Blogs from Sierra National Forest, California, United States, North America

Day 4! To tie the bow on last night, we made a fire right when we got back. Forecast called for higher winds and cooler temperatures than the previous night, so Sid graciously purchased a mobile home where almost everyone would sleep. I decided to diverge from the masses and sleep in the van. It was warm and comfortable, and an overall great choice! The wood is so incredibly dry out here, we were able to start a fire without a match both last night and again this morning. The plan was to cook over the open flame. Sid and the TA’s purchased a bunch of meat (steaks, chicken, sausage) and veggies to just grill up and chow. It turned out the house had a huge propane grill, so with the exception of the chicken, potatoes ... read more

August 20, 2009 (Melisse here…) HOME We packed up and left HOME, St. Louis, MO., a place that means so much to us, our family, friends and neighbors, our house and it’s gardens, our easy-access town. And yet, after driving cross-country (stopping first in Pocatello and Jackson where my brother, John, generously as always, laid out the red carpet for us) we crossed into California where the winding, tree- lined mountain roads filled our hearts and minds with the same word for different reasons: HOME. After nine years away, the sights and smells, the anticipation of reuniting with old friends, let us know that we were HOME here, as well. We brainstormed on the word and its concept: There’s no place like home. Home is where the heart is. Home is where you hang your hat. ... read more

We just got back from 5 days of free camping at the Buttermilks (just outside of Bishop, in the Sierras of California). April 14 through April 19, 2008. Who: AB, DJC, Sidd, and Maya. Camp sites are first come, first serve - we arrive on Monday and the place was packed. Acitivities: Snowshowing to snowboard-able slopes around the Buttermilks. Tons of ardous hikes abound leading to amazing runs...this is not for the weary. Will be much better in JANUARY! Will return w/ snowmobiles for sure. Mountain Biking - we brought the bikes, but we lag too much and only managed to move them from the bike rack to the bushes. Resort Snowboarding - Mammoth mountain resort is about an an hour long drive from where we camped. One lovely day at Mammoth to end a great ... read more

What a fabulous backpacking trip. It averaged 8o degrees and there was still snow in some places along the trail. Amazing waterfalls and strong rivers, beautiful flowers and succelents, and not too many people!... read more