Editor’s Note: Here’s our third report from Bob Kaspar on the road, as he rides coast to coast from California to his hometown near Boston, Mass. As Bob wanders, so does his mind. I’m not the least bit shy about asking for information and/or directions. So while biking around Flagstaff, Arizona, on a layover day, I noticed a group of baggage-laden ...
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List-Lover Leaves Us With The Last Word
I received a ‘Memory” on Facebook the other day reminding me that I moved to Oakhurst five years ago this week. It was such an adventure leaving Salt Lake City where I had lived for 20 years, raised my children and essentially grew up. I tend not to go backwards into my memories. I would rather look forward to the ...
Read More »A Misty Day with the Dogwood Blooms at Nelder Grove
I never imagined the beauty that Nelder Grove held on a day when the floating mist was hiding the tops of the towering Giant Sequoias. Raindrops on dogwood blooms and leaves made me stop and admire them. And, have you ever wondered how some of these big trees got their names? Where: Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove Distance: 2.1 miles, ...
Read More »The Magic Potential Of Peppercorns
I owe my ex-husband an apology. He loves black pepper and tops every savory dish placed in front of him with a substantial amount of ground of peppercorn. He said that, aside from the spice and flavor black pepper adds, he really liked the crunch of coarsely ground peppercorns. It bothered me to no end that, before even tasting the ...
Read More »Dogwoods, Waterfalls and Reflections along Yosemite’s Valley Loop
The Merced River had reached flood stage, gently spilling its banks into areas within Yosemite Valley. Waterfalls were reacting from our recent heat with a display that we hadn’t seen in years. And, on top of that, the dogwoods were blooming. How could I resist a trip to Yosemite Valley to check it all out? Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: ...
Read More »More Good Salt May Not Be Bad
For years my younger son was a chocolate maker in Portland, gifted in combining flavors to create unusual combos that were remarkable yummy, like chili and orange, lemon with lavender and honey, or curry chocolate. My favorite of all time was dark chocolate sea salt caramels. I still occasional crave that heavenly salty-sweet combo! I have always found it curious ...
Read More »Hiking up to Vernal and Nevada Falls
We hiked up and up 600 plus steps on the Mist Trail to check out two of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls. Where:Yosemite National Park Distance: 8.59 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 3,983′ – 6,056′ Date: May 3, 2017 Maps: El Capitan Topographic Quad Dog Hike? No dogs allowed on this trail We had planned on ...
Read More »Could You Or Someone You Love Have Celiac Disease?
Now that the weather seems to be drying out a bit, I am on the road to check in with my parents in Truckee and on to my son in northern Utah. A few weeks back, my son called me from the emergency room, vomiting blood. The doctors checked him out, sent him home with a possible diagnosis of an ...
Read More »Biking Across America With Bob Kaspar: Into The Desert, And Trouble
Editor’s Note: Here’s our second report from experienced climber, world traveler and longtime Oakhurst resident Bob Kaspar, who is riding coast to coast from California to his hometown near Boston, Massachusetts. Last week, Bob left town with his 14-ounce tent and little else, and posted from the road, Biking Across America: Bob Kaspar Goes Home. This week, we pick up with Bob ...
Read More »Hiking from Indian Flat through Hite Cove
Not the amazing display of poppies in the Hite Cove area this year, but plenty of other wildflowers were showing off as we hiked where miners walked as they searched for their fortunes in those gold mines long ago. Where: Sierra National Forest with some stretches through private property Distance: 8.21 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 1,412′ to 3,187′ Date: ...
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