The other day I had coffee with a very dear friend in the nearby town of Berkeley California, which has a plethora of unusual and interesting doors. Unfortunately, I was driving and driving in a college town requires one’s complete attention … particularly while classes are in session. Students on their way to class rarely pay attention to crosswalks or street lights or cars. And those on some sort of wheelie jig are the worse. And so for my doorscursion I had to concentrate on the neighborhood around the iconic coffee shop where we met.
Can you see the UFO and the Spaceman standing over it?
The Spaceship garden sat in front of this proud Victorian.
Which, although well taken care of, was largely hidden by overgrown vegetation. As were many of the houses in the area. On the corner was this lending library.
It was probably built by a model railroader, don’t you think? Look at the attention to detail!
My friend … Charlie is his name … is about to embark on a grand adventure. He’s pulling up roots in the Bay Area and moving to Maine. To a small town in Maine.
Charlie is first class photographer who has written a couple of truly gorgeous coffee table books. He’s also involved in the Seed Saver and Build Back Better – Farms movements. On his way across country he plans to visit many like-minded folks.
I’m hoping that he’ll shared his experiences via this blog. Sort of like my friend Carol did during her horseback trek across the Aussie Outback.
Check out other Thursday Doors at Dan’s place.
Saying nothing in particular 
That first photo does look like we’re being invaded. The Victorian is lovely. I like the railroad themed lending library – those are some of my favorite doors. Your friend is about to begin an amazing journey. I hope he does share some of what he finds.
Thanks – there are many lovely Victorians in that part of town but many are hidden by overgrown trees and bushes – perhaps on purpose. Berkeley is known for its eccentrics!
It seems to have quite the reputation.
You can’t beat a well cared for Victorian. So much lovely detail. It sounds like Charlie will fit in well in Maine. We do love our seeds and farms.
😉
He’s a very lovable guy who’d fit in just about anywhere.
Jan – I see the spaceship! I see the spaceman. Great find. I look forward to reading about Charlie’s adventure.
I’m not sure how he’s going to document his travels – he was talking about doing podcasts. I’ll let you know what he decides.
I like the UFO, but I adore this house. The door, the trim, the overall vibe is not scary alien, but friendly human.
I know a guy who restores those old Victorians and they can use up to twenty different paint colors on all that trim.
Hi Jan, what a wonderful lending library. Definitely someone with an interest in railways and trains built that. It is nice that your friend is following his dream.
It is – I hope it survives life on the streets!
Oh, I love the Victorian home with the turret (I think you call it that), the welcoming porch, and the spaceship garden. Nice post, Jan!
Thanks Brenda. I wish I could get down to Berkeley more often. I would never run out of interesting doors!