CONVICT LAKE Located only about 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake is 'hidden' from view from Highway 395 yet is only 2 miles from this highway. Nestled at the base of dramatic mountains - popular for it's scenic vistas and and fish (well-stocked to keep up with the demand of fisherman). Produces some large Rainbow trout - two annual fishing derbies are held - “Round Up at the Lake” in spring and “Ambush at the Lake” in fall.The lake … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Horseback Riding
Do you want to venture deeper into the Eastern Sierra's without having to drive a car or expend too much energy. A simple and relaxing method of transportation is on horseback. Several local outfitters are listed below: Agnew Meadows Pack Station offer two hour or half day horseback rides from Agnew Meadow. Phone: 760.934.2345. Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit is located on Lake Mary Road just past Twin Lakes. They offer rides into the high … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Hotels
These hotels are listed for the Mammoth vicinity. All prices listed are for 1P/1 room/1 night. Lower rates can usually be found in the fall and spring months. Prices subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise noted all Phone Numbers are in the 760 area code. General 1849 Condominiums are located at 826 Lakeview Blvd. They have 46 rooms, are rated three stars, and their prices range from $120 to $280. Phone Number … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – White Mountain Hike
White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Museums
Redding is not a hot-spot for museums - there are only several in town that are open to the public. We have visited and highlighted a few below. Behrens-Eaton House Museum is highly recommended for a personalized tour and look back in time - to the life of prominent judge Judge Richard Behrens Eaton who lived here until he died in 2003. Upon his death a trust he established stipulated that his home and grounds be turned into a museum open to … [Read more...]
Europe – The Locals
I think that whatever country you are traveling in you will meet the bad apples as well as the good oranges. On my first journey through Europe I met some very helpful people who went out of their way to give me advice, show me certain areas, or give me help. Then I met some overly stressed people who all they had to say was "stick it between your teeth". I could definitely tell a general difference in personality between different cultures … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA
Nowhere in California does the west feel more alive then in the Owens Valley. These are the quintessential landscapes that drew pioneers to this part of the country. With a dramatic backdrop of the state's most impressive mountains guiding one up and down the great 395, one is never far from inspiration. If there was a god of nature, she would live in this valley. If there was one small town we would live in at least seasonally, based on the … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Sonora
Sonora (the queen of the southern mines) is the heart of the southern gold mining towns. Sonora was first established by miners from Sonora, Mexico. This town was important during the mining days and remains so even today. Sonora was established during 1848 and has been the county seat of Tuolumne since 1950. Even though Sonora was established in 1848 people have traveled through and settled here since the late 1820's. During its early mining … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Missoula Art Galleries
Missoula has an abundance of art galleries compared to most of the towns in Montana. All numbers listed below are in the (406) area code. Art Museum of Missoula is located at 335 North Pattee Street. They are open Tuesday 12pm until 8pm and then again from Wednesday through Sunday from 12pm until 6pm. This contemporary art museum is located in downtown. Features 3 galleries with changing exhibits and a museum shop. Tuesday admission is … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Helena Montana
Helena is the capital city of Montana. At about 31,000 people it is one of the smaller state capital cities in the USA. Helena was founded by four prospectors from the state of Georgia in 1864. The city was first named, Last Chance Gulch. The miners were tired of finding little gold on their travels and the gulch, now downtown Helena, was where they struck it rich. Helena became a territorial capital in 1875 and a state capital in 1889. The name … [Read more...]