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Road Conditions & Weather
Twain Harte’s climate is beautiful year round and we truly have 4 seasons. In Spring you will see blooming Dogwoods and in Winter you will see untracked perfect snow. Summer weather may be as hot as 100 degrees.
The road to La Casa Estrellas is paved until the last .7 miles. The final road is hard packed gravel and the elevation gently changes 120 feet.
 
Four-wheel drive is a must between December and March when snow is likely. Please contact us for day to day conditions.
Route Highlights
As you leave the Central valley in Manteca you step backwards in time to the farmlands and a period of early California. Enjoy the views of almond groves and unique businesses as you pass through the small towns. Stop at one of the road side stands which provide you with a farmers market bounty of fruits and vegetables or for a treat, check out the Cheese Factory in Oakdale.
Alternatively, bypass Oakdale at Shively and enjoy the route along the Stanislaus River and come out at Knights Ferry where you can raft Level 3 to 5 white water in the lower Stanislaus River. Step back into the wild west and keep your eye out for herds of cattle in oak and rock studded pastures.
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Stop in Sonora and shop for antiques or other curios or head straight to Twain Harte along Highway 108. It climbs steeply from 3000 feet through oak and chaparral to mixed conifer forests of Ponderosa Pine and Incense Cedar ending at the Sonora Pass at 9624 ft. This intersects the most beautiful part of the Pacific Crest Trail. ”
Infrastructure
The 20 acres are gated with a simple forest service style swinging gate which may be locked. The home is completely self sustained and eco friendly. The grounds have no PGE electricity and we are entirely solar powered with a 12 KW generator as back up (which can be turned on from inside the house). The heating is radiant solar and propane back-up and the fireplace has a 33000 BTU insert. In summer, weather can be quite warm and we do not have air conditioning but we do have a good afternoon breeze and three large ceiling fans. Temperatures range from 18-100 degrees Fahrenheit and we have made the home comfortable to accommodate that range.
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We have our own "Artesian" well. The water is exceptionally soft, slightly acidic and contains iron and other minerals pre the filtration system in the garage. It has been certified potable by the county but you may prefer to use the double filtered water at the kitchen sink for drinking or you can request bottled water. Please use only eco-friendly products to protect our delicate septic system. We recycle, compost and limit trash.
Cell phone reception is excellent in certain locations within the house but may be spotty in others. Please inquire. There is satellite internet and an alarm system to help protect belongings. The internet wifi is free for reasonable use. We have a screen for watching DVDs but no satellite TV as yet. |
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