A thought-provoking trip to the Sierra, in two parts

Barbara KING’s recent sojourns to the Three Rivers area (“Back to Africa” on Sept. 18, and “The Sierra Salon” on Sept. 11) have me daydreaming again. I’ve also checked the real estate ads on the Web. In fact, her stories are so enticing, I’m going up there in a couple of weeks.

Dennis Rode

Downey

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I can’t thank Barbara King enough for “Back to Africa.”

My first impulse was to sell my condo and run to the Sierra hills. Foolish fantasy on my part, but I have the warm and comfortable feeling of being home on the farm of my childhood (England, not Africa).

I read the article very slowly; it was like a fine meal. Don’t mean to gush, but she really made my day. Many, many thanks.

Ian Abercrombie

West Hollywood

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“The Sierra Salon” by Barbara King (Sept. 11) read like a parody of an Edith Wharton novel -- the wealthy spending the weekend in the country, congratulating themselves on their fabulous lifestyles.

Unfortunately, King failed to notice a jarring reminder of urbanization in that serene area, the very serious air pollution that afflicts the San Joaquin Valley and reaches into the heights of the Sierra. The “clean air” celebrated by King is a myth. This area has some of the worst air pollution in the country, and is literally destroying the beauty and solitude of the Sierra.

Buying a shack on a tiny lot, or 450 acres in the foothills, can endanger one’s health, and there are no exceptions for the rich and beautiful.

Laura Silagi

Venice