeccable attention to detail were awe inspiring. Guided by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Thai people, we were immediately transported to a whole new world.

Cosmopolitan Bangkok was bustling with activity, and contrasts of ancient vs. modern and rich vs. poor were everywhere. River boats and scooters are popular modes of transportation, and street food vendors are on virtually every corner of the city, 24 hours a day.

Modern shopping malls quench the thirst of the fashion conscious as well as the budget minded. Clothing, jewelry, scarves, crafts and more can be purchased at busy street markets day and night.

Traveling into Northern Thailand, we explored the country’s ancient heritage with visits to temples, handicraft villages and a hill tribe village. We rode elephants and wandered through open markets purchasing authentic wares from the locals who made them. We were pampered with restorative traditional Thai massages, explored the Golden Triangle (intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) and learned about the history of Thailand’s opium trade.

Floating down the Mekong River as it carved its way through rice fields and riverside towns, we saw waterfront properties lined with dilapidated shacks that people call home, often sitting next to modern high rise buildings.

Throughout our trip, we were treated like royalty, staying in world class resorts where friendly local staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. From upscale restaurants to street vendors, we were taken on a delicious and spicy culinary journey to sample some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.

Buddhism is an important influence on the way Thai people think and behave. Giving alms to a monk and leaving lotus blossoms and incense for Buddha — daily practices of Thai people — were highlights of my trip.

With the floods over and the tourist industry wide open for business, Thailand offers something for everyone: beautiful beaches, treks through jungles, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, zip-lining, Thai boxing (Muay Thai), golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. All with friendly local Thais who want to make sure your experience in their country is unforgettable.

This exotic escape to Thailand was mysterious and confounding, but approachable and inviting. Thai hospitality is a genuine art, crafted by a culture that takes pride in putting people at ease! Thailand’s tropical climate, unique culture, natural wonders, and incomparable value paired with the warmth of its people made a lasting impression. I returned to the United States with a real appreciation and love for this amazing country and its people!

Thank you to V’explore Tours, the TAT, and the people of Thailand for this truly inspirational experience!

Special thanks to V’explore Tours for making this opportunity possible.

V’explore Tours offers customized and private travel experiences, specializing in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. If you truly appreciate the finest in service, cuisine, décor and ambience, V’explore Tours will help you discover the hidden gems of these countries! Their true specialty is making your vacation one to remember…affordable luxury at its best!

V’EXPLORE TOURS 1-866-501-7477 info@vexploretours.com www.vexploretours.com

All Aboard for a “FUN”tastic Winter Ride!

November 6, 2011 by Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Reno Snow Train — The Reno Fun Train moves through Sierra Snow—no chains required!

I love to dance and a weekend of dancing with friends in Reno sounded great … but fighting the traffic out of the Bay Area and through the snowy Sierras on a Friday and back again on Sunday sounded like anything but fun, not to mention stressful.

Answer – the Reno FUN TRAIN!

The FUN TRAIN’s festive atmosphere combined with the mystique of riding the rails over the mountains creates an unforgettably unique experience. It’s a party on wheels that begins the minute you step on board and gains steam with each passing station (Emeryville, Richmond, Martinez, Suisun, Sacramento, & Roseville) as cheerful travelers hop on with their weekend bags, picnic baskets, and ice chests.

At every stop, “Fun Rick” the Train Manager, hangs out of the train, welcoming guests with hat held high and a contagious smile on his face. On each platform, the FunAtics greet arriving passengers with lively Dixieland music as friendly cabin attendants direct you to your assigned car.

The Reno FUN TRAIN is the only train in the world where you can dance, sing-along, conga line, relax and let loose all while making new friends and enjoying the romance of riding the rails over the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains on your way to exciting downtown Reno.

“Fun Rick” makes the ride... more Fun!

Fun themes and decorations add to the train’s festive atmosphere and strolling entertainers bring music, magic, and FUN right to your seat. The train’s staff is GREAT, going out of their way non-stop to make sure every passenger is well taken care of.

The Dance Car is laughter-filled as dancers try to keep their footing while the train zigs and zags through the foothills—giving a whole new meaning to “Rock & Roll”! The live band and full bar make this car a very popular hangout.

The Piano Lounge is a comfortable car where you can relax and listen to music or visit with friends. If you’re hungry, grab a snack at the Café/Bar and head up to the Dome Car to enjoy the incredible view. Or, if your money is burning a hole in your pocket, head to the Souvenir Shop where there is a good choice of mementos and gifts for purchase. And a Smoking Car comes complete with Cigar Lounge area.

As the FUN TRAIN clickity-clacks along, the scenery constantly changes as we pass through small towns and the Sacramento valley, over bridges and through tunnels. Sunshine turns to rain and then into snow. Flat valleys turn into gently rolling hills and then into snow frosted mountain peaks.

The Reno FUN TRAIN is all about “the journey” and this was one to remember. But we did also have plenty of time to enjoy our weekend destination – Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

Approaching the Sieraas and hidden beauty you can’t see from Highway 80

On Sunday morning, refreshed but exhausted, we re-boarded the train for our return trip. Needless to say, this trip was a bit more subdued as many passengers were quickly lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails.

For me, there were still more pictures to take so I headed up to the Dome Car with my camera to enjoy the spectacular wintertime show as we peacefully wound our way back through the magical snow covered Sierras, down through the foothills, and back into the Bay Area. We arrived home just in time to watch the sun set—the perfect ending to a never-to-be-forgotten journey!

My friends and I give the Reno FUN TRAIN 5 Stars!

The first FUN TRAIN ran the rails from the San Francisco East Bay to Reno in 1963 when Southern Pacific Railroad and the Reno Chamber of Commerce devised a plan to stimulate wintertime business in Reno while, at the same time, keeping the Southern Pacific crews working during the off season. Over the years different tour operators have managed the train but Key Holidays won the contract from Amtrak in 1993 and they have been running it ever since.

“Running these special charter trains to Reno has been a true labor of love.” said Jade Chapman, President of Key Holidays. “Our family’s passion has always been tied to travel and railroading. The Reno Fun Train and Reno Snow Train are the only trains in the world offering such a spectacular ride in the Sierra Nevada Mountains aboard a mode of transportation that is so totally unique not only in the Bay Area, but in the world.”

Key Holidays, a family run business in Walnut Creek, was started in 1983 by Chapman and her (now retired) step father, Henry Luna who is a founding member of Niles Canyon Railway. Chapman’s mother (also retired from Key Holidays) was a Fun Train Onboard Manager in the 1970s.

“FunAtics” get the ball rolling on the station platform

Will 2012 be the end to an era?
There is a projected Amtrak charter equipment shortage on the West Coast and, unless more train cars can be supplied by Amtrak, this will be the final season for the Reno FUN TRAIN.

“The Fun Train is going out with a bang one year shy of its 50th Anniversary,” says Chapman, “and we’re inviting all our old friends and new ones to take one last spin, and relive some of the epic times between here and Reno.”

Don’t miss out!!!
Reno FUN TRAIN (Must be 21 or over)
February 10th – Mardi Gras
February 24th Hawaii “Aloha”
March 2nd – Mardi Gras
March 9th – 60s, 70s, & 80s
Midweek Reno SNOW TRAIN with onboard entertainment, live music, and historical narration for those who can get away midweek, families, and retirees.
February 14th – Valentine’s “Sweethearts”
February 21st – 50s Sock Hop
February 28th – Fat Tuesday
March 6th – Classic Country

For more information or to book your FUN TRAIN or SNOW TRAIN adventure, contact Key Holidays at 800-783-0783 or www.keyholidays.com.

It’s Snow! 12.7.09

January 8, 2010 by Susan Wood

A Photo Journal by Susan Wood

A rare sight—snow in the Bay Area. It’s been more than 30 years since we’ve seen this much snow here. Local images include the landmark Summit Building atop Mt. Diablo. The Summit Building and Museum was constructed in the late 1930s by the California Conservation Corps. The sandstone for the building was quarried from Rock City and remnants of ancient fossils can be found on the building.

At 3,849 feet, Mount Diablo has spectacular (unblocked) views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands, Mount Hamilton, Mount Loma Prieta (in the Santa Cruz Mountains), Mount Saint Helena, Mount Lassen (in the Cascades), San Joaquin & Sacramento Rivers forming the Delta waterways, and the Sierra Nevadas.
All photos by Susan Wood. www.susanwoodphotography.com. Photos of Mount Diablo made possible by CALSTAR in Concord, California.