Lake Tahoe

Is the largest alpine lake in North America and certainly one of the most scenic.  I skied Tahoe back in the 80s and as I recall you could go down one side of the mountain into California and the other side of the mountain into Nevada.  A great area for hiking, water sports, and games of chance.

Reno/Sparks

I am finding the Reno area a very pleasant place to stay.  It has all of the amenities that you would want and if you pick the right casinos, there are some incredible deals on meals.  It reminds me of how Vegas was 30 years ago.

The Sparks Marina RV Park is one of the best places I have camped  and at $175/week is a great value.  I am extending my stay another week or two.

Virginia City

A Victorian-era mining town that is now a Historical Landmark.  Samuel Clemens, a/k/a Mark Twain, used to work here as a reporter for the local newspaper when it was the "Richest Place on Earth".  Some say the gold and silver mines from the Comstock Lode financed the Civil War.  Old West saloons, shops, museums, and restaurants housed in 19th century buildings make it a great place to stroll the board sidewalks.

Yosemite National Park

You definitely want to put Yosemite on your "bucket list". Towering rock formations, incredible waterfalls, and giant sequoias make it one of the most spectacular parks in the country. The high elevation roads were closed so I was unable to see Glacier Point or drive the Tioga Road across the park (will have to save that for another day). Here, perhaps more than anywhere else I have been, photographs simply do not do the experience justice...

Yosemite Valley in the background
(click on photos to enlarge)

El Capitan
(climbers take 4-6 days scaling this vertical rock - imagine sleeping there)

Half Dome

Lower Yosemite Falls

Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls

Grizzly Giant

Sequoia National Park

On my second attempt I got to see the giant sequoias including General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume).  I did not take as many photos as I would have liked as part of the route was under construction and had a vehicle length limit of 22 feet.  My truck is 21.9 feet.  Add a little snow and ice into the mix and you can understand my reluctance to stop and take photos.  They closed the Generals Highway at 7,000 feet due to snow so I was unable to see Kings Canyon.

Sequoia National Forest

My first attempt to see the giant sequoias via the southern entrance to the park ended with:

Still, it was a pleasant drive up the mountain.

Orange Grove RV Park

This campground is literally located in the middle of an orange grove east of Bakersfield, California.  The orange blossoms are beginning to bloom and the sweet smell of mother nature's perfume is in the air.  I had planned to camp here three nights but with a forecast for sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s, I have extended my stay to a week.

Orange tree outside my bedroom

Lone Pine, CA

The Alabama Hills, west of town, are frequently used as a filming location for movies and commercials.  A lot of the old westerns starring Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, etc. were shot here.  Iron Man, Transformers, and Gladiator all had scenes filmed in various locations in the hills. The Whitney Portal road was used in the 1941 film High Sierra with Humphrey Bogart, which culminated with a shoot-out between Bogart's character (Roy Earle) and the police, at the foot of Mount Whitney.

Death Valley National Park

I stayed at the Sunset campground in Furnace Creek as it is centrally located to most of the attractions.  The first night we had 20-30 mph winds with gusts much higher.  As anyone who has camped knows that makes for a long night.

I believe I saw most of the major points of interest that I could reach with my truck including Zabriskie Point, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Dantes View, Artists Drive, Badwater Basin, Harmony Borax Works, and Scotty's Castle.  Here are some of the highlights...

View from Zabriskie Point

Dantes View

Lowest elevation in the U.S.

Old borax plant and 20 mule team wagon

Scotty's Castle

Ouch!

Barstow, CA

After nine days of dry camping, I decided to stay at a RV park where I could get ready for my trip to Death Valley.  Barstow is probably best known as a waypoint on the historic Route 66.  There is even a Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum.  Another interesting attraction is the Calico Ghost Town (just east of Barstow).  If you stay overnight, I would recommend having dinner at the Idle Spurs Steakhouse.  It is a culinary oasis in the Mojave Desert.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

For off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts the Ocotillo Wells SVRA which is located just southeast of Borrego Springs has more than 85,000 acres of southern California desert for riding.  Primitive camping is permitted throughout most of the park and is available for up to 30 days per year.

Anza-Borrego Slot Canyons

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has several slot canyons that make for a great hiking adventure.  Caution: it's not for the claustrophobic as several times I had to turn sideways and suck in the old gut to get through.  Click on photos to enlarge.

Reminds me of the South Dakota Badlands

Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a small town in California that is surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  It is one of those places that most people have never heard of but which pleasantly surprises them when they visit.  One of the "must see" attractions are the large, metal sculptures within the Galleta Meadows Estates.  There are all over the place so it is like a scavenger hunt to find them.  Click on photos to enlarge.

Arizona Sunrise

"Red sails in the morning, sailors take warning"...

Boondocking

Last night I camped on BLM land south of Quartzsite and once again, my nearest neighbor was over a quarter mile away.  As I lay on my lounge chair watching the sun set beyond the mountains, I could not help but think of what a wonderful lifestyle RVing can be.

On The Road Again

It's hard to believe it has been four months since I arrived at the Arizonian – it seems like yesterday.  I think that is due in large part to how active this 55+ community has been.  Almost none of the park's so called “senior citizens” act their age.  You know it is going to be a fun time when I am the “responsible adult” in the crowd. <grin>

I am leaving tomorrow for Quartzsite and then on to Borrego Springs.  The general plan is to work my way north through California visiting Death Valley, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks on my way to Lake Tahoe and Oregon.  It's all new territory for me so I hope to take it slow and enjoy the journey.

The Coke Ovens

Yeah, Terry and I risked death and dismemberment to ride to the coke ovens.  Yeah, we were strafed by helicopter gunships.  Yeah, we stared the grim reaper in the eye and laughed... actually, Terry laughed while I threw up.

Ajax Mine

Dick (a/k/a "Little Richard") led the group on a scenic ride to the Ajax mine. 

Cold, early morning start

Miner's shack

Ajax mine

Critical rehydration stop

Extreme Rock Crawling

The W.E. Rock Western Pro Series Round 1 rock crawling event is being held this week-end at the Thunder Rock Off Road Ranch north of Congress, AZ.  It was my first experience watching the pros and they were impressive!  These are definitely not your father's rock crawlers...

Click on photos to enlarge