After an awesome, surprise-filled, and at times exhausting year, it was high time I took a nice, long break. I took two weeks off from pretty much everything, and led a fairly unscheduled existence with a lot of family and friends, some amazing edibles, and very little internet. 
Part of that break had me driving down to the central coast of California–yes, that’s approximately 12 hours of driving–to visit family. It’s a drive I’ve done during the holidays for the past several years, so long hauls in the car aren’t exactly new for me. Timing my departures to avoid snowstorms in the mountains? Also not new.
This time around, I found myself rushing northward on the 30th, trying to get through the mountains before the big snows came in, but I passed near Shasta Lake and opportunity screamed at me through my car window. I’d driven over that bridge so many times and marveled at the view, but I’d always been too short on time, or driving with companions who weren’t down for a random pit stop.
This time, however, I couldn’t resist it anymore. I got off at the next exit, and took 5 minutes to shoot a few frames, before continuing my journey up I-5 towards Portland.
I honestly couldn’t have timed it better. The forecast was stormy and snowy, and I wasn’t even certain that I’d be able to go through the Siskiyou pass when I’d left that morning. But, when I got up into the mountain passes, it was gorgeous. WORTH IT.
Adios, 2009.
The mold gets the basic details in place for the larger replicas, but then a craftsman adds more detail and texture to it after it’s molded.
Every good warrior needs a horse… so here’s the mold for one. 
This woman is molding a smaller replica of the warrior.
Oh yeah, they also weave rugs at this place, too.
Barbara made a silly comment during the first couple days in Beijing, about how she hadn’t seen a dog since we got to China, except for one that looked like it was about to be dinner. So, I’ve been taking pictures of dogs every time I see one here. 
See? Just two friends saying howdy. D’aaawww. 
This is just Pit 1! This pit showed the largest quantity of intact Warriors.
The dig site stretches out quite a ways, and all of these warriors used to have a wood-and-earthen roof over them.
If I heard correctly, Pits 1 and 2 are sometimes still worked on by archaeologists.
This guy was on display in the building that housed Pit 2. The rank of the warriors is, apparently, easiest to differentiate by their hair: warriors have one knot, mid-ranking officers have a flat-topped hairstyle, and generals have two knots.
Horses and chariots were found at the dig site, too. There were, obviously, ones made with terra cotta, but these guys were made of bronze.
Shopping on the streets is one of the signs that tradition is still alive and well in Beijing. Open air markets can be found next to high-rise hotels, and side streets and alleyways are littered with small shops selling crafts and antiques. And, of course, there’s the process of haggling that’s become tradition in street shops, and that also gets pretty entertaining.
The details in the rooftops and eaves are just crazy.
See how well you sleep with this guy on your ceiling. 
Yep, Chinese doorknobs are cooler than yours.
Fine China in China! (hurhurhur)
This carving ran all the way up the stairs, on the building shown in the previous shot.
Yes, that’s a cleaning lady. The grounds were very tidy.
The police were out in force to make sure we didn’t use this tunnel to exit. I’m assuming it’s because there were three tunnels, and the one in the center was intended only for use by the Emperor. Old habits die hard, apparently. 
