Written by Virginia Eaton — Early one morning I was stopped at the signal by the library when one of those monstrously long gravel trucks attempted to stop as the light turned from yellow to red. It was just too big, and rolled through the intersection after the light was decidedly red. Meanwhile, a car that was anxious to go had to wait ...

Alicia’s story My name is Alicia Arce, age 27, and my husband is Omar Arce, also 27. He is a Senior Firefighter for Sierra National Forest Engine 51, based in North Fork. I have been married to Omar for three years but together for six. Our daughter Hope Liana is 3 ½ and is an absolute joy. We gave her this name because ...

Sharleena’s story: “the strength behind the boots.” My husband is Nick Robison, 34, and he is a Squad Leader on the Sierra Hotshots based out of Batterson in Oakhurst. I am Sharleena Robison, 31, and have been married to Nick for five years, but have been together for six years. We have a son named Kaden, age 4 ½ and a ...

When you get on top of Dana Plateau, you are right on the edge of the crest with a sharp drop off and killer views into the Mono Lake area. The hike up to the top is always different and this time we were treated to colorful wildflowers, a marmot and strange winged creatures. Where: Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, Inyo ...

By Virginia Eaton — Playing golf in the summer has some special perks. When you hit the ball on a fairway hardened from the heat it rolls a long, long way. Sometimes it evens rolls in the right direction, which makes me want to do the happy dance. Long roll aside, temperatures in the mid-90s also make the muscles and ...

When a firefighter gets an assignment, he or she often leaves behind a family who keeps the home fires burning in a good way. Such is the case with Erin and Michael Capuchino of Oakhurst. Both in their thirties, Erin and Michael have been married since 2002; for the last three years, Michael has been a wildland firefighter. The Capuchinos have three ...

We headed off trail to check out some unnamed lakes above the Mono Pass Trail. Those views! Those wildflowers! Of course I was curious how the fishing was and I was not disappointed! Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 10.65 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,596′ – 11,328′ Date: July 28, 2016 Maps: Tioga Pass, Mount Dana, Koip Peak ...

Written by Virginia Eaton — I work with a lot of people who want to lose weight – sometimes just a few pounds, sometimes a whole lot more. Regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose, the most difficult part is accepting the body that you have rather than feeling ashamed or offended by it. Most of my ...

I caught up with my friend and fellow mom Tammi Kudra just after she’d returned to Oakhurst from taking her oldest daughter Dakota to Southern California for her sophomore year at college. We asked Tammi five questions about what it’s like to see your kids become independent and she had a lot to say. SNO: This time of year people ...

Beautiful high lakes in the shadow of Mount Dana brought us up to this country that looked baron from afar but when we looked closer, we discovered an explosion of wildflowers blooming. . . and a curious critter! Where: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National Forest Distance: 5.24 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,655′ – 11,144′ Date: July 22, ...