Merced Sun-Star Columnist Debbie Croft: Foothill Living Saturday, March 20, 2010

Before we go on a trip, we like to know something about the place: Where to stay and where to dine, for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner? Or where's the best place to grab a cup of organically grown coffee? And what's to see and do while we're there? If we have friends in the area, we can ask about their favorite places. If we don't, we can go online. Otherwise, we're pretty much left to ourselves to figure things out.

But now there's a place to get the information we need, from the people who know the area best.

The Sierra Nevada Geotourism Mapguide is ready. After months of various agencies collaborating with business owners and local residents of our mountain communities, this unique Web site has finally come together.

At www.SierraNevada Geotourism.org, people will find useful information about the choice places to visit when they're in the Yosemite National Park locale.

"Discover what's special about the Sierra Nevada. Select a region and explore the communities, activities, flavors and uncommon beauty of this extraordinary corner of California," it says at the Web site.

Last year, I wrote about the official kickoff meeting held in Mariposa to announce the formation of the mapguide. Everyone I talked with was more than excited about the project. It will serve to bring more travelers to our communities, not just to the popular spots, but to the out-of-the-way places that make a trip not only enjoyable, but memorable.

National Geographic's map-making expertise partnered with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Sierra Business Council to make the interactive Web site and print map.

For instance, when looking for accommodations, you'll find campgrounds and RV parks, rustic cabins, guest ranches, cozy bed-and-breakfast inns, plus elegance and history in our local family-owned hotels. Places like the Cardinal Village Resort near Bishop, the De La Cour Ranch near Lone Pine, and the Historic National Hotel and Restaurant in Jamestown. The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort in Mariposa County is also listed, with photos and details about the rooms and services, whether or not the place is eco- and pet-friendly, and what the price range is for lodging and meals.

As for events, you'll find the nationally famous Mother Lode Round Up Parade and Rodeo in Jamestown, and the lesser known Groveland 49er Festival and Chili Cook-Off -- a hometown favorite. There's a description of the event, which lists admission price, days and times it takes place, whether it's family friendly, plus unique features and contact info.

Before visiting this part of California, it's definitely worth a visit to the Web site.

For young people interested in exploring Yosemite, the Balanced Rock Foundation has planned a wilderness expedition that's free for high school students in Mariposa County. Taking place this spring and summer, three full-day hikes are scheduled in Yosemite Valley and along the falls. The highlight will be a four-day, three-night backpack hike in the Kibbie Lake back country area.

Arin Trook, the program director and experienced wilderness guide, says, "The intention of the program is to provide fun, healthy and challenging outdoor experiences... Participants will learn valuable outdoor, wilderness and leadership skills, as well as creating positive connections with other local youth and adults, while discovering their own power and untapped potential..."

There's still time to get details and register for this terrific opportunity by contacting Trook at (209) 379-9453, or by e-mail: arin@balancedrock.org.

One final note.

As my friends keep telling me: Enjoy this gorgeous weather!

Debbie Croft writes about life in the foothill communities. She can be reached at composed@tds.net, or at her Sun-Star blog: City Girl, Country Life.

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