Bass Pro Shop

While visiting family in Ripon, Ca. we took a drive over to Bass Pro Shops in Manteca, Ca.  It's a pretty amazing place.

When you walk in, you immediately feel like you've been transported into someone's hunting lodge.

 

Emily just wasn't sure about all this...

 

 The store is massive inside with lots of wildlife scenes.

 

The waterfall poured into an aquarium with real fish.

Brandon liked the animal tracks on the floor.

We took our pictures with the stuffed animals.  Not sure why,. I think,. it's just, when you are in a place like this,. that is what you do.

They also had one of those light activated shooting ranges like they have at Disneyland and Bravo Farms. 

 Besides sporting goods, they have boats and small vehicles.

 I have no idea what anyone would do with a giant frying pan, but they had one of those as well.

They had an indoor archery range with a certified archery instructor.  Sarah and Monique got a free lesson.

We purchased a youth bow so Sarah could continue to practice.  Shannon and Monique took a few shots.

If you ever find your way to Manteca, Ca. Bass Pro Shop is worth the stop!

Columbia California

The preserved Mining town of Columbia California is a pretty neat place to visit.

 There are many old buildings that give a sense of walking into the past.

 

 

 Fire house had a fire engine.

 Some of the buildings had period articles inside.

 The Chinese store was stocked with period items.

Sarah and Monique got to ride the Stage Coach.

Kids also got to dip candles.

Only In America

Since our German friends came to visit us for 4th Of July, we wanted to give them some experiences that were uniquely American.  They came back on July 5th for the day.

Riding In The Mustang

Since I drove the Mustang up to Ripon for the 4th Of July, Shannon took Thomas for a drive.

 We then let them take a drive on their own.

Shooting At An Indoor Range

We took Thomas to Barnwood Arms which has an indoor shooting range and a wide variety of different guns to rent. 

Roasting Marshmallows

We roasted them and made smores.

Water Fun! 

OK,. this isn't uniquely American, but it's still part of the 4th of July Tradition for us.

I also rode the old bicycle around. This one belonged to Shannon's grandfather.