Announcement - Tahoe Rim Trail

I've committed to backpacking the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) during Summer 2020. The TRT is 165 miles and I'll plan to take a couple weeks. Some people can do it in a week or less, but I'm not there at this point. So I'll do 11-12 miles/day at least with the hope that I'll be in good enough shape to do longer days so I can take 1-2 rest days in Tahoe City and/or South Lake Tahoe.

I've already got most of my gear and am currently shopping for an ultralight sleeping bag. I bought a tent recently that I haven't gotten to try yet. I did try to put it up in the family room, but it's supported by hiking poles so I could not get it completely erected without damaging the floors. I'll share a review of it once I get a chance to use it.

So now, it's time to get back into backpacking shape.

Town Loop - 3 mile section

Today was mainly for training purposes. It helps to know if you can walk 6 miles before you put yourself in a position to snowshoe 6 miles. So we walked half the loop around our town and saw a few areas that we'd never been before. The Arboretum is always very pretty to walk through. With the more recent significant rain, it was more green and there was more water for the ducks to swim around in. With that rain also came some downed trees. One in particular was a large redwood, which was pretty sad to see. The middle portion of the walk was behind some businesses and along a creek/slough. So it was beautiful on one side and buildings on the other. But still nice. Then into a more residential area behind apartments. With a farm on the other side... some cows were lounging and watching what was going on. About that time it was three miles so we turned around to head back. We stopped for a snack (crunchy sweet potato fries) and ate those as we walked toward home.

All in all a successful training walk. I need to loosen up my hip flexors again so that's good to know. Get to stretching!

Matterhorn Loop - August 2016

(53 miles) Trailhead at Twin Lakes, parking at Mono Village Resort, "nine strong women."

Day 1 (~7 miles) - We started out in Crags Campground where we each grabbed a bear can and either a stove or fuel canister. We had to drive to Annett's Mono Village where the trailhead is, register the cars, and then start out through the RV park.  So the start was nice and gentle through the RV park. We got a few comments, questions, and encouragements. Then it started out gradually up and I'm thinking, oh yeah, I can do this. And then it got real... quick. We passed Barney Lake and then it was up and it was rocky. This was billed as our most difficult day so no surprise that it just kept going up with lots of rock steps. One mule train passed us going the opposite direction. As they were coming toward us, we all looked at the leaders for advice about where to go on the single track with a pretty good drop and mules coming at us. Basically we just pressed ourselves against the upward rock and one of the leaders told us to hold on. lol No incidents. I did struggle with how I felt about the mules traveling over that terrain with all the weight of humans' gear. Everyone else seemed to think they enjoy the work and that they enjoy the 8 months of the year vacation.

We made it to the top of the lollipop stick and "hung a right" toward Peeler Lake. It would have been helpful to know that "Hey! We're at the lake!" does not mean we're done hiking yet. To find camp, we had to continue up and down the rocky edge of the lake... probably another mile. But we found a great site with an obvious kitchen right on a creek. I camped on the granite with a nice granite shelf next to me and a tree for hanging things. Views in every direction!

My campsite

The view from my tent

Day 2 - A "recovery" day through Kerrick Meadow with a bit of a non-recovery climb up Seavey Pass. The meadow was incredible! The trail was about 8 inches wide so we really had to watch our steps. That was difficult since I wanted to look around all the time. As the day progressed, it did get very hot in the wide open space. At some point we crossed a river that was low but still enough to get our feet wet. But one of the group fell on her butt in the water and then couldn't get up because of her pack. Not too dangerous in this situation but a reminder for those harder river crossings to disconnect the waist belt. I think she actually ended up being grateful for the wet pants because of the heat. lol

Eventually we began climbing up Seavey Pass. At that point, another member started feeling sick with gastrointestinal issues. She climbed Seavey like a trooper and we took it a bit slower. We passed a lake, whose name I don't know, where there were a few campsites but they were too small for our group. So we kept climbing just over the pass to a hidden campsite that would fit us. As we started getting settled, the leaders came by and said there was a better site just on the other side of some rocks. So we picked everything up and moved to the new site. I just carried my tent with the poles in it. lol The lake next to the site was pretty sludgy so we had water to cook with but no one swam in it. I did take the opportunity to wash my shirt but it didn't help much. I and another member of the group set up just to the side of the kitchen. That was good for less distance walking while there. BUT... at night I realized that the kitchen is where the bears will likely go first. Oops! But, aside from getting up to go to the bathroom 3 times in the first two hours of the night, all was well.

View from the campsite over the sludgy water

Day 3 - A downhill off Seavey Pass for about 3 miles before taking a .4 mile detour for some swimming, relaxation, and lunch at Benson Lake. While there, a mule/horse train went through with two wranglers(?) and one customer. It was my day to serve lunch and PB&J on tortillas it was. After lunch and some foot maintenance, we headed off for Smedburg Lake where we would spend two nights. It was flat coming out from the lake but then began to climb for a couple miles. The climbing intensified the last 1.5 miles. I was not feeling well by this point so those last miles, including the climbs, were torture. Others did not struggle nearly as much so it was not likely "that" difficult. It was just my day to struggle apparently. At Smedburg Lake, we made camp on the granite on the southwest side with a high kitchen overlooking the lake. Our neighbor was a young man named Seth who asked if he could cook us some fish. Uh. Yeah! About six of us shared a trout but even with just one bite, I could tell it was scrumptious! Dinner was tomato soup and polenta stew.

Day 4 - A rest day for four of us while the other five did a dayhike to Surprise Lake. We made pancakes for breakfast and then my time cooking was over for a few days. The dayhikers said it was awesome and beautiful but I enjoyed hanging out at the lake swimming, doing laundry, and reading. When the other five returned, three of us were doing yoga. Volunteer Peak watched over us and was a beautiful site at every stage of the day.

Volunteer Peak

Day 5 - After a rest day, it was not too easy to get up and get going. But I definitely felt rested. Off we went to finally make our way into Matterhorn Canyon. Wow! We made our way over Benson Pass, which did not seem too much. As we traveled through Matterhorn Canyon, we were approaching Burro Pass, our main goal for the day. We stopped for lunch at the headwaters of Matterhorn Creek. A few drank directly from the creek since there is no crossover above that point. No one got sick so must be okay. I didn't risk it. After a good lunch (hummus and crackers), we headed out toward Burro Pass, which we'd had trouble pointing out while sitting for lunch. It was not where we thought it was but we were close. It was a hot dry climb up numerous switchbacks for about 45-minutes. When we reached the top, there was a snow drift that we were able to play in to cool off. The 360 degree views were amazing! Totally worth the work it took to get to that point. Aside from dropping from aircraft, there is no other way a person could get there and that felt incredible. This was the only day we saw no other people. All day. Just us! About 1.5 miles down from the pass and through a meadow, we made camp on the river in a beautiful granite and wooded site. I found a wonderful freezing cold "bathtub" in the river to sit in.

Matterhorn Canyon

Day 6 - Another day, another pass. This time Mule Pass. Not much creativity in naming these passes. Ha! Another hike through a meadow with a bit of minor ups and downs and a build up to the pass. It was much less elevation increase and we planned to eat lunch at the top. But once we got there, it didn't seem like a great place to stay. So we continued on a bit further and found a rock overhang with some rock fall and snow where we ate lunch. We crawled under the rock and found a great place to sit, soak our feet and eat lunch. I had the most comfortable chair during this time that I had the entire trip! Ha! Over Mule Pass and on to Crown Lake. All gradual downhill. Ahh! We could see Crown Lake from a ways off and could see that there were people on the northeast side where it looked like the best sites were. When we finally got to the lake ourselves, seven of us waited until the two leaders ran around the entire wilderness looking for a place to camp. We ended up staying put where we were. The walk to the lake was about .5 miles but worth it for the cold relief. The night was cool and clear with lots of shooting stars and we stayed up a little later than usual talking and playing cards. Our last night out. 

Day 7 - We got up early and started out a bit slow. I don't think any of us wanted to be done with the trip. Even though we also wanted to be done with the trip! Off we went toward Barney Lake. The first part of the trail was pretty gentle up and down but then the rocks and boulders took over. Another mule train passed by going up. And before I knew it, I could see the beach on Barney Lake where we were heading. And then... we were there. Sitting on the sand eating lunch... Babybell cheese, crackers, and some nuts. Some swimming and some feet soaking. Then other groups starting showing up and it seemed like it was time to get out. It was through meadows with ongoing "just one more look" at the scenery we were leaving. But, as one of the leaders said, "we can smell the barn!" and were hiking faster than we had the entire trip. Despite our speed, the trail seemed to keep going on and on. Several of us had to go to the bathroom so that didn't help matters. The trail basically ends at an RV Resort at Mono Village Resort so there were bathrooms... with toilets... available. Wahoo! Back at the parking lot, we got our boots off asap before sharing any last thoughts, feelings, etc. Then it was time for some food and drink before heading home.

An incredible adventure with some incredible women! I would totally recommend the Matterhorn Loop to anyone wanting to disconnect from electronics and the rush of life.

Snowshoeing Sierra-at-Tahoe

While our friends were downhill skiing, we had planned to cross-country ski. But the snow is a little slushy and the trail was quite short so it didn't seem worth taking out the equipment. Instead we donned our snowshoes and went tromping around near the snowshoe trail provided at Sierra-at-Tahoe. It is a lollipop loop that passes a tubing hill that seemed mostly for kids.

It was a nice area and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere... until a car drove past on a road that we could see from the trail but didn't know we could see. lol

So if you find yourself in the area and you just want a quick get out, this is a pretty good place to go, particularly if you have children who might want to take advantage of the tubing hill.

Stebbins Cold Creek Canyon

Ah those stairs! Love them. The trail starts off Highway 128 where the parking is pretty limited. It's a pretty gentle hike for the first mile or so and then... the stairs. But, once up the stairs, it's a more gradual ascent. There's a nice place to stop for a rest where three trails intersect. We went right, up the spine. It's a pretty steep climb but the trail is well maintained. Any time you want to stop for a rest, there's a beautiful view any way you look. Lake Berryessa is the most obvious scenery that you'll see. Once you make your way over the spine, it's down down down via several switchbacks. It's also where you'll run into more people coming up the opposite direction.

Once you get down, the traffic will probably be worse so be careful walking along the road to your car. Then head down for a bite and/or drink in Winters. Lots of cute places to check out.

Cold New Year in the Redwoods

We spent New Year's Eve at Samuel P. Taylor State Park hidden from the sun. There weren't many people there on December 30th but it seemed pretty populated for December 31st. Most people seem to have celebrated New Year from a different time zone, us included. But there was a bit of noise at midnight for a few seconds… and then silence.

We had a couple visits from raccoons while we were still finishing dinner. We learned from last time to put food away right immediately but they didn't even have the manners to wait until we were done eating. One of them actually got away with a box of crackers! Bugger! I don't know if it was the same one or not, but we had another visit later after all the food was put away. It walked up on the table and seemed to look at us like we were not following protocol by having put our food away. We made noise and, of course, it took off. But with our headlamps, we could see its beady little eyes looking at us from a tree with his bandit mask on.

We also used our Dutch Oven for the first time and I followed a very easy recipe for Monkey Bread…. basically cinnamon buns. I burned the bottom in the fire a little but the rest was baked perfectly and tasted awesome. I just need to learn some of the finer points of Dutch Oven cooking. Good first effort though!

For future reference, camping in the redwoods in the winter is just a tad cold. The sun doesn't penetrate the cover so the ground never warms up and the air is always chilled and humid. Even Jambo was cold! Can't complain too much with what the midwest is going through with their constant below 0 temps. But I can comment anyway.

Finally, we were in Site 14, which we did not reserve. It was right next to Site 16, which we had last time. Site 14 was a good site with just enough space for our tent with garage attached. The car was able to block us from people driving by and there was good tree cover between sites so it was pretty private. I would stay in that site again at SPT SP.

Endnote: Just an FYI that we spent Christmas in Las Vegas. So we had the full spectrum of celebrations this season!

Stebbins Cold Canyon - Hiking

We got up early to be at Stebbins by 7:30am to beat the heat and the crowd. We succeeded at both! We had most of the front side to ourselves, which made climbing the stairs a little easier. Then we encountered a few more people on the backside. The trail is well-marked and very easy to follow. It was also very dry and, as usual, lots of rock hopping. We decreased the amount of time it took us to complete the loop by nearly an hour. Neither of us believed the time on my phone was accurate when we finished. lol

I took my hiking poles and wore my Asolo boots to see if my knees would be in better shape for the descent. Nope! Maybe the boots are too heavy or perhaps it was because I haven't worn them hiking in awhile as I've opted for lighter weight most of the time. The scar I have on my foot was protected by mole skin but I also thinking the more solid boot helped with that. It's all about finding the balance. Speaking of balance, I think yoga has helped me with the rock hopping a lot. But now I need a little more strength to protect my knees.

Here's the route:

Casini Ranch - DD-l - Day 3

Bozo got up early to take Satoko kayaking with Rachel and Natacha. There were out for awhile along the Russian River and it sounded like they had a good time and that Satoko did well paddling for the first time. I got to have some alone time to read and tend the fire. I made eggs over the fire, which were awesome. I'm getting better and better at making those! Then others started getting up and bringing their breakfast foods to our campsite. The peach cobbler from last night seemed to be the favorite breakfast item. lol

After breakfast, Bozo took me kayaking on the river. We thought the current was going the "wrong" way. Turns out there was a strong enough head wind to make the current nearly moot. We went in a couple circles trying to figure it out. ha! But we're new to kayaking and neither of us have been in an inflatable kayak so we get some slack. After we got the kayak back on shore, I went for a little swim. The water was like a bathtub where I was already wet. Then took my breath away as I dipped in deeper. Eventually it was all just warm and refreshing.

We spent a little more time at the campsite then Bozo took the bike to ask for our late check out. Turns out we needed to leave the campsite but we could stay in the park on the beach. Pressure packing is not the best way to end a camping trip. But we all got everything packed up. Bozo and Natacha went to get the kayaks to paddle them to the beach. I ran along the shore to find them in case they beached and needed a pull. Once they got the kayaks back to the beach, Natacha took Margaret-Rose for a paddle while Bozo and I packed up the other kayak. Heather went for a swim, a real swim like with laps. I went for a swim, a fake swim like playing around in the water just to cool off. Then we folded up the second kayak and off we went toward home.

A quick stop at Bubba's BBQ for a quick chicken BBQ sandwich and then home through just a little traffic and no median fires.

Casini Ranch - DD-l - Day 2

We all got up pretty slowly this morning. The night had not been as cold as we expected. But there was that one lone snorer who seems to follow me wherever I camp. Otherwise, it was a pretty good sleep. Bozo started a fire. I made eggs in a paper bag over the fire while Lorrie and Satoko had cereal. Rachel and Natacha showed up late morning and we made plans to visit the ocean. Early afternoon Margaret-Rose showed up with Kai and decided to stay at the campsite to relax while we headed toward Goat Rock to see baby seals and face the sand throwing wind. By the time we got back Susie and Heather had arrived and were getting setting up.

Soon, of course, food started becoming the focus. Saturday night camping is potluck night. We brought 2 kinds of chicken brats, veggie brats, and some veggies to cook in the fire. There were also potatoes cooked in the fire, many different salads, some turkey burgers, corn on the cob cooked in the fire, avocados, random chips, and I'm sure some other items that I'm forgetting. Susie made peach cobbler and gluten free peach cobbler for Natacha's birthday. SO good!!

The evening was spent around the fire chatting. Although there was a point when it started getting dark that Satoko had gone for a walk and not returned yet. Bozo and I weren't too worried until others started talking about their experiences getting lost in campgrounds. Bozo went out on the bike to search then came back without her. So I took off on the bike, Bozo walked, and all but Margaret-Rose went out to look for her. I wasn't sure who found her but she said she wasn't lost so we had worried for nothing.

Casini Ranch - DD-l - Day 1

Bozo, Satoko, and I were on the road by about 3pm today. Along the way, along the interstate, there was a brush fire right next to traffic. Scary! Things went pretty well most of the way but traffic got horrible at Hwy 37 and then again along the 101. After about an hour longer than expected we made it to Casini Ranch. Another line up... to get in this time. Finally to the campsite, we got both tents set up and at some dinner. I thought Rachel and Natacha might show up tonight but we eventually got a text that they would be here tomorrow morning. So we sat by the fire and relaxed.

We gave Satoko the option of sleeping in our big tent or having her own smaller tent. She opted for the privacy. So we gave a walkie talkie, showed her how to use it, and off she went.

Stebbins Cold Canyon - Hiking

Distance - 4.75 miles

Time - 4 hours

Trails - Homestead and Blue Ridge Trail

We decided to go with one of our Meetup groups to Stebbins Cold Canyon to finally check it out. It's one of those hikes that's near by but unless you know where to park, it's difficult to find. Now it seems so easy to find! lol We met up with the group in Davis at 9:00am and were on the trail by 9:30am. We started with eight but one person had to turn around when it started getting a little too difficult and two people ran on ahead at a faster speed than the bulk of us wanted to travel. It took us about 4 hours with our stops and taking a casual pace.

Here is the description listed on the Meetup:

Here is a brief description:

http://redtailtrails.com/trails/stebbins-cold-canyon-reserve-lake-berryessa 

Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail - The full hike is a 4.75 mile loop hike up Cold Canyon and then to the Blue Ridge with spectacular views of Lake Berryessa and the surrounding area. Lots of steps and rocks. A great workout!

Length/Degree of Difficulty:

•Loop trail - 4.75 miles, strenuous, elevation gain of 1500 feet 

•Trail Condition: maintained, traihead well marked but otherwise unmarked, trailbed obvious, footing rough along ridge.

What I didn't attend closely enough to was the word "strenuous!" lol I'm not sure we would have gone had we noticed that so it was good we hadn't. The hike ended up being beautiful! There were definitely a lot of steps  to climb and rocks to shinny over but the view of Lake Berryessa and the rest of the valley below was just incredible. The sky and lake were both so blue... different shades.

We stopped quite a bit to catch our breath for photos and to take in the views. The air temp changed periodically so that it would be so hot and then we'd walk through a cool spot. At the top we even got a little chilled. That kept things pretty comfortable overall.

As usual, coming down was such a relief at first. Then that started getting painful too. Tired legs definitely make the downhill more difficult. And Bozo with her bolted together knee was enjoying this part less than any of us. Thankfully it was pretty quick and we got back to the cars. I would definitely recommend going the direction that we did. I'd rather climb up the stairs and up the bulk of the rocks going up than going down. The Blue Ridge side also seemed a little more exposed so I imagine it being very hot climbing that side.

Afterwards we headed to Winters for some beer (Bozo, Arlene, & May), a Coke (Daphne), and an iced coffee (me) along with sandwiches and wraps at Steady Eddy's Coffee House. Very good reviews on the sandwiches and the drinks.

Definitely a great hike to be done again and again... now that we know where the trailhead is!

Sly Park Recreation Area - Day 2

Bozo got up around 6am to go down to the lake to reflect on her past year and to think about her next year. I stayed in bed! lol She came back to the tent and we ended up sleeping until about 9am. We got the fire started and began thinking about breakfast. Rachel and Natacha showed up around 9:30am and started getting set up in Site 64.

LJ showed up about an hour later. After settling in a little we had to figure out how to spend our one full day there. It seemed a little cold to be in the water so we decided to hike to the waterfall. Rachel stayed behind to get some work done. Boo! I know that feeling!

Trail Map for Sly Park Recreation Area

The hike was about 2.4 miles roundtrip and was beautiful. We were on the lake much of the time and then along a river that ended/began at the waterfall. There were a lot of people playing in the water and sunning near the waterfall. We put our feet in the water and it was VERY COLD! No thanks! lol It did feel good on my feet but no interested in submerging. Bozo, Natacha, and LJ walked across the river and climbed up to the waterfall. I tried to watch them but couldn't see through the trees. It looked a little dangerous from what I could see so I'm probably glad I didn't see them!

Sly Park Recreation Area Waterfall

We were a little hungry on the way back. We'd eaten a container of almonds among the four of us so that wasn't enough food. What were we thinking? We did have plenty of water so that's a good thing! Passing by one of the campsites, we saw a boy, maybe 9-years-old, who captured a gosling in a fishing net. The mother goose hissed at him and went after him and he finally let it go. But he was laughing and the woman he was in front of didn't do anything about it. LJ and Bozo talked to a ranger who happened to walking past so he went over to the campsite to speak with the boy. It's very hard to see young people doing things like that without anyone correcting them. In general, it's hard to understand people who don't value wildlife. I could go on and on but I won't.

Back at camp I think Rachel was getting a little concerned about the amount of time we were gone. We sat for a little while and then started getting things ready for dinner. Bozo had prepared chicken with vegetables and then just plain vegetables to be heated in the fire. Rachel and Natacha have a solar cooker and had been making a lentil dish all day. LJ brought meatballs and watermelon. So we had a meal with lots of variety. Natacha had also made a spreadable cheese out of cashews with no dairy. I love that stuff!

After dinner we had a cheesecake also made from cashews with no dairy. SO GOOD! They'd brought some candles for Bozo's birthday too so we got to sing Happy Birthday and then eat way too much dessert. As it started to get dark, we played a word game in which each of us would write down 5 words or phrases on 5 different pieces of paper. Then we each take a turn trying to get our team to say the word. The second round is the same words but you can only say one word to get your team to say the word. Then you can only act it out. It was actually a very fun game... made more so by our choices of words and very silly descriptions and acting.

Once it was dark, it was time to settle in around the fire and chat. The loud group above us was eerily quiet! I think perhaps others had also complained about them and assume they were warned that they would be kicked out if another complaint came in. OR... the previous night was fueled by alcohol and they were using it tonight. Either way, it was the kind of environment I prefer for camping.... QUIET!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOZO!

Sly Park Recreation Area - Day 1

We left town around 2pm and made quick time up to Pollack Pines area. We did stop at a Starbucks in Placerville to grab some coffee for the evening. We were in the Sierra Spur Area of Sly Park Recreation Area in Site 63, which is a small area with sites close to and with a great view of Jenkinson Lake. The sites were a little slanted so it took some doing to get our tent in a position where we could at least sleep level. The rest of the tent was on an angle. Granted, we did use our REI "Queendom" Kingdom 6 so it's not a small tent to maneuver.

We got everything set up and Bozo pulled out the chicken fingers that she had prepared and a fresh salad. That definitely made things easier than setting up and then having to cook right away. It took us a little while to be able to relax but eventually we had the fire going and rested. We were waiting for Natacha and Rachel to get there knowing it would be a little later in the evening when they would arrive. Eventually we got a text from them that they were having car trouble and would be coming up in the morning.

The weather was perfect! It was in the low 70s when we got there and the low 40s at night. Perfect!

During our relaxation, a group above us on the hill became louder and louder. Eventually the music was so loud that they had to yell at each other to talk. I felt like I was at a bar instead of camping. Instead of hoping they would quiet down, which we often will do, I called the gate house and complained. They got to the group really quickly and things quieted down pretty well. But then through the evening people from the group would be at the bathroom near our site and would make comments. The ones I heard were, "Wah wah wah" and "Oh, those are the people that don't like us." So nothing really significant but I thought it was strange they knew who had complained. People can be vindictive so it didn't feel safe that they knew who we were. They continued to be noisy through the night off and on but nothing like the "bar scene." The best was "Shhhhh" periodically through the night. lol Oh... and these people were in their 30s! lol I guess we stereotyped and assumed they were 20-somethings. Sorry 'bout that!

Stayed up until midnight...  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOZO!

When we went to bed, I listened to my iPod to help me sleep and block out the noise. But I made the cardinal mistake regarding listening to relaxation mp3s. I had only listened to them when I couldn't sleep and felt somewhat anxious. So I had trained my brain to feel anxious and wide awake when I turned on that particular music. I switched over to the book "Blink" and with the reader's calm voice, I was asleep very quickly!

Slow Tug Sail

We were invited by friends to sail with them. Well... they would sail and then pull us in their inflatable boat. I'm not sure I've been clear about my discomfort with water so maybe I'll make it clear now. I'm very uncomfortable in water. And to be out of control on water seems even worse! Even though when I've been in control, it's not always turned out great! You might remember my Dump in the Boundary Waters!

We met our friends in Suisun City where they had their little tea cup sail boat docked. We had some lunch at Athenian Grill then headed out to the water... after blowing up the inflatable boat. It's been very windy in NorCal recently. Very! But there was almost no wind as we started out on our adventure. So not only could the little sailboat not move but towing us made it even more unlikely. So we tacked a lot and paddled a bit until we got past the wind blocks (I don't remember the formal name for them! lol) and then we picked up a little speed.

We stopped for a break at the public dock and also spent some time checking out the Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center where they are rehabilitating many different kinds of birds, a one-eyed coyote, and a raccoon. Some of them are too injured to be returned to the wild so they are used in education programs all around the area.

Back into the water and the wind picked up. That was nice as we didn't have to paddle as much and could just enjoy the ride. The sky was so clear that the sun was just beating down on us! Lots of sunscreen! We got to another wind block made of trees, which was where our friend had said we would turn around. So we did and with the wind behind us, it was much faster for a little while. Back in the marina, lots of blocks again so more tacking. We still didn't really have to paddle so it was pretty relaxing. I told Bozo later that I had thought about taking a nap. Turns out she had too! lol

We were asked twice during the trip if we needed some help. I'm sure it looked a little funny for a tiny sail boat to be towing an inflatable boat. lol It was very nice of those people to ask!

Afterwards, we got all our stuff and the inflatable boat out of the water. Then our friend said he wanted to try to lift his little sailboat out that way instead of sailing it home. While his wife and I took the stuff to the cars, he and Bozo ended up lifting the boat out of the water on their own and got it apart enough that it could be carried up to the plaza area. After all was put away, our friend walked the 7-minute walk home pulling his little sailboat. Like a boy and his dog... but not.

Data from my Spot one-way GPS:

Coloma Resort with the Trailerettes

It's funny for us to camp at a "resort." But we were with the Trailerettes and, of course, they are in trailers. So that's where they go. We'll get our vintage trailer soon enough and then it will make a little more sense. As it was, we got to Coloma Resort on Saturday late morning. The resort is across a single lane historic bridge that takes you away from the main road and also Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park, which has a working frontier village and some historical buildings that are not in working order. After we got settled we walked back across the bridge to the village and had a nice time walking around seeing people in the clothing of the time and doing the work of the time.

The people at Coloma were very friendly! They check you in then lead you to your site in their golf cart... also carrying wood in our case. We had a choice between two sites... each had water and electricity. Perfect for our little tent! lol The sites were not actually that great and I'm not sure we would recommend tent camping here unless you're on the grassy tent space near the river. We didn't know about those so didn't think to reserve them. Besides, the sprinklers were all on so maybe they weren't available! heheh Anyway, apparently this year we were this years Trailerette Trolls since we were basically under the bridge. Angela had that distinction last year and learned her lesson to ask for a site along the river among the Trailerettes. We did go back and ask about switching to a couple of available sites closer to our group and they wouldn't let us do that. We found out later that they had let a couple other people move closer so I guess they really needed a couple of Trolls. hmmph!

We had missed out on the Friday night happy hour and also the morning coffee in pajamas. Saturday night was the potluck with SO much good food and SO many cute dogs running around begging. We started getting to know a few more people and actually remembering a few from the Halloween trip last year. Bozo remembered people by their costumes and people remembered her as the Stick Man. lol That evening was the theme song competition. All of the entries were so good we decided not to vote and to develop a song book instead. I am going to go there... that is so typical of a group of women! lol And I like it!

We tried to get creative with some "Fancy S'mores" so I soaked them in Cognac then we had dark chocolate and shortbread cookies. Well apparently I got too into the Cognac so the marshmallows all stuck together and then when I tried to put them on the stick they just melted right off. SO... I learned that you should really just set the marshmallows in the cognac for a couple minutes then roast the rigt away. We did enjoy the shortbread cookies though! lol

Everyone went to bed pretty early so we headed back to our site as well. Some reading in the tent and then to sleep. Of course there had to be THAT ONE GUY who doesn't have an inside or "everyone else is the park is sleeping, maybe I should keep it down" voice. If you are THAT ONE GUY... practice talking quietly before you go camping. It really is very annoying and people send you really horrible wishes. Okay, maybe that's just me. Funny thing was that I couldn't tell who he was talking to because it was just him. So maybe it was the voices in his head talking back and I should have more compassion! Okay... moving on!

The morning excited started with me experimenting with cooking an egg in a paper sack. The sack was too small but it was what we had the Cognac in so it's what I used. It was supposed to be a traditional lunch sack. This is what it was supposed to look like. Didn't quite turn out that way and I lost the egg and bag to the fire. I'll try again with the appropriate equipment. The video shows it with bacon but we don't eat pork so it'll just be eggs. I wonder if that causes any problems!? We'll just have to see.

Eventually we made our way back over to the Trailerettes. Some of them were already taking off but others were still hanging around playing White Elephant. They had extra gifts so Bozo and I each had a go. She got a horseshoe wall hook and I got a hodgepodge of stuff including a sheer 50s style apron, 2 tin decorative plates from Colorado and Disney World, and maybe something else that neither of us can remember.

After a little while, we headed back to our site and got things packed up before heading out through the back roads. We ended up in El Dorado eating at Poor Red's BBQ. The basic rule, if I haven't told you before, is that when you can't find parking because of all the motorcycles, it is some good food! After that, we headed home via Hwy 49, Hwy 16, and then on to I-80 the rest of the way. Safe and sound!

Over the weekend, one Trailerette had an accident on the way to the campout where she lost control of the trailer and car, the trailer flipped and split in half while the car hit a guardrail. The driver wasn't hurt at all. Then after the weekend, another Trailerette's trailer came unhitched and passed her on the road. It came to a stop along the shoulder so no damage was done. But those were some scary stories and reminders to make sure we get everything checked out once we do buy our own trailer!

Samuel P Taylor State Park - Camping

We needed to get a camping trip without Blue over with. Not the most pleasant way to plan a camping trip but that was the reality. So Saturday morning, we headed out to Samuel P Taylor State Park to see if they had any walk up sites. It was about a 90 minute drive and we intended to hang out on some beach if we couldn't get a campsite and then head home in the evening.

We chose Samuel P Taylor because of the Redwoods that were said to be all over the place and the trails everywhere. The reviews also said the sites were packed together and that seemed to be the case with most of the sites.

When we pulled up, the attendant gave us two choices. One was a non-reservable (Site 45) and the other (Site 31) had been abandoned because someone had gotten ill. Sit 45 was on a rise and was a decent size for a 4-person tent. But it looked directly over another site right next to it and then the road. The other site, I can't remember the number, had a very large group in it so that didn't seem attractive. Site 31 was very small with room for 2 small (maybe 4-person) tents on either end. It was basically connected to Site 32 and divided by only a wooden fence. So the two sites together would be perfect for 2 families to camp together. That actually seemed to be the theme for the entire campground... that you need a couple families or couples to camp together or you're in strangers' spaces. We chose Site 31. There wasn't anyone is Site 32 when we got there and that was nice. No one ever showed up to stay in that site so that was even better!

We got our 3-person tent set up then went for a walk through the Redwoods. Amazing! Just amazing! It was getting to the end of the day by the time we were out there so we didn't get to go too far. Back at the campsite, I kept thinking that it felt like it was going to rain. So eventually I put up my Kelty Noah's Tarp so that our chairs were covered such that we could still sit out by the fire. It did start to drizzly but it was very pleasant! The tree coverage also kept us from getting wet much of the time.

We went into the tent a little earlier than usual because the rain got a little harder. We watched "The Closer," our current series while listening to the rain. After awhile I started to worry that maybe the tent wasn't totally waterproof. I think it actually was waterproof but there was some sagging in the top and touching the mesh. I decided to go out and move the Kelty over the tent just to be safe.

As an aside, we haven't used the 3-person tent (REI Taj) in several years because with the two dogs we needed the REI Kingdom 6 ("Queendom") to have our side and also room to keep the 2 dogs separated. After Cacciatore passed away, we kept using the "Queendom" because Blue, as she got older, needed to wander more. So that tent gave her the space to do that. Without the pups, a) we didn't want to use the tent and not have them with us, b) we just didn't need that space, and c) that site would not likely have been able to handle such a large tent.

Getting the Kelty moved in the dark and drizzle was a little more difficult than I expected. Bozo helped keep it steady and we eventually got it all worked out. With the tent covered and the hour late, we headed off to bed again to sleep in that beautiful rainy sound that I have missed so much since moving from Minnesota!

REI Taj with Kelty Noah's Tarp above

After a good night of rest, we woke up to a little more drizzle, which didn't last long. We mainly lounged by the small fire, walked around the campsite recording site reviews, then packed up and headed out. We stopped at Two Bird Cafe for Easter brunch. I'm not sure how well we fit in with our dirty clothes and smelling like a campfire. But no one gave us a second look so that was good.

Back home relatively early to enjoy our Sunday evening before returning to our weekdays. It was a good and easy camping trip. I wouldn't say that we enjoyed ourselves all that much as it truly was a "get it over with" campout.... being our first without either of the dogs. But it was relaxing to be out in the fresh air around such beautiful trees. Also, the people in the campground were all very quiet with only a couple spurts of music and no loud voices at night. Honestly, that's a first since we moved to Cali. I guess it will get easier but we are still in the stage of not wanting it to be easier... we want Blue back!

Svea 123 - Vintage Compact Backpacking Stove

Svea 123, a photo by twotiredoc on Flickr.

Picked up this little gem at a Sierra Club Gear Swap. I bought a cook set that we wanted to take some parts from for our car camping. I opened it up while there and saw something inside but figured I'd examine it more closely when we got home. When I did examine it more closely, turns out it was this Svea 123 compact backpacking stove! I had no idea how to use it so I went to my usual source for instructions... YouTube! Of course there were plenty of videos to help me out. So I followed all the instructions... lit the match... and whouuph... it works! The warning that it sounds like a jet engine was helpful because it certainly was loud compared to my little Whisperlite.

Pretty good deal... for ONE DOLLAR!

For those of you that enjoy this kind of thing, here's the history of the Svea 123 from Wikipedia:

Svea stoves were first made by Nybergs Lödlampfabrik, which also manufactured blowtorches as well as other machinery and equipment. Founded by Carl Nyberg, the firm later became one of the largest industries inSundbyberg, Sweden. In 1922, the business was taken over by Max Sievert, an early associate of Nyberg’s, and renamed Sieverts Lödlampfabrik (later known as Sievert AB). The Svea 123, introduced in 1955, is considered to be the first compact backpacking white gas stove^[1] and one of the most popular camping stoves ever made.^[2]Its distinctive “roaring” sound has been likened to that of a jet engine at takeoff.^[3] In 1969, the Svea brand was acquired by Optimus,^[4] another Swedish manufacturer of portable stoves, which has continued production of the Svea 123 to the present day. Because of its simple design^[5] and reputation for dependable performance,^[6]even under extreme conditions,^[7] the Svea 123 enjoys a devoted following.

The popularity of portable camping stoves such as the Svea coincided with the increase during the 1950s and 1960s in the awareness of the environmental impact of backpacking,^[8] particularly in heavily-traveled areas,^[9] and the rise of the Leave No Trace ethic in the 1970s and 1980s.^[10] At the same time, scarcity of fuel in over-used camping areas as well as regulatory requirements (open-fire bans) also contributed to the need for a substitute for open campfires for "wilderness" area cooking.^[11] Eventually stoves that were lighter in weight than the Svea, as well as those of other designs that were capable of burning a wider variety of fuels (useful when camping in other parts of the world where white gas is difficult to find) knocked it from its perch as one of the most popular backpacking stoves after nearly 50 years of production.^[12]However, the rugged and durable Svea 123—often described by long-time users as "bomb-proof"^[13] -- still remains popular and continues in wide use.^[14]

Sly Park Recreation Area Day Trip

Blue is not doing great. Her pulmonary hypertension got much worse and she needed to have pleural fluid removed from both sides of her lungs. Approximately 1 litre (take a look at your 32-oz Nalgene bottle) was taken from her 37-pound body. She's been breathing easier and feeling better since then. Think about how it feel to have a cooler full of water removed from your body and you might understand how she felt. We decided to take advantage of her feeling better and get her into the woods a little. We didn't think she was well enough for camping so we took a day trip up to Sly Park Recreation Area near Pollack Pines, CA.

There's a beautiful lake that is surrounded by campsites and boating services. We went in to check out some of the camping areas and spend a little time breathing in the wooded air. We stopped to use one of the restrooms and ended up parking there to walk around a little. Blue was so excited she started trying to walk around all over the place. We actually had to stop her from over exerting. But it was awesome to see her smelling everything and trying to get down by the water. Dogs aren't allowed in Jenkinson Lake anyway but it was just a little too far for her to get down there on her own.

We found one of our next campsites as well. The Sierra Spur campsite 63, which has a great lake view. Sites 62 and 64 were pretty good too. The lake is close by and there are only a few sites within the spur.

Thanksgiving Weekend at Petaluma KOA

November 21-24, 2012

We decided to spend Thanksgiving at Petaluma KOA this year in a cabin. They host a Thanksgiving dinner in which they provide the turkey and mashed potatoes while everyone else brings something to pass. It seemed like a nice opportunity to spend the holiday with people since we couldn't be with our families.

The RV area was quite crowded during the weekend. There didn't seem to be as many people in cabins though, which we liked. We walked into the cabin and immediately realized that there wasn't a heater in the cabin. That wouldn't usually be an issue except this time we brought our summer sleeping bags and less coverage for Blue. Eventually we found what we thought was the heater. Though it looked SO strange and was higher up on the ceiling. After a few seconds, we looked at each other and laughed because we realized there was a small flat screen television hanging above the door. Whoa! We have never stayed in a camping cabin with a television before! lol But that meant there really was no heater. Bozo called the office and asked that they bring us some kind of heater and they did end up bringing up a radiant heater with instructions not to have it plugged in while the television is on. AH! So that's why no heaters.

We spent a lot of the weekend lounging in the cabin. Thursday evening we took our bean salad to the main shelter and shared a meal with many families. In particular, we sat with a couple who is temporarily living at the KOA. Levonne has her own blog on that lifestyle as well. Her husband John works in or near Petaluma and they have a dog with them as well.

Petaluma is a city we have driven through a few times on our way to other places and have said that we wanted to check it out. On Friday we went downtown, got some food, put Blue in Cacciatore's stroller then walked around. I think we were both drained because as we were walking around, we certainly weren't as adventurous as we usually are. I haven't had much of a vacation since I started my new job so having 4 days to veg was a big deal. We stopped for BBQ at  Lombardi's BBQ on our way back to the cabin. Then went back to vegging.

Blue enjoyed sitting outside on the porch. The KOA is quite dog friendly so that made things much more enjoyable. Each cabin has a fire pit, picnic table, and grill. The cabins are a little close together so if they were all full, it might have been a somewhat different experience. The parking in front of the cabins was also too small. The back end of our vehicle stuck out. However, overall it was a very good experience.

Casini Ranch II and Goat Rock

Such a short trip only needs one blog post. This covers both Day 1 and Day 2.

Back to Casini Ranch for the weekend. We were planning a camping trip with D&D and trying to get to a slightly more remote location. But Bozo and I were a little worried about taking Blue someplace too far away from a vet. So we compromised and settled on Casini Ranch since it's right on the river and near a town with a vet. D&D have an inflatable kayak that they wanted to try out so that worked for them too.

We met there Saturday afternoon. D&D and I walked along the river a little and then we all hung out at our campsite until after dark enjoying a pretty big fire and some great company. Blue was an awesome little trooper. Of course when it's time for bed she let's everyone know. It got a little cold so we put her in the tent and wrapped her up in her sleeping bag. She was asleep pretty quickly. But a little while later, a little bark came from the tent. Lorrie left the warm fireside and went to investigate only to find Blue still completely wrapped up but reminding up with her little barks that it was bedtime! lol

It was Daylight Savings Time so we lost an hour by springing forward. That'll be worth it with the later sunsets though!

On Sunday, D&D pulled out there inflatable kayak and came by to pick one of us up.... it only holds 3. I was more than happy to let Bozo have the opportunity. I'm still not a big fan of water. Add an easily deflated piece of rubber and I'm even less interested. I'm sure the boat was sea-worthy but someone had to stay with Blue anyway and that sounded like good fun too.

After checking out of the campground, we headed to Goat Rock Beach to wander a little. It was beautiful! There were many signs explaining how dangerous the waves were and to stay well away from the water's edge. We learned later how serious those instructions were when we found out that 2 people has died nearer to San Francisco from one of these "sneaker waves" when one went after their dog that got caught in them and then the other went in after the first person. The dog got out on his own but the people died. Scary stuff!

No dogs were allowed on the beach so after a bit of walking Bozo and I made our way back to D'Azul and headed home. D&D were going to do some more exploring so we said our goodbyes.

It was a good first brief camping trip with new friends. I think we were pretty compatible and definitely all very easy-going. And they totally get our protectiveness of Miss Blue. We'll definitely take another trip with them!