Explore a few sample community submissions from the This Must Be the Place project. Click the photos to view in full screen.
The Merced River was been a pivotal part of my childhood growing up in Mariposa and continues to be the crowning jewel of my summers as an adult. As a child in a family of 6, camping trips down at McCabe Flat never ceased to be exciting and felt like 'vacation'. Even in the years I lived away from Mariposa, I would plan a summer trip back when river conditions were good so that I didn't miss a single summer season swimming in our Lady Mercy.
I am a 4th generation mariposite, my family (Tresidder)came to mariposa in the 1850's from England. They were employed as hard rock miners in the sherlock area of mariposa. I was born at John C. Fremont hospital in 1976. This photo was taken a few years ago at a little known spot just outside of Yosemite. In the old days locals called it Inspiration point, others call it Elephant Rock( see 2nd pic taken from below on hwy 140 just before entrance to Yosemite)I'm standing on the Elephants forehead. lol
Grab some brie and a crusty loaf from the Pioneer Market and head out along Ben Hur road for a picnic among oak trees and rolling hills. Sprint for the town sign on the way back and celebrate a glorious victory with a glass of Pinot Noir at the Alley. I've lived in Mariposa county for 16 years. I'm 44 years old.
One thing I love about living where I do is the absolute quiet, solitude and ability to get “ lost” and disappear. I’m super fortunate to live on a eight mile dirt road. I’m able to hang out with the dogs, off leash and walk, ride for miles without seeing someone. What I view as pros some view as cons. It takes 45mins to get to town, for food or to mail things. Social distancing? Got that down. Power goes out for days at a time. It’s all good. Wouldn’t trade any of the other experiences I have gone through living out here. The understanding brutality of prey and predator. It’s just apart of it. Moments like these when the light and the smell making everything fade away
I've lived most of my life in Mariposa County and while there are many beautiful places here, none takes my breath away quite like the high country. Surrounded by granite domes and gliding over impossibly clear water, I find a sense of peace and belonging. A saying from John Muir always comes to mind, "going to the mountains is going home." Though his words continue resonate with people all over the world, we know why this was the place that inspired them. Tenaya Lake, 2016
"Trail Rider" taken of Tom Coolidge, by Sharon Kingman-Coolidge I moved back to Greeley Hill permanently in 2008. Attended Mariposa high school (Class of 1975) and my family (Kingmans) have owned the land in Greeley Hill (now where my house) is since 1959. Took this photo on a trail somewhere near the South Fork of the Merced; Wawona area. I have attended the Arts Council Adult Photography Class two semesters and learned a lot from Anna Friedland, instructor.
Please find the attached photo of my husband and me at Valley View in Yosemite. We decided to retire in Mariposa because it is close to Yosemite, one of our favorite places. Valley View is one of our favorite view points in the valley. We have volunteered at the Big Oak Flat Visitor station every summer since we moved here, and Valley View is one of the places we tell visitors not to miss.
Sarah Williams (picture from May 2020) Resident of Mariposa County for 31 years Age 58 This site on the West Fork of the Chowchilla River, on the Teleki Ranch, is a very favorite place of mine...and has been for years. The natural beauty of our County, and many special little "secret" places like this, is unsurpassed.
Clay River - On Left This was my very first Mariposa County Fair the summer I moved here with my partner Rose, returning to her hometown. Summer of 2018 (2nd month her in photo) Rose Fluharty -On Right Of course, I had to share a picture of my first time at the legendary fair with my sweetheart: Clay. The ferris wheel never disappoints, and I cannot count the number of old friends and relatives I ran into! It’s a Mariposa gem.
This footbridge that crosses Mariposa Creek is for me the connection between the wildness of life under the bridge and the community and culture that exists above it. To be a participant in both is what I cherish. I am 70 years old and have lived in Mariposa for 41 years. Phyllis Becker
What I love about Mariposa is how easy it is to get out on foot and enjoy beautiful scenery. That is an especially fun thing if you have a dog who lives for interesting hikes (and smells). I first “lived” summers in Mariposa in the 50’s—my family had a ranch on Hirsch Road and they taught us to love being in the country, so different than life in LA. I moved to Mariposa permanently in 1994. My age—78.
Laura Lynn and Tom Hays. We’ve lived in Mariposa over 43 years. Between the two of us, we spent 42 years teaching here and making so many memories. It is where we met. If we include our daughter, who now teachers here (and is an alumnus), it would be over 50 years of making MCHS memories.
Hi my name is Irene Vasquez. This photo is of me and my brother Paul Vasquez at Bagby jumping into the Merced River. We've grown up in Mariposa. My dad Paul " Bear" Double Rainbow took us on many adventures documenting our life along the way. Swimming in the river with him and friends are some of our favorite memories.
Ronnie Sweeting > Lower Cascade Falls (YNP) - Whether on our frequent visits up from Los Angeles in the 80s, or after choosing Mariposa County as our home-base in 1992, a favorite first stop ("we're here!") upon entering The Park by way of the west entrance. > Family headquartered in Mariposa County for 28+ years. > 64 years clocked this August.
I spent a lot of my childhood at Mariposa Elementary School. Maybe more than the usual school hours, as we would go there on the weekends to ride bikes or play on the playground. Here I am, age 7, running in the 50 yard dash at the M.E.S. Primary Field Day in 1985. Note the vintage Mariposa Monarchs t-shirt! I lived on Jones Street in Mariposa from 1977-1995. I cannot think of a better place to have grown up.
Liddy says, “I am sharing the photo because I love walking Allred-Morningstar Road. I love the smells, the horses, and the treats in my backpack. I prepare for AKC Pack Hikes by carrying up to 20% of my 95# weight on my back.” A pack hike is 8 miles a day for two days in a row. “I have lived here for two years. I was a rescue Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, having lived in Utah for my first year. I like to pack hike, pull carts, and ring the bell for Salvation Army at Pioneer Market at Christmas. Actually a favorite place to hike is the Mariposa Parkway because of all the canine-type smells!” My age—Three years old on June 8th.
Our names: Eric Bissmeyer (age 42), Kass Bissmeyer (age 37), Owen Bissmeyer (age 18), Lincoln Bissmeyer (age 16), Hudson Bissmeyer (age 4), and Grant Bissmeyer (age 1) Our local place to recharge, recreate, and explore is Stockton Creek Preserve - we love venturing out on a weekend, weekday evening, or on special holidays. It's a 5 min drive to the trail head from our home and we always discover new things each time we go! We very much like the variety of trails that the preserve offers and the diversity of plants and wildlife keeps our interests peaked!
