Columbia State Park

The sun made an appearance yesterday

in honor of Valentines Day.

We took advantage of the spring like weather

and paid a visit to our local State Park in Columbia.

It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and smell the new grass.

The birds had the same idea.

The Columbia Firehouse.

The St. Charles Saloon is still in operation.

Girls in period clothing having fun on the wagon.

The Chinese Herbalist.

Established in 1856, the City Hotel was restored in 1975 by the state of California,

the nonprofit City Hotel Corporation, and Columbia College.

For many years the City Hotel was part of the

Columbia College culinary program.

Heading over to Columbia Candy Kitchen with my Valentine.

She worked at the candy store during her college years.

It is still owned and operated by the same family.

Their hand dipped chocolates are incredible.

Our kids loved riding the stagecoach when they were young.

Their favorite part was when we were held up by bandits on horseback.

It was a little frightening for our youngest son who was two at the time.

The Fallon House Theatre. Visit their website here.

Dial M For Murder starts March 26.

Once upon a time when our kids were very young, we lived in Juneau, Alaska.

When things became too hectic around the house, we'd load the kids into our mini-van and take a drive. Eventually, the boys would all fall asleep and my wife and I had a moment or two of quiet. Often times, we'd drive around just looking at homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Our kids are grown now but we still enjoy spending an afternoon driving through different neighborhoods in Sonora admiring the many different architectural styles of homes in the area.

I'm always amazed at the diversity in the older neighborhoods. Most of the photographs below are from the Meyers Hill area.

From Spanish style ...

to colonial.

Arts and Crafts era bungalows...

to mid century modern.

This looks very much like an Eichler home from the 50's.

All of these beautiful homes in one neighborhood.

Take a drive around your area. See how many different styles of homes you can find.

If you have young children, you may even get the added bonus of some quiet time.

Hetch Hetchy (Little Yosemite) via Groveland

One of our favorite day trips from Sonora is a drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir via the little town of Groveland. Groveland is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Sonora. Sometimes we stop in Groveland for lunch. Most of the time we pack a lunch and eat once we reach Hetch Hetchy.

Downtown Groveland

Our favorite thrift store.

Hetch Hetchy Valley was once apart of Yosemite National Park.The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 destroyed the majority of San Francisco’s water system. As a direct result of this, the Raker Act of 1913 was passed. The Raker Act granted San Francisco the public use of lands to build the Hetch Hetchy Water and Power Project. What was once HetchHetchy Valley is now Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Today, there is a movement to restore Hetchy Hetchy.

Hetch Hetchy Valley 1885

By Ferdinand Richardt

Hetch Hetchy Valley 1890

by Albery Bierstadt

Hetch Hetchy Today

There are several trails around Hetch Hetchy. One of the trails starts at the dam and wraps around the reservoir. There are three waterfalls along this trail: Tueelala (a seasonal waterfall that drys up by late spring), Wapama (The fall visible from the main parking area), and Rancheria Falls (a series of cascades near the rear of the reservoir). They are fairly easy hikes but wear good shoes.

Link to Hiking the Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite National Park

We are very fortunate to live less than two hours away from one of our country's most beautiful parks.

Yosemite National Park

“I have seen persons of emotional temperament stand with tearful eyes, spellbound and dumb with awe, as they got their first view of the Valley from Inspiration Point, overwhelmed in the sudden presence of the unspeakable, stupendous grandeur.”

– Galen Clark, guardian of the Yosemite Grant

"The walls are made up of rocks, mountains in size, partly separated from each other by side cañons, and they are so sheer in front, and so compactly and harmoniously arranged on a level floor, that the Valley, comprehensively seen, looks like an immense hall or temple lighted from above.

But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life. Some lean back in majestic repose; others, absolutely sheer or nearly so for thousands of feet, advance beyond their companions in thoughtful attitudes, giving welcome to storms and calms alike, seemingly aware, yet heedless, of everything going on about them." The Yosemite, John Muir 1912

Sierra Foothill Wineries

For many years the wine regions of the Sierra Foothills have been one of California's best kept secrets. This area is host to dozens of small, distinct wineries that are scattered throughout the region. Beautiful scenery, quiet country roads, fresh air and award winning wines greet visitors to our area.

Spring is a beautiful time of year in the foothills. The vines come to life with the brilliant green of new growth.

Visit in the fall for a real showing of color . In September and October wineries are in full swing of the harvest season. Many are open on the weekends for tastings, but a few require visitors to make appointments.

There is always something going on no matter which season you choose to visit. Check with the local wineries for their calendar of events. I've listed just the wineries in our county and the neighboring county. These wineries are all within a 45 minute drive...and that is just a small part of the very diverse and beautiful Sierra Foothill Wine Country. Take a virtual tour, then come and see us for a weekend. You won't be sorry.

Tuolumne County Wineries

Mt. Brow Winery

La Bella Rosa Winery

Calavaras County Wineries

Chevaux

Black Sheep Winery

Bodega del Sur Winery

Brice Station Winery

Broll Mountain Vineyards

Chatom Vineyards

Chiarella Wines

Frog's Tooth Winery

Hatcher Winery

Ironstone Vineyards

Laraine Winery

Lavender Ridge Vineyard

Milliaire Winery

Muir's Legacy Vineyards

Newsome-Harlow Wines

Renner Winery

Solomon Wine Company

Tanner Vineyards

Twisted Oak Winery

Val du Vino Winery

Zucca Mountain Vineyards

Sonora: A Great Place To Live Or Just Hang Out

Hello friends and lovers of Sonora and the surrounding areas in Tuolumne County. My Name is Chuck Kiel and I live and sell real estate in Tuolumne County. We who live here love the way of life and slowness of pace. There is also much to do if you look close. I will help you discover what I am talking about if you tune in here from time to time. I want you to discover the joys of living here as much as my family and myself. Thanks for viewing.