SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured is a descendant of Davy Crockett who’s worked at the Parks-Janeway Carriage House  in Santa Ynez, Calif.

Did you ever wonder why the National Grid is part of the Grid Security Exercise today, Nov. 14, 2013? Referred to as Grid Ex II by those participating, the event is designed to simulate vulnerabilities to our nation’s electrical supply. As we saw recently in Fukushima, when the power goes out there’s nothing to cool the radioactive materials in nuclear generating stations. In California there are several nuclear plants (and dozens more throughout the U.S.) connected to the electrical grid which supplies power to California’s 38 million residents. If the grid went out, panic would set in and food shortages would occur in just days.  Possible ways this can happen are through enemy attacks, natural disasters, solar activity and through degradation of the hardware which is old–there are not many replacement parts available, either. You can’t be afraid of the possibilities, but you can be prepared to some extent.

It’s a perfect time to acquaint yourself with the old methods of getting around. Before there were cars and electricity, there was REAL horse power and candle power. If you don’t believe it, visit one of California’s stagecoach museums to learn about the different sizes of buggies and carriages pulled by horses, and the purposes they served.  There are approx. 20 stagecoach and carriage museums in California showcasing the well-made transportation vehicles of another era. From hearse coaches to small carriages for women and children, it’s amazing how many models and styles existed before there were cars!