A Great Saturday

Dan has been thinking about joining the First Class Miners since we moved out her to the desert 4 years ago. We were out at our favorite camping spot on winter and on a super long walk across the desert found a claim marker of theirs. When we got home, Dan looked them up. We didn't even know there were active gold claims!

Fast forward and here we are. Dan did it. He emailed them, filled out the form and we went to our first membership meeting last week. It was a bbq at another members house in Pioneertown. This is not Dan's MO at all. Just the idea of him dragging us all to a social event was unnerving. But we had a great time and signed up to help at an event in town the following weekend.

And here we were again, going over to the Hi-Desert Nature Museum for "Family Day". It had a Old West theme and the First Class Miners were there with their museum tent and free gold panning. We helped load in early (for us) and then stood around talking for a bit. It seemed like they had things under control. Some of the guys there showed us the stuff and how to show kids to pan. The museum is pretty cool. The guy that owns all the stuff has a big tray of gold nuggets he has found within a 70 mile radius of us. One was half an ounce!!

We decided we would go have lunch and come back to help more in the afternoon. That was when things started to pick up. We were all apprehensive about jumping in and panning with the kids. FCM was funding this thing. They salted each pan with a bit of gold to find that the kids could keep. What if we lost it?! What if we were doing it wrong?! These guys could get the gold out of the pan in under a minute. Me? Well, it took a lot longer. I knew about it, but I'd never actually found anything, so how could I be sure I was doing it right? But we all jumped in. Dan and Tom first. They rock. Tom said he had a lot of fun talking with the kids and showing them how to do it. Dan and Tom were both really impressive. They both are naturals. The excitement of the kids there was enough incentive to get them out and talking. Jake didn't like talking. He knows all about the panning and likes doing it, but he is so shy that interacting with stranger after stranger was very taxing for him. He worked next to me the whole afternoon and I talked and he demonstrated. The first pan I did, I worked on with a little girl for over 5 minutes. I finally went over and asked another woman to see if I was doing it right. I'm dipping and shaking and getting little bits of dirt out at time, trying to make sure I'm not losing the gold. She walks up and dumps over half the dirt off the top! Wow! Spins it and there's the gold. Sheesh! You can't loose the stuff! It's so heavy that once you shake it good, it drops to the bottom and stays. Crazy.

So the event ends and we start to clean up. This is something Jake is good at. He cleans off all the tables, stacks bins, and carries things to the trailer. The whole family helps out right to the end. The group was impressed with the boys and how much they wanted to help, even teaching panning and carrying heavy things. They haven't had a whole family come to help before, so they were in a bit of shock.

Jake said his favorite parts about helping out were filling vials with water for the gold and cleaning and stacking tables. And for that he was given the last of the donuts, so he is a very happy boy. We all had a great day and are eager to do it all again. It was fun for us and we are almost professional gold panners now!

Homeschool Day at the Aquarium

I always try to attend any "Homeschool" day at any place! And the "Aquarium of the Pacific" is the best deal. The tickets cost only $6, the regular price for school groups. Sure, it's a three hour drive down, but it was so worth it. I've been before and found that the earlier you're there, the better. After 11AM, it gets very busy. So we loaded up and headed down at 6AM! Traffic can be a bear at those hours, so I took the long way down the 60 freeway so that I could use the carpool lane pretty much the whole way. It worked like a charm. Rarely does something like that work for me. I have a traffic curse, mostly likely because I go completely nuts if I have to just sit there, not moving. Needless to say we listened to the same Beatles albums  on the way, but I convinced them that I should have a turn at the radio as well, since I was driving. We automatically went to KLOS to listen to Mark & Brian, but remembered they aren't there any more. So sad! But Frank & Heidi were and they proved to be just as hilarious! So we laughed and talked all the way down the freeway.

"The grouper, or giant sea bass."

Jake made a bird friend.

We arrived at 9AM and it was already hot...in Long Beach! It's been a pretty hot summer and it's not quite over yet. So we went straight to the outside stuff so that we wouldn't have to be in the hot sun later. We got to feed the Lorikeets, even though they weren't very hungry. We love watching them. They pick around through the grass and moss on the ground looking for things to eat. They were cuddling and loving on each other, so cute! And flying fast through the place in large groups. The boys were standing in the middle facing the flock and waiting for them to fly by. It was fun. 

There's one on his head and on his chest too!

Then we went and pet the sharks and bat rays. The sharks felt like wet lizards. The big rays were hard and rough, but the small ones were soft like wet velvet. Very cool. Later we watched them feed the sharks. That was fun. It was later in the day, so it was hot and crowded, but patience won out and by the end of the feeding we were up at the railing and able to see well. And at the end we had the feeders to ourselves and could ask them questions. 

Baby Seal!

We saw the penguins and watched them swim and float. I didn't know that there were kinds that live in warm climates like South America. That's why there are penguins at Small World in sombreros! Jake loves them so much. It's so funny. He loves all animals really, but he has a special place for penguins for some reason. He says he wants to be a zoo keeper now. Watching them train the sea lions and seals really made him like the idea even more! 

They had this cool thing where they had taken part of a shark's egg case off so you could see the baby shark growing inside. It didn't hurt them, they were still living in there, only you could see it happening. It was very interesting. We watched the video about it and watched them breathing in there. 

We got some expensive (stale) pretzels and soda and met up with some friends for a bit. Some of our desert friends were there too. We wandered around looking at fish and things. There was a cool exhibit about the poles. We touched jelly fish! We watched anchovies swim, looked at crab shells, watched sea anemones and learned about ice flows and water sheds. We watched a video about the San Pedro ports, the shipping bins, trains and trucks. That was fascinating. We also watched one about the rising sea levels and now we have to look into that some more. 

No, really. You can touch them!

The boys talked to scuba diver that volunteers there to feed the fish and do presentations about it. We watched him later in the day in the tank. We also watched at "4D" cartoon called TurtleVision. We thought it was going to about sea turtles, but turns out it was just a "look how bad people are to the world" movie. It was disappointing. There was actually nothing factual about turtles at all besides the fact that they lay their eggs in the sand of the same beach they were hatched at. But the 3D was good and they used water and lights, that's what they call 4D. 

Tom studying the jelly fish.

I wish there was an aquarium or zoo or museum that just gave you the information about the subject without all the propaganda about how terrible humans are. I came to the aquarium wanting to learn more about the ocean and it's creatures, but everywhere I turn I have to hear about how big oil companies are ruining things and our farming techniques kill the creatures. It gets a little old. Can't we just make one aquarium, zoo, or museum that just tells you about the subject. Where they live, why, how? If we show people how wonderful our world is, people will automatically want to take care of it. When we are propagandized at every turn, we start to tune out and turn away. It's a bit discouraging. I'm reminded of parenting just now. It's very similar. If you go around all day telling a child what they are doing wrong and how much they don't know or understand, eventually they give up and live up to your words. If you show them all the things they could be and have the potential to do, the rise to the occasion. Live by example. 

Jake trying left handed batting.

Anyway! We grew weary of the crowds and heat at left at 2pm. We had our picnic lunch in the truck on the road and stopped at the batting cages in Colton on the way home. It was 104 degrees! Yikes! Both the boys spent a half an hour practicing and then we all got a Blizzard. They were on sale, by one get one for 99 cents! Yay!

On the way home we discussed politics and current events we heard about on the radio. With the elections coming up, there is plenty to talk about. One thing was interesting. We talked a lot about what a "minority" is and how our constitution protects this. The difference between a republic and a democracy. 

Jake found Charlie Horse!

It was another great day with my boys. My only regret is that Dad can't do all these things with us. He misses out because he's working so hard to keep us fed. I told him that he should tell his boss that he has to miss random days like this. He should make it so that those are his 'holidays' instead of the ones he never takes, like Labor Day and such. 

Jury Duty!

Everyone cringes at those words! I don't though. I've always wanted to be a on a jury, but they never pick me. Every year I get called and many times I've had to sit at the court house all day with my book and knitting, but I never get called to serve on a case. Once, my name did get called and I sat in a court room and heard them talk about the case. I filled out a lengthy questionnaire and then went home. In the morning I came back only to be sent home with a list of other people right as we walked up. Made me mad.

This time is worse though. I've been called three times since we moved out here and each time I call the night before and they say I'm not needed. This time I got my letter but we were planning a trip, so I postponed it until September. I had the day cleared just in case I had to go and made my call the night before. It wasn't the "you're not needed" that I expected. It was a "call back on Wednesday because we might need you on Thursday". How lame is that? I have plans on Thursday. I have already bought tickets to a big homeschool day at the aquarium. I can't even call them and postpone because of it. And I can't make any other plans until after 6pm on Wednesday! This is just crappy. My boys are looking forward to this and so was I. The worst part is that I know even if they do call me in on Thursday, I'll spend the whole day there and miss the trip, but they won't put me on a jury. If I'm honest on any questionnaire, they will boot me off right away.

There has got to be a better way. I'm lucky. I don't work, so I don't have that to contend with. But what if i did? Am I just supposed to call in the evening before a shift and say I have jury duty? Not very fair to my employer. This sucks and there is no better way to put it.

California Adventure

Another great day! Wow, we're on a roll! We stopped at Great-Grandpa's house on the way into the city and took him out for breakfast. The boys love their Poppy. It was fun and we need to do that more often.

We went to California Adventure this time, since last month we spent the whole day at Disneyland. The new "Cars Land" stuff was open so we wanted to see it. They have a Pacific Electric trolley car in the Hollywood section. It was funny because it's like a mini (and ultra slow OMGourd) version of the real thing, which we have ridden at the Orange Empire Railway Museum (thanks Grandpa and Grandma B!). We almost didn't make it to the Aladdin Show! The boys loved that. I'm critical, but they just love it. I try to keep my opinion to myself.

We went on the Tower of Terror and Jake came along this time. He went on it a couple years ago and hated it but figured that it had been awhile so he might as well try it again. I go with Tom because he doesn't want to go alone, of course. Jake and I hate it. I like roller coasters, but things that just spin or throw you down to the ground...I'm just not a fan.

The boys went on Grizzly River Run, but I opted out of that one. They came back all excited because they spent the whole wait talking to a bunch of Australians.








In front of the ride, there are a couple of signs about the machinery. Here's Jake figuring out how this Pelton Wheel works. We still don't quite understand, but we tried.





Cars Land! It's very pretty, just like standing inside the movie. A lot of it was extra cool to us because we just saw all the Route 66 stuff on our trip to Arizona.

Churro's! I don't care if they are $3.50 each. They are soooo good! Jake got a warped one though. 

After a couple rides on California Screamin', we decided we'd come back another day and try for the some of the Cars Land rides. It was hot and crowded and we were tired. Jake wasn't real enthusiastic about going in the first place. Crazy boy. I even ran into a friend I used to work with at Disneyland! He doesn't even live in the state anymore. What are the odds?!

On the way home we stopped at Popeye's for some dinner. While we were there a complete stranger came up and complemented the boys on how polite they were. They had gone up a couple times for napkins, butter, and honey. She said it was so rare to see young boys with such good manners. Made me proud, but a little sad too. Is it true? I hope not. Speaking of honey, Tom had to take a picture of this. Honey "sauce"? I remember when they stopped giving real honey and switched to this stuff. It's just not the same.

Lost and Found

It's our 13th Wedding Anniversary today and it has been good luck so far! In June we went on a trip to Arizona, as you all know. And on that trip I lost my wedding ring. We were in Williams and had gone on a horseback ride. When we got back from the trail, I noticed my ring was missing. As I had my left hand dangling most of the time, I figured it had slipped from my finger. It's happened before but I had been cleaning so I noticed. We talked with the trail guides and the KOA people and they said they'd keep an eye out for it. I figured it would never be seen again. I was so sad, but tried not to make a big deal about it. Tom is one that freaks out about things like this and I thought maybe I could set an example by just letting it go (even though it really bugged me). Maybe I'd get a new one, or maybe they'd find it and mail it to me. Who knows?!

Yesterday, the boys and I went to do some baseball practice and I got my glove out. I hadn't used it since the trip because of the heat. We had brought the stuff on the trip so that we could keep in practice, but once we got home...it was just too stinkin' hot to stand out there and throw balls. It was too hot or busy since that day at Williams, actually.

So I get my glove and put my hand in only to find my ring stuck inside! I couldn't believe it! I had been playing catch with Jake just before we left to go horseback riding. I guess I had been too excited about the horses to notice the ring was missing. Crazy!

That was yesterday and today is our anniversary, but I have my ring back just in time!

The Road Home

It took us twelve hours to get home, but we had to stop at Mono Lake for lunch and a visit. It was part of the plan to stop about half way and get a good break this time. We left my Mom's at 9:30 AM and got home at 9:30PM. I really did not like driving the last couple hours from Kraemer Junction to home. It's dark and there are lot of big trucks. I wasn't over tired. I've driven that way a few times and know that feeling. We were happy and laughing most of the way, so no one was very sleepy.

We drove into Carson City and the sky looked dark and broody. We saw some lightening too! Carson City is a lot bigger than I remember. They have all my favorite stores in one shopping center! Jake took pictures of it, but they were too blurry. They even have In-and-Out!





Then we got to Gardnerville and they've grown too! This is a picture of my Mom and I's favorite restaurant "back in the day".

Jake had to go to the bathroom, so we stopped at this sweet rest stop. There was a river, so we had to play for a bit. It started to rain on us pretty good.

Then we got to Mono Lake! The clouds were gorgeous. It may look cool out, but it was 90 degrees with those clouds. Still hot, but not as bad as it could be.

They have a really nice Visitor Center now and we learned a lot about Tufas, sea gulls, brine shrimp, and the water here.



And this was the biggest piece of obsidian I've ever seen!

Lunch was fun. This is a great place to have a picnic. There is a tree and some picnic tables...and you can't smell the lake from here.

Tom had a run in with this guy. The signs clearly say not to feed the birds, but this guy was worse that Yogi Bear! Tom threatened him with his knife, but that only startled him. He came closer, sat on a rock, and then kept opening his mouth at us as if to say "Feed me!". Then another one came and they made the sound they make before they feed on human flesh!

Walking down to the water.

What an incredible new smell you've discovered!

Tom scaring the alkali flies away.

All those black dots are flies! This sea gull is running by and scooping them up with his beak. It's pretty nasty. I really don't see the attraction to this place. I mean, it is pretty to see, but it smells so bad, much like the bogs of eternal stench. Tom almost slipped and fell. Then he would have been a Prince. "Prince of the Bogs of Eternal Stench!"

All these were formed under water, so the water level used to be much higher.

Last picture. This was going down the mountain into Bishop. It was gorgeous. You could see the whole valley.

We stopped in Bishop for gas and saw a guy with a trailer and some kind of machine. Later we passed him on the highway and he passed us at Kraemer Junction when we were getting gas again. I didn't need gas, just didn't want to worry about it. We got sandwiches at Subway again and then headed into the darkness to home. The drive was fun and we loved spending the time together. Driving that many hours in a day makes me almost completely useless the next day though, so unless we are spending the week somewhere, I don't think I'll do it again. I have a plan to bring the tent and sleeping bags and drive halfway, spend the night and then drive the rest of the way early in the morning. We would have the rest of the day with my Mom, the whole next day, and half the rest. Then do it again to again to come home. Can't wait, because there are a lot of places to check out along the way for sure!

River Time!

When my Mom first moved up to Reno years ago, I used to drive up there and then we would go camping at  Hampshire Rocks Campground. It's west of Truckee along I80. There is a river that runs along the campground and we used to sit in it for hours...or until we were freezing, and then sun on the rocks like a lizard. We hiked up the other side of the river to the railroad tracks and watched the trains go by. It was a little hot for the hiking part this time, but the river was perfect!

This is the rest stop a couple miles before the campground. Tom is showing us how they drilled this rock to cut it.

Then they climbed up the hill and found a fairy stream. This is my Mom leading them up into the mountains. Just a little disturbing that this is the "Donner Pass" rest stop!

This is our camping spot, #18. #17 is just a little better, but it was taken. We didn't spend the night, but we stayed all afternoon for a picnic and lots of swimming.




Down to the river! It's really close to the camp, but it's totally secluded. The boys did a bit of skinny dipping. How many chances do you get!?

Here they go! The water is very cold here. Tom was a shivering mess after a few minutes. He had to come out and sun himself warm. Jake was proud that he could last a lot longer. He proved that he would last longer if a second ice age came. My little Viking boy!

 Sliding down the rocks and then pulling themselves along the bottom to get back up was fun. Tom said they were pretending to be Salmon and Jake said it was a lot harder than it looked.

They looked like river otters to me!








 Gorgeous spot isn't it? It's hot in the sun, but super cool in the shade. And at night it is pretty darn cold even during the summer. I loved it when I was a kid with my Mom and I can't wait to bring the whole family up here. Maybe next summer.

On the way back home, we stopped at another rest stop and used our smart phone to find a GeoCache. Grandma and Jake were too tired to do the walk, so Tom and I did it by ourselves. It was up a little interpretive trail they had. We came across a few people on horse back and found the Pacific Trail runs through there too. That trail goes all the way from Mexico to Canada and runs right by our house!

Here's the view from where we found the GeoCache. We took a hot wheels car and left a legless good luck pig and a fortune from a cookie.






We headed home for some pizza at Round Table and then went for homemade ice cream with my Mom's friend. Steve's was great! He makes the ice cream and then sells it at the shop. The boys loved it, but after a full day of sun and water and mountains, they were hard pressed to be able to show it.

It was another great day and we were beat, just a little sunburned, and pretty darn happy.