Entrance to Yosemite Free June 21st

In honor of the first day of summer, the National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee to Yosemite on June 21st, 2011.  For more information visit:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/feefreejune21.htm

Fire Season is Officially Here

Don't let all of the Spring snow and rain fool you into a false sense of security...mountain area grass, weeds and brush have exploded in growth in just a few days of warm weather; add drying conditions and heavier summer traffic on local highways and what do you get?????  Yep, wildfires.  We had our first wildfire of the season today.  Local residents were dragged back to reality by the sight of spotter planes, bombers and choppers flying overhead, all while sniffing the air for the undeniable odor of smoke.  So, remember, despite the deluge of moisture we received through Spring....the party is over.  Summer is upon us and, with the hotter temps, the need to be fire safe.

There's More To Bass Lake Than The Water

Mother Nature is reluctant to give us some warm weather this spring.  Cooler temperatures combined with heavy snow melt feeding Willow Creek and Pines Creek mean that our normally pleasant water temperature may take a while to warm up this summer.  Don't fret.  If you find your teeth chattering while water skiing or swimming try out some of the other great activities around the area.

Fishing:
Local fishing guides report that the trout and kokanee bite has been good this spring.  Bring your rods, tackle and a cooler and drop a line while enjoying the view of Goat Mountain.  Too much boat traffic on the water for fishing?  Head up Willow Creek and try your luck in one of the many great fishing holes.

Hiking:
There are lots of different hiking trails in the area offering a wide variety of experience.  Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.
Willow Creek and Angel Falls:  This is one of the most strenuous hikes around Bass Lake.  The trail begins at the Falls Beach on North Shore Road and winds up the mountain along Willow Creek for 2.7 miles, ending at McLeod Flat Road.  The two main attractions on this hike are Angel Falls and Devils Slide.  Use extreme caution on this hike.  Rocks can be extremely slippery and the creek itself hold multiple whirlpools.  There have been numerous injuries and even some deaths.
Goat Mountain/Spring Cove:  On the south side of the lake, Goat Mountain fire lookout is accessible via the Spring Cove Trail and the Goat Mountain Trail.  The Goat Mountain Trail begins in the Forks campground.  The Spring Cove trail begins on the east side of Spring Cove campground.  Both trails intersect in about an 1/8th of a mile.
Way of the Mono Trail:  This is one of the most popular and most used trails.  The self guided loop is about 1/2 mile long, offering a great vista point to view the lake.  Signs along the trail describe who the Mono people were and how they lived.  The trail begins across from the Little Denver Church Day Use Area.
Browns Ditch Trail:  Although not an official trail, this 2.5 mile route is clear and very easy to walk.  Browns Ditch is the cement flume that brings water to the lake.  The route begins where Road 274 meets Central Camp Road and runs along the flume.  At points you must walk on the steel walkway over the water.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE WATER.  The fast current and steep walls make it dangerous.

Museums
Take in some of our local Madera County history at one of our many museums.  These musuems are all within a quick 10-20 minute drive from Bass Lake:
Coarsegold Historic Museum, 31899 Highway 41, Coarsegold
Fresno Flats Historical Park, 49777 Road 427, Oakhurst
Kings Vintage Museum, 40680 Highway 41, Oakhurst
Sierra Mono Museum, 33108 Road 228, North Fork
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad/Thornberry Museum, 56001 Highway 41, Fish Camp

Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

The Scenis Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in the area.  The route begins at Beasore Road (off of Road 274 just up from the Pines Village) and winds through the Sierra National Forest, ending in North Fork.  Along the way enjoy views of Mammoth Pools, Redinger Lake, Mile High Vista, Arch Rock, Portuguese Overlook, Fresno Dome and many more.  Pack a lunch and enjoy a quiet picnic along the way.  The Byway is a full day trip but the natural wonders and beauty along this way make this drive well worth it.









Golfing
There are two very nice golf course near Bass Lake.
Sierra Meadows:  46516 Opah Drive, Oakhurst
River Creek:  41709 Road 600, Ahwahnee
Both courses offer pro shops and cafes.

If you're in the mood for a challenge take the drive up to Wawona and try your luck on the famous Wawona Golf Course.  The course is located in Wawona next to the historic Wawona Hotel.

Century 21 Disaster Relief Fund, Rick Davidson, President & CEO

                             

Tornadoes and severe weather have affected a significant number of people throughout a number of states over the last few weeks. At least seven CENTURY 21 System offices have been impacted both directly and indirectly including three CENTURY 21 Agents that have lost everything.

Our International Headquarters staff has been reaching out to CENTURY 21 brokers throughout these regions to determine what type of assistance we may be able to provide.

Beyond the impact of these disasters on the CENTURY 21 family, we care about all the victims.

To facilitate CENTURY 21 System member donations to relief efforts, we have launched a special fundraising campaign for the benefit of people most impacted, through the American Red Cross. We will collect and disburse our donations through our parent company Realogy's philanthropic arm, the Realogy Charitable Foundation*.

I encourage you to join us in our fundraising efforts and help those who so desperately need our support at this critical time. Click here to make your contribution. If you prefer to make a donation by check, you may do so by making the check payable to: "RCF- American Red Cross" and mailing it to:

Realogy Charitable Foundation
Attention: CENTURY 21 Disaster Relief Fund
1 Campus Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054

With the collective support of our CENTURY 21 family, we can make a positive difference in the recovery effort. Thank you for supporting the people whose lives have been disrupted by these terrible disasters.

Sincerely,

Rick Davidson
President & CEO
Century 21 Real Estate LLC

*The Realogy Charitable Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity supporting the philanthropic and volunteer activities of Realogy Corporation and its family of companies in the communities where we have a presence. The Realogy Charitable Foundation will distribute 100 percent of all funds collected for this charitable cause. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law, and you should consult your tax professional to determine the amount you can claim as a tax deductible contribution.

Bass Lake Farmers Market Starts Wednesday May 18th

While Mother Nature may be reluctant to let go of winter the Bass Lake Farmers Market season kickoff tomorrow, May 18th, is a sure sign that summer is right around the corner.  Grab your jackets and head on out to Good Ol Daze for fresh fruit and veggies from around the San Joaquin Valley. 

2st Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show This Weekend

The 21st Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held at Bass Lake on Saturday, May 14th. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club, the show will feature over 50 of the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the west coast. The show is the annual rendezvous of the Southern and Northern California Chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society of America and promises to be one of the largest of the season in California.


The show takes place on the docks in front of Ducey’s On The Lake in the Pines Village on the north shore of Bass Lake. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee to see the boats is $3.00 per person and all proceeds go toward sight preservation and other community projects supported by the Bass Lake Lions, including a camp for deaf and sight impaired children.

Bring your old eyeglasses, cell phones and hearing aids for recycling and get 2 free raffle tickets for the mega drawing.

For more information, please call Jim Milligin at (559) 642-3420