A Trip to Dinkey Creek and Monterey

Last month Hubby and I took a trip up to Central California and then the Central Coast. I wanted to go back to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of my favorite spots. He wanted to see a hydroelectric plant in the Sierra National Forest. Yes, two very different objectives but we had a good time. We stayed in Fresno in the Central Valley because it was really the closest spot to the Sierra National Forest for easy hotels. As a child, Hubby’s family camped with his cousins at Dinkey Creek and he wanted to go back there again. He also wanted to see the Big Creek Edison Hydroelectric Power Plant because his dad worked for Edison his whole life but on the other side of the Sierras.

It was a pretty drive up Highway 168 out of Fresno and then we followed Dinkey Creek Road through Ponderosa Pine and other trees.

We drove past interesting rock mounds, pretty green meadows, and some logging areas.

Because of drought and bark beetle infestations logging is being done all through this area to clear out all the dead trees.

Hubby enjoyed visiting the Dinkey Creek General Store where he bought candy as a child and Dinkey Creek was beautiful and well worth the drive.

We stopped at the Jefferey Pine Log Round, a 532 year old tree that fell in 1987. It is amazing to think how long this tree lived. I looked at the rings and was in awe.

We stopped for lunch at Shaver Lake, an artificial lake built by Southern California Edison in 1927.

We then headed up a winding road to Big Creek and the Power Station.

The Power Plant was impressive as were the penstocks that deliver water to the plant from high on the mountain.

Big Creek was a bit prettier to look at!

This photo shows the penstocks coming down the side of the mountain on the left to the Power Plant at the bottom.

I must admit it was nice to head west toward the ocean after we left Big Creek.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium never disappoints, the exhibits and displays are always first rate. I loved watching the jellyfish, fish, and my favorites, the sea otters. I could sit there for hours just watching them move.

We stayed in the most amazing room at the Spindrift Inn, right on the ocean. The view of Monterey Bay was amazing!

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Monterey, do it!