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Archive for September, 2009

Star Trek Exhibit at The Tech Museum of Innovation

10 Sep

star_trek

It may be possible that here in the heart of Silicon Valley that there are a few fans of the Star Trek franchise. OK, it may be possible that a few of the denizens of the local high tech companies are not fans. The Tech museum in San Jose announced a special exhibit that will feature props and moments from the various Star Trek shows in a 15,000 square foot exhibition. Paraphernalia from all five TV series and all eleven films will be represented.

STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION features over 200 artifacts including:

  • An authentic replica of the bridge from the U.S.S Enterprise NCC-1701 as featured in the original Star Trek television series
  • Iconic gadgets from the Star Trek universe: a tricorder; a phaser, and a communicator – all from the original series. Devices that have inspired innovators of today.
  • The actual shooting model for the Borg Cube, as seen on Star Trek: the Next Generation, Voyager and in the movie Star Trek: First Contact
  • A chance to ride through a Star Trek adventure in a full-motion flight simulator extra fee

Ticket Information & Prices

Special Exhibit Hours - Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Thursday – Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pm

  • Adults: $25
  • Seniors 65+ / College Students with ID: $22
  • Children ages 3-17: $19.00

Admission to STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION also includes admission to all of The Tech Museum’s normal exhibits (but does not include the IMAX and simulators).

Set your phasers on fun!

 
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Posted in san jose museum tours

 

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

03 Sep

When tourists come to the San Jose area one site they often want to see is the majestic redwood trees. The best known grove in the San Francisco Bay area is Muir woods just north of San Francisco. Muir woods are indeed a beautiful site but are also clogged with tour buses and loads of tourists. South of San Jose in the Santa Cruz mountains near the sleepy town of Felton is a better place to see towering trees without the crowds – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The best feature known of the park is the .8 mile short nature trail that winds through the old-growth redwood trees which is flat and wheel chair accessible. We took my grandmother on this walk when she was in her 80s. The walk winds through the oldest trees in the park. The tallest tree in the park is 285 feet tall although at least one tree, the “neck breaker”, was much taller before losing its top in a storm. Because the lowest branch of a redwood tree may be 100 feet above the forrest floor the forrest has a very different look than most evergreen forests.

For people who want a more serious hike there are 20 miles of trails in the park, many of which are not 80 year old grandmother friendly. Dogs are also welcome in the park on both the Meadow Trail and the Graham Hill Trail but must be kept on a leash. Click for A map to the park.

Campsites are also available in the park. Reservations for camping in all California State Parks can be made by phoning ReserveAmerica at 1-800-444-PARK or visiting the reservation webpage.

The park is also located next to the Roaring Camp steam railroad and visitors can walk from one parking lot to the other.

The park is near Felton on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Traveling from San Jose to the main entrance: Take Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz. After you go over the mountains, turn right on Mt. Hermon Road. Follow Mt. Hermon road until it ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn right, and go to the next stop light (Highway 9). Turn left on Highway 9 and go through downtown Felton. The park entrance will be a half mile down on your left. You can park outside and walk a half mile into the park, or you can drive in and pay a fee.

 
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Posted in just outside san jose