June 27 - Sierra Storytelling Festival

​Our love of Storytelling Festivals came from a visit to our friends Terry and Sandy Countermine’s town of Jonesborough. Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Festival. 

This year Sandy and Terry invited us and Linda Zubler to attend Roanoke’s Storytelling Festival in the spring. 

Then Shannon, Carl, Drew and Erin bought us tickets to the Sierra Storytelling Festival in the small North Columbia community center near North San Juan. What a treat to be in an outdoor setting among tall pines and cedars listening to storytellers who made us laugh and who educated us about their cultures. We can’t choose a favorite one because each one was unique and interesting. 

Some of the storytellers we heard were Michael D McCarty enthralled us with his stories in the Black Panther Movement and his work in the California prisons, Amy Blumel, piqued our interest with her Native American Stories, Kevin Kling made us laugh with his hometown stories, Yasu Ishida told stories with magic, Dalrymple MacAlpin told a mythical Irish story and played the harp,  Roopa Mohan told her stories of India, and Tim Ereneta as Emcee. 

June 26 - Donkeys and Chickens

​We took a walk to feed the donkeys, Annabell and Muffin. It’s about 1 mile one way. Arlo walked the whole way. As you can see, Shan’s road is narrow and no lines. People drive slow so it’s a nice leisurely walk to the donkeys. 

In the afternoon, Shan took us to visit her friend Erica and her chickens. 

Friday night Shuff and I went to the Sierra Storytelling Festival at the North Columbia School. Among the pines, we listened to some wonderful story tellers, some funny, some educational . All were so interesting. 

When we got back to the RV, we saw this sky

Tomorrow is another festival day. Can’t wait to listen to more stories in the beautiful setting. 

June 25 - Around Nevada City

I drove Arlo to Gigi’s and ​Shuff and Carl drove to Auburn to buy lumber to build a bear box. There’s been a bear raiding their garbage cans, thus the need for a bear box!  No pics yet though. 

June 24 - Around Nevada City

​After Arlo went to Gigi’s, Bill and I went for a bike ride from Shan and Carl’s down through town and on the Champion Mine Trail. 

Stopped for a drink and muffin at 3 Forks. Saw this painting of the Yuba. Jillian could paint this  

Picked up Arlo at Hirchman’s pond. Gigi took the kids there for a short walk. 

Shan and Carl went to listen to a band with friends. I had the hard job of watching Arlo. 

June 23 - Drive to Sac Airport

​Had to say goody to Jillian and Andrea. Their week in CA went fast, lots to see and do. Safe travels.

June 22 - Lake day and Maria’s Mexican Food

​Last full day in CA for Andrea and Jillian. Beautiful day to go to Scot’s Flat Lake to kayak, picnic and chill.

Unfortunately, when we were ready to leave, Shan’s all electric car wouldn’t start.  We had used the SUPs portable battery connected to the car to blow up the kayaks and then to let the air out. Learned a valuable lesson. Jillian and I do not want a full electric vehicle! Shan called the dealership to make sure we could jump the 12-bolt battery to start he car. Phew … made it home in time to go to Grass Valley to look at their shops and then eat at Maria’s for margaritas and delicious Mexican food.

Since some of us (Jillian and Arlo) still had room for ice cream, we had stop in at Lazy Dog.

June 21 - Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival

​Nevada County has the Father’s Day Festival each year. We all got tickets for Sunday. 

Chilling out on the lawn in among the pines listening to bluegrass music. 

Arlo snoozing  

The crew 

For the evening, Shan and Carl’s neighbors, Trevor and Otis drove their tractor over with some steaks he bought at Costco. He and Carl proceeded to cut the steaks from this large piece. 

Otis and Arlo are good friends and play together. 

This is the crew