Bailey Creek has become a traditional destination for an annual golfing vacation for myself and many of my fellow golfers.  Each year we try to figure out a new location to try and we usually decide to go back there. The three hour drive from Sacramento is actually quite peaceful.

From the moment we check in at the Chalets (which are located overlooking the driving  range), we are treated as though we are good friends of the community.

The men and women working in the pro-shop/restaurant offer nothing short of the friendliest of demeanors.  They really know how to treat their guests.

Now, about the GOLF!  Oh, the golf.   Bailey Creek offers a mountain golf getaway that is both a fair yet challenging track that can be appreciated by both the 5 handicap as well as the 20 handicap.  The course can provide challenges if you dare feel too confident, or can be welcoming if you choose to play it safe.  Sure, a couple of the par 5’s can be reached in two, but do you dare. Bailey Creek gives the golfer the option…and that’s part of the fun!

The greens at this course have never been less than immaculate.  They are large with just enough undulations to make putting an entertaining challenge. But, do be careful.  Be on the wrong side of a hole, and that birdie putt could very easily turn into a bogey!  Again, all part of the fun!

From the lush fairways, to the huge pines lining fairways, Bailey Creek offers a truly exceptional mountain golf outing that has never failed to leave me or my fellow golfers excited to come back.

Bookmark to:

Livestock Auction July 25

For FFA (Future Farmers of America) members,  high school has 3 major components; classroom work, FFA activities and the SAE projects. SAE stands for Supervised Agriculture Experience, and every student must complete an SAE project for the class. The projects range from raising a plant in the green house, working at a job, to spending most of your summer and the better part of your school year raising livestock to take to the county fair.

The students in the Susanville FFA learn plenty in all their projects. But it seems that as the cost of everything rises, the students also learn more about the lessons of real life in agriculture.  Each year, the students either raise or purchase their livestock projects starting in October.  They learn the responsibility of keeping animals healthy, growing, and most of all how to raise them to the proper harvest marketing weight and condition.  Some years the students learn lessons the hard way.  Mother Nature can cause havoc to their best plans; sickness can occur, sudden death can happen, or sometimes their animals just do not cooperate so that the students can take them to the fair.  There are never any guarantees that when the projects start they will always end with financial success.  But for sure, the students will never end their projects for the year without many lessons.

The 4-H program consists of many of the same processes; 4-H members as well as FFA members provide the communities they live in with many community service activities.  Both organizations teach public speaking, record keeping, leadership and working together as a club.

This year’s projects for market animals, will conclude for the members at the Lassen County Fair.  Animals weigh in on Tuesday, July 20 and show throughout the week.  Check the fair website at www.lassencountyfair.org for more information. The year will end with the Lassen County JR Livestock Auction, Sunday July 25, starting at 8:00 am in the livestock pavilion.  Come on down to the fair and watch our members working hard!  Consider supporting them at the livestock auction.  If anyone has any questions concerning the FFA program please call Lassen High School and leave a message for the FFA advisors.  For 4-H information contact Darcy Hanson program coordinator at (530) 251-8285.

.

Bookmark to:

Visionary equestrians, Richard and Jeannette McGrath, are putting life to their dream of crossing the United States on horseback. They will be following the American Discovery Trail, but that’s just part of their dream.

They left from Pt. Reyes National Seashore on March 4th with horses carrying their equipment home in four saddle bags. A few days into their adventure, while riding up a steep trial, the pack horse Tiska fell off the edge jerking Richard’s horse Satchmo off the trail as well. After a short drop, the hillside continued very steep with the pack horse rolling down the hill while Satchmo scrambled to keep his feet under him. Richard wound up hanging upside down, his foot pinned to the saddle by the lead rope, bouncing along trying to avoid his horse’s hooves. Richard’s horse kept his feet and charged down the hill unable to stop for quite a distance. All three finally came to a stop without serious injury to the stock but with Richard getting banged around pretty good. Jeannette said later that she expected she would be burying all three of them. It wasn’t Richard’s first “rodeo,” and probably won’t be the last.

Richard and Jeannette live in Victor, Idaho, not far from Jackson Hole, Wyoming where they work, shop, and attend church.

Jeannette grew up on a small family farm on the outskirts of Middletown, Connecticut. Kids at school made fun of her and called her “Farmer Girl,” but Jeannette figured that many of them were just jealous because she had her own horse. Jeannette’s family had a small heard of cattle, and there were no restrictions on making pets out of any of their animals, with the understanding that eventually members of the “Moo Set” would wind up on the table. Jeannette said she would ask at the dinner table which one they were enjoying at the time, apologize for having to eat the animal, kiss the first bite, and down the hatch. Jeannette exudes quiet confidence and has dreamed of riding across the country since kindergarten.

Richard grew up in a small town in Southern California and said he always wanted to be a cowboy. As a young teenager, a move exposed him to the violence of a rough neighborhood in the city where gangs were prevalent. And he could have continued down a wrong road, but his early interests prevailed. Among other jobs, Richard has been a logger and hunting guide. And if you were in a tough spot, you would want him to have your back. Richard and Jeannette met while attending Feather River College in the small mountain town of Quincy, California. They studied guest ranch design and management and horse packing. It was not exactly love at first sight, but eventually interacting through their studies and with mutual friends brought them together. After laying a foundation of friendship, love caught fire, and they married in their early twenties.

They worked together at ranches and stables in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. Their love of horses, their desire to give back to society, and their observations that horses and adventure opens people up emotionally has led Richard and Jeannette to the second part of their dream… to have a ranch where people can heal from emotional trauma, especially post-traumatic stress disorder… “recreational therapy,” if you will.

Hearts Up Ranch is in its incipient stages, but, as envisioned, will eventually be a 500-acre working guest and cattle ranch in Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho with trained counselors where people can heal from the past and begin to ride a different trail. Their ride across the country on the American Discovery Trail — 6,800 miles of coastal plain, mountain passes, desert, plains, farm country — through rain, snow, dust, and heat is a fund-raiser for Hearts Up Ranch.

Crossing California, they have had to traverse busy roads and back trails, navigate a high bridge over the Napa River, and take a ferry across the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. They have depended on the kindness of friends and strangers as well, and have continually had to “adapt, improvise, and overcome,” to borrow a phrase from a Clint Eastwood movie.

I read about the McGraths in the Chester Progressive newspaper and found their story compelling. A few weeks later, I was introduced to them at a ranch on the Suisun marsh where I volunteer working with horses and the disabled community. I began to wonder how they were going to get over the Sierras, especially considering our abundant snow and prolonged spring weather. I talked with them at a fund-raiser held in the town of Cool and offered to accompany them over the mountains and cook for them.

The afternoon of Tuesday, May 11th, I found myself in the snow at the 7,000-foot elevation on Highway 88 east of Jackson with my truck-mounted camper and utility trailer ready to join the journey for four days. A sweet lady named Tammy had accompanied the McGraths for the day, providing protection by driving behind them with her four-way flashers bringing attention to the hazard ahead.

The McGraths had ridden through a snowstorm for one and a half hours and, after a 13-mile day, were ready to stop for the night. Camp was a turnout plowed of snow by an accommodating Caltrans snowplow driver. We all got better acquainted over a spaghetti dinner while the horses enjoyed their hay and well-earned rest. The McGraths were thankful for the warmth of the camper after sleeping out in a tent the night before.

The next day, traveling in the footsteps of history, we started for Carson Pass named after the famed explorer Kit Carson. This route has been witness to Native Americans, early explorers, Gold Rushers, and emigrants crossing the magnificent Sierras. We passed through an avalanche zone where two nights before a slide had crossed the highway and, after 17 miles, found a small trailhead parking area just off the highway near the Kirkwood Ski Resort, that became home for the night.

On Thursday, we journeyed past Caples Lake, ever upward, and finally gained the pass at 8650 feet where we paused for pictures in front of the stone monument to Snowshoe Thompson, famous for carrying the mail on skis across the snowy mountains to Genoa, Nevada. Losing elevation rapidly on the east side of the pass, we traveled through beautiful Hope Valley and down into the canyon of the West Carson River where we refilled our water containers. Camp that night was an approximate two-acre former rock quarry off the highway with a good place to tie the horses. We were right next to the Horsethief Canyon trailhead which we later learned about. It was a relief to be down out of the snow.

Friday morning we were enjoying the warm sun, views of the snowy mountains, and the rushing West Carson River as we descended down into the Carson Valley. We finally had wider shoulders, a place to ride off the pavement. At our lunch stop on a side road, we met Kathy and Rich who live in the area and were curious about the journey. After visiting with them for a short while, Kathy said she had connections in the horse community and would make some contacts for the McGraths as they would be taking a break from the journey for a few days to fly to Connecticut for Jeannette’s brother’s wedding and would need a pasture to park the horses in. After a couple more miles, Richard and Jeannette had completed a little over 400 miles and their first state as we crossed the Nevada border on Highway 88. Yahoo!

Our last camp was just a dirt turnout at a “T” intersection but had all the elements to make it a special camp. After another 13-mile day, we were finally in beautiful ranch country with a sweeping view of the snow-capped eastern Sierra. There were quail and a nest, 50 feet away, where hawks were raising their young and dusk brought out the deer.  Spring had arrived and there were any geese in the area who were quite vocal. We were near the mouth of Luther Canyon, named for Ira Luther who lived in the area and operated a sawmill from 1858 to 1865. After 1865, it became known as Horsethief Canyon as John and Lute Olds ran an emigrant station there on the California trail… at least that was their “day job.” They also rustled horses from the emigrants, sent them up Horsethief Canyon to the meadows where they recuperated and were later driven down to Woodfords where they were sold to other unsuspecting emigrants.

Next morning, our last together on the trail, I got to see more of their usual routine as they sorted and weighed their equipment and packed their animals. They had a break from this tedious chore for the last four days as they were accompanied and their gear had been hauled by “Detroit Horses.” Richard and Jeannette usually spend about three hours in the a.m. taking care of their animals, packing them up, and feeding themselves, then six to eight hours of travel followed by three more hours setting camp and taking care of the animals in the evening. Then in their spare time they touch up their journals.

The horses and mule all had distinct personalities, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Satchmo, Richard’s mount, is one-half quarter horse and one-half Percheron draft horse… big and solid. Jeannette’s horse Apache is an Appaloosa with pretty markings. Fiddle, the mule, is calm and intelligent,  seems to take everything in stride, and she loves to be scratched and petted. Tiska is a petite Icelandic horse, former brood mare, now pack horse. Spending time with her, you just want to hug her.

The trip had been a unique experience for me. I had never done that much cooking at once, and they always ate enthusiastically. I love history, and we found it around every magnificent corner. And it was so nice getting to know Richard and Jeannette a little and sharing their vision and the trail for a few days. We never got to share a campfire on this trip, but hope to in the future.

The McGraths will next head across Nevada roughly following the Highway 50 corridor. If you cross their path or are inspired to help them by donating to their cause, please extend them any kindness that you can. You can follow their blog by going to heartsupranch.com. Also check out Access Adventure, an organization that serves the disabled through horse-drawn wagon trips: info@access-adventure.org.

Happy trails to you,

Grayson

Bookmark to:

Sample the life of a gold miner at the annual renewal of Gold Discovery Days on July 17 & 18, at Plumas Eureka State Park in Johnsville.

Saturday the 17th, the free fun starts at 10:00 am with candle making, tours of the Moriarty Family’s historic house, demonstrations of blacksmithing and gold assaying, spinning and weaving, and gold panning.  There will also be many activities especially for children.

Wagon rides will carry passengers from the Park Museum through the old town of Johnsville to the Johnsville Historical Society’s Museum at the former St. Johns Church throughout the day.

Sunday the 18th kicks off at 8:00 am with the ever-popular Rotary pancake breakfast, with musical accompaniment by the Code Bluegrass ensemble.  The same full palette of free activities starts up, once again, at 10:00 am, and continues all day until 3:00 pm.

Special attractions for the weekend include an old fashioned bake sale at St. Johns Church on Saturday morning, an architectural walking tour through the town of Johnsville on Saturday and Sunday morning, a musical recital at the Johnsville Historial Society Museum on Sunday afternoon.  Tickets for the limited seating for the musical recital can be purchased at either museum or by calling 530-836-0102.

The Park Association will have a barbeque outside the Park Museum on both days, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, and authentic Cornish pasties, together with beverages and all the trimmings – all for a modest charge.

The Park and Historical Society Museums will be open both days, displaying unique exhibits of local history and indigenous flora and fauna and minerals. Also featured are special pamphlets, booklets, nick-nacks and mementos – all for sale.

Plumas Eureka State Park is alive and well, continuing to host visitors who want  to experience the historic and natural beauty of this special part of the magnificent Sierra Nevadas.  For further information call Lyn Nafzgar at 530-836-1182, or Larry Fites at 530-836-0379; or visit the park website at www.plumas-eureka.org.

Note:  A final, detailed release will be issued on July 1, 2010.

Bookmark to:

Whether you are a recreational golfer looking for relaxation on a golf course or a player looking to improve your game, Plumas Pines has what you are looking for!

I recently had the pleasure of playing this track and I must say that I was truly impressed. Being the “recreational” type golfer, I wasn’t on a mission to do anything other than enjoy my day.  Plumas Pines lies in beautiful Graeagle, California.  That being the case, just about every hole provides gorgeous scenery, which I soon found out didn’t do my score any favors.  However, that was okay. It was well worth it.

Plumas Pines incorporates its beautiful surroundings into the course so watch out!  Hole #1, a medium par five, begins the day innocently enough.  However, Hole #2, narrow already, offers a spectacular stream along the left hand side of the fairway.  Before teeing off, I was already thinking I would be just as happy fishing as playing golf.  That, as most golfers know, is not the best pre-shot thought! That’s pretty much what Plumas Pines golf offers for 4 hours of recreation.

Some advice for those who make the trip… keep your confidence in check.  The course plays to a deceiving 6421 yards from the longest tees (tips).  This may have you thinking that you will have your way with it.  Many fairways are, while very fair, quite narrow.   Contributing to the narrow feel of the course is that it winds itself through a quaint housing community.  This, however, in no way detracts from the beauty of the course.   Because the course resides at 4,550 feet of elevation, you can get plenty of carry from your traditionally shorter clubs. Keeping the big clubs in the bag will do you right at the end of the day.

For the golf enthusiast looking to improve his or her game, Plumas Pines has just the program for you.  How great would it be to know all you have to worry about is packing the clubs and getting to the course.  The staff at Plumas Pines has put together an all inclusive five day golf instruction package which provides accommodations, a 4 to 1 student to teacher ratio, meals, and more.  For more information about their program, check out their website at  HYPERLINK “http://www.plumaspines” www.plumaspines golf.com.  You may also call the Head Professional Brandon Bowling at (530) 836-1420.

And lest I forget, who doesn’t enjoy relaxing with a good meal after 18 holes of golf.  Plumas Pines offers an outstanding dining experience at Longboards Bar & Grill.  Here you will find fresh food with an Italian flair.  When the place comes highly recommended by both golfers and locals it has got to be great!

Bookmark to:

Imagine strolling spacious gardens lined with softly lit evergreen trees on a warm summer evening, sampling epicurean treats and sipping a great Merlot or Chardonnay. You’re enjoying the impressive Foxwood Park and Pavilion, listening to live jazz in the background and celebrating with Rotary as it sponsors the best of what a Lake Almanor summer has to offer. Cost of participation is only $40.00

It all starts at 6:00pm with Wine, Spirits & Food Tasting from area restaurants and Northern California wineries while shopping the best of local artisans and bidding to your hearts content on spectacular silent auction items all set to the lively music of 8 O’clock Jazz band.

At 9:00 the silent auction tables start closing & successful bidders are announced while the party continues at the Pavilion with dancing to the intuitive & rocking tunes of DJ- Buzz Barrett & “no host” libation poured by the Elk’s Lodge until midnight.

This will be Rotary Club of Chester’s major fund raising event replacing a Wine Tasting/Dinner fundraiser that was historically held in the late fall. This even incorporates a major makeover of the former event into the “Premier Summer Lawn Party” held in the Lake Almanor Basin. Chester Rotary is establishing an event that you want to be a part of and will have a substantial following from year to year.

All proceeds stay in our club to be used for local community and ongoing club commitments like Chester Rotary Scholarships, Youth Exchange (RYE), Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Music & Speech Programs, Major Appliance Cleanup (MAC), Rotarians at Work Day, the Chester Elementary 6th grade Watershed Program and various international projects. With the success of this event comes Rotary’s ability to expand these & other needed services to the community.

Don’t miss Almanor Basins best party of the summer, Call 530-259-4874 or visit www.MidSummerMadness.Info for event information and ticket reservations.

Participation is limited to 500 guest

Bookmark to:

One of my favorite things about living so close to Lake Almanor is the annual fireworks display over the water.  It is the culmination of local holiday events which include pancake breakfasts, a 5K Fun Run, community BBQs, a craft fair and the annual Chester Main Street Parade . Although there are several places to watch the amazing pyrotechnic display  from the 52 miles of forested Lake Almanor shore line, (a map is available at www.chamberorganizer.com/Calendar), I prefer the view from the water aboard a boat. There is nothing like being in the middle of sparkling Lake Almanor as it reflects the rainbow of colors splashed upon the glassy surface by the spectacular explosions of fireworks overhead. The air is usually cool on the water at night, even in July, and shortly after the fireworks begin, the smell of gunpowder lingers in the air with the ever present scent of clean mountain water and pine. It’s heaven out there. The show begins around 9:00 pm just after dark. No other day comes close to the number of boats on Lake Almanor’s waters, so those wishing to launch from public boat ramps should come early or just spend the day playing in the water and stay for the show. I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the 4th of July. The sight of the vast number of lighted boats on the moonlit water is straight out of a storybook and a spectacular sight to behold on its own. Please join us under the stars at Lake Almanor and watch the brilliant fireworks display light up the night. Now that’s Mountain Valley Living.

For information on fireworks displays in other areas of Northern CA and Northern NV, see our calendar of events in the Arts & Entertainment section of this magazine or view our calendar of events at mountainvalleyliving.com

.

Bookmark to:

SCOTTY SCHWARTZ COED SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

The third annual co-ed softball tournament for the Scott Schwartz Memorial Fund will be held on Saturday, July 10, at Gansner Park in Quincy.  Throughout the day there will be recognition for superb or embarrassing plays on the field with our “I Saw That” awards.  T-shirts will be awarded for the winning team and several Raffle Drawings will occur.  At noon, a one-hour game for children 15 and under will take place.  Food and drinks will be available.

Scott was a special young man who worked hard to overcome challenges from Autism.  Teachers, therapists, friends, and special programs helped him achieve success in many ways.  Proceeds from this tournament will assist other Plumas County students with Special Needs to receive the tools, skills, and experiences  that will enhance their lives.

Whether you play ball or not, we invite you to bring the family and have an enjoyable day at the park.  For more information on participating call Ron Schwartz at (530) 258-6363.

Bookmark to:

Our family moved to Quincy in 1968 and it wasn’t long thereafter that we discovered the best thing since sliced bread.  While I may be exaggerating a bit, it only takes one visit on a sunny afternoon to understand why the Polka Dot is so special.  Great food is not the only reason this place quickly became a family tradition.

I’m not certain the Perkin’s family had a master plan to become the most popular eatery in Quincy when they opened  for business in 1962 but that’s what happens when you combine yummy food, the warm sun, outdoor dining, and a small creek for the kids to play in.  I asked my six  year old daughter, Kayla, what her favorite thing about the Polka Dot is and she couldn’t choose between the corn dog and the “river”.  I mentioned the ice cream cone and she then had a real dilemma on her hands!

The Polka Dot offers a large variety of delicious food, ranging from old fashion hamburgers and fries to rice bowls.  Go to www.mountainvalleyliving and search Polka Dot to view their complete menu.  The Perkins family would love to have you stop by and  you can also phone ahead at (530) 283-2660.

Mountain Valley Living Magazine has been placing our magazine (please pick up a copy to read while eating) on the parking side of the Polka Dot for about three months now.  This has been a real problem for me because I go there about every third day to restock our supply and I can’t stop drinking their milkshakes.  The shakes are so thick and tasty…good luck trying to stop this addiction once you start.

I was there with Eileen (our Publisher) the other day enjoying a frosty cone and we noticed that there were quite a few people gathered around one of the picnic tables.  Eileen went over to see what the special occasion was and found the Quincy High School class of 1960 celebrating their 50 year reunion.  They said that there is no better place to meet and enjoy a day with old friends and good food.  It dawned on me that the Polka Dot is a tradition for many other families besides my own.

Bookmark to:

Clean out your old treasures to make way for new or reclaim that spare bedroom for its intended purpose or just make some money.

The Mohawk Community Resource Center Parking Lot Sale is earlier than usual this year, it is July 17^th from  9:00AM-3PM.   Come to check out all the great buys or to become a seller; call now to rent your spot. Space is limited.  Parking spaces rent for $35 and you can rent one or several by calling Shirley Ricketts, Mohawk Center Coordinator at 836-0446. Money collected for the spaces will go to support community programs in Eastern Plumas County.  Spaces go quickly so call today.

The Center, a project of Plumas Rural Services, is in Blairsden at the
busiest intersection in the county, Hwy 70 and 89 and is staged during the Graeagle Art and Craft Show for maximum visibility and attendance.

Bookmark to:

Friday night, July 30, Doyle will offer a variety of local entertainment and a big BBQ. At a Kick Off Dance at the Buck Inn (bar) also on Friday night, they will announce the results of their Honorary Mayor “election” .  They boast about the fact that they have honest candidates, because they literally buy their votes and the money goes to Doyle Days to be used for funding projects, helping children in need, and scholarships, centered on children in the community.

Saturday morning there will be a parade followed by the famous Lizard Races throughout the day.  They will rent you a lizard to race, or you can catch your own. There is a small entry fee.

The Comstock Civil War Re-enactors will be running the “jale”.  They will be “arresting” people without Doyle Days Buttons, (and according to organizers they can be bribed to arrest someone for unspecified crimes).  You can have your “trial” and be out of jail by paying a “fine” in a matter of minutes.

Cowboys will be shooting each other, The Guns and Gals of Old Virginia City will be joining in the fun too. Families will be playing old fashioned games with contests, softball, volleyball, horseshoes and live entertainment throughout the day. There will be food and merchandise vendors, raffles, a flea market and much more. Vendors pay $15.00 for a booth for the two days.

The organization that puts on Doyle Days is the Fort Sage-Long Valley Community Program. According to Lyn Hanes, “The volunteers will be exhausted, swear they are not doing it again next year and when next year comes it will be the same faces and they will bring friends, because they had fun and raised money for a good cause as well as gave our community a great time for little money.” Doyle Days takes place Friday and Saturday July 30 and 31, 2010 in beautiful downtown Doyle.

For information on the area, contact the Doyle Chamber of Commerce at (530) 827-2037.

Bookmark to:

Clean out your old treasures to make way for new or reclaim that spare bedroom for its intended purpose or just make some money.
The Mohawk Community Resource Center Parking Lot Sale is earlier than usual this year; July 17^th from  9:00AM-3PM.   Come to check out all the great buys or to become a seller. Sellers, call now to rent your spot. Space is limited.  Parking spaces rent for $35 and you can rent one or several by calling Shirley Ricketts, Mohawk Center Coordinator at 836-0446. Money collected for the spaces will go to support community programs in Eastern Plumas County.  Spaces go quickly so call today.

The Center, a project of Plumas Rural Services, is in Blairsden at the
busiest intersection in the county, Hwy 70 and 89 and is staged during the Graeagle Art and Craft Show for maximum visibility and attendance.

Bookmark to:

Lake Almanor, CA – (June 10, 2010) Momboosa Music Festival is excited to announce Sol’Jibe will be the featured band at the Bailey Creek concert, July 3 at the Bailey Creek Golf Course in beautiful Lake Almanor, Cal.

Blending American roots, world beat and Latin rhythms, Sol’Jibe creates a high-energy performance that leaves audiences with a strong desire to dance. The band has performed with Michael Franti, Robert Randolph and Steel Pulse, as well as over 200 festivals and shows across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Cuba. Sol’Jibe was a headlining band for last year’s Momboosa Music Festival and has been  one of the most popular bands from the Reno area for the past three years.

Tickets to the Bailey Creek concert are available online at  HYPERLINK “http://www.momboosamusic.com” www.momboosamusic.com, where you can also purchase tickets to the Festival on July 17^th. For more information, please visit the website or call Jess or Neil Horning at (775) 851-4444.

Momboosa Music Festival is a summer-long celebration consisting of five wine/beer walks, a pre-show concert at Bailey Creek Golf Course on Saturday, July 3 and the return of the all day music festival at the Chester Meadow located between the Lake Almanor shoreline and Chester, Calif., on Saturday, July 17, 2010. This year’s festival, produced by Momboosa Music Festival, LLC, will showcase musical performances from the country star Chuck Wicks, the Chris Gardner Band, Alex Woodard and more. The festival provides a family-friendly environment with a vendor show, play zone, plenty of food and libations, an art contest, private group cabanas, VIP accommodations and outdoor beach activities. For ticket sales, directions, lodging information, updated event listing and band performances, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.MomboosaMusic.com”www.MomboosaMusic.com or call 775-851-4444.

Momboosa Music Festival, LLC 748 S. Meadows Pkwy., Ste. A9 #275  Reno, NV  89521

(t) 775.851.4444    (f) 775.851.4456 HYPERLINK “mailto:jess@liquidblueevents.com”jess@liquidblueevents.com HYPERLINK “mailto:neil@liquidblueevents.com”neil@liquidblueevents.com

Bookmark to:

Each spring, hikers take the long trek from Mexico to Canada (and vice versa) on the Pacific Crest Trail. Many are students. Many come from other countries to hike the length of the trail and many hikers use only segments of the trail. The trail begins on the California-Mexico border, 50 miles east of San Diego and leads north through desert chaparral and along the spine of Southern California’s mountains. It briefly crosses an arm of the Mohave Desert  before its ascent into the southern Sierra. The trail crosses or touches 33 federally designated wilderness areas, 24 nationals forests and 7 national parks. It also touches 5 state parks and many county lands. Private landholders have generously made routes available by right of way agreements with the federal government.

Touching 3 countries and extending 2,638 miles, the trail passes through Truckee, Tahoe, and through Plumas, Lassen and Shasta areas. In our northeastern California region it also takes you into the Bucks Lake Wilderness, winds through the Ishi Wilderness and crosses through Mt. Lassen National Park near Drakesbad Guest Ranch. The ranch offers rustic accommodations complete with gas lanterns for light, hiking trails, fishing and a restaurant that serves its guests. They also take reservations for dining only at Drakesbad, although space is limited. (For the full story on this resort, visit mountainvalleyliving.com and search Drakesbad.)

One evening at Drakesbad, after a relaxing dinner, we were enjoying the hot springs pool, when in wandered two hikers from Europe who noticed the pool from the trail above us. They were directed to the kitchen where managers Ed and Billie got them set up with a hot meal and a shower. Soon they were in the steaming hot springs pool soothing their aching muscles and enjoying the nighttime array of bright stars with us all. The trail is visible from the pool as it ventures off into the wild.

The variety of wildlife is wide on the PCT, with hikers seeing everything from deer mice to bears and cougars. Bald eagles and osprey soar by. We asked  Jason Judd of Westwood about it.  He hiked the trail last year.

“See any bears or cougars, Jason?”

“Meet any new friends?  Were there any social gatherings along the trail?”

“How much weight did you have to pack in for food, water and supplies?”

“Did you take any side trips into cities for more supplies?”

“What was the best part of your experience?”

“What was the worst part?”

“How long did it take to hike the whole thing?”

To hike the trail, permits are required including a California Campfire Permit, obtained for free at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office. You will also need a back country permit to travel through Lassen National Park as well as in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite. There are both trail books  and wilderness maps available. Visit a local US Forest Service or USDA Bureau of Land Management office for more details. For information on maps and guidebooks, contact Pacific Crest Trail Association at (510) 939-6111.

Bookmark to:

Second Fridays

by Jan Cox

Historic Old Town, Chester, will once again be the center of the Second Friday celebrations each month from June through October.   From 5 to 8pm, these evenings will be alive with music, food, arts and crafts, a farmer’s market, merchant offerings, and visitor information.

B & B Booksellers, Backroom Gallery will be hosting art openings on these evenings, so be sure and stop in to browse this delightful gallery and enjoy a glass of wine and some appetizers.  Then move across the street to surround yourself with the great live sounds of area musicians including Stone and Straw,  Eight O’ Clock Jazz, and Dave Manning.

As you wander through the booths, your senses may be teased by the great food offerings from various vendors set up to serve delicious, mouthwatering meals.  Or you may spot just the fresh fruit or vegetable you want for tomorrow’s dinner from the on-site farmer’s market.  Perhaps you would like to know more about this area; check the Chamber of Commerce booth that is full of pertinent information or talk to representatives from local community organizations.  Browse through merchant offerings for that special souvenir or gift.  New this year will be pony rides! What a great way to relax and enjoy time with friends and family or to entertain guests new to this area.  Hope to see you there!

For further information, or if you wish to become a vendor for Second Friday celebrations, go to http://www.lakealmanorarea.com/calendar-of-events.

Bookmark to:

by Jan Cox

Two exciting and educational tours you won’t want to miss take place in the month of May.  On Saturday, May 15, Sierra Institute’s Center of Forestry will be leading a a tour focusing on the Mountain Maidu.  Farrell Cunningham, whose ancestors have lived in this area for at least two thousand years will be leading this tour.  Farrell is active in the promotion of Mountain Maidu history, culture, and traditional ecology and currently teaches Maidu language courses in Grass Valley.

This tour begins at the Sierra Institute office in downtown Taylorsville at 10am.  The tour will include morning refreshments, a bus tour to the Heart K Ranch in Genesee Valley, and a casual one mile hike on the Heart K property where participants will learn about Maidu culture and language, native vegetation, food gathering and preparation, and forest management. Also included is a picnic lunch in an old apple orchard accompanied by conversation, history, and stories.  Concluding by 4pm, the cost per person will be $50 or $95 per couple.  Call Lauri Rawlins-Betta at 530-284-1022 to reserve your place today.

Join the second tour on May 22 and travel the Ishi Trail with Beverly Ogle, noted historian.  Ogle is a writer and historian on the Yana and Maidu Indian tribes and will lead this tour and share her knowledge of the Yana and this man called, Ishi.  (see article on Ishi wilderness on page___of this issue.)  Plenty is planned for the day as you easily walk and bus to the Ishi Monument, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch.  Participants will meet on Saturday,  10 am, at the Chester Library, where they will receive morning refreshments and an introduction to the day’s events and tour guides before continuing on  down Deer Creek on Highway 32 to take a look at the Old Lassen trail, Black Rock, and the Ishi Monument.

Both tours include morning refreshments, lunch and bus transportation as part of the cost of the tour.  Both tours begin at 10 am and conclude at 4 pm.  Cost is only $50 per person or $95 per couple.  Visit the Center of Forestry’s website at www.sierrainstitute.us for more information or call 530-284-1022 for reservations.

Bookmark to:

What better way to enjoy a leisurely summer evening than on the Lake Almanor Wine Walks.  This series of walks is just one part of the long event schedule liquid Blue Events is bringing to Lake Almanor during the summer of 2-10.  These events lead up to the second Momboosa Music Festival on July 17th and conclude on Saturday, August 7th.

All you will need is a ticket and a map and you are ready to tour the many boutique shops in the cozy Sierra town of Chester. Come see what these friendly shops have to offer as you enjoy the company of friends old and new. Complete your tour for a chance at some great gifts and prizes.

This year, each wine walk will feature a different theme to highlight specific wines and beers. The first walk will be on Saturday, May, 29.

Wine walk dates are: May 29, June 19, July 3, July 16, and August 7, 2010.

Tickets available now.  For more information check the website for Chester-Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce at www.lakealmanorarea.com or call 530-258-2426.  Also check out the following link: http://www.liquidblueevents.com/Almanor Wine.html

Bookmark to:

View of Black Rock from Black Rock Campground photo courtesy US Forest Service

Mill Creek photo Courtesy US Forest Service

By Melissa Wynn

Photos courtesy US Forest Service

Ishi Wilderness, within the Lassen National Forest, offers a rare chance to walk miles in the moccasins of the  man for whom the area is named, Ishi, last survivor of the Yahi Yana people.  This tribe of brave and proud Native Americans escaped invading settlers, living free and undetected in the Deer Creek area for many years. In August of 1911, having outlived the rest of his tribe, Ishi, overcome by hunger and loneliness walked out of his wilderness home. He was discovered, emaciated and frightened, in a slaughter house near Oroville, California from which he embarked on an epic journey that eventually led him to UC Berkley where he was an inspiration as well as a living legend.

These days Ishi’s remote homeland remains as it was when Ishi himself walked the trails that we are all free to explore today. The outback, mystical interior of Ishi Wilderness has stunning rugged landscapes and bizarre lava rock formations shaped over the  millennia by wind, water and the powerful eruptions of the Mt. Lassen Volcano. Deer and Mill Creeks have bubbled along in the Ishi Wilderness carving deep canyons since long before the Yahi Yana fished the annually migrating salmon and steel head from their rushing waters. Spanning over more than 40,000 acres, Ishi Wilderness is a mysterious place to explore over and over again.

This is a place to truly walk with the animals as a large variety of wildlife call Ishi Wilderness home. Common sightings include deer, fox, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, wild hogs, rabbits and many, many species of birds from tiny hummingbirds to soaring majestic eagles.  Ishi Wilderness is also home to to a large bear population so visitors should always store food in safe containers and tie it up out of their reach.

One part of Ishi Wilderness that is beyond OUR reach is any artifact that Ishi and his neighbors may have left behind, all are protected by Federal Law and are not to be disturbed. Removal of any native artifact is a felony and strictly forbidden. These rules are  part of maintaining the wild beauty here, leave it for next group of hikers to enjoy. Ishi Wilderness is not for the faint of heart and visits to any remote wilderness should be well planned. Wilderness means no services, anywhere, of any kind. Make sure to bring enough drinking water to last the duration of your stay. Summer temperatures soar in the lower elevations of Ishi Wilderness, and dehydration comes on quickly in hot dry weather. Rattlesnakes like hot weather  as well and sightings are the norm in this wild place. This neck of the woods is as rugged and unforgiving as it is beautiful and enchanting.

Black Rock Campground hosts the only set campsites (no fee) with fire rings, stall toilets and picnic tables but even this area is 20 challenging miles from any main road.   Black Rock Campground can be accessed by following Ponderosa Way just West of Mineral, Ca and East of Paynes Creek, Ca off Hwy 36.  The rough and harrowing road  is part of the Lassen Back Country Discovery Trail and is only maintained late May-November, high clearance vehicles are recommended for this route. A still primitive, but more car friendly way to Black Rock Campground is to turn onto Lassen Trail just a few miles down Hwy 32 from where it meets Hwy36/89 about 13 miles out of Chester, Ca. Follow Lassen Trail to Ponderosa Way which leads to Black Rock Campground. Both of these routes can have complications with weather so calling the Almanor Ranger District (530)258-2141 for road conditions is highly recommended.

Visitors are free to set up camp anywhere in the Ishi Wilderness so many choose to pitch their tents and  camp, roughing it style, closer to the main road. Day hikes and a picnic lunch along the banks of Mill Creek are another great low impact way to visit this historic home of Ishi and his people. Although you may drive into camp, no wheeled vehicles are allowed in the Ishi Wilderness, this includes baby strollers, nothing with tires is allowed off-road. Whether you camp safe or extreme always remember to fully extinguish your campfire (small camp fires minimize impact on the land), gather your litter, camp on a durable surface being considerate of delicate plant life and Leave No Trace as was the way of the Yahi Yana. Some of that delicate plant life includes poison oak , nothing ruins a good hike faster, so mind where you walk, sit and camp. Camp fire permits are required for all campers and can be purchased at any Cal Fire Station. The nearest station to the Ishi Wilderness access can be found in Paynes Creek.

Maps of the area to lead you to camp and the many trail heads are available at any Forest Service office. These maps also clearly show multiple owner areas, always respect private property and no trespassing signs. Ishi Wilderness questions will be happily answered by the Almanor Ranger District Office in Chester, Ca at 900 E. Hwy 36 or by phone at (530)258-2141. Camping at a local campground or hiking a trail just off the highway is one way to discover  the great outdoors but if you ever wondered how the Native Americans of old really lived wild and free, leave civilization far behind and explore the Ishi Wilderness. There is great short version of the story of Ishi’s life online at  www.history.library.ucsf.edu under Special Topics and the full story in Theodore Kroeber’s book, Ishi in Two Worlds: a biography of the last wild Indian in North America.

Some info from: wilderness.net; summitpost.org; maps.google.com; US Forest Service, Almanor Ranger District; and www.history.library.ucsf.edu

Bookmark to:

Did you know that all four types of volcanoes on earth (Cinder Cone, Shield, Composite and Plug Dome) are represented in Lassen Nation Park?

Cinder cone volcanoes (Cinder Cone) are formed from explosive eruptions where materials spew high in the air and cool before they hit the ground. Fine-grained rocks are blown away by winds. Coarser rock fragments remain in a cone-shaped pile, which can be hundreds of meters tall.

Shield volcanoes (Prospect Peak) are formed by frequent, quiet eruptions and are much larger in width than in height. As smooth lava flows build up, a dome shape is formed. Shield volcanoes usually change shape when eruptions become explosive late in the life of the volcano.

Composite volcanoes (Brokeoff Volcano) are very large and are formed from alternating explosive eruptions and quiet eruptions. This results in layers of ejected material covered by smooth lava flows. Composite volcanoes are usually symmetrical in shape and can be as high as several kilometers.

“Lassen Peak (Plug Dome) is the largest of a group of more than 30 volcanic domes erupted over the past 300,000 years in Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. With a height of 2,000 feet and a volume of half a cubic mile, it is one of the largest lava domes on Earth”. – Excerpts from: Clynne, et.al., 1999, Eruptions of Lassen Peak, California, 1914 to 1917: USGS Fact Sheet 173-98

www.wou.edu

www.vulcan.wr.usgs.gov

www.nps.gov

Bookmark to:

Photos by Bill Kelso

Here at Mountain Valley Living we have a great time scoping out new and exciting places to share with you, our cherished readers, and we are thrilled that many of you are logging on to mountainvalleyliving.com and sharing your favorite mountain getaways with us. This Road Trip to Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort in the tiny community of Butte Meadows, Ca was recommended, via email to editor@mountainvalleyliving.com, by Milly Pollock of Chico, Ca. Ironically I was reading that very email when my honey asked where I wanted to go for my birthday. It was a no brainer, lets go spend the night in a cabin at the Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort. So on the day that I turned 29 (one more time) we slowly made our winding way down scenic Hwy 32.

The mossy slopes of the hillside glistened in the sunlight, soaked by Spring’s arrival and the melting snow.  Deer Creek rushed alongside, bulging its banks and calling with a loud, yet soothing roar. We just couldn’t resist stopping to walk along the shore.  We must have wandered quite awhile because when we finally arrived at 7473 Humboldt Rd. Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort, our children had already called, and we found charming owners Bill and Stacy Kelso ready to send a posse for our search and rescue.  Stacy came from behind the counter to hug me, relieved that we had arrived safe and sound. How welcoming is that? I felt like a long lost relative they were happy to see. There was a crackling fire in the rock fireplace and a glass of local Bertagna wine, from Son Kissed Vineyard of Chico, with my name on it. I was in no hurry to go our cabin. We wiled away a few pleasant hours chatting with the Kelsos, their lovely daughter LeeAnn and P.A. & Pam Adams, locally known as Mayor and Mrs. Mayor. It turns out Pam Adams is the great local hunter, tagging nice big bucks two years in a row. Mayor P.A.’s claim to local fame came last October when he was crowned Miss Butte Meadows at the Mercantile’s annual Oktoberfest celebrations. They video is priceless. Catch it at: (YoutubeButteMeadowsOktoberfest2009).

Butte Meadows has a year round population of 43 and is tucked way back in the woods. This is no place for convention or rules. Deputy Doug of the Butte County Sheriff Dept., who we also met during our visit, was one of the easily bribed judges to award the top three winners of the Mercantile’s annual 4^th of July Patriotic Off Road Parade. We next shared a beverage with local Don Altig, Camp Ranger for 16 years at nearby Camp Lassen. Camp Lassen has hosted Boy Scout camp-outs for more than 75 years and Don has been a Scout for 50 years himself. Beauty Queens to Boy Scouts, Butte Meadows has it all. Several other locals and guests dropped in for the signature pizzas prepared fresh. The special “Jack’s” pizza looked amazing piled high with white sauce, chicken, garlic, bacon, red onion, bell pepper and artichokes (lg $22.50) yummy. Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort also offers a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches($7.50) as well as fresh salads ($3.99) and brimming bowls of steaming Soup of the Day($5.25). You can even call ahead for a sack lunch to take hiking, biking or swimming; $8.50 gets you a sandwich, chips, Mac Salad and either a soda or bottle of water. Several groceries, gasoline, beer, the wonderful Bertanga Wines, T-shirts with their own “eat.play.sleep.drink…Repeat and be merry” mantra and souvenirs round out the items available at this home away from home in the pines.

Bill and Stacy Kelso purchased Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort in September of ’07 and their opening June ‘08 was truly baptism by fire. The Humboldt Fire was raging just a few miles away. Firefighters from all over the country were lined up to protect all the structures in the downtown area. The staff at Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort consists of Stacy, Bill and LeeAnn Kelso but the Adams and many other neighbors just pitched in to help serve the heroic men and women that saved their tightly knit nostalgic community.

We plan to return for the 4th of July Parade and festivities because I can’t wait to see who challenges last year’s patriotic first place finishers. Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort offers 4 (soon to be 5) cabin and 4 RV site rentals year round so call early to secure your lodging. We spent the night in the Snowy Mountain Bungalow Cabin($145 per night, sleeps up to 8), a classic cabin in the woods. The Kelso’s left the lights on for us and inviting warmth radiated from the corner woodstove when we stepped in from the charming little porch stacked high with fire wood and home to the BBQ grill and a bit of “patio furniture”.  I curled up on the cushy white sofa under a soft and fluffy lap-throw watching tv while my prince charming cooked me a wonderful birthday dinner in the fully stocked kitchen. The entertainment center was also fully stocked with VCR, DVD player, stereo, a deck of cards and poker chips, a monopoly game and even some candles and a lantern, ready to light in case of emergency.

The Kelsos went above and beyond anticipating our every need and comfort from the shampoo and  gel dispenser in the shower to the amazing gift basket on the dining room table.  These cabins feel like home, lived in and cozy. The beds are stacked high with puffy pillows and draped with thick comforters atop colorful cozy sheets with a fresh downy scent, just like home.  We slept like babies after a good movie and some hot chocolate and banana bread from the gift basket. Happy Birthday to me!

Starting in late May, Butte Meadows Mercantile & Resort is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm, later if the crowd keeps the beer and pizza sliding across the counter. Wednesday nights are all you can eat pizza with salad and dessert as well as friendly games of Wii bowling. Daytime outdoor activities include volleyball, parties around the campfire, fishing and swimming in Butte Creek, hiking the nearby Pacific Crest Trail, occasional 4 wheeler poker runs, and exploring the dense forest back country.

Even though Butte Meadows is a small community the area can host a slew of visitors. If Stacy and Bill get full they will be happy to point you in the right direction to rent another cabin, RV site or campground. Give them a call at (530)873-5016 or send an email to buttemeadows24.7@gmail.com to make reservations. You can see pictures of several of the cabins and check prices on their website at buttemeadowscabins.com. Not only did I have a great birthday party with the Kelsos and their neighbors, I made some new friends. Thanks again to Milly Pollock for sharing her favorite mountain hideaway with us. Where is your favorite Sierra Road Trip? Log on to mountainvalleyliving.com and tell us all about it. We’d love to check it out.

Shawn, P.A. and Jerry

Bill, Stacy and LeeAnn Kelso

2009 4 wheeler Poker Run

P.A. Adams 2009 Miss Butte Meadows

Stacy and LeeAnn Kelso

Bookmark to:

Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day with dinner and a mystery!  On March 16, at the Quincy Veterans Hall, the Association of Concerned Theater Goers (ACT) will  begin an evening of fun with hors d’ oeuvres, wine and beer at 6:00pm.  This will be followed by a delicious meal at 7 pm served up by Chef Sean Conry of Longboards Restaurant.  Before and after the meal, an Irish mystery entitled “Eat, Drink and be Murdered”  will keep your mind turning and your table in suspense.  During dessert, playgoers may purchase clues for $1 each from the players to help solve the mystery. The first table to do so wins the prize.

ACT came into being to help fund drama at Quincy High School.  They now pay the stipend of the Assistant Drama Coach and also offer scholarships for seniors. All proceeds will benefit ACT.

Tickets are $30 apiece or a group may purchase a table for ten for $300.  Why not bring all your friends to the Quincy Veterans Hall at 274 Lawrence St. and have a night of fun, laughter and intrigue?  Tickets may be purchased at Epilog Books, and Plumas Arts Office or call Cherry Shipp at 283-6510 or 283-3903.

Bookmark to:

Presale tickets for Plumas Arts members can be purchased between Feb. 10 and April 2 for $30/person.  General public ticket sales begin on March 10 for $35.    After April 4, admission is $40 if available.   Tickets can be charged by phone by calling (530) 283-3402 or on-line at the Plumas Arts Shop at plumasarts.org.

Bookmark to: