4th of July 2024 in Redding CA

Brief timelapse of fireworks (24sec) captured in Redding California on July 4th 2004. Redding has an annual celebration display funded by an amazing philanthropic fund, The McConnell Foundation. It has become quite the party for the whole region. Without this event, we would undoubtably see many, many more wildfires in our tinder dry summer landscape from unauthorized goons, firebugs, and drunkards. Thank you McConnell foundation! #thisisredding

Every year I have a plan for a timelapse shoot, and every year my plan evaporates when I try. This year they started early(?!?) and caught me off guard setting up. Every year, its always something. Oh well, there’s always next year to get it right. No good way to practice when you only get a shot at it once a year lol!

Fireworks from 7/4/2024
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Fireworks from 7/4/2024
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Redding projected as #1 for real estate appreciation by Core Logic

Rare (read: Never) is it that I re-post anything here from our local paper, which is often very negative about my favorite city. If it bleeds, it leads. But this article really caught my attention. People are starting to notice that Redding is actually a pretty nice place to live:

https://www.redding.com/story/money/business/2024/01/20/the-buzz-redding-downtown-public-market-on-track-summer-opening-craft-cocktail-bar/72288376007/

Redding’s Garden of Lights 2023

A quick aerial overview of Redding’s Garden of Lights from 2023. Music excerpt “Live illusions” by Craig Padilla and Skip Murphy from the CD “Analog Destination,” recorded in Redding California in 2008, courtesy of of Groove Unlimited NL. Thank you again this year, Redding! #thisisredding, #gardenoflights, #craigpadilla

 

Garden of Lights at night video by Skip Murphy
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Superbloom Spring 2023 near Redding

A genuinely wet winter season after so many years of drought have led us into an epic season of springtime wildflowers.  Here’s a drone video my grandson and I captured a few days ago.

View of Superbloom 2023 near Redding CAView of Superbloom 2023 near Redding CA

View of Superbloom 2023 near Redding CA with Mt lasen in background

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layia_elegans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layia_elegans

Flying over the river after a Winter storm

Drone practice flight over the Sacramento River from the Bluffs to the Sundial Bridge with fresh snow on the mountains in the background. Click on the image below to enlarge, hit play on the video to watch the flight.Sundial Bridge with snowy mountains in the background

I’m still learning about shooting video with this new drone. For years, I have mostly only shot still images. Mostly for my real estate marketing. I’ve been working on video technique recently, but this still looks a bit jerky in terms of camera moves. Anyway, it was beautiful clear and cold morning in lovely Redding CA. Hope you like it.

CookHouse at Bridge Bay

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Welcome to CookHouse at Bridge Bay.  Longtime Redding people will recall this restaurant and lounge as Tail O’ the Whale. Click any image to enlarge.


Cookhouse15The main dining area is under great spokes radiating from a center pylon. The large windows to the north allow views of Lake Shasta. The marina is in the foreground, and then past the Pit River Bridge, you can clearly see the Gray Rocks with Shasta Caverns. It’s a visually stunning setting.

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Our attentive server Alyssa with delicious Potato Skins. Below, Mahi Mahi Tacos. There’s a full wine list, and beer on tap, including an IPA by Fall River. Mmm.

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Above, a Seared Ahi on wilted spinach with salad. This plate wasn’t specifically on the menu, but staff was very accommodating to the special request. The CookHouse menu is online at their website.

There’s also some outdoor patio space for al fresco dining, around the perimeter.

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The classic lounge is upstairs. Check out this Bloody Mary, served by Dan!

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Outside, the views are captivating. All around you are people coming from, and leaving for adventures on emerald Lake Shasta. And of course, attire is beach casual. But that’s true of most of Redding anyway.

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Cookhouse2aCookhouse12Just outside the CookHouse are dozens of chairs for taking in the scenery. Perfect for observing Bridge Bay resort patrons and their watercraft. It’s a very party-like atmosphere, but also just as laid back as you may desire.  Lake life!

Cookhouse 16When people ask why I live in Redding, I often speak of the natural beauty of our surroundings. Lake Shasta plays a large part in the lifestyle and beauty of our region. Bridge Bay and CookHouse offer an unmatched setting for providing food, fun, and access to the lake. And it’s all a very quick and easy 13 mile drive north of Redding proper via Interstate 5.

The lake life, it’s Really Redding.