December 15, 2011

COARSEGOLD (California)

Copyright May Rogers 2011.
All rights reserved.
Photos shot using Sony DSLR


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My trip to Yosemite started and ended at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. We stayed there for three days and although I smelled of cigarette the whole time, it was another beautiful experience ticked off my ONLY-BEAUTIFUL-EXPERIENCE LIST. This hotel is without a doubt the best in Coarsegold, a small town approximately an hour away from Yosemite National Park

Coarsegold sounds rich having derived its name from historical California Gold Rush. However, the area is not very much a travel destination aside from the casino and of course, Yosemite. One significant stop one should make though is at Coarsegold Historic Village located on Highway 41 between Fresno and Yosemite. 

*photos were taken on a rainy day


Very hard to miss - the giant tarantulas on rooftops - WHERE???! Around, as a matter of fact. I consulted wikipedia and it says "every year from mid-October to mid-November, tarantula mating season takes place and the town is full of tarantulas".
I do not see the connection between these two but then again, I'm not from around here.



A wooden carving mock up of The Lady Liberty. Small town Oakhurst is popular for hand-carved arts, signs and statues.

A real tee pee at Coarsegold Historic Village

My very first tee pee visit. This is what's inside.


Next: WARSAW, INDIANA

December 8, 2011

Madera Wine Country

Copyright May Rogers 2011.
All rights reserved.


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On our way back from the gorgeous Yosemite, we couldn't resist stopping by and getting a taste of what Madera is about - wine and nuts. Passing through Route 99 constitutes a rather uneventful yet engaging drive along thousands of acres of pistachio, cotton and grape growing farms located on east central California. And just like in any other wine country, you can never say no to tasting and buying wine. I'm not really a wine person so don't be surprised that this marks my very first real wine-tasting time.


Here are some photos from CRU WINE TASTING ROOM. Visit the website.






Valley Pistachio sells the best HONEY ROASTED ALMONDS EVER!!