Yosemite in Autumn

We got back last night after spending the long holiday weekend in Yosemite. This short video shows the fun we had, but doesn't talk about the RV battery going bad. It wouldn't hold a charge, so the heater was out of the question, which made twenty-degree nights a little brisk. We spent the evenings in Curry and Yosemite Lodges, warming ourselves by their fireplaces. We had brought lots of bedding, so once we got under the covers, everything was fine.

In the video, we spoke of Andy's twelve-hour nap and Sherry sleeping on the drive up. Let's just say next time we'll buy the non-drowsy Dramamine or skip it all together. With the exception of the battery, La Rana performed perfectly. Unfortunately, I became completely caffeinated for the long drive home and couldn't sleep last night, nor search for royalty-free music to accompany the video.

Several folks have asked for more on the Winchester House. Unfortunately, they don't allow cameras inside, but here is a good commercial video on the WMH.

Death Valley Day Trip

Sherry, Ed and Man-Child in Death Valley

Snapping down the 38

The Death Valley Gang was camping out this weekend, but the Fire Lookout's end-of-season barbecue was on Saturday, so we could only get out for a Sunday visit. Andy always looks forward to some time on the firing line, and he got a chance to break in a new 38 Special. He shot Marsha's new pink-pearl handled Beretta, a couple 357's, and a cowboy-style wheel gun. As usual, he was a crack shot. Sherry got out on the range too and enjoyed the competition.

Andy starts reloading as Jake steps up to the firing line.

Sherry looking for dates!

After washing the lead off our hands, Andy stayed back in camp to visit, while Sherry and I went with some of the group to the China Ranch Oasis and Date Farm. The archeological history of this place goes back to Pre-Columbian times, but the recent history is that a Chinese man named either Quon Sing or Ah Foo came to this canyon after many years of work in the Death Valley borax mines. He developed the water, planted fruits and vegetables, and raised meat for the local mining camps. It became known as Chinaman's Ranch. But, sometime in 1900, a man named Morrison appeared, and, as the story goes, he ran the Chinese farmer off at gun point and claimed the Ranch for his own. Tough times in a tough place, but we had a blast.

On the Scent

As we get ready for our trip into bear country, I found this video taken by a hunter standing in a tree. It just needs the theme from Jaws in the background. Da-Dum. Da-Da-Da-Dum...