Across 3 rivers - Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois

Left R U Lost campground in eastern Nebraska and crossed the Missouri River. Drove through Missouri, crossed the Mississippi, and then into Illinois and Indiana, crossing the Illinois River. 

Up to now, we had good roads, but Illinois roads were very rough. This means lots of noise within the coach and shifting of items if they aren’t secure. Since we e been this way several other times with the same rough roads, we have learned what needs to be secure. 

Banjo didn’t seem to notice the bumpy roads or maybe they lulled him to sleep. 

We’ve been lucky finding good campgrounds this trip. As Linda Zubler know, this doesn’t always happen.  We pulled in to Charlarose Lake Campground near Crawfordsville, IN. This was another small town but the campground was nice with lots of open space. 

When we checked in, the owners told us about a storm that was headed our way and if the winds got too bad, they had a building made of concrete that we could go into for shelter. YIKES!  Was that supposed to be reassuring?   

Luckily we were able to set up before the rain started. This was the first rain we had seen since we left in late June. 

Since the storm just brought rain, we were able to stay in the RV. Dinner was tomatoes and cucumber salad and corn, veggies we got at R U Lost campground. 

Tomorrow we will either make it home or stop at Lou and Denise’s for the night. 

Around South Lake Tahoe with Erin, Drew and Eim

After the backpackers left, we went for a hike to the Upper Truckee River. we all  played in the water a little. It was so clean and clear. 

Decided to take a drive to Truckee for some ice cream and beer. What a combo. 

On the way back we stopped at the Tallac Historic site that is on Lake Tahoe. It was a well known resort in the late 1800s. They’ve preserved a lot of the buildings. Unfortunately, the museum wasn’t  open but we enjoyed sitting on the sand by the water and watching the boats on Lake Tahoe. 

Came back to camp and had salmon foil packets, a fire and s’mores. 

Since we enjoyed Tallac Historic site so much and because we could have dogs on the beach we went back. This time we were a little more prepared with blankets, chairs,  and Phase 10. What fun!  

Erin purchased corgi fabric to make masks so she and I spent some time cutting and sewing. Made my day!

And here’s the finished product. 

So cute. 

But they had to head home to work tomorrow. Yes rears were shed but we have had such a great time, the memories will help till we can see them again. 

South Lake Tahoe with Drew and Erin and backpacking prep

Drew, Erin and Eim were the first to arrive. 

Erin and Bill setting up the tent they were going to sleep in. 

Then Shan, Carl, Bandit and Jaxson arrived. The fun has

Begun!

That’s Carl with his headlamp on. 

Had to have a traditional toast to the backpackers. 


Can’t wait to hear their stories in 3 days. 

A few more projects to finish and wineries to refresh us

One last Winery trip to Skinner and E-16. A relaxing day with delicious wines. 

But, it’s back to work at Shan and Carl’s. 

Remember, I mentioned that Bill helped Carl start a grassy area in their yard?  Well look how much it’s grown in about 3-4 weeks. Carl had to buy a lawnmower. Ahhh, the joys of home ownership. 

Another one of Shannon and Carl’s visions is to build a pavilion and fire pit near their hot tub. First a lot of dirt needed to be moved and leveled. So it’s Bills big day on a big toy. 

Another project we helped with is the entrance to their backyard. Gravel had to be hauled in and spread. Then the hill to the left needed weeded and leveled some. I’m anxious to see that area when Shan has plants chosen. 

While Bill and Carl worked in the yard, Shan and I were off to Rare Earth to pick up some more blue rocks for their wall. 

One day left before we leave for Tahoe. We drove down “the hill”  to Drew and Erin’s. Bill and Banjo needed a nap from all their hard work!  

Last day in Sacramento. Headed for South Lake Tahoe. Drew, Erin and Eim will come up and stay with me and the dogs while Bill, Shan, and Carl go backpacking. 

More lake time and hiking and fishing in the high Sierras

Sunday, July 5, Drew and Erin drove up from Sacramento to join Shan, Carl, and us at Scott’s Lake for a wonderful time picnicking, water sports, and relaxing!

Shan is struggling with the new-fangled life vest that auto opens when you fall off the paddle board. 

 





Then there is Drew and Erin’s Chillin’ Baggin’ !

Lenny is ready to go paddle borarding. 

On Monday Shan, Carl, us and the 4 dogs went up in the high Sierras near Tahoe for some fishing and hiking. After fighting some brush for about a mile on a trail Carl thought thought  would lead to the creek, Shannon and I took a different route. We found a well- maintained trail that led directly to the water and a nice little waterfall. Had our lunch while resting at the water’s edge on some huge boulders. 

Carl and Bill returned about 4 hours later all happy they had made a new trail and caught some fish. More pics to follow when Carl sends me his pics of the day. 

Time with Drew and Erin - Sacramento

Now my trip is now complete. We spent the afternoon and evening at their place social distancing in their gorgeous outdoor space. 

This is the structure that Drew assembled by himself!  We were both impressed. His dad and us were supposed to have been there to help him but then Covid came to town. In the end, he didn’t really need us. But Drew and Bill were discussing some other projects. 

Here’s Erin’s project. She’s becoming quite the master gardener! 

We’ve already eaten some of the fruits of her labor. Delicious zucchini, cucumber and peppers. 

Had some fun with sparklers. Thanks, Erin, for having those. Something I haven’t done in years but so much fun. 

As we headed back up route 49 to our home in Auburn, we had fireworks all along the 30-minute trip home. 

Wonderful 4th for us. Hope you all had a great time remembering those who gave us the freedoms we have.