April 10-11 - the move to Nevada City

Before we left our Loomis campground, we walked into the town of Loomis. Loomis. Loomis takes its name from one the of town's pioneers, James Loomis. At one time, James Loomis was the whole town—saloon keeper, railroad agent, express agent, and postmaster. In the early part of the 20th century, Loomiswas the second largest fruit-shipping station in Placer County.

There’s a large fruit warehouse that was made into a nursery and cafe. It’s fun to just walk through and look at all the plants. 

Left Loomis and headed north to the Nevada County Fairgrounds where we will spend the next week at their campground. 

Shan and Carl have a couple projects for us to help them ... a new gas fire pit and a pavilion. Started with the fire pit. 

After listening to Faith Church’s modern worship, we headed to hike Buttermilk Bend, along the South Yuba with Shan and the dogs. The wildflowers were in full bloom. 

The dogs had to get in the water for a bit before we headed back to Shan and Carl’s. 

There definitely wasn’t as much water flowing down the Yuba as usual in the spring but there was enough to dip our toes. 

Nevada city at night reminds me of downtown Bellefonte with their lights. 

April 9 - Folsom Lake Hike

Since we had an appointment to take the RV for its oil change, so we decided to hike at Folsom Lake until it was ready. 

Due to the drought, the lake is only at half or less of capacity. In fact, we were walking on what should be filled with water. 

Lupine are in bloom

April 5-8- Projects begin!

Let the projects begin. First was Shan’s garden needed to get planted. 

At Erin’s, she and I are hard at work making bow ties for Eim’s Doggie Dash memorial. Just a few weeks ago, Drew and Erin’s senior rescue dog, Eim, passed over the rainbow. It was so fast and very hard on them. So for the Sacramento SPCA Doggie Dash this year, the walk will be in Eim’s memory. They raised $1,100 for the SPCA. Each dog who donated receives a bow tie and a sticker with Eim’s picture. What a wonderful tribute to Eim. 

A couple projects for Bill

We’re sleeping well with all the mental thinking 😜

April 3 - Happy Easter

After listening to Faith Church’s modern online worship, we headed to Drew and Erin’s for Easter dinner and fun. 

Shan met us. Carl was on a reunion trip with several of his friends. Dinner was relaxing and delicious. Erin and Drew ordered the meal and then just had to heat it up. Great idea. 

Even Winnie got to eat. It was fun watching her find the pieces of food in her “dish.”

Now it was time for some cornhole!  Fun times. Took a little practice but even I was able to sink a bag or two!  

Ahhhh, rest time. 

And of course ... FPZ time (fire pit zone time, that is). 

A wonderful day with such wonderful memories. 

April 2 - Travertine Hot Springs.

Left Joshua Tree and headed up CA 395. A beautiful, scenic drive along the Eastern Sierras. Couldn’t stop taking pics of the mountains. 

Yes, that’s snow on those mountains (Mt Whitney, highest peak in California). As we kept driving north the snow was closer to the road. We had hoped to boondock around June Lake but found out that wasn’t going to be possible. Drove about 45 minutes more and ended up at Travertine Hot Springs. 

This was our view from the RV. 

Met our neighbor, Dawn and her little dog, Sprout feel in love with Lenny. This area of dispersed camping didn’t have the wide open flat land. We’re in the mountains now. 

Night view as the sun was going down

Next morning we hiked up to the hot springs and put my toes in. Since this is the weekend and spring break, there were lots of people around. 

Time to be on the road to Loomis. 

April 1-Joshua Tree Campground

Just stopping here for one night. Couple photos as we were driving.

This is a palm tree orchard. Never thought about it but they have to grow them somewhere, just like our nurseries   

A cell tower made to look like a palm tree

The sun on the mountains from our campground. 

A cell tower made to look like a palm tree

And of course, a Joshua tree. Love their quirkiness. 


A delicate desert flower, dune primrose. 




Night all. Tomorrow we continue going north in California. 

March 31-Last day in Ironwood National Monument BLM

Our last day of boondocking. It’s been great. Lenny and Banjo have loved being able to go outside without leashes and smell all those different smells. 

We’ve enjoyed hiking among all the different cacti and flora. Found the name to one of the plants we saw - ocotillo. Long spikes with a beautiful orange-red and yellow flower. Bill got a good shot of it. 

And this is the flower. 

I was having a little withdrawal from quilt shopping so I found two relatively close together (still took us 30minutes) and we all set off. I love the Southwest colors and their fabrics reflect that and their culture. Could have bought a lot but restrained myself. 

Back at the RV Lenny is soaking up the sun, while Bill fixes a flat on the trailer. He’s amazing. Had all the tools he needed. Wow. 

Tomorrow we head to Joshua Tree.