June 6-7 - Lava Beds National Monument

After I received a good morning pic from Arlo, I looked  at my Passport America book and saw I could get a stamp at the Lava Beds National Monument, south of Tulelake, CA. 

Great choice for our next adventure. Lava Beds is truly a remote place, winding around mountains and along rivers. We are staying in the National Monument Campground, no hookups but interesting topography. They had a fire here in 2021 but saved the area around the campground. 

This hill is behind our campground, half saved, half not. 

This was home to the Modoc Indians for many years. The Modoc War was located here. Saw some rock art. 

Walked on lava rock. 

And toured many of the caves that were created from lava tubes. So interesting. First time Bill or I have gone caving without a guide. We could just walk at our leisure. We had our headlights but didn’t have knee pads or helmets so couldn’t crawl into some of the places. 

While we were in the cave, we met 2 Oregonians, Roger and Randy. They helped us figure out where we wanted to explore in Oregon after we leave this place. If you look at an atlas of eastern Oregon, there isn’t much there. So now we have a plan for later. 



Some of the caves had stairs that took us down in the abyss, others we had to crawl over stones. 

This cave had some scull and bones from long ago when the Modoc used these caves as their refrigerators. It was really cold down there. 


This is the one cave we had to crawl over some rocks just to get to the entrance. Then you had to bend over to walk around. We decided not to go further in that cave. There are 24 caves to explore and each one is different. 

As we hiked back to some of the caves, the wildflowers and one big old cedar tree took my eye. 

While we were exploring caves, Shann, Carl and Arlo were climbing at Donnie Pass

Great place to learn more about our wonderful world. 

June 5 - Eagle Lake Campground

After coffee and breakfast, we drove about 30 miles around part of the lake to a hiking trail that ran along the lake. Easy, relaxing 4-mile hike. Lenny and Banjo could be off leash. 

Wildflowers added color along our hike. 




The lake is the second largest natural lake in California with an elevation of 5,098 ft. It’s in the Lassen National Forest so lots of pines and cedars. 

After the hike, we continued our drive into Susanville, closest “town.”  No brewery but they had a frosty freeze so all was not lost. 

We had planned to drive around the lake back to our campground but part of the road was closed due to a chemical spill so we had to go back the way we came. 

Made it back in time for a fire and andouille sausages, ZuZu’s potato salad that was leftover and s’mores. Perfect ending to our day. 

June 4 - Leaving NC Campground and Arlo in the gym

Today s the day we picked to head north for awhile. Will surely miss seeing little man, Arlo everyday. 

But I’m sure I’ll get pics and videos quite often of the little man. In fact, here’s one of him in their climbing gym with daddy https://youtube.com/shorts/JmNZRTnhEeg?feature=share

We decided to drive north out of Truckee, CA. On the way north, we drove Route 395 and saw some snow north of Truckee and lots of farmland.

A short stop for everyone to stretch their legs before we finish for the day. 

Drove north on 395 to Susanville, CA to a BLM campground called North Eagle Lake. It’s a good choice. Hardly anyone around, big sites and $4 with ATB pass. We are staying 2 nights so we can hike some. 

This is our view from our site. 

As you can see it’s cloudy and looks like it’s raining south of us. 

June 3 - Drew’s. Birthday Party

This was a special birthday party for us because we usually don’t get to spend it with the birthday boy. 

Shan and Carl got Drew socks with Arlo’s picture and LTB (Light the Beam) on them. 

It was also Jason’s birthday, so double the fun. 

It was also special to spend the day with their good friends, Zulu, Jason, Boye, Lorena, Fina and Santino. 

And of course Arlo came with his mom Shannon and dad, Carl. 

The food was great, too. ZuZu’s potato salad, Lorena’s fruit plate, Fina’s brownies, Shan’s cowboy caviar and Drew’s brats. 

Great memories were made today. Thanks Erin for hosting. 

June 2 - Moving Ida from Alsup’s to Nevada County Fairgrounds

Last day at the Alsups for Ida this year. We worked on a few projects around the house, then Bill moved Ida to Nevada County Fairgrounds because we needed propane and a dump station. 

Meanwhile I got to SPEND some time with Arlo. He was pretty happy baby even though he got shots yesterday. 

Charlotte, Terry, Balen and Lark came over to say goodbye. They both want to pet Banjo and he’s not so sure that’s what he wants!!

June 1 - Arlo’s 2 Month doctor appointment.

Bill did a little more weed eating and he and Shan trimmed her snowball bush. 

Then it was time for Arlo to go to the doctor for his 2 month checkup. He got 2 shots in each thigh. He’s not a very happy camper. 😢

But he did gain. He’s 10 lbs, 14 ounces and 22” long. 

May 31 - Walk around Grass Valley

Shan, Arlo and I took a walk around Grass Valley’s historic downtown. 

Their buildings reflect the 1850s with their architecture. This street is being updated with new pavers and outdoor seating so that’s why there’s a fence in front of the buildings . It’s a walk only street. Nice place to meet friends for shopping and lunch. 

After a 3 mile hike on the ditch trail in the afternoon Bill and I were lucky to watch Arlo by OURSELVES while Shan and Carl went to Yoga. Another momentous occasion.