Things to do in Northern California?

[California]

Sigarms welcome to sunny California!

(The forecast is 90 degrees about the time you start driving.)

 

[ericm979]

I think this summer is probably the best in the last 10-15 years for summer air quality in the Sierras and California in general. There's no big fires in CA right now and the ones in Oregon aren't too big and have not been sending a lot of smoke down south.

There's red flag warnings in far NorCal and Oregon (where it's super hot), heat warnings for the central valley and possible lightning storms in the Sierras from the remnants of a tropical storm. So the clear air may go away soon.

 

[Sigarms]

Sigarms welcome to sunny California!

(The forecast is 90 degrees about the time you start driving.)

 

[Sigarms]

Been on this forum a very long time, I think this is the first time I’ve ever posted remotely not from my home.

We drive to Fresno tonight because our guided trip through Yosemite picks us up there tomorrow morning at 0500 there.

My wife and I agree, interesting topography on the drive to Angels Camp. Cows are smart staying under trees. I can see why at least this area seems to have potential for wild fires (not sure if happens around here, but that grass looks like a tinderbox ready to go

First place for gas was cheapest at $4.55

Seems to be land and homes for sale on the drive yesterday.

Stopped and had the best Mexican food than we ever had vs NC for 20 years we lived there, and we’re weren’t to certain about the place when we first pulled in, but we were getting hungry. Then it did hit me, it was also the most expensive Mexican dinner I ever bought for 3 people.

12:24am right now, but our butts we’re dragging from yesterday, Wife said I crashed at 5 pm local time. My issue is I’m a up at 4-5 am kind of guy 7 days a week.

Suggestions on the drive to Fresno or a quick day trip? Wife mentioned a state park on this area a school teacher of our son suggested. Edit, looked where some sequoias are, looks interesting and ironic I can get excited to see one as I never have.

THIS is what I should have done from the start and just ask while I’m here lol

My boy impressed me. Has the playlist he created for my dad over the years my dad lived with us. He actually likes the Glen Miller orchestra along with the Andrew sisters and Chuck Berry and a host of 40’s and 50’s music he saved. I’m to much like my dad now. Getting to the point where I’m not fond of technology but it does come in handy if you know how to use it. New Mazda SUV with only 254 miles on it when we picked it up. I would never buy one myself, but it gets the job done (I’d spend a little more for a Subaru)

Have to laugh, Calaveras county over 1,000 square miles population 45k. Yadkin county NC 330 square miles population 35k. Also my wife made sure no work laptop on my end, but she HAD to bring her iPad if help is needed from her company. Go figure.

 

[Sigarms]

If you wish to see spectacular scenery, take a drive over Hwy 4 to Carson City. This is Ebbetts Pass, and passes by the small towns of Arnold, Camp Connel, and Bear Valley. The scenery is equivalent to that in Glacier National Park-- huge jagged high granite peaks with deeply carved valleys in between. For many miles it is more equivalent to a one lane paved road but it is no problem at all in a passenger vehicle.

You did tell me but I forgot.

I felt like such a tourist because I had to ask a guy at Alpine lake if I was still on 4.

Trying to make it to Markleyville but there were some road construction, so to play it safe turned around and headed back to Angels Camp.

Won’t lie, the pucker factor settled down on the way back after getting the first drive under my belt. A truck carrying a boat did scare the crap out of my wife on on blind corner on the north side of the pass coming around a corner lol

I see what you guys mean about temperature swings in different locations just in one day. Hot, mild and cool all in one day depending on the elevation.

The tree park was a hit as well.

Ebbitts pass reminded me of 421 between Mountain City and Shady Grove Tenn, just about 5,000 feet difference in elevation lol

 

[Hughman]

You should pop over Sonora pass if you have the time.

 

[Sigarms]

You should pop over Sonora pass if you have the time.

I hate to ask, but what would the drive time be and best route from Angels Camp?

We’re in Fresno tonight. We took 4 south to like 89, then to 99 south I think. Weather is still all over the place. It’s 85f now (ant night) and the breeze is actually hot (my son even commented on it).

This picture taken in Lagrange road (we ended up by a large California campus of Mercerd (sp?). 2nd pic was a panoramic view. LOTS of open land.

My wife even commented on how the topography changes and for the short time here, really never thought of this type of land being California.

We’re spending tomorrow night in Fresno as well. Any suggestions on a roundabout trip back to Angels Camp? Thinking about the sequoia national park south of Yosemite on Thursday, but need to look at the Gazetteer in the car.

Friday we head over to the coast for rt 1 to Big Sur then San Fran then back to angels camp on Monday. It would be next week for Sonora pass and or perhaps Lake Tahoe.

 

[Hughman]

I hate to ask, but what would the drive time be and best route from Angels Camp?

From AC, take 49 south to Sonora, then 108 east to 395. The dramatic part is between Kennedy Meadows and Leavitt Meadows. Figure about 3 hours each way.

 

[Sigarms]

For August we lucked out for a couple reasons, and I’ll take it.

Long day starting at 5 am, but I’ll take it.

For the record, anyone reading this that never has been to Yosemite, I wouldn’t ever go in August again.

That said my wife and I will be back during the non summer months.

 

[California]

...anyone reading this that never has been to Yosemite, I wouldn’t ever go in August again.

That said my wife and I will be back during the non summer months.

Gorgeous photos!

You saw a few people there? . 10,000 people sleep in the valley overnight. Add the day visitors, and it adds up. Local folks coming up on the weekends, even more.

Yosemite Valley is a must-see. The high country beyond it is gorgeous too. Our extended family camped annually at Tuolumne Meadows for many years. YNP is sort of our spiritual home for this California family, what we have in common as various people move around over the years.

Did your kid like it?