They Multiply...

At our last home we hardly ever saw a bird at this bird bath. Since we moved we have them constantly-- and many different varieties.

I also watched six deer and one buck in my back yard yesterday. It is mating season and things are getting weird out there! I went out to chat with them and they instantly all turned to me and froze with the "deer in the headlight" stare and did not move until I returned back to the house.

Just another day at Shaver!!

Thanksgiving Hike!

I suggested that we take my sister-in-law on a hike. Everyone was game, especially my husband. We chose the hike to the top of Bald Mountain. It had been a while since we had hiked, so I was really looking forward to it.

What I did not know, nor find out until we had driven down Dinkey Creek road and half way to the beginning of the trail, was the information describing the trail stated "not for the faint of heart!" Having company with us and not wanting to at all look "chicken" (I was scared to death) we started up the mountain.

The trail rose quickly and the heart pounded in strain...but that was good with me I am fit enough, but the trail narrowed in places with not much room for error and there in lies my fear. When the guide book said to tie a rope to any children you may take for the hike, I should have known that that included me. (I would suggest that if you take small children on this hike you do take a rope...that way if they slip you can pull them back to safety. Most of the sliding would not be but to a lower rock...we are not talking a cliff...but one could still get hurt in some steep areas).

Once to the top (5.50 miles round trip), you have a 360 degree view of...EVERYTHING! This picture does not give justice to the view of Shaver Lake behind us. It was absolutely breathtaking. You can also take a jeep, quads, or other off-road vehicles. Make sure to get your sticker for your vehicle from USFS or you could get fined. The hiking trail is half off-road vehicle road and half foot trail.

On the return of the trip the "downhill" sections were a little, well, scary for me. When you are coming down slopes with loose gravel...footing is very important. So how did I handle it all? Having brought gloves to protect my hands from possible cold they took on another purpose--I would sit and slide on my back side with gloves slowing my decent...sounds a bit weird and I made the others laugh, but it worked for me! ;)

Keep in mind that this did not seem near as scary for my fellow hikers...but I am as described "the faint at heart."

Best Time To Burn??

It is not difficult to see how the recent fires in Southern California caused so much damage and spread so quickly.

The fires you see here were begun in slash piles initially covered with snow--you can see snow everywhere yet the fires burned as if it were the middle of summer. Most developers who have clearing to do make piles like these and burn them in the winter snow. These flames make one realize it is always best to check with the USFS for safe burning dates.

If you are headed to Shaver Lake this weekend for the tree lighting, to buy a Christmas tree, or just to enjoy Santa's Village, you can stop by Coldwell Banker and pick up a printed list of all the events beginning this weekend and continuing through Christmas.

Come see us!

Blue Skies!

It looks like Thanksgiving weekend will be a bit cooler, but still no snow in site.

From My Own Front yard!

Of course the picture was from last spring, but my husband captured the moment well.

Everywhere in town you can see elves, Christmas stockings and so much more. Santa's helpers have been very busy. The town Christmas tree is up and Santa will be lighting the tree the day after (Friday evening) Thanksgiving. There will also be a great Holiday boutique that same weekend.

Come and enjoy!

Still shining!

The clouds and rain are gone and the sun is out once again...so like Shaver Lake. Sometimes in the winter when it is only 40 degrees it can feel like 75 degrees standing in the sun at Shaver.

Not My Kind of Dinner!

Same bobcat as in the video? Yes, indeed. I was lucky enough to watch her make the catch ( it's a ground squirrel).

The Central Sierra Historical Society was the host to 100+ people for their First Annual Shaver Lake Home Tour. It was a huge success.

I am thankful for the change in weather, but we sure could have used more rain. November 6th is usually the cut off for summer "no-burn," but because it is so dry they have extended the date until further notice.

Today volunteers were out getting Santa's Village all in place for the arrival of Santa himself on Thanksgiving weekend.

Stay warm!

Give Yourself The Whole Day!

Another great hike ends where you can cool your hard working feet. This hike out of Huntington takes you to Twin Lakes. There are trips (via horseback) that go even farther than twin lakes, but we were on foot so the lakes were the end of our journey.

Each of the lakes are so clear that you can watch the fish swim along the edge. Make sure to take your swimming suit...the water is cold, but I guarantee you that you will not be able to leave without a swim--and after the long trip in, you feet will appreciate the cool refreshment it provides. This is an all day hike and you would want to make sure you go in good weather. The trail is easy to follow and easy in itself--just long.

Hike Anyone?

If you head up toward Tamarack Ridge, enter the second snow play area (on the left) you will have access to several hikes/nordic ski trails. The hike to Eagle Point is easy. This is what you see when you get to the top--that's right--Shaver Lake. You can also see a tiny sliver of Balsam Fore Bay to the right. The hike is about a three hour trip to and fro with some beautiful trees and meadows along the way. On one trip (we have been three times) we even watched a bear in a meadow of yellow flowers--he was gorgeous!

A Different Trip

Different kayak, different trip. This lazy girl is resting from her kayak paddle at Wishon. This quaint cove provided a very hard and lumpy sun bath, but it still felt wonderful. The smooth paddle to the cove was only a disguise for the tough paddle back against the wind.

Best Time of the Year!

It was a beautiful weekend for kayaks this past weekend. Not a soul on the lake....well, we did hear a couple of distant voices on the beach and one fisherman gave a loud yelp--caught a prize fish I guess. But in general, it was still and sooooo relaxing--one small boat and two kayaks on the whole lake. I think we may need to see what Huntington is like next weekend.

Sun Keeps Glowing!

Although I keep snow in my prayers and thoughts, the sun just keeps on shining. It is difficult to complain about the sun. Actually it is difficult to complain about Shaver Lake at all.

It is a great time of the year for hikes...cool, yet without snow laden paths.

It is the slower time of the year, less traffic, less noise...relaxing color is what the fall is best described as. Come on up!!