July 24 - Kayaking and Hot Springs

​We decided today would be our kayak day z and boy what an adventure. 

Beautiful lake, easy access at Fish Camp. If/when we come back to the east Side of the Sierras, we want to stay at Fish Camp, right at the lake. 

Look how ca the water is.

Sierra Mountain range all around us.

We wanted to kayak to the columns that Carl and Shan took us to several years ago. BUT we didn’t make it  the wind kicked up. Since it was so hard to row, we had to walk our kayaks for a bit. 

After a lot of rowing hard, we finally made it as far Pelican Island. Still not back at the place we launched our kayaks but there was a road I could walk back to the truck and drive to pick up Bill and the kayaks. Another adventure but neither one of us wants to do that again soon. 

Here’s a look back at where we had kayaked to before the winds picked up…a long way!

After a rest and some lunch, we jumped in the truck and went to explore some hot springs. 

We are going back tomorrow morning when it’s 60 degrees no 91! 

There’s one other hot springs we found called Wild Willy’s. Of course we had to try that one, too. A long walk to reach them but on a boardwalk.

That’s it for today, 13,000 steps. 

July 23 - Crawley Lake

​Our next adventure is at Crowley Lake.  The “campground” I had booked was in a mobile home park, packed in like sardines. So not ideal but we have hook ups and it’s near Crowley Lake. Plus, we have met our next door neighbors, Gordon and Daylight. They have made their home so inviting with plants. This spot is the highlight of the park. 

When we arrived, we took the afternoon to wind down from all the excitement of the past several fun-filled days.

July 22 - Everyone Leaving Mammoth Lakes

​So many fun memories on this trip. Hard to leave. Couple last laughs with the kids and Carl doing their yoga moves.

Last of this group picture at this campground for a while. Shan, Carl, Arlo and Donna headed back to Nevada City and Grass Valley. Ilana, Eric, Orrie , and ADi back to LA. Shuff, me and Lenny are going further south in the Sierras to Crowley Lake. 

Before everyone went their separate ways, the group decided to take a ride on the gondola.

So many fun memories for all but I’m sure the kids will talk about this for a long time. 

July 21 - Hike, Rain, Brewery

​The weather in the Sierras is unpredictable. Sun and blue skies in the morning, so the group took off to hike to McCloud Lake. It’s about a 1/2 mile but

It is uphill. Definitely worth it. 

The 3 munchkins at McCloud Lake. 

Off the mountain, back at camp, Arlo’s fishing rod got stuck in the tree. Fun watching them get it unstuck. 

Mammoth Brewery for dinner. 

Sunset and moonrise at Camp High Sierra.

July 19 - Bike Ride and Kayaking

​Shuff and I took off on our bikes on the Lakes Basin Trail. Not quite like our rail to trail riding. Lots of incline and curves. I had to stop and drink more than usual because of the altitude. The trail had great views  

Once we got to the top of the trail, we were at Horseshoe Lake.  Shan, Carl , Arlo, Ilana, Eric, Orrie, and Addie met us and we kayaked around the lake. 

Carl bought Arlo a fishing rod. That was a big hit.

Dinner back at the RV. The Alsups and Donna were in charge. The rest of us played in the dirt or took a rest. 

July 20 - Bike Ride and Distant Brewery

After a pancake breakfast, we all took off on another ride up the Lake Basin Trail. Ilana and Eric rented an e-bike.

Stops at Lake Mary and Lake George to relax and take in the view.  

A view of the Twin Lakes from one of the  stops along the trail  

We met up with Ilana and crew at Lake Mary. This is the first time they were on an e-bike - an e-bike made for two riders  

Weather is calling for rain so we took off for Distant Brewery for lunch and a brew. 

Pizzas for dinner tonight. 

And more s’mores. Fire by Orrie!  He’s becoming quite the marshmallow 

Another great night with family and friends. 

July 18 - Drive to Mammoth Lakes

​The drive on Route 395 is a beautiful scenic drive on the east side of the Sierras. Mountains everywhere 

After a long drive, we arrived at Camp High Sierra where will park for 4 days. 

Next to arrive was Donna. She has such a cute red rig. 

Shan, Carl and Arlo pulled in next, along with Ilana, Eric, Orrie, and  Addie. 

The gangs all here. Time for dinner. We were in charge of the first night. So we made quesadillas and refried beans.  

Arlo wanted a fire so Carl rode his bike to the office to get a load. Look at this precarious situation.

But he made it and a fire was started and s’more making commenced!