MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Arts Council’s Music on the Green continues free summer concerts this weekend with a showcase of talent from the Yosemite Songwriting Retreat on Friday, June 17, and Scott Patrick on Saturday, June 18. Led by local singer/songwriter Gail Dreifus, the Yosemite Songwriting Retreat (YSR) celebrates the craft of songwriting and the art of performing original ...

Yosemite’s Mono Pass Trail is a magical trail, leading the way to snowy peaks and colorful red mountains framing high lakes. Those lakes were still sporting a bit of ice when I hit that historic trail. Where: Yosemite National ParkDistance: 11.04 MilesDifficulty: Moderate to StrenuousElevation Range: 9,596′ – 10,972′Elevation Gain: 1,605′Date: June 9, 2022Map: CALTOPO: Hiking to Helen and Spillway LakesDog ...

FAMILY & CHILDCARE — As difficult as moving can be for adults, it can be even harder for children. Some are simply too young to realize all their favorite toys will be coming along with them while older kids understand a move might mean giving up friendships, sports teams and schools they enjoy. 1. Keep Kids in the Loop Communicate ...

TRAVEL & RECREATION — Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and ...

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Arts Council’s Music on the Green continues free summer concerts this weekend with Chris Doud on Friday, June 10, and Mike Hammar and the Nails on Saturday, June 11. Chris Doud is a country singer/songwriter and guitar slinger from the central valley of California. Most notably from the alt-country band, The Good Luck Thrift Store ...

I love checking out the Gaylor Lakes Basin as soon as Tioga Road reopens for the season. Will the lakes still be iced over? Will those lakes hold beautiful reflections? Will I see pika? Yes, yes and yes! Where: Yosemite National Park and a smidge over into Inyo National ForestDistance: 6.17 MilesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Range: 9,943′ – 10,817′Elevation Gain: 1,356′Date: June ...

TRAVEL & RECREATION — When you envision a California getaway, you may picture scenic shorelines, crashing waves and sun-kissed skies. You can find all of that and more if you make your way to California’s Central Coast. Monterey The historic fishing town offers iconic attractions like Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium, where the “Into the Deep: ...

It was that magical day when Tioga Road reopened and I wandered across to say hello to some of my old friends: Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Lake and Saddlebag Lake. I never know how much snow or ice I will see until I make the trek. Please join me on my wandering. Where: Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National ForestElevation Range: ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — As California’s weather has already increased fire danger across the state, CAL FIRE is urging Californians to ensure they prepare their homes and property for wildfire. CAL FIRE officials are providing tips to residents to ensure they prepare for wildfire by focusing on Defensible Space and Home Hardening retrofits. “Recent wildfires and research have highlighted how the ...

PETS & ANIMALS — Dogs can provide a sense of comfort for their pet parents, and spending time together can help create a strong bond, reduce stress and positively impact mental health. In fact, according to a survey from Mars Petcare, one in three pet parents got a new pet during the pandemic, with 36% saying they did so to ...