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Camp Edison on Shaver Lake

Issue #4 Spring, Summer, Fall 2019 CampEdison.com Welcome to Shaver Lake for Family Fun and Relaxation By Stephen Byrd very difficult to get every tree. Help us Manager of Camp Edison out by telling us about hazard trees and Welcome to Shaver Lake and Camp keep your eyes open for a threat, even Edison! We’ve had a long and wet win- on the lake. Dead trees could fall into ter with snow piled high everywhere. the water and float, presenting a seri- But now we are ready for a great sum- ous hazard to fast moving watercraft. mer season full of fun. If you like hik- With all the dead trees comes an ing, biking, water sports or camping abundance of dry wood, limbs, and this is the place to be! needles that can easily catch fire. It We have a few things we want you doesn’t take much to start a fire and to watch out for. Wildfire, dead trees, destroy the forest that we all love to forest pests and litter are major prob- recreate within. It’s important to re- lems. Dead trees continue to be a prob- member that once a catastrophic fire Image taking a hike up above Huntington in the Kaiser Wilderness and sitting on a massive rock lem. We have cleaned up thousands of happens it can take hundreds of years overlooking the popular High Sierra sailing, fishing and swimming waterway managed by SCE. trees, but you still have to be mindful for the forest to completely recover. So of where you park and where you play. please be mindful of the wildfire threat Camping Can Improve Your Many of our dead trees have been by only having campfires and charcoal dead for 2 or 3 years and could come BBQs in designated areas. Overall Health - Learn How down any time. We’ve been relentless Please make sure your campfires Tired of your camping routine? traffic. Hikers, horses, and bicycles all about cleaning up our day use and high are dead out before leaving them, and Break out of it by exploring Shaver share the trails, so take care to accom- recreation use areas, but trees continue DON’T throw used charcoal, cigarette Lake’s 30+ mile multi-use trail system. modate your fellow explorers. When to die. butts, or ash out into the forest. Let’s Whatever you are looking to explore, meeting a horse on the trail, yield to the Out on many of our remote trails it’s all watch out for each other and pre- chances are there is a trail for you. uphill side of the trail and wait for the vent wildfire in our forest. Shaver Lake Volunteers, a non-profit horse to pass. If you’re wondering why we only al- organization, maintains the trail sys- (continued on page 5) low local firewood into Camp Edison, tem and develops maps that describe it’s because we don’t want any more and rate the trails. With the exception Did You Know... of Camp Edison’s nature trail, all trails In 1919 Southern Cal Edison pur- pests or diseases in our forests. chased these lands where Shaver Lake (continued on page 8) are multi-use. This means they are open to any kind of non-motorized now sit? These lands were formerly owned by the Fresno Flume and Lum- Chipmunk Chatter IN THIS ISSUE: ber Company. This company owned the land, the • Shaver Lake Sports Moves - 5 • Great Places to Eat - 11 mill and the flume that transported • Learn to Relax at Camp Edison - 4 • Rock Climbing Fun -19 • Fishing Options in the Region - 30 • Captain Marval on Shaver Lake - 14 lumber from the mill to Clovis CA. • Camp Edison Map - 13 • Interesting S’mores History - 31 If you are familiar with Old Town- • Camp Edison TV Guide - 23 • Summer Meteor Showers - 8 Clovis and know where the Clovis Ro- • Central Calif. Adaptive Sports - 24 • PCT Hikers Resupply at VVR - 27 deo Grounds reside off 5th Street, there • Weird and Wonderful Facts - 6 • Shaver Lake Volunteers - 21 is a large rock monument that marks • Adventures With Sierra Tours - 15 • Spring, Summer, Fall Events - 13 the location where the Shaver Flume • Managing Forests With Fire - 18 • Sierra Historical Society - 28 Mountain bikes as well as touring bikes are very came to an end. popular ways to get exercise in the Sierra Forest. Copyright ©2019 by Talahi Media Arts, Prather, California - Talahi.com (continued on page 9) Chipmunk Chatter

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WeSellShaverLake.com

Bretz Mountain Bretz Mountain Shaver Lake Wild Flower Village Wildflower $1,900,000 $1,699,000 $1,245,000 $1,050,000 $995,000 MLS # 497737 MLS # 498097 MLS # 495433 MLS # 495679 MLS # 493650

Quartz Mountain Timber Ridge Ockenden Ranch Meadow Ridge Pine Ridge $939,000 $839,000 $729,000 $645,000 $619,000 MLS # 493110 MLS # 496928 MLS # 498201 MLS # 496596 MLS # 499127

Granite Ridge Dogwood Mountain Auberry Huntington Lake West Village $525,000 $485,000 $439,000 $425,000 $405,000 MLS # 495419 MLS # 499127 MLS # 500334 MLS # 490380 MLS # 490373

Sierra Cedars Huntington Lake Clovis Dinkey Creek Auberry $375,000 $329,950 $329,000 $299,000 $295,000 MLS # 494999 MLS # 502900 MLS # 499392 MLS # 498607 MLS # 497046 Shaver Lake North and South Offices (559) 841-2600 • (559) 841-3271 42162 and 41441 Tollhouse Rd, Shaver Lake, CA 93664 License #01906844

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 3 Chipmunk Chatter Improving Your Wellness at Camp Edison - Learn to Relax Camping can promote overall health • Improved cardio-respiratory fitness and wellness, giving people time to re- (heart, lungs, blood vessels) lax and forget about the stresses of life • Improved muscular fitness while enjoying family and friends. • Lower risk of coronary heart disease Camp Edison is the perfect camping and stroke experience for you to improve your • Lower risk of high blood pressure wellness and overall health with yoga and type 2 diabetes classes, hikes, arts and craft projects. • Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides • Reduced depression and better quality sleep • Weight control; hiking burns up 370 calories an hour (154-lb person) The Shaver Lake region has many popular hiking trails and trails on which you can ride your mountain bike. In the campground, you can walk While staying at Camp Edison, you are invited trails and see Rabbit Rock, birds like to join in such activities as yoga, hiking and art. Eagles and Songbirds, Grey Squirrels, up your lungs with deep breaths which endar. Weekly schedules are available You know hiking is good for your and other four legged critters. will release your stress. Purchase a at the entrance booth and are posted at health. But do you know just how Hiking can also begin a great family Shaver Lake Trail map or a Central Si- the bathrooms bulletin boards and the good it is? If you are heading out for habit that will create a family that has erra Walker Book for trails on SCE’s Kids Korner Kiosk. a hike during your stay at Camp Edi- fun together along with teaching the 20,000 acres and the surrounding areas. Come join all of us at Camp Edison son take in all the beauty you will see, kids a healthy lifestyle that will stay Improve mind and body, expand with your family, friends and your new the sounds nature can offer, and all the with them through their life. your mind decrease your stress by en- friends enjoying time spent outdoors health benefits of your walk. So leave your electronics in their joying and taking advantage of all our hiking along trails, venturing out to For adults and kids, regular aerobic cases. Let your eyes rest from the blue interpretive summer programs. Check gather wood for a fire, sitting by the exercise such as hiking leads to: light they emit. Take a hike and open out the Scheduled Summer Event Cal- fire and our beautiful Shaver Lake.

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MONOWIND.COM • (559) 825-4480 • AUBERRY, CALIFORNIA

Chipmunk Chatter - page 4 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter The Go To Place . . . Shaver Lake Sports Sprouts Wings - Moves Across Street Shaver Lake Sports the go to place in In the summer the ski rental shop Shaver Lake for the past 25 years moved will becomes a spot where you can rent across the road to the old hardware store/ kayaks, tow tubes, plus more. Bike bank building. The new location at rentals may be added in the future. 41777 Tollhouse Road, provides more A new “mini hardware section” space to increase the fishing, camping, inside the store has been added. The The increased floor space at the new location gives Shaver Lake Sports the ability to offer cus- watersports retail as well as to increase store carries everything you need and tomers a large selection of camping gear, fishing tackle, bait, clothing and more. Come on in! the souvenir and clothing selections. lots of stuff you didn’t know you need. Shaver Lake Sports sells Fishing At the Happer Camper Store in Camp Edison, you will be able to get hand Many Volunteers Help Make scoops of ice cream. It will be available in Trail Hikes Possible at Edison (continued from page 1) For cyclists, remember to slow for blind turns and hills. Mountain cyclist favor the Stevenson Mt. Loop from the south entrance. It climbs up the moun- tain using a dirt road, with scenic views The new location will allow shoppers to select of the central valley and the lake from additional clothing items in larger showroom. the top. The reward comes over the License’s and Hunting Licenses year- crest, where a single track dives back round. They also carry a large selec- Many visitors find they need a backpack after down to the 168. tion of fishing tackle and bait. arriing. Shaver Lake Sports has you covered. The trailhead is on the north side of Come in and let them weigh and mea- a variety of flavors, including some sug- 168 between Camp Edison and Shav- sure your fish. Let them take your pic- ar free. Have you ice cream in a special er Village.An equestrian favorite is ture and post it for your bragging rights. novety cup or a cone - regular or sugar. Nevin’s Peninsula, accessed from the Dinkey Creek Rd. Reststop. The Nevin’s loop is a wide dirt and Shaver Stable has horses available for riding Marcia Beach gravel road with good visibility. Bring and you can board your own horse there also. [email protected] your picnic and give the mounts a rest recyclables, to the tune of three tons Million Dollar Producer by the water in Dorabella Cove. every summer. If you don’t have a horse with you, Utilizing volunteer effort and ZERO guided horse riding is available just administrative costs, this recycling pro- (559) 593-2295 down the street at Shaver Stable. gram funds all of Shaver’s trail building Boarding is also available. See their ad and associated interpretive publishing. in the Chatter. Look for the laminated trail map and If you want to take a walk from the Walker’s Companion at your favor- ite local stops. For more information Associate Broker Lic#00684261 Camp Edison or Dorabella Camp- ground, don’t miss the Lily Trail that on trails or volunteer opportunities, follows the shore of Dorabella Cove email [email protected] onto Nevin’s Peninsula. Leave early for a cooler, quieter experience. For a unique experience, look out for Shaver Lake Volunteer flyers to catch Specializing in monthly trail building or guided hikes. Events are held one Saturday each month in the Summer season. This trail system is possible because Huntington Lake everyone pitches in. The best way to do this is by using the trails. But you Vacation Condos, U.S.F.S. Cabins, can also help by saving your clean, CRV refundable recyclables. Private Lots & High End Homes After they are collected in from the yellow bins around camp; the volun- teer group sorts and transfers these

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 5 Chipmunk Chatter Bald Eagles and Osprey Fly the Friendly Skies of the High Sierra Shaver Lake is home to a wide vari- all will have a white head and tail. ety of wildlife. But only a couple rule In fact, it usually takes four to five the sky: the Eagle and the Osprey. years for the birds to reach maturity and Once on the verge of extinction, the then molt into their characteristic colors. Bald Eagle is now thriving in North Like the Bald Eagle, the Osprey rep- America. They were once the target resents another conservation success sto- of trapping, shooting, poisoning and ry. Populations crashed in the early 1950s pesticide-related reproductive failure. to 1970s, when pesticides poisoned the After the ban on DDT (pesticide) and birds and thinned their eggshells. placing the bird under protection of the Since the ban of these pesticides in Endangered Species Act, populations the 1970s, osprey populations began began a resurgence. rebounding tremendously. Here on On Shaver Lake, there are two nest- Shaver we have a dozen or more nest- ing pairs of eagles that produce off- ing pairs of ospreys. Every spring we spring every year. Bald eagles general- see these birds arrive at the lake to be- ly live near lakes, rivers and wetlands gin nesting. When nesting is complete where they can find fish to hunt. and winter is approaching, these birds Although fish make up the primary will migrate south to spend their win- prey base, eagles will feed on snakes, ters in Mexico and Central America. waterfowl, small mammals and carrion. Ospreys are fish specialists and are On Shaver Lake, trout make up the equipped with unique adaptations that majority of the Eagles’s diet and while help them hunt. Some of these include they will hunt, they prefer to steal fish reversible outer toes, backward-facing from their smaller cousins, the ospreys. scales on the talons and feet to act like Maybe it was this behavior that led barbs to hold the fish, closable nostrils Benjamin Franklin to call the Bald Ea- to keep the water out and dense, oily gle “a bird of bad moral character”. plumage to prevent feathers from get- Bald Eagles will mate for life and ting water logged. will live 15-25 years in the wild. Not (continued on page 7) WE TOSS’EM, THEY’RE AWESOME Read 20 Weird and Wonderful (559) 855-2800 Facts About Trees and Wood 29424 Auberry Road, Prather CA. 93651 We thought you might be interested ing organism in the world, although a in the following facts about wood and 2,400 acre fungus mycelium in eastern OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK the trees from which it comes. Oregon – almost ten square kilometers of Sunday-Thursday, 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm 1. Wood is made up of a combination it – is a strong if less-visible contender. of living, dying and dead cells. 7. The world is home to more than 2. The world’s shortest tree is the 23,000 different kinds of trees. “rEAL hand Tossed PIZZA” sALAD bAR, pASTA, saNDWICHES, calzones, soups, sodas, bEER & WINES dwarf willow, which lives in northerly 8. The terms softwood and hardwood and Arctic Tundra regions and rarely describe the leaves, seeds and structure grows more than a couple of inches high. of the trees rather than the type of wood Get a free soft 3. The tallest trees can grow as high they produce. as 100m, more than 320 feet. They 9. Redwood bark can be as much as serve cone with include the Coast Redwood, Giant two feet thick any purchase Sequoia, Sitka Spruce and Australian 10. City trees tend to live for an aver- of an Extra Mountain Ash. age of 13 years less than country trees. 4. The world’s tallest living standing 11. The Amazon Basin is the biggest Large Pizza hardwood tree is a mountain ash called area of tropical forest on earth, a whop- Centurion in Tasmania. It’s about 329 ping eight and a half million acres. Daniel & Bridgette Barkume feet 8 ¾ inches high 12. The plane tree, common in Lon- 5. Trees never die of old age. Insects, don’s streets, is excellent at absorbing As your neighborhood pizzeria, we want to say: thank you. We’re proud to serve you diseases and people are usually the killers. pollution and sheds its bark regularly delicious calzones, sandwiches, ooey gooey pasta, and of course, piping-hot pizzas. 6. The mighty Giant Sequoia is so it can absorb more. Since we made our first pie, we’ve used only the freshest ingredients around. thought by many to be the biggest liv- (continued on page 7) But we wouldn’t be Pizza Factory without hungry customers like you. So sit down, grab a slice (or two, or three), and dig in. That secret ingredient? It’s love.

Chipmunk Chatter - page 6 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Shaver Lake Transfer Station

Got Trash? Why Haul it Down the Hill? Just Bring it Here! Save valuable time and money. Open until the snow falls in late October. All items must be separated! What can you bring us? This fisherman has distain for tackle, boats, bait and nets. It just swoops down from the heavers Pine Needles, Appliances, Tires, Construction Trash, and grabs an unfortunate trout in its perfectly designed talons and heads home for a nice meal. Furniture/Mattresses, TV’s, Computers, Propane Tanks ect. Early Morning Fishermen and Hikers No hazardous May See Osprey Catching Breakfast (continued from page 6) in large trees along the shore of the waste accepted at They are also capable of seeing un- lake. Osprey nests will typically be at the Shaver Lake derwater and will often completely the very top of the tree while the eagle Transfer Station. submerge themselves in pursuit of a nests will be down the tree a bit. fish. Like all birds of prey, their vision Living in such close proximity, these is incredible (6-8 times better than a birds are always in a battle with each Hours: Fri and Sat 10 am - 3 pm human) and can spot fish swimming other for food and space. If you watch (559) 298-3463 • GraniteSolidWaste.com below the surface from far away. and listen you will regularly hear these 42089 Dinkey Creek Rd. Shaver Lake, CA 93664 SOLID WASTE Ospreys are better hunters than Bald birds yelling at each other and observe Eagles but are also smaller. As a result, territorial displays. as noted above, the Bald Eagles have Keep an eye out for these nests and discovered they do not need to hunt birds. Early in the morning is the best with the ospreys around. They can sim- time to watch the ospreys fish. ply wait for an osprey to catch a fish If you’re lucky, you may even see an and then steal it from them. eagle catch a fish out of mid-air after it Both birds will make huge stick nests has stolen it from an osprey. A Few More of the Weird and Wonderful Facts About Trees (continued on page 6) trunk is the African Baobab, just under 13. Just one tree can absorb as much 50 feet across with a 155 foot circum- as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year ference. and can sequester a ton of C02 safely by the time it’s 40 years old, which is why they’re so important in the battle against climate change. 14. Balsa is actually a hardwood! 15. Every US state has its own offi- cial tree (California’s is the Giant Se- quoia). 16. Softwoods are not always softer than hardwoods. 17. White oak is the easiest wood to bend using steam. 18. Buddha experienced enlighten- ment under the wisdom tree. 19. The Osage Orange tree’s wood generates the most heat when burned. Above is the trunk of a Giant Sequoia that you 20. The tree with the widest diameter can visit at McKinley Grove near Dinkey Creek.

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 7 Chipmunk Chatter Camp Edison Encourages Family Fun for Visitors During Their Vacation (continued from page 1) have trash cans and large dumpsters in Invasive and non-native insects and several day use locations. disease have done irreparable damage Please transport your trash to those loca- in several locations throughout Cali- tions. It’s up to us to keep our forests and fornia and the US. lakes clean and safe for future generations. For example, the gold spotted oak Please be courteous and play safe and borer has already destroyed tens of have a great stay at Camp Edison!!! thousands of oak trees in Southern Cal- Bring Binoculars to ifornia. Our firewood policy is in place to help minimize this type of threat. Watch for the Birds The Sierra Nevada is one of the premiere bird watching regions in the west. This is the home for over 300 species. Most are migratory. It is only natural that bird watch- ers come from far and wide to get a glimpse of these birds. The conditions are excellent for the birds. Finally, over the last few years we’ve You’ll see a variety of hawks, Bald seen a large increase of litter in our for- and Golden Eagles, Osprey and other est, on our beaches, on the lake and in birds of prey. You can watch the mis- our restrooms. We do our best to clean chievous Mountain Jays scold nearly up trash, but it can be overwhelming. anyone and everything! See geese, Plan to spent a few evenings around a campfire in the High Sierra in the mid July to August Over 130,000 visitors use Camp Edi- ducks and even pelicans. timeframe. Visitors can usually see some exciting aerial lightshows brought to you by meterors. son each year? Or that over 1,000,000 If you don’t have your own, many Mid July and August Bring Light Show visitor days are recorded on Edison of the merchants in the Sierra Nevada lands each year? So remember to clean carry a variety of bird watching books. to the Wide Open High Sierra Sky the area that you have been using. We See how many you can identify! When it comes to California Meteor difficult to see in light-polluted areas. Its Showers the Perseid Meteor Shower two brightest stars are Mirfak and Algol. Ask About Our usually puts on the best show of the The Perseid meteor shower radiates Puppy and Kitten year, unless there is a full moon. from the constellation in July and August. A new moon with the darkest condi- Meteors, which are also referred Packages tions offers the best viewing of meteor to as falling or shooting stars, occur showers. It’s best to obtain a calendar when the Earth passes through debris (559) 855-3770 with notations of full moon and new fields left by passing comets. SierraVetHospital.com moon, as well as major holidays, so What we are witnessing when we you can plan your outings around the see a shooting-star is a small piece night sky and three day weekends. of interplanetary matter, called a me- The Perseid meteor shower appears teor, entering the Earth’s atmosphere to radiate from the constellation of and ‘burning up’ at a height of about Perseus. Meteors are usually observed 100 km. While most look bright white, starting in mid-July. with peak obser- some can appear blue, green, yellow, vations occuring in mid-August. orange, or red. Some may even ex- The meteors are debris of the comet plode at the end of its visible flight. Swift-Tuttle. At its peak, the shower Most showers produce about 20 me- produces 60 or more meteors per hour teors per hour but there are showers We Treat Your Pets Like Family and sometimes the Perseid shower which can produce hundreds of mete- produces brilliant fireballs. ors over a period of less than an hour. From regular health checkups to emergency services and surgery, we provide excellent health care for your pets. A Here are some interesting facts Such shows are, unfortunately, very well trained staff and state of the art equipment allows about the Perseus Constellation. First rare. Meteor showers are named af- us to do so in a clean, safe and welcoming environment. of all, it is in the northern sky. ter the constellation from which they The constellation is named for the appear to radiate and can happen any Open: Monday - Friday 8 - 5 Greek mythological hero and demi- month throughout the year. After Hours Emergency (559) 960-5929 god Perseus, best known for slaying (Source for this story is the website the Gorgon Medusa. http://www.totalescape.com/tripez/ 33041 Auberry Rd. # 110, Auberry, CA 93602 The constellation is fairly faint and perseid.html#perseids)

Chipmunk Chatter - page 8 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Be Aware - Follow These Helpful High Altitude Tips Most people spend time planning breath, or mild headaches. and look forward to their vacations for Tip #3: Be sure to drink plenty of quite a long period of time in advance water during your trip to the Sierra. It of their actual trip. To ensure that your is much more easy to become dehy- vacation here in the Sierra National drated at higher altitudes. Drinking Forest is a pleasant and relaxing one, 8-10 glasses of water will help pre- here are a few helpful suggestions or vent many of the symptoms associat- tips from health professionals that will ed with altitude sickness. help you to adjust to the higher altitude. Tip #4: Limit your alcohol con- Tip 1#: Always arrive in good physi- sumption. You don’t have to avoid cal condition. This will help ensure you them completely. But, as tempted as stay in good shape during your trip. you may be, after all its your vaca- Tip #2: Take time to acclimatize to tion, try to avoid alcoholic beverages different altitudes that you may expe- during the first day of your visit. You rience during your trip. Most visitors will find that you sleep better and be to the Sierra Nevada live at much lov- ready for your holiday adventures. er elevations than are found here in Tip #5: Make sure that you bring the Sierra National Forest. At higher and always wear sunscreen. At higher Did You Know . . . elevations the air is thinner with less elevations the UV rays from the sun oxygen and humidity than at sea lev- are more intense, therefore you are More Historical Facts for Visitors el. Spending time at a certain altitude more susceptible to sunburn when you before traveling to a higher altitude are at higher elevations To protect (continued from page 1) pump-back facility in the area. Water will prevent common symptoms as- your skin use sunscreen of an SPF of The monument is on the West side of is released from Balsam forebay which sociated with altitude sickness. These 15 or higher and re-apply every four the West parking lot. falls down a shaft into the underground symptoms may include muscle fa- hours. Wear protective clothing like The mill workers had to coordinate Eastwood powerhouse spinning the tigue, insomnia, slight shortness of when they would send boards down the turbines and creating electricity during hats and bandannas. flume so workers at the bottom could be the daytime hours when we all need the ready to receive and transport boards to most electricity. Then at night when a lumber yard. The Fresno Flume and we all sleep and power demand is low, Lumber Company operated between Edison uses excess power on the grid 1880 and 1900 and, for the most part, to run the turbines backwards, pump- clear cut the Shaver Lake basin. ing the water out of Shaver Lake back Edison successfully recovered a up to Balsam forebay so it can spill thriving forest and then the bark beetle again the next day. created other problems, but that’s a dis- Essentially Balsam forebay is used cussion for another article. In 1919 Ed- to store potential energy, like a battery ison approached the Flume and Lumber that can release energy when we need Company and attempted to purchase it. This has made Shaver a key piece 2,000 acres where modern day Shaver of the hydroelectric system we call Big now sits, but the lumber company had Creek Hydro. “The hardest working liquidated the valuable assets (all the water in the world”. big trees). After failing to negotiate It has been 100 years since Edison the purchase of the 2,000 acres, Edison purchased the first plot of land in the agreed to purchase all the lands from Sierra. That decision started a ball roll- Fresno Flume and Lumber Company. ing that has led to many recreational So, in 1919 Edison became the reluc- opportunities for over 1 million vis- tant owners of all these clear cut Shav- itors annually. If you love bike rid- er lands in order to build Shaver Lake. ing, hiking, snow play, water sports or By 1927 the Shaver Dam was complete camping; this is the place to be! We and the lake existed as it does today. In hope you enjoy your time here on our the late 1950’s Camp Edison was built. trails, on our lake or inside Camp Ed- In the early 1980’s the Balsam ison. Find what you love to do on our Meadow Hydro project was complet- forest, be careful, make memories and ed bringing Eastwood powerhouse recreate yourself. That’s what recre- on line and providing the first hydro ation is all about.

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 9 Chipmunk Chatter Fun Things To Do While Resting Under the Shade Tree California Trees and Shrub

Across Down 1 Shrub has showy flowers that are bright pink or 1 Has purple blooms magenta and grow in cluster 3 Coastal large tree 5 A popular Christmas Tree 4 Suited to extreme hot summers 9 Has an incense smell 6 Another name for Lodge Pole Pine 7 Clusters of small black, blue-black or red 10 Blooms white flowers 11 Also known as a Towering Pine berries 14 This small tree has an Ohio State nickname 8 Largest tree in the world 15 One of the fastest growing Pines 12 Has one of the biggest cones 16 A conifer that grows on the coast 13 Sometimes called a silver tip www.kenkenpuzzle.com 17 Native Americans’ used this wood to hold up their lodges 18 Evergreen shrub 19 One of the largest tree in the San Juaquin Valley

Campfire Pepperoni Pizza

INGREDIENTS Yuck Yucks ! 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough ¼ cup pizza sauce 1. Why do golfers wear 2 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese pants? ½ cup sliced pepperoni 2. What did the firefly say to the other? DIRECTIONS 1. Place pizza stone/or cast iron skillet on grill directly 3. What’s the difference between a piano over wood fire, let it get hot. You can also use foil (it and a fish? does not need to heated). You may need to begin by 4. How do you get tissue to dance?

spreading out the wood if the flames are too tall. Roll

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out the pizza dough to desired thickness. Place it on 4.

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the pizza stone, in pan or on foil and cook 10 minutes 3.

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on one side until golden. 2.

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2. Remove from the fire and on the cooked side, spread 1.

the pizza sauce in an even layer over dough leaving Answers: about a half inch around the rim of the pizza dough bare. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce followed by the pepperoni slices. (Hint: if you used other or multiple toppings, be sure to keep it sim- Check out “Kids Korner” ple/or semi cooked for better cooking results.) for more fun things to do, OR join in on one 3. Place uncooked side down, back on the pizza stone. or more of the campground activities. Cover with a foil tent and cook until cheese has melt- ed, about 10 minutes more. Transfer pizza to a cutting For the list of activities, go by the registration board and let cool slightly before cutting and serving. booth for the current schedule.

Chipmunk Chatter - page 10 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Central Sierra Restaurants Offer a Variety of Foods for Those Taking Advantage of Outstanding Local Activities The Blue Sky Café has appetizing break- Shaver Pub ‘n Grub is known for atmo- fast selections, fresh sandwiches, crepes, sphere and drinks, with burgers, pastrami salads, coffee drinks, shakes and smoothies. sandwich, fish & chips and chicken tacos. Free WiFi Located next to Bob’s Market. Catch sporting events on 4 TV’s with Direct ShaverBlueSkyCafe.com (559) 841-7106. TV NFL Sunday Ticket. (559) 841-4411. The Inn at China Peak Restaurant at The Trading Post is Shaver Lake’s Huntington Lake. Jack’s Bar offers great popular dining house. Enjoy a drink at the food and libations. Enjoy a drink and appe- beautiful bar and then sit down to great tizers, then step next door and have dinner. food, their top priority. Indoor and outdoor Blue Sky Cafe SkiChinaPeak.com (559) 233-2500. seating is available. (559) 841-5394 Creekside Catering & Takeout - Prather Cressman’s General Store at the top of Shaver Lake Gas Mart offers you a the four lane, features breakfast beerocks, variety of food types including a Mexi- pastries, deli sandwiches, cookies and is can Food menu, Chester’s Fried Chicken, known take and bake pizza and delicious dai- Shaved Ice and Scoops of Ice Cream. Cold ly entrées. Cressman.org. (559) 841-2923. beer and fountain drinks. (559) 841-5303. Lakeshore Restaurant and Saloon of- Pizza Factory - Prather features “real fering casual meals at reasonable prices. hand tossed pizza”, delicious salads, a vari- The adjacent bar is a mountain classic. At ety of pasta, plus hot and cold sandwiches. Huntington Lake, 2.5 miles past China Peak. Cold beer and fountain drinks. Lots of in- LakeshoreResort.com (559) 893-3193. door seating. (559) 855-2800. The Inn at China Peak Restaurant Shaver Lake Pizza all pizzas made with Creekside Catering & Take Out is in Short Horn Bar and Grill fresh ingredients and covered with top- Prather, offering delicious breakfast, lunch pings. Beer is available. Offering great Cal- and dinner items to eat there or take out. zones, salads, hot sandwiches and appetiz- Select from a wonderful selection of fresh ers.ShaverLakePizza.com. (559) 841-7249 bakery items. Catering. (559) 855-2277. Short Horn Bar and Grill is locals fa- Subway is located in the Canyon Forks vorite place to meet, eat, drink, dance and Center in Prather. Select from a tempting array chat. Great cheeseburgers, fries, other sand- of sandwiches or salads. Stop by for a break- wiches and cold drinks. They have the only fast or lunch treat on your way up to the moun- pool table in town. (559) 841-6464. tains. (559) 855-7827. Visit Subway.com Cressman’s General Store Shaver Pub ‘n Grub

Lakeshore Restaurant and Saloon Pizza Factory - Prather

Shaver Lake Gas and Food Mart Come - Play - Stay Big Creek General Store and Falls Cafe in the Sierra National Forest GoShaver.org (559) 841-3350 The Trading Post Subway Sandwich Shop - Prather

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Summer Dates, May 15th to October 15th Special Winter Rates October 15th to May 15th All 252 Campsites Available Winter Camping Available in Dogwood Loop (40 sites) Every Site Has a Fire Ring, BBQ Pit and Picnic Table Roads and Site Spurs are plowed Tent Trailer and Travel Trailer Rental Available 30 minutes to China Peak Beach Front Day Use Every Site has Electrical Service Large Group Picnic Areas that can be reserved Clean Bathrooms With Hot Showers Summer Time Educational Activities Laundry Mat & RV Dump Station for Campers Happy Camper General Store Cross Country Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Trails Full Service Marina - Dock and Boat Rentals Snow Play and Sledding

For More Information and to Make Reservations Visit sce.com/CampEdison 42696 Tollhouse Rd, Shaver Lake, CA, (559) 841-3134 Opton 6

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Shaver Lake Stables

Shaver Lake Marina

237 236 233H 231H 235 232 234 239 Host Warbler 230H 238 241 229 228 240 227 243 Host 242 226 244 198 225 224 199 197 200 246 245G 222 Dogwood 201 Tanager 223 202 195 203G 196 247 205G 221 204 194 220 250 248I 206 219 208 Host 218 207I 251 249I 209 210 217 216 Host 192 To HWY 168 252 211 Lupine193 212 190 215 189 213 191 214 Azalea 187 Host 181 188 180 Host 179 178 186 Host 177 176 182 183 Towhee 184 185 31A 27 32A 25

33A 26 24 30A 23 29A

Host 22 136 34A 45 137 134 28 Jeffrey 44Pine 140 133K 36 35 138 142 135 41 43 21 139 175 145 39 146 141 37 42 19 174 20 143 38 159 40 147 Host Manzanita160 18 144 161 158 148 17 150 To Town 157 16 149 156 173 Host 153 154 3 172 4 151 155 2 152 171 7 Host 170 5 8 1 162 6 169 168 Yellow Pine 166 9 14 163 167 15 10 12 13 164 165 11

Host 132F 56 131F

Lodge Pole 46 101 130 49 50 129 52 53 102 47B 128 48B 51B 54C 127 55C Elderberry

Host CAMP EDISON 125 60C 62C 58C 103 117 126 63D 124 2020 Season 59 61 115 123 57 Legend Host 116 121 64 104 122 Sugar Pine Host 113 114 120 Parking !¬ Telephone 65 105 112 Reservation Policy 109 70 106 118 66 !( 67 111 3rd Vehicle Parking Restroom 119 68 110 ![ 71 69 107E Please check online Boat Trailer Parking Restroom w/ Disposal 108E

94 starting December 2019 Trails Store 73 72 95 74 100 Host 98 for the ²¸ Museum !r Swimming 96 99 97 93 2020 Season Host 92 Booth ²´ Chickaree Amphitheater 75 76 Reservation Policy. Cedar Tree 91 q 78 !5 Day Use Volleyball 77 90 79

R !» Disposal Site Basketball 81 89 80 87J 88 ¡[ 83 Fish Cleaning Station ÔÑ Horseshoes 82 86J ÆI Group Picnic Area Hose Bib 84 Æc 85 Boat Ramp Library r Air !¶ Laundromat

Administrative Office Registration Center www.campedison.com

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 13 Chipmunk Chatter Captain Marval Splashes into Shaver Lake and the Box Office Record Books If you’re among the millions who has of her past while harnessing her special secrecy. Business was real good.” seen Captain Marval, you will surely superpowers to end the war with the “People were out on the lake, trying remember the amazing crash sequence evil Skrulls. to catch a glimpse of the movie set,” sending a U.S. Air Force jet into a lake. “This character is similar to Wonder said Keith Davis, at Cressman’s Gen- Brie Larson stars in the lead role as an Woman, more like Superman, she’s a eral Store, where a sign outside wished extraterrestroa Kree warrior. Samuel L. pretty tough character,” said Dave All- people a “Marvel-ous week!” Jackson portrays a young Nick Fury. read of Heroes Comics in Fresno. “We could see some of the figures on Jude Law plays a villain from the com- The movie has earned over $1 billion the shore,” says Jim Holmes of Fresno, ics named Yon-Rogg. But more impor- at the box office, making it the seventh who was fishing while the film crew did tantly - the role of the crash site was Marvel Studios movie to achieve this they job. “We could see flames. They Captain Marval has become the 38th movie in given to Shaver Lake! milestone and only the 38th movie in were filming a crash scene.” history to reach over a $1 billion mark in sales. That’s right, movie production crews history! “The helicopter flew over a few times. not just a one-time thing, which was turned McDonald’s Cove at Shav- The Shaver Lake community buzzed It was exciting,” Holmes said. This one fantastic,” Huebner said. er Lake into an amazing battle scene. with lots of excitement before, during was unusual. It had camera equipment Huebner adds all eateries and lodging Crews reshaped part of the terrain and and after the filming. on the front of it and he (the pilot) made in the area pocketed extra cash during some wild passes. It was pretty exciting.” the crew’s stay, himself included, as he “Shaver Lake is a picture postcard rented his townhome to Brie Larson. for film production,” said Ray Arthur, “They were great guests. No wild a former Film and Entertainment Com- parties, no Hollywood bashes or any- missioner for the city of Fresno. thing. Just good people,” he said with “They’ll (production companies) go a laugh. The thing that excited him the to different vendors, buy products and most was the tourism the movie could services. Those people get paid, they generate for the area. turn around and pay their employees, “I’m so stoked. I’m such a superhero who then buy their groceries. The gro- fan, like hardcore. I watch all the mov- cery stores pay their employees, who ies with my kids I love them,” said res- then go out that Saturday and buy shoes Do you remember seeing this in the popular movie? The background of Shaver Lake steals the for their kids,” he said. scene as the film production crew creates a simulated crash during the filming of Captain Marval. The movie helped Fresno Coun- added some metal debris to the beach. “I think it’s pretty awesome. some- ty rake in a lot of bucks when crews At least one other scene was shot thing local like that doesn’t come up to were here in 2018. In a report, Fresno well beyond the trees at Shaver Lake, this area too often, and the lake is beau- County said filming brought in around near the power plant. tiful so why not it’s a perfect place to $427,000. Nearly half of that money Larson, Jackson and Law were joined shoot,” said Justin Bourchard. was spent on hotels. by nearly 250 cast and crew members During the filming in May of 2018, “We’ve had other films up here- be Out of character and relaxating on deck of her to shoot scenes here at Shaver Lake for Pub N Grub owner John Wright said, fore, but this was a big deal,” said Shaver home away from home is movie star Brie Larson. almost three weeks. “It was the buzz of the town back then. Lake real estate agent Jim Huebner. “Big Some local residents even got an op- Business boomed when the crew be- trucks, I mean 40-footers, were coming ident Teresa Foster. She actually went portunity to be extras. Many between hind the film showed up. Two sets of through here, one after the other.” with her family to get a glimpse of the 20 and 50 years old played military, construction crews, over 40 people, “A lot of the film crew were saying action, but everything was blocked off government and maintenance workers. were up here and they were sworn to that they wanted to come back, so it’s with security guards asking for ID. Several pilots from the 144th Fighter Members of Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing stationed in Fresno were also part Wing were also revved up about Cap- of various scenes. But their work was tain Marvel’s exposure. Airmen from done in and around Edwards Air Force the base prepped F-15 jets for the mov- Base near Mojave, California. ie, which they say is a great representa- The plot shows that Captain Marvel is an tion of airmen all over. extraterrestrial Kree warrior who finds her- “Her (Carol Danvers) path to go self caught in the middle of an intergalactic through the Air Force Academy and battle between her people and the Skrulls. then through pilot training is not unlike Living on Earth in 1995, she keeps most fighter pilots in the Air Force,” having recurring memories of another said 1st Lt. Charlie Jamieson life as U.S. Air Force pilot Carol Dan- Master Sgt. Leslie Sundstrom said vers. With help from Nick Fury, Cap- it’s even more important since Captain The production spent several days preparing for scenes to be shot show the aftermath of the U.S. Marvel is a woman. tain Marvel tries to uncover the secrets Air Force crash site and ensuing fire. The town was a buzz with excitement over the entire event.

Chipmunk Chatter - page 14 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter

Regional Tours Available

Do you remember seeing this in the popular movie? The background of Shaver Lake steals the scene as the film production crew creates a simulated crash during the filming of Captain Marval.

White Bark Vista is just off the Kai- White Bark Vista and through scenic He was the person who took a Model and offers thrilling views of the Sierra ser Pass summit. It is the western point Sample Meadows to the lookout tower. T Ford over the mountains establishing National Forest as to reach and climb for the start or exit of the popular Dusy Availability is up to the Forest Service. the Kaiser Pass Road. over Kaiser Pass. Ershim 4-wheel trail. The region is teeming with wildlife The Pine Mill Logging Camp is just As you leave the magnificent 360 de- The granite outcropping overlooks and offers thrilling views of the Sierra off the Dinkey Creek Road. Later you gree views offered at Mt. Tom, you will the vast Kaiser Wilderness and you can National Forest as to reach and climb will move on to the giant Sequoias at travel along old Stump Springs Road, see Edison Lake in the distance. over Kaiser Pass. McKinley Grove. down to Big Creek and back to Shaver For taking Mt. Tom Adventure, you As you leave the magnificent 360 de- The Pine Mill Logging Company Lake. will leave White Bark Vista and drive Rancheria Falls is off a side road that through Sample Meadows and on to Fun for All Ages takes off Highway 168 between China the Mt. Tom tower. Then you head gree views offered at Mt. Tom, you will began in 1937. It flourished during the Peak Mountain Resort and Huntington along Stump Springs Road and into travel along old Stump Springs Road, spring, summer and fall, but shut down Lake. When at its peak, you will see a community of Big Creek and then back down to Big Creek and back to Shaver during the winter. It closed in 1979. 150 foot waterfall that cascades over a to Shaver Lake. Lake. The most intense logging took place in granite cliff face and is beautiful. On the way to the Giant Sequoias Lakeshore Resort at Huntington Lake the 1950’s. Families lived in assigned Your tour guide will pack at the base in McKinley Grove, you will visit the was built in 1922. It features one of the cabins. There was a communal cook- of the trail so you take the short hike up Pine Logging Camp and the popular few remaining wooden structures of its house and a grades 1-8 elementary to the falls. Honeymoon Pool as well as the historic kind in a National Forest and has been school for the kids. Remember to bring along your cam- Dinkey Creek Bridge. Depending upon nominated for the National Registry of The Mt. Tom destination is part of era, a bottle of water, comfortable hik- the season, you maybe treated to a rush Historic Places. full day adventure that takes you to ing shoes and perhaps a towel to dry of water at the falls at Bear Creek along yourself off if you get too close! McKinley Road. After a walk through the Pine Log The hike among the towering trees is Leave the Driving to Us Camp near Dinkey Creek, you will very refreshing. You will see old, up- Do you remember seeing this in the popular movie? The background of Shaver Lake steals the visit beautiful Honeymoon Pools. It is rooted trunks, moss covered trees and scene as the film production crew creates a simulated crash during the filming of Captain Marval. actually in the Dinkey Creek Camp- a meandering stream flowing through In 1922, Harry Allen, a heavy equip- White Bark Vista and through scenic ground. the area. ment engineer who worked on the Sample Meadows to the lookout tower. It is a short but vigorous hike to and The Mt. Tom destination is part of building of the dams, built the General Availability is up to the Forest Service. from the pool. This location is favorite full day adventure that takes you to Store / Hotel and some of the cabins. The region is teeming with wildlife spot for family and friends to go swim-

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Rancheria Falls is located just off Highway Rancheria Falls is located just off Highway Rancheria Falls is located just off Highway Rancheria Falls is located just off Highway 168 between China Peak and Huntington Lake. 168 between China Peak and Huntington Lake. 168 between China Peak and Huntington Lake. 168 between China Peak and Huntington Lake.

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 15 Chipmunk Chatter Annual Regional Events February Camp Edison Interpretive Program** Lion’s Club Crab Feed Central Sierra Museum Programs** Special Olympics Winter Games at China Peak High Sierra Regattas April Kiwanis Fishing Derby, Wishon Reservoir Fourth of July Fireworks Dinner Water Polo Open Water Tournament Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Plant August Museum of the Central Sierra Seasonal Opening Camp Edison Interpretive Program** General Trout Fishing Season Begins Central Sierra Museum Programs** May China Peak Trail Run Camp Edison Summer Season Begins Black Pot Cook-off Camp Edison Interpretive Program** SAR Wild Run Central Sierra Museum Programs** Shaver Lake Loggers Jamboree Lion’s Pancake Breakfast Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Dinner June September Camp Edison Interpretive Program** Lion’s Pancake Breakfast Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Plant Kokanee Fishing Derby Sierra Historical Society Fundraising Dinner Shaver Lake Triathlon Central Sierra Museum Programs** November Climb to Kaiser Pass Arts and Crafts Holiday Boutique China Peak Enduro Children’s Holiday Crafts – Central Sierra Museum Beer Can Races on Huntington Lake December July China Peak Torch Light Parade/Fireworks Spectacular Fireworks on the Lake China Peak Mountain Bike Course Opens *Events listed above subject to change. **Camp Edison has weekly educational programs. Central Sierra Museum has monthly programs during the summer season. Camp Edison’s weekly events are posted at all support buildings at Camp Edison and all bulletin boards in Shaver Lake. All Camp Edison educational programs are free to the public. Camp Edison educational program details call 559.841.3134 or email [email protected]. For details on Central Sierra Museum call 559.841.4478 or visit SierraHistorical.org.

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Chipmunk Chatter - page 16 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter This Region Offers Extensive Trail Adventures for Mountain Biking Mark Twain once said “Learn to ride pastime for all ages. You can experi- a bicycle. You will not regret it if you ence miles of mountain biking trails live.” There’s a sense of freedom that through majestic Sierra National Forest comes along with riding a bicycle. in the Kaiser Wilderness and Dinkey From mountain biking to road cycling, Wilderness as well as the Countright each one provides a different aspect to the sport that should be experienced. Luckily, the Sierra National Forest is a mountain biker’s dream! It is the home to a variety of cycling adventures. If you ride through the Kaiser Wilderness near Mono Hot Springs you can take advantage of the hot springs that are close to the San Joaquin River. Relax and soak as you take in the beauty of the area. found at most business in the region. fairly steep. The one to Edison is a less Nonetheless, there are many oppor- strenuous ride but very scenic. tunities for two-wheel enthusiasts on, The Climb to Kaiser event in June or near, the Sierra National Forest. is a 155 trek from Clovis to the Kaiser Paved roads that head into the forest Summit and back. You can also bike are usually very steep but offer sce- along the Kaiser Pass Road to Sample nic-if challenging- hill climbing. Sum- Meadows then the Stump Springs Road The Climb to Kaiser Ride takes you 155 miles mers can be hot and dry. It’s important down to Big Creek and back to Shaver The ride to and around Courtright Reservoir is from Clovis to the Kaiser Summit and back again. to carry extra water. You can cover 56 miles round trip filled with spectacular views of the Sierra Forest. and Wishon Reservoir regions. The Dinkey Creek trail is 11.7 miles from Shaver Lake to the dam at Wishon. Here’s just a few of the cool biking The Sierra National Forest offers some long. It begins at Cow Creek Quarry Courttright Reservoir is another nice opportunities available to you in and of the finest single-track riding - any and ends at Deer Creek. The trail is place to take a bike ride. It is about 11 around Shaver Lake. where, from easy to technical. Detailed great for Mountain Biking miles from the Wishon Village Store.. Crisp mountain air, a variety of easy maps are available at Shaver Lake Sports The ride from Mono Hot Springs to It is in beautiful high Sierra terrain or aggressive trail rides mixed with the and a guide to the region published by Edison or Florence Lakes round trip is that is often referred to as “Tuolumne scenic tours make bike riding a great the Shaver Lake Visitor’s Bureau is to be about 10 miles. The trail to Florence is Meadows without the crowds”. Shaver Lake Gas and Food Mart

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Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 17 Chipmunk Chatter A Good Fire in the Forest Actually Backcountry Camping Via a Horseback Ride Helps With Proper Management For those with their own riding stock, By Ryan Stewart - RPF and self-governance. Prior to western de- the Sierra National Forest provides ex- Supervisor for SCE Forestry Dept. velopment, fires burned constantly in cellent opportunities for trail riding and If you’re from California, chances our mountains, often ignited by light- overnight camping. are you’re getting used to the news that ning or Native Americans. These fires Horseback riders will share trails with firefighters are battling another wild- would creep around the forest floor hikers. Practice trail courtesy, traveling fire. We’ve almost become apathetic to thinning out areas of overcrowded veg- single file to avoid widening trails or learn that another wildfire has burned etation, burning dead wood and debris, damage to vegetation. Do not cut switch- another hundred thousand acres. That’s and helping propagate fire dependent Prescribed burns in and around Camp Edison backs. Pack out what you bring in. because wildfires in California are in- species like Giant Sequoia. Although each year help keep the forest healthy and vital. Only 25 pack stock are permitted in creasing in magnitude, intensity and these fires burned frequently, the vast nursery. All of these tools are used to the wilderness with any group. You impact on our lives. While we have a majority burned at low intensity be- create or emulate the diversity that nat- must pack in all of the feed for your ani- seemingly endless supply of firefight- cause there simply wasn’t a lot of fuel ural fire created in the past. In the un- mals. Supplemental certified weed-free ers and emergency funding, it is be- to burn. These repeated fires created fortunate event a wildfire should start feed such as alfalfa pellets or crimped coming increasingly apparent that we a patchwork effect in forests; forming on or enter onto Edison’s forest, it will oats, are recommended. are fighting a losing battle. gaps, islands of small trees and brush, more than likely “lay down” or move to Pack and saddle stock must NOT be sustaining open stands of well-spaced the forest floor where it can bestopped. tied within 100 feet of any water, trails, big trees and maintaining meadows. Our goal is to defend our forests from or campsites. Don’t tie stock to small This diversity not only made the for- wildfire by managing forest density and trees, trees must be 18 inces and over. est resilient, but supported a diverse diversity. These qualities also encour- In wilderness areas Several areas on and healthy wildlife population. Well, age wildlife, clean water, and a healthy the forest provide camping facilities 100 years later fire suppression has left forest our visitors can enjoy. and corrals for equestrian users. us with uniform forests, full of dense So please go take a hike around our Overnight stays in the wilderness overgrowth and dead wood. forest, we are very proud of it. Be require a Wilderness Permit. Day use The Southern California Edison staff carefully So what’s the solution? FOREST on the lookout for stumps, fire scars does not require a Wilderness Permit. manages the forest undergrowth for fire safety. MANAGEMENT!! We know this be- on trees, lots of wildlife, and clean Please check with the U.S. Forest Ser- Should we give up??? Of course not! cause Edison Forestry has been man- streams. These are just a few benefits vice at Prather (559) 855-5355 for any It is simply time to take a different ap- aging our forestlands to promote those of a healthy, well managed forest. restrictions that may be in place. proach and create a new battle plan. historic forest conditions since 1980. And if you happen to meet a forester Now that doesn’t mean that we (they generally are a bit elusive and shouldn’t fight wildfires. It also doesn’t keep to the woods, but rumor has it they mean we should just run around light- can be found in the vicinity of Camp ing everything on fire all the time. Edison and Shaver Lake), they might We need to use just about every tool even tell you they know the solution to in the forestry tool box. Here at Edison this burning problem, and that it’s been Forestry, we perform prescribed burns utilized right here at Shaver Lake for in the spring and fall when the weather almost 40 years. makes conditions safe. We harvest and But let’s back up and talk about how sell timber, thin thickets and pile and we found ourselves in this predicament. burn brush. Up here in the Sierra, over 100 years of Each year, we also plant native putting out fires (fire suppression) has grasses, shrubs, and around 20,000 na- removed nature’s primary method of tive seedlings that we grow in our own

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Chipmunk Chatter - page 18 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Drive Over the Courtright Dam to See Views Like Those in Yosemite’s “Tuolumne Meadows” California is the Holy Grail for er’s imagination and entices any adven- mountain climbers. The undeniable turer to scout the infinite possibilities. draw of Yosemite National Park is well The signature landmark here is the known. In the Eastern Sierra, the Ow- 500 foot high Power Dome. Teeming en’s River Gorge beckons you. Joshua with a host of 5-pitch, friction scare-a- Tree National Park in the Mojave Des- thons, Power Dome will make a marked ert is for those that love the challenge impression in the minds and hearts of of free-standing and stacked boulders. inspiring rock jocks. Scattered around Here in our big backyard is the “lost the perimeter of the reservoir are a sister” to Yosemite’s ever captivating myriad of other domes and walls. Trap- Tuolumne Meadows. As the crow flies, per, Spring, Maxon, Penstemon and Courtright Reservoir is located due east Dusy are just a few domes that provide of Shaver Lake. This location boasts countless adventures, where traditional the same qualities as that of the terrain and sport climbs abound. found in upper Yosemite. Pristine, high Although the domes provide ample quality granite domes torture a climb- friction, smear and fine edge climbing Climbing massive granite rock faces in the local region can be accomplished around the Courtright routes, Courtright also offers several Reservoir due east of Shaver. Take Dinkey Creek Road to the McKinley Grove Road to Courtright Way. crack climbs at areas like Tiger Wall sites: Voyager Rock on the shore (14 the Sierra National Forest building, in and Tiger Cage. Best of all, you won’t tent sites only) and Trapper Springs on Prather along 168. For reservations to find yourself pulling from the ticker- the western shoreline, 2.2 miles to the both campgrounds, call 877-444-6777. tape to wait your place in line for a north, with 75 tents sites and 45 trailer Use Greg Vernon’s Southern Sierra route, nor is there any entrance fee into sites. This campground is within stone’s Rock Climbing: Sequoia/Kings Can- the Sierra National Forest. throw distance to both Spring Dome yon guidebook. It was written in 1993 There are paid campsites available (aka Marmot Dome) and Trapper Dome. and is extremely helpful. It is available in Courtright, maintained by PG&E Although a fire permit is required from Amazon.com. This guidebook for $25 per night. The campsites are for any campfire constructed in the na- provides ample information on the The “lost sister” to the massive granite facings in provided with picnic tables, fire pits, tional forest, the remaining amenities “how’s, where’s, what’s and when’s” Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows is at Courtright. water and pit toilets. There are two are FREE! Permits can be acquired at to Courtright climbing. Welcome to Shaver Lake’s Musick Creek Inn & Chalets Cozy cabins providing a home away from home during your stay. We’re here before and after your mountain fun! Featuring Cable TV and Wifi In a hurry? King & Queen bed options Download our App, Call today for Reservations Order Online & 559-930-7056 Pick Up In Store! Monday - Wednesday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 41325 Tollhouse Rd, Shaver Lake (559) 855-7827 • 29424 Auberry Rd #118, Prather, CA 93651

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 19 Chipmunk Chatter Unplug During Your Vacation, Play Some Cool Camp Games Backpack Pass Scavenger Hunt Place some chocolate squares for your What better way to explore your campfire s’mores into a small, brown campsite than with a scavenger hunt? paper bag. Write a command on the out- Hide various pieces of camping gear side of the bag, such as, “Dance a jig.” for the kids to find, or make lists of Then place that bag inside another bag, things they would find in your camp- on which another silly command is writ- site’s environment. In the woods, for ten. Continue placing bags inside bags instance, items to find could include an Plan to spent a few evenings around a campfire in the High Sierra in the mid July to August (all with silly commands on them) until acorn, a red leaf, a piece of bark and a timeframe. Visitors can usually see some exciting aerial lightshows brought to you by meterors. you have at least one for each player. yellow flower. tag them. When a player is tagged, he on the word “go,” have players race Place the collection of bags inside of Give them the list and have them becomes the new bear catcher. to gather supplies and build their own a camping backpack. Set the graham hunt for the items. You can set a prize Canteen Bucket Brigade campfires (minus the actual fire part). crackers and marshmallows out, but for the player who finds the most items Divide campers into two teams. Place The first team to complete the building inform campers that in order to retrieve within a set time period, or give a re- two large buckets of water side by side, of a campfire wins. the chocolate, they must complete the ward for everyone who completes the at one end of the campsite, and two Water relay race backpack game. list during your campout. empty buckets, side by side, several Divide campers into two teams. Give Have everyone sit around the camp- Bear Catcher feet away from the full ones. Line the each camper a cupor bucket. Hace the fire and begin passing the backpack In this game of tag, one player is the teams up at the full buckets and hand kids stand in a line, all facing the same as you play music. When you stop the bear catcher and the rest are bears. Place each team a canteen. Team members direction. to start the game, put water music, the player holding the bag must one sleeping bag for each bear around must race to fill the empty buckets with in the first bucket. open the first bag, stand up and- per the campsite. Have each bear go to his the water from the full buckets, using Have the kids pour the water over thier form the task. cave (sit on a sleeping bag) and have only the canteen to transfer the water. head into the next bucket behind them. Continue playing in this manner un- the bear catcher stand in the center of Campfire Relay Fist team with water in the last bucket til everyone has performed a command the play area. On the word “go” (called Divide campers into two teams. Set wins. Water relay race is always fun. and the bag containing the chocolate is by a non-player), the bears must race to up two sets of supplies needed to build Try (but not too hard) to avoid spill- revealed. a new cave before the bear catcher can a campfire (paper, wood, rocks) and ing the water on your friends! Shaver Lake Liquor and Beer

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OPEN

On the Corner of Dinkey Creek Rd. and Highway 168

Chipmunk Chatter - page 20 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Happy Camper General Store Groceries, Sundries, Ice, Firewood, Ice Cream, Snacks, T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Souvenirs and more! Located inside Camp Edison Shaver Lake Sports We Have Everything You Need For A Fun Day of Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming Ask About Our Bike Rentals

Your One Stop Shop for: Fishing and Hunting Licenses (559) 841-2740 Fishing, Backbacking, Camping, Hiking Visit Us at ShaverLakeSports.com • [email protected] T-shirts, Sweatshirts and Souvenirs 41777 Tollhouse Rd. Shaver Lake, CA 93664 Large Supply of Hardware Items. Shaver Lake Marina (559) 841-5331 • ShaverLakeMarina.com Family Fun – A Short Walk From Your Campsite

Boat Slips, Pontoon Boats, Fishing Boats, Canoes, Waverunners, Paddle Boards, Paddle Boats and Kayaks

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 21 Chipmunk Chatter Soak in Relaxing Hot Springs Near the San Joaquin River Lurking under the surface of the Kai- early Florence Lake Dam in the 1920s. ser Wilderness are active geothermal You can reach these rustic hot by pockets. Naturally warmed waters rise traveling over 9,100 ft. Kaiser Pass. to the surface through granite rock for- After nine miles of paved but much mations. This is a good thing, because of it one lane road, turn onto the well- they have created several natural hot marked Edison Lake Road dropping springs in which you can soak and relax. down and crossing the San Joaquin They are located near the San Joa- with the turn off to the campground quin River, not far from the Mono Hot just past the bridge. The following will list the most pop- ular hot springs in the region. Old Pedro - Cross over to the south side of the river and make your ascent up the hill about forty feet to “Old Pe- dro” – one of Mono’s hottest springs averaging around 106-107 degrees with daily variations. Old Pedro is but one of the many hot springs in which you can soak and relax while visiting the The two cement lined pools are the region around Mono Hot Springs in the Kaiser Wilderness about an hour’s drive above Shaver.. remnants of a bath house built by the Pools. They are cooler and refreshing From the hot springs in the vicinity Little Eden is one of the larger hot spring pools California Conservation Corps in on hot days. Behind the circular ce- of Old Pedro, you have three alternates found near Mono Hot Springs near the river. 1934. It is an in and out pool – you ment water tank are remnants of the for reaching the other hot springs. You Springs campground, sitting at an el- can’t continuously stay in it without old bath house. can walk about 300 yards east through evation of 6,700 feet with many cliffs having to get out and cool down after At times a hot spring outflows from a muddy meadow with stepping stones in the area. Most of these hot springs ten or fifteen minutes. a pipe with a tub beneath it. This is a on which you can hop on to keep from were cemented in and made much more Reed Pools - Climbing another 100 perfect place to sit and let the hot water sinking into the mud to the Iodine Springs. comfortable by men working on the yards above Old Pedro, you find Reed pour over the top of your head! (continued on page 28)

Bratton Real Estate

Chipmunk Chatter - page 22 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Tell the Kids a Campfire Ghost Story About Legendary Old Able Fabel For Shaver Lake Area Able Fable was a miserable old man back on the table!” who always worried someone would The voice scared the son so much WGN—CHICAGO 3 HGTV—HOME/GARDEN 21 ESPN2—SPORTS 33 KFSN—ABC FRESNO 4 TLC—LEARNING CH 22 CSN—FOX SPORTS 34 break into his house and steal his money. that he ran from the room and out the door, KFRE—WB FRESNO 5 FOOD—FOOD NETWORK 23 CNN—CABLE NEWS 35 Each night before he would go to screaming: “I heard the voice of a ghost!” KMPH—FOX FRESNO 6 BRAVO– BRAVOP 24 CNBC—CNBC 36 sleep, he would lock his wallet up in a The oldest daughter in disbelief de- KGPE—CBS FRESNO 7 TNT—TURNER 25 FNC—FOX NEWS CH 37 safe located near his bed so that if any- cided she would make her way into KNSO—TELEMUNDO 9 AMC—AMER MOVIE CH 26 FAM—ABC FAMILY 38 one were to try to rob him they would Able’s room. She entered and reached KSEE—NBC FRESNO 10 A7E—ARTS/ENTERTMT 27 BLAZE—BLAZE TV 39 have to wake him up to do it. for the wallet. AP—ANIMAL PLANET 11 HIST—HISOTRY CH 28 CSP—C-SPAN 40 KNXT—INDEP FRESNO 12 DSC—DISCOVERY CH 29 TWC—WEATHER CH 41 Unfortunately, on the night that Able She then heard the voice say: “I am KVPT—PBS FRESNO 13 WE—WOMEN’S ENTNMT 30 SPROUT—SPROUT 97 died he had only placed the wallet on the ghost of Able Fable, put the money TBS—SUPER STATION 19 LIFE—LIFETIME TV 31 XD—DISNEY XD 98 the table near the safe without locking back on the table!” USA—USAP 20 ESPN—SPORTS 32 DIS—DISNEY CH 99 it up. Before his death, Able said to his The daughter was so scared that she family and friends that none of them dropped the wallet and ran from the room were to touch his home or his money screaming: “I heard the voice of a ghost!” Free WiFi and he said that anyone who came near The youngest son decided to make his safe and wallet would be greeted by his attempt at getting the money. When his ghost and be scared away. he entered the room and reached for Following Able’s death the family de- the wallet he also heard the voice say: cided that the money in the Fable house “I am the ghost of Able Fable, put the was not doing any good if not used, so money back on the table!” See the menu offerings at they went into the home to get it. The youngest son decided that he was ShaverBlueSkyCafe.com (559) 841-7106 Able’s oldest son decided to make not easily scared and said back: “Well, I Coffee • Espresso • Latte • Herbal Teas the first attempt. He opened the door am the ghost of Davey Crockett and the Hot Chocolate • Bagels • Beerocks • Crepes and went in, he saw Able’s wallet on money is going to stay in my pocket!” Sandwiches • Salads • Soup • Shakes the table and reached for it. Immedi- The youngest son took all the money Smoothies • Vegetarian Options • Waffles ately he heard a voice say: “I am the for his own and the ghost of Able Fable Located in the Village Center behind ghost of Able Fable, put the money was never heard from again! Bob’s Market. Look for the Blue Building. your Tom Oliveira Summer fun Fishing Guide Starts at 1000 EPS 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Your summertime off-road fun starts when you step on the gas in the Ranger XP 1000 . It's pure off-road excitement on trails, dunes, deserts, and more. Call Tom to Book Your Trip (559) 802-8072 Check out our great selection of off-road vehicles at Clawson Motorsports in Fresno. STK#S6109 VIN:551401 The Polaris Ranger, a general purpose o -road utility vehicle, is not intended and may not be registered for on-road use. WARNING!: ATVs can be hazardous to ShaverLakeFishing.org operate. For your safety always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and never carry passengers unless the adult ATV has been designed by the manufacturer specically for that purpose. Polaris adult models are for riders 16 and older. Polaris youth models of 90 cc are for riders 12 and older. Polaris youth models of 50 cc are for riders 6 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information, call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. www.Clawsonmotorsports.com 559-435-5020 6334 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA 93710

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 23 Chipmunk Chatter Wounded Warriors and Others Participate in Outdoor Activities Shaver Lake is unique in that it in- activities include a combination of cludes a resident organization that mountain biking, rock climbing, kay- assists in making outdoor adventures aking, hiking, fly-fishing, and paddle accessible to persons with disabilities. boarding. Also included are two days The Central California Adaptive Sports and nights of camping overnight in Center (CCASC), under the watchful tents at our lakeside campground. eye of Randy Coffman, invites partic- Weekend programs begin at 6 pm on ipants to join with them for another Friday and end at 1 pm on Sunday. summer of fun in the mountains. If you prefer to come just for one The local, community non-prof- day, we have scheduled several mid- it organization has provided outdoor week, single day sessions. You can mountain adventures to persons with join us for a Saturday during of one of disabilities at China Peak in the win- our weekend sessions. All single day ter and Shaver Lake in the summer. programs begin at 9 am and end at ap- Since 2014, over 6,000 hours have proximately 4 pm. been spent with participants and their All participants will begin their ad- families, including wounded Veterans venture at the Adaptive Sports Center The Central California Adaptive Sports Center in Shaver Lake is very instrumental in giving those from all over California. in the community of Shaver Lake in with various disabilities the opportunity to experience all that the great outdoors has to offer them. The summer season will feature the Ken’s Market parking lot. weekend campouts and single day pro- It takes a team to make our programs Careful Planning Leads to Safety grams. The staff provides lessons, all work. For each participant, we need at camping and recreational equipment, least one volunteer in addition to staff When It Comes to Your Vacation as well as all meals. Each activity in instructors. Instructors and guides as- All your planning has been done and you’re dow to signal distress. the program is designed with adapta- sist participants with hiking, moun- patiently waiting for leaving on your trip. But Now that you know a little more about tions for varying disabilities. Individ- tain biking, camping, rock climbing, are you ready for your upcoming vacation? travel safety during any time of the year, uals and groups of all ages and back- horseback riding, and kayaking. Well, let’s check and see for sure. you will hopefully have no worries during grounds are welcome to participate. To be considered for a position, you First of all what’s in your trunk? When your vacation. You have prepared yourself All programs incorporate the latest must work in a team environment, and you’re taking an extended trip into the Si- for any extra adventures. equipment and therapeutic recreation be interested in enhancing the quali- erra National Forest during the spring, sum- practices, facilitate activities in a ty of life for persons with disabilities. mer, fall or winter months, there are some things that should be in the trunk of every- professional manner, and collaborate Volunteers are needed for both summer one’s vehicle! with other organizations, with the goal and winter seasons. No prior experi- Naturally you need to carry chains with of providing programming that has a ence is necessary. Instructors must be you when you drive to the mountains during lasting impact on the quality of our at least 18 years of age. Base Area and the winter. But you will find that chains participant’s lives. Field Assistants must be at least 16. can also be helpful if you encounter mud- The participation of family and Detailed agendas, program fees, and dy roads or if you happen to find icy road friends empower our participants in additional information are provided at conditions which can occur any time of the their daily lives, and have a positive CentralCalAdaptive.org. You can also year. It is also important to have practiced enduring effect on confidence, health, call (559) 593-2504 or email the staff putting your chains on your tires. independence, and overall well-being. at [email protected]. These Aside from keeping your vehicle in good mechanical condition, you will need to For those spending a weekend, de- programs will fill up quickly, so please properly inflate your tires and have a full pending on interest and suitability, contact us soon to schedule a program. fuel tank. The image to the right shows you many of the items that might help keep you safe if your break down or if the weather turns really ugly. Stay with your vehicle if you get stuck, especially in the snow. It provides tempo- rary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing Coed Traditional overnight summer camp wind, rain or snow and you can become lost. Over 20 activities ages 6 - 16 Don’t over exert yourself trying to push or dig Call to schedule a tour a vehicle out of the snow or mud, especially www.kennolyncamps.com if you don’t exercise regularly. (831) 479-6714 ext. 447 Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up win-

Chipmunk Chatter - page 24 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Be Aware of Your Footprint While You Are Vacationing It is time for all of us to do our part in leav- far less water pollution than manufacturing ing our forest lands and campgrounds healthy from virgin materials. and free of trash. This pertains to all of the 4. Reduces waste: The average Ameri- national forests, not just here at Camp Edison. can discards seven pounds of garbage ev- Annually families and friends check ery day. Most of this goes into landfills. their calendars and plan to gear up and go 5. Litter lasts a long time: orange peels- • Tasty and filling breakfast burritos camping. In doing this we pack the must -two years, plastic bags--10-20 years, tin haves for our trip; food, water, camping cans--50 years, aluminum cans--80-100 • Fresh-made sandwiches equipment, maps, electronics, etc. One item years, glass bottles--1 million years, plastic that is commonly overlooked in our mad bottles--Indefinitely. • World famous baked goods dash to hit the road are trash and recycle bags. So next time you come up to Shaver • Delicious homemade dinner entrees A simple over looked item yet, it causes whether you are enjoying the beautiful hundreds of man hours and thousands of lake, heading to the ski resort, or just rec- • Mouth watering take and bake pizza dollars each year in clean up. reating for the day please help us keep are At Camp Edison we are making ev- local mountains clean and safe. ery attempt to reduce the amount of trash Did you know that guests staying at Cressman’s offers a fully stocked general that is left by providing more trash and Camp Edison will be provided trash and store featuring groceries, beer and wine, recycle cans, easier access, and educating recycle bags during their stay? guests with handouts and signage. We have Pack up the family, bring the dogs, and firewood and clean restrooms. heightened our awareness on the impor- come visit us today--make your online res- tance of recycling. Several reasons exist as ervation at www.sce.com/campedison “On your way up or down, at Cressman’s!” to why we should promote recycling. Adopt a Cove Program Recycling helps us to convert our old Join the Adopt a Cove Program. Do- products into new useful products. Since nate your time to maintain a portion of the 36088 Tollhouse Rd. Shaver Lake we are saving resources and are sending shoreline on Shaver Lake. (559) 841-2923 • Visit Us at Cressmans.org less trash to the landfills it helps in reduc- Individuals or groups interested in ing air and water pollution. In other words, adopting a section of shoreline at Shaver it’s good for the environment. Lake, must be willing to perform at least Reasons to keep recycling and not litter: a combined 80 hours of service during a 1. Protects Wildlife: Using recycled ma- one year commitment. Projects that you terials reduces damage forests, wetlands, are likely to encounter during your year of rivers and other places essential to wildlife. adoption include: collection and removal 2. Good for our Economy: U.S. companies of trash, removal of illegal campfire rings, rely on recycling programs to provide raw and driftwood cleanup/pile for burning. material they need to make new products. In appreciation of your efforts, The sec- 3. Reduces water pollution: Making tion of shoreline you adopt will have a sign goods from recycled materials generates with your group’s name on it. Enjoy an Outdoor Experience for the Whole Family RV Park • General Store • Gift Shop Tent Camping • Boat Rentals Family owned and operated since 1960, located just 80 miles east of Fresno at an elevation of 6,600’. Make your reservation today. WishonVillage.com or call (559) 865-5361

66500 McKinley Grove Road, Shaver Lake, CA WishonVillage.com Operating Under Permit by Sierra National Forest

Unfortunately, year after year, many forest visitors do not take the time to pick up after them- selves after a stay at Camp Edison, Shaver Lake or the Sierra National Forest. This must stop!

Chipmunk Chatter - page 25 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Discover Central California’s Best Kept Secret - Read On The Shaver Lake Visitor’s Bureau is features outdoor recreational activities, a cal- an all volunteer organization that actively endar of events and community businesses promotes the regional Sierra National For- in the area, as well as providing information est covering all aspects of this unique four needed to facilitate a good visitor experience. season, outdoor recreational paradise/ A comprehensive visitor’s guide, which World class hiking, fishing, boating, off- includes a detailed map of the region, is road trails, rock climbing, horseback rid- available at most stores, restaurants, lodging ing, hunting, cross country skiing, sailing, facilities, marinas and campgrounds at Shav- sightseeing and photography Eastern Fres- er Lake, Huntington Lake, Dinkey Creek and no County region offers it all. in the more remote backcountry facilities. From the spring till the fall, several events Email [email protected] or call Mention This Ad for a Discounted Rate take place including 5K and 10K races, Tri- (559) 841-3350 for further information. athlons, the largest open waterpolo tourna- Other notable regional groups: ment in North American, trout fishing der- Southern California Edison bies, a world famous high sierra regatta. a https://campedison.com Logger’s Jamboree, Shaver Brewfest and a Shaver Lake Lions major Fourth of July fireworks presentation. http://shaverlakelions.com The group is proud to have partnered Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project with a variety of businesses and other in- https://shaverlaketrophytrout.com terested parties in marketing the many vir- Shaver Lake Community Center tues of this beautiful area. http://shaverlakecommunitycenter.org This is a designated 501(c)3 non-profit Shaver Lake Volunteers group and is dependent upon donations. http://www.shaverlakevolunteers.com The group meets quarterly. Anyone is Sierra Historical Society 800-434-RIDE • 559-841-8500 invited to attend and become a part of the http://www.sierrahistorical.org effort to promote this unique region. Check Huntington Lake Homeowners Assn. ShaverStable.horse GoShaver.org for actual dates. https://huntingtonlakeassociation.com The Shaver Lake Visitor’s Bureau main- U.S. Forest Service - Prather Office tains an informational website presence that Highway 168 in Prather (559) 855-5355 Sierra Marina Shaver Lake’s Complete Full Service Marina Boat Rentals: Pontoon, Ski, Waverunners, Fishing, Kayaks and Paddle Boards • Overnight Slips and Dry Storage Rentals • Convenience Store, Tackle, Bait, Gasoline • Fishing & Hunting Licenses • Complete Boat Service and Shinkwrapping Free Parking and Launching 559-841-3324 www.sierramarina.com Located at County Launch Ramp 1/4 mile past Shaver Lake Dam

Chipmunk Chatter - page 26 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Pacific Crest Trail Near Edison Lake at Vermilion Valley Resort Approximately 49 miles from Shav- feet); Kearsarge Pass (11,709 feet); er Lake, after a scenic drive winding Pinchot Pass (12,090 feet); and Mather through the Kaiser Wilderness, lies Pass (12,082 feet). Vermilion Valley Resort, a gateway of A successful Pacific Crest Trail hike sorts to the Pacific Crest Trail. depends on your quality of planning The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,665 miles and a willingness to stop and get off long, stretching from Mexico to Canada the trail at any time. Getting gear, food, along the west coast of the United States. fuel, and other supplies along the trail Over the past 10 years the PCT has can be alot of fun. There are many become a favorite trail for thru-hikers. ways to do it. A main concern of hikers Nearly 3,000 people strike out to hike is “What resupply options do I have?” the length of the PCT each year . Many Fortunately, in this section of the other hikers utilize the trail each year, PCT, they have Jim Clement and The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches 2,665 miles from Mexico to Canada through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. Vermilion Valley Resort is a resupply location at Edison Lake. many hiking only portions of the trail, his staff at Vermilion Valley Resort Headwaters at the back of the lake is at dition we offer several free charging known as “section hiking”. (VVR). They will hold packages for a 9:45 and 4:45 daily. Special Ferry runs stations so that your electronic devices The “section” of the PCT near Shav- $30 fee. Use UPS send your packages can be arranged throughout the day. can be recharged. er Lake, runs in conjunction with the to VVR. There is a 25 lbs (11 kg) limit VVR offers hikers two nights in the VVR has van service to and from John Muir Trail (JMT) from Mt. Whit- on all packages. Be sure to mark your Hiker Camping area for free. You can Fresno. The van can accommodate ney to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosem- package(s) with your estimated time rent a comfortable bed in our Hiker up to 12 hikers and their gear. The ite. The trail through this section tra- of arrival (ETA). All packages will be Hostel tent. Shower and laundry ser- van service runs between Vermilion verses some of the most remote and held 30 days past ETA, then put in the vice is available to anyone at VVR. Valley Resort and the Fresno Air- spectacular scenery in North Ameri- hiker box. Internet access via satellite for those port, Amtrak and Greyhound stations. can. This country is quintessential high Send your package at least two weeks hikers who need to check their email YARTS stops are available for those in advance to Vermilion Valley Resort, or upload blog entries for the trail is trying to access Yosemite. c/o Rancheria Garage, 62311 Hunting- available. In addition, we have VOIP For any further details visit VVR on- ton Lake Road, Lakeshore, Ca. 93634. service for calls home, and AT&T cel- line at EdisonLake.com or you can call It is located at Latitude / Longitude: lular coverage from the beach. In ad- (559) 259-4000. 37° 22’33.56”N 119° 0’45.52”W. It is a distance of five miles from the trail. Meanwhile, when hikers decide to visit VVR, the resort runs a ferry boat The wake of the Edison Queen as she ferries service with the Edison Queen, that thru hikers to and from the PCT dropoff location. travels on the lake from approximate- Shaver Lake RV Rentals mountain terrain consisting of glaciers, ly June 1st to October 2nd depending thousands of sky blue lakes, lush green on the back country snow conditions. alpine meadows, high snow covered It runs seven days a week with special passes and soaring granite peaks. departures upon request. The boat dock Along the route, the PCT crosses sev- at the mouth of Mono Creek is less than eral passes above 11,000 feet: Forester a mile from the main PCT/JMT trail. Pass (13,180 feet), the highest point The Edison Queen leaves the resort on the entire trail; Glenn Pass (11,926 at 9:00 and 4:00 daily. Pick-up at Mono

Enjoy an Outdoor Experience for the Whole Family Imagine the convenience of arriving at your campsite with a cozy, self contained RV await- ing you. You arrange for a camp site at Camp Edison. We deliver it to your site and set it up. When you go home, we take the rental unit away. ShaverLakeRVRentals.com (559) 326-6064

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 27 Chipmunk Chatter Sierra Historical Society Has Museum Without Any Walls There are lots of activities in the local adult and children books on California region, but one that you cannot miss is a history, Native American culture, pioneer visit to the Museum of the Central Sierra, lives, natural history, wildlife, environ- located near the entrance to Camp Edison. mental issues facing the West, and recre- Your kids will love this adventure. ational activities in the Sierra. You can use your smartphone and down- There is never a charge to get into the load a free app, Sounds of the Central Sier- museum. However, we are a non-profit ra. It previews exhibits with further infor- and appreciate any donations. Many visitors to the Shaver Lake region will take a day and drive up toward Huntington Lake mation about the history of this area. and then take the Kaiser Pass Road to Edison Lake Road where they will find several hot springs. Your children or grandchildren can enjoy crafts while you browse extensive collections of Native American, logging, Mother Nature Fuels the Hot mining, and pioneer era artifacts. Venture outdoors to see the exhibits that offer visi- Springs in Kaiser Wilderness tors an interactive experience. (continued from page 22) Mud Baths is 30 yards uphill and over At the hydro-electric powerhouse (the With a more strenuous hike one can the rocks. It is a cooler pool. The soft only exhibit like it in the world), you will reach “Little Eden”, a swimming pool clay lining makes for excellent facials! learn the history of hydro-electric power size hot spring perched high on the Another 140 yards down the path and why the water in this area is called the The caboose at the museum used to be a part ridge through the steep meadows. from Rock Garden and the Mud Baths “hardest working water in the world.” of the old SJ&E Railroad that ran to Big Creek. To avoid steep a climb to reach Lit- are Iodine Springs. These cement The steam donkey and powerhouse are The Museum is open seven days a week working exhibits. They are fired up once a from Memorial Day through Labor Day. tle Eden, return across the river to your lined tubs are deep enough to stand in. month. This facility has the only running The hours are from 11 am to 3 pm. The The easy way to get to Little Eden, a powerhouse in a museum setting through- address is 42642 Tollhouse Rd just inside hot spring big enough to swim in, is to out the whole world. Visitors are offered the entrance to Camp Edison in Shaver drive up Edison Lake Road one mile scavenger hunts, hikes to points of interest Lake. A complete calendar of events is and cross a small grated bridge. Park and monthly concerts in amphitheater. available at: SierraHistorical.org. You can in recessed area just above the bridge. The gift shop at the museum provides contact the staff at (559) 841-4478 Walk out onto the rocks below the road overlooking the basin, When you see the resort below, look to your left and discover a beautiful pool perched

The proximity of the San Joaquin River to the hot springs allows for a quick “cooling off”. A Wilderness Experience Since 1935 vehicle. Drive back across the bridge/ 18 Miles East of Huntington Lake on Kaiser Pass Road Park at the trailhead on the south side. About 100 yards down the path head- ing west along the river you will see water crossing the footpath. Look up to your left to water source and you’ll see a large granite outcropping with a pool called the Rock Garden beside it. It is a warmer hot spring, big enough for several folks with beautiful maid- en hair ferns tumbling into the pool Get all the benefits of a brisk hiking adventure above the bubbles which is the hottest rewarded by a relaxing soak in a hot springs. part of the pool at about 104 degrees. on the very top of a ridge – the last place you would expect to find stand- ing water! Its easiest to circle around to your left from this vantage point Special Hot Springs Deal and reach Little Eden going down the path on the west side of the boulders to Free use of resort hot springs spa/tub (a $20 value) with this ad and reach the pool below. purchase of a lunch or dinner entree at our famous River Rock Café. Rose Garden is nearby. It is another (Dinners every day- lunch daily for July & Aug and every Sat. & Sun. other months) of the cooler pools where you can sit without having to get in and out. (559) 325-1710 • MonoHotSprings.com

Chipmunk Chatter - page 28 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter Rod and Marsha Wiens Historical Trail is Dedicated Prior to the construction of the Shav- The day to day maintenance of the er Dam by Southern California Ed- trail was adopted by Rod and Marcia ison, on Stevensen Creek in the year Wiens. Rod and Marcia have been 1927, the Shaver basin was owned cornerstones of our mountain commu- and worked by the Fresno Flume and nity for many years. Lumber Company. They were founding members of the Steam powered winches, known as Shaver Lake Volunteers and active on the steam donkeys, rolled on rails into steering committee. Rod recently retired the forest and dragged back logs to be from the workshop at Camp Edison and floated to the mills. The flumes and the couple moved out of the area to be rails that ferried those logs became closer to their children and grandchildren. obsolete and were removed or aban- In recognition of the years of hard work Just off the Kaiser Summit is the turnoff for the Dusy Ershim Four Wheel Drive Trail. Not far doned. They left behind graded paths the Wien’s have given to the community, from Kaiser Pass Road is this vast expanse of the Sierra National Forest called White Bark Vista. throughout the forest. Shaver Lake Volunteers dedicates the One such grade was the base for the Rod and Marcia Wiens Historic Trail. 4-Wheel Drive Adventures Await You construction of the Historic Trail. The New trailhead markers are sched- in the Kaiser and Dinkey Wilderness South Trail head follows a historic rail uled for installation this spring. Ad- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) us- route is the only route on the district that grade up from South Perimeter Road, ditionally, more interpretive displays ers will find many opportunities for is open year-round. The route is acces- then makes a switchback climb to a are in the works. To visit the Histor- off-highway enjoyment in the Sierra sible from the south by taking Dinkey rare vista of Shaver Lake. ic Trail, find the Volunteer Trail Map National Forest. Two are listed below. Creek Road east from Shaver Lake and Along the side of the grade is the at shops around town. You can find A fairly complete listing of trails is at approximately 9.5 miles turning left Bill Wingo Grove of Sequoias, named Rod’s handiwork all around Camp Ed- available at the Central Sierra Visitors on Rock Creek Road (9S09). Go north for the Edison Forester who planted ison and on the trails, as he carved and Bureau website at ComeOnUp.org. on Rd 9S09 for 3.5 miles to start of the grove nearly 60 years ago. painted most of the signage. More de- Look for the Things to Do link and then the route. Staying right at the first two Building the trail and interpretive tailed information on the adopt-a-trail one for Off Road Vehicle Treks. intersections will put you on the more displays was a difficult task, made program is available at the website Brewer OHV Route: Just above challenging lower loop. possible by Shaver Lake Volunteers. www.shaverlakevolunteers.com. Shaver Lake is the Brewer OHV route, Stay left for the most direct and eas- classified as Easiest. This trail is great ier route to the top of Bald Mt. To ac- for beginners or those looking to test a cess from the north take Hwy 168 above new vehicle. The route is 3.5 miles long Shaver Lake to the Tamarack Snow- and takes about 1 hour to drive. Park, travel along Rd 9S09 for 3 miles Take Hwy 168 east from Shaver Lake to the intersection of Rd. 9S02. Take to the Tamarack Sno Park Area. Turn Rd. 9S02 south and you will come to the east on Road 9S69 and travel approxi- north trail head in less than 10 minutes. mately 3 miles, then turn left on Road This route is known as the “easy way” 9S69. Continue on Road 9S69 for 2 to the top of Bald Mountain. Stay right miles until you reach Road 9S10 on your at the first intersection after the trail right. Follow Road 9S10 for 1.5 miles to head. Many high clearance trucks can you get to a gate and bulletin board. reach the top going this way. Left will Bald Mountain: This popular OHV take you to the lower loop.

Coyote Lake Trail is a 20.3 miles trek, rated as difficult and offers two beautiful lakes with great fishing and camping. About three miles are very difficult after Red Lake. A great weekend escape.

Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter - page 29 Chipmunk Chatter Six Major Lakes Beckon Anglers to Try Their Luck Outwitting Fish The Western Outdoor News is al- munity of Shaver by taking Dinkey ways spreading the joy of fishing in the Creek Road to McKinley Grove Road. Eastern Sierra. Well their staff should You follow McKinley Grove Road spend some time in this region where through the area of the McKinley fisherman are offered some of the fin- Grove of Giant Sequoias and on to the est angling action in the western Unit- two reservoirs that are part of the Pa- cific Gas and Electric Helm’s Project. Wishon is just beyond the Wishon The San Joaquin River in the Kaiser Wilderness near Mono Hot Springs offers some of the best Village RV Park about 26 miles from fly fishing this side of the King’s River in the Sierra National Forest. Tie a fly and go give it a try! Shaver. You get to Courtright off information: www.recreation.gov or or Power Bait are the best bait for those McKinley Grove Road by turning onto call 877-444-6777. shore fishing from shore. Courtright Way that will take you by There are boat rentals and a small If you need extra information regard- PG&E private housing and onto the store at Florence Lake, plus a ferry ser- ing fishing during your visit to the re- reservoir which is about 11 miles from vice across the lake to popular hiking gion, each of the lakes has information the turnoff. trails and the Muir Trail Ranch. for you at their store or marina. Huntington Lake may be more well know for On the shores of Edison Lake you sailing, but you can catch some trout there too! will find Vermilion Valley Resort with ed States. No matter if you prefer fishing lodging, restaurant, boat rentals, fer- from a boat, a float tube, kayak or from ry service for PCT hikers and a well shore the fish are in these lakes and the stocked general store. river to tempt you from sunrise to sunset. You can learn more details by visiting Florence-Lake.com or EdisonLake.com Fishermen who troll these lakes find them outstanding. Various lures, spin- Edison Lake offers up some excellent sized ners, lead core line and night crawlers Rainbow Trout and German Browns for you. work well in them all. Night crawlers Florence Lake is a jumping off spot for a trip Both reservoirs offer great Rain- to the Muir Trail Ranch and some good fishing. bow Trout and German Brown fish- ing. There are boat launching facilities at both locations. Wishon Village RV Creekside Carryout & Catering STOP by and grab a breakfast burrito Park features RV and Tent Camping on your way to the mountains. Courtright Reservoir is part of the PG&E and a nicely stocked general store. A Pick up a pizza or an entree on the Helm’s Project where fishing can be excellent. marina with boat rentals is available as way back down the mountain! It would be pretty hard to fish all the wonderful lakes in the area on just one Offering delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert items. vacation, so here is information about Pick-up Food to take out or relax in the diner. several waterways on which you might like to try your hand in the near future. Shaver and Huntington Lakes are probably the two most well known lakes in Fresno County. But you’re in for a treat when you travel further in- Shaver Lake is home to the famous Trophy Trout plants by a group of dedicated fishermen. land to Wishon and Courtright Reser- voirs. They are accessed from the com- well. Details at WishonVillage.com. For those ready to try the other direc- tion past Huntington Lake and into the Kaiser Wilderness, you will find Portal Forbay (35 miles), Ward (40 miles), Edison and Florence Lakes (each 45 miles) as well as fantastic fly fishing on the San Joaquin River (40 miles) near Mono Hot Springs. There are public campgrounds avail- able at these locations. Some are first Wishon Reservoir is on the King’s River at the come, first served and others can be re- end of McKinley Grove Rd. Go catch a big one. served. Check the following for more 29533 Auberry Rd, Prather • (559) 855-2277

Chipmunk Chatter - page 30 Visit Us Online at ChipmunkChatter.org Chipmunk Chatter S’mores Are a Dessert Treat Made Over Evening Campfire Vermilion Valley Resort “Over the years, answering the phone Part of the excitement in creating for the Shaver Lake Visitor’s Bureau s’mores is cooking them over a camp- has raised some interesting questions,” fire. So first you have to start one. Show Home to PCT and JMT hikers said volunteer Debora Delaney. “One the kids how to make a safe campfire of the more off the wall questions is by clearing a space and creating a fire ‘where do I get s’mores.’” ring with some rocks. Then you pile dif- Come for the Saturday night Well we have the answer for you. You ferent sized sticks and dry pine needles barbecue and homemade pies. don’t really get them anywhere. They into a tee-pee shape. Then have the kids are special. You have to make them. light the pile under adult supervision. Toast the marshmallows to a “crispy, Where the road ends your gooey state.” Put the marshmallow on top of a chocolate bar and place that in wilderness experience begins! between two graham crackers. Yummy! Nobody agrees on where s’mores came from, but seriously, would any- body over eight years-old ever think of squishing together a chocolate bar, a toasted marshmallow, and a pair of gra- Roasted over a campfire, s’mores are made of ham crackers to make a dessert? graham creackers, chocolate and marshmallows. So now you know you can’t just buy a The making of a s’more is very educa- good gooey “s’more” at your local gro- EdisonLake.com • (559) 259-4000 tional. You can teach the kids some valu- cery store! However, it is a wonderful Mention ad for 10% off boat, kayak or paddle board rental. able camping skills. But, first you need experience for a kid, as well as those ingredients: a box of graham crackers, a watching their enjoyment, as they get bag of regular sized marshmallows, some to make their own, all of course, under Hershey Bars and a long roasting tool. adult supervision.

Quartz Mountain

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Jet Ski, Pontoon, ATV & Ski Boat Rentals 41359 Tollhouse Rd. at Dinkey Creek Rd. Reserve Units at ShaverLakePowerCenter.com