Today we learned all about finding gold at Irvine Regional Park, home to the Irvine Park Railroad 4th Grade California History Education Program! Normally reserved for school children to discover something of their heritage, twice a year they throw it open to the general public (that's us!)
We were placed in the Argonauts group - the people who took the perilous journey from the East Coast by sea, all the way around South America and up the other side. We learned about the overland trails, mining, panning, claim jumpers, water wheels, and how to eat, drink and stay alive in 1850's California. Hannah and Frankie led the way when gold panning, but Hannah was bitterly disappointed to find her treasure was only spray-painted gravel.
She was consoled by dinner out at Playground in Santa Ana. This is part of a new craze down here, where gourmet food trucks open up "bricks and mortar" establishments. It's a little trendy; they cook their food how they say it should be cooked - so no chance to order well done instead of rare, or to ask them to leave the cheese off - everything is brought out as soon as it's ready, and they encourage "communal eating" (i.e. everyone shares). When the results are this good you don't mind at all. Seeing Frankie hoover up a bowl full of fries and organic ketchup was an inspiration, and a mark of quality.
Being from Irvine, Jim and Gen obviously look down on Santa Ana (and everywhere else), a view they felt confirmed when two riot-ready mounted policemen trotted by the restaurant windows. The officers stopped to caution a tramp and check people's car registrations, but they allowed all passers-by to pet their horses. This is the Orange County definition of a bad area...
I know you're here for photos of Frankie...
I take it upon myself to continue her education.
Out and about at Irvine Regional Park.
A friendly welcome.
Go Argonauts!
Heather, who came across by wagon.
A little harsh. He was very nice in the film.
He's been here a while.
On the train!
Down the mine!
A gold miner ready to stake his claim.
Hannah's really only interested in black gold, but any wealth will do.
Frankie dives in.
Wasn't this meant to be for fourth graders?
Eureka!
Even when it was time to move on, some people just couldn't be shifted.
A "long tom", a different way of finding gold.
A water wheel! The invention of the Pelton wheel revolutionised mining.
Dirty Dan, a prospector.
Frankie gets to join in with horseshoe throwing.
Hannah shows her true colours.
After throwing its shoes, Frankie gets on the horse.
And enjoys it very much!
Dinner out.
Did you enjoy your fries Frankie?
A wider food range, including rabbit, brussel sprouts, and kale.
The interestingly named Death Row Meal Course Four. Made from Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ahhh, look at the nice horsey! But be careful, because he can legally shoot you.
