Last Day In California

After leaving Columbia, California we headed to Mark Twain's Cabin in Tuolumne county,


The Rotary International marker told the truth about the cabin as a reproduction of the original cabin.


The marker reads:

"This cabin was first built in 1922 to commemorate the famed author’s presence in Tuolumne County during the winter of 1864–65. Sam Clemens had come over the mountains from Virgina City, Nevada, to San Francisco with his friend Steve Gillis. His various biographers gave different reasons for Clemens coming to Jackass Hill. No matter the reason, Sam Clemens arrived here on December 4, 1864.

Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stayed with the other two Gillis brothers, Jim and Bill, and Dick Stoker (local pocket miners) until about February 25, 1865. While living on the hill, Sam heard the story of the “Jumping Frog” in an Angels Camp saloon. His version would transform his life. Also some of the tall tales spun by the Gills brothers and Stoker would find their way into Mark Twain’s later writings. That short stay here in the Sierra had quite an impact on American Literature.

Time and the elements took their toll on the first “Mark Twain Cabin,” so the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Club, during 2002-05, restored the cabin as its centennial project, celebrating 100 years of rotary (1905–2005). This cabin was dedicated on February 23, 2005, the 100th birthday of Rotary International.

The inside of the cabin was not set up but did contain some old chairs.

I was actually disappointed the furniture was not arraigned and perhaps a Twain dummy positioned at the table writing.


Behind the Cabin on private property were some old farm implements.


There was also a very gentle donkey that came to the fence to visit with the grandchildren.


Being a chip off the block Steven grabbed his camera and took a shot or two.


Driving back down the hill a short distance we saw a peacock...


... and an emu...


... and a weird one horned pygmy goat.


The view from the hill was beautiful.


Back in Angels Camp we stopped to eat at Rodz Grill. Across the street was the Angels Camp Museum.


The museum looked interesting...

... but so did Rodz.

Samantha was smiling as she waited for some good food.


David "the handsome one" was looking like the mature young man he has become.


Because of the heat(105) Martha wore her bonnet and shades.


Even Jason looked eager to eat.


Grand mommy did rabbit ears on Christian who looked cute in his froggy shirt.


While waiting for the food I walked across the street to the museum for a few shots.


The biggest thing there was Ol' Beth, the 101-year-old steam donkey or "Steam Traction Engine"

In this picture you can see Rodz across the street.


The front and grounds of the museum look much like an old west setting, except for the car in the background.


After the meal we went back to Steven's condo to relax. It was decorated with lots of frogs.


The next day we left early and drove to visit Peter. We had a wonderful visit and Steven was really glad he could drive up for the visit. Peter was well and seemed happy to see everyone. Sadly we had to leave but when we arrived home I got a good shot of a beautiful moth on a flower in the front yard. Best about being home is that it was 70 degrees outside - wonderfully cool but I'd take the heat for a visit with my sons and grandchildren and Martha again. It was a wonderful trip

Scrabble Score - Scrabble Queen 356 - The Contender 334

Quote of the Day -

"What a wee little part of a person's life are his acts and his words! His real life is led in his head, and is known to none but himself." ~ Mark Twain