Plumas Buzz

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December 27, 2011

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your families, friends and loved ones.  It's hard to believe that it's already over and that 2012 will be here before you know it.  There are several New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31st that you can attend where you will have a great time dancing, eating yummy appetizers or dinner, and can ring in the New Year.

The Annual Open House at the Genesee Deli will be celebrating from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm, and ending the evening with fireworks at the Neff Ranch in Genesee (530) 284-6351. 

There will be a potluck style dinner at the Annual New Year's Eve Bash at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch 10 miles east of Quincy. They will be roasting a pig, 2 turkeys and more!  Bring a side dish if you can!  Dinner will be served at at 7:30 pm followed with live music by Trace Hombres at 9:00 pm. Call the ranch at (530) 283-0930 to purchase tickets and for more information. Cost includes food, entertainment, activities and more!

The New Year's Eve Party at the Nakoma Golf Resort in Clio will be fun with a no-host bar & appetizers from 6-7 pm, and a delicious buffet dinner from 7-8:30 pm, dancing and a complimentary glass of champagne 9-10 pm. (530) 832-5067 to purchase tickets and for more information. 

Cocktails and appetizers at 7 pm will begin the Longboards Bar & Grill New Year's Eve Gala Celebration  in Graeagle, along with a 5- course dinner at 8 pm, complimentary sparkling wine, and live music and dancing with "The Alternators". You can also join in the fun by just coming to dance along to the live music for only $10 per person! (530) 836-1111 for info and reservations.

The Almanor Bowling Center in Chester has a party planned with a full bar, dance floor with a DJ and a big screen countdown.  Noisemakers, party hats, cosmic bowling, billiards, snack bar, arcade and a free glass of champagne at midnight will be included!  (530) 258-4300.

 

 

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December 15, 2011

Don't feel like cooking a big Christmas dinner, or looking for a great spot to celebrate New Year's Eve?  Many restaurants around the county will be open, and a few will be open Christmas Day and New Year's Day for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. 

There will be special menus available for both holidays with music, dancing, party favors and special cocktails to help you celebrate and bring in the New Year. 

A few establishments require that you make your reservation by a specific date, so be sure to note those important dates when you are reading through the various Christmas and New Year's options. 

 

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December 15, 2011

WINTER TRAILS DAYS EVENTS

Free winter sports events for the whole family on Saturday, January 7, 2011.  To commemorate National Trail Days, Lassen Volcanic National Park is offering exciting opportunities for winter recreation including snow play, skiing and snowshoeing.  Free cross country skis and lessons will be available.  Meet at the  McGowan Trail Head at 10:00 am. Skis, boots and poles will be provided by Childs Meadow Resort and Sports LTD.  Ranger led snowshoe walks for the general public leave the Kom-Yah-man-nee Visitors Center (530) 595-4480, at the south entrance to the park, at 10:30 and 1:30 pm (snowshoes provided for a donation of $1, normal park entrance fees apply).  Bodfish Bicycles in Chester will be discounting rentals (530) 258-2338.  The St. Bernard Lodge in Chester will be offering free snowshoes available from 10:30 am - 4:00 pm.  Contact Sharon Roberts at (530 258-3382 or info@stbernardlodge.com for more information.  Additional activities will be added. To view them see their Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/stbernardlodge.  Mineral Lodge (530) 595-4422 and Millcreek Resort (530) 595-4449 will also provide free snowshoes.

Visitors can also spend a wonderful winter day at the Lassen Film Festival On Saturday, January 14, 2011 beginning at 10:00 am.  Films that highlight park and outdoor recreation will be shown in the visitors center auditorium.  Visitors can plan for a fun day of snow play, lunch at the Lassen Cafe, and viewing one or more films. Contact the visitors center at (530) 595-4480 for more information.

 

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December 8, 2011

The 47th Annual Wassail Bowl takes place this Friday, December 9th at the County Courthouse in downtown Quincy from 5-7pm.  The citizen and business of the year awards will be presented, along with live musical performances, appetizers and of course that tasty Wassail that you can enjoy while visiting with your friends.  Be sure to attend if you haven't had the opportunity to do so before, as this brings all the elements of the holiday season together. (530) 283-0188

Do you have your holiday shopping done yet?  The merchants in Greenville will be hosting their Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 10th from noon until 5pm with all kinds of gifts for everyone on your holiday list.  

 

 

The Festival of Trees takes place from 5-8pm along with caroling from 5:30-6:15 pm, culminating with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Memorial Lights all at the Community Center at 6pm.  Call (530) 284-6633 for questions.
 

 

 

 

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December 6, 2011

Have you heard about the latest craze in Plumas County? Brightly-painted quilt block patterns are adorning barns and buildings throughout the county. It's all part of a movement started by a Quincy quilter who wanted to model the barn quilt tours developed in several rural communities across the country. The wooden quilt blocks vary from 8x8 feet on barns to 2x2 feet on homes.

And now, note cards featuring the barns and barn quilts have been produced from paintings done by local artist Nancy Bohne. They've been selling well as Christmas gifts! The notecards are for sale here at the Visitors Center (at the airport in Quincy) as well as at a few local stores. Eight different cards each depict a different barn/quilt scene; they sell in packs of four for $4.95 per pack. We even have this darling miniature barn on loan for displaying the cards.

Plumas County's barn quilt project is continuing to evolve as a self-guided driving/biking tour, with more than 30 painted barn quilts on display, so far primarily in Quincy and Indian Valley. Here's a map of the Quincy ones. Check them out on your next visit up!
 

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November 17, 2011

 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  If you don't have any plans for dinner yet, there are several restaurants in the county that will be offering delicious homemade meals that include all the traditional side dishes and desserts. 

For those of you looking for a special treat the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 25th, be sure to head over to Traci's Sweet Surprises located at 503 Main St. in downtown Quincy.  Traci will be offering fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls (buy one, get the 2nd half off) along with a non-alcoholic wassail drink from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm!

 

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November 8, 2011

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Leaf peepers have been replaced by holiday tree hunters! Christmas tree permits went on sale Nov. 1 and with snow already on the ground, people are venturing into the woods to find their perfect tree to decorate.

There's a lot of benefits to cutting your own fresh conifer for the holiday season -- starting with the fact that permits are just $10! If you've priced trees you purchase elsewhere, that's quite the bargain.

Check the list of locations for permits and find out what you'll need to bring your tree home. And plan to spend the weekend -- or at least an overnight -- and check out local eateries and stores that are in holiday mode. There are plenty of holiday events coming up in small towns throughout the county.

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September 27, 2011

You might have noticed that we haven't posted anything recently on the Plumas Buzz blog.  That's because we just launched our Awesome Autumn homepage! It will include reports and photos about how the fall color is progressing here in Plumas County.  Click on the Awesome Autumn Leaf-Peeper Report link above to get the latest information to help you plan your trip to see Mother Nature at her best painting the mountainsides and small towns with oranges, reds and all shades of yellow.

Stay tuned to the Buzz blog, we will still be posting interesting stories, photos and happenings to keep you informed about what's going on around the county.

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September 2, 2011

Labor Day has arrived and Plumas County has lots going on to help celebrate the weekend.  You can get the family together and come on up to have some fun before the kids head back to school next week.

Saturday, September 3rd is Free Fishing Day in California.  No fishing license is required.  All ages can enjoy fishing in the streams, rivers and lakes all over Plumas County for the entire day! Check our fishing report to find the best spots. 

The 11th Annual Lake Almanor Peninsula Arts & Crafts Faire will take place this Saturday, September 3rd inside the Lake Almanor Country Club at Rec.1.  Take Hwy. 36 to A-13 to Clifford Dr. and enter through the Clifford Gate. Open to the public.  10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  While you are up that way, the Chester Merchants invite you stop in and browse at their Annual Labor Day Sale Weekend Sidewalk Sale,10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. You'll find gifts, clothing, housewares, sporting goods, jewelry and more.  Call (530) 258-2426 for more information.

Feel like kicking up your heels and dancin'?  The Third Annual "Hoedown - at - the - Barn" takes place from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm  also on Saturday, September 3rd at the big white barn at the corners of Hwy. 70 and Hwy.89 in Blairsden.  Join them for an evening of western dance and barbeque.  Ticket price includes dinner, which will be served from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Live music will be performed by the Stone & Straw Band.  Call (530) 832-0104 to purchase tickets and for more information.

Meanwhile, the Annual Antique & Collectibles Faire has already started in Graeagle at the Graeagle Fire Hall today from noon until 6:00 pm and will continue on Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, wrapping up on Sunday from 10:00 am to 4 pm.  Reputable vendors will be on hand selling their goods. There will even be a Bounce House to keep the kids occupied so you can take your time and leisurely walk around to see all of the wonderful items that will be available to purchase. (530) 836-6811

Complete your weekend with the Feather River Dixieland Jazz Society Concert at the Graeagle Picnic Grounds on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  The Jazz City Jazz Band and Cats N Jammers Jazz Bands will be performing for your listening and dancing pleasure. (530) 836-6811

 

We know you will have a great time whatever you choose to do.  There are still plenty of things to do outdoors because of the great weather we've been having. Go biking, swimming, take a scenic hike, find a lake or stream to go fishing or maybe even find a great place to camp or a comfortable place to stay a night or two to just sit and relax!

 

 

 

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August 27, 2011

Mark your calendars!  Saturday, September 3rd is the official Grand Opening date of Quail Lodge Lake Almanor.  Located in Canyon Dam, Quail Lodge is bringing something new to the Lake Almanor area.  They will be offering inclusive packages which include lodging, home style meals and licensed guides for fly fishing and conventional fishing, guided seasonal hunting for deer, bear, duck, geese and mountain quail. They can even help set you up with golf retreats!  The lodge also has individual rooms only available.

In fact, Quail Lodge owner Susan Shephard wanted to share the following photo and information  with us.  The picture on the right is Serena with Fishing Captain Allen Shephard (Susan's husband) and a 4lb German Brown!  Susan tells us "On Sunday August 7, 2011, Serena, Grandpa Rick, Captain's Allen Shephard and Matt Goodrich went fishing at Lake Almanor. Serena caught and released 8 fish each one bigger than the other!"

The lodge is a rustic style with cedar walls and beams.  The floors are warm wood covered with decorative area rugs and fine leather furniture.  A rock fireplace welcomes you upon arrival.  The decor is mountain lodge with with fishing and hunting themed rooms.

Quail Lodge Lake Almanor offers old-fashioned hospitality and memorable vacations. 

There is plenty of room for parking boat trailers for fishing.  The Canyon Dam public boat launch is just down the street.

Don't miss the grand opening from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm which will include collector cars, trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, fishermen, guides, hunters, a craft fair, artists, bake sale and free hot dogs and sodas!

 

 

 

EVERYONE is invited! 

They are located at 29615 Highway 89, Canyon Dam or give them a call at (530) 284-0861.

 

 

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August 19, 2011

 

This weekend is going to be filled with amazing and fun-filled events.  Portola Railroad Days, in downtown Portola, will have a parade, carnival games, car show, spike driving contest,wild animal show, train rides, food, live music and much, much more from Aug 19th to  August 21st.  Call (530) 832-4131or (530) 836-6811 for more info.

Spirit Stars in the Barn has performances on Friday, August 19th and Saturday, August 20th from 8:30 - 10:30 pm. "Spirit" features international star performances by riders, horses, acrobats and musicians combines together for the artistic fusion of multi-talented entertainment. 

The Barn is located at the corner of Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 89. Tickets are available at the Eastern Plumas Chamber of Commerce in Blairsden.  Call (530) 836-6811 for tickets/credit card sales or more information.

The quaint little town of Graeagle is holding its annual Arts & Crafts Show in downtown Graeagle on "the green".  This popular event will have a large variety of art and craft items, with vendors selling all types of media.  (530) 836-6811

How about taking a trip out to the Nakoma Golf Resort to do some wine tasting on Saturday, August 20th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.? 

Taste food and wine from outlying wineries and local restaurants with spectacular views of the Nakoma, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building.  You will also receive a souvenir wine glass!

The Nakoma is located at 348 Bear Run in Clio (about 15 minutes from Graeagle).  (530) 832- 5067

 

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August 6,  2011

"Pride in the past, faith in the future" is the theme for the 2011 Plumas-Sierra County Fair in Quincy at the fairgrounds, which opens Wednesday, August 10th and runs until Sunday, August 14th. The fair opens at noon each day and admission is free to all ages on Wednesday and Thursday until 2 pm.

Wednesday is Kids' Day and ages 12 and under are free all day. The opening day offers an Open Trail Horse show in the horse arena, the Swan Brothers Circus and a Puppet show in Kidland. There are barn tours, a Pygmy Goat show and the carnival opens at 4 pm. Don't miss the Redneck Electricity parade at 9:30 pm. The fair closes at 10 pm.

Seniors can meet and have lunch sponsored just for them at the World Amusement Stage at noon on Thursday which has been proclaimed "Senior Day" at the fair. Look for the Footloose Dance Explosion, an Alpaca show, the Driving Pairs Horse Show, live music performed by Back Forty, the carnival and plenty for kids to see and do. The fair closes at 10 pm.

A Dog Show starts the day off on Friday at 9:30 am and continues with the Cattleman's BBQ, 4-H FFA Beef show, Dairy Goat Show, live music by Mudbone, a FREE Blues and Gospel Concert featuring Darrell Mansfield & Fivacious at the Grandstands, Cowboy Poet and Yoddler Sourdough Slim, and the carnival. The Kidland area of the fair will feature the Swan Brothers Circus and a puppet show. The fair closes at midnight on Friday!

Don't miss the famous Fair Parade in downtown Quincy along Main Street starting at 10:30 am on Saturday morning. Come early and stake out a spot to get the best view as the parade passes by. There will be a Gymkhana in the horse arena, live music by Young Country, Wine Tasting at the Mineral Building, the 59th Army Band will perform and even more live music by the Antique Rockers.

There will be Bull Riding in the horse arena on Saturday at 7:30 pm and the fair will be open until midnight again.

Finally, the fair wraps up on Sunday with some exciting auto races at the American Valley Speed Way on the fairgrounds at 7 pm. The fair closes at 10 pm. Be sure and take the time to visit the Art Barn and all of the other wonderful exhibits while you are there, too.

Did I forget to mention one of the best parts of the fair? Fair food of course! You can't go to the county fair without sampling some (or all) of the goodies; Kettle corn, cotton candy, Indian Tacos, corn dogs, ice cream, Thai food, wraps of all kinds and lots, lots more.

These are just a few of the things that you can enjoy that make the fair such a great experience and so much fun for your friends and family. You can call the fairgrounds at (530) 283-6272 for more information.

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August 2, 2011

Lake Almanor is the place to be this weekend. The 42nd Annual Almanor Art Show takes place this Saturday, August 6th from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, August 7th from 10 am to 4 pm on the Collins Pine lawn located on Hwy. 36 in Chester. This well-loved event provides a wonderful opportunity to view the collections and exhibitions of 85 artists this year. You can expect to see original paintings, drawings, photographs, jewelry, pottery, furniture, sculptures, wood, metal, fabric and whimsical art. You will be happy to know that all of these items will be available in a full range of prices.

Food vendors will be available at the show, or you could also choose to eat at one of Chester's or Lake Almanor's wide variety of restaurants. Live music will be provided by Benny, Penny & Dude, playing folk, blues and original compositions on Saturday between noon and 5 pm at the art show. Dutch Treat will perform unique musical arrangements, turn old standards into new delights combined with a dash of comedy for a perfect Sunday afternoon at the art show from noon to 4 pm.

Admission is free, so plan to spend a relaxing day (or two) walking around, grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying the fine work of the artists participating in the show. The weekend weather is going to be perfect with temperatures in the high 70's. You may even want to spend the night at one of Chester's lodging establishments, or there are many wonderful campgrounds located all around the lake. You can contact Plumas Arts at (530) 283-3402 for more information.

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July 20, 2011

You may already know Joe Willis regularly contributes photos and stories to our "Bloom Blog", but did you know you that he is also an avid Entomologist, and he finds the most interesting bugs to photograph!  Here are a few recent shots along with his comments.

Per Joe "the Crab spider on Yarrow (left) and the Goldenrod Crab Spider are all the same species. It can change color, from white to yellow and back, but it takes several days to do so. It may or may not have the red stripes on the abdomen. A fascinating critter, we've often seen it in the act of devouring butterflies, bees, and other bugs."

"This is a Red Milkweed Beetle (right) on Showy Milkweed. This is a
gorgeous beetle that lives its entire life in or on the milkweed plant."

"The Striped Meadow-hawk (left) is a species of Dragonfly. We also have Damselflies. The latter keep the wings together over their backs when landed and are a more delicate, thinner insect than the Dragonflies."
 

 

Checkered Clerid on Angelica (left)

 

 

Red Shouldered Plant Bug (right)

 

 

                                               

                                           Pale Swallowtail on Pennyroyal

 

And Joe is not the only one in his family who enjoys venturing out.  His daughter took the picture of the gopher snake below to share with us!      

                          

Visit Joe's blog at Black Oak Naturalist to see more photos of the Exotic Bugs of Plumas County.

 

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July 8, 2011

Great events, perfect summer weather

If you haven't made any plans for this weekend yet, take a look at what's happening all over the county. 

Starting tonight (Friday) the 21st Annual Blackhawk Solar Cook-off kicks off at the Taylorsville Campgrounds with three bands staring at 7:30 pm.  The fun continues on Saturday with solar cooking demos, solar cooked food, arts & crafts, great food and refreshments and more live music on two stages until 10 pm.  All weekend admission and campsites are also available.  Call (530) 283-1396 for info on tickets and camping.

The StillDream Music Festival is taking place at the Belden Town Resort in the Feather River Canyon starting tonight and wrapping up on Sunday.  Call (530) 283-9662 for more information.

American Valley Speedway located at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy will be having races this Saturday night with Dart Dwarfs, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini-Stocks.  (530) 283-2175 for ticket info and race times.

Want to learn more about our history? The Sierra Institute has a Center of Forestry tour scheduled for this Saturday entitled "Tribal Trails, Wagon Wheels and Pioneer Parties".  The tour explores the Genesee /Beckwourth trail which was put in by Jim Beckwourth, who he was and what he meant to the Northern Sierra, as well as learning about when the first Euro-American settlers began to come west.  Call (530) 284-1022 for reservations and more information.

Trisha Cunningham will be leading a hike on the Heart K Ranch this Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. (530) 283-5758 for more information.  Don't miss the opportunity to see this historic ranch up close and personal!

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July 1, 2011

Bucks Lake and Little Grass Valley Reservoir Campgrounds

Great news for all of you who have been anxiously awaiting to hear about when the campgrounds at both of these locations would be open.

Bucks Lake (17 miles west of Quincy) currently has sites available at the popular Mill Creek and Sundew campgrounds, and Lower Bucks Lake campground is open, too.  These are Forest Service campgrounds and are first-come, first-served.  The Marina and Lakeshore Resort are open as well, and you can go boating or fishing on the lake.

Haskins Valley campground (also at Bucks Lake) will be partially open today!  Haskins Valley is a PG&E campground and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  You can contact PG&E for questions regarding any of their campgrounds at (916) 386-5164 or visit their website.

Little Grass Valley Reservoir (off of La Porte Road) has Little Beaver, Red Feather and Running Deer campgrounds open.  Red Feather and Running Deer can be reserved by calling USFS reservations at (877) 444-6777 or by going to their website.   Little Beaver is first-come, first-served.  Other campgrounds located there such as Stagpoint are still closed until winter debris can be removed.   The reservoir is open to boating and fishing.

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June 28, 2011

The Fourth of July is coming up this weekend and we wanted to let you know where you can find fireworks displays around the county.

On Saturday, July 2nd, the Mohawk Valley Independence Day fireworks display takes place in downtown Graeagle (in eastern Plumas county) over the Mill Pond, starting around dusk. Call (530) 836-6811 for more information.

On Sunday, July 3rd, Mt. Huff Golf Course (just north of Quincy) will have a fireworks display, food and fun for the whole family.  Bring lawn chairs and blankets and there will be a bounce house for the kids!  Fireworks start at 9 pm, but come early! (530) 284-6204

Chester-Lake Almanor puts on a dazzling fireworks display over the water on Lake Almanor (one hour north of Quincy) on Monday, July 4th.  You can watch them from the tip of the peninsula and various spots around the lake.  Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 pm.  (530) 258-2426

There are also many other Fourth of July related events that take place all over the county.  Check out our event calendar for more information, locations, dates and times.  There are parades, an old-fashioned day in the park, independence day street dance and BBQ, civil war reenactments, the Annual Silver Buckle Rodeo  with a parade in Taylorsville and much more.  Lassen Volcanic National Park is also celebrating the holiday on July 4th with Free Entrance Day to the park.

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June 25, 2011

Here is another incredible picture of Frazier Falls from Diane Uchytil of Quincy. 

 

Diane says "the falls are outstanding!!!!  You need to drive in on the Frazier Falls lower road as the upper road (across from Gold Lake.k) still has snow and is flooded.  It is so beautiful, definitely worth the drive!"

Looks like Frazier Falls is "the place to go" to right now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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June 24, 2011

Summer's finally here!

The lakes are full and the waterfalls are raging! Here's a shot of Frazier Falls on the left (on the Gold Lake Forest Hwy., accessible from Hwy. 89 in Graeagle, or Hwy. 49 at Bassett's Station) taken by Bill Obernesser, who also sent along these great photos of birds in the area.

Sandpiper, right at Feather River/Graeagle Creek.

Bill tells us a kid fishing pulled a big fat trout out of Sand Pond (by Lower Sardine Lake,  the last resort on the right on the Gold Lake Forest Hwy. just before you reach Bassett's Station) when he was there, too.

 

 

Wilson's Warbler at Sand Pond left.

 

 

If you are a bird enthusiast, we have a link on our website where we receive some wonderful reports about bird sightings from the Plumas Audubon Society that you may be interested in reading.  We have over 314 species of birds in Plumas County!

We're also hearing great reports from hikers who've followed trails to other falls.  The roads in the county are all open for travel now, however some of the resorts and trails at the higher elevations are still snow covered.  You are always welcome to give us a call at (800) 326-2247 or email us at www.info@plumascounty.org to get a current update on campgrounds and trails.

 

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June 1, 2011

Bye Bye Birdies

Well, it was a wild time this weekend. Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe flew the coop!

Mike Nellor, who has been following the progress of the little robins (in a nest in his yard in Quincy) said "It was one short practice flight and then off into the wild blue yonder they flew.  Sorry about the quality of some of the pics.....................but it was 15 minutes of chaos!"
         

                                            

 

Thank you Mike for taking all of the wonderful pictures to share with us.  The kids sure do grow up fast, don't they?

And now we are wondering, and I'm sure you can see this one coming, if Mike will be suffering from "empty nest syndrome" (photo at right).

See the posts below for May 18th, May 19th and May 21st to see how this sweet story began.

 

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May 26, 2011 

MEMORIAL DAY campground openings and road closure updates

Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575

LAKES BASIN AREA

Campgrounds and trails in the Lakes Basin area are not open currently due to large amounts of snow.  The Gold Lake Highway is plowed from Hwy. 89 in Graeagle to Lilly Lake, about 8 miles (just past Graeagle Lodge).  The entrance from Sierra County at Hwy. 49 at Bassett's Station has 5 more miles to be plowed before it meets up with the Plumas County line.  The road has been plowed up to the Salmon Lake turnoff on the Sierra County side.  Sierra County plans to begin plowing their final stretch on Tuesday, May 31.  Once the Sierra side has been plowed, Plumas County will plow the remaining 2 1/2 miles to meet Sierra County before the road will be open from Hwy. 89 to Hwy. 49.  The campgrounds themselves still have 5-6 feet of snow and may not be open for another month.  You can call the Beckwourth Ranger District number above for updates.

LAKE DAVIS

Frenchman, Chilcoot, Spring Creek and Lightning Tree campgrounds are open at Lake Davis in Portola. Lightning Tree overflow camp (with 40 sites) by the Lightning Tree boat dock  and Mallard Cove overflow campground (with 23 sites) by the Mallard Cove boat dock are also open at this time. Both Grasshopper Flat and Grizzly campgrounds, also at Lake Davis, are closed for the 2011 season while a new water system is being installed at those locations.

The boat ramp is open at Lunker Point and the dock is open at Frenchman. 

Mt. Hough Ranger District (530) 283-0555

BUCKS LAKE

The Bucks Lake recreation area is still under heavy snow.  As of May 18th, the Forest Service Campgrounds in this area will remain closed until further notice.  The road to Bucks Lake has been plowed to the Haskins T and Big Creek road is open 4 miles from Haskins T and open 4 miles from parking on the Meadow Valley side.

Deanes Valley and Snake Lake campgrounds on Bucks Lake road are open as well as Greenville campground, which is on Hwy. 89 1 mile north of Greenville.

ANTELOPE LAKE

Lone Rock and Long Point campgrounds are open.  The boat ramp is in the water.  Boulder Creek campground will be closed for the season.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON

Gansner Bar, Hallstead, North Fork and Queen Lilly campgrounds are all open.

Feather River Ranger District (530) 534-6500

Little Grass Valley Reservoir campgrounds have not opened due to large amounts of snow and will not be opened until the they can be accessed and the winter debris cleaned up.  Estimated opening dates at this time are mid-July.

The following campgrounds are expected to be open at the end of May or early June:  Horse Camp, Peninsula Tent, Running Deer, Red Feather and Wynadotte as soon as the snow is cleared.  Once again, call the Feather River Ranger District number above for current updates.

SPANISH CREEK

The bridge is currently being rebuilt at the Spanish Creek campground near Quincy, and is closed for both the 2011 and 2012 season.

Lake Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141

Almanor West campground is now open.  Call the ranger district number above to inquire about Almanor Group Camp.

Lassen Volcanic National Park (530) 595-4480

Click on the link below to Lassen Volcanic National Park, which has  updates about what is happening there as far as road openings and access to the park.

http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/winter-road-closures-and-spring-clearing-update.htm

PG&E Campgrounds (916) 386-5164

Roads are open to Butt Valley Reservoir near Lake Almanor off of Hwy. 89.  Ponderosa Flat and Cool Springs campgrounds are open now and Yellow Creek is due to open on June 3rd.  Contact PG&E at the number above if you are interested in finding out about a specific campground.

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May 24, 2011

Wine-tasting has come to Plumas County!

The family-owned Indian Peak Vineyards from Manton, CA (Tehama County) has opened a tasting-room and retail store in downtown Graeagle, in the building formerly occupied by Graeagle Preschool at the back of the Graeagle Park lawn.

The winery hosted a "meet-and-greet" Monday night, and will be having its grand opening this Friday.

Winery owners Donna Boots (left) and her son-in-law and daughter, Trevor and Kristy Bartlett, shown here in the tasting room greeting their first guests. The winery, founded in 2004, features several award-winning varietals, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, a couple of red blends, and a yummy mixed vintage port, known as "Donna's Dessert Wine."

The tasting room also features a retail store, which, in addition to wine, sells wine merchandise, olive oils, and custom-designed wine barrel fountains, according to on-site managers Kelly Roberts and Mike Zunich. There's also an outdoor seating area with firepits and live music on the weekends. Here's Trevor Bartlett telling a story in the outdoor setting.

Indian Peak Vineyards' new Graeagle tasting room will be open seven days a week, from 11 am to 9 pm. You can taste all the available varietals for $5, which also includes a wine glass! Wine is also available by the glass and by the bottle. There's also specials for locals.

For more information, contact the tasting room at 530-836-2466 and check out their website, www.indianpeakvineyards.net.
 

 

 

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May 21, 2011

Here is the most recent photo of the baby robins from Mike Nellor of Quincy.

Per Mike "This is a picture of the team this am.  With beaks open they seem to be saying where's my breakfast!  Mom and dad have been busy with the feedings. Worms seem to be the flavor of  the day".

Notice that the pin feathers are really starting to fill in!  It is amazing to see how much they have changed just a couple of days after they hatched.

Mike said it sounded great about naming them (in a contest), although he thought Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe (named for "The Three Stooges") seem to fit them pretty well.  Since the nest is in his yard, they will henceforth be known as Moe, Larry and Curly Joe.  Stay tuned for the upcoming zany adventures of the "Three Robins".

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May 19, 2011

Quincy Crazy Quilters biennial quilt show this weekend

Make sure you set aside some time to enjoy the "Crazy About Quilts" 2011 show at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds at 204 Fairgrounds Rd. in Quincy on either Saturday, May 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, or on Sunday, May 22 from 10 am to 4 pm. 

You will find large and small quilts, wearable quilts, quilted home decor projects, mojo dolls, antique quilts, barn quilt blocks and the 2011 Opportunity Quilt, "Mountain Poppies", which is absolutely beautiful.  There will also be Hoffman Challenge quilts and dolls, quilting technique demonstrations, a country store and quilt appraiser, drawings, vendors and food.

Carolyn Kenney, of the Quincy Crazy Quilters is the featured quilter.  There are going to be 140 quilts in addition to Kenney's quilts, of all shapes and sizes that have been entered in the show.  When you see these quilts, you will really appreciate all of the hard work, love and time put into making each one!

The quilts, demonstrations and vendors will be located at the Tulsa Scott, Serpilio Hall and Mineral Buildings at the fairgrounds.  Admission is $6. Call (530) 283-6272 for information or questions.

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May 19, 2011

Well, we didn't have to wait long!  Mike Nellor proudly announced the birth of three brand new robin hatchlings!    All three eggs made the transition to baby birds!  Now we will be able to follow their progress thanks to Mike.

 

Here is a photo of the newborns in their "nursery".  Good thing mom robin went with a neutral color theme for her nest as we don't know if they are boys or girls yet!

Hmmmm, maybe Mike should have a "name the baby robins" contest.

 

 

 

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May 18, 2011

The local birds are taking advantage of Spring finally arriving, too.  Nests are beginning to show up around the county.   Mike Nellor of Quincy, who sent us the photos from Rock Creek earlier (on our Bloom Blog), took these wonderful shots of  robins eggs in a nest which was built in a tree in his yard. The photo below left is of the newly constructed nest, the center shot is the robin who built it, and the picture on the right of the eggs, are the result of Mrs. Robins date night out with her hubby.  Mike promised to keep us up to speed on this robin and on the progress of the little "robins to be" when the eggs hatch. 

          

Those eggs really are "Robin's Egg Blue" aren't they?  The color sure stands out and really enhances the flowers and trees in bloom right now.  Keep your eyes open when you are out searching for  wildflowers and you may spot a nest or two yourself!

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May 18, 2011

Sierra Valley Barbecue

Plumas Audubon and the Feather River Land Trust are sponsoring a fun-filled day at the Maddalena Ranch this Saturday, May 21 from 8 am until 2 pm. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to go canoeing, birding, take botany walks and to celebrate the completion of a wildlife viewing platform interpretive display.  There will be a BBQ and an auction for a kayak.   Come and meet Harry Reeves, well-known local wildlife artist.  Call (530) 283-5758 for any questions.

Directions to the Maddalena Ranch from Quincy.  Head east on Hwy. 70, proceed through Portola and Beckwourth.  Approximately 1.75 miles past Beckwourth turn right (south) on A-24 (across the street from Beckwourth-Nervino airport runway).  Drive 1.75 miles south on A-24 to a wooden corral on the right side of the road.  Park in the big dirt pullout.

May 18, 2011

CAMPGROUND UPDATE

Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575

Frenchman Lake

The following campgrounds are now open at Frenchman Lake:  Frenchman, Chilcoot and Spring Creek. Cottonwood Springs will be open by Memorial Day.  Big Cove campground, however,  will be closed this season.  Also, as reported last week, the boat ramp is open at Lunker Point and the dock is open at Frenchman. 

May 11, 2011

CURRENT CAMPGROUND AND TRAIL OPENINGS IN PLUMAS COUNTY

Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575

Campgrounds  and trails in the Lakes Basin area are not open currently due to inaccessibility because of snow.  The Gold Lake Highway to the Lakes Basin area has not been plowed from the Graeagle entrance off of Hwy. 89, or from the other side on Hwy. 49 at Bassett’s in Sierra County.

Lightning Tree is the only campground open (where the water system is complete) at Lake Davis in Portola.  Both Grasshopper Flat and Grizzly campgrounds, also at Lake Davis, are closed for the 2011 season while a new water system is being installed at those locations.