My mom had a big birthday coming up and had a special request. She wanted me, my sister and her to go on a hot air balloon ride. My sister and I had never done this, didn’t know anything about this and had some work to do but we pulled it off! Where: Rancho Murieta Distance: About 10 miles Difficulty: ...

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 ...

MARIPOSA – It’s with great appreciation and gratitude that we recognize the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that supported the BBQ Benefit Dinner held on Oct. 24 in support of the family of Sheriff Deputy Rudy Mirelez: Madera County Sheriff’s Office Explorers, California Highway Patrol, the Stanislaus County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Mariposa Sheriff’s Office, Pony Espresso, Coast Hardware, Foster ...

CLOVIS – In the process of achieving what he once called a dream, Fresno State graduate Antonio Cabrera was recently selected as the new Forest Engineer for the Sierra National Forest. Antonio is a civil engineer who has been with the Sierra National Forest since 2009. Originally from Mexico, Antonio worked as a farm laborer in Reedley from 1990 to ...

Sally and Raven took us up to the old mining town of Bennettville in the Tioga Pass area, then up to icy lakes above the 10,000 foot elevation. Snowy mountains surrounding the lakes with puffy clouds made the scenery even more dramatic this day and the dogs always add an extra fun actor!

OAKHURST — Charred remains of the old lodge sat in ruins all last summer, and many wondered why, while others drove past without even glancing over at the once-booming business. That’s all changing now, as the Oakhurst Lodge is being renovated and the rooms engulfed in flames last spring are undergoing demolition and clean-up. The place is set to open ...

Submitted by Monica McClanahan OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Library is very pleased to host an event for local author, Virginia Walton Pilegard. Virginia was raised on a cattle ranch in the foothills of central California. She earned the Indian nickname “Two Spoons” from Mono artist Richard Lavell. The artist spotted Virginia with a spoon in each hand sharing decadent desserts ...

AHWAHNEE – Back in the Gold Rush Days, a good prank or a practical joke brought much needed relief to the realities of what was a very hard life. The “Clampers” still love a good bit of fun, but they are also dedicated to the promotion and preservation of western history. E Clampus Vitus, Grub Gulch Chapter 41- 49, gathered ...

Oakhurst Boutique Offers Boudoir Photography To Benefit American Heart Association OAKHURST – Love is in the air, so pull out your red lace, baby, it’s time for zesty Valentine’s Day photos courtesy of Vintage Chic Boutique and photographer Lori Cole. Racy, lacy digital pictures will be taken for a modest fee, and the best part is some proceeds go to ...

AHWAHNEE – Prepare to be scared as the creaky doors open at Camp Pacifica, summoning ghouls and ghosts to the sixth apparition of the Oakhurst Mountain Lions’ Haunted House and Night of Terror. Horrible hosts welcome all specters, 13 up, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 & 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. The chilling charity event costs $10. Monsters, ...