Harden Flat Road

Jim and I took a quick trip up to Harden Flat Road to snow shoe up the road that we have normally driven up - but they now have a gate blocking the road.  This is one of our favorite spots to go and spend the day sledding, hanging out by a bonfire and  building igloos.

Hops was a big fan of snow shoeing and came back quite tired!

The area suffered damage in the Rim fire but it was not totally devastated.  There are areas with no trees and areas with burned trees and areas with no damage.  I assume this is why there is now a gate there.  They probably need to make sure it is safe before people use it for recreation.

Christmas 2015

Santa brought Hops a reindeer

We had Christmas 2015 in San Jose with Roy and Anna.  My folks went to EDH to celebrate with Uncle B's Family.

We had sticky buns and bagels and lox and then opened gifts.

After opening gifts, checking out Drew's truck and having some quiche, we went to the archery range.

Then it was time for dinner:  prime rib, stuff acorn squash, salad, brussel sprouts and a tofurkey roast!  Everyone tried some of the roast and declared it was decent!

New Rig

Drew had a special xmas this year when he received a 2015 Chevy Silverado truck

Sledding - Crane Flat

We haven't had enough snow to sled the last few years so this first trip back to the hill was extra exciting!

Snow Shoe at Crane Flat

Candy haul!

Last week we did a trip to Crane Flat to snow shoe across the meadow and sled.  We also built an igloo and a snow man!  Of course, we had to stop at the candy store on the way!

Amanda used Tina's snow shoes, which unfortunately came apart as she was putting them on.  Not to worry - Jim "MacGyvered" them with strap that we had in the car and they held up the whole ay.

We had sun while playing but as we started to leave a big black cloud came in and it started snowing!

In the igloo selfie

Nighty Night

We are at the cabin and when we woke up this morning, Hops was sleeping in my suitcase!  On top of all my clothes and my hair brush!  I bet it was snuggly on a cold nite!

Boondoggle

Don Pedro

We went on a boondoggle today to check out all the rain we have been getting.   We drove down to the bottom of Don Pedro!

Don Pedro

Toulomne River where it flows into Don Pedro

Above Don Pedro on River Road

Creek along Jacksonville Road

Merry Christmas from the Crabman

Jim got all if use these beanies for Christmas.  The boys got black and white ones and the girls got these pink and black ones.

Christmas Story in Music

We went to Grandma Anna's church this weekend to see the story of Christmas told in music.  There was a chorus and 26 person ensemble.  It was a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit!

Badger

Back to the scene of the accident - almost 1 year later!  And we all left safely together!

While everyone else skied, I went on a Ranger led snow shoe hike with the Ranger who helped Grace.  I got a chance to chat with him and he remembered us.  He also told me that there is an average of one person air lifted out of Badger each month during the ski season.  Hope it is never one of us again!

It snowed all day long.  These ravens were huddled together trying to keep warm.

After skiing we went and played in the snow with the pup.  She loved it!  Poor Daisy Mae starts shivering almost instantly, so we put her back in the truck.  Ahi hates the cold so she does a quick run and then hops back in the truck.  The pics below are them waiting for us in the truck.  They are such good girlies.

Daisy is under the beach towel trying the get warm

Ahi snuggled up!