Lots of history on those dirt roads where I live and one of those dirt roads took me on a historic wagon road that Galen Clark’s company built to help connect Mariposa to Wawona. Distance: 5.61 Miles (but you can go shorter or longer) Difficulty: Easy Elevation Range: 3,418′ to 4,388′ Date: April 10, 2020 Maps: Ben Hur and Daulton ...

YOSEMITE — We have good news and bad news. The bad news is that fire season has not been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The good news is that the virus will likely result in there being far fewer outdoor activities and gatherings this summer, which should lead to fewer forest fires. That’s what we’re hoping, anyway. So what can ...

Taking a walk up a dirt road close to home got me out of the house on a small adventure with some exercise. No wildflowers on this hike but a few views along the 953 foot gain helped make my outing a good one. Distance: 8.42 Miles (but you can go shorter or longer) Difficulty: Easy Elevation Range: 3,409′ to ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Local Realtor Ed Bailey of Ed Bailey Realty in Oakhurst reports that January-through-March 2020 home sales increased significantly compared to sales activity during the same period in 2019. Forty six mountain area homes were sold in Q1 2020, Bailey reported, compared to 36 sales during the same period last year. The median purchase price was $315,875, increasing ...

By Bob Labozetta, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa MARIPOSA — With so many people following stay-at-home orders, vegetable gardens are on the rise across the country. Are you ready to put in your own “victory” garden? Let’s look at some tips to get you started. When planning a garden, consider where the sunlight falls. Almost all vegetables grow best in full ...

OAKHURST — A number of area restaurants are still offering curbside takeout and/or delivery, including: Axis Coffee Bar & Eatery 559-795-5450 Buckhorn Saloon & Restaurant 559-877-8700 Casa Velasco 559-683-2272 China Delight 559-641-5888 Cool Bean Cafe 559-683-7575 Coast 2 Coast Pizza 559-683-4653           Deli Delicious 559-683-3033 DiCicco’s 559-641-5588 Ducey’s 559-642-3131 Erna’s Elderberry 559-683-6800 Glow Juicery 559-642-0085 Judy’s ...

MARIPOSA — Due to the recent pandemic, Mariposa County residents have found themselves in need of various sanitary products, including such things as: Toilet paper Disinfecting spray Disinfecting wipes Hand sanitizer If you have any of these types of items to spare, please donate them today. Mariposa HHSA will be in charge of distributing the donated items, along with food ...

By Bob Labozetta, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa MARIPOSA — Gardening is a great physically activity that keeps one’s mind, spirit, and body in healthy condition. Offering exercise, sunshine, food and ornamentals are optimal benefits of this outdoor exertion. Age and physical limitations may seem to preclude this enjoyable avocation. However, careful planning, new techniques and modified garden implements can make ...

NORTH FORK — The North Fork Fire Department Auxiliary’s annual BBQ, scheduled for April 25, has been canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic. The event is one of the main sources of revenue for the organization. Those who have contributed to this fundraiser in the past can still help by “contributing whatever you would have if you had attended ...

By Don Grove We have had several folks visiting the Raymond Museum lately that have been interested in the lumber flumes in our area. This photograph is labeled “Lumber Flume on Madera Road to Yosemite.” We would love to know exactly where this flume crossed the road and exactly which road it is — and if anyone still has pieces ...