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Closing Down The Barnes’ Mather Corral

1/15/2016

5 Comments

 
Below is a letter from Jay and Elizabeth Barnes to the Camp Mather community.

It is after long, emotional consideration that we inform you of the curtailment of the trail rides and the Hay Rides at Camp Mather by the Barnes Family, after 86 years of operation.  This marks the end of an era.  Each spring we looked forward to our upcoming summer activities and of seeing the many wonderful folks that have come to the corral during the Camp season.

Many factors have contributed to this difficult decision.  Among them are the effects and results of the 2013 Rim Fire, the ongoing drought conditions, the increasing operational costs, the increasing difficulty finding dependable and qualified staff, and the problems with rigid government interference and red tape.  All these factors, plus the realization that we are getting older, ourselves.  We have hopes of someone else stepping up to follow in our “horse tracks” by continuing to operate the corral business.

We have fond memories of the many generations of families that have visited the Mather Corral and came to share their own stories and experiences of trail rides in the wilderness.  We hope you will cherish the memories of The Breakfast Rides, Hay Rides and Burro rides as much as we do.  We have appreciated your patronage and friendship throughout the years and hope our trails will cross again soon.  In closing:

Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again,

Jay and Elizabeth Barnes
5 Comments
Brian Cronin
3/10/2016 07:00:15 am

I am saddened to hear we are losing such an important part of our Mather experience. While my boys are too young to avail themselves of a trail ride. The pony rides and our often four times a day visit to the corrals were a highlight of the Mather experience for us.

Thank you both so much and good luck to you on your next adventure!

~Brian and family

Reply
darlene elmore
4/30/2016 04:53:20 pm

Very sad to hear this . Thank you and all your staff past and present for the wonderful experience of riding in the beautiful Sierra's you gave many generations of my family.
Although I moved far away the memory of the Breakfast rides will always be with me.
Thank you and best wishes for the future
Darlene

Reply
Nancy link
4/14/2019 11:19:06 am

I have many fond memories of our family’s many trips to Camp Mather. By far, my fondest memories were the horseback rides we took led by the wonderful Barnes family. Granted, this was in the early 1970’s, but my brother and I spent a lot of time around the Barnes’ family corral. We went on the breakfast ride, sunset ride, as well as the hay ride every Summer we visited. The Barnes family was always accommodating of our numerous horse questions. Joe, the patriarch of the family was quite a character.

Reply
Craig Durkin
9/9/2021 09:33:21 am

So sad to hear this Jay. I remember your dad (old joe) running the show. Have a great retirement.

Reply
Paul D Stephens
3/13/2022 05:14:22 pm

My brothers, Bruce, Gary and I had a great time at Mather...slingshot sharpshooters...breakfast and trail rides...chasing bears at the dump and the other things we did together, fond memories all. Joe with his Bull Durham, Marlene and your sisters...I now think of it as having had a magical quality. You and your family contributed to a wonderful childhood. I hope you enjoy retirement, you deserve nothing less Jay. Paul Stephens, camper from the 50's.

Reply



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​Friends of Camp Mather | FoCM@campmather.org | 415-570-8593
PO Box 320542 San Francisco, CA 94132-0542
Camp Mather Reservation Desk | SF Recreation + Parks
Camp: 35250 Mather Road, Groveland, California 95321-9717
FoCM is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization | Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Gala and Fundraiser
  • Camp News
  • Camp Details
    • General Camp Information
    • Contact Camp Mather | SFR+P
    • Directions to Camp
    • Camp Rules
    • Trails + Hikes
    • What to Pack
    • Camp History >
      • Camp History
      • Historical Photos
      • Camp Mather 1949 Plan
  • Meet FoCM
    • What FoCM Has Done for Camp >
      • FoCM Donations to Camp
      • FoCM Volunteer Leaders
      • Past Volunteers
    • About FoCM
    • FoCM Naturalists >
      • Miwok Acorn Cooking
    • Meetings
    • FoCM at CAMP
    • The Raffle
    • Contact FoCM
    • FoCM Board of Directors
  • General Store
  • Donate