Today was supposed to be spent on the beach in Davenport, but plans do have a way of changing. Instead, I (and my two reluctant traveling companions) decided to visit the Sunol Water Temple, which I've been trying to get back to for years. However, everytime I go there, its gates are locked. Alas, today I found myself locked out once again, so all I could do was view the recently restored temple from afar. The water temple dates back to 1910 and is owned by the San Francisco Water Company. I guess I'll just have to make another trip to it some other time, but in the meantime, here are two shots...
An old engraving flanking the main entry gate...
A water fountain at the main entryway...
So, after our short and disappointing visit, we decided (or I should say I cajoled my two buddies) to head through Niles Canyon and take a look at the Historical Niles District. The roadway through the deep canyon is extremely curvy and flanked by colorful autumn foliage, but it's a quick drive and you pop right out in the small town. Niles was established in the 1850's and was a junction point of the Southern Pacific Railroad lines from Oakland to San Jose. It has a delightfully restored commercial area with antique shops, boutiques, eateries, and a quirky variety of other stores. Since my two companions were becoming increasingly impatient with my shutterbugging, we made a quick tour of the downtown, which happened to be preparing for a big holiday parade - we passed on that. Here is a quick look at a few interesting sights...
Hand painted holiday banners lining the street...
Typical Californian architecture...
If you like antiques, there are loads of them here...
You have to take a look at what's inside this place...
An old carving...
Lots of red, white and blue in this town...
Sundown was approaching so we sped back through the canyon, but I insisted on one more stop. Being so close to the small town of Sunol, I convinced my companions to make a quick pit stop and stroll around the one-block downtown. Because of the ready access to Sunol by the railroads, at one time Sunol developed into a thriving vacation and recreation area for city dwellers. Today there is not much left of its historical past as much of it has been consumed by fires. The Niles Canyon Railway begins here and hoards of people were lining up to take a holiday train ride through the canyon. Come take a peek...
Of course, more banners...
The town's name is written all over...
Bosco's Bones & Brew, a restaurant named in recognition of
Sunol's "unofficial" mayor - Bosco the dog...
Lovely shimmering autumn leaves...
One of the antique stores...
A window display...
Antiques for sale...
The town clock...
In case you forget where you are, there are constant reminders...
The city park...
They even have their own post office...
Sitting area outside the P.O.
Memory bricks...
The railroad tracks heading toward Pleasanton...
The holiday express...
Ivy leaves...
Yes, we're in Sunol...
If you want to get a glimpse of California's past, I highly recommend a visit to these colorful places. 
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