Seasonal Archive
How safe are fire retardants used in forest fires?
In recent years, federal and state firefighting agencies have upped their cumulative annual use of long-term fire retardants to some 20+ million gallons a year. How safe are the fire retardants that are used to quell forest fires across the American West?
Learn about Hummingbirds
Hummingbird migration is different than the migration of most other birds. There are no massive flocks of hummingbirds gathering on the power lines, like swarms of blackbirds descending into the marshes, or V's of flying geese streaming across the fall sky. Hummingbirds migrate alone.
High Sierra Mountain Fun - Dardanelle Resort
Nestled in one of the most scenic areas of the High Sierra, The Dardanelle Resort is known by many a summer traveler as 'the place' to stop. Whether it's to pick up missing supplies, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, or simply to refill the ice chest, there is something for everyone at Dardanelle's.
Elegant Dining in the Heart of Old Sacramento
We enjoyed a decadent evening of fine dining with the feeling of what it must be like to be treated as royalty during our anniversary celebration at The Firehouse Restaurant.
Highway 88 and Hope Valley Scenic Wallpapers
The mountains are alive with colors this fall. Join us on our trip down Highway 88 over Carson Pass from Carson City, NV through this scenic, winding mountain highway leading to Highway 49 and us back home to Twain Harte, CA.
NOW, I Need a Vacation
Who can afford to even simply drive around these days with no destination in mind? With gas prices such as they are ($3.19 in our neck of the woods) every mile of every trip is scrutinized, analyzed and justified.
Squirrel Antics: Just another day in the life of a squirrel.
Summer isn't just a season, it's an event in Twain Harte, and maybe it's not just the mountain air that makes us all crazy? It's not only the people who are a little nuts as you will clearly see...
Cougar Confrontation
My first-ever cougar sighting was 2-years-ago around 5:00 am while walking my dog. Two large cats were by the creek; one on a hillside, the other about 40-feet from where I was walking, crouched in the ivy. Probably mother and adolescent cub.
Scenic Merced Area Wallpapers
The weather was perfect and the trip home was a real thrill. To be honest, I wasn't exactly excited to find that we would be taking highway 59 back home to Twain Harte. At first the road appeared to be miles of not much to look at, until we neared the town of Snelling.
Perk up your bathroom!
Time to give your bathroom a face lift? Try the newest idea in bathroom decor. Your guests won't believe their eyes and you'll have a unique conversation item...
Protecting Against Identity Theft During the Holidays
Money for Life Success Planner: The 12-Week Companion to Achieve Financial Fitness
Earth Talk: How Safe are our Beaches?
A friend of mine refuses to swim at our beach near Los Angeles because the water is too polluted. What is the status of beach pollution, and is it safe for my kids and me to take a dip?
Scenic Sonora Area Wallpapers
These pictures were taken on various trips up and down the Highway 108 corridor. New Melones Bridge is a favorite scenic spot where locals and travellers alike stop to soak in the beauty.
Spotted Any Mountain Lions Lately?
Last summer our family was driving down Middle Camp Road, just about four miles from home. You can imagine our mixed emotions when we just happened to spot four mountain lions lazily walking down the road, seemingly without a care in the world.
A Visit to Amador City on Highway 49
On the occasion when we are forced to brave the congested traffic and the smog on our trips to Sacramento, we normally take the scenic route down highway 49. This route affords us the opportunity to take in the sights of the luscious green countryside, often we are rewarded for our efforts and we find a new treasure.
Yosemite in the Spring with Photo Gallery
Due to Spring flooding caused by unusually heavy snowfall over the winter months the Yosemite Valley was a congested tangled mess of motor vehicles.
Scenic Wallpapers for your Desktop
Special thanks to Herb Coleman who recently visited Antarctica and Africa and brought back these beautiful images. It's a pleasure to share them with all our friends.
Heating with Peat - Falkland Islands Tour
Just mention the Falkland Islands and most people draw a blank, having no idea where this isolated country is located. Heating with Peat is an video presentation about the use of peat in the Falkland Islands.
Gold Mines Still Operate Within Sierras
The fourth annual 'Old Alleghany Day' was held on September 10th, 2005, complete with old west style gun fights and street vendors peddling their wares.
Hurricane Rita Aftermath
Links and information on how to prepare for rough weather. Hurricane's can be devastating as we have all seen, but you can improve your chances of survival by having a plan of action to follow.
Living and Vacationing in Mountain Lion Country
Mountain Lion Protection: I have been viewing some online material on Mountain Lions tonight, as I am thinking of ways to prevent becoming a statistic. Do you have any material or suggestions on how I might read up on others expereinces with dogs protecting them from Mountain Lions?
Priorities: Man or Beast?
Society will continue to face tough decisions in our future. As each state is forced to make laws, which will determine how man and beast will share our ever populated lands. We must keep in mind that just as we find a balance in nature, man must learn to balance human lives with nature.
Scenic Antarctica - Home to Penguins and Scientists
Antarctica is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Antarctica, once thought to be a barren, frozen, foreboding land, where many an explorer has lost their life in attempts at overcoming the bitter cold and desolation.
Mountain Lion Population
I am almost 30 years old, and have hunted in California since I was 8 years old. My dad at 52 years of age, has never seen a mountain lion. He has been an avid hunter since age 8 also. You tell me if the populations are increasing...
Fond Memories of Yosemite
I have no first memories of Yosemite. Yosemite was just always 'there' for me. I just knew that whenever we drove through the Arch Rock Entrance I felt that I was 'home'.
Mountain Lion Hunting
The hunting of mountain lions could become legal again in California under a bill introduced by Assemblyman Bill Maze (R-Visalia), who worries about public safety in his district due to the rising mountain lion population.
Small town with a big Harte
Living in these majestic mountains is a dream for many, for others it's a dream come true. After spending two years traveling around the country, meeting people from all walks of life and visiting hundreds of towns, we are finally home. The people must love it here, everywhere you turn are smiling faces. There are more smiles here for square foot than most any place else I've been.
Always Be Prepared: Winter Emergency Survival Tips
Many of us live in areas prone to bad weather. Snow can be great fun to play in but can create special hazards when we must drive in it. With a little forethought and preparation, we can brave the winter snow with confidence.
