Calendar of Events

Floating Pumpkin Patch and Carnival – Food, Drinks, Treats & Pumpkins available for purchase. $5 per person includes entry, games & swimming.  Ages 3 and under are FREE.
Dive right in to the Floating Pumpkin Patch at the Bret Harte Aquatic Center in Angels Camp, this Sunday October 21st from 1pm to 4pm.

Sign ups begin September 1. Contest begins October 1. Winners will be announced November 1 2018. Entry fee $10 per anglers (receives (1) one raffle ticket). Permit/Insurance fee $3 per angler. “Big Cat” pot pay-in $10  (separate pot). Optional. Angler receives an additional raffle ticket. Prize money and great raffle prize giveaways.  All fish weigh-ins to be done at Glory Hole Sports during regular business hours. Contact Glory Hole Sports at 209-736-4333 or email [email protected], for more information.

**Click on “more” and scroll down for more details and how to book your getaway**

An exotic sight, unequaled experience, and the adventure of a lifetime!

To forty-niners and those on the trek for riches, no expression characterized the California Gold Rush more than the words “seeing the elephant.” Those traveling West announced they were “going to see the elephant.” Those turning back claimed they had seen the “elephant’s tracks” or the “elephant’s tail,” and confessed they’d seen more than enough of the animal. For Gold Rushers, the elephant symbolized the high cost of their endeavor — the myriad possibilities on the journey — and, an exotic sight, unequaled experience, and the adventure of a lifetime.*

Visit ARK 2000, in the California Gold Rush town of San Andreas, where “seeing the elephant” is once again. . . an exotic sight, unequaled experience and the adventure of a lifetime!

Understanding Elephants: Our “Seeing the Elephant” getaways are designed to provide a better understanding of elephants as individuals and their needs in captivity. Participants spend the day with PAWS president and co-founder, Ed Stewart, and ARK 2000 Sanctuary manager and senior elephant keeper Brian Busta, and the PAWS elephants, observing the individual personalities and learning about the differences between African and Asian elephants, socialization of unrelated animals and the special handling that is required for bull elephants like Nicholas. Demonstrations on foot care and positive reinforcement training to deal with medical problems, and long hikes to the elephants’ habitats are included in this diverse, educational program.

Elephants in captivity have suffered greatly and need specialized care. The unique elephants who share our lives are representative of all captive elephants. We hope to provide an experience that will enlighten our visitors to the problems inherent in keeping these highly social animals in captive situations and the understanding and care which is necessary to meet each individual elephant’s special needs. At the end of the day participants will truly have “Seen the Elephant.”

“Seeing the Elephant”
2-Day Weekend Getaway

Your Schedule:

• Arrival in San Andreas, California, on Friday.
• Spend Friday and Saturday nights at a lovely bed & breakfast in this historic Gold Rush town.
• Awake each morning to a scrumptious, homemade breakfast.
• SATURDAY features an educational, fun-filled, daylong visit with PAWS’ elephants — Mara, Nicholas, Gypsy, Lulu, Prince, Toka, Thika and Maggie at ARK 2000.
• You’ll receive an “insider’s” tour of the elephant habitat and spend the day with PAWS president, and co-founder, Ed Stewart, and ARK 2000 Sanctuary manager, and senior elephant keeper, Brian Busta.
• A vegetarian (please specify if you would like vegan) picnic lunch will be served.
• On your own for dinner Friday and Saturday.
• SUNDAY features a special extended visit with the lions, tigers, leopard and bears at ARK 2000. Receive an “insider’s” tour of the habitats.

Donation price for this unique experience: $800 per person
($1,300 for 2 people sharing a room)

“Seeing the Elephant”
Saturday, 1-Day Getaway

Your schedule:
• Arrival in San Andreas, California, by 9 a.m.
• Take part in an educational, fun-filled, day visit with PAWS’ elephants — Mara, Nicholas, Gypsy, Lulu, Prince, Toka, Thika and Maggie at ARK 2000. You’ll explore elephant habitat and spend the day with the PAWS president, and co-founder, Ed Stewart, and ARK 2000 sanctuary manager, and senior elephant keeper, Brian Busta. Lots of walking, up and down hills, on various terrain. Wear comfortable shoes!
• A vegetarian (please specify if you would like vegan) picnic lunch will be served.

Donation price for this unique experience: $250 per person

RESERVATIONS

To make your pre-paid reservation for the 1- or 2-day getaway, contact Kim Gardner (916) 488-3991 or by email at [email protected]

New to Yoga? The flexibility of a rubber chicken is definitely not required! In this open-level class we will connect with our breath, stretch and strengthen our muscles, explore balance, and most importantly – laugh and have some Twisted fun!

Following the Yoga practice we will enjoy a delicious repast and a selection of yummy Twisted Oak Wines!

All sessions are scheduled for the Enchanted Garden at the Twisted Oak Murphys Tasting Room. In the event of unfavorable weather, sessions will be moved to the warehouse at the winery in Vallecito.

Twisted Few members – save $6!- log in to get your Twisted Few price!

Visitors to the area are welcome! Why miss yoga whilst on vacation?

Be sure to carefully choose which dates you would like to attend from the menu above. Here is the full schedule for the rest of the year:

• Bottoms Up Yoga – October 21st – Crush is here and it’s time to knock ourselves back, and knock down a few.
• Let it Breathe Yoga – November 18th – A restorative yoga session just in time for busy holiday season; you need to breathe just like wine!
• Namaste Inside – December 16th – Kick off winter with a focus on your personal barrel storage, so to speak.

Wait… you Twisted people teach yoga? Yes, we have a bonafide yoga teacher! Read on…

Raised near the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, Emily Gatesman first fell in love with Tuolumne County during her time spent as a guest actor for Sierra Repertory Theatre during 2002-2006.  While working as a professional actor/choreographer, Emily discovered her love of yoga as a gateway to health, wellness and balance to a busy, demanding career in the performing arts.  As an educator of the performing arts Emily lived and worked in New York City, Washington D.C. and Denver, CO.  She found her way back to the beautiful CA foothills and quickly joined the local yoga community.

Emily traveled to Portland, OR in the winter of 2018 to study with internationally known Yoga Teacher Trainer, Rocky Heron (Sonora native) of Yoga Maze.   She is thrilled to be a 200HR Certified Yoga Teacher and looks forward to continue her training in the years to come.  Sharing her knowledge of yoga both in the studio class setting as well as with private students is such a joy!  Emily’s teaching practice focuses around proper alignment of traditional postures (asanas) and helping her students connect to their breath using Pranayama techniques.

Independence Hall Quilters Show. Fri, Oct 19, 2018 – Sun, Oct 21, 2018
Featuring “Over The Rainbow” 2018 Scholarship Quilt benefiting area students. Vendor Booths, Country Store, Boutique, Member Challenge Exhibit, Needle Art, Quilts for sale, Wall Hangings, Wearable Art and Dolls. Admission $8 at door.

Contact Ironstone Vineyards (209) 728-1251, [email protected]

Paddling Excursion Sunday, October 21, 10 a.m. New Melones Lake Visitor Center.

Experience the beauty of New Melones Lake from a unique perspective on this ranger-led paddling tour. The journey begins at the Mark Twain Recreation Area and then proceeds up the Stanislaus River Canyon toward Parrotts Ferry. Along the way, park rangers will discuss the flora, fauna, geological formations and cultural history of the area. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Expect to be out for four hours. Participants need to bring their own boat, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Park Ranger Josh Pelham at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 a.m.

All activities are free and suitable for all ages, although children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing. A water bottle and sunscreen are also recommended.

For general information about a program, directions, or the status of a program if inclement weather is forecast, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233. If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-5369094 ext. 233 or email [email protected] a minimum of 14 days in advance.

Children’s Storytime Sundays @10:30 am. Meet in the Visitor Center (by the fireplace):

DATES and STORY:

October 21st—Reading “Under One Rock” and “Aesop in California”

October 28th—Reading “In A Nutshell” and “Because of an Acorn”

All ages are welcome at Storytime, although this program is designed for young children (ages 2-6)

Railtown 1897 is proud to offer family-friendly “Harvest Haunt Express” train rides on all four weekends in October 2018. With the train whimsically decorated for Halloween and staffed by a “skeleton crew,” the popular train rides take place aboard an excursion train that departs at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Train ride guests are encouraged to get in the spirit and dress up according to these fun weekly themes: Critters & Creatures (October 6-7), Superheroes & Villains (October 13-14), Pirates & Princesses (October 20-21) and Witches & Wizards (October 27-28).

Tickets for “Harvest Haunt Express” train rides (which include Park admission) are $15 adults, $10 youths ages 6-17 and ages 5 and under ride free.

Enjoy an hour-long walking tour of town led by a park staff member or docent. See the actual gold discovery site, learn about the buildings and early merchants of Columbia. Sponsored by The Friends Of Columbia SHP. Visit their website here for more information. Town Tours are every Saturday & Sunday starting at 11 am. Meet at the office on Main Street & State St Columbia, CA 95310

The Hotel Leger and Saloon in Mokelumne Hill is once again excited to host an afternoon of fun, shopping, drinks, great food and friendship. October 21 at 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Click here for more information.

Take a complimentary guided tour beginning in the tasting room (offered Wednesday – Sunday only) at 1:30 pm.

Ironstone is open Daily from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Sierra Repertory Theatre continues its 2018 season with a limited engagement of Intimate Apparel, by Pulitzer Prize-winning Lynn Nottage. Playing October 12 through October 28 at the East Sonora Theatre. For information or tickets, call (209) 532-3120 or visit www.SierraRep.org.

Click here to book now
Cost:$10
Register: or for help, call Friends Voicemail: 209.588.8411

Author Carol Biederman conducts ghost tours of Columbia to expose tales of the paranormal on our state park grounds. You’ll wander among the buildings and homes of our restored 1850s mining town and hear stories that have been shared over the years about unexplainable sightings, unusual sounds and supernatural happenings.

Were these visions imagined, or were they restless spirits from bygone years with unresolved issues attempting to deliver a message to the modern world? To help you understand, Biederman will share their colorful backgrounds from the early mining days when crime and lawlessness were widespread among the rowdy company of gold prospectors.

While the ghost tours present a lot of questions, they are an interesting venture into an unexplored realm. Were they real beings, just imagined, or something else?

One thing’s for sure…you’ll enjoy this informative tour for everyone appreciates a good ghost story!

Dates: April 22, Sept 9, Oct 21, Nov 4
Times: Saturdays 3pm

The Local’s Concert, October 21 consisting of professional and professional-level performers living in the Central Mother Lode. All of the performers are “locals” and come from Angels Camp, Murphys, Sonora, Twain Harte, Columbia, Soulsbyville, Coulterville, Camp Connell, Tuolumne and Ponderosa Hills.

Highlights of the program include Concerto for two Violins in D Minor (BWV 1043) by Bach; Divertimento in B-Flat Major by Mozart for 2 oboes, 2 Bassoons and two Horns; Partita no. 3 in E Major by Bach transcribed for Guitar and more.

The Sonora Bach Festival, held each weekend in the month of October, the festival will be located at various historical and picturesque venues around the county of Tuolumne. Guest artists will include Jia-mo Chen, cellist and Akiko Gaffney, pianist; local soprano, Stephanie St. Clair as featured guest artist at the youth concert; talented local instrumentalists and vocalists and the Sonora Bach Festival Trio. Tickets and information on concerts are available online at sonorabach.org or by calling 209 536-6330.

More information on the festival, is available online on the festival website, sonorabach.org, by calling the festival phone (209) 536-6300 or at Mountain Bookshop in the Junction Shopping Center beginning September 1.