Our touring of the local area began with a self guided day in the local Thrift Shops which are quite a business here. Prices aren't cheap either! The first stop was at the United Methodist Shop, a beautiful set-up but nothing that we could not live without. I do believe that the church had some marketing designer in their congregation! The shop was lovely with every square inch put to good use. And there were people shopping to buy! Check it out.
On to other shops, one after the other. Our stop here shows the complete contrast of many little buildings and trailers that appeared to be ready for the local dump! I am sure that you could find a treasure if you were so inclined. It was fun looking. Did we buy? NOT! But we did find a locked steamer trunk that seemed to be very heavy and we thought Don & Bonnie might be fascinated with. Sorry, no room in our transport to bring it to you!! And Ben, I thought of you when I saw all of the skis. I am sure that you would enjoy this area since skiing is quite close by!
We stopped for lunch and shared a delicious sandwich. We are getting used to this diet, believe it or not!
After that I did find a shop where the treasures displayed in a fashion somewhere in between the first two shop's style. I did find an egg cooker which we will use weekly or more. I was looking for a flower pot, but never did find one to my liking and never did find any clothes that we could not live without except a long sleeve denim shirt for Gary to use as a jacket. But all in all, it was a fun day!
On to another day where Gary had a small bus tour scheduled with the Coarsegold Historical Museum. They had a delicious lunch planned for us on a stop way out in the country at the Indian Round House stop. It was a six hour tour and very interesting. One of the tour guides was an 87 year old lady who was very knowledgeable in first hand knowledge since she has lived in this area all of her life. Not only was she raised here on a large farm, but she and her husband lived on 1000 acres also,farming much of it. Some fascinating stories! Now one of her children has taken over much of the farm and she is selling off the rest of the land, bit by bit.
We began the tour at this Museum.
On the tour we passed one of the largest granite quarry's in the world. We would love to go back and see more of that operation if we have time on this trip.
There were buildings still standing made from the granite of the area, including this school turned church.
The windows and bell were a beautiful part of the history but our pictures did not turn out well enough to use them. Sorry.
Another stop was a local saloon that is still in business on weekends. The owner opened it for us to see all of the history stored up inside. He was quite knowledgeable also. And anyone we talked with in the community knows everyone!
The original ice refrigerator and hoist used for the large blocks of ice delivered.
The ceiling was covered with green stuff put up there using a thumbtack and a half dollar folded inside to carry it up there when thrown up. The half dollar falls after the bill unfolds. The owner demonstrated it for us. Neat!
He showed us many old photographs of people and old buildings of the area.
The cash register was from the very beginning of the 1900's.
The pool table is well protected as it is from 1907 also.
On we went to another stop showing a restored train caboose found in the area. It was a beautiful job done recently. They were able to find period parts to put in it and so pleased to do so!
Before as it was found and brought out of the woods on a semi-truck bed.
And after, where it is on a new section of track built for this purpose. The woman who owns it and had it restored, lives in the house in the background and watched every bit of the restoration. She took such pleasure in the process.
Be sure to enlarge this picture where you can see the look-out seats and details
On the grounds here there was an old saw out of the granite quarry, minus the blade that is.
There were also many old items within the house on the property. Pearl, I thought of you when I saw an old scale for weighing eggs.
This pile of granite rocks seen in a field sure looked like the farm's watchdog. Eh?
The Indian ceremonial round house that is still used by the local Indians was at our lunch stop. All the gentleman asked in his explanation of this part of their history is that we respect it as they would respect our churches. This round house was not burned after the death of the last medicine man as was their usual custom, because it would have destroyed the last bit of their history. The local Indians still use it occasionally. He also gave a demonstration of their musical instruments made from bushes and such, and sang for us.
We also took the time this week to walk down to the creek below our home site to see how big the creek is. We can hear it running all of the time as there is much snow melt coming down out of the mountains. They tell us that later in the summer this will all be dried up.
Check back and we will take you through Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park. Take care and we hope that you are not having too much snow!
Leaving the Fresno area we begin to go through fertile agricultural areas, vineyards included.
And on we go ---
Gary and Beverly are from Illinois and travel to join up at work sights for an organization called SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) a Christian organization who volunteer their time in many locations. They get full hook-up parking in the process. They are headed to Sugar Pine Christian Camp north of Oakhurst (north of where we are camped). A day or two later Gary spotted an ad in the Oakhurst newspaper about a full time position open at Sugar Pine. Now our curiosity is really peeked! So we drove up to the park the next day after lunch and an hour of play at Chukchansi Casino. It is a beautiful camp and really in the forest! Very up to date and convenient, except for cells that is!! So there is a good position available there for someone who wants full time work in a wonderful setting!
OOPS! 
Coming to a Road Closed sign!
We had to turn around for a return the way we came.
We are talking many miles of curves and switchbacks! 
Clouds lower than the mountain tops! It sure did change visibility!
