Huntington Lake Camp R&R 2008

The 25th CampR&R took place this year at Huntington Lake off I168 east of Fresno. I'd never heard of the place (nor any of the string of lakes along this road) but apparently its a premier saililng location due to the consistent afternoon winds.

Those same winds, coupled with a 7K+ elevation, made it a bit chilly, especially after the sun went down. I fianlly got myself a tent I could actually stand in, but the best new addition to my camping gear turned out to be the rechargable camp blender. Yep, margharitas and other mixed drinks were served daily during the obligatory happy hour.

Along with the usual hiking, ice cream stops, mornings staring at the water, afternoons on the beach, we made one trip that turned out to be pretty memorable. Mono Hot Springs Resort was only 17 miles away, but it took nearly 1.5 hours to traverse the one lane, windy road. It was the kind of road that had no railing and where you had to honk when driving around a bend. The potholes and uneven pavement made it a bumpy ride as well.

The surprise wasn't the road, but the resort at the end of it. Complete with a spa and massages, a general store with fresh vegetables, and a resteraunt with great food, inlcuding a selection of buffalo meat sandwiches, all served up by Jerem, our very cute server :)

After the meal, we headed out to the hot springs, which were the whole point of this trip. After soaking for an hour or so we felt fortified enough to head back. After negotiating the right of way with a herd of cows, we ended our excursion.

Tasting Room and Wine Cellar

Sometimes the simplest thing turns out to be a favorite, when least expected. So it is with Deliawyn's little wine cellar/tasting room. When she decided to move her office to her kitchen so she could work on her recipes, the little stone alcove was left empty. Since the wine racks and beer kegs needed a place to go, Delia moved them here. A little tweaking, some new chairs, and a cute little tasting room was born.



Now after a delicious meal, Delia and her cousin Dribissa come a have a glass of port before sitting by the living room fire with a good book and a little music.

A Little Fame and What Happens?

Give a Half Elf a little recognition, and look what happens! High on the fact that her previous philosophical musing were featured on Allakhazam, Donilla went and sent them a few more of her thoughts. Low and behold, they published those as well! A closet intellectual is born, so watch out :)