Yosemite's Rim Fire causing some Eastside ruckus

CalFire and Yosemite National Park released an announcement this afternoon that Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) will be closed from White Wolf to Crane Flat starting at 12:30pm August 28.

Fire crews are backburning from the highway toward the fire in an effort to suppress fire.

Fear not, drivers are being advised to take Highway 108, north of Highway 120.

Yosemite Valley remains open from the other west entrances (Hwy 41 and 140).

Visibility in June Lake remains relatively clear, but as the wind patterns change, it is hard determine clarity in the coming days.

For up-to-date information on the Rim Fire, visit inciweb.org.

Evening storm (not smoke!) clouds over Gull Lake.  

Fall colors update: August 20, 2013

Hi all!

There a few aspens just starting to change color at the north end of the June Lake Loop. The photos below were taken just off of highway 158 around Grant Lake and Silver Lake. 

Further around the loop, by Gull and June lakes specifically, the leaves have yet to change color, but due to the dry conditions this year, it may be a good idea to plan your trip to the Sierra a bit earlier than normal!

Stay tuned, more photo updates to follow ....

The Double Eagle hosts "The Mom Reviews" blogger

The Mom Reviews editor and found, Jen Andrade, spent a lovely summer week at the Double Eagle Resort and Spa - read all about her experience here.

Jen includes photos of her and her husband's room, the room for the kids, photos of the grounds, the Jelly Bread concert, the spa and the restaurant. It's a great blog, and we were happy to have Jen!

Things to do on the eastside: Bodie State Historic Park

I am always amazed at the spectacular mining history California holds. There are few remnants left of the rich history of westward expansion, but Bodie State Historic Park has been preserved extremely well.

Bodie became a gold mining town in 1877 and despite the difficult living conditions and the rough and rowdy residents, people stayed there until about 50 years ago.

The ghost town is in a state of "arrested decay", meaning the park rangers will stop buildings from falling down, but otherwise haven't touched anything. You can walk through the town and peer through windows that expose interiors of bedrooms, the schoolhouse, the general store the firehouse and more.

This truly unique piece of California history is a 45 minute drive from the Double Eagle in June Lake, and is open 9am to 5pm during the summer. There are special tours given throughout the day, and more information can be found here.

Bring your dog! Furry friends are allowed on a leash! 

Inside the fire station.

One of the houses that you may walk through and explore.