Santa Barbara / June Lake / Fresno '11
Although I had originally planned this trip for August. Of course those plans had changed. So here I am on the road leaving Santa Barbara on Tuesday morning heading to June Lake. My friend Pete goes for his birthday every year, quite a party. I made stops along the way, one outside Lone Pine where I stopped at Gus's Fresh Jerky. Over the years on the way to Death Valley I had seen the signs but never stopped. I glad I did Gus is quite a guy. I stopped in Bishop for fuel, talked with Mark the CalTrans guy who was helpful with road conditions an such. I arrive at June Lake mid afternoon to check in at the June Lake Villager. I'm greeted by Brandy, her young son Grimm, and her husband. Grimm, hes going half to be one tough kid. After checking in I head over to the Tiger Bar (recommended) for a bite to eat an beverages. Terry the bartender/waiter is quite a character, outgoing, funny, and the right amount of attitude. I've quenched my thirst had my meal I head back (across the street) to my room. My devises not connecting so I settle in with my book.
My father used to say "when I'm up everyone's up" so I arose with my neighbors. When I recounted my father's wisdom we all shared a chuckle. I depart taking the 158 loop which will bring me out to 395 towards Yosemite. There are three lakes along this scenic loop. Up the road I head along the Tioga Pass the resent storm has left a good amount of snow. Ranger Jeff greeted me at the entrance. The ride through Yosemite brought back memories, having visited the area many times, although it's been many years. There are times when photos do not paint a picture; this is one of those times. You just have to go there. I decide to be creative, hence the snow man photo. Remind me to tell you how that came to be. I am enthralled with the splendor and beauty of this magnificent example of Mother Nature. I'm off to Fresno for family and friends visit for the next few.days .
I arrived in Fresno Wednesday afternoon surprising my sister Janice. Happy to see me upset that I had not kept her abreast of my travel plans. I joined her and her husband Tim for chicken enchilada dinner. I can tell these next days will be all about the food. Oh yes see family and friends! On Thursday I was to meet with my cousin Jack H. (two cousin Jacks) to attend the Big Fresno Fair. That did not work out, so spent the day relaxing and enjoying my time. Janiceand her husband Tim have Otis and Harley, these dogs have it made. We decided to go to Selma for Chinese at the Golden Dragon. Owned by Kim, her husband Fong, and their three kids. The best potstickers on the planet. Our parents loved this place having many party's over the years. After a wonderful meal and a great visit, we head to Foster Freeze for desert, an home. On Friday I arose with visions of Chili Dogs in my head. Oh yes, we had prearranged to meet my cousins Carolyn, Susan, my sister, and her friend Carol in Sanger at the world famous Chuck Wagon for the best chili dogs on the planet, sorry Eric. Eric makes chili dogs at O'Malley's for MNF, his are very good. We have a great time visiting and catching up. Cousin Carolyn whose mom my Aunt Rose had past away, presented us with mementos' that brought back such great memories. After our visit we all headed off looking forward to future visits.
My sister has been preparing special Armenian dishes for a family dinner Saturday evening. She has created samar hot and cold, which I've managed to plunge into. We will have lamb shish kebabs pilaf, cheese boreg and a pumpkin desert. But before all that I will be meeting my cousin Peter at an obscure place for lunch. A traditional Sat. meal of klayma ( highly seasoned meat served raw) salad and pilaf. Oh my, this is starting to get a little crazy. I meet my cousins Peter and Dr. Gary at the Grapevine bar, where this Saturday lunch will be served. This is a word of mouth event the 3rd Sat of the month. After lunch off I go with Peter to the packing house and a couple of farm sites to check on work in progress. Growing up I was on the farm and Peter was the city boy, now look at us! As the afternoon wears on we work up an appetite. I head back to my sisters. My brother Timm an has arrived, next is my Aunt Helen (Godmother) along comes Peter and our evening begins with good company, fine wine, and great food. My sister has worked so hard preparing all our favoriates. Thanks, Janice. As the evening continues with our visit, my brother Tim heads home. Talk about eat and run, of course it's only two plus hours. We had a great evening , now its time to turn in as I will head back to Santa Barbara in the morning get cleared and back to work.
enjoy the pics
Ronnie
