The Clampers (E Clampus Vitus Grub Gulch Chapter #41-49) are generously donating a Monitor Hydraulic nozzle to the Raymond Museum and setting up a display to explain how they worked and why their use had to be banned due to their destructive nature. Because the monitors worked with gravity fed water lines they needed to have water lines that dropped ...

Written by Diane Martin — MOUNTAIN AREA — The members of the Sierra Mountain Quilters Association have revved up their sewing machines to support and comfort those in need in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley. The quilters know that lovingly made quilts can help those in stressful situations feel more relaxed, comfortable, and secure. Since 1981 the members of ...

Mom and I headed up out of Briceburg to see if those poppies were blooming along the Merced River. They were, along with many other wildflowers. Distance: 6.34 Miles, but you can go shorter or longer Difficulty: Easy Elevation Range: 1,086′ to 1,207′ Date: February 21, 2016 Maps: Bear Valley and Buckingham Mountain Topographic Maps I headed up Hwy 140 to ...

By Virginia Eaton — I love to drink coffee. I drink it everyday, and occasionally in the afternoon, depending on my mood. Whether it’s a morning cup or an afternoon one, it should have a strong complex flavor — I am particularly fond of espresso. When my sister bought one of those single serving coffee makers, I hit the snob button. Couldn’t imagine a ...

Submitted by Brianna Roland and Krysten Siebert O’NEALS — Johnna McDougald and Michelle Shattuck were the reason why Minarets Mustang Junior Varsity girls soccer team had an undefeated season. Michelle played on the U.S. National team in college, and Johnna played throughout high school, and coached her daughter Ryan McDougald, a sophomore on the JV girls team. With all the ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – From atop the mountain perch overlooking a vast expanse of green, eyes are carefully trained to spot the early tell-tale signs of forest fire. A wisp of smoke triggers a series of actions that can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. In the relative safety of winter, recruitment begins for a new crop of Forest Service ...

Poppies and other colorful wildflowers were starting to come alive with our recent warm spell and we couldn’t wait to see if we could spot some. I just love poppies! Where: BLM, San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area Distance: 7.72 Miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, depending on how far you go Elevation Range: 636′ to 1,861′ Date: February 15, ...

Submitted by Lou Ann Sakaki CATHEYS VALLEY – Wayward Ponies’ Home will hold its seventh annual fundraising event indoors for the first time, on Saturday, Feb. 20, from noon till 2 p.m. at McKay Hall in the Catheys Valley County Park, located at 2820 E. Highway 140. Wayward Ponies’ Home is a small equine sanctuary providing a permanent home for ...

Submitted by Courtney Herrera OAKHURST — With Spring semester in full swing, Yosemite FFA is busier than ever. We are proud to be hosting National FFA Week on campus from Monday through Friday, Feb. 22 – 26. This year’s theme is “On a Mission to Save the Tradition,” and we will have dress-up days such as Patriotic Day, and play ...

We got a real workout on the toughest trail out of the Yosemite Valley and were rewarded with amazing views of Clouds Rest and Half Dome that you can see no other way. Not all hikes go as planned and this one definitely fell in that category. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: About 11 Miles Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Range: 3,972 – ...