Wildflowers and snow, all in the same hike! Who would have guessed? We had heard that a few early wildflowers were blooming above Redinger Lake so we headed on up to check them out and got a good workout in as a bonus. Where: Sierra National Forest Distance: 10.03 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 1,404′ to 3,521′ Date: February 21, ...

OAKHURST — Together, we can beat our biggest rival, say organizers, as the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Eastern Madera County kicks off its new fundraising season on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oakhurst Lutheran Church. “Our main reason for having a Kick-Off this Saturday is to get the community excited about our Relay ...

I joined the Sierra Hiking Seniors on an adventure to hike below Bass Lake and visit the old bunker-type graves of four men. We also got a bit of exercise in and had a few surprises along the trail. Where: Sierra National Forest, Pacific Gas & Electric Distance: 5.09 miles (but you can go more or less if you want ...

By Karen and Ken Geiszler, Winery-Sage.com —  It’s hard to take a wine region seriously when its claims to fame were the birthplace of A&W Root Beer and the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, Lodi. For most of the 20th century Lodi had the stigma of being a “box or bulk” wine producer. The region still produces 20 percent of the wine ...

OAKHURST — It was a landmark day for local girls and women as Soroptimist International of The Sierras held their 3rd Annual ‘Dream It – Be It’ Career Conference on at the Oakhurst Community Center, with more than 60 registered from 8th to 12th grade for the free all day event. “The positive response to this year’s Dream It, Be ...

Sally and I packed up the camper and headed over to Marina to breathe the fresh ocean air, feel the the sand beneath our toes, play on the beach and watch the waves crash in. I stopped by Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing on my way in to pick up some basic supplies that included crab for a big ...

By Karen and Ken Geiszler, Winery-Sage.com —  Wine and chocolate. To some they are an integral part of a special Valentine’s Day. I know many people tend to view chocolate as one of the basic food groups (my wife certainly does) and Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect occasion to celebrate the pairing of wine and chocolate. Contrary to popular ...

OAKHURST — Permaculture designer and educator Marianna Burrett shares her passion in the first of a two workshops focusing on connection to nature and planting the seeds of health. Organized by nonprofit One Tribe Global, the initial workshop is on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the Oakhurst Branch Library. Another follows in ...

Sure, you can pretty much drive up to the Fresno Dome Trailhead but we parked at Soquel Meadow to check out the old barn and get a good workout, walking up the snow covered road. Where: Sierra National Forest Distance: 14.57 miles (but you can go more or less if you want to) Difficulty: Easy to moderate Elevation Range: 5,373′ ...

By Karen and Ken Geiszler, Winery-Sage.com —  Valentine’s Day – it’s a holiday unlike any other. The traditional autumn and winter holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve revolve around lots of family, friends, food, and parties. The summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day bring visions of parties, picnics, BBQ, and swimming. Valentine’s Day is ...