Mar 6, 2006 5:08 pm US/Pacific
Calaveras County
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the old pastimes of the gold rush miners are still available to enjoy. Join Tom as he explores underground, marvels at giant trees, and stakes a claim on one of Calaveras County's streambeds… there's still gold in them thar' hills!
It's a breathtaking view in the main chamber of Moaning Cavern… but are you prepared for the 165-foot drop? Dangling like a spider, you can rappel from a crack in the ceiling, down the enormous cave to the bottom. For the faint-of-heart, secure handrails are provided on a spiral staircase that makes the descent to the cavern floor. The cave is open year-round, so drop in anytime!
http://www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm>
If you have time to explore, and aren't clautrophobic, California Cavern<b> is the place to have a caving experience like no other in California! The 4-hour "Middle Earth" tour will squeeze you through tight cracks, get your hands and knees muddy as you crawl under massive stone slab walls, and challenge your endurance. The reward near the end of the tour? A paddle across an underground lake! This experience is open year-round, but you must be at least sixteen years old and fit to take this tour.
http://www.caverntours.com/CalifRt.htm>
For a walk among the giants, Calaveras Big Trees State Park<b> is your destination. Closer to the Bay Area than Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Calaveras Big Trees offers hiking and camping amid large and beautiful sequoia groves. The Stanislaus River, which cuts through the center of the park, is a haven for whitewater rafters and paddlers in the spring, and a refreshing break from the mid-summer heat.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=551>
To view a 44-pound nugget worth 3 million dollars, drive to Ironstone Vineyards<b> and feast your eyes. On the grounds, you'll find a gold rush history museum and gardens. The local prospector, Mario Marcolli, will be happy to show you and your kids how to pan your own gold from Ironstone's stream. Mario knows where the nearby big strikes can be found – but it's up to you to convince him to reveal where they are!
http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/
http://www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm>
Looking for a comfortable base of operations for your outdoors trip to Calaveras County? Cedar Creek Realty<b> offers many vacation rental properties, just next door to these outdoors destinations, that can accommodate everyone, from couples to large families and groups.
http://www.cedarcreekrealty.com>
For a comfortable stay in Calaveras County, make a reservation at the Dorrington Inn<b>. This charming bed and breakfast offers a wonderful retreat with comfortable rooms. In the morning, enjoy a meal of fresh food while you overlook the neighboring meadow.
http://www.dorringtoninn.com>
The Calaveras Visitors Bureau<b> is a great resource to plan a trip to the many outdoors destinations of the County. Caving, fishing, hiking, camping – there's so much to do in this area!
http://www.gocalaveras.com>
You can find additional information on these outdoors locations and others in Tom Stienstra's guidebooks, available from his website.
http://www.tomstienstra.com>
Email Tom Stienstra at tstienstra@sfchronicle.com<a>.
