Sonora Living

Swim for the Fun of It

2011-09-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

When I need to let off a little steam,
I head for Sonora Sport and Fitness.
Our masters swim group is about 350 strong and growing every day.
There are many different swims throughout the day but
I usually go midday.

At times we have to pull the covers.

Everyone pitches in.

Looks refreshing but it is an intense workout.
We swim about 100 laps (2500 yards) in one hour.

We always look at the clock because
of the length and duration of each set.

Here is our head coach. Don't let the smile fool you.
She is a tough coach (and one of the best in Northern California).

Another coach doing her thing.

Swimming is one of the best workouts
for the time and energy put in.

Freestyle

Butterfly stroke lesson.

Putting that lesson to practical use.

We swim in circles. Up one side and down the other so we don't run into each other. It becomes addicting and can be fun!

Yosemite

2011-09-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yosemite National Park

We are very fortunate to live less than two hours away from one of our country's most beautiful parks.

Yosemite National Park

“I have seen persons of emotional temperament stand with tearful eyes, spellbound and dumb with awe, as they got their first view of the Valley from Inspiration Point, overwhelmed in the sudden presence of the unspeakable, stupendous grandeur.”

– Galen Clark, guardian of the Yosemite Grant

"The walls are made up of rocks, mountains in size, partly separated from each other by side cañons, and they are so sheer in front, and so compactly and harmoniously arranged on a level floor, that the Valley, comprehensively seen, looks like an immense hall or temple lighted from above.But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life. Some lean back in majestic repose; others, absolutely sheer or nearly so for thousands of feet, advance beyond their companions in thoughtful attitudes, giving welcome to storms and calms alike, seemingly aware, yet heedless, of everything going on about them." The Yosemite, John Muir 1912

Sonora Neighborhood

2011-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time when our kids were very young, we lived in Juneau, Alaska.

When things became too hectic around the house, we'd load the kids into our mini-van and take a drive. Eventually, the boys would all fall asleep and my wife and I had a moment or two of quiet. Often times, we'd drive around just looking at

homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Our kids are grown now but we still enjoy spending an afternoon driving through different neighborhoods in Sonora admiring the many different

architectural styles of homes in the area.

I'm always amazed at the diversity in the older neighborhoods.

Most of the photographs below are from the Meyers Hill area.

From Spanish style ...

to colonial.

Arts and Crafts era bungalows...

to mid century modern.

This looks very much like an Eichler home from the 50's.

All of these beautiful homes in one neighborhood.

Take a drive around your area. See how many different styles of homes you can find.

If you have young children, you may even get the added bonus of some quiet time.

Columbia State Park

2011-09-03T10:07:00.001-07:00

Columbia State Park

The sun made an appearance yesterday

in honor of Valentines Day.

We took advantage of the spring like weather

and paid a visit to our local State Park in Columbia.

It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and smell the new grass.

The birds had the same idea.

The Columbia Firehouse.

The St. Charles Saloon is still in operation.

Girls in period clothing having fun on the wagon.

The Chinese Herbalist.

Established in 1856, the City Hotel was restored in 1975 by the state of California,

the nonprofit City Hotel Corporation,

and Columbia College.

For many years the City Hotel was part of the

Columbia College culinary program.

Heading over to Columbia Candy Kitchen

with my Valentine.

She worked at the candy store

during her college years.

It is still owned and operated by the same family.

Their hand dipped chocolates are incredible.

Our kids loved riding the stagecoach

when they were young.

Their favorite part was when we were

held up by bandits on horseback.

It was a little frightening for our youngest son

who was two at the time.

The Fallon House Theatre. Visit their website here.

Our Slice of Heaven

2011-09-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

My wife and I have been looking for a piece of property

to build our retirement home on for awhile now.

We finally found just the right spot, in the country

but only a mile and a half from town.

We are very excited.

I will post periodically about

the trials and tribulations

of building a home.

(we know there will be plenty).

Having never built from the ground up,

it feels a little daunting but we are up for the challenge.

We hope to incorporate many green features and use

recycled and repurposed materials whenever possible.

I won't bore you with daily details, we'll just hit the highs and lows.
Our celebratory dinner. The weather was perfect.

Stay tuned....

George Post

2011-09-03T09:04:00.001-07:00

George Post

1906-1997

Acclaimed watercolor artist George Post spent time in Sonora in the 1930's. He was hired by the Public Works Administration in 1936 and was assigned to do a mural (pictured above) for Sonora High School. The mural depicted Sonora's main industries, logging, mining and agriculture. It is currently displayed in the high school library.

My wife discovered, quite by accident,

that the piece of property we purchased

last year to build our home, is the site of the

little red cabin that George Post lived in

during that time.

Serendipity!

2011-09-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Gems In The Hood

The first home, this spanish beauty.

The front porch wrapped in wisteria.

Original, ornate chandelier.

Beautiful hand hewn beams overhead.

A cozy fireplace.

Original tile...

This wall was originally the outside wall

but was later enclosed.

I love the arched doorway.

An indoor barbecue was once

an outdoor barbecue.

All the door latches were original

and absolutely beautiful.

Okay, so if you want to buy it,

bring your tool belt and $250,000

and it's all yours.

Second up, an MCM charmer.

I was immediately smitten with the fireplace...

and the wall of windows...

Original cabinetry and hardware...

I like it.

The stair railing looked pretty deco.

And it still had the Nutone Radio Intercom System intact!

About the same price as the Spanish Senorita.

Nice!

Hetch Hetchy

2011-07-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hetch Hetchy (Little Yosemite) via Groveland

One of our favorite day trips from Sonora is a drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir via the little town of Groveland. Groveland is about a 40 minute drive from downtownSonora. Sometimes we stop in Groveland for lunch. Most of the time we pack a lunch and eat once we reach Hetch Hetchy.

Downtown Groveland

Our favorite thrift store.

Hetch Hetchy Valley was once apart of Yosemite National Park.The San Franciscoearthquake of 1906 destroyed the majority of San Francisco’s water system. As a direct result of this, the Raker Act of 1913 was passed. The Raker Act granted San Francisco the public use of lands to build the Hetch Hetchy Water and Power Project. What was once HetchHetchy Valley is now Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Today, there is a movement to restore Hetchy Hetchy.

Hetch Hetchy Valley 1885

By Ferdinand Richardt

Hetch Hetchy Valley 1890

by Albery Bierstadt

Hetch Hetchy Today

There are several trails around Hetch Hetchy. One of the trails starts at the dam and wraps around the reservoir. There are three waterfalls along this trail: Tueelala (a seasonal waterfall that drys up by late spring), Wapama (The fall visible from the main parking area), and Rancheria Falls (a series of cascades near the rear of the reservoir). They are fairly easy hikes but wear good shoes.

Link to Hiking the Hetch Hetchy

Area Wineries

2011-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sierra Foothill Wineries

For many years the wine regions of the Sierra Foothills have been one of California's best kept secrets. This area is host to dozens of small, distinct wineries that are scattered throughout the region. Beautiful scenery, quiet country roads, fresh air and award winning wines greet visitors to our area.

Spring is a beautiful time of year in the foothills. The vines come to life with the brilliant green of new growth.

Visit in the fall for a real showing of color . In September and October wineries are in full swing of the harvest season. Many are open on the weekends for tastings, but a few require visitors to make appointments.

There is always something going on no matter which season you choose to visit. Check with the local wineries for their calendar of events. I've listed just the wineries in our county and the neighboring county. These wineries are all within a 45 minute drive...and that is just a small part of the very diverse and beautiful Sierra Foothill Wine Country.Take a virtual tour, then come and see us for a weekend. You won't be sorry.

Tuolumne County Wineries

Mt. Brow Winery

La Bella Rosa Winery

Calavaras County Wineries

Chevaux

Black Sheep Winery

Bodega del Sur Winery

Brice Station Winery

Broll Mountain Vineyards

Chatom Vineyards

Chiarella Wines

Frog's Tooth Winery

Hatcher Winery

Ironstone Vineyards

Laraine Winery

Lavender Ridge Vineyard

Milliaire Winery

Muir's Legacy Vineyards

Newsome-Harlow Wines

Renner Winery

Solomon Wine Company

Tanner Vineyards

Twisted Oak Winery

Val du Vino Winery

Zucca Mountain Vineyards

The Daffodils Are Here

2011-04-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Daffodils Have Arrived

Jamie and I spent the afternoon in Murphys on Sunday . We had lunch at our favorite spot, Alchemy, then headed out to Ironstone to see the daffodils. If you are in the area but have never been to Ironstone Vineyard this time of year, you should definitely check it out. After the daffodils have performed, the tulips take over for the second act. We also checked out the art show at Ironstone. Aside from lunch, it was a free afternoon. In this economy, we are always looking for entertainment that won't cost us a pocketful. And....lucky for us, there's lots to do and see in our own back yard.

Table Mountain Hike

2011-04-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Table Mountain

Today was perfect weather for a hike so we decided to trek to Table Mountain. Our local paper had an article on the wild flowers in the area and Table Mountain was mentioned. We were not disappointed. The trail head is on Shell Road in Jamestown. (about a 5 minute drive from downtown Sonora) The trail is a bit treacherous at the very top but otherwise not a difficult hike. We met several families with young children on the trail. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a blanket of wild flowers and gorgeous vistas. I would definitely recommend this hike and now is the perfect time. Catch it soon before the wild flowers are gone.

From the trail head looking up at Table Mountain.

View from the top. Well worth the hike, wouldn't you say?

New Melones Lake

Like I said, the top of the trail is a little tricky.

To the top and back down again.

Celtic Fair

2011-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sonora Celtic Fair

Sonora Celtic Faire

Friday my son Will and I went to the Celtic Fair at the Sonora Fairgrounds. We had a great time in spite of the weather. Even in the rain, the action was fierce during the jousting competition. This was the day that was geared for kids so the cost was only $5.00 for kids and $10.00 for adults. The participants in the fair have great costumes and really get into their characters. The fair is always held close to Saint Patrick's Day so check it out if you enjoy this sort of thing. Saturday (3/20/10) Murphys will be holding their Irish Day Celebration. Check it out if you can. Luck of the Irish to you!

Fall Into Winter

2010-11-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

Fall Into Winter

Here in the Sierra foothills

we experience an explosion of color this time of year.

It always seems to catch me off guard.

The trees start to change slowly and just when I think

it may not be a stellar year for color,

It happens.

And each year,

it takes my breath away.

These photos were taken

on our morning walk a week or so ago.

The following photos were taken

right outside our window.

Jamie snapped the fall colors

Saturday morning.

Saturday night while we slept,

winter crept in.