September 2007 - Neighborhood Group Trip to Columbia, CA

A group RV trip was planned with four other couples in our neighborhood. We decided to go to Columbia, CA, the historic gold rush town which is a historic state park , and only a 2 hour drive from home. The group stayed at 49er RV Ranch for 4 nights (we stayed one extra night). The staff at the RV park were very friendly and very accommodating. We had the use of a group room whenever we wanted. The weather was in the 70's, with one day of off and on rain.

The Five Rigs


Cy, Roger, Diane and Mary


Brad, Bud and Martha


Billye, John, Christy and Jack
John and his friend Christy were visiting for dinner. John is Jack and Billye's son who lives in the area.


Bud sharing a loving look at his wife with the camera.


Calaveras Big Trees
On Friday, Sept. 21st, we took a hike at Calaveras Big Trees State Park with Brad and Martha. Click here for our Trail Tales blog for pics and description of the hike.

Moaning Cavern
On Saturday, Sept. 22nd, Bud and I went to Moaning Cavern for a tour. I don't have very good pictures, but what can you do when you are 165 feet underground? We also did some wine tasting/buying at Irish Vineyard. We were very impressed with their wine and enjoyed the visit.

Metal staircase descending down the cavern was constructed in the 1920's from WWI war ship scrap metal. Over 400 steps. I strained a leg muscle on the descent and it took a couple of days to lose the limp.


Formation named the "igloo".


What a happy tourist!!


Railtown 1897
On Sunday, Sept. 23rd, Cy, Mary, Roger, Diane, Brad, Martha, Bud and I went to Jamestown to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. This was a great little steam engine train ride with a very informative docent in each car. This is known as the Movie Railroad as quite a few movies and TV shows have been filmed here. TV shows of note - the beginning scene from Petticoat Junction, Little House on the Prairie, Wild, Wild West, Death Valley Days, and many more. Movies - Unforgiven, Back to the Future Part III, High Noon to name a few.

Diane, Roger and Cy - Mary is back there somewhere


The steam engine transferring to the back of the train to pull us back home. What a classic picture - little boys and trains just go together.


Signs from movies and TV shows. Note the Petticoat Junction sign at top.


Movie backdrop - real track in front, painting in the distance. Now they just use computers!


Movie prop - fake rock. What a stud!


Yosemite National Park
On Monday, Sept. 24th, the gang headed home as Bud and I spent our last day at Yosemite National Park. There were lots of people and tour buses. Can't imagine what it is like during the summer.

El Capitan from the Valley floor


We ventured up to Glacier Point as neither of us had ever been there. It was really worth the view.

Half Dome from Glacier Point


The Valley floor




Can you see Nevada Falls in the middle of the picture?