Susie Coles led a ride to Ione, Ca for a visit to the Preston Castle & Holiday bazaar. The group included Susie, Shirley and me with Bill & Linda Androws, Jim Smith and Bill Range. It started out pretty ugly from Fremont for Shirley and me and it got worse. So bad was the rain that Shirley and I on the bike and just a few miles from Carrows decided to turn back and take our Van instead. We feared it would be like this all the way to the castle. That was a lousy decision. Not long after getting over to Livermore did the sky clear up and provided us with a very pleasant ride over to Ione and to the castle.
Preston castle was built in the late 1890s' to house juvenile offenders and rehabilitate them through a trade training program. It was very progressive for it's time but finally closed back in the late 50's. It's considered a historical landmark as well as being haunted. A housekeeper by the name of Anna Corbin whose body was found under the stairwell next to the kitchen area was bludgeoned to death. Many who have spent time in the castle have witnessed visions of apparitions and hear eerie sounds reverberate through the halls. Today the castle is in heavy disrepair. But a restoration foundation has been setup to bring her back to glory. The castle is aesthetically beautiful and I can't wait to see it again when the restoration is complete.
All in all a beautiful day, a great ride and a good time with good friends.
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It was a little wet at the start... |
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It didn't take long for the Sun to come out. |
A Quick breakfast. |
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Shirley found a friend... |
Hmm... I can use this red sleigh. |
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Mr. Moneybags? |
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Hello??? |
I'm not going in there... |
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The Stairwell where Anna Corbin's body was found. |
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The Holiday Bazaar |
Picked up some "killer" fudge at the bazaar. |
Bill Range's interesting footware. |
A closer look revealed a friendly apparition. |
Lunch at Perko's |
