Adventures in Blogging

2009-03-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

"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!

2008-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

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!

Hike Yosemite

2008-07-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Beatiful Meadow

I recently went on an easy day hike with the friendly senior hikers group. The hike started at a trail head off Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park. This hike offered forested beauty not only with trees but a plethora of wildflowers still in bloom. Most of the members are highly skilled in the area of flowers. They can name almost any species we cam upon. I, on the other hand can't remember the names of my basic houseplants.

Crossing the Meadow

Toward the conclusion of this particular hike we came upon a magnificent meadow. The trail does go on to further destinations such as Wawona, only 11 miles.

Upon returning to our starting point we yearned for more. Our leader for the day, Linda, took us down a nearby path in hopes of finding the old McGerk cabin. Again, the flowers and magnificent graced our way to our destination.

Fearless Fran

The cabin is, what shall I say...past it's prime. The McGerk meadow was not quite as impressive as the previous but it was still a lovely setting and perfect timing to relax and have a nutritious snack. I had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave.

The group at McGerk Cabin

Bass Lake Farmers Market

2008-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Bass Lake Farmers Market

A few weeks back Chuck and Sharon Nugent, owner's of Good Ol' Daze located in The Pines Village at Bass Lake invited various local and valley farmers to set up a farmer's market in his parking lot. The produce is all organic, delicious and priced right. The variety is huge. My family is enjoying produce we've never tried before. Tonight I will be serving Vietnamese spinach.

The atmosphere is festive featuring a live band and pleased patrons. Chuck invites everyone to join him every Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm. For those not interested in the farmer's market can enjoy perusing the many unique shops that make up the famous Pines Village of Bass Lake. Hope to see you there!

Milestones

2008-06-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

This week my husband (DJ) and I celebrated two of our daughters graduating with honors from their respective schools. Many days were spent rehearsing the ceremony, getting hair styled and make-up just right before dressing in the silky blue cap and gown.

Our middle daughter Kelsey graduated June 10th from Oak Creek Intermediate school located in Oakhurst, California. She achieved the Presidential Physical Fitness award as well as an academic achievement award. With diploma and new cell phone in hand she will follow in her big sister's footsteps and enter Yosemite High School (also located in Oakhurst), this coming August.

Kelsey

The following evening our eldest daughter, Apsen, received her diploma at a sunset ceremony from Yosemite High School, the same location I graduated from in 1987. We sat among friends and families as we watched our "babies" walk across the stage and receive their wings to fly into adulthood. Aspen worked very hard this year and was able to earn a 4.0 grade point average with many of those classes being honors level.

Juli, Evan & Aspen!

As I ponder the ups and downs of the high school years I can't help but compare them to the real estate market. The highs and lows, the challenges and finally success. I look forward to the next four years with a little fear of the unknown both with another child in high school and the real estate market. I figure with each of them, by working hard and staying positive, success will be achieved.

CONGRATULATIONS 2008 GRADUATES!

Own a Part of Yosemite?!

2008-05-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can own real estate in Yosemite National Park? You can in Wawona and a small subdivision called Yosemite West. Yosemite West is technically out of the park boundaries but you have to drive into the park to get to it. My husband and I recently took a drive to Yosemite West to look at a parcel that someone is thinking about selling. Although this mini-adventure into Yosemite was technically work related, it felt more like an afternoon off. The springtime weather was warm enough to have the windows down to enjoy the intoxicating scent of bear clover and pine trees. The Dogwood trees were in full bloom and the influx of tourists has not yet begun. Memorial weekend is when that happens. If you ask me, this was a picture perfect day at the office!

Give it up?!

2008-05-08T10:42:00.001-07:00

Recently one of my daughters announced she and a friend were going to be vegetarians for one full week. Why? I'm not sure if they even know why. Still, it's an interesting thought to give up something for a period of time just to see what it's like to be without it. "You only grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone"-Percy Cerutty

I decided to go a whole day without using gasoline. Not only is it good for the environment but even better for my wallet! Living in the mountains can make this more of a challenge than you'd think. A whole day "off" at home, what's the big deal you ask? Nothing, except I have a fairly regular appointment with a friend to visit her in her home as she's not able to get out much. This time with my friend is so important to me that it pains me to have to call to reschedule. This visit happened to fall on my "give up gasoline" day. I decided to ride my bicycle. Please keep in mind that there aren't any sidewalks in our neighborhoods nor the luxury of bike lanes. We do however have large hills, gravel, sand and a plethora of "other" obstacles sharing the roadway.

The ride was refreshing. Unlike riding in a car my senses took in the smell of spring blossoms, pillow like clouds hovering over the Sierra Nevada mountains and water flowing down Lewis Creek. The visit with my friend was exceptional. I was relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the stories exchanged as we come from very different generations. My visit went loner than usual. Was it because of the looming hills I'd encounter on my ride back home? No, it was the comfort I felt being in a place of no demands and expectations. We should all have a place like this.

My ride home was uneventful and slower due to the hill factor. It's interesting to view the articles along a roadway you'd miss if you were in a car. How does a person lose one shoe? How did a large juicy tomato end up on the side of the road? Tomatoes don't just jump out of grocery bags in a car because they're afraid of ending up in a sandwich do they? These are the odd thoughts going through my head.

I made it home safe and sound. Have you ever thought of giving something up for a day? It's kind of fun. If I don't answer the phone one day you may know why.

2008-04-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Bailey recently had a birthday and for fun wanted to ride her bicycle along the shores of Bass Lake. It was a gorgeous spring day so we obliged. Our adventure begins at the parking area adjacent to Recreation Point at Bass Lake. With bicycles unloaded our journey encompassed the least traveled roads on the south side of the lake which offered the most safety and the best views of the magazine worthy lake. As we wound our way around the many turns through the dense forest, the uphills seemed to disappear as we chased each other with pedal power. We even rode on some of the new sidewalks recently constructed, all the while enjoying the great scenery while forgetting we were exercising. Then we turned around and did it all over again! If you find yourself in the Oakhurst/Yosemite area be sure to visit Bass Lake. And don't forget to bring your bikes!

Aspen's 26.2 mile adventure!

2008-04-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

My eldest daughter Aspen ran a full 26.2 mile marathon on April 12, 2008 for her Yosemite High School senior project. The purpose of her project was to raise money for a fellow classmate, Danny Zabicki who is battling a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomysarcoma. Tumors are attacking the muscle cells of Danny's body, and the disease spread to his lungs before it was diagnosed on April 6, 2007. Aspen spent many months preparing for the Muir Woods Marathon which led her through thick wooded trails.

So her adventure begins...

The drive to Stinson Beach is filled with the wonder of San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge then onward up Hwy 1 along the Pacific Coast. The race actually begins on the beach then quickly ascends up the trail gaining 4,000 feet in elevation. At one point all runners must climb a ladder to cross a waterfall. With map in hand Aspen's supporters quickly drive to the various checkpoints to offer words of encouragement, drinks and food. At every sighting she appeared strong and determined. Aside from sore feet she really had no complaints. We were so proud!

As we eagerly awaited her finish we started hearing reports of pranksters taking down the ribbons that marked the trail. Runners were lost. Over an hour after the time we expected Aspen's arrival she finally appeared at the finish line. Who knows how much farther past the 26.2 miles she actually ran.

Her friends and family are so proud of her accomplishment. Not only did she push her physical limits, she raised money to help a fellow student in need. We're all praying for Danny's recovery and hope you would join with us. If you would like to contribute to Danny's fight please send your contribution made out to "The Danny Zabicki Fund" and mail to Century 21-Golden Chain Realty-P.O. Box 933, Oakhurst, Ca 93644. All money received will be put into his fund located at Yosemite Bank. Any donations are greatly appreciated.

40 Acres-LOST!

2008-04-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever misplaced 40 acres? My newest listing of 40 acres nestled deep in the hills of Coarsegold did just that. My first attempt to locate this parcel with my mom and the two office dogs failed but we were rewarded with a sunny afternoon filled with the beauty of green grass and wildflowers. Slightly embarassed, I swallowed my pride and called in help from my husband, DJ, who has surveying experience and the property owner who had to drive a considerable distance to meet us there. With maps in hand we ventured down multiple dirt roads only to find ourselves scratching our heads in wonder. The joke of the day was that we should find a buyer for the land and telling them if they want to buy it...they'll have to find it!

A week or so later the property owner provided a different map that showed new details. Determined to find a location to plant my for sale sign we set out for a third try. In setting up my appointments for the day I happened to mention to a prospective buyer my intent to locate this property. When he heard the price of $169,000 for 40 acres he eagerly volunteered to help find it! With his family of four, DJ and myself we drove the now familiar back roads in hopes of success. Just as DJ and I were again stumped, my prospective buyer spotted a survey marker. Could it be? The scouting continued. We hiked thru fields of tall grass and wildflowers, seasonal creeks and over large boulders. We found views, evidence of wild pigs but best of all...property corners!

I now have a home for my for sale sign but I think I'll wait a few days. Afterall, the person who finally found it may indeed decide to buy it!

Mtn. Bike Ride

2008-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

My husband (DJ) and I took a ride today that is known by locals as "007". We've taken this ride several times before as it is a favorite of ours. We first truck our bikes and park just beyond the dam at Bass Lake. We're expecting rain today so the air is a bit hazy. We decide to leave the camera behind for it's own protection from unexpected falls. This is considered by most to be an intermediate trail and at higher speeds I've been known to wipe out.

DJ unloads the bikes as I gear up. Our adventure begins as we cross Bass Lake Road, turn our dog loose and head on up. The first half of the ride involves cycling up a logging road (6% grade)which is partly paved. The views are breathtaking. We can see the snow that remains on the peaks, run-off cascading over large slabs of granite and various species of wildlife running off in all directions. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the trail head which is unmarked and always seems further than we think. We pause here to take a drink, let some air out of our tires and catch our breath.

Now comes the fun part. The single track descends thru the forest with thrills of whoops and turns. As fast as we go our dog "Whoopie" never lags behind. I almost crash once but was able to stay upright and clicked into my pedals with the aid of a manzanita tree. Fifteen short minutes later we are back where we started from. People seen? Zero! Bugs eaten? Two! It's been a great ride.

The twenty minute ride home around Bass Lake was pleasant. We're blessed with the wonder of nature once again as we view a bald eagle soaring above carrying nesting material to it's home in the peak of a pine tree.