More on mountain attractions

At the House Concerts at Coolwater Ranch site, Robin Ralston lists some interesting links at Local Sights/Points of Interest, the first of which is the Web site of Ken Ralston, showing his photography. He and Robin were ranch guests several years ago, and took a pack trip to Evolution Valley, led by daughter Hilary. It was Hilary’s first solo pack trip.

Ken has made a name for himself in pursuits other than photography. He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards so far, and is the recipient of a Special Achievement Award and four Oscars in the category of Best Effects, Visual Effects in films from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi to Forrest Gump. He is the Visual Effects director of the soon-to-be-released Disney 3-D film, Alice in Wonderland.

Another of the links is to the site of Stephen Stavast, a local painter whose favorite subject is rocks. We have visited his studio in Oakhurst several times, and are amazed at his ability to imbue such mundane objects with astonishing vitality. Robin includes his work on her links page because on the wall behind her concert performers are four of Stephen’s paintings. There is another in her den.

Other links round out a real promotional piece for attractions in the area, including one where Hilary celebrated her eighth-grade graduation with nine of her closest friends, Erna’s Elderberry House in Oakhurst.

[Note to Hilary: Check out Ken’s site—go to Gallery > Random Thoughts and click through to the photo TreeTunnel1. Familiar? Let us know with a Comment.]

There’s some mighty good quality stuff happening up in these here boondocks I tell ya.