Friends were visiting and it was an excellent excuse to take a day trip into Yosemite Valley, taking in the gorgeous views along the way and having an elegant lunch with friends at the Ahwahnee Hotel. The afternoon winds coaxed Bridalveil Fall to dance for me.   Lunch with friends at the Ahwahnee Hotel was a nice experience and someone ...

By Sal Maccarone At the turn of the 20th century, Fresno had a population of close to 12,500 residents.  This burgeoning citizenry realized early on that it was time to set aside an area for a city park that could afford some “breathing room.” Marianne Roeding stepped up to the plate and donated well over 120 acres between Olive and ...

OAKHURST — A rainbow of rolling stock took center stage Saturday at The 17th Annual “Run For the Gold Classic Car Show.” From a vintage, jet-back 1965 Cadillac convertible to a 1926 Ford Coupe, nearly 100 rare, collector cars and trucks were on display this weekend at Oakhurst Community Park. Auto enthusiasts traveled from across California to show their vehicles ...

We had planned on visiting all 5 or so of the Dana Lakes then heading up to Dana Plateau to exit but that didn’t happen as planned. We did make it to the lower lake after hiking up through the boulders to hike under the brightly colored mountains and rocks below towering Mount Dana. Where: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National ...

By Sal Maccarone The word “art” is sometimes used as a general synonym for the much broader meaning of “fine art.”  Fine art includes what is known as the “five greater arts,” including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and poetry. Fine art is created primarily for aesthetic or conceptual reasons, and is judged solely for its meaningfulness or beauty. Sometimes meaningful ...

Near Road 233/Teaford Saddle Road there is a small natural lake known as Lake Moic. Near the lake is a street named Moic Drive. The lake is shown as private property on maps, but is shown as open to the public on other websites. Our History Mystery contains several questions: Is the lake private? Or open to the public? What ...

I had missed out hiking in the Bridalveil Creek area when the wildflowers were going full blast but a couple of friends told me that I was not too late and they were sure right. Fireweed was getting ready to take over the wildflower show and it is always cool to spot a bear! Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 7.41 ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — In preparation for a busy Labor Day weekend — and to boost protection for bears and other park wildlife — Yosemite National Park has designated several new ‘Wildlife Protection Zones.’ The zones are located on stretches of roadway throughout the park where bears and other animals have previously been struck by vehicles. Visitors driving in the ...

COARSEGOLD — To help celebrate National Dog Day — Aug. 26 — Amanda Steen, co-owner of Graydon Kennels, shared some important tips she learned from her father Michael Steen to help keep your pets safe and secure. “The time to plan is not during a panic situation,” Amanda says. Vaccinations Typical vaccination requirements that professionals will need include: Dogs — ...

Some days things just don’t go as planned. But we eventually made it to our hiking adventure along the Mono Pass Trail, wandering the mountains in search of beautiful flowers and reflections in the water. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: About 9 Miles (but you can go as far as you wish) Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,596′ – ...