Cali

For mine and my brother's graduation present we're flying out to California for a week or two by the end of the month... Fresno area. What all is good to see? I'm already hearing much about San Fran and Sequoia Nat'l Park among other things for some sights we'll be seeing. And of course I have to ask, any HSM's in the area? :)

Tim

-- "I have misplaced my pants." - Homer Simpson | Electronics,

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Pay Gunner a visit.

If ya go up to Sutter's Mill in Coloma, you'll be about 8 miles from me. The grille is always ready.

michael

Yosemite. Fresno is not a hotbed of metalworking. A few hobbyists here and there. Shrug.

Im about 125 miles south of Fresno. Yall more than welcome to come on down and putter in the shop on any weekend.

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

There is a good plating shop in Fresno that I use when the need arises. Pacific Coast Anodizing has done tens of thousands of parts for me with zero problems.

michael

Well the Knight foundry in the Gold rush town of Sutter Creek would be interesting.. They still have the old equipment that was built at the site.

They are still in the process of getting funding to complete the restoration and clearing title of the site so they may not be open for tours. They are about 25 - 30 miles South East of Sacramento Do a Google search for "Knight Foundry" and look at the Amador country site as well as others.

They have a phone number so you could call and get status at 209 267 0201

Bill K7NOM

The Castle Air Museum is a must see. Just walking under and around the B-36 is amazing. It is in Atwater, right next to Merced. They have a very impressive collection of aircraft on display.

Les

There's a whole lot of tourist trap places all along the hills to the east including the Sierra Railway and Roaring Camp and Big Pines with a Shay loco. Tell the wife that there is no money or space for antiques as there are places like that all along there.

Others have mentioned other metalworking-specific attractions in the area, so I'll just add one:

Check out the Sutter Mine, on Highway 49 just north of Sutter Creek. This is a modern hard-rock gold mine presently waiting for the price of gold to go up. They offer tours that give a pretty good picture both of the modern mining technique and a bit about the gold rush era methods as well.

If you have other interests, you can find lots of interesting things to do and see in California. I've been working on it for over 50 years and haven't run out yet.

Al Moore

Careful, he might get you to help clear out the yard! Gerry :-)} London, Canada

Me and Dad are already going to go gold panning somewhere, and also Yosemite is being thrown around as a "definetly" destination.

Used to be interested in geology... wouldn't mind seeing landscape a bit more exciting than the glacial, sedimentary wasteland around here. :^) What kind of places to say bring back some specimens for the rock collection?

Tim

-- "I have misplaced my pants." - Homer Simpson | Electronics,

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Whenever I'm in Fresno in the summer it's blazing hot so we rent jetskis and cool off at Pine Flat lake or Millerton reservoir.

You could try Mineral King. It's up the end of a long deadend road in Sequoia National Park, about an hour drive from Fresno. Nice hiking up there.

Al,

Do you live in the area? I'm in Diamond Springs.

michael

Devil's Postpile still lurks in memory from *several* years ago. Too bad about time of year, but you do not want to miss Yosemite. That could be considered a criminal act. If time is constrained, don't try to see too much of it, you'll likely go back another time or three.

mj

If you are in the Mariposa area be sure to check out the Calif State Mineralogy Exhibit at the mariposa Co Fairgrounds Jim A.

I was in Yosemite just today (for the umpteenth time). You should definitely go there, but I'd suggest mid-week if at all possible. It will probably be crowded even then but not as bad as the weekends.

The California Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa (I think that's what it's called) is really interesting and well done. Mariposa is fairly close to one of the entrances (The Arch Rock) to Yosemite but not the one you would to through coming from Fresno (the South entrance). There is just so much to see and do in California. Hope you enjoy your trip!! Sue

I hope he needs some dogs and cats

Gunner

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there. - George Orwell

Don't forget King Canyon National Park. It is awesome, right up there with Yosemite, especially Glacier Point at Yosemite. Well worth the drive. They both are relatively close to eachother. You need a day each to check them out.