tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59221088136066681302024-03-13T05:51:37.063-07:00Back Seat BikermommaTales from the Sissy-BarSheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-11167387510006890292010-01-14T10:22:00.001-08:002010-01-14T14:09:30.298-08:00Beyond the Bike with a side of Catch-UpFirst I just want to apologize for being away for so long, and am going to <em>catch-up</em> a bit.<br />It's mid-winter, and not alot of riding is being done lately, which makes us all a little stir crazy. So I thought I would bring a little sunshine into our lives, by sharing pics of summer activities not done on the bike. I <em>do</em> have some bike run pics to follow up with, as well as recent additions to my life. Lets get started, shall we?<br /><br />A little boating at Modesto Reservoir in my brother in law's boat<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09oxQlLC3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/e78rD8iYN8I/s1600-h/l_df04ab4a75554830afd959237d83e779.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09oxQlLC3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/e78rD8iYN8I/s320/l_df04ab4a75554830afd959237d83e779.jpg" ps="true" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09o4JtlUHI/AAAAAAAAAgo/a7J7s8v3T1A/s1600-h/l_7b68d0187a9447dbb294737015c8c0c1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09o4JtlUHI/AAAAAAAAAgo/a7J7s8v3T1A/s320/l_7b68d0187a9447dbb294737015c8c0c1.jpg" ps="true" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09pFLRnJlI/AAAAAAAAAgw/d2SNuah222k/s1600-h/l_540ffdccbe2a48e3a8fd06d6c7ac718d.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09pFLRnJlI/AAAAAAAAAgw/d2SNuah222k/s320/l_540ffdccbe2a48e3a8fd06d6c7ac718d.jpg" ps="true" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09pKab3nZI/AAAAAAAAAg4/MXmkYqN6IXI/s1600-h/l_3997684ea0a1463782c2f44bb801ad4a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09pKab3nZI/AAAAAAAAAg4/MXmkYqN6IXI/s320/l_3997684ea0a1463782c2f44bb801ad4a.jpg" ps="true" /></a><br />I love this pic & can't believe I got this shot!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09uSifaY7I/AAAAAAAAAhI/4iWFMb411v8/s1600-h/l_01851d350c4c40ed9f1699be5382cb72.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426677340779996082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09uSifaY7I/AAAAAAAAAhI/4iWFMb411v8/s320/l_01851d350c4c40ed9f1699be5382cb72.jpg" /></a><br />We also did some rafting.....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v-Tci_kI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CSnPLbpnF4A/s1600-h/l_ef4f041930834856be9190f121d93726.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426679192167317058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v-Tci_kI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CSnPLbpnF4A/s320/l_ef4f041930834856be9190f121d93726.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v93CxvPI/AAAAAAAAAho/bd4XaBWSAEM/s1600-h/l_12fef65440d94ef1809ed2da8133b07e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426679184543038706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v93CxvPI/AAAAAAAAAho/bd4XaBWSAEM/s320/l_12fef65440d94ef1809ed2da8133b07e.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v9kpZRjI/AAAAAAAAAhg/QrSlkal_w0c/s1600-h/l_667ac7671fba4d568667a9c0a06655e5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426679179604739634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v9kpZRjI/AAAAAAAAAhg/QrSlkal_w0c/s320/l_667ac7671fba4d568667a9c0a06655e5.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v9MUjnTI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p3bFsPHuKhU/s1600-h/l_0eb9407422704d5f8df7123f022c9956.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426679173074885938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09v9MUjnTI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p3bFsPHuKhU/s320/l_0eb9407422704d5f8df7123f022c9956.jpg" /></a> </div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zc2m7TwI/AAAAAAAAAiY/TKHftUeFsNM/s1600-h/l_0d55f5f84b344d269667edc5a1d8faf3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426683015537053442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zc2m7TwI/AAAAAAAAAiY/TKHftUeFsNM/s320/l_0d55f5f84b344d269667edc5a1d8faf3.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zarA-DXI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/DidjHH2JjAU/s1600-h/l_d8ac9fd0f8964d4abd79ee8824a6c903.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426682978065321330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zarA-DXI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/DidjHH2JjAU/s320/l_d8ac9fd0f8964d4abd79ee8824a6c903.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zaHvomcI/AAAAAAAAAiI/e9RDiR3CuiY/s1600-h/l_6910860f0cc64b02979fcbc2bc2ea896.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426682968597371330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zaHvomcI/AAAAAAAAAiI/e9RDiR3CuiY/s320/l_6910860f0cc64b02979fcbc2bc2ea896.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zZQGgx0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/SOYNRdBaGuQ/s1600-h/l_57a06c471e2a499b8319f98be07cfbf9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426682953660942146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zZQGgx0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/SOYNRdBaGuQ/s320/l_57a06c471e2a499b8319f98be07cfbf9.jpg" /></a> This guy rigged his own by putting a lawn chair on a piece of wood & setting it down in this canoe! <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zY8G8-XI/AAAAAAAAAh4/pGep5lUEDkE/s1600-h/l_24535d22a52c4708a00a77b1efd035e2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426682948294080882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09zY8G8-XI/AAAAAAAAAh4/pGep5lUEDkE/s320/l_24535d22a52c4708a00a77b1efd035e2.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div>He was taking on water...</div><br /><div>We also went and watched some Monster Trucks races with a little Extreme Air motocross mixed in.</div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093U0Dh_wI/AAAAAAAAAjA/6VqLnmzc2pg/s1600-h/l_661e1d0575f44070aee4316da1631bde.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426687275459280642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093U0Dh_wI/AAAAAAAAAjA/6VqLnmzc2pg/s320/l_661e1d0575f44070aee4316da1631bde.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093UMGQMCI/AAAAAAAAAi4/9UaNTXPmGrU/s1600-h/l_a2cd832c398b47a7b64b9fae5d17d166.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426687264733278242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093UMGQMCI/AAAAAAAAAi4/9UaNTXPmGrU/s320/l_a2cd832c398b47a7b64b9fae5d17d166.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093T0zS0zI/AAAAAAAAAiw/BVSRnSCv-q0/s1600-h/l_f2b3396a212342d4bd5db4c9a3edf6e8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426687258479743794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093T0zS0zI/AAAAAAAAAiw/BVSRnSCv-q0/s320/l_f2b3396a212342d4bd5db4c9a3edf6e8.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093TdUoXDI/AAAAAAAAAio/TUts9FPg-BA/s1600-h/l_f41d38c0494b40849426f4cead596a5e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426687252177116210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093TdUoXDI/AAAAAAAAAio/TUts9FPg-BA/s320/l_f41d38c0494b40849426f4cead596a5e.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093S324ASI/AAAAAAAAAig/2NWVz3SBgWM/s1600-h/l_fbc3eb4cc752444288c7bb5f59a538e2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426687242120200482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S093S324ASI/AAAAAAAAAig/2NWVz3SBgWM/s320/l_fbc3eb4cc752444288c7bb5f59a538e2.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094kaUU43I/AAAAAAAAAjo/e6tCVbv-DKo/s1600-h/l_def5891f1c774e7cb07fb9b5310bbc69.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688642939937650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094kaUU43I/AAAAAAAAAjo/e6tCVbv-DKo/s320/l_def5891f1c774e7cb07fb9b5310bbc69.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094jw-A2tI/AAAAAAAAAjg/DSXIHch3HyE/s1600-h/l_f010253837124e9daa53966d9c5d7abf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688631840496338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094jw-A2tI/AAAAAAAAAjg/DSXIHch3HyE/s320/l_f010253837124e9daa53966d9c5d7abf.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094jPlLl3I/AAAAAAAAAjY/7443GfXhz1M/s1600-h/l_5ab6c40b6a0f411d991b862d01e075e3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688622877972338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094jPlLl3I/AAAAAAAAAjY/7443GfXhz1M/s320/l_5ab6c40b6a0f411d991b862d01e075e3.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094imKdrbI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/eQ4OvRPwGk0/s1600-h/l_186f5eef754f4457a35f8da97602c947.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688611760057778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094imKdrbI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/eQ4OvRPwGk0/s320/l_186f5eef754f4457a35f8da97602c947.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094iEba6MI/AAAAAAAAAjI/ZO297yYT1_U/s1600-h/l_1db58abb4a87414a8ce19192771e9977.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688602704373954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S094iEba6MI/AAAAAAAAAjI/ZO297yYT1_U/s320/l_1db58abb4a87414a8ce19192771e9977.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div>A little trip to the zoo.... </div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0970jS12RI/AAAAAAAAAkY/1OWozQycbIE/s1600-h/l_a6b50dfc2e5745178d366a8f6a6636a9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692218762418450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0970jS12RI/AAAAAAAAAkY/1OWozQycbIE/s320/l_a6b50dfc2e5745178d366a8f6a6636a9.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0970HT_OtI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/4B40gllXysg/s1600-h/l_9c18d342f8bc439492310dd7f8f3cd30.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692211251034834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0970HT_OtI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/4B40gllXysg/s320/l_9c18d342f8bc439492310dd7f8f3cd30.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097z0IDaMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Z6Wa7oD6SVk/s1600-h/l_3bf7b719cd6047008fb04bd9cea9cdf0.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692206100703426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097z0IDaMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Z6Wa7oD6SVk/s320/l_3bf7b719cd6047008fb04bd9cea9cdf0.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097zSmB5GI/AAAAAAAAAkA/bNV9owiZIAQ/s1600-h/l_0415e1473a244a45870f9ea2a50f4741.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692197099627618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097zSmB5GI/AAAAAAAAAkA/bNV9owiZIAQ/s320/l_0415e1473a244a45870f9ea2a50f4741.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097y50YD8I/AAAAAAAAAj4/9d5rGfUv7Fc/s1600-h/l_ec9a5bcebdea4389b711764b4e8ab445.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426692190448914370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S097y50YD8I/AAAAAAAAAj4/9d5rGfUv7Fc/s320/l_ec9a5bcebdea4389b711764b4e8ab445.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099RRJYk_I/AAAAAAAAAkw/ANW6hDpILik/s1600-h/l_a456cb1afc5f46fe9928d01494c9ac76.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426693811618747378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099RRJYk_I/AAAAAAAAAkw/ANW6hDpILik/s320/l_a456cb1afc5f46fe9928d01494c9ac76.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099RGx9WSI/AAAAAAAAAko/nin84V6kNwY/s1600-h/l_1785d4b2fe524ca0889dc25d6ba1ff53.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426693808836139298" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099RGx9WSI/AAAAAAAAAko/nin84V6kNwY/s320/l_1785d4b2fe524ca0889dc25d6ba1ff53.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099Q2AHgYI/AAAAAAAAAkg/vknDgc8WP6c/s1600-h/l_1c6a9c28f68944adaaf1bc0891acdf77.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426693804332122498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S099Q2AHgYI/AAAAAAAAAkg/vknDgc8WP6c/s320/l_1c6a9c28f68944adaaf1bc0891acdf77.jpg" /></a> And of course ya gotta get a ride in....go Marky!<br /><div>Then we headed to San Francisco for my daughter's 21st birthday...... </div></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-4js-eLI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SH741GVJez4/s1600-h/l_53fc4f86573a45bda20782048af8e25a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426695586126395570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-4js-eLI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SH741GVJez4/s320/l_53fc4f86573a45bda20782048af8e25a.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-3eoGKEI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/OjHwnxSwd6o/s1600-h/l_07810a0fce214dc9810b49d9dd15f244.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426695567583881282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-3eoGKEI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/OjHwnxSwd6o/s320/l_07810a0fce214dc9810b49d9dd15f244.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-3M3QWKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/1uKJgdo9iuU/s1600-h/l_66e1a85fa86b4b1e8cf7ada2b8815473.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426695562815625378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-3M3QWKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/1uKJgdo9iuU/s320/l_66e1a85fa86b4b1e8cf7ada2b8815473.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-27r9KPI/AAAAAAAAAlA/9zIeieu4kaw/s1600-h/l_6db30f4a47694d68ae7135337f7fa1e2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426695558204827890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-27r9KPI/AAAAAAAAAlA/9zIeieu4kaw/s320/l_6db30f4a47694d68ae7135337f7fa1e2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-2VdqqhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/v_mqTuru4oo/s1600-h/l_d5b2b22924ea4b4187de57c233f6d459.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426695547944348178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09-2VdqqhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/v_mqTuru4oo/s320/l_d5b2b22924ea4b4187de57c233f6d459.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_1Sy6XsI/AAAAAAAAAmA/kFIyLjVkMXM/s1600-h/l_4c9f7042978e4d5f82eb07c77dc28252.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426696629559910082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_1Sy6XsI/AAAAAAAAAmA/kFIyLjVkMXM/s320/l_4c9f7042978e4d5f82eb07c77dc28252.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0_mOkLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/8WjkcaMoxTo/s1600-h/l_77aea962b3d140408f62f7017e6ba515.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426696624406433970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0_mOkLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/8WjkcaMoxTo/s320/l_77aea962b3d140408f62f7017e6ba515.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0kO13fI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pHUgOE-zjpY/s1600-h/l_3c80ee9d25664b2ca7e17d0a7dddc77f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426696617060589042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0kO13fI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pHUgOE-zjpY/s320/l_3c80ee9d25664b2ca7e17d0a7dddc77f.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0VgNrkI/AAAAAAAAAlo/8DEzDeGN26s/s1600-h/l_452af988e03247fda2e5ccf52a918768.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426696613106921026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_0VgNrkI/AAAAAAAAAlo/8DEzDeGN26s/s320/l_452af988e03247fda2e5ccf52a918768.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_zzfKhyI/AAAAAAAAAlg/ilB8RJ2yVLw/s1600-h/l_bd24ad36409445c9884ab84d95a22bc3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426696603975714594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S09_zzfKhyI/AAAAAAAAAlg/ilB8RJ2yVLw/s320/l_bd24ad36409445c9884ab84d95a22bc3.jpg" /></a> We love to go to San Francisco and enjoyed our time with the family, Happy Birthday!</div><br /><div>With that said, we also love the mountains just as much or more.... </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CkW8tQnI/AAAAAAAAAmo/fWa6NSTMtZo/s1600-h/l_54ff8f2d9e064364a333558f0edc3738.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699637151842930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CkW8tQnI/AAAAAAAAAmo/fWa6NSTMtZo/s320/l_54ff8f2d9e064364a333558f0edc3738.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CkOxEKpI/AAAAAAAAAmg/puvPyyE4CPk/s1600-h/shooting+%40+sawmill+085.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699634955528850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CkOxEKpI/AAAAAAAAAmg/puvPyyE4CPk/s320/shooting+%40+sawmill+085.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CjYkUDsI/AAAAAAAAAmY/BRT9Ulxk53s/s1600-h/shooting+%40+sawmill+075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699620406529730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CjYkUDsI/AAAAAAAAAmY/BRT9Ulxk53s/s320/shooting+%40+sawmill+075.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CjCJQiDI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/G9DZ0w3cYwo/s1600-h/l_20700ac815e046ec802edc87c6220fdc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699614387472434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CjCJQiDI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/G9DZ0w3cYwo/s320/l_20700ac815e046ec802edc87c6220fdc.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CiXAheiI/AAAAAAAAAmI/Adjxp5cCcVg/s1600-h/l_1dd98d43593e4095ac2be8420d914e14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699602808109602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-CiXAheiI/AAAAAAAAAmI/Adjxp5cCcVg/s320/l_1dd98d43593e4095ac2be8420d914e14.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-DbWdu7cI/AAAAAAAAAmw/-7XnDv0kISc/s1600-h/l_6ce8aeccefc9431fade677db4ccc76dd.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426700581914734018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-DbWdu7cI/AAAAAAAAAmw/-7XnDv0kISc/s320/l_6ce8aeccefc9431fade677db4ccc76dd.jpg" /></a><br />.....Now, we did do a year end Toy Run hosted by Renegade Classics, that benefits local children in need. I don't have many picks of the run, but I do have e few pics if some nice bikes.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-IUGtdTtI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gUXlRGnkpUg/s1600-h/l_3b94e84165904c96b046c9777c3c52d0.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426705954984775378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-IUGtdTtI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gUXlRGnkpUg/s320/l_3b94e84165904c96b046c9777c3c52d0.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ITrbcX-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/mygVSDykJC0/s1600-h/l_4ce654e953924e2c9f3914b7f7ac5b6e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426705947661459426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ITrbcX-I/AAAAAAAAAn4/mygVSDykJC0/s320/l_4ce654e953924e2c9f3914b7f7ac5b6e.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ITfqAQKI/AAAAAAAAAnw/tVlBidaMPxg/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426705944501305506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ITfqAQKI/AAAAAAAAAnw/tVlBidaMPxg/s320/Toy+Run+09+002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ISw_1CrI/AAAAAAAAAno/vOoqnYGfuZs/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426705931976379058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ISw_1CrI/AAAAAAAAAno/vOoqnYGfuZs/s320/Toy+Run+09+003.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ISXnTcKI/AAAAAAAAAng/l3ZmTnPKJHs/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426705925162627234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-ISXnTcKI/AAAAAAAAAng/l3ZmTnPKJHs/s320/Toy+Run+09+001.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GU_YrLuI/AAAAAAAAAnY/mPiE2pEjGXY/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426703771175169762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GU_YrLuI/AAAAAAAAAnY/mPiE2pEjGXY/s320/Toy+Run+09+004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GUCC42RI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/I_XkIleyZrE/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426703754709227794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GUCC42RI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/I_XkIleyZrE/s320/Toy+Run+09+005.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GTUgRJdI/AAAAAAAAAnI/yX_nROIo/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426703742484424146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GTUgRJdI/AAAAAAAAAnI/yXzn5_nROIo/s320/Toy+Run+09+006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GS0DJe_I/AAAAAAAAAnA/zcJoxC4mTrw/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426703733772352498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GS0DJe_I/AAAAAAAAAnA/zcJoxC4mTrw/s320/Toy+Run+09+007.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GRwSxxfI/AAAAAAAAAm4/_1Hyc39y11w/s1600-h/Toy+Run+09+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426703715584296434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-GRwSxxfI/AAAAAAAAAm4/_1Hyc39y11w/s320/Toy+Run+09+008.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Okay, last but not least...(as most of you already know), we bought a new Jeep! On 1/2/2010 we went and purchased it.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LgbqspTI/AAAAAAAAAoo/kDRA0g1Qm9w/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426709465303655730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LgbqspTI/AAAAAAAAAoo/kDRA0g1Qm9w/s320/044.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-Lf1baWRI/AAAAAAAAAog/q2kafv-EUdc/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426709455038994706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-Lf1baWRI/AAAAAAAAAog/q2kafv-EUdc/s320/042.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LfY0GkjI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tT1V3dG9Vlo/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426709447357927986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LfY0GkjI/AAAAAAAAAoY/tT1V3dG9Vlo/s320/041.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LepjGN6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/cxOxMG-uUj4/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426709434670135202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LepjGN6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/cxOxMG-uUj4/s320/043.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LePqzqII/AAAAAAAAAoI/rmCC6ygX6Ws/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426709427723151490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-LePqzqII/AAAAAAAAAoI/rmCC6ygX6Ws/s320/045.JPG" /></a> ...Then the first day out, this happened... </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-MiuBdxBI/AAAAAAAAAo4/o7PFYjZuH3Y/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426710604102353938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-MiuBdxBI/AAAAAAAAAo4/o7PFYjZuH3Y/s320/046.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-Mh6XwJvI/AAAAAAAAAow/CMcvklsvg_I/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426710590237189874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-Mh6XwJvI/AAAAAAAAAow/CMcvklsvg_I/s320/047.JPG" /></a><br />I don't know how, but it did! And here is the culprit, circle side in...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-NcFUw2XI/AAAAAAAAApA/ksHaK6PabH8/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426711589609855346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/S0-NcFUw2XI/AAAAAAAAApA/ksHaK6PabH8/s320/002.JPG" /></a> We haven't taken it out to play yet, but I'm sure we will soon. That means sooner or later a 'Jeep' post will be in the future! Probably later than sooner, because it's not broke in yet. But when that day comes, you'll know! <p></p><p></p><p>I left out the details on this post & just wanted to get back into the swing of things. I miss you all & look forward to new adventures in this new year!</p><p>.......Sooner than later.......</p><br /></div></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-81554812428984999092009-12-24T08:01:00.000-08:002009-12-24T08:31:07.504-08:00A Little Busy<div>Just a quick note to let you know I have been a little busy lately. </div><br /><div>In October, my laptop with all my saved pictures decided not to work anymore, (I did buy a new one), so it has been hard for me to write on the blog. </div><br /><div>Most people have put their motorcycles away for winter, so riding has been limited also. I miss riding & writing and will be back at this A.S.A.P!</div><br /><div>It <em>IS</em> the Holidays and things have been crazy for everyone, I'm sure.<br /><br /></div><div> </div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SzOVtdr23EI/AAAAAAAAAgY/6I59YITRk2M/s1600-h/Christmas+time+09+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418839384952069186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SzOVtdr23EI/AAAAAAAAAgY/6I59YITRk2M/s320/Christmas+time+09+006.JPG" /></a><br /> From My family to yours<br /> ~HAPPY HOLIDAYS~Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-25872420936916862572009-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:002009-11-06T12:47:38.074-08:00A Ride and the New Camera<iframe height="300" marginheight="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Waterford,Ca&daddr=La+Grange,+Ca+to:Coulterville,Ca+to:Hornitos,Ca+to:Snelling,Ca+to:Waterford,Ca&geocode=FWhcPgIdXVfN-Cm1Oet3YgKRgDFDkVBOJY0kDA%3B%3BFZZqPwIdsuzV-ClzP-rd8SyRgDGTZSWwqcW0kQ%3BFc88PAIdX0_V-Cn1Xde5CjWRgDE6KfhfBTn8nQ%3BFf9-PAIdWUXS-CnbEcumDjyRgDHRSKtzljqtfw%3BFWhcPgIdXVfN-Cm1Oet3YgKRgDFDkVBOJY0kDA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=35.47973,-102.851149&sspn=14.681623,43.110352&ie=UTF8&ll=37.597912,-120.440369&spn=0.326422,0.411987&z=10&output=embed" frameborder="0" width="300" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small><a style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; COLOR: #0000ff" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Waterford,Ca&daddr=La+Grange,+Ca+to:Coulterville,Ca+to:Hornitos,Ca+to:Snelling,Ca+to:Waterford,Ca&geocode=FWhcPgIdXVfN-Cm1Oet3YgKRgDFDkVBOJY0kDA%3B%3BFZZqPwIdsuzV-ClzP-rd8SyRgDGTZSWwqcW0kQ%3BFc88PAIdX0_V-Cn1Xde5CjWRgDE6KfhfBTn8nQ%3BFf9-PAIdWUXS-CnbEcumDjyRgDHRSKtzljqtfw%3BFWhcPgIdXVfN-Cm1Oet3YgKRgDFDkVBOJY0kDA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=35.47973,-102.851149&sspn=14.681623,43.110352&ie=UTF8&ll=37.597912,-120.440369&spn=0.326422,0.411987&z=10">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><div>As most of you already know, I bought a new camera and needed an excuse to use it, so on Saturday October 31st we headed out for a ride. As you can tell from the map, it wasn't a long ride, but we cruised the many curves and made it an all day event anyway.</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR4CmK9zdI/AAAAAAAAAdo/tmmGuEzfRrg/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401073839125679570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR4CmK9zdI/AAAAAAAAAdo/tmmGuEzfRrg/s320/009.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3P1QyduI/AAAAAAAAAdg/y9xZ4s3SKY0/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401072967003305698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3P1QyduI/AAAAAAAAAdg/y9xZ4s3SKY0/s320/010.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3Pb_ER6I/AAAAAAAAAdY/LsBdKBrOZGI/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401072960218089378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3Pb_ER6I/AAAAAAAAAdY/LsBdKBrOZGI/s320/015.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3O7luBqI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/m8cBf3BkBO0/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401072951521838754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3O7luBqI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/m8cBf3BkBO0/s320/014.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3OcqW32I/AAAAAAAAAdI/-h4eej_31eI/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401072943219793762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3OcqW32I/AAAAAAAAAdI/-h4eej_31eI/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3Nug9fHI/AAAAAAAAAdA/BCUaTWV1MqA/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401072930832350322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR3Nug9fHI/AAAAAAAAAdA/BCUaTWV1MqA/s320/017.JPG" /></a><br /></div></div></div><br />We stopped in Hornitos (which is a very small community) to use the facilities and wet our whistle.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR50jelk_I/AAAAAAAAAdw/cYbNdU_4yKQ/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401075796907758578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR50jelk_I/AAAAAAAAAdw/cYbNdU_4yKQ/s320/018.JPG" /></a> Check out this antique cash register that is still in use!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR63xEgHSI/AAAAAAAAAeA/YElViaWhINE/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401076951607680290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR63xEgHSI/AAAAAAAAAeA/YElViaWhINE/s320/020.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR63SE5s_I/AAAAAAAAAd4/5O1xvUAS_Bw/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401076943287858162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR63SE5s_I/AAAAAAAAAd4/5O1xvUAS_Bw/s320/021.JPG" /></a><br />As we were getting ready to head out, we recieved an invite to preview an art gallery that was getting ready for 'Dia de los Muertos'. Besides it presented me with an opportunity to take more pics!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR8KnshFmI/AAAAAAAAAeI/6geeap78qlc/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401078375020303970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvR8KnshFmI/AAAAAAAAAeI/6geeap78qlc/s320/024.JPG" /></a> Dia de los Muertos also known as The Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st, and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls' Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these gifts.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBGQNVgYI/AAAAAAAAAew/-VQ-xswG0EQ/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401083797554168194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBGQNVgYI/AAAAAAAAAew/-VQ-xswG0EQ/s320/025.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBF7_emrI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Q4osOsNJ6VE/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401083792127335090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBF7_emrI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Q4osOsNJ6VE/s320/026.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBFckp2FI/AAAAAAAAAeg/deFpmBwBREc/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401083783693326418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBFckp2FI/AAAAAAAAAeg/deFpmBwBREc/s320/027.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBFAumX7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/XmAu_Jm9xRE/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401083776218849202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBFAumX7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/XmAu_Jm9xRE/s320/028.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBEiKjkuI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/vCXgX9kgdnc/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401083768014607074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSBEiKjkuI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/vCXgX9kgdnc/s320/029.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDjE7HYlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/5xsIGCDRzdg/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401086491764417106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDjE7HYlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/5xsIGCDRzdg/s320/030.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDiiohBYI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/_PF3PxzACio/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401086482559600002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDiiohBYI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/_PF3PxzACio/s320/032.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDiIiW8HI/AAAAAAAAAfI/fJdK1rHDV0g/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401086475554451570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDiIiW8HI/AAAAAAAAAfI/fJdK1rHDV0g/s320/033.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDhhHn1EI/AAAAAAAAAfA/gDHnolqjksI/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401086464973329474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDhhHn1EI/AAAAAAAAAfA/gDHnolqjksI/s320/034.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDg-IWx9I/AAAAAAAAAe4/v5wVMcUn_oo/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401086455581165522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSDg-IWx9I/AAAAAAAAAe4/v5wVMcUn_oo/s320/035.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFqkGXgWI/AAAAAAAAAf4/_U0t7nXV-IM/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401088819415449954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFqkGXgWI/AAAAAAAAAf4/_U0t7nXV-IM/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFqYt7M3I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Hj1fgc7MzDA/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401088816360141682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFqYt7M3I/AAAAAAAAAfw/Hj1fgc7MzDA/s320/037.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFp2tIBqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/iEImBZIUQT8/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401088807229982370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFp2tIBqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/iEImBZIUQT8/s320/038.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFpMr_ulI/AAAAAAAAAfg/dUrXbPF-cJ4/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401088795950955090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SvSFpMr_ulI/AAAAAAAAAfg/dUrXbPF-cJ4/s320/039.JPG" /></a> We actually enjoyed our visit at the art gallery as well as the rest of our ride. I still have alot to learn about my camera and hope to post more often. Thanks for stopping by!<br /></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-69283712678824917232009-10-15T14:30:00.000-07:002009-10-15T14:39:39.863-07:00A Letter of ThanksRemember my post back in April, about <a href="http://backseatbikermomma.blogspot.com/2009/04/updatethe-cherylann-of-hotel-jeffrey.html">The Cherylann of the Hotel Jeffrey Benefit</a>? Well Cherylann posted this comment to me October 14th and I decided to post it.<br /><br />Sheila & Friends,What a pleasure running across your site!Thank-you sooo much for being a part of the benefit run that my friends put on in April. What an amazing day filled with soooo many familiar faces and...some new ones. Guests who have frequented our saloon & grill and stayed in our hotel since we bought it in 2003, all coming out in force to let us know that they care and that they are here to help us through this difficult time!The day was beautiful and the turn-out was beyond belief! I had just gotten out of the hospital and didn't have much energy, so I wasn't able to make it around to see every person individually, but many of the people there came over and gave me hugs. It turns out that while I was in the park with what I thought was everyone...our saloon and hotel were equally as full of people that were there for me as well!I was very touched by the whole event, which of course, was kept a secret from me until the last minute. I still cry when I think about how everyone came together for us, it means sooo much and of course, as we all know, insurance doesn't cover everything, so the donations were greatly appreciated as well.This has been quite a journey, I was diagnosed in January with a rare Cancer, Tonsil Cancer that was moving into the Base of the Tongue, and 10 months later I am still going through so many ups & downs/good days & bad days, that I am never sure if I am coming or going. Most of the ups & downs are what I call "Radiation Fall-out", they are simply the long term effects of the treatments, on my system! They are the things that I have to get used to living with now, and I'm a survivor so I will!Because the Cancer was fast growing, it was a very aggressive treatment program that I went through, and I was fortunate enough to have been referred to a specialist in this particular Cancer, Dr. Luu at the Stanford Emmanuel Oncology Center in Turlock. An amazing place with wonderful people who really care! They treat each patient as though they are a dear family member, whom they would not want to lose.I hope that you don't mind if I share with you a few things that I have learned through this experience: Cards, pictures, e-mails, prayers and good thoughts, do make a huge difference in the day of a person battling any illness!18 hours of work a day is NOT healthy!Rest is crucial to healing!Listen to your body!Family & friends are most important, spend as much time as you can with them!Work will always be there!It's OK to delegate!And...of course, smiling is healthy and it is very important to keep a good sense of humor through it all! I still can't eat enough to stay alive so I spend many hours connected to a feeding machine whom I lovingly refer to as R2D2. I don't have enough energy yet to be there very often, plus my system is still so compromised that I have to be very careful not to catch anything, so I book all of the rooms and respond to e-mails from home, and of course would love to hear from you. If you come by the hotel or saloon to say hi, and you don't see me...please leave a note for me, it's almost as good as a hug!Again, Sheila & Friends...Thank-You!Sincerely,CherylannCherylann@HotelJefferyGold.comThe Historic Hotel JefferySheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-59259009517397450102009-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:002009-09-18T13:04:43.422-07:00InspiredAlright boys & girls, we're gonna take a brief break from our 'history lesson' that seems to have been the theme here. I've been known to stray from the original subject, so bear with me on this one, as I am writing from the heart and off the cuff!<br /><br />This post is also something I thought I would never do, as this blog pertains to motorcycle riding, and the things that surround it. (Don't worry, I'm weaving that in later!) I also want you to know that this is on a personal level, which I had planned to try and keep a little on the private side,but life has many twists and turns as you are about see!<br /><br />I have 3 children, (if you didn't already know) 2 boys & 1 girl-24, 22, & soon-to-be 21!<br /><br />In 1987 I was only 21 when I had my 2nd son, Mark. He was born with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). Which means he has an <strong>extra</strong> chromosone in the 21st set. (For those of you who don't know-we have 46 chromosones-23 from each parent-which equals into 23 pairs!)<br /><br />He was also born with one lung, (the right one), which also came with a few other problems which required a few surgeries. Some of which were rarely done at the time, so we spent the first 6 years of his life in & out of <a href="http://www.ucsfhealth.org/">U.C.S.F. Medical Center</a>. His lung has grown enough to encompass the cavity for the loss of the left one, which is incredible!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK1gP_oqnI/AAAAAAAAAYs/odo4KSumPf4/s1600-h/random+pics+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382564070315043442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK1gP_oqnI/AAAAAAAAAYs/odo4KSumPf4/s320/random+pics+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK1frOi07I/AAAAAAAAAYk/rhYE7dDnxXE/s1600-h/random+pics+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382564060445463474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK1frOi07I/AAAAAAAAAYk/rhYE7dDnxXE/s320/random+pics+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(I had to take pics of old pics-sorry!)<br /><div>I can sit here all day and go into detail, but that's not the point of this post!</div><br /><div>Why am I telling you this, and what is the point? Because he has truly been a 'gift', 'a blessing in disguise', and has touched many lives. Anyone & everyone who has ever came into his/our life, is going away never forgetting what an impact he has made on them, (trust me!)</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3sARYHmI/AAAAAAAAAZE/vofH0uydLoU/s1600-h/random+pics+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382566471276174946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3sARYHmI/AAAAAAAAAZE/vofH0uydLoU/s320/random+pics+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3rrIisJI/AAAAAAAAAY8/AI10DJQB8ns/s1600-h/random+pics+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382566465601974418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3rrIisJI/AAAAAAAAAY8/AI10DJQB8ns/s320/random+pics+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3rFlOxdI/AAAAAAAAAY0/KX1ruG3y58o/s1600-h/random+pics+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382566455521756626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK3rFlOxdI/AAAAAAAAAY0/KX1ruG3y58o/s320/random+pics+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Another reason for this post, is I came across a blog called <a href="http://dayswithdylan-laurie.blogspot.com/">Days with Dylan</a> which made my jaw drop! Her name is Laurie who's 2nd child was born with Down Syndrome! Now this brings me to this point; she is blogging about her life, his life, and how they are dealing with this. I wish I had the technology & the knowledge of today when I had Mark. I felt alone, scared, and into the unkown. (It's only been 22 yrs.) but technology and doctors have come a long way since.</div><br /><div>So I feel compelled to want to 'help' her in some way, but some things are left to 'Life' itself, and I can only give her words of encouragement. In some unkown way, I have been <em>inspired</em> to write about Mark because of her, and my heart tells me to share this....why? I don't know, but I'm doing it! (The Man upstairs works in mysterious ways).</div><br /><div>Mark is the highlight of our lives, he has a great sense of humor and keeps us on our toes! Sometimes we reflect on what would be if he didn't have Down Syndrome,but that's a subject that is short-lived!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK6Gbjz_0I/AAAAAAAAAZU/JJUSulYhNts/s1600-h/Marky+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382569124301111106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK6Gbjz_0I/AAAAAAAAAZU/JJUSulYhNts/s320/Marky+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK6Fks-cCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/7kcofN-aNac/s1600-h/Marky+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382569109575594018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK6Fks-cCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/7kcofN-aNac/s320/Marky+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> He has graduated all classes needed and we are researching other recources available that provide more schooling and social outtings.</div><br /><div>On that note-he has taken an interest in taking rides with Dad! Don't worry, he hangs on encredibly well! (My husband says he leans on him pretty good!)<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK84FeMYDI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/77YFzaH6Pi8/s1600-h/Marky001-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382572176388677682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK84FeMYDI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/77YFzaH6Pi8/s320/Marky001-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK83nEcC1I/AAAAAAAAAZs/66fCBctQN9w/s1600-h/Marky+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382572168227588946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK83nEcC1I/AAAAAAAAAZs/66fCBctQN9w/s320/Marky+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK82wwU59I/AAAAAAAAAZk/c_nZykX0JKw/s1600-h/Marky+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382572153647720402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK82wwU59I/AAAAAAAAAZk/c_nZykX0JKw/s320/Marky+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK82crOezI/AAAAAAAAAZc/8ygTpPg77eo/s1600-h/Marky+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382572148257618738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SrK82crOezI/AAAAAAAAAZc/8ygTpPg77eo/s320/Marky+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> I told you I would tie in the motorcycle! We've actually thought about a side-car now!</div><div>I know I have probably left you with un-answered questions, and why I choose to blog about motorcycles instead of other things. After life hands hands you a full deck, you learn how to deal...</div><div></div><div>If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at <a href="mailto:smbikermomma@gmail.com">smbikermomma@gmail.com</a> I will be more than happy to answer!</div><div>Until the next time.....Happy Trails my friends! </div></div></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-29901268768718353842009-08-05T12:38:00.000-07:002009-08-05T16:09:44.847-07:00The Sierra Gold Country Series: Jackson (5 of 5)<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Waterford,Ca&daddr=Jamestown,Ca+to:Sonora,Ca+to:Columbia,Ca+to:Angels+Camp,Ca+to:Jackson,Ca+to:Waterford,+CA&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,56.337891&ie=UTF8&ll=37.996163,-120.635376&spn=0.649333,0.823975&z=9&output=embed" frameborder="0" width="300" scrolling="no" height="300"></iframe><br /><small><a style="COLOR: #0000ff; TEXT-ALIGN: left" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Waterford,Ca&daddr=Jamestown,Ca+to:Sonora,Ca+to:Columbia,Ca+to:Angels+Camp,Ca+to:Jackson,Ca+to:Waterford,+CA&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,56.337891&ie=UTF8&ll=37.996163,-120.635376&spn=0.649333,0.823975&z=9">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br /><div>Usually a map is placed at the beginning, but I chose to place it at the end so that each destination wasn't revealed. It was only 153 miles round trip, but it was still fun and well worth it! </div><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnnzVWI7NJI/AAAAAAAAAXE/4-LL4OYudsY/s1600-h/Photo66532o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366587979034473618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnnzVWI7NJI/AAAAAAAAAXE/4-LL4OYudsY/s320/Photo66532o.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jackson has a 1,217 elevation and approximately 4,317 population.</p><br /><p>Jackson, named after Colonel Alden Jackson, was founded in 1848 around a year-round spring. Settlement of the region by American pioneers was stimulated by the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills around 1848. The settlement was named for a local lawyer who was liked by miners named Alden Appola Moore Jackson. Although Amador County was an important mining center, its County seat of Jackson was not typical of the early gold camps. The camp grew quickly, besides being a popular mining spot, it was also a convenient stopping place on the road from Sacramento to the Southern Mines. The camp became an important supply and transportation center for the neighboring towns, and by 1850 the population had reached an estimated 1,500. Jackson grew first as a watering hole for cattle, then as one of the earliest and most durable of the Mother Lode's hardrock mining areas.</p><br /><p>In 1853, Jackson became the county seat of newly formed Amador County, California. Previously, from 1851-1852, it had been the county seat of Calaveras County. Jackson may therefore be the only city to have ever been county seat of two different counties at different times.<br />Placer mining gave out by the 1860s, replaced by hard rock mining. One of the town's most prominent historical landmarks, the Kennedy Mine, began operation in 1860; at the time of its closure during World War II in 1942, it was the deepest gold mine in North America, at 1802 meters; (5912 ft). On August 27, 1922 47 miners became trapped when a fire broke out in the Argonaut mine. All 47 men died in the fire but it wasn't until over a year later that the last body was recovered. The Argonaut mine incident was the worst gold mine disaster in US history.<br />In Oct, 1942 the US government passed the War Production Board Limitation Order which signaled the demise of gold mining in California. The government needed men for the war and gold was not considered a strategic war metal.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn3WJo_piI/AAAAAAAAAXM/GSppneUQjz0/s1600-h/Photo41559o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366592390905701922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn3WJo_piI/AAAAAAAAAXM/GSppneUQjz0/s320/Photo41559o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Inscription: In 1848, was a village of huts and tents called<br />"BOTTILEAS”<br />by the Mexicans from the bottles strewn about by those who tarried here.<br />In 1849, it was named<br />JACKSON<br />for Colonel Jackson an early day resident.<br />In 1853, Amador County was carved out of<br />Calaveras County and Jackson<br />became its County Seat.<br />In 1886, The Order of<br />NATIVE DAUGHTERS OF THE GOLDEN WEST<br />was founded here and to commemorate<br />the semi-centennial year of the order<br />this monument is erected and dedicated.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn7jsSB7xI/AAAAAAAAAXU/uGhTSEYUxXQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+150.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366597021589434130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn7jsSB7xI/AAAAAAAAAXU/uGhTSEYUxXQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+150.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have a little dilemma with this photo, so let me explain. The day I took this pic, it was boarded up. Why? Well some people said it wasn't up to code which makes me sad, because we have always stopped here en route to another destination, to have a cool beverage or two.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn9-7ydHmI/AAAAAAAAAXc/KG1PHrvyZq0/s1600-h/IM000419a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366599688631688802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Snn9-7ydHmI/AAAAAAAAAXc/KG1PHrvyZq0/s320/IM000419a.JPG" border="0" /></a> Besides that, I could not find any historical information on this building at all! I'm a little bewildered and saddened! But hopefully it will re-open someday soon, and I can find out excactly what I want to know.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoAbA5dNxI/AAAAAAAAAXk/exInmrTqSoI/s1600-h/800px-2009-0724-CA-Jackson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366602370062825234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoAbA5dNxI/AAAAAAAAAXk/exInmrTqSoI/s320/800px-2009-0724-CA-Jackson.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is what the building looks like from another view.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoB_XGN8NI/AAAAAAAAAXs/T3Vp5OTekFs/s1600-h/California-Jackson-74eefc9a30.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366604094008848594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoB_XGN8NI/AAAAAAAAAXs/T3Vp5OTekFs/s320/California-Jackson-74eefc9a30.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is the side view of the Wells Fargo Building.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoEFgldgcI/AAAAAAAAAX0/OY_4Iuu_L1g/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+148.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366606398658281922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoEFgldgcI/AAAAAAAAAX0/OY_4Iuu_L1g/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+148.jpg" border="0" /></a> Inscription: Wells Fargo Building<br /><p>First structure on site built in 1857. Bar portion of building erected in 1856 as Drug Store. Wells Fargo Express Agency moved to store briefly in 1887. Two story section built in 1858, used as a General Store. Easterly one story section built in 1898. Wells Fargo Express located next door 1884-1919.<br /><p>Ginocchio family owned building from 1857 until sold to present owners. Dan Vukajlovich and Jim Smallfield opened Wells Fargo Club in 1955 and purchased building in 1965.<br /><p>Dedicated by the Native Sons of the Golden West March 12, 1983.<br />Joseph Ursino Grand President- In Memory of James Phelan, U.S. Senator<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoIyKep61I/AAAAAAAAAYE/gdKuFAjfuwQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+147.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366611563864779602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoIyKep61I/AAAAAAAAAYE/gdKuFAjfuwQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+147.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoIgf0nPTI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y1QjuibVB8k/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+151.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366611260356377906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoIgf0nPTI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y1QjuibVB8k/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+151.jpg" border="0" /></a> These pics are looking North, opposite The National Hotel.<br /><div>(I have very little history on this town besides what I wrote at the beginning of this post.)</div><br /><div>This town is a great stop on the way out to Tahoe, (if you take the back roads) which we have done previously. Up the road a bit, is <a href="http://www.jacksoncasino.com/">Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel.</a> We like to take a trip up there once in awhile, as it's always a great ride.</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoMATx_XsI/AAAAAAAAAYc/1nfWifgBsyA/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+152.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366615105414848194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoMATx_XsI/AAAAAAAAAYc/1nfWifgBsyA/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+152.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoL_xcSWUI/AAAAAAAAAYU/anzoGVxZ6q4/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+154.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366615096197011778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoL_xcSWUI/AAAAAAAAAYU/anzoGVxZ6q4/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoL_scaU4I/AAAAAAAAAYM/g3kDEqM-mNs/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366615094855357314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SnoL_scaU4I/AAAAAAAAAYM/g3kDEqM-mNs/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+156.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well it's time to head back home, as we made a day of it! Thank you for coming along with me to The Sierra Gold Country. I've learned a great deal along the way and enjoyed sharing it with you. Until then...............ride safe!<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-77563361994575628592009-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:002009-07-10T08:18:03.909-07:00The Sierra Gold Country Series: Angels Camp (4 of 5)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQN-R9PEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/FJTjKDrWFBE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356486639046442050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQN-R9PEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/FJTjKDrWFBE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+116.jpg" border="0" /></a> As we crossed the bridge of New Melones Lake, we decided to stop and take a few pics.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQNl445NI/AAAAAAAAAUk/iSKREmy3_oI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+119.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356486632498848978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQNl445NI/AAAAAAAAAUk/iSKREmy3_oI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+119.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Robinson's Ferry"<br />State Registered Landmark No. 276<br />In 1848 John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established ferry transport for freight, animals and persons across river. In 1856 Harvey Wood purchased interest and later acquired property which was maintained by Wood family until 1911. Charges were 50 cents for each passenger, horse, Jenny, or other animal.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQNG35SyI/AAAAAAAAAUc/1CwU7I3wwpM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356486624173181730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYQNG35SyI/AAAAAAAAAUc/1CwU7I3wwpM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYOsBytocI/AAAAAAAAAUU/D_LybugNzZs/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356484956361957826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYOsBytocI/AAAAAAAAAUU/D_LybugNzZs/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+123.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br /><br /><br />Angels Camp, "Home of the Jumping Frog" has an elevation of 1,378 feet and a population of approximately 3,589<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYhrXPw3YI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UKjeCpGYIuA/s1600-h/20080114034914478bf4fa29110.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356505835662007682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYhrXPw3YI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UKjeCpGYIuA/s320/20080114034914478bf4fa29110.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYhraL9fRI/AAAAAAAAAU0/oJS-Wn1qROw/s1600-h/angels_camp_plaque_thumb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356505836451364114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYhraL9fRI/AAAAAAAAAU0/oJS-Wn1qROw/s320/angels_camp_plaque_thumb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Angels Camp was founded by Henry Angels in 1848. (The sign says George, but other references say Henry!) He was a shopkeeper from Rhode Island, who found it to be more profitable to set up a trading post than to dig for gold.<br /><br />Angels City is the town's official name<br /><br />This town gathered it's share of gold before settlers started moving on. One local resident decided to write a short story called, 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' in 1865. That writer was Mark Twain, who has somehow linked frogs and Angels Camp together forever!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYubHY2yWI/AAAAAAAAAVM/3awqTuc0jCs/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356519850178431330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYubHY2yWI/AAAAAAAAAVM/3awqTuc0jCs/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYua6YEiwI/AAAAAAAAAVE/jvGovx41Qr0/s1600-h/800px-Downtown_Angels_Camp_CA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356519846685477634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYua6YEiwI/AAAAAAAAAVE/jvGovx41Qr0/s320/800px-Downtown_Angels_Camp_CA.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYxYqqRkWI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Lv59Tg5qu0g/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356523106642006370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlYxYqqRkWI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Lv59Tg5qu0g/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+127.jpg" border="0" /></a> Angels Camp is full of history, antique shops, restaurants and yes, it's own theater, <a href="http://www.cinemawest.com/agl.html">The Angels 5 Theatre.<br /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZk5_a9a-I/AAAAAAAAAVk/aDJONIng9q0/s1600-h/angels_hotel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356579754243615714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZk5_a9a-I/AAAAAAAAAVk/aDJONIng9q0/s320/angels_hotel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZk5ub-anI/AAAAAAAAAVc/Px4ZIJNzMZE/s1600-h/angels_hotel_plaque.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356579749684472434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZk5ub-anI/AAAAAAAAAVc/Px4ZIJNzMZE/s320/angels_hotel_plaque.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Angels Hotel was erected in 1851, only to be replaced by a one-story wooden structure. In 1855 it was replaced with stone, and a second story was added in 1857.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZo4faUz_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/s52WsGcgH94/s1600-h/altaville_grammar_school_front.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356584126517661682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZo4faUz_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/s52WsGcgH94/s320/altaville_grammar_school_front.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZo4PcpSmI/AAAAAAAAAVs/D8Az4UHM3rI/s1600-h/altaville_grammar_school_plaque.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356584122232425058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZo4PcpSmI/AAAAAAAAAVs/D8Az4UHM3rI/s320/altaville_grammar_school_plaque.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Altaville Grammar School was built in 1858 with brick, and was used as a classroom until 1950. It is still known as one of the oldest in California.<br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZsnACsz-I/AAAAAAAAAV8/zuYYuB9z-ec/s1600-h/813.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356588224085807074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZsnACsz-I/AAAAAAAAAV8/zuYYuB9z-ec/s320/813.jpg" border="0" /></a> At the Angels Camp Museum you can get your fill of history and take a stroll through the past. They have plenty of outdoor artifacts that surround the grounds, such as two steam traction engines and a Pelton water wheel accompanied by it's generator.<br />Inside hosts a wide collection of carriages and wagons which were used as a form of transportation. They also have a wide variety of quarts stone and gold!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZx6cFuKBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/1l26GLqU80U/s1600-h/l_78fe66286a5ca69268695ea1b21bfa0b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356594055590324242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZx6cFuKBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/1l26GLqU80U/s320/l_78fe66286a5ca69268695ea1b21bfa0b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZx6C0XKMI/AAAAAAAAAWE/bHUt_SpA3Jw/s1600-h/l_ac5d0d8f81a3dec9511a2cf157feac4c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356594048806627522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SlZx6C0XKMI/AAAAAAAAAWE/bHUt_SpA3Jw/s320/l_ac5d0d8f81a3dec9511a2cf157feac4c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Around the 3rd week in May, the people of Angels Camp turn the Calaveras County Fairgrounds into 'Frogtown'. They have the fair and <a href="http://www.frogtown.org/index.html">The Jumping Frog jubilee </a>at the 80 acre facility, and is held for 4 days. The Jubilee starts with a children's parade in downtown Angels Camp and ends with a Destruction Derby on Sunday evening.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldYAkBRIVI/AAAAAAAAAWs/w8Mp0QqO3mI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847048472731986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldYAkBRIVI/AAAAAAAAAWs/w8Mp0QqO3mI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldYAK19OkI/AAAAAAAAAWk/zA2djBGZeZ0/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847041714403906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldYAK19OkI/AAAAAAAAAWk/zA2djBGZeZ0/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+129.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldX_1zcAcI/AAAAAAAAAWc/XoVLwfx4WWs/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847036066693570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldX_1zcAcI/AAAAAAAAAWc/XoVLwfx4WWs/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+130.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldX_kz5cUI/AAAAAAAAAWU/WlYkD8h1WZQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356847031505219906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SldX_kz5cUI/AAAAAAAAAWU/WlYkD8h1WZQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+131.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well we're off to the next town, hope to see you there....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-48892649379159470682009-06-17T09:31:00.000-07:002009-06-19T06:33:33.965-07:00The Sierra Gold Country Series: Columbia State Historic Park (3 of 5)This town is one of my all time favorites! I am only able to give you a <em>portion</em> of what Columbia has to offer. If you ever take the trip to <em>The Sierra Gold Country</em>, please make this town a '<em>must~see</em>'!
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<br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjk3ZBEcyHI/AAAAAAAAANI/ZueaP_m2Hqo/s1600-h/IMG_9655_lowres.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348366935402530930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjk3ZBEcyHI/AAAAAAAAANI/ZueaP_m2Hqo/s320/IMG_9655_lowres.jpg" border="0" /></a> Columbia State Historical Park is located in Tuolmne County, a few miles north of Sonora. Its elevation is 2,139 and a population of approx. 2,000.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjk4m_-PkzI/AAAAAAAAANQ/aT0aALEqtiA/s1600-h/c184c8e9-75f9-4e36-ab17-daffcbc0dd4b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348368275137860402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjk4m_-PkzI/AAAAAAAAANQ/aT0aALEqtiA/s320/c184c8e9-75f9-4e36-ab17-daffcbc0dd4b.jpg" border="0" /></a> On March 27,1850, Dr.Thaddeus Hildreth, with his brother George and a handful of prospectors, made camp near here. In their search for gold, they panned the nearby gulch near Kennebec Hill, and gold they found! Within weeks, several thousand miners had made way and set up camp, that was known as Hildreth's Diggins. That name was changed to 'American Camp', which again was changed to Columbia.
<br />Hildreth's Diggins is actually an annual event now named <a href="http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/diggins.html"><em>Columbia Diggins</em></a><em>. </em>Where you are taken back in time, to observe how they prepared their meals, made their own clothing, and cared for livestock.
<br /><p>Columbia has really never been deserted. It has thrived with people continuosly through out time. The walkways are wooden, and the streets are dirt ridden. It really is like taking a step back in time.
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<br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlJCFRxtfI/AAAAAAAAANg/47Rz9wAI01E/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348386332604478962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlJCFRxtfI/AAAAAAAAANg/47Rz9wAI01E/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+058.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Matelot Gulch Mine Supply Store offers kitchenwares, minerals, silver and relics, as well as mining supplies. If you would like to learn to pan for gold, this is the place to start!
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlOOVxayzI/AAAAAAAAANo/Rv4ZC-vVRJA/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348392040748731186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlOOVxayzI/AAAAAAAAANo/Rv4ZC-vVRJA/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+061.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Wells Fargo Co. Express building was once The American Hotel, which housed an office to Henry Wells and William Fargo. In 1857 the Hotel burns in a fire, and was rebuilt by Wells, Fargo & Co with wood, which was replaced with brick in 1858. In 1945, the deed was gifted to the state by Wells & Fargo.</p>
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<br /><p>The building is kept in historic fashion and is on display daily. It is the 'trademark' of the town and has been used in many <a href="http://www.columbiagazette.com/films.html">western movies</a>. Stage coach rides run daily, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.</p>
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<br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlZJ3cj9KI/AAAAAAAAANw/8G2HbqB3YuY/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348404058516616354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlZJ3cj9KI/AAAAAAAAANw/8G2HbqB3YuY/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+065.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><p>In 1851 it was known as the Columbia Market. Over the next few years, it under-went several different owners, and burned in 1854 and in 1857. It was rebuilt with brick in 1857 and rented out to John B. Douglass, who ran a very popular saloon with an aviary, paintings, fish, geological display and is also a stage depot.Over the next 110 yrs. it was owned by many people who ran different businesses from it. In 1968 it closed for restoration, and was re-opened as the Jack Douglass Saloon. It is one of the oldest saloons in the west and is currently operated by Pat Narry and Mike Keene.
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjllR7nygxI/AAAAAAAAAN4/qLvEFw9TSFI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348417391215936274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjllR7nygxI/AAAAAAAAAN4/qLvEFw9TSFI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+064.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />As you walk back in time here, there is Nelson's Candy Kitchen, which has been turning out confections since the early 1800's. A Danish miner, C. Rex Nelson became the confectioner in 1930, and after 4 generations, are still producing fine candies from the original recipes.
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<br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlpnPM5lGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/2f-SRBSa2UQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348422155295626338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjlpnPM5lGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/2f-SRBSa2UQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+069.jpg" border="0" /></a> In 1852 this building was an operating saloon until the fire of 1854. It was rebuilt, and resumed business as both a saloon and restaurant, until the fire in 1857. It was again restored and changed owners many times up until the late 1800's. It remained vacant until the state purchased it in 1947, and was made into a blacksmith shop. In 1998 it was rebuilt and purchased by Leannha Rhodes Parrott, she names it "Parrott's Blacksmithing" which she still owns and operates to this day.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmoeHLwjBI/AAAAAAAAAOY/kHVwYz2LG54/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348491267757083666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmoeHLwjBI/AAAAAAAAAOY/kHVwYz2LG54/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+070.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmodvxJUkI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/zXgfJV0QgGI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348491261471445570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmodvxJUkI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/zXgfJV0QgGI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+071.jpg" border="0" /></a> This building is the <em>only</em> structure that is neither original or a reproduction of an original! It was used in a pilot for a T.V. series, called 'The Young Riders.' (I did not know this!)
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmsnXcLZ8I/AAAAAAAAAOo/8jzrkw1aPrg/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348495824786253762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjmsnXcLZ8I/AAAAAAAAAOo/8jzrkw1aPrg/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+074.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjmsm0wTkPI/AAAAAAAAAOg/qSNU6pWvxbg/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID5348495815475433714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjmsm0wTkPI/AAAAAAAAAOg/qSNU6pWvxbg/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+073.jpg" border="0" /></a> After the company was finished filming, they decided it would be too expensive to take it down, so they donated it to the park. The park administration weighed the negative of a non-historical building, but found it being of positive nature by storing and diplaying artifacts.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjo9AjN8z0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/JLT9IX2aqZQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348654587118931778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjo9AjN8z0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/JLT9IX2aqZQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+082.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjo9ARKthNI/AAAAAAAAAOw/U3eV09e6NDM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348654582273508562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjo9ARKthNI/AAAAAAAAAOw/U3eV09e6NDM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Columbia Museum, (also known as the Knapp Building) was owned by Sewell Knapp from 1853 until 1887, and was a general store. In late 1887, Knapp turns the business over to his son, who keeps it for a short time. It changed owners and was ran as a sandwich & ice cream shop, until 1948 when it became a museum. It becomes the Cavalier Museum in 1958 and was restored in 2002, then re-opened in 2003.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpC_74GMPI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vvpYgJOJrUE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348661173628055794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpC_74GMPI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vvpYgJOJrUE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+078.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpC_pAG2UI/AAAAAAAAAPA/eCTMYDsftJU/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348661168561379650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpC_pAG2UI/AAAAAAAAAPA/eCTMYDsftJU/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+079.jpg" border="0" /></a> The museum houses many artifacts, and is full of information on the history of Columbia.
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFjMtr2LI/AAAAAAAAAPg/ucVY8DmjaxM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348663978466465970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFjMtr2LI/AAAAAAAAAPg/ucVY8DmjaxM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+084.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFipQtKXI/AAAAAAAAAPY/USQ-tnJqQbk/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348663968949676402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFipQtKXI/AAAAAAAAAPY/USQ-tnJqQbk/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+080.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFiTV-AyI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9RpLQhmgjl8/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348663963066172194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpFiTV-AyI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9RpLQhmgjl8/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+081.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpHlypEacI/AAAAAAAAAPo/QF5_XGOVfmk/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348666222030645698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpHlypEacI/AAAAAAAAAPo/QF5_XGOVfmk/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+085.jpg" border="0" /></a> The first Chinese immigrants flooded San Francisco during the gold rush in 1849. They headed East, and Columbia housed as many as 2,000 at one time. They brought with them new foods, herbs, and spices, which was a delightful change to the 'bland' American food of the time.</div>
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<br /><div>They ran laundry shops, opium houses, and mined their share of gold. They were ran out in 1857, only to return in 1858. There was turmoil and fires through-out the years, which eventually dwindled the immigrants.
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpqI_O4h6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/NiOjBIyz3RM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348704210101241762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpqI_O4h6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/NiOjBIyz3RM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+087.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpqIjzqoXI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/h8Y2Bv1Tj3g/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348704202739327346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpqIjzqoXI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/h8Y2Bv1Tj3g/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+086.jpg" border="0" /></a> This exhibit was originally run as a bakery from 1854 until 1958, when it became a Chinese herb exhibit. It was restored between 2002 & 2007 and is now on display.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjptKE8m07I/AAAAAAAAAQo/D3U9JyShtvQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348707527349949362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjptKE8m07I/AAAAAAAAAQo/D3U9JyShtvQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+089.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjptJtjFZAI/AAAAAAAAAQg/6hejqEEiNpg/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348707521068884994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjptJtjFZAI/AAAAAAAAAQg/6hejqEEiNpg/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+088.jpg" border="0" /></a> In 1876, James Wilson began building residence on the lot until his death in 1878. Mrs. Rose Wilson finished building and resided there with her family until the 1930's. It was restored between 1940-1941, then in 1952 was used in the movie <a href="http://www.columbiagazette.com/films.html">High Noon. </a></div>
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<br /><div>It was then purchased from the McConnell family by the state in 2005.
<br />Mrs. Geraldine Lucille McConnell known as 'Mrs. Columbia', was instrumental in the founding of Columbia State Park. She lived in downtown Columbia until her death in 2003, where she died of natural causes, she was 99.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpwWFsfiKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Ys2921GdiO4/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+090.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348711032244111522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjpwWFsfiKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Ys2921GdiO4/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+090.jpg" border="0" /></a> From the early 1850's to 1861, this lot was home to many businesses (which we know by now,) that was ruined by the fires that riddled this town through the early years. In 1861 the engine company leased the building, that then occupied the lot, and used it as a firehouse. In 1910 the building was torn down, only to be rebuilt as it's present structure in 1911. In 1952 it was purchased by the state for $1.00! It is now known as Columbia No.1 Engine Company.
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjp10kRFLkI/AAAAAAAAARA/Y5P2xBVvVmE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348717053404851778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjp10kRFLkI/AAAAAAAAARA/Y5P2xBVvVmE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+092.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjp10GkfjKI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/MxngM_uCBmM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348717045433207970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjp10GkfjKI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/MxngM_uCBmM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+091.jpg" border="0" /></a> No.452 was built in Boston and sold to Brooklyn New York, May 24th, 1852, when it arrived they renamed it Phoenix #12. In 1856 it would be sold to King Kamahamaha of Hawaii and the name would be changed to 'Papeete'. Legend is, it was put on a ship headed for the Sandwich Islands, but when the ship reached San Francisco, the crew jumped ship to pursue gold instead! By this time the King no longer needed the engine, and it made its way (after usage) from San Francisco to Columbia.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCir77K-I/AAAAAAAAARY/JyadNapqECQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348731039877114850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCir77K-I/AAAAAAAAARY/JyadNapqECQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+051.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCibwdAoI/AAAAAAAAARQ/peB817mYGeM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348731035534033538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCibwdAoI/AAAAAAAAARQ/peB817mYGeM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+106.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCiAuf9DI/AAAAAAAAARI/aU4oOj6CgZQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+109.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348731028278080562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqCiAuf9DI/AAAAAAAAARI/aU4oOj6CgZQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+109.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Fallon Hotel originated as four separate structures, each with a unique history of its own. Most structures in this town were made of wood, and fell victim to fires in the mid 1800's, hence the brick buildings. Owen Fallon was the constructor of this brick building in 1859, that started out as a boarding house, until he cut a hole in the east wall and joined buildings in 1863. He then named it 'Fallon Hotel', turning the upstairs into a ballroom until 1871, when he decided to turn the ballroom into more rooms for the hotel. It has changed names several times over the years, and was home to many theatrical performances. In 1986 the builing was restored and is now home to the theatre, theatre box office, and an ice cream parlor.</div>
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<br /><div>The Fallon House Theatre is currently home to many plays. For more information, click this link: <a href="http://sierrarep.com/">Sierra Repertory Theatre.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjql5sg0EiI/AAAAAAAAARg/iITiC4ePAL8/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348769918075802146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjql5sg0EiI/AAAAAAAAARg/iITiC4ePAL8/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+107.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Columbia Gazette Office is a replica of the origainal, which is now home to Columbia Booksellers & Stationers.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjqqy-9S--I/AAAAAAAAARo/Ez70lX4zZr0/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348775300326161378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjqqy-9S--I/AAAAAAAAARo/Ez70lX4zZr0/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+063.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have come to the crossroads on this one. There is so much to be found here, it is literally astounding. I have visited Columbia on <em>many</em> occassions, via school functions, a day trip for two, and again for a family trip.
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqtwJgAVqI/AAAAAAAAASA/sPvNBhImyBI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348778550151370402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqtwJgAVqI/AAAAAAAAASA/sPvNBhImyBI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+093.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqtvupcJnI/AAAAAAAAAR4/FkegfhI9kqw/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348778542943184498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqtvupcJnI/AAAAAAAAAR4/FkegfhI9kqw/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+055.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some buildings here have more history than others, while some I cannot find, or there isn't any record...
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqwcJtn1PI/AAAAAAAAASQ/kuOD-p4fvqQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348781505145984242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqwcJtn1PI/AAAAAAAAASQ/kuOD-p4fvqQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+067.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqwbzywwsI/AAAAAAAAASI/Gnmlrvxj3zY/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348781499261960898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqwbzywwsI/AAAAAAAAASI/Gnmlrvxj3zY/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+068.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many buildings are preserved to perfection and are kept for display only.
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjqxp7j5KKI/AAAAAAAAASo/hesuTDczZUQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348782841376876706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjqxp7j5KKI/AAAAAAAAASo/hesuTDczZUQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+095.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqxpcBgn_I/AAAAAAAAASg/BV7s3pQlWR8/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348782832911163378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqxpcBgn_I/AAAAAAAAASg/BV7s3pQlWR8/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+096.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqxpJUT5JI/AAAAAAAAASY/7oiNrU1dHEU/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348782827889747090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqxpJUT5JI/AAAAAAAAASY/7oiNrU1dHEU/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+094.jpg" border="0" /></a> This town and its structures conduct business daily, it's not some abandoned ghost town that you just stroll through. You can buy necessities from the store, have lunch, or even spend the weekend here.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzaPwJg6I/AAAAAAAAATA/z-iKZ15OYdo/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348784770942337954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzaPwJg6I/AAAAAAAAATA/z-iKZ15OYdo/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+097.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzZhUhCjI/AAAAAAAAAS4/A5j2bq9YXjM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348784758478408242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzZhUhCjI/AAAAAAAAAS4/A5j2bq9YXjM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+098.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzZaEyiFI/AAAAAAAAASw/d_SQBN8mdaw/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348784756533397586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjqzZaEyiFI/AAAAAAAAASw/d_SQBN8mdaw/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+100.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hopefully it won't be spent here either! I could not find history on this little Jail, but I am sure there is......somewhere!
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq1W1XxuaI/AAAAAAAAATQ/4KqyAoc9CmM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348786911344441762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq1W1XxuaI/AAAAAAAAATQ/4KqyAoc9CmM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+104.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq1WuFk63I/AAAAAAAAATI/P2mW63Ku62g/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348786909389056882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq1WuFk63I/AAAAAAAAATI/P2mW63Ku62g/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+101.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Pioneer Emporium has also had its share of owners, as well as many businesses. It is now host to household sundries and unusual gifts.</div>
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<br /><div>Columbia Kate's is a Teahouse where you can share a cup of tea and learn the history of the women of Columbia. She sells a collection of items online at <a href="http://www.columbiakates.com/">http://www.columbiakates.com/</a></div>
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<br /><div>She also has a blog <a href="http://abuttonlady.blogspot.com/">http://abuttonlady.blogspot.com/</a> which I found very cute!</div>
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<br /><div>Columbia is also home to Columbia College, a community college in the Sierra Foothills. <a href="http://columbia.yosemite.cc.ca.us/">http://columbia.yosemite.cc.ca.us/</a>
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<br /><div>Now, as usual I did not leave you with all history, buildings, and/or pics. We would be camped out for days! But I do have a treat for you if you are interested in more history, or can't make it to this location personally. Grab a drink & a bite to eat, because this will take you so far back in time, you will forget how to get back! <a href="http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/">http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/</a> Fish around this site for days.</div>
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<br /><div>I am so ready to head up to the next town, besides, I need lunch! Hitch a ride and lets see what we can find...........
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8vkozAAI/AAAAAAAAATw/a4RsW4ucGuU/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348795032930549762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8vkozAAI/AAAAAAAAATw/a4RsW4ucGuU/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+115.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8vcvXjxI/AAAAAAAAATo/Y_RnvO7bZNU/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348795030810627858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8vcvXjxI/AAAAAAAAATo/Y_RnvO7bZNU/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+116.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8u-THuuI/AAAAAAAAATg/ua1gJpU1jEA/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348795022639086306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8u-THuuI/AAAAAAAAATg/ua1gJpU1jEA/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+117.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8uuIqx4I/AAAAAAAAATY/ByoLQHcaDVA/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348795018300278658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sjq8uuIqx4I/AAAAAAAAATY/ByoLQHcaDVA/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+118.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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<br />Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-11228833260112715662009-06-12T15:04:00.000-07:002009-06-12T17:21:32.689-07:00The Sierra Gold Country Series: Sonora (2 of 5)<div>Located in Tuolumne County , Sonora 'The heart of Gold Country', is situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills of North California at an elevation of 1,825 feet, with an estimated population of 4,610.<br /></div><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLRRd8bf4I/AAAAAAAAALg/idTN2OfWzPw/s1600-h/sonorasign.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346565805668269954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLRRd8bf4I/AAAAAAAAALg/idTN2OfWzPw/s320/sonorasign.gif" border="0" /></a> The City of Sonora, known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” was established in 1848 by miners emigrating from the State of Sonora, Mexico. The early settlement was often referred to as the Sonoran Camp.<br /><br />News of the gold discovery at the Sonoran Camp spread quickly and hopeful miners from the East Coast and foreign countries began the long journey to the promised land. Many boarded ships on the East Coast and sailed to Panama where they crossed the Isthmus on foot or horseback and vied for passage on crowded ships bound for San Francisco. From San Francisco it was an additional two day trip by schooner to Stockton and then a dusty stage ride through the foothills to Sonora. When arriving in Sonora the travelers were covered and choked with dust. They found a camp of dirt streets and tents with very sparse accommodations.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLUi-_JHEI/AAAAAAAAALo/2Jl89aGEfWE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346569405130677314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLUi-_JHEI/AAAAAAAAALo/2Jl89aGEfWE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLhE0TJmnI/AAAAAAAAAL4/T3-Hm-clYGk/s1600-h/operah1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346583180516891250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLhE0TJmnI/AAAAAAAAAL4/T3-Hm-clYGk/s320/operah1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Opera Hall was built in 1885 & the City of Sonora acquired this "Jewel of the Mother Lode" in December of 1986<br /><br />On December 12, 1896, the headline of the Sonora Daily Union Democrat read, "Opera Hall To Go". The local newspaper was aghast, reporting, "It is a source of much regret to our people to learn that the only public hall in Sonora worthy of the City's name is to be converted into a carpenter shop and forever closed as a place for giving public exhibitions...It seems a shame that the one building in the town to which our people were able to point to with pride is to be transformed into a carpenter shop". The fate of the Sonora Opera Hall was sealed that day.<br />The following 80 years were hard ones for the Opera Hall as the building was modified to meet new needs. Throughout the 1980's, attempts by the private sector to raise restoration funds proved unsuccessful. Consequently, in December of 1986 the City of Sonora acquired the building and began the task of grant requisition and fund raising that has brought it to its present state of completion. The Opera Hall is once again the "Jewel in the crown of Sonora".<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLjvWW75mI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/tFpYIl2S5Js/s1600-h/l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346586110237337186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLjvWW75mI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/tFpYIl2S5Js/s320/l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLjJukvu0I/AAAAAAAAAMA/8w0VdGfnp8Y/s1600-h/f5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346585463902681922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLjJukvu0I/AAAAAAAAAMA/8w0VdGfnp8Y/s320/f5.jpg" border="0" /></a> The hotel is named for Dr. Lewis C. Gunn, a native Philadelphian who was lured to the area to seek his fortune in the California gold mines. Recognizing the vast beauty of the terrain, he settled in Sonora, where using local labor he built the area's first two-story adobe building as his home and subsequently as his place of business after failing as a gold prospector.<br />Since Gunn's departure the house has been expanded well beyond the original two-story adobe core. For a while it served as a hospital. Later it was christened the Hotel Rosa Italia.<br />In 2002 Innkeepers Mike and Shirley Sarno purchased the Gunn House and undertook the most recent and most impressive restoration of this historic structure. Together, and like their historical predecessor, using local labor, the couple painstakingly restored, upgraded, and without detracting from the historical charm of the sprawling three-story structure, created a true labor of love. As a result, please visit and enjoy a bit of the past in one of the newly renovated, antique appointed rooms of the most historic hotel in Sonora. All rooms have modern private baths, heating and air conditioning, the highest quality mattresses, and local cable T.V. The Gunn House continues to remain a favorite getaway to California’s romantic and historic Mother Lode.<br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLmhxjxf7I/AAAAAAAAAMY/JrFizVDouYk/s1600-h/7_museum_ext.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346589175555653554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLmhxjxf7I/AAAAAAAAAMY/JrFizVDouYk/s320/7_museum_ext.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLmiOghYfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Ln0hl4qBsCk/s1600-h/tuolumne_co.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346589183326642674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLmiOghYfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Ln0hl4qBsCk/s320/tuolumne_co.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Tuolumne County Museum and History Center is an impressive complex devoted to local historical displays, genealogical research and the Tuolumne County History Collection. The museum is a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1857 as the Tuolumne County Jail and rebuilt in 1865 following a disastrous fire that killed the inmate who allegedly started it. In 1978 a building program was inaugurated resulting in the seismic stabilization and rehabilitation of the Old Jail, construction of the Museum Annex, conversion of the prisoners' exercise yard into a courtyard available for social events and restoration of garden areas.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLn21qI9NI/AAAAAAAAAMo/RMsKfiBYRt4/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346590636944979154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLn21qI9NI/AAAAAAAAAMo/RMsKfiBYRt4/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />St. James Anglican Church, also known as the Red Church, was built 1860 in Sonora California during the post-Gold Rush era. Its eight-sided steeple is an example of the Swedish architectural style. Rev. John Gassman, a Norwegian native, helped design the building and was the first pastor. The red painted board and batten exterior walls are made from California redwood. In 1868 a part of the church had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed the steeple and the west side of the building.<br /><br />The church was consecrated in 1870 by the Rt, Rev. William Ingraham Kip, first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Reportedly the seventh Episcopal parish as well as the oldest Episcopal church building in California, it has been designated California Historical Landmark No. 139.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLpmkuHQFI/AAAAAAAAAMw/X2VTLdpY5fg/s1600-h/800px-Sonora_CA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346592556543590482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLpmkuHQFI/AAAAAAAAAMw/X2VTLdpY5fg/s320/800px-Sonora_CA.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLpmj_imQI/AAAAAAAAAM4/MzQ4S5rKk5g/s1600-h/cfiles1295.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346592556348250370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLpmj_imQI/AAAAAAAAAM4/MzQ4S5rKk5g/s320/cfiles1295.jpg" border="0" /></a> As the area’s cultural center, Sonora is home to museums, art galleries and live theatre. The City also plays host to numerous festivals and special events throughout the year. Just outside the City limits are year-round outdoor recreational opportunities at resorts, campgrounds, lakes, golf courses and high country waterways.<br /><br />With its rich heritage, historic charm and small town hospitality, visitors and locals alike enjoy a relaxing stroll along the City’s historic main street while shopping in the many specialty and antique shops, taking time out to have a delectable meal in one of its many fine restaurants, bakeries and coffee houses.<br /><br /><br /><br />Today, Sonora is the commercial center for some 100,000 people living in Tuolumne, Calaveras and northern Mariposa Counties. Residents are proud of their city's historic roots and something relatively new to the community: the <a href="http://www.blackoakcasino.com/" target="_blank">Black Oak Casino</a> in nearby Tuolumne City is owned by the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLuWnL4XTI/AAAAAAAAANA/Zd6fZd4gl00/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346597779885546802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjLuWnL4XTI/AAAAAAAAANA/Zd6fZd4gl00/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+044.jpg" border="0" /></a> So here we go again, off to the next town. Ride along with me....it only gets better!Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-6662406405516798992009-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:002009-06-10T20:22:37.670-07:00The Sierra Gold Country Series: Jamestown (1 of 5)<strong>FYI:</strong> We visited five Gold Rush towns in one day, the ride was great and the weather was beautiful. We have visited each and every one on seperate occasions in the past, and I thought it was only fair to give each town the notoriety it deserves. Each can be made into a day trip, and they are all worth it, as I am about to show you....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Located in Tuolumne County , Jamestown is a small Gold Rush town situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills of North California at an elevation of 1,477 feet, with an estimated population of 2,178.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjA9V-HtHzI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/KLzijeSgV9I/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345840205350641458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjA9V-HtHzI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/KLzijeSgV9I/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345840210487790274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjA9WRQfysI/AAAAAAAAAJY/DSdsrIF2elo/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+037.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Jamestown was founded in 1848, within a few months after gold was discovered in Woods Creek, a mile south of town. This discovery was itself within a few months after the original discovery of gold in Coloma, upstream from Sacramento on the American River at John Sutter's sawmill, that initiated the California Gold Rush. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjA-mzjRL8I/AAAAAAAAAJg/patdY_GSgpE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345841594082865090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjA-mzjRL8I/AAAAAAAAAJg/patdY_GSgpE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Jamestown fell on hard times after the Gold Rush, but had a resurgence in the 1880s and 90s because many underground quartz mines were nearby. In 1897, a steam railroad was built, running at first from Oakdale to Jamestown, and later to Sonora and Tuolumne City, that was headquartered in Jamestown and further contributed to the town's economic prospects<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBd_gv3d5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/0gAkZindsEo/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345876103392622482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBd_gv3d5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/0gAkZindsEo/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBd_UvazzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/xf8mTpGzgDM/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345876100169518898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBd_UvazzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/xf8mTpGzgDM/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+035.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Jamestown Hotel was first built in 1858 as a wood-frame boarding house. At various times during its existence, it operated as a bordello and a bus depot. At one time, it was the Motherlode Hospital and we have had a few hotel guests in recent years who were born there. The Hotel burned down twice along with much of Jamestown. During the 1970s, San Francisco brick was used to remodel the hotel exterior. Purchased from the Crocker family in the 1980s, the hotel underwent a major restoration and is now an 8-room bed and breakfast hotel with a restaurant and old-time bar.<br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBgfH1kgTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8dJ9XqItFNs/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345878845484728626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBgfH1kgTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8dJ9XqItFNs/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Emporium is significant for its late Victorian architecture and for its historical significance in the region. It was built in 1897 by architect and builder C.H. Wilson. It was constructed of brick, with business space on the ground floor and living quarters above. At the time it was built it was cited as being, next to the Hotel Victoria, the most imposing business structure in Tuolumne County. It is remarkably unaltered from its original form except for the removal of a back balcony.<br />It served as a pioneer department store through its original owner, J.W. Whitney, then Moses Arendt, who acquired it six months after construction, and finally Porter and Barendreght until 1969. It also served as the county's telephone station from 1906 to 1923, and is a landmark in Tuolumne County.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBh1qW-wYI/AAAAAAAAAKI/QznY610sxlo/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345880332220416386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBh1qW-wYI/AAAAAAAAAKI/QznY610sxlo/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+031.jpg" border="0" /></a> In 1859, Heinrich and Hannah Neilson established a hotel, bar and restaurant, that was to become known as the National Hotel. The two wooden buildings were among the first permanent structures in this early (1848) gold-rush town of Jamestown. Earlier establishments, were mostly tent and non-permanent wooden structures. The National Hotel has been in continuous operation from this date having survived two damaging fires in 1901 and 1927 which severely damaged the National Hotel, which had to then be remodeled. </p><p>In August of 1974, The National Hotel was purchased by present owners Stephen Willey and his brother Michel Willey. While the bar and hotel had functioned continuously from its beginning, the restaurant was not open, and had not been fully utilized since 1946. With limited funds, and providing the labor themselves, the restaurant was reopened in September 1975.</p><p>The National Hotel is one of the oldest continuously operated hotels in California!</p><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBjxByxErI/AAAAAAAAAKY/4d2cCDFQiBg/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345882451634885298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBjxByxErI/AAAAAAAAAKY/4d2cCDFQiBg/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBjwyZVGyI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kV-P9nBjEvA/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345882447501663010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBjwyZVGyI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kV-P9nBjEvA/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+033.jpg" border="0" /></a> Panning for gold is an inexpensive, educational and fun activity that the entire family can get into. An expert guide accompanies your party, demonstrating proper gold panning and sluice box techniques. Everyone will have fun with this hands on adventure that can yield valuable results.<br /><br />According to Gold Prospecting Adventures proprietors Brent and Bryant Shock, "as big as the 1848 California gold rush was, it's a estimated that only 15% of the gold in the Mother Lode Country has been found."<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBmeSY3OMI/AAAAAAAAAKg/jZidWzNX5K8/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345885428207007938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBmeSY3OMI/AAAAAAAAAKg/jZidWzNX5K8/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBnPP2QheI/AAAAAAAAAKw/mIkUhTV-DDI/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345886269338584546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBnPP2QheI/AAAAAAAAAKw/mIkUhTV-DDI/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBnOkfaRDI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Tz-GzQN2VEQ/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345886257700029490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBnOkfaRDI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Tz-GzQN2VEQ/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Visitors from around the world continue to browse the Main Street shops, buying antiques, original art, gifts and souvenirs.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqVT-rafI/AAAAAAAAALQ/m6HEmLD2ovs/s1600-h/l_a1f0fe31bc5ba29c45755d4cc82f3424.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345889672061741554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqVT-rafI/AAAAAAAAALQ/m6HEmLD2ovs/s320/l_a1f0fe31bc5ba29c45755d4cc82f3424.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqVKzGJ2I/AAAAAAAAALI/cP4bgyfoLCs/s1600-h/l_bed9e0ce58d92ee99759cbd74dacf8a8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345889669597243234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqVKzGJ2I/AAAAAAAAALI/cP4bgyfoLCs/s320/l_bed9e0ce58d92ee99759cbd74dacf8a8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqU2kIXjI/AAAAAAAAALA/biOBnwiKQps/s1600-h/l_fb91ad67bbbbbc1a4cb28c9134600b56.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345889664165764658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqU2kIXjI/AAAAAAAAALA/biOBnwiKQps/s320/l_fb91ad67bbbbbc1a4cb28c9134600b56.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqU-2A8oI/AAAAAAAAAK4/j_aqaiQ1Xx4/s1600-h/l_e51080567109a4a401be10e2293b96ce.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345889666388259458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBqU-2A8oI/AAAAAAAAAK4/j_aqaiQ1Xx4/s320/l_e51080567109a4a401be10e2293b96ce.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jamestown has been the host of the Annual <a href="http://www.sierrahoperide.org/code/Home.aspx">Sierra Hope Ride </a>for the last 2yrs. This event brings bikers from everywhere within the surrounding areas, and they shut down the whole town, just for this event! It's a great ride, and a good time is had by all.<br /></div><br /><div>Jamestown also has the nearest <a href="http://www.jamestownhd.com/code/Home.aspx">Harley Davidson Dealership </a>for miles, with a Harley themed Motel in the back!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have not given all of Jamestown's gifts of history, beauty, and nostalgia. I hope that someday, if you ever travel to this part of Gold Country, you will make it a point to stop in and enjoy what Jamestown has to offer.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBzEk-CfaI/AAAAAAAAALY/elo184J7HDE/s1600-h/Sierra+Gold+Country+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345899280169336226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SjBzEk-CfaI/AAAAAAAAALY/elo184J7HDE/s320/Sierra+Gold+Country+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well we are off to the next town in Gold Country, won't you come with me and see what the town has to offer? <div></div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-70373084705807766812009-06-09T06:25:00.001-07:002009-06-09T07:22:23.068-07:00I've been 'tagged'The lovely lady, Michelle of <a href="http://bigblackdogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/award-and-game-of-tag_07.html">Big Black Dogs</a> has decided to 'tag' me. She has a wonderful blog about delectible eats, and writes about her dogs. I met her on Twitter, and she has shared some very helpful advice with me.<br /> I must share six unknown fun facts about myself, here you go...<br /><br />1. I am a licensed Manicurist (about 10yrs now)<br /><br />2. I love camo<br /><br />3. I used to make & decorate cakes (at home)<br /><br />4. I have a hard time 'relaxing'<br /><br />5. I have two tattoos<br /><br />6. I'm a bit of a potty mouth<br /><br /><br /><br />Now for the fun part! I get to tag four more people! Here goes...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fredhorton.org/">Easy Rider..Ramblings of a Biker</a><br /><br /><a href="http://faceyman.blogspot.com/">FaceyMan's Motorcycle Adventures</a><br /><br /><a href="http://chessiestales.blogspot.com/">Chessies tales, motorcycles and rides</a><br /><br /><a href="http://msxxfast.wordpress.com/">MsXXfast</a><br /><br />TAG! You're it!Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-88559245978078336612009-06-04T12:50:00.000-07:002009-06-04T13:23:45.623-07:00THANK YOU<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SigsKqyyQmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/pL43FWFm31M/s1600-h/header_right_bigger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343569519672705634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 73px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 73px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SigsKqyyQmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/pL43FWFm31M/s320/header_right_bigger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Over the last few weeks, life has sent me on a wild <em>ride. </em>No it wasn't on the back of the bike,but <em>almost</em> as thrilling.</div><br /><div>Yesterday, June 3 2009, I was featured on <a href="http://www.momswhoblog.com/2009/profiles/back-seat-bikermomma/">Moms Who Blog</a> by a lovely lady named Veronica.</div><br /><div>She approached me via e-mail, seeing me from <a href="http://blogsofnote.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html">Blog of Note</a>, and I gladly accepted.</div><br /><div>All of this notoriety has sent me spinning! I have been trying to plant my feet back on solid ground, and catch my breath! (I think I've got it now) Whew!</div><br /><div>I really wanted to sit down and give out the BIGGEST THANK YOU to all of you; for your help, your recognition, and your follow! </div><br /><div>All I can do now is, <em>try</em> to live up to the expectation of a great read, which is not always an easy task. So I will keep on doing what I have become to love; riding on the back, and sharing the experience with you!</div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-7931362829469706132009-06-01T15:11:00.000-07:002009-06-01T15:29:56.696-07:00Hooked on a Feeling<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SiRTj7H0upI/AAAAAAAAAJA/D_UJgFNNJVg/s1600-h/l_24edd503469e9bfb92eb770ac7d211da.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342486934599285394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SiRTj7H0upI/AAAAAAAAAJA/D_UJgFNNJVg/s320/l_24edd503469e9bfb92eb770ac7d211da.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've been wanting to write about this for awhile now, but couldn't quite put my finger on a title.<br /> Now you all know I <em>am </em>on the back, and the urge to ride is almost never-ending. I've been trying to figure out if it's a <em>want</em>, a <em>need</em>, an <em>addiction,</em>or what!?<br /> When I first started riding, I was nervous and tense. I had to learn how to relax, lean, and go with the flow. Now, I feel like a pro, and the want never escapes me!<br /> When asked if I wanna a ride, I feel like a 10yr old who's been told that they're going to Disneyland the night before; excited, waiting, wanting! Like Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone), running down the hall with arms flailing! (This is where my <em>routine</em> comes into play, as my clothes are ready at all times!) <em>Yes,</em> <em>yes</em>, <em>can I</em>, <em>canI</em>?! You never have to ask me twice, I'm ready!<br /> So here lies my question: How do you feel about riding?<br /> Is it a <em>want</em>?</p><p> Is it a <em>need?</em></p><p><em> </em>Is it an <em>addiction?</em></p><p><em> </em>Or is it just <em>Hooked on a Feeling?</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-27428700814607040402009-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:002009-05-29T06:48:11.169-07:00Lovely Blog Award<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Shv77RTWStI/AAAAAAAAAIw/XgFz7ZoOh64/s1600-h/lovely-blog-award.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340138778853264082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Shv77RTWStI/AAAAAAAAAIw/XgFz7ZoOh64/s320/lovely-blog-award.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have been awarded this wonderful, Lovely Blog Award from</div><div><a href="http://dutchgramma.blogspot.com/">Dutch Gramma </a>(Faye) </div><div>Thank you very much! This is my first award.</div><div>Here are the rules:</div><div>1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.</div><div>2)Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.</div><div>I will be passing this award to:</div><div><a href="http://chessiestales.blogspot.com/">Chessie's Tales,</a></div><div><a href="http://chessiestales.blogspot.com/">Motorcycles and Rides</a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://bigblackdogs,blogspot.com/">Big Black Dog</a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://doinglifebeingtiff.com/">Tiffany Eckhardt</a></div><div><a href="http://doesthisblogmakeuslookfat.com/">LaughItOff</a></div><div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-75218425586301877662009-05-25T07:16:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:05:59.454-07:00Blog of Note<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Shr1wjtMyEI/AAAAAAAAAIo/SUbvgCU5CMI/s1600-h/Large_blog_of_note.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339850522768492610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Shr1wjtMyEI/AAAAAAAAAIo/SUbvgCU5CMI/s320/Large_blog_of_note.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I came back from a l-o-n-g week of camping, to find that I was featured on <a href="http://blogsofnote.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html">Blog of Note</a>! I am <em>almost</em> speechless! I want to say 'Thank You' very much to 'Blogger', I am still new at this and have alot to learn and am honored and humbled by this experience.</div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-172014924702081082009-05-10T19:41:00.000-07:002009-05-15T06:39:37.297-07:00Local Rides with Alot of HistoryI'm doing this to give you an idea, and a look at how much beauty and history there is to be seen 'close to home'. As you can tell, I live in the <em>Central Valley</em> which puts me approximately 100 miles from San Francisco and Yosemite National Park! I'm only going to name a few locations, or we would be here all day. But you get the idea, right? I'm going to start off with where I live, (I wasn't going to),but in all fairness maybe I should.<br /><br /><br /><em>Location</em>: Waterford, Ca.<br /><iframe width="300" height="300" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waterford,+CA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=38.251123,-120.492554&spn=1.294132,1.647949&z=8&iwloc=A&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waterford,+CA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=38.251123,-120.492554&spn=1.294132,1.647949&z=8&iwloc=A" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>History</em>: Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Waterford is the 8th largest city in Stanislaus County with a population which has grown steadily from 2,683 in 1980 to over 7,800 today.<br />Known as the "Gateway to Recreation", the city plays host to the thousands of people who travel through on their way to the many recreational opportunities in the area.<br />Originally settled in 1857 by William W. Baker, the town was originally named Bakersville. Mr. Baker homesteaded 160 acres just south of the river near the Appling Road Bridge.<br />In 1870 the post office was apparently having trouble delivering the mail as the name was being confused with the other places ( at the time the only other similarity was Bakersfield) so the post office suggested the name be changed. So in 1870 the name was changed to Waterford.<br /><br /><br />The surrounding areas are filled with farms and agriculture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HCnni3I/AAAAAAAAAD4/yA8A291pPcA/s1600-h/my+pics+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335346209884703602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HCnni3I/AAAAAAAAAD4/yA8A291pPcA/s320/my+pics+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HiGAIZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9QIVqv0__Tg/s1600-h/my+pics+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335346218333643154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HiGAIZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9QIVqv0__Tg/s320/my+pics+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HUqIq_I/AAAAAAAAAEA/FEjbl8GfUwE/s1600-h/my+pics+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335346214727101426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr1HUqIq_I/AAAAAAAAAEA/FEjbl8GfUwE/s320/my+pics+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Location</em>: La Grange, Ca. (<em>about a 20min. ride)</em><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_laDgII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/X5DWHKp2BiQ/s1600-h/l_3d701c3f838f15df78946292d0948b2b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335352678853869698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_laDgII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/X5DWHKp2BiQ/s320/l_3d701c3f838f15df78946292d0948b2b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_3Ya3DI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iYf3rPcAJ74/s1600-h/l_6dd8f960ec4b37dbe1caa9525f69ec45.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335352683678850098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_3Ya3DI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iYf3rPcAJ74/s320/l_6dd8f960ec4b37dbe1caa9525f69ec45.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_0mx6LI/AAAAAAAAAEg/m7ng8L5V8FM/s1600-h/l_56c3ac096ca443008a373ccfb737a351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335352682933774514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgr6_0mx6LI/AAAAAAAAAEg/m7ng8L5V8FM/s320/l_56c3ac096ca443008a373ccfb737a351.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>History: The town of La Grange, in Stanislaus County, is situated on the beautiful Tuolumne River, thirty-five miles, southwest of the gold mining towns of Columbia and Sonora. Originally called French Bar, named after early French settlers, La Grange is one of the oldest towns in the county and dates back to the early days of 1849 when the excitement of the gold rush ran high. La Grange was used as the location for Bret Harte's stories. Three of his books, "M'liss", "The Tale of Three Truants", and "Four Guardians of La Grange" depicted episodes of Harte's teaching career in La Grange. The town also has several old cemeteries. French trappers founded the oldest Catholic Church in Stanislaus County, the St. Louis Mission, in 1852. The church sits atop a bluff overlooking a once booming gold town. The church cemetery dates back 130 years. The church still continues to serve the Cathoic community with mass every Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. The La Grange Saloon was originally known as the Levaggi Bar and was built in 1897 by Louis Levaggi, Sr. Having been rebuilt after a fire, it has been in continuous operation. Today, the La Grange Saloon and Grill is owned and operated by Bob and Deborah Parsons. With it's large backyard and stage, the Saloon has the opportunity to provide entertainment and host large parties. They have a full bar inside and a menu packed with delicious food. They welcome everyone at the saloon, tourists, families, campers, and bikers; and their friendly, fun loving staff will do their best to ensure your visit is one that will have you coming back again and again.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Location:</em> Knights Ferry <em>(about a 35min, ride)</em><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsB_YsaUYI/AAAAAAAAAEo/wL053JtLB9Q/s1600-h/Knights-Ferry-1_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335360372022595970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsB_YsaUYI/AAAAAAAAAEo/wL053JtLB9Q/s320/Knights-Ferry-1_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsc1fLn8UI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bZ7INTMOxTU/s1600-h/KFc2-28-02.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335389888779383106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsc1fLn8UI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bZ7INTMOxTU/s320/KFc2-28-02.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>History: Knights ferry:The original wooden bridge, constructed upstream from here in 1857, was destroyed by a flood in 1862. This covered bridge, built in 1863 was a privately operated toll bridge, until purchased by the county in 1884. It was closed to vehicles in 1981. The bridge has elevated interior footwalks with only a wagon's width of space between. The boards of the roadbed were protected with sand, later paved over with asphalt. Three piers of local stone, sharpened on the upstream side support the planking. Bridges were covered for permanence. Wood can survive a long time immersed in water, but alternate wetting and drying cracks and weakens it. To help strenghten the bridge, overhead cross-bracing was locked with inch-square locustwood pins, which are still in place.</em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgseb27yFlI/AAAAAAAAAFA/H40CyyHQpjs/s1600-h/Photo37586.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335391647502046802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgseb27yFlI/AAAAAAAAAFA/H40CyyHQpjs/s320/Photo37586.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsebzWfebI/AAAAAAAAAFI/6lrfK_8hxk4/s1600-h/YosemiteTrip2-02-07-2-04-07_005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335391646540331442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsebzWfebI/AAAAAAAAAFI/6lrfK_8hxk4/s320/YosemiteTrip2-02-07-2-04-07_005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgseb1V5EPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/YKaVOHPsXxk/s1600-h/Photo37575.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335391647074685170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgseb1V5EPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/YKaVOHPsXxk/s320/Photo37575.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It is home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi at 330 feet (100 m) in length.Today, it is home to a museum about the history of the town and also about local wildlife. The towns ruins include a mill and a prison.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsgLAVROsI/AAAAAAAAAFY/sxz-H30x510/s1600-h/500_Img_0449_Building.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335393556990343874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsgLAVROsI/AAAAAAAAAFY/sxz-H30x510/s320/500_Img_0449_Building.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsgLIv3LeI/AAAAAAAAAFg/L0ZB4f6yOoY/s1600-h/500_Img_6243_GrindingWheel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335393559249366498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsgLIv3LeI/AAAAAAAAAFg/L0ZB4f6yOoY/s320/500_Img_6243_GrindingWheel.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Mill office was built in 1857 by David Locke. After the mill was converted to hydroelectric, Tom Prouse, the plant manager lived here until 1927. In 1939 it was purchased and used as a vacation home until the 1970's.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Knights Ferry is also known for rafting trips that host up to 1000 people a day in the summer months.<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsjg9NFH6I/AAAAAAAAAGA/L4qFRn0rfws/s1600-h/Boat_31.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335397232642695074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsjg9NFH6I/AAAAAAAAAGA/L4qFRn0rfws/s320/Boat_31.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Location:</em> Chinese Camp <em>(about a 45min. ride)</em><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgskly1-shI/AAAAAAAAAGI/e3eygrJV5pU/s1600-h/l_3ec8defacb8624eae8925b8a1c3ad3a8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335398415272423954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgskly1-shI/AAAAAAAAAGI/e3eygrJV5pU/s320/l_3ec8defacb8624eae8925b8a1c3ad3a8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>History: This Southern Tuolumne County community is steeped in history. During the height of the Gold Rush, more than 5,000 Chinese lived here -- hence the name. Many settled to help build the railroads ... others to work in gold mines. Today Chinese Camp has less than 200 residents but there is ample evidence of its colorful past including old buildings and cemeteries. Chinese Camp is easy to find -- it's right on Highway 49 about 5 miles south of Jamestown. If you are accessing Yosemite via its 120 Big Oak Flat entrance, you'll go right by. </em><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsoesCHbKI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/tWNT-TNqLng/s1600-h/ccpo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335402691231706274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgsoesCHbKI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/tWNT-TNqLng/s320/ccpo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Post Office Building was erected in 1854 and first housed Timothy McAdams’ general store, after which it served as the post office for many years. This cool building was made of stone with a brick front for looks and was one of the few post offices in the state which had outside boxes for public use. A plaque on the right side of the building honors Eddie Webb, one of the last stagecoach drivers to roll through town.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgspQgsFpdI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cAKBQaDJ8qI/s1600-h/cchurch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335403547179984338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgspQgsFpdI/AAAAAAAAAGY/cAKBQaDJ8qI/s320/cchurch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />St. Xavier’s Catholic Church was the first non-Chinese house of worship in Chinese Camp. Built in 1855 by popular subscription of funds and labor, the structure originally had a shingle roof which was replaced with sheet iron and several coats of paint when the building was restored in 1949. Father Henry Aleric was the first priest to serve the seventy parishioners at Chinese Camp. He traveled a circuit through the mines, covering an area stretching from Knights Ferry to Second Garrote. He rode a mule. The church is located on a hill across the highway.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Location:</em> Coulterville, Ca. <em>(about a 60min, ride)</em><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgswjdZivaI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZnhMdfqIFbY/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335411569295801762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/SgswjdZivaI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZnhMdfqIFbY/s320/4.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>History:</em> Coulterville was named after George W. Coulter, who in 1850 established some tent stores in the area with George Maxwell. The Mexican miners who were already working the area gave the town the name Banderita ("little flag") after a small American flag outside Coulter's tent. When the post office was established on Nov. 20, 1852, the town was given the name Maxwell's Creek, but in 1872, the name was changed to Coulterville.<br />By the 1860's, the placers were almost played out, but, unlike other gold rush towns, it didn't affect Coulterville as it was well established as a supply center. Eventually it was discovered that Coulterville sat upon one of the richest veins of gold-bearing quartz in the Mother Lode and soon hard rock mining became an important part of the town's activity (mining continued well into the 20th century).<br />Even though Coulterville was plagued by fire, as were many gold rush towns, burning to the ground in 1859, 1879, and 1899, many historic buildings have been preserved. Coulterville's Main Street appears in the National Register of Historic Places and the town itself is a State Historic Landmark (<a href="http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21430" target="_blank">#332</a>). Coulterville is located at the intersection of CA-132 and CA-49<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6U3X_wI/AAAAAAAAAGo/VBqlGLm_XSc/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335413061653626626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6U3X_wI/AAAAAAAAAGo/VBqlGLm_XSc/s320/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6U22rlI/AAAAAAAAAGw/NVYTgGAzat0/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335413061651443282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6U22rlI/AAAAAAAAAGw/NVYTgGAzat0/s320/5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6ucfmbI/AAAAAAAAAG4/S-uTNOr67zM/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335413068520200626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgsx6ucfmbI/AAAAAAAAAG4/S-uTNOr67zM/s320/7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Coulterville makes the perfect day trip from the Central Valley, or a great stop for a multi-day adventure on the way to Yosemite National Park.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><em>Location:</em> Yosemite National Park <em>(about a 2hr ride)</em><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs0rcUDzDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ejKvTe6AC7w/s1600-h/l_389730e3032844a89099bf5be5ee9da6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335416104489831474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs0rcUDzDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ejKvTe6AC7w/s320/l_389730e3032844a89099bf5be5ee9da6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs2BAw_vAI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ShOwW_NUHPU/s1600-h/l_c1d51ccc93f242358a7ade6758e1191a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335417574563757058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs2BAw_vAI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ShOwW_NUHPU/s320/l_c1d51ccc93f242358a7ade6758e1191a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs3D7Jc7II/AAAAAAAAAH4/C7LTOEn11uk/s1600-h/l_f255c59f31514307bccebc6d0a510413.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335418724106955906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs3D7Jc7II/AAAAAAAAAH4/C7LTOEn11uk/s320/l_f255c59f31514307bccebc6d0a510413.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs3DqiyyXI/AAAAAAAAAHw/wZ2RMXMmdSQ/s1600-h/l_1c1594c4165d4894b542e48fb7502a09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335418719649843570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs3DqiyyXI/AAAAAAAAAHw/wZ2RMXMmdSQ/s320/l_1c1594c4165d4894b542e48fb7502a09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>History:</em> Yosemite National Park was established on 01 October 1890, and is the Nation's third oldest national park. The park was established for the purpose of preservation of the resources that contribute to its uniqueness and attractiveness. Congress recognized the importance of preserving this great park for future public enjoyment when it established Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is a showcase of spectacular geological features, including the greatest concentration of granite domes in the world and the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. </div><br /><br /><div>The first application of a park concept originated in Yosemite with the grant of 1864 (Federal land given to California for preservation) signed by Abraham Lincoln and since that time the park has played an important role in pioneering park management concepts.</div><br /><br /><div>While man has lived in Yosemite for thousands of years, the park's human history is far shorter than its geological history. At one time, this area was made up of gentle rolling hills, crisscrossed with a maze of stream systems. Millions of years ago, California's Sierra Nevada was formed by a gradual series of earth upheavals. As the mountains rose, the land tilted and the westward flowing Merced River accelerated, carving deep, v-shaped river canyons. Later, massive glaciers flowed down the canyons. Colder temperatures slowed melting and eventually glaciers formed and began to carve away at the v-shaped canyons, transforming them into u-shaped valleys. Tributary streams did not carve their canyons as deep as Merced Canyon. Glaciers sheared off these canyons leaving them as "hanging valleys." Tributary creeks, which had once joined the main stream at the same elevation, now plummeted off of shear cliffs, giving birth to the park's famed waterfalls. Eventually, sediment washed down out of the high country, filled in Lake Yosemite to form the present valley floor.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs7KNm7zrI/AAAAAAAAAII/jnLLXMclrvs/s1600-h/l_4bff6cf4923445a396d61cbfc1708f1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335423230188179122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs7KNm7zrI/AAAAAAAAAII/jnLLXMclrvs/s320/l_4bff6cf4923445a396d61cbfc1708f1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs7KI-cQNI/AAAAAAAAAIA/F5j-EjEU3d4/s1600-h/l_7d28814451744b13a4568e719c71b4bd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335423228944597202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs7KI-cQNI/AAAAAAAAAIA/F5j-EjEU3d4/s320/l_7d28814451744b13a4568e719c71b4bd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The area's first residents were Native Americans who inhabited the region perhaps as long ago as 7,000 to 10,000 years. Various tribes lived in the area over the years, the most recent of which was a Miwok tribe that called Yosemite Valley Ahwahnee which is believed to mean, "place of the gaping mouth." They referred to themselves as the Ahwahneechee.<br />In 1890, Robert Underwood Johnson, editor of Century Magazine, and John Muir, were concerned that the high country and watershed for Yosemite Valley were being destroyed by grazing and timber interests. The two launched a successful campaign to persuade Congress to set aside the high country as a national park.<br />In 1906, Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove were returned to federal jurisdiction. In 1932, the Wawona Basin, including the Wawona Hotel and golf course were purchased and included in the National Park.<br />Open since 1927, The Ahwahnee is one of America's most distinctive hotels, unparalleled in magnificence and charm. The hotel is a great American castle, massive and warm with huge cathedral ceilings, enormous stone hearths and richly colored Native American and Oriental rugs. The hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark on 02 Jun 1987.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs-7YScJvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QrCSVof23zM/s1600-h/l_9424ed805ead489c9af1ebfe0494e451.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335427373403481842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs-7YScJvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QrCSVof23zM/s320/l_9424ed805ead489c9af1ebfe0494e451.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs9M-MGR0I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/CBPRTyIIaCo/s1600-h/l_0fedf56f55004262898cbd21dc9c930a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335425476611950402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs9M-MGR0I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/CBPRTyIIaCo/s320/l_0fedf56f55004262898cbd21dc9c930a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs9NIbhSFI/AAAAAAAAAIY/vNRZEwNWV9k/s1600-h/l_f8cde9bb9ca9414eab95e59318154b12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335425479360989266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KyNU-PXARUA/Sgs9NIbhSFI/AAAAAAAAAIY/vNRZEwNWV9k/s320/l_f8cde9bb9ca9414eab95e59318154b12.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I have been to all of these locations, and <em>most</em> of these pics are mine.</div><br /><div>There is so much more to be seen in the surrounding area, and I will probably post them at some time or another. These locations are really within minutes from my home, and I would like to challenge you to learn more about <em>your</em> local rides, and the history behind them. I am looking forward to read or hear about your history!</div></div>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-11268789184527930942009-04-20T15:22:00.000-07:002009-04-21T14:56:09.604-07:00Update;The Cherylann of the Hotel Jeffrey BenefitThe day was truly eventful in many ways. I asked a few of my friends if they would like to participate, and expected 2 bikes=4 people. Well we ended up with 7 bikes=13 people! How awesome!<br /><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=l_107829a793b84461b01eddc542fe64-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/l_107829a793b84461b01eddc542fe64-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Many people donated their time, effort, and items to raffle. It was <em>only</em> a 6 week project. This is what I mean, when I say that the <em>Biker</em> community comes together when someone is in need.<br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun033-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun033-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun036-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun036-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/?action=view¤t=Cherylannrun035-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/smbikermomma/Cherylannrun035-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />The total money raised; approx. $10,000! Can you believe that? Awesome!<br /><br />Well, until the next <em>run, ride,</em> or <em>benefit,</em> keep your knees in the breeze, and your feet to the street!Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-60344063498109663692009-04-16T09:01:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:41:09.837-07:00Ritual or Routine?<p><strong>Ritual:</strong> any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a set manner.<br /><strong>Routine:</strong> regular, unvarying, habitual, unimaginative, or rote procedure.<br /><br />I have come to notice that I have a 'routine' of sorts before going on a ride, and was wondering if I was just crazy, or do all bikers have a <em>ritual </em>or <em>routine</em> before getting on the bike?<br /></p><ul><br /><li>My biker clothes are kept separate; so they can be accessed at a moments notice</li><br /><li>Shirts are layered on (depending on weather); 2 tanks-a short sleeved-and a long sleeved</li><br /><li>A <em>particular</em> pair of pants only!</li><br /><li>Two pairs of socks; always</li><br /><li>Biker boots; of course</li><br /><li>Take important items; ID, money, etc. from large purse to smaller <em>biker</em> purse</li><br /><li>A light hoodie</li><br /><li>Jacket </li><li></li><li>Put hair in pony-tail</li><li></li><li>Last but not least; helmet, glasses, and gloves</li></ul><p>This is all done in orderly fashion. I know it may seem normal to some, and weird to others. A <em>rider</em> may have a different <em>ritual</em> or <em>routine, </em>which leaves me to ask this question; Do you have a <em>Ritual </em>or <em>Routine </em>before getting on the bike?</p><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-49648550903130782742009-04-07T19:03:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:27:40.987-07:00'My' TherapyIf you own a bike, you have therapy! I know this has been said before, but riding the bike is very theraputic for me. We've been riding for about 5 years now, and I honestly think it has helped our marraige, and helps me to relax. I'm high strung by nature, and after a nice ride, I feel relaxed. Yes, a ride can be draining after a long haul, but it is also rewarding at the same time.<br /><br /><br />There is no radio, phone, or blabby distractions, just the sound of the bike and the thoughts of the day swirling around in your head. Sometimes an occassional song gets stuck in there, so I'll just pass the time that way. We take alot of back roads, so we see different types of wildlife which is pretty cool at times. (I think I've become quite the birdwatcher, and why not?) For the most part, you have 'time' to put your thoughts together and sometimes a revelation of sorts usually happens. Which has lead me to write this blog, but the problem lies with all the 'lightbulbs' hovering over my head during the ride, and nowhere to put them until I have arrived at my destination. Everything seems to come together when we are in motion, then when we stop or are at home, it flies right out of my brain! I'll 'theraputically' put this together eventually.<br />I guess therapy can be anything really, it just depends on what works for you. "Start the bike," It's time for my session!Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922108813606668130.post-79353979883426517342009-04-05T13:51:00.000-07:002009-04-12T13:07:43.738-07:00Runs & RidesWe love to ride for charities and 2008 was an eventful year for us. I already have some lined up for us this year, which incudes The Sierra Hope Ride. (<a href="http://www.sierrahoperide.org/">http://www.sierrahoperide.org/</a>) This ride benefits MDA, for Jerry's kids. We've done this one several times, each one unique in it's own way. There are so many bikes and wonderful people that are very committed to this. One of the best parts of this run, is going through the city,(police escorted) like a parade! People are lined up for miles, waving, clapping and enjoying all the bikes coming through. It's just a wonderful feeling and very fulfilling.<br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/Cheeba49/?action=view¤t=l_220b63c7cb76538f4391a6dfd0416b-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/Cheeba49/l_220b63c7cb76538f4391a6dfd0416b-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This next run hits close to home for me. As you know, the biking community in most areas are like family, and when the time comes to help someone in need, you rise to the occasion without question. A dear lady, Cherylann and her husband Peter, own the Historic Hotel Jeffery. (<a href="http://www.hoteljefferygold.com/">http://www.hoteljefferygold.com/</a>) They have old fashion rooms and great food! We have learned that Cherylann has been diagnosed with cancer, and they need help paying for treatments. Result: 'The Cherylann of the Hotel Jeffery Support Run', April 19,2009. I know that this will be a great event, and am looking forward to help in any way I can.<br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/Cheeba49/?action=view¤t=mypics017-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/Cheeba49/mypics017-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Sheila Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079062516526033232noreply@blogger.com6