Humming Birds In Coarsegold

Coarsegold California is located in the Sierra foothills about an hour from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park on California State Highway 41. We often visit my wife’s family who live in Coarsegold.  They have friends who every New years Day celebrate the “Okie” tradition of eating greens and black eyed peas to ensure good luck in the coming new year.  Her friends have many humming bird feeds and buy sugar in 50 lb bags to keep the feeders full.  These hummingbird pictures were taken New Years Day 2012.  You can’t tell from these pictures, but there were too many humming birds to count.

Ethel M Catcus Garden Near Las Vegas

The next time yo are in Las Vegas during the holidays be sure to take the kids out to see all the cactus dressed up with an amazing array of lights.  The bonus is a tour of the candy factory and free samples.  The garden is directly under the flight pattern of Mc Carren International Airport, which explains the air[lane noise on the videos.  This is a free attraction.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Nevada

Nice place to spend the day, less than 30 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. A great day trip.  I prefer the winter months when the desert heat doesn't threaten your life. The visitors center is new, beatiful and informative.  You drive about 18 miles or so through the park stopping at different scenic points where you can hike or just take pictures.  If you leave from the south exit back to the Vegas area you come out near the Silverton Casino with its Mermaid tank.  What a bonus.  Connected to the  Silverton is the Bass Pro Shop which is a destination all by itself