Report by: D. Chaisson, Photos by: Various YOS members.
A “drive” and “lunch” is a favorite Yosemite Region’s “good idea”. This “drive and lunch” was a particularly good idea put together by the region’s secretary, Cathy Kuhn. Cathy put some additional ideas on the basic backbone that showed up in the numerous comments and posts on Yosemite’s FaceBook page. The start was the Post Office parking lot in Farmington.
The idea was to go from Framington into the foothills ultimately driving south on Hwy 49 and then up to Murphy’s on Old Murphy’s Grade Road (a favorite of locals as a short cut from Angels Camp to Murphys — and of Porsche drivers with it’s nice curves and smooth pavement!). Then wind through Murphy’s to Ironstone Winery for their flora arrays, event center and winery. The Ironstone gardeners do a good job with their flora arrays, but natue did in the daffodil’s that line the road in. After enjoying the drive, the next “treat” was the parking area, not a parking “lot” but a special parking area.., the Ironstone Event Amphitheater!
As the cars drove into the entrace gate, signage (Porsche Club) directed the cars down pathways that lead to the large amphitheater that has hosted many concerts. I have attended a few including Willie Nelson, Earth,Wind and Fire, etc. The area we parked in is reserved for the most expensive tickets, right below the stage. After everyone filed in, we had the chance to talk about the drive and connect with folks we didn’t say hello to at Farmington Post Office. Our Yosemite Region collection of cars is becoming increasingly colorful and special. Here are a few of the cars I happened to think were interesting: starting with Larry Kundert’s beautiful chalk colored 718 Spyder, then Dave and Elizabeth Woods’ bright blue Targa and Sam Read’s “other” car — this one a 2007 Cayman S. The other car I’m refering to is his 1974 911S which has been the subject of two articles in El Portal, the latest in the recent 2Q22 edition. Be sure to check it out!!
Next on the agenda was a tour of the Ironstone Winery, lead by Conrad, Dir of Communication. He was a fountain of informatino (threatened to give a quiz afterwards) about the winery, its history and that of its owner, John Kaultz. One of the “shiny” highlights was viewing an incredible crystaline piece of gold, found locally in the foothills only 25 years ago! John and Gail Kautz. w/gold find!
After the tour, we settled into the main dining room for our lunch, which was really good. But that shouldn’t have been a surprise since the chief chef was Bob Anderson, a local celebrity in the culinary world of the foothills. Bob is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and has been Senior Executive Sous Chef / Chef de Cuisine at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, Executive Banquet Chef at Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Executive Chef at Camps Resort at Greenhorn Creek and now Executive Chef at Ironstone.
But wait, Cathy Kuhn wasn’t done yet. She was organized from beginning to end. First handing out an envelope to each couple/participant with “chamber of commerce” details for fun in the foothills, especially Calaveras County. And ending by hosting door prize raffles, with bottles of wine and treats from the Spice Tin (topped with chocolates molded as little 911’s).
President Dave Boyd closed the event with announcements of upcoming events (check the website for updates to the calendar) and thanking Cathy for organizing a great event. Um, Um.