Heading east

We had thought we were going to drive north to catch I-80, but after listening to the weather, we decided to drive south. Glad we did. Shannon told us they had hail at their place and Truckee got snow. 

Drove to Bakersfield and camped at Bear Mountain for the night. Nice, quiet, we’ll maintained campground. 

In the morning we decided to drive to Lake Havasu since we hadn’t explored that place yet. 

Driving across I-40 the terrain quickly became desert. 

Not a lot of variation in terrain except for a few Joshua Trees. Gas is at least $1.00 /gallon cheaper here than in California. 

I had read a review on Facebook and Campendium about a boondocking site near Lake Havasu so that’s where we decided to spend the night. 

From the pictures below, you’re understand why it was called Craggy Wash. lots of campers in the area but still places left when we got there. We met and talked with several other campers on our walks. 

Left early morning to drive to Camp Verde. We want to explore Montezuma Castle National Monument. It’s one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. 

Will describe in next post. 

Last day in Loomis RV Park

For our last full day before we head to our next adventure, we drove to Folsom Lake to hike. The last time we were there, the water level was really low. For now, the level is a little better. Wildflowers we’re out. Lu pines were blooming all along our 5 mile hike. 

No
Lenny said the water is warmer here. He decided to find a stick to play with. We think Bandit showed him how much fun this could be. 

A fun time for our last day before we start to head east. 

Last Saturday with Drew and Erin - wineries and the coast

Drew and Erin had wine to pick up at their wine clubs, so off we went to Baletto, Carlisle and Ft Ross wineries in the Sonoma Valley. 

Carlisle Winery had pizzas and wine for club members, so we lucked out and ate our fill of oven-baked pizzas. Fun lunch. 

Then a little hike to see the Pacific coast before we arrive at Ft Ross Winery. It was very breezy and a cool air. West coast ocean is not known for warm temps. 

Lenny needed a warm body. 

Ft Ross winery overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful view and great wines. Drew had ordered a charcuterie board for each of us that was paired with the wine we were tasting. 

Some interesting flowers at the winery, too

Then to top off our wine tasting, we stopped at a beach near Bodega Bay to get really close to the ocean. To get there, we had to walk on a trail through a little forest. 

A very full day but such a memorable one. 

Busy, busy in Nevada City

Some people from Shan’s work at the hospital got together at Grass Valley Brewery to celebrate a retirement and Shan’s birthday. Fun meeting and talking with her friends and co-workers. 

Took some time from cleaning the forest to hike at Scott’s Lake, 5 miles from Shan and Carl's house. The lake never disappoints, beautiful blue-green water. Nice, relaxing hike for us and fun time for Bandit to swim. 

Then a day at the Skinner Winery to pick up Shan and Drew’s wine club. 

Only a couple more days left in Nevada City so Shan took us on a walk along the Yuba River. 

Tree roots are hanging on for dear life. 

After hiking, Shan and I Zoomed in for a yoga class Erin will be teaching at Pure Barre. 

Last day at Shan and Carl’s was spent doing more Forest management and then relaxing under their pavilion. 

Carl’s indoor climbing gym. Quite impressive. 

Next few days we will be back to the Loomis campground near Drew and Erin’s. 

Quilting in Sacramento and a Cidery

I waited to post this until Erin sent the quilt to Ashley and Joe. 

Erin had fabric for a 2 sewing projects, so we got started with the one, which she finished. 

An oven mitt is her next project. 

Bill is almost finished with his projects at Drew and Erin’s, so we decided to visit a new Cidery that just opened. Dennis and Winnie are ready to go. 

Dennis wanted to know where his cider is. 

After a couple s’mores back at their house, we left for our RV home. 

Tomorrow there is rain in the forecast. So everyone is hopeful. 

Forest Management at Carl and Shannon’s

We are now camped out at Shannon and Carls for a week. They have a word for it - moochdocking!

Since Nevada City had some rain, they were able to burn again. Shan and Carl have 9 acres of wooded property and LOTS of downed trees and limbs, which is not good for fire prevention. So our task has been to continue clean up they begun after the snowmagedeon in December. 

So much work to be done. 

After a hard days word, a little snooze and then they took us to the Willo, a restaurant known for their burgers and ribs. 

On the way there we saw this rainbow 

Bandit had a rough day. 

Night in Nevada City is pretty. 

And a sunset, too.