An adventure that combines the thrills and skills of quad riding, powder skiing, jet skiing and dirt bike riding practically in my own back yard? A generous invitation extended to my family for a day of snowmobiling in the forrest was one accepted with much enthusiasm. Not quite knowing what to expect, our friend Chuck patiently cautioned us on the safety aspects of riding as we wound our way up Beasore Road with the long trailer of toys in tow. Much to his dismay, having become accustomed to fairly deserted roads we found ourselves surrounded by large crowds with similar large rigs as his all parked on both sides of the road. Apparently a large poker rallye had been planned that we had not known about. Through Chuck's history of experience I learned that one of the challenges of snowmobiling is locating a large enough spot in the road to turn around without getting stuck. Being forced to surge ahead past the crowds, we found ourselves in the dreaded predicament...stuck. I quickly learned that fellow snowmobilers are a friendly helpful bunch that are ready and willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Suited up and ready to ride, our six machines roared to life and effortlessly climbed up the mountain eager it seemed to show us hidden treasures the forrest kept from those unable to reach it's summit during the winter months.

We stopped every so often to snack and regroup. Each time, our guides Chuck and his son-in-law Randy would recognize a group of friends that they would chat with and introduce us to...always mentioning that were were first timers...also known as "green horns." I don't know if it was to make fun of us or to get the word out to others to "watch out!" newbies were on the hill.

Snowmobiling far exceeded my expectations. I stayed plenty warm, didn't crash yet I reached thrilling speeds, carved out turns and purposely jumped a few times. I also got a thrill out of watching my family and friends do the same. Every stop we made was more picturesque than the one before. At one stop, where Randy had gotten slightly off track into some deep powder I neard a noise. Breaking the silence of the forrest a pack of coyotes could be heard yelping their way through.

Hours later, we reached our tow vehicles just before dusk. As I awaited for the others to arrive and load I laid my tired body back on the seat of the snowmobile and drifted through the incredible memories of the day while a nearby stream gurgled away. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Unseasonably Warm

"Unseasonably Warm", is how the local weatherman likes to describe the weather we've been having this new year. I've always said our winters are difficult to predict. This particular afternoon my only committment was to be outside and to engage in an enjoyable activity. Being like my father in so many ways it didn't surprise me when he called in the morning wanting to go ride bicycles around Bass Lake. I quickly agreed!

Many locals and visitors enjoy the Summer time recreation of Bass Lake, but few experience the lovliness it has to offer in the "off" season. As we safely wound our way around the uncongested roads, the vast shoreline seemed to display the lake's vulnerability by exposing what is normally hidden by water. There are a few others taking advantage of this less populated state; some excersizing dogs, fathers and sons flying remote controlled aiplanes and always a family or two can be seen gathered for a barbeque.

As we made our way past the Forks and Millers Landing restaurants, currently closed for the season, we can't help but to recall the scrumtious cheeseburgers and milk shakes we had savored just a few months prior. Even with the stillness of the water, disrupted only by an occasional breeze we can see a single fishing boat appreciating the solitude.

With our ride complete and on our way home, we agree to do this again...as long as the weatherman keeps with the magical phrase "unseasonably warm".

Snow has arrived...finally!

It's a late start but we've finally received our first snow. It's enough to enjoy but not enough to be a bother. Eighteen years ago I gave birth to our first daughter...Aspen Janae Setaro. I remember making it to the hospital in plenty of time to endure many hours of labor before the rest of the family attempted to drive to the hospital. Oakhurst was in the midst of quite a series of snow storms back then and some had difficulty making it to the hospital for a visit. This is rare but honestly something to consider before moving to the foothills. It happens.

Eighteen years ago we brought our beautiful girl home to a bunch of snow just as it looks today. DJ, Kelsey, Bailey and I played what we like to call "poor man's snowmobiling" which consists of sleds being pulled behind our truck. Sadly...Aspen is in the midst of her finals in her first year of college. Wish she was home to enjoy the white stuff, but we couldn't be more proud of what she has accomplished in 18 short years.

Coming from someone who rarely gets ill...I am in the middle of a not so picture worthy adventure...the common cold. The adventure into illness started the Saturday evening after Thanksgiving. My throat felt funny. By that night and into the next day my throat burned with such intensity it brought back childhood memories of strep throat. I listened to everyone offering home remedies. I gargled everything it seemed my kitchen had to offer. The best trick...sucking on sunflower seeds.

The following day my throat was much better but my head was not. Kleenex became my best buddy. Still not down for the count I still managed to walk the dogs, check e-mail and make some hoarse phone calls. Normally this would be a minute amount to accomplish in a day but I felt happy I'd done it. That night the coughing and sneezing kicked into high gear. My poor husband. I know I was creating quite a ruckus in our bed all night...not the kind he was used to. He's the one that snorts and snores...not me!

The next day (today) I awoke with a fever, which would explain my love/hate relationship with the covers the previous night. This day was spent reading a great book, Marley and Me. I have to say, although I've not done much but fill the trashes with tissue and dirty a few dishes, it's been quite relaxing. My biggest accomplishment of the day would be taking a shower and changing from my pj's to comfy sweats. Wow! I seemed to be feeling slightly better which has inspired me to tap away on my laptop with two little dogs sound asleep, oblivious to the fact that I'm doing something other than petting them. Oprah's on!...which I haven't watched in years. It's muted though so I don't know if I'll actually admit I watched it.

Being ill has it's advantages(for a day or two)...relaxing for hours without guilt...cuddling with all the critters...reading until one's eyes are bloodshot. It's been about six years for me to experience a real bad cold. I think I was overdue. I look forward to good health but do appreciate the forced down time. My heart goes out to those who experience sickness on a more frequent basis. Hope all is well with your families!

Facing Fears

I have to admit, one of my least favorite things to do is driving alone at night...especially out of my range of comfort which happens to be about 1 mile from my home. Oncoming headlights bother me as well as the unseen danger of wild animals jumping out in front of me. I faced my fear the other day in a big way. Our middle daughter, Kelsey, had been camping with friends at Pismo Beach and needed to come home early. I found this out at 1:30 A.M.. Being an insomniac, I figured what else did I have to do. At 3:00A.M. I had mustered up enough courage to go, with my companion Tia in the passenger seat. I white knuckled it for the 31/2 hour drive. Upon reaching my destination I realized...I WAS AT THE BEACH!! Tia and I walked along the shore as the sun came up over the dunes. It was spectacular!

I decided there was enough time to enjoy what this quaint little beach town had to offer. Kelsey walked me around the butterfly sanctuary. I've never seen so many fluttering around in one place. We treated ourselves to gooey cinnamon rolls and did a little window shopping. One store beckoned us to come inside...the pet store. Tia found some new hair bows and Kelsey found a chihuahua. He was exactly what we had been searching for but not able to find in the shelters. I'd like to introduce our latest addition to our family of pets...Poe.

Hiking in Yosemite

Mariposa Grove to Wawona

If you enjoy Redwood trees and a densely forested hike, this may be the one for you. We parked our car in Wawona (Yosemite National Park) and road a tram up to Mariposa Grove. We easily found the trail head and headed up. It felt good to get the heart rate up as we knew the majority of the hike would lead us downhill.

The trail seemed abandoned as we encountered very few other hikers. The vast variety of trees kept our interest as did the chipmunks running around taking cover.

We enjoyed our lunch sitting on a log in the shade while taking in the splendor of the forest around us.

At first it was the distant sounds of cars that ushered us into reality. The reality that we weren't the only souls enjoying Yosemite in the summer time. As we approached the parking lot I sensed a feeling of knowing a secret that those rushing around in cars may not know. The peaceful feeling and tranquility of the paths less traveled while relying on your own physical strength to get you to your destination compares to no other. Whether it's a walk around your neighborhood or a 10 day backpack in the high country I encourage you to get outside, breathe deep and be thankful!

Try Something New

I tried something something recently I'd never even heard of before. It's called slack roping. One of my daughter's friends who was a foreign exchange student from Germany showed me "the ropes". It's not actually a rope, it's an inch wide and it's made out of nylon webbing. Unlike a tightrope that is stretched tightly, a slackline is allowed to hang slack. It's purpose is to strenghten your core muscles and improve balance. Once you've mastered the balance part you master tricks.
Nieltz showed off his talent and made it look pretty darn easy. So, I tried it. It was SO hard! I tried to let go of Nieltz' hand but that proved to be a bad idea.

It's always fun to try something new, even if you have no desire to do it EVER again!