Meandering Home
Daily Summary
- Day 36
- Start: Gull Lake National Forest Campground near June Lake, CA
- Finish: Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Today's Miles: 165.3
- Trip Time: 06:49:35
- Moving Average: 38.7 mph
- Speed Max: 65.0 mph
- Time Moving: 04:29:17
- Odometer: 2062.5
Highlights
If the weather promised to stay nice over the next week, we could have seen ourselves staying in this area for a few more days. But alas, it’s time to start heading home. We drove the rest of the so-called June Lake Loop past Silver and Grant Lakes (and several waterfalls) and back on to Highway 395. We were aiming to get as far as the Lake Tahoe area. But first we made a side trip to the ghost town/state park of Bodie, CA. At one time a booming gold mining town with its own Chinatown and red light districts, Bodie fell on hard times and was abandoned. Now it is maintained as a state park in “arrested decay” meaning there is no renovation of the structures but they are maintained by the state park system. Pretty interesting place.
After reading RV Park Reviews, we set course for Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Situated on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake and near the south shore of Lake Tahoe, the campground is a great base camp for exploring the recreational opportunities in the area. When we arrived it was nearly empty having just opened for the season. The campground is beautiful and well-maintained by one of the concessionaires contracted by the NFS. Our site #25 was adjacent to Taylor Creek. Mr. Spock loves a good creek; however, the creek was too swollen and rapid for his little paddle legs. The four of us took a nice stroll along the creek until T'Chat got spooked by the loud, rushing water and ran back to the teardrop. It’s amazing that her little internal GPS knows exactly where “home” is.
Lowlights
There’s a lot of road construction in the area with long delays that worsen the already terrible traffic in the area.
When you are as dirty as we were, you almost DO dance and sing to pay five bucks for a shower.
Laundromat Showers are the Best
Daily Summary
May 10
Day 28
Start Big Trees Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Bishop, CA
Finish Big Trees Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Bishop, CA
Today’s Miles 0
Highlights
Ross dropped Robin off 5 miles outside of town and she ran the rest of the way, mostly downhill. The weather was perfect. Ross continued on into town to the laundromat for laundry and internet. We both also took a shower at the laundromat for $5 apiece. One of the patrons gave us a buck each because she thought we were homeless.
We lunched on huge sandwiches at Erik Schat’s Bakkery. They were delicious and prepared using the bakery’s famous sheepherder’s bread. Shat’s redeemed himself for the preposterously pitiful peach pie.
We Jeeped up Buttermilk Road, the old route miner’s took up the canyon to the old gold mine. A plaque told the story of the miners stopping at a local dairy located at the halfway point and getting a glass of buttermilk. That’s how the road got its name. If Ross worked in that mine there’s no doubt today the road would be called Ice Cream Road, although he does like a good glass of buttermilk too.
Lowlights
We opted to have a second cocktail last night at 7,500 ft. elevation. Yikes! We both woke up with headaches. Ouch! Ross now insists that two cocktails is a minimum for effective high altitude training. Somebody should Google dat!
Observations
California has odd laws for its campground bathrooms. Every single one has toilet seat covers (OK), but not a single one has soap, nor a soap dispenser (What?).
Don't Be An Askhole!
Daily Summary
May 9: Day 27
Start: Big Trees Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Bishop, CA
Finish: Big Trees Campground (Inyo National Forest) near Bishop, CA
Today’s Miles: 0
Location: https://share.delorme.com/Judice
Highlights
Robin took her first day off of running over the past month. Her legs enjoyed the rest.
We got in the car early and drove up Bishop Creek Canyon up to South Lake and North Lake. Along the way we found a small ranch/resort (Cardinal Village Resort) serving breakfast. Robin ate the largest buckwheat pancakes in the world. We sat outside on the porch and soaked up the sunshine, cool weather, and enjoyed their Wi-Fi.
We spent the rest of the day napping, reading, and lying around in the hammock. Stress hormone status: low.
Our campground host’s name is Rick. We call him “Ranger Rick” after a school magazine character from Robin’s childhood. Rick visits every afternoon to share some of his experiences and many stories. He is a bit of a philosopher and has reminded us of living in the present moment and enjoying life. Rick and his wife retired early from the daily grind and supplement their retirement income with summer camp hosting duties. Camp hosts live on site and manage the campgrounds, and in return get a small stipend and free campsite. Ross enjoyed talking with Rick about adventure vehicles and RVs. Rick has traveled in most every version and configuration you can imagine. He currently has four RVs, including a conversion van.
Robin taught Ross all about mountain lions and bobcats. Mountain lions are known to wander these parts. They weigh more than our old rottweiler, Peaches, but less than Ross.
As an aside, both of us ask the other a lot of questions that the other cannot possibly know. This typically leads to a declarative, “Why don’t you Google ‘dat’?” We’re now making lists of things to Google when we have an internet connection. If someone asks the other one too many questions, they get called an “askhole.”
Lowlights
None
Observations
Mr. Spock is really enjoying wandering around this campground taking in the sights and smells. Ranger Rick says that this campground is like “Disneyland for dogs.”
Every campsite in California comes with a complimentary pair of gorgeous blue birds, commonly known as the Western Scrub Jay. Don’t be fooled by their beauty; they are just waiting to steal. They really like T'Chat’s salmon paté.
A Good Day To Be Vertical
Daily Summary
Day 34
Start: Gull Lake National Forest Campground near June Lake, CA
Finish: Gull Lake National Forest Campground near June Lake, CA Today’s
Miles: 0
Location https://share.delorme.com/Judice
Highlights
We ran/hiked around Gull Lake on a glorious day to be alive, and then drove over to a nearby commercial campground offering $1 hot showers. A bargoon!
Since we had urgent need to plug in Ross’ MacBook Pro while accessing high speed internet, we drove to the Looney Bean Cafe in Mammoth Lakes. Ross’ computer has been restarting spontaneously. After running the Apple Hardware Test, the error code indicated a possible hard drive issue that tons of Google-fu couldn’t clarify. He resolved to take it to the Apple retailer when he gets back to Bend. In the meantime, we had to resolve some personal financial issues that involved downloading JPGs, PDF conversions, and emailing our accountant. Meanwhile, Ross’ iPad was downloading a crap load of movies and TV episodes from Amazon Video, the best service available if offline viewing is a need.
Lowlights
Robin is still hoping for a bear sighting. Everywhere we go the rangers and campground hosts report recent activity, and this just teases her hopes. Ross has seen bears and doesn’t want to see them again anytime soon.
