Ken's Visit to 3R

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I went to visit Rob and Loretta (3RRL and Mrs3RRL) this past week at their rural property in Three Rivers. I got there Wednesday evening but while it was still light so Rob and I messed around looking at Loretta’s tractor and all the goodies he got with it. The Jinma line really has come a long way in quality and features. I am sure that once she finishes her grapple (before me I am sure), she will be giving HUGE KAMA some competition.

For those that don’t know, their property is in a little town outside of the Sequoia National Forest in Three Rivers (hence the 3R in Rob’s title). Three Rivers is just past Lake Kaweah which is used for irrigation in the Visalia area during the summer months but is re-filled with mountain snowmelt during the next spring thaw.

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The area is stunning with verdant green hills all around that are interspersed with granite outcroppings and boulders, various large oak trees and many other tree varieties. This makes for a stunning backdrop for their new log home.

Definitely IN-RANGE from their home. That cul-de-sac you see is at the entrance to their property and these views are from their exterior deck.

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Here is the 10,000 acre cattle ranch across from their property

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Here are some shots of their new log home that are visible while driving up their driveway and from the main pad area.

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Two more shots of HUGE while I was playing…er…working on it. This really is a BIG Chinese tractor and it sounds the part too. It is LOUD.



The grapples work great as does Robo-Blade. I can’t see how Rob finds any time to work with it when it is so much fun to play on it.

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Some more of their home and their Watt Sun solar trackers…Awesome!

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Here are some of South Camp where we stayed. This place has all the comforts of home. I got to sleep in the guest quarters and got to play with Rob on the tractors and in Wes’ tree fort. Interestingly enough, Loretta winced a bit when Rob offered me to “play” on “her” tractor. I think she would prefer me to break Rob’s since he is used to breaking it…

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…and their fire pit with custom 3RRL benches…



…and views of and from Wes’ tree fort…

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…and some of the toys…er…equipment…

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…and two of Rob’s new hydraulic winch…

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I also went to the AG show on Thursday and will post that later. I had a great time at their place, Loretta cooked up a storm for us and I even got to meet Brian and Mark from Mtn. View Ranch (TBN & NTT). Rob has posted pics of Brian, Mark and us so I will post this one last shot when I stopped by a scenic area. This Can Am is a cool trike.



I can’t wait to bring my family up there to see them and their wonderful place.

Thanks again Rob and Loretta!!!

[3RRL]

Hi Ken,
Oh wow, I didn't realize you took all those photos. You got a lot of cool shots not only of the property, but also of the surrounding area. Thanks for sharing them.

You, Julie and the kids are welcome any time up there. I suppose it takes just about as long to get there from your place as it does ours. If you can make it up the long drive, I'll have an RV pad ready for you next visit!
Rob-

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Excellent photos Ken

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I wanted to take shots of the drive up/down to 3R since a lot of people don't know how close you are to the Sequoias. Also, thanks a lot for the offer. I looked carefully at the two lane from town and it is doable but that last bridge will high center the coach for sure and quite possibly rip off the transmission pan and valve body.

These Spartan air-ride chassis' ride loooowwwww, unlike a Freightliner and combined with the wheelbase make it impossible to navigate that last bridges sloped ramp. I will reserve a spot at the 3R RV resort/campground and then drive the Jeep up there. It is only 5-10 minutes or so and it gives us the ability to do day trips to the Sequoias or anyplace else that the family fancies.

I will see what we have re: school and TKD in the upcoming months and let you know. I think my daughter would love to run through the meadow picking flowers and my son would love playing with Wes in his treehouse/fort. ;D

[GuglioLS]

Ken,
Yep nice photos and a great story of your visit to 3R. As nice as the pictures are, it never is close to the real thing. Looks like you had a fun time and some great weather for your visit too. Rob and Loretta sure know how to make you feel welcome and show you a good time don't they? I have always enjoyed every minute of my visits with them and look forward to our next.

Larry