Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Somewhere Over The Rainbow Guest Rooms!

Check out the outstanding guest rooms at Somewhere Over The Rainbow, nice!

 Hunter's Room
Stunning views from all windows.
Decorated with predominately cool blue tones
Over sized comforter
Hand crafted pine queen bed and cabinets.
Oak roll top desk
Private entrance sliding glass door in bedroom opens to back deck and seating area.
Ground floor half-bath is "cozy comfortable" with marble floor and a stall shower
Overhead fan

Loft Bedroom
 Soft neutral tones
Hand crafted pine queen sized bed
Plush over sized comforter
Stunning views
Love seat
32 inch monitor for movie viewing
Folding privacy screen
Overhead Fan
Bath on 2nd floor is shared
Marble floor
Jacuzzi tub/shower

Neoclassic Room
 4 poster biedermeier bed and furniture
Over sized comforter
Turn of the century dressing table
Turkish carpet
Overhead Fan
Stunning views
Shared bath with Loft Bedroom
Marble Floor Jacuzzi tub/shower

Want to see pictures of the rooms, click HERE to go to Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Want a Secluded Retreat in the Tahoe National Forest?

For those of you who'd prefer to spend their holiday without the stress and noise of the hectic outside world, Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge in the Tahoe National Forest is a great destination. You can be pampered or you are welcome to take over the kitchen with your party and exercise your culinary skills.  Extremely private located in the heart of the Tahoe National Forest. Abundant nature surrounds us with stunning views from all windows.

As an added feature, you can bring your horse and access hundreds of miles of trails right outside our door.  Or just sit on the deck with a good book.
Any balance you desire is here, from a solitary vacation with respect given to your privacy or a festive setting in a beautiful location. 
I've spent a number of Christmas holidays traveling alone in Europe and have found amazing places that welcomed me as one of the family and made my stay very special. From the food to the conversation and in general, being yourelf and relaxing. 
     If you hike, stroll or ride on any level, snowshoe, ice skate, snow mobile, cross country skiing with or without out family or friends, we are a great destination, open year round.
Click HERE to check us out to discover a great way to spend a week or weekend in privacy. Over The Rainbow Lodge

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Need a Great Retreat from Stress!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge was built using Cedar, Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and Black Oak, all milled from the property on which it lies. We offer a two-level lodge with 3 bedrooms, a spacious loft, 2.5 baths, a large open kitchen and a Great Room.

 The Great Room has vaulted cedar lap board ceilings that compliment the 18 foot windows overlooking more than 75 miles of sweeping forest-mountain views. The Loft offers a queen bed surrounded by a privacy screen, beyond which lies a bathroom equipped with a jacuzzi tub.

The second floor Guest Bedroom houses a four poster queen bed, and additional stunning views. The first floor Guest Bedroom is furnished with a Queen bed, while the Master Bedroom is accomodated with a California King that overlooks the jacuzzi just outside on the Master Deck.

The Master Bedroom also has a private bath and a private entrance to the back portion of the expansive wrap-around deck. We also offer a full kitchen with all the comforts of home right at your fingertips.

Get away from the stress of the city. Check out Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Check us out:  http://www.thisismytownusa.com/somewhereovertherainbowlodg.php

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tevis Race Latest News!

Latest News
 Ride Director's Report
05 September 2011
.
The 56th annual Western States Trail Ride will run on an autumn day, which is unprecedented. I would like to discuss some things to consider as you prepare for your ride.

October 8 will present 2 fewer hours of daylight than you would have on a midsummer’s day. Your trail will have morning glowsticks most of the way to High Camp (about 13 miles out) as sunrise will occur at 7:06 bringing a breaking dawn at around 6:15. Our start is set for 5:15, and you may expect chilly predawn temperatures as low as the teens. The bridges on the way to Hiway 89 could be frosty, so they will be sanded for traction. We are going to ask that all riders cross the bridges at a walk for safety.

The trail has been adjusted to take out Bald Mt. and the Pucker Point loop after Robinson Flat. Riders will go down Road 43 instead. This trail change is intended to get the riders through the canyons in the daylight. The cutoff times will be 30 minutes earlier at each point from Last Chance to Francisco’s and 15 minutes earlier at Lower Quarry. The rider card has this year’s mileage and cutoff times updated for your reference. The official timed finish is at 5:15 under the banner in McCann Stadium. Riders will arrive at the finish by using the Pioneer Express trail which loops south around the skateboard park at the overlook. This trail turns left approximately100 yards short of the staging area and crosses under Pacific Avenue with a right turn along the railroad tracks, then back toward the north to the traditional railroad crossing at Pacific Avenue.

The top 20 horses will get a “place holder” finish card on the Pioneer Express trail on a wide gravel stretch before the Pacific Avenue undercrossing. After crossing the “place holder” finish line, riders will hold their order of finish in McCann Stadium.

The trail committee has been logging many hours of work widening, leveling, pruning and generally improving safety on our trail. You will be impressed.

October 8 falls on the third week of the 2011 deer season. We have posted signs cautioning hunters of the presence of horses and riders for the portion of the trail from Hodgson’s Cabin to Last Chance. It would be a good idea if riders planned to wear brightly colored clothing for added visibility.

The Western States Trail Ride has never been run in October before, and we will be sharing the fairgrounds with some pretty festive events; namely, The Music Fest, Octoberfest, and a gun show (scheduled for Sunday). Parking will be tight and our stabling will not be available until September 28. If you are traveling a great distance and need to arrive in the Auburn area before this date, please contact the Tevis office for assistance in locating stabling as we have some options available.

As you can see we have been planning for many eventualities to make the 56th Annual Western States Tevis Ride as memorable and incredible as ever. Keep training and check back to our website for any future updates.

Chuck Stalley

Friday, September 2, 2011

Tevis Race is Coming October 8, What is this all about?

What is the origin of the Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup Awards?
The Tevis Cup was named for Lloyd Tevis (1824 - 1899) by his grandson Will Tevis, a prominent San Francisco businessman and early benefactor of the Ride. The trophy is awarded to the first rider to complete the 100 mile Ride whose mount is "fit to continue." It was first awarded in 1959 to Nick Mansfield, riding Buffalo Bill, an eleven year old Thoroughbred Cross gelding.
Lloyd Tevis and James Ben Ali Haggin, college friends from Kentucky, met again in the California gold fields in the early 1850s. By 1853 Haggin and Tevis had moved to San Francisco where they established a successful law practice. The men also married sisters, Susan Gano Sanders and Elizabeth Jane Sanders of Kentucky, further strengthening their bond. Haggin raised thoroughbred horses on his ranch in Sacramento, and in 1886 his horse, Ben Ali, won the Kentucky Derby.
In 1964, Louis Haggin of Versailles, Kentucky, donated the James Ben Ali Haggin Cup in honor of his grandfather. It is awarded to the horse among the first ten finishers that is considered, as Lloyd Tevis stated, "to be in the most superior physical condition."
Check out more information about this race on our site: http://www.thisismytownusa.com/somewhereovertherainbowlodg.php
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Want to Raft the North Fork of the American River?

Want to Raft the North Fork of the American River?

The North Fork of the American River is the most difficult of the three forks. Towering cliffs make up the 2000 foot canyon walls covered with black oaks and a variety of pines to set the back drop of one of the most beautiful of California’s whitewater rafting river canyons. Located off Interstate 80, near the city of Auburn, the North Fork is easily accessible with some camping options nearby and lodging at Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge out of Foresthill.
The Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Way Bridge Run is the most popular section  and has been a favorite for California rafters and kayakers since the mid seventies. This 9.5 mile run contains many steep drops and boulder slaloms, providing some of the best whitewater rafting of the 3 forks of the American river.
The North Fork American River, with no dams upstream, is truly a wild river. It can be run by raft, canoe, or kayak in winter and spring only, when water exceeds about 900 cubic feet per second (cfs). At all levels, the river is Class IV with little rescue access. The North Fork American is a highly technical river. It should only be attempted by very experienced whitewater boaters who have seen its rapids before. A mile-by-mile guide cannot replace the judgment of each individual boater.
The North Fork is as dangerous a river to boat at low flows as at high flows. Several drownings and injuries have occurred at low flows due to underwater sieves. Above about 1500 cfs most dangerous rocks are covered and passages are wider, and maneuvering is much easier. But at flows in the 3,500 to 5,000 cfs range, hydraulic intensity increases markedly and eddies and rescue options decrease.
Don’t drive home after experiencing this fantastic trip, feel free to stay at Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lodge, 14 miles outside of Foresthill, CA – breathtaking views overlooking the American River Canyon – give us a call. Click here to learn about our lodge: http://www.thisismytownusa.com/somewhereovertherainbowlodg.php
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Lodge

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Visit the Gold Country - Experience the Rush!

Come and explore the California gold country made famous by the Gold Rush in
 1849. Take a step back in time as you explore the towns and the various sites
 that show us how the early California settlers lived. One site to see is Yankee
 Jim's Bridge. Built in 1929, it spans the north fork of the American River.
 The 150 foot plus, steel cable, one lane suspension bridge served as an all
 season link between the gold towns of Colfax, Yankee Jim's and Foresthill, Ca.>

 This stunning scenic drive can be a bit treacherous in parts as it turns into a
 narrow and winding dirt road but it allows you to experience the days of old. If
 you venture on to Shirttail Canyon Road be prepared for scenery that will take
 your breath away. There are still gold seekers in the area so be warned to obey
 posted private property and no trespassing signs. No claim jumping allowed!!But
 who knows you could get lucky and see a nugget washed to the surface after the
 winter and spring rains.

 If you need more information or just directions, feel free to stop in at the
 Somewhere Over The Rainbow Lodge (named for the gold mine, just 14 miles east of Foresthill, Ca at
 a 4,500 foot elevation. We are on our very own mountain top adjacent to
 Deadwood Ridge overlooking 75 miles of Eldorado Canyon, with expansive, breath
 taking views from every room and deck. We offer a very private and comfortable
 place to stay, full of amenities.

 Come visit the the Gold Country and feel the RUSH!- 530-320-2618

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

This Summer....Take a Local-cation Instead of a Vacation or Staycation!

The summer is coming and the window for planning your annual vacation is growing slimmer. Like many of us the amount of money you have set aside for your time off is also much 'slimmer' than usual. There are many options out there to have a vacation or staycation (where you stay at home during your vacation) on a budget but might I suggest a "Local-cation!"

What is a Local-Cation?

A local-cation is a vacation where you actually stay in a unique area or venue within 50 miles of your home. Here in Northern California, for example, there are plenty of unique things to do and places to stay that help maintain your budget and still give you the feeling of a getaway. There are a five rules of thumb to follow when taking a Local-Cation...

1. Rest your head on someone else's bed

This means you need to stay somewhere other than your own home. Does this mean you need to stay in a hotel? No. There are comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and luxury cabins all throughout Northern California - many are priced below most hotels. They'll offer meal options, extras like trail hikes and the best part - privacy!

2. Avoid the Familiar

Just like a typical vacation, you need to get out and try new things. Go see local sights, eat at different restaurants and avoid your regular hot spots at all costs. The only exception is if there is a restaurant that you love but never go to...treat yourself!

3. Turn the TV, Cell Phones and Internet ....OFF!

If you were soaking in sun on an island in the middle of the Pacific you wouldn't be checking your email or watching the game...so the same rules apply here. Take the time off to do things you don't normally get to do, like reading, discussing goals or playing games. Vacations are great times to reconnect with your loved ones which means sacrificing a week of the normal grind.

4. Enjoy a Smaller Gas, Food and activities Bill

Because you aren't required to drive or fly over great distances, the cost of travel is significantly lower. Plus most high traffic tourist areas have higher prices for food and activities over your local areas. In some cases, locals even get discounts.

5. Do NOT Go Home Early!

This is your vacation so treat it as if you were hundreds of miles away. Even if you spend the first day sitting and staring at each other unsure as to what to do....stick it out! You have no idea what adventure might await you, so give it a chance!

This is just another option to make your summer vacation memorable and cost affordable!