Millerton Lake Christmas Party

The Millerton Lake annual Christmas party and gift exchange is always a hoot! But there are serious times. This year, we were awarded "The Gold Medallion Superior Achievement Award" for our having served ten seasons as camphosts at Millerton and at Wassama. It is a prestigious award signed by the top dog of State Parks. Mike Van Pelt, our supervisor, said some very nice things about our service. We owe it all to our Lord who gives us the gift of hospitality!


Then came the dinner and gift exchange, obviously a little lighter time. Ranger Steve Barber was Santa. Also pictured opening or showing off their gifts are, Mark DeLeon, supervisor, Sean Homer, lifeguard ranger, Alexis Pettigrew, ranger, and Jim Clarke, maintenance. What an amazing staff we have! They make anything we do look good.

Bear's 75th Birthday

The birthday celebration was held at a local restaurant. Bear had no idea these people were coming. He thought it was just "the Fam." The people arrived at different times, so he got to be surprised again and again. Pictured from the top: Anne and Anne Marie and Dad.


Next row are Bear and Marge Ecklund, who was celebrating her 87th birthday the next day. We've known Marge for almost 50 years. Then came Bear and me pictured with Roy and Shirley Killion from Oakhurst. We've known them since the mid 1990's when we lived in Oakhurst.


Next row are Bear and me with Don and Edie Dittman from Coarsegold. We've also known them from the mid 1990's. We all belonged to the Evangelical Free Church in Oakhurst. These two couples traveled about 50 miles one way to this birthday celebration. And then came a picture of me with Marge, the birthday girl.


And then came the serious picture, the one for our Christmas card. He's a good sport. Next pictured are Richard Samuelian whom we've known from First Presbyterian, Fresno for almost fifty years, Don Dittman, and the birthday boy. Last pictured is "the Fam." Left to right are Anne Marie, Tim, Grayson, Anne, Bear, and Garrett.

Veterans' Day 11/11/11

This is Veterans' Day Weekend. Millerton Lake Campground is full. Here you can see one camper parking and two more waiting. If people want Thanksgiving Weekend, we're advising them to make a reservation. All but a couple of those here this weekend have reservations. It makes our job easier if they do.

Getting Ready to Leave Wassama

These pictures were taken at the end of October. The Roundhouse has smoke for the only time this year. This was Gathering Days (the Miwok version of a Pow Wow). The Indians would not let us publish pictures of their dances. But we did get a picture of a 112 year old woman (with her permission). She's the one in the wheelchair.

Return cattle drive at Wassama

They drove the cattle to summer pasture last spring. Yesterday was the return cattle drive to winter pasture. Fun to watch. See the dogs that helped? One was a chihuahua. I guess you're as big as you feel.

Once a year, the third weekend in October, the Miwok people come to Wassama to host this event. Wonderful example of the Miwok culture which is now disappearing.

Sunset with Gathering Storm

Last night, with a gathering storm in the east, the scene overlooking the cemetery at Wassama was lovely. I loved the contrast. Fall is coming to California.

The Weekend of 9/11

We've been open for several weekends. Our automatic gate is in place. We've had more than 100 visitors to the Wassama Roundhouse SHP so far.

On this Saturday before the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the flag is at full staff. Tomorrow, we will fly it at half staff.

Memorial Day at Wassama

Since Wassama is a closed historic park, the only event we have had so far this season was the Memorial Day event. The VFW post came to honor our only Miwok veteran, World War I veteran, "Banjo" Graham, Pvt. 13th Company 20th Engineers. MSG Bernie Koch wore his uniform for the occasion.

Yosemite 2011

The falls this year are at 190% flow. We went after July 4 with Phil and Monica Nebe from Virginia. The falls from left to right and top to bottom are Nevada and Vernal with a view of Half Dome in the foreground, Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls from the Valley, and Bridalveil Falls from the parking lot.

Mowing at Wassama

Millerton purchased a new mower just for use at Wassama because the old one was always getting stuck. The crew took about 4 1/2 hours to do all the mowing and weedeating.

Wildflowers at Wassama

This is called, "A Farewell to Spring." We have enjoyed the wildflowers on the hillsides in the foothills this spring.

Historic American Landscapes Survey: Wassama Village

Historic American Landscapes Survey: Wassama Village
This will be our assignment beginning May 2. It's in Ahwahnee, CA, five miles from Oakhurst on Hwy 49. The park is called Wassama Roundhouse State Historic Park. It is a Native American ceremonial place. We will be caretakers, and if the park opens later in the season, park hosts. To view pictures of the park, click on the link above.