Things to do in Northern California?

[Sigarms]

You're in luck! Calaveras County is forecast to have a near 20% decrease in population in the next 40 years.

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article278496679.html

Out of curiosity, I had to look, and again, not certain how accurate the numbers are, but the numbers made sense in my mind.

Median sell price for a home in Caleveras county, 539K, up 8% from 2022.

Median sell price for a home in the county I resided in NC, 236K, up 15% from 2022.

No doubt Angels Camp most likely has some retired people from the city moving out to the country, because even a "cheaper" smaller looking home that we saw for sale was listed at 739K, and that of couse will be raising the pricing up, but still...

While we were on vacation, our son found out they approved his paperwork for enlistment in the Air Force. Since he was adopted, the paperwork required by the military was mind boggling IMO because he had a IEP plan in elementary school, which most kids have when in care of the dept of social services and in foster care. Mind boggling because when he came to live with us, we found out he needed glasses, and with some private tutoring where he needed help, the IEP plan was dropped when he was in 5th grade (he wants to follow in my fathers footsteps and perhaps make a career out of the AF, we'll see).

The only reason why I mention this is because at this point, realistically, I think the only way being out on the west coast is in our future is if he decides to settle down somewhere out there and we decide to move closer to him in our older age.

 

[Sigarms]

I agree that there is a definitely a shortage of "skilled" labor in the HVAC industry.

Went on "vacation" earlier this year and my daughter who is a project manager for a contractor in Riverside had me lined up with comissioning 5 minisplits and 2 identical split systems. One of thier appentices drove me to each location and we pretty much split the work 50/50.
I am a bit rusty, but haven't forgotten how to use a guage set. Got to help my daughter and her company out and had a good time while doing it. No call backs on any of it so I feel good about it.
There is work out there for those who aren't afraid of it.

If for whatever reason my son didn't qualify for the military, he would have had to opportunity to work with some pretty smart guys in the HVAC field as a grunt worker / apprentice, learning if he wants to.

He's a good worker, started work and saving at age 15, and every position he's worked at, he gets more and more responsibilty thrown at him. I hate to say this, but kind of to my dismay, he LOVES working at a car wash he's been at for the last year. That said, he is laying out his future, and the military is a great choice IMO, so sometimes it's hard to butt out as a father and just let the kid do what they want to do when you know they haven't made many boneheaded choices Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry are all GREAT careers for young people to get into IMO.

My wife and I were out on a walk one morning while in Angles Camp. HVAC pick up truck pulls into a driveway in front of us. I knew the outdoor unit pretty well (couldn't tell if it was AC or HP though as we weren't close enough) and it was a 3rd party coil which I was familar with per brand. I was dying to stop in and ask the guys why the 3rd party coil as it didn't make sense to me, and while thinking that in my mind, my wife informs me to don't dare to think about stop and talk to the guys while they were working and we're on vacation

One thing about a trade... no matter where you live, your work is always needed.

A good friend of my son has been working at a box store the last couple of years when he's been in high school. I never realized this, but these box stores have programs where kids can work at the box store and go to school for a trade. He wants to become an electrician.

 

[Sigarms]

A friend of mine went skiing in Mammoth on the 4th of July this year.

You made me look. Mammoth Lakes, yet another whole area we never got to and I never knew existed while we were out there.

I have a whole new perspective on the Sierra Nevada's now after being there. That mostly from a car, no doubt a more in depth perspective when hiking in the area.

I've got to ask, where was the pic taken and in what month?

 

[plowhog]

I have a whole new perspective on the Sierra Nevada's now after being there.

Couple of thoughts if you do come back, or consider relocating ....

At Donner Summit, there is a memorial to ... drum roll ... the Donner Party! It's worth stopping to see. If you could rent a cabin at Donner Lake for a few days that would be tremendous to see. Of course the town of Truckee is there, which is sometimes the coldest spot in the entire USA. Fun little town.

In Mammoth, much, much to do. I've flown small airplanes in and out of the mammoth airport. Even with a 7,000+ ft runway, it gets exciting because the thin air provides greatly reduce lift. There is also world-class skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Stepping off the ledge at "Dave's run" is like going over the side of a cliff. You'll never forget the first time you do it.

Local fishing in the area is tremendous. Just slightly north is Bridgeport, there is a dedicated "wild trout" section of river there-- catch and release only. I've caught some huge trout there (i.e. 5-10 lbs.) Typical trout are 1-2 lbs. Also near Bridgeport is incredible camping at Twin Lakes. And it goes on and on. Down south is Bishop, CA. It is high desert at 4,000 ft. elevation. "Mule Days" is the huge annual event in Bishop.

Regarding real estate, I bought a 1,500 sq. ft. mountain cabin in Calaveras county in the '90s for about $170k. It's probably worth $450k-$500k now. That's pretty typical appreciation for CA real estate. The population of Calaveras County swelled during Covid-- Arnold, CA expanded by close to 50%. But I don't know any demographics lately. I need to get to our place over there as it has been a while.

Regarding wages, two summers ago I tried to help my excavation contractor find a laborer. This is in Northern NV, but not far away. As simple as it gets-- the only requirement was knowledge of how to operate a shovel. That's it. Unless you were offering $26/hr or more, no one would respond. And competitors were offering a $3,000 cash bonus after 90 days of employment. Skilled trades, of course, would zenith upward from that.

 

[plowhog]

if you were born into this world naked by the clothes God gave you, exactly what is wrong with walking around naked in public or going to church that way?

Taking it one notch further, you were born helpless and totally dependent on others for survival-- so what has changed?

 

[Sigarms]

Taking it one notch further, you were born helpless and totally dependent on others for survival-- so what has changed?

A long time ago a woman took a bite from an apple where she wasn't allowed to. Been screwing up society ever since

 

[Sigarms]

Regarding wages, two summers ago I tried to help my excavation contractor find a laborer. This is in Northern NV, but not far away. As simple as it gets-- the only requirement was knowledge of how to operate a shovel. That's it. Unless you were offering $26/hr or more, no one would respond. And competitors were offering a $3,000 cash bonus after 90 days of employment. Skilled trades, of course, would zenith upward from that.

That's what I figured, thanks for the confimation.

Mentioned, didn't get to Donner's pass (as well as Tahoe), will have to hit it on a trip back. However, as noted, Virginia City was the perfect tourist trap for the day and well enjoyed for everything we did.

You were spot on with Caleveras big tree state park, able to make two trips there for the north and south trails. South trail was probably the most hiking we did when we were out there.

Next trip out we can now bypass Yosemite and route 1, although my wife would have loved to do the original planned drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara on route 1. Logistically, taking our time and trying to enjoy the sights of those two spots alone took 4-5 days of our trip, so that will free up a lot more time on the next trip out.

 

[plowhog]

Many people were extremely helpful to your inquiry. I learned some new and valuable things as well. Glad your trip was a success!

 

[Sigarms]

Many people were extremely helpful to your inquiry. I learned some new and valuable things as well. Glad your trip was a success!

Honestly, I find it amazing that you learned some new things as well since you live out there.

One reason why I was so enamored with Utah years ago. Everytime I went back, I found something new. May not be able to do this with a rental vehicle nowadays, but the "hole in the rock road" is worth the trip and some amzing history!!

The thing I find both amazing and mind blowing with Ebbetts and Sonora pass is how people actually took the time and figured out how to make a trail, and then leading to building a road. We take so many things for granted now because it's already there. No different than why I wanted to check out Donner's pass. Reason why I had to look up Chalmers mansion the first time I saw it. Exactly how did this house get there that is so old and what is the history behind it?

I think my wife will agree, the trip to California was both educational and fun, the most we had on a trip since I took her to Utah when we dated (because I wanted to show her and experience a place I loved).

And yes, if I haven't said it, many thanks to those who have responded to this thread, all comments were of great help. I found it interesting to read the beginning of this thread when I started it, to now when we finished it, and are back in NC.

In hindsight, perhaps it would be cheaper living out there and "exploring" vs airfare and a rental car

 

[ultrarunner]

Taxpayers always welcome!

I enjoyed hearing/seeing my state through the eyes of a first time visitor!