June 28 - Travel Day to Weiser ID

After one more soak in the healing waters of the hot springs, we drove east towards Idaho. 

We drove at least 100 miles on a 2-lane road with very little traffic and NO cell service. 

Before we left the hot springs , we found a dispersed campground along the snake river. 

We had hoped to be able to kayak on the river but when we arrived at the campground, the mosquitoes were so bad, we nixed that idea. Decided to drive into Weiser for a few groceries and to hopefully find some cell coverage to download another audio book.  

June 27 - Oregon Outback - Summer Lake Hot Springs

Driving north from California to Oregon, the wide open valleys were beautiful. 

Stopped at a lookout to read about the Pit River, one of the largest rivers flowing into the Sacramento.

Saw this sign as we drove into the Oregon Outback. 

Tonight we are staying in the outback at the Summer Lake Hot Springs. Here’s the view from the RV. 

If we can stay up till it gets dark, we need to look up. This area is supposed to be a stargazer’s paradise. Unfortunately, the wind kicked up and the alkali dust from the dry lakebed covered the skies. 

June 26 - Manzanita Campground in Lassen NP

The first night in the campground was chilly but coffee in the French press warmed us up. 

Today we drove through the park, first stopped at Devastation Wilderness Nature Trail. This is the only trail dogs are allowed to hike with us. The signs told us about when Mount Lassen erupted in May 1915. The nature trail has several hot rocks that roared down the mountain as the volcano erupted. To show us how large they are, Bill stood beside it. 

Driving through the park, we saw several different landscapes, rugged wilderness, gurgling mudpots, hissing steam vents and the smell of sulfur springs. At almost each turn was something new to see. 

As we drove through the park, we saw where the Dixie Fire went through. Burned thousands of acres. 

Still lots of snow as we drove south from the northwest entrance. 

Mudpot 

Sulfur springs … stinky

Lots of snow

Lake Helen still covered with ice. 

Back at camp, we had a fire with andouille sausages and s’mores. The boys were waiting for their bites.

A beautiful sunset was a perfect ending. 

June 25 - Last morning with the Alsups

Last breakfast time with the Alsups … strawberry pancakes. Arlo was happy again with Pappy’s cooking. 

Arlo’s goodbyes were head bumps. 

Then it was on the road to Lassen National Park, about a 3.5 hour drive. With the motor home, we drove up the eastern side of Lassen because of the curvy and twisty roads through the park. 

We drove through lots of forests that had burned during the Dixie fire several years ago. 

Set up camp in the Manzanita Lake Campground right in the park. We had a nice spot with the forest behind us. 

June 24 - Day by the lake and Shan worked

Our last full day here at the Lost Sierras. Shan works at the small hotel in Portala once in awhile. Since we were going to be here, she decided to work one day. They are very happy to have her speech language pathology skills. 

While Shan was working, Carl, Bill, Arlo and I drove into Portala so I could visit the quilt shop. A great stop. Sooo many quilt ideas. 

Then we drove to Lake Davis for a relaxing day of kayaking and lazing around. 

Arlo learned a new skill … drinking from a camelback. He’s all ready for hiking now. 

Carl on his paddle board. 

Bill and Lenny on our sit upon paddle boards. 

Back at camp, Shuff made pizzas on the grill. Arlo said thanks to Pappy. 

Then it was bubble time. 

Sunset for our last night at Moving West Campground. 

June 23 - Hike to Sardine Lake

Today’s adventure for Shan, Donna, Arlo, me and 6 dogsstarted at the Sardine Lake trailhead. A rocky trail led us to both lower and upper lake. Another photo opp and great place to cool off and have lunch. 

Donna is taking a dip. 

Lenny is contemplating hopping in the lake. 

Shan swimming 

Bill and Carl went on their hike to the lookout on Sierra Butte. Gorgeous photos. 

June 22 - Drive around Lake Davis and Kayaking

Sat around the campground for awhile before heading out to drive around Lake Davis. It’s a huge lake. 

Donna blowing bubbles for Arlo. 

The lake we all got to kayak, even Scout, Lenny and Arlo!

Donna and Scout

Carl

After that taxing day, we had to stop at the Brewery.