In the Woods

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We found plenty of trees planted near rushing rivers and creeks on the West Side of the Sierra Nevada range north of Fresno while camped nearby in a small town called Coarsegold. This is where we had left our trailer while we journeyed home for the extended Memorial Day weekend.

When we returned to our Adventures on the Road we stayed for about five days to enjoy the RV Park and explore the surrounding countryside. We enjoyed a day trip to Mariposa Grove at the southern entrance to Yosemite. And we explored some beautiful hikes here in this area, including trails leading to rivers, waterfalls or swinging bridges, giant Sequoias, Oak and Manzanitas trees.

Oakhurst - Lewis Creek Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A drive down a winding one lane road led to the trailhead. The path led us through areas impacted by the winter storms. Trees had fallen on the trail and the area was being prepared for prescribed burns with logs, branches and brush in piles all around. After traveling about half a mile we reached the creek and followed it upstream another half mile, arriving at a viewing deck. We would be able to go no further as the deck and trail were covered by a fallen tree. However we still had a spectacular view of Corlieu Falls.

South Fork of the Merced River - Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

A short hike along the river’s edge brought us to a suspension bridge spanning the fast flowing rapids of the river. We ventured across and enjoyed amazing views in both directions while surrounded by towering redwood, ponderosa pine and cedar trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bass Lake - Angel Falls Trail

A little over a hundred years ago, Bass Lake was just a lush meadow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, as Willow Creek meandered through the serene landscape. In 1901 Willow Creek was first dammed up to create the reservoir that is currently Bass Lake. Today Willow Creek is a popular hiking trail used for recreation and as a welcome respite from the hustle of city life.

A local had recommended the trail to Angels Falls, so after a picnic lunch we set out on the one mile trek out and back. There was significant elevation gain and some rocks to scramble over. The challenge paid off with some pretty spectacular falls. If you still have energy left there is another waterfall another mile up, but we headed back down the trail toward our car. Because the path was now a descent the way back was more relaxing as we enjoyed following the creek.

Yosemite - Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias

“Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. The national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa Grove. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." This landmark legislation holds an important place in our country's history and was enacted at a time when the nation was embroiled in the Civil War. For the first time in our nation's history, the federal government set aside scenic natural areas to be protected for the benefit of future generations. Later added to Yosemite National Park in 1906, the Mariposa Grove is a popular destination within the park.”

• Description from the NPS Website

Washburn Fire of 2022 

“Dates: Jul 7, 2022 – Aug 4, 2022

Cause: Human Start

Burned area: 4,886 acres (20 km2)

"When 911 callers reported a wildfire near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, a full suppression response was immediately launched. Yosemite’s helicopter 551, multiple wildland fire engines, and firefighters responded to the Washburn Trail near the Mariposa Grove. An immediate evacuation of over 450 visitors in the grove occurred using local shuttle buses. As the fire continued to grow, additional resources including air tankers, helicopters, as well as ground resources including a Type 2 incident management team, hotshot crews, and engines were requested. Over 1,700 responders included federal, state, local and Tribal personnel from across the nation assisted with suppression.”  -internet info

Our two mile hike from the parking lot to the grove revealed the fire’s devastation and just how close to the grove that it burned. Much of the area adjacent to the grove was not accessible to hiking, having been prepared for prescribed burns that would begin that night. Much of the trail led through burn damaged trees. 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so grateful for the scores of people who worked so hard at such great personal risk to protect this special grove of Giant Sequoias!

From the Sierras we will travel toward the coast of Monterey Bay to spend a week in the Santa Cruz redwoods and reconnect with some long time friends and join their annual family camping trip. So more woods and forests, and some ocean to come in the next episode of our Adventures on the Road!

 

 

Jumping Frogs at Angels Camp

 

We camped across the highway from the Calaveras County Fairgrounds entrance at our delightful spot in Big Oak Campground, Glory Hole Recreation Area, overlooking New Melones Lake just outside of Angels Camp, CA. Our neighbors were once again Jim and Gail, who had come along to see this little home town fair with its infamous frog jumping contest that we had talked about! Our campsites were up on a bluff with oak trees shading our outdoor area. 

What a great spot for some birdwatching while enjoying the lake views cooled by the gentle breeze. A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers kept flying through our campsite from their nest in the trunk of an oak tree on the left of our site, out to perch on a dead tree overlooking the bluff. Their raucous calls, red heads and striking black and white  feathers provided lots of entertainment. 

A pair of Green-violet Swallows circled around our campsite just over our heads, as they were gathering nesting material and catching insects. Their nesting site was a hole in the oak tree trunk on the right side of our site. We also spotted Sharp-shinned Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Ravens, White-breasted Nuthatch, Oak Titmouse, and Gail saw a wild Turkey near our picnic table one morning!

Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee (130th)

 

 

Samuel Clemens, who penned newspaper articles and published stories under the name Mark Twain, lived for a short time in the area now known as Angels Camp, which during his day was a mining camp. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During his stay, Samuel heard the tall tale of a man who would bet on anything, including how far a frog could jump! Later Clemens, aka Mark Twain immortalized this story in print, and this charming small country community has kept this tale alive with their annual Jumping Frog Jubilee! Children and adults alike take part in the contest for bragging rights, world records and cash prizes. The current record was over 21', measured from the launch pad to the place the frog lands on its third jump. Along the street in Angels camp bronze plaques in the pavement create a Frog Walk of Fame, to the winners of the event over the years.

 

 

The fair is more than just the fabled frog jump contest though. Rodeo Events and 4-H competitions, Carnival Rides and Art Exhibits, Fair Food and an evening of Demolition Derby, among other things, all join together for some hometown family fun on the third weekend in May in Angels Camp, CA!

 

 

At the end of our time in

Angels Camp we headed east to an RV park just outside of  the western Sierras. We settled in and did some laundry and repairs before leaving our trailer there and driving three hundred miles home for an extended Memorial Day Weekend.

 

After the weekend we will head back to our trailer to resume our Adventures on the Road!

On the road again…with friends!

 

Mother’s Day, 2023

We began our latest road trip shortly after Steve shared the Word at our two Church services. Due to our late-in-the-day start, we headed north toward our overnight destination at Hungry Valley. We stopped for a yummy dinner at The Stand in Santa Clarita, a great spot for burgers and sweet potato fries. Along the way my sons Chris and Brent called to wish me “Happy Mother’s Day”, and we enjoyed time on the phone visiting.

We arrived at Hungry Valley camping area shortly before sunset, and found almost no one camping there. The valley and its campgrounds are popular for ATVs; trails abound for riding but there is no shortage of beautiful vegetation. Everyone that had been there for the weekend had cleared out leaving us with endless choices of where to park for the night.

The next day we headed on to Hearst San Simeon State Park, where we joined with Jim and Gail for three days of exploring the California coast between Cambria and Ragged Point. 

 

 

Cambria

Cambria is a favorite destination

 of the four of us. After we were all set up at camp we headed down Highway 1 to town where we enjoyed a fine dinner at Linn’s. They bake some amazing pastries and we selected some to bring back to our camp to enjoy for dessert and the next day’s breakfast! 

We browsed through my favorite place to shop in Cambria, The Garden Shed, a collection of gift shops, clothing boutiques, artists and artisans set amid beautiful gardens. 

 

Gail loved it as much as I do! We visited and browsed our way through the gardens and shops, selecting some treasures to remember our time there. Steve and Jim were very patient with us and used the time to get to know one another as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ragged Point

As with most years, Highway 1 was closed north of Ragged Point due to a slide that was being repaired, but we had no plans to go any further than this quaint roadside destination. Here we enjoyed a light breakfast and delicious Lattes followed by a stroll around the cliff side hotel grounds and shops. We have found our kindred spirits in Jim and Gail, who enjoy finding quaint local coffee shops to try out.

On our way back from Ragged Point we found a trail from the highway that led down to the beach which afforded views of a herd of elk, wildflowers as far as we could see, views of the rocky coastline, and a beach filled with driftwood. Some stones and small pieces of driftwood found their way back with us!

For our second night, Gail recommended 

that we try a restaurant called Robins, which serves global cuisine in a charming garden patio. Mike had joined us that day at our campground and the five of us had a delightful meal and evening together. We may call it camping but when near a town we like to enjoy some local restaurants-I guess we should say we are glamping!

The San Simeon campground affords beach access and we spent time leisurely beach-combing along the rocky shoreline, covered in smooth stones of all colors, from large stones the size of river rocks to the tiniest of pebbles. A recent windy day had blown hundreds of Varella Varella ashore. These small blue creatures are nicknamed “By-The-Wind-Sailors”, as they must go where the wind drives them. Their clear delicate “sails” were all along the high tide debris line. A coastal drive to check on the elephant seal rookery rounded out our visit.

As we spent these days in San Simeon, walking on the beach, shopping in town, hiking on the trails around the campground, of course we spent some time relaxing around camp. The guys cooked a great taco dinner on the black stone grills for us. Steve gave Jim lots of pointers on grilling after they seasoned Jim’s new Black Stone Grill.

Our seaside foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, cool evenings, great time with friends came to soon to an end on Thursday morning when we broke camp, said goodbye to Mike and his dog Magnum and headed off for new sites and experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday Jim and Gail will rejoin us at our next destination, Glory Hole Campground near Angels Camp, CA.

Until then, we are off for our next Adventures on the Road!