Colleen Conley
Direct: (530) 887-3407
Mobile: (530) 263-0331
Email Me
Contact Me
"Country Life" column in Gold Country Homes Lyon Real Estate
Auburn/GV Office

Other 'Country' Life
Country Life
Date Published: June 2012
By Colleen Conley
 
Yes, there is life in other 'countries'. I refer to a magnificent area to the west known as Point Reyes National Forest. I have been traveling there annually for a number of years to enjoy the trails on horseback-well, most of the time 'on'-there was an incident of the unscheduled dismount! It seems every couple of years I need to have a humility check and prove that my bones are still available. Well, we moved out from there, riding five hours while enjoying the natural fauna and flora of Queen's Anne's Lace, Foxglove, and many other unknown species (an actual fox crossed our path). We rode for three days; the time to return came all too soon.
 
We treated ourselves, a dozen ladies and mounts, to the luxury of the accommodations of the Point Reyes B&B and Stable. The horses have box stalls or outdoor pens, cleaned daily, and we have a very nice room furnished with antiques and were served delicious breakfasts. The weather could not have been more perfect. The many microcosms  are a delight to experience, from island paradise, to high desert, to ocean front, to cattle pasture, we wound our way up and down the trails, only stopping for lunch in scenic places. We spent one late afternoon in Point Reyes Station and gazing and grazing in the local shops and restaurants. Chosing to take advantage of another area where we can enjoy our lifestyle in no way diminsihes our appreciation for where we live. We are fortunate to live here and be afforded the many oppotunaties for recreation of a variety of types. There is no place like home!!
 
 
Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407  (cell) (530) 263-0331. Or email her at cconley@golyon.com, or at http://www.colleenconley.com/
 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safely dispose of dry winter debris in the drought.
 
Date Published: February 3, 2012

What beautiful weather we’re enjoying! However, it is at the expense of our revered vegetation, natural and developed, since it is suffering from thirst.

If you have a watering system, it will behoove you to keep it in working order, or hand water any plants that you care about. The same applies to freezing weather — plants need to have moisture whether it looks like they are dormant or not.

This winter season is a good time to assess the vegetation on your property that may be a potential fire hazard. Since we are in a dry spell, burning excess wood scraps and fallen branches may be limited. Consider calling The Placer County Chipper Program, operating under the Placer County Resource Conservation District. They will come to your property and chip branches if they are arranged with the trunk side out in a row.

The contact number is (530)889-0111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (530)889-0111     end_of_the_skype_highlighting for the details. If you are disabled or unable to pay, there are exemptions that may be allowed if you meet their parameters.

I was thrilled with their promptness and the speed with which several rows of debris
on my property were “eaten up” and spewed into piles that I can use as mulch.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407,cell (530) 263-0331. Or email her at cconley@golyon.com, or at http://www.colleenconley.com/

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spring Cleaning
Date Published: March 16, 2012
 
 
As spring approaches and foliage, small and tall, prepare to dress in fresh greenery, the litter that scars our landscape is even more offensive than usual. 

It is difficult to understand the reason that some of us have no compunction about dropping trash from car windows and elsewhere. 

Food  and drink containers, paper, and plastic bags seem to be the most ‘popular’ discards. I do so appreciate those that pick up trash as they take their daily walks around town and country byways.

A program, Adopt-A-Highway, features signage for individuals and/or businesses who join, to be responsible for keeping designated areas free of trash. They do all the work and you get the credit! In return, the members benefit from the exposure of the signage as a ‘green’ type of advertising as well as being recognized as community supporters.

A friend reminded me to ask those that place signs in public places for garage sales, elections, events and the like, to be respectful and remove them when they have ‘timed out’. For more information on location and cost visit them online at http://www.adopt-a-highway.com/.

No one would have to pick up trash if everyone was responsible for themselves.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407,(530) 263-0331
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hidden Falls more than just a walk in the park
Country Life
Date Published: January 6, 2012

It’s no secret that Hidden Falls Regional Park is a gem in the Auburn foothills.
Formerly the Didion Ranch, these 221 acres were acquired through the Placer Legacy Open Space and Agricultural Conservation Program and opened in 2006.
Many of us have discovered and are taking advantage of this glorious tribute to nature, and to the designers of the myriad of trails available for hikers, runners, bicyclists and horseback riders.
The 221-acre park is located off Mount Vernon Road at Mears Road. The seven miles of natural surface trails, touching on Coon Creek and Dead Man Creek, offer fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.
A paved trail winds from the paved parking lot through a picnic area and a live oak grove.
Paved parking, equestrian staging areas, restrooms and a map kiosk are appreciated by locals and their guests.
Also accessible on foot is an impressive 30-foot waterfall with a generous, and aesthetically-designed, deck for viewing and picnicking.
The 961 contiguous acres of the Spears Ranch will be incorporated pending the environmental review and funding, making a total of 1,200-plus acres. The park is open from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. I hope to see you there.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 263-0331. _________________________________________________________

Don’t let those leaves lie around, recycle them
Country Life
Date Published: December 9, 2011

Remember the cool shade and visual of the wonderful summer trees doing what they do best?
I live in a veritable forest, and the resultant dropped leaves who no longer have a ‘job,’ are front and center on the ‘to do’ list.
I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Recology (formerly Auburn Placer Disposal) to deliver green waste to them.
Yes, I do have a leaf blower, and while it can move those leaves, it can’t hide them. So I am adding a bag or two a day to my collection.
I do compost some and add in animal droppings. The reward is that it eventually provides me with planter mix, which I no longer have to buy, and the satisfaction of making a small contribution to being green.
Upon reviewing the above it occurs to me that leaves are a testament to a special season, the holidays — a time that reminds me of the importance of friends and family and a hope for peace here and everywhere.
Happy holidays to all.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-033

_____________________________________________________________
Saying goodbye to a friend of the country life

Country Life
Date Published: October 14, 2011

This week I bid farewell to a ranch member, Valentino. In his honor a memorial has been created, complete with Lamb’s Ears and other perennial plants — gifts from my friend, Jami.
Valentino became a part of our family as an orphaned Barbados lamb. It was my neighbor’s suggestion that Valentino would be a good companion to my Arabian gelding, Phi, since his stable mate had recently died at age 29.
Born on Feb. 14, hence his name, Valentino assumed the role with enthusiasm. He and Phi were never far from each other.
Then he was diagnosed with liver failure, and although several supplements were advised, he never rallied. Valentino did especially like a high-calorie mix of a special solution and orange juice, concocted by Sami Macon, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, which he took readily from a syringe by mouth.
It wasn’t enough though and life ended not too long ago. Even though I acted as his dam (female parent) in his infancy, bottle feeding him for several months, he never seemed to bond to me as other animals had in my experience — his loyalty was to his equine bud.
I understand from sheep ranchers that the Barbados breed retains its original undomesticated nature unlike any other stock that has been in captivity for generations. Therefore, I didn’t take it personally.
Baa Haa and Amigo, recently acquired Nubian goats, are now sharing the position of peers to the bereaved Phi. Their antics, while amusing to me and my friends, appear to be annoying Phi at times, but he’s adjusting and even allows them to share mouthfuls of hay at meals.
So country life continues with disappointments and adjustments. However, it’s still the place to be for those who appreciate it.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.

 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Keeping your home a no-flies zone requires a little work
Country Life
Date Published: August 26, 2011

Flying is such a thrill. And some would say, an art. We envy creatures that fly and wish we could have that capability.
A species that would be an exception would be flies, of the insect order Diptera, which includes house flies, horse flies, cluster flies, fruit flies, black flies, and the “primitive” flies such as mosquitoes, crane flies, midges and gnats.
All of these are distinguished from other insects by having only one pair of wings as adults — other flies usually have two pair.
At any rate, what they all have in common is the ability to irritate humans, other creatures and carry disease. So control of these pests is up to human ingenuity, as I discovered on my favorite site, Google.
Logically, eliminating a breeding source should be the first thrust in reducing the population.
Fly survival and reproduction requires water, or wet soil, manure, and decomposing animal or vegetable matter.
Because all flies undergo metamorphosis in transforming to the adult stage, scientists have been able to identify larvae that can be targeted for control by predator flies who feed on, and thus destroy, the larvae.
This is a method that I use, along with trapping them, and it seems to be very effective.
It is helpful that my neighbor also subscribes to this method and we order an amount of predators that most likely is keeping the fly population at bay for other neighboring livestock as well, so everyone benefits.
In my research I was amazed to find so many home and/or organic remedies of which I was not aware — i.e, catnip, garlic, neem, penny royal, peppermint and even vodka, which I assume would be used during cocktail hour.
My horse sports a fly mask during the day and the goats and sheep hang close enough to him that his tail swishes himself as well as his pasture mates.
I am a survivor of early childhood exposure to DDT being sprayed in the home while we all ran outside to await the resulting carnage, return to sweep up the “bodies.”
I’m happy to know that there are many environmentally-friendly methods to deal with these pests. And of course, there is always the tried and true fly swatter!

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-Make sure that country road can still take you home
Country Life
Date Published: June 17, 2011

“Take Me Home, Country Roads.” John Denver must have had a road maintenance agreement where he lived since he sang so happily about it!
Country residents show independence by providing their own services — well for water, effluent disposed in tanks and leach fields, and often a private road to take you home — and to maintain.
Most things require maintenance, and roads are no exception.
Ideally, when you live on a private road, there will be a road maintenance document in place to levy and collect assessments for repairs as needed.
Title insurance and lender approval of a property often require that such an agreement exists.
Proper access has a great bearing on the value of the homes the road serves.
Another benefit of maintenance is the less wear-and-tear on vehicles — to say nothing of keeping them clean.
If there is no agreement on a private road, when it comes time to repair, you run the risk that not everyone will participate.
“We don’t have the money,” or “our pot-holes keep speeding down,” or “we live at the beginning of the road and don’t want to pay for all of it” are all excuses you might hear if there is no agreement.
If there is an existing contract a lien may be filed against those that fail to pay, which can be collected upon sale of that property.
If there is no agreement on your road, consider initiating one so your country roads can take you home in a better fashion.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.
____________________________________________________________

Thinking about getting a four-legged friend? Consider adoption
Country Life
Date Published: May 20, 2011

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” 
~ Mahatma Gandhi.


Adoption options:

Friends Forever, a Cat Sanctuary
Auburn, CA
(530) 885-4228
http://www.ffacs.org/

A New Hope Animal Foundation
5700 Val Verde Rd, Loomis
(916) 652-4164
http://www.anewhopeanimal.com/animal.com


Placer SPCA
150 Corporation Yard Road, Roseville
(916) 782-7722
http://www.placerspca.org/

They have been called man, and woman’s, best friend — city or country life notwithstanding. According to the TV channel, Animal Planet, more than 60 percent of households have dogs — twice as many as those who have children.
 Often they are “children” to their owners. If you’re thinking about a canine addition to your residence, please seriously consider adopting one, or more, through local organizations such as A New Hope and Placer Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
To reduce the risk of an unsuitable match, foster parents often have provided socialization and training to ensure readiness for a new home. Even though our consciousness has been raised regarding indiscriminate/unintended breeding, millions of dogs are euthanized nationally.
Except for selected breeding animals, spaying or neutering pets ensures that pet owners are part of the solution, not the problem. The current practice of breeding “designer” (cross-bred) dogs, adds to the problem.
The rescue organizations can offer you many choices of these hybrid dogs who will appreciate a good home, give lifelong dedication and will love you as much as a purebred. Do your research for the kind of temperament, natural instinct and size that would best suit you and/or your family.
Consult with experts for advice — I have references. Owning any pet requires a commitment to the welfare and care of the animal, including the associated costs for as many as 15 years or more. Be willing and prepared to be accountable and responsible for the choice you make and not be an owner who surrenders their pets when they no longer want the responsibility.
Those animals may become one of the millions per year whose lives are ended with a death sentence.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn.
____________________________________________________________
Be prepared when saddling up to horse ownership

 

Country Life
Date Published: April 15, 2011

I believe that from conception humans have an affinity for horses — or not. It is definitely in the genes, or jeans, if you will.
For those of you who see horses in your future, we have a few tips.
While you may want a puppy when considering dog ownership, you are wise to choose a “veteran” horse, not a foal or an untrained one. Horses are large, powerful animals that require knowledge and experience to be able to safely handle them. Taking lessons from a qualified instructor is absolutely the wisest choice you can make. It will save you both money and injury. I have many resources to guide you.
About the cost — horses are expensive to properly maintain. When you consider that feed and supplements currently cost anywhere from  $80 to $100 per month, depending on the animal’s size, plus bedding, space, (boarding costs can be as much as $450+ per month), fencing, veterinary care, parasite control, farrier costs (shoeing or trimming), and tack, you must be willing and able to support your acquisition in the manner that he/she deserves.
It is also wise to have a reserve for emergency purposes. My “mane man” underwent surgery at UC Davis. The bill was not quite the estimate of a possible $10,000, but it did delay my home improvement plans.
Recently, I perused a book at Echo Valley Ranch in Auburn called, “101 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Nutrition,” by Stephen Duran, Ph.D, who also happens to be a personal friend of Echo Valley owner, Greg Kilmer.
I recommend this book to all horse owners, not just newbies.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_

Get goats and add some spice to the country life
Country Life
Date Published: March 25, 201
By Colleen Conley

“Get your goat!”
According to the website, The Phrase Finder, this is the folklore behind that phrase: Goats were sometimes used as stall mates for race horses to calm them. If a dishonest person wanted to give his horse an edge, he would take the goat away from a competitor, resulting in an unsettled horse that would run poorly. For the purpose of this column, I say getting goats will change your life. When we moved here in 1972, one of the first livestock purchases was a pair of young wethers (altered males). They were charming, energetic, and smarter than their owners. We knew little about them but soon learned that they were miniature Houdinis, destined to thwart any effort to contain them. Still, their antics charmed us — well, not all of us. Goats like high places and the cab of a (new) pick-up truck will suffice if it is available. My husband saw no humor in this, so soon our board fences had field fence added to them. We then purchased two bred does who gave birth and consequently, milk for our consumption. Our two sons relished drinking milk of our own making, so to speak, until classmates made degrading comments and influenced them to think, and drink, otherwise. If you are considering owning these charming creatures, know these facts — they are gregarious, so a single goat will not be happy; have the proper fencing in place before they arrive; be prepared to give annual inoculations and parasite control; hooves need regular trimming; it is best to train them to respect a halter to be able to manage treatment; and they are prey animals and must be protected from predators. My friends, Dan and Sami Macon, maintain a flock of goats and sheep (close relatives) to help control brush and grass on landowners’ property. They establish temporary fencing, add a guard animal — dog or llama — and move them when the field is clean. You are welcome to meet my resident ruminant quadrupeds, Amigo and Baa Haa, who were birthday presents to me from my friend, Carolyn Dierksen of Out of the Whey Farm.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.
___________________________________________________________________________
Need to fence them in? Here’s a few tips

Country Life
Date Published: February 18, 2011

Don’t fence me in! But if you must, the following may be helpful for you in the process.
There are many types of fencing — wood and field fence, some with graduated size openings, (smaller at the bottom to keep hooves from slipping through).
Other choices may be twisted wire in as many as eight strands or barbed wire — not recommended with horses.
My early experience with serious injuries of our ranch horses from barbed wire prejudiced me forever against it — although the West was “won” with miles of it.
Cedar rails make an attractive and effective boundary also. Vinyl has become popular and doesn’t require the maintenance of painted wood.
Ensure that the fence has a sturdy core if its use is to contain livestock so that a good bump won’t pop the laterals out of the posts.
Cyclone, pipe, and rigid panels are other choices that are time tested and long lasting.
My preference is woven, non-climb wire consisting of 2-by-4-inch openings with toppers of wooden posts and treated upright posts in the ground.
Using concrete to support the posts has fallen out of favor due to the propensity of water retention on the bottom of the post resulting in deterioration of the wood.
Mine were set two feet deep in the natural soil and are straight after 15 years. The top vertical support posts or rails also provide stability.
The most important step to take when planning to fence an area is to ensure that the proposed boundaries are on your property lines. Misplaced fences have been the source of many fractured relationships with neighbors.
If you cannot identify your corners by finding the monuments or official markers, it would behoove you to hire a surveyor rather than run the risk of mistaken boundary lines.
It may not require a full-blown survey as a surveyor may be willing to ‘discover’ the corners which you can then mark with stakes.
Final word — electric tape or wire lining the animal side of the fence encourages respect and discourages stock from using the fence for scratching, reaching through the spaces for snacking, or reaching over the fence to carry on “conversations” with animals on the other side.
This practice is safe as the current is directed through a transformer resulting in a low impedance, pulsating charge that shocks, but not fatally, what or whoever touches it if they are grounded. That is why an animal could jump over it and even touch it but not be shocked.
Good luck with your project. I can refer you to suppliers and fencing vendors if you are in need any of that information.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make your home a safe roost for chickens

Country Life
Date Published: January 14, 2011
By Colleen Conley

Why did the chicken cross the road? Perhaps to get to my place!
I have been an admirer of fowl since my childhood experiences cuddling with hundreds of chicks in a heated brooder house on a South Dakota ranch.
I spent endless hours observing their behavior and being thrilled when they chose to nap next to me.
If you have an interest in raising chickens for their eggs or as a meat source, let me offer you a few tips.
Their presence will attract predators, so a secure yard and housing is imperative.
It is my philosophy not to punish the carnivores in nature by eliminating them in favor of protecting chickens, or other critters, from them.
Fencing should be 6-foot-high woven wire lined with chicken wire netting.
Re-enforcing the perimeter with concrete is recommended as predators and rodents will attempt to dig under the wire.
As for chicken housing, the size depends on the number and size of the birds. You also have to consider if they will have access to the outside, or will be confined.
If your yard is safely fenced already, you may want to share your space with them.  While they are valuable bug eaters, they may not respect tender landscape or a garden.
The flock will return to their yard/housing at dusk on their own.
I suggest that you invest in a guidebook such as “Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens” (By Gail Damerow/Storey Publishing, LLC) for details on management and structures.
I bought my copy at Echo Valley Feed store on Nevada Street in Auburn.
Also check the Internet, where you can find most anything.
The chicken flock dynamic is fascinating. Watching a rooster, who has discovered a delicious morsel, call to a hen and chicks is sweet.
Feathers themselves are unbelievably beautiful and intricate in design.
The term “pecking order” is apparent if you observe a flock for any length of time. We humans have coined many a phrase that emanates from chicken lore, i.e. “cock of the walk,” “hen pecked,” “mother hen,” “don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” “hard scratch living,” “little red hen syndrome” and a myriad of others.
My favorite chicken story is as follows:
A neighbor needed transportation for her horse, which I agreed to provide. Upon arrival at her ranch a bantam hen flew out of my horse trailer manger where she had obviously been setting on a clutch of eggs. I figured I would never see her again.
When we returned the hen was waiting at the spot from where she had departed and flew back into her nest to resume her duties.
Hens are dedicated mothers — I have witnessed a bantam hen flying up to meet a descending hawk that threatened her brood.
So chicken enthusiasts, call me with any fowl related questions. If I don’t have the answer, I have sources that will.
Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Want to live the country life? Here’s a couple things to consider

Country Life
Date Published: December 10, 2010

Since country life is something I’ve been privileged to enjoy the better part of my life, I’d like to share some experiences and counsel for you who are considering making a lifestyle change.
Those who enjoy public utilities will now be in charge of how to handle their own water supply and sewage disposal.
Likely, you will use water from a well and you will need to know the production — gallons per minute.
This is determined by pumping the water for four hours and measuring at intervals to discover how many gallons is produced in one minute consistently. Placer County has guidelines that dictate a minimum of five gallons per minute.
Less production will require a storage tank to ensure a steady, dependable water supply.
The other fact regarding water is potability, or safety of the water for consumption.
Water may be contaminated for a number of reasons — ground water intrusion, animal waste, bacteria in the crooks and crannies of the piping, etc. It may be rectified by cleansing the system with chlorine bleach.
Once you are a country resident, it is a good idea to take a sample to a local laboratory on at least an annual basis to ensure that your water supply continues to be potable. 
Now on to your own personal sewage disposal.
Over time, many systems have been developed that certainly out-perform the original directing of waste water and solids to a hole in the ground, identified by a small structure whose door has a quarter-moon-shaped opening.
The piped effluent runs the course from the home to septic tanks that separate the liquid and solids and send the liquids through perforated pipes arranged in a leach field.
That is the simplified method as there are many systems that are determined by the earth type and rock content that may be more sophisticated and therefore more expensive.
The tank should be pumped on a regular basis every few years, depending on the number of occupants, to maintain the viability of the system.
If the solids overflow into the second tank and are dispersed into the perforated pipe, it may form a sludge that may stop the leaching of the contents and render the system ineffective.
Now for the benefits of the envied country life. The privacy and the beauty of acreage is unmatched to those who appreciate it.
Yes, it takes time, effort and money to maintain property and its residents — horses, goats, sheep, cattle, or maybe none of the above and simply a dog and/or cat. I really enjoy the chores and care of the critters I chose to live with me.
I am rewarded when I return home and my horse, goats and sheep race my car up the drive to the barn. I like to think they are happy to see me, but the fact may be that they know whose hand feeds them.
Nevertheless, it is a joyful experience and one that I intend to maintain as a permanent lifestyle.

Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn. Questions? Call (530) 887-3407 (cellular) or (530) 263-0331.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Endurance Capital of the World title is well deserved
Guest Columnist
Date Published: July 31, 2009
By Colleen Conley
Colleen Conley

The title Endurance Capitol of the World is justly earned for Auburn — a small, but mighty town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The topography; the presence of intricate, extensive trails; local waterways, lakes and  discovery by the outside world all collide to make this title a reality.
Marathons, cycling races, the Western States 100-mile  run, the Tevis Cup 100-mile ride, kayaking  and more offer a myriad of choices for those who enjoy competing.
Since the Tevis Cup  plays out this weekend, the following are some notes of historical significance.
In 1955, Wendell Robie, president of Heart Federal Bank, rode with friends, including Will Tevis, from Squaw Valley to Auburn in 24 hours.
Who knew that event would lead to the organized Tevis Ride as we know it today.
The date of the Tevis is set to coincide with a full moon — giving contestants more light as they make their way the coveted Tevis Buckle in 24 hours.
Keeping the horses and riders safe along the way are designated veterinary reviews to insure the horse’s overall health.
The best condition award — the Haggin Cup — is given to the horse of the first 10 finishers who shows the least signs of fatigue and is judged to have the ability to go on.
This event, along with many other feats of endurance, and the longtime efforts of Shannon Weil and the Endurance Capitol of the World committee earn Auburn it’s designation.
For those who prefer to be spectators, take pleasure in the ambiance of Old Town and Downtown Auburn. 
Savor the meals of fine eateries or travel the rural roads to see the agricultural fields, including vineyards and ranches, where opportunities to absorb the community flavors abound.  
The atmosphere of Old Town reflects the gold discovery era of the 1800s with its shops, including gold panning suppliers, gargantuan statuary by a local artist, art galleries, antiques and restaurants.
Downtown you will find state-of-the-art shops featuring quality women’s boutiques, a real old fashioned ice cream parlor, art gallery and fine restaurants. Parking is still on an angle with no parking meters.
It’s a friendly place, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Colleen Conley is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn.