Both the boys and Grandma are delighted every time we have occasion to visit Stories In Stones, a local business in Angels Camp owned by Pam and Russ Shoemaker.
Its Owen and Theo's favorite store.
From the giant grizzly bear skeleton to giant trilobites, the fossils here of all kinds fascinate them. What's nice is that Pam and Russ are so willing to inform and educate the kids about everything in the store as well.
A giant geode taller than a ten and eight year old is like an old friend. Worth a small fortune, they are always glad it hasn't sold and they get to see it one more time.
Their favorite room is the wholesale room even though they have to pay more for their purchases than the listed "wholesale" price. They understand wholesale and retail pricing. Theo came away with a geode pocket in a polished wood base and Owen bought an emerald sphere on a small tripod stand. Such treasures.
We bummed around town a bit before going to Moaning Cave. They've been to Mercer a couple times but never Moaning. Theo shuddered a bit at the hand winder that at one time lowered people into the unknown depths in a half barrel "bucket" holding a candle. And, at the skull of a 12 year old girl who fell into the cave during a distant, unknown past. We enjoyed watching the rappelling while waiting for our walking tour.
The winder-
The skull and other human bones and artifacts. It is now against the law to remove remains from caves. After taking the cave tour, we proceeded to the little gold mining town of Columbia, which is also a California State Park.
A cool way to spend the hot afternoon, playing around in the gold panning trough. No sign of any gold, but they found little pieces of gem stones that are almost as pretty as gold, while the boys were as good as gold. Nope, better than gold.
Before breakfast this morning, Theo picked plums from the tree on the deck with Aunt Dawn. He hopes his mom will make cake with them.
Its a wild plum that just grew. Tasty but small. Just right for little boys.
No comments:
Post a Comment