Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

National Forests

Mount Whitney on this day in history – July 3rd

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

In July of 1864, a California State Geological Survey led by William H. Brewer, indcluding Charles F. Hoffmann, James T. Gardiner, and Clarence King, named the culminating peak of the Sierras “Mount Whitney.”  Named forJosiah Whitney, who was the State Geologist of California and benefactor of the survey.

With an elevation of 14,505 feet Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States, and is the boundary between Inyo and Tulare counties.

On this day, July 3rd, 1926, Sequoia National Park was expanded to include Kern Canyon and the West slope of Mount Whitney.  The summit is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail, while the eastern slope is in the Inyo National Forest in Inyo County.

General

Big Bear Old Miners Association Chili Cook-Off

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Saturday, July 12, 2014, Bartlett Parking Lot, Big Bear Lake!

The 2014 Big Bear Old Miners Association International Chili Society sanctioned Chili Cook Off will take place beginning at 10 AM and continuing until 8 PM on Saturday, July 12 at the Bartlett Street Parking Lot in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village

Admission to the chili cook off is free to all wishing to attend; however, for the chili enthusiast, there is a $5 fee for a tasting kit. The contestants will be preparing Red Chili; Chili Verde and Homemade Salsa for judging. The chili judging takes place in the afternoon. On site there will be numerous vendors offering a wide variety of gift items and souvenirs. The afternoon ends with the announcement of the chili contest winners.

Come and enjoy great family entertainment in the mountains.

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National Parks, News

Happy 150th Anniversary, Yosemite!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Under a towering canopy of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy and public officials today celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, the legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln to preserve Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove, by breaking ground on a landmark project to protect the ancient sequoia trees and the extraordinary experience they make possible.

“On the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, we stand in awe among these giant trees that are thousands of years old and are reminded about the importance of protecting our natural resources so that future generations can experience what John Muir called ‘nature’s forest masterpiece,’” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis at public ceremonies attended by thousands.

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Geocaching

Get the FREE Intro to Geocaching app!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yes, I’m a big ol’ proponent of geocaching.  It’s fun.  It’s outside.  It’s almost like exercise without feeling like exercise.  It’s a great way to have fun and go places you might not necessarily normally go, see things you might have missed, and solve puzzles without having to look at a picture on a box top and wondering if that one piece out of a thousand you’re holding is a a corner or an edge piece!

Geocaching.com is now offering free Geocaching Intro apps for Android, iOS, and Windows.  From their email:

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State Parks

California State Park’s 150th Anniversary

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Monday, June 30 is the 150th anniversary of California’s state parks system.  Rather than celebrating this incredible achievement in California state park history at one of the hundreds of venues available throughout the state, the California State Parks Foundation and Gavin Newsom will be at Yosemite National Park.  Because, y’know, it’s a national park, not a state park.

Whatever.

Our California State Parks have been under attack for so many years – from hidden money to threatened closures to this latest snub by the government of the state – that it’s amazing that we’ve reached this milestone.  But don’t let that stop you from getting out and visiting our beautiful state and the state parks; there’s something for everyone!

Find a California state park near you HERE.

The California State Parks Foundation sent out this notice:

On Monday, members of the California State Assembly are expected to vote on a resolution by Assembly member Olsen (R-Modesto) that recognizes the 150th anniversary of the California state parks system and urges Californians to join in celebrating this important anniversary.
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