April 8 & 9, 2011 – Mariposa, CA
Lake Tahoe – the pine trees are showering us with snow as the sun shines. I can’t take my eyes off the action. A new kind of snowing for me!
We decide to take the scenic route and drive down highway 49 toward Mariposa. The scenes keep changing as we wind around hills, dip down into valleys, and then climb the narrow road switchbacks. One large area is like a park – there is no underbrush, only trees and green, green grass. Back to the sagebrush, then to mountain flowers, on and on we twist and turn. Years ago, the Chinese, who were no longer employed in the gold mines, built rock walls. They worked for 25 cents a day. We went through Calaveras County and saw some giant frogs, and I think Mark Twain would grimace and croak if he saw what became of his tale. John C. Fremont had some gold mines in this area and built a fort to keep out the claim-jumpers.
At last we arrive at cousin Betty and Jim’s home, a gentle hill bouldered with large granite outcroppings. There are some sheep, a lamb, two lovely dogs, and four wonderful people. Jim’s sister Lois is here visiting from Oahu along with her husband Tubbs. Betty and I are soon talking family history, chicken is grilling, and good conversation begins.
After an early morning walk to the neighborhood bridge and lively creek, we enjoy fruit and coffee and then take off for Yosemite Park. There is still snow on the giant trees, spraying down from their heights, and many waterfalls explode out of the giant granite cliffs. Ice breaks off the rocks and becomes frazzle in the creeks. Sugar pines and sequoias loom overhead. Everything looks over-sized and majestic!
The Ahwahnee Hotel matches the majesty. Huge logs and hand-hewn metal strapping form columns and beams of the high ceiling. The dining room windows are tall and allow views of the surrounding scenes.
Our evening is filled with various activities (and Betty’s strawberry pie!) as we all prepare to head out in different directions: Alaska, Hawaii, and a Lake Tahoe vacation for Jim and Betty.
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