When there's something strange 

in the neighbourhood

Tues 15^th Jan   Sierra Sky Ranch, Oakhurst

Stopped at our new favourite grocery store for some supplies- Von’s.  It was a another day of driving past orchards of apples & oranges and, sadly, past many grain fed cattle lying around in the mud looking longingly over the fence at the lush green grass.

We drove into Sierra Sky Ranch in Oakhurst, California mid afternoon. The ranch was built in the late 1800’s by a Cattle rancher but he unfortunately went into debt.  He sold the property to the Government which they turned into a hospice for army patients.  The story goes that the Rancher was so devastated about losing the ranch that he died of a broken heart over his beloved ranch (or committed suicide).  Our hosts told us that you can still see him wandering around by the woodshed where he died all those years ago.

This Ranch retreat was just what we needed after our time in Vegas.  During the afternoon Neale read, I slept, Hayley took 1000’s of photos and Aidan chilled out in front of the tv.  I woke suddenly to the sound of children laughing and running. Aidan & Hayley were quietly sitting on their beds watching tv and said it was just some kids in the hall. I didn’t think there were any other children staying but maybe they’d just arrived.

In the evening Neale & I sat in the lounge room playing board games.  Our hostess came around asking if anyone wanted anything- ice water, hot drink…  One lady from Tibet asked if our hostess knew any ghost stories.  Hmm.

A nurse lived here for a time taking care of the TB patients and her 2 children stayed here as well.  They died tragically and guests have told the hostess that they can still be heard running up and down the hall and laughing together.  ???  What ???

So we asked if there were any other children staying at the moment and she said “No.  Have you heard them, have you?”   I slept with my ear plugs in that night!