The RV park was a bit north of that so an alternate route using HWY 50 was a closer choice. At first impressions Kevin thought that the RV could make it up this route because it was a nice smooth, 4 lane road with plenty of room for passing slow trucks . The roads curves, and grade were not significant. Once the lake was in sight however there was a road construction sign that narrowed the 4 lanes into 2 and thru a arched tunnel with markers indicating a 12'4” clearance. The Smitanic requires a 13' min clearance. This was puzzling since there were many semi-trucks and other RVs that were on the same trail. Theresa had researched a few potential hiking areas towards South Lake Tahoe. One was Zypher bay, however on arriving it required a $10 parking fee and did not allow dogs. Navigation then turned to visual signs only. The next area was Nevada Beach. Just prior to a nice campground entrance, Kevin notice cars parked on the side of the road and several trails that led off in all directions with a doggie bag station at the gate. This would work! Zin was ready to stroll!
The air was brisk and with 20mph winds coming straight off the lake. One path lead to a swimming beach with signs plastered all around the perimeter 'No Dogs beyond this point!' Another trail had paw print markings that led to a Dog Friendly beach where kayaks and other small vessels were launched. The lake was rough with 3-5 ft white caps, so there were very few boats of any kind out on the clear emerald water. Zin shied away from the waters edge but did enjoy a little bit of a run on the corse grain sandy beach.
The air was brisk and with 20mph winds coming straight off the lake. One path lead to a swimming beach with signs plastered all around the perimeter 'No Dogs beyond this point!' Another trail had paw print markings that led to a Dog Friendly beach where kayaks and other small vessels were launched. The lake was rough with 3-5 ft white caps, so there were very few boats of any kind out on the clear emerald water. Zin shied away from the waters edge but did enjoy a little bit of a run on the corse grain sandy beach.
The trio of hikers continued on the trail around the campground and onto another trail that wound into the protection of the massive pine trees. Checking the time Theresa announced there was only about 1 hour left to hike before heading back to the RV park for check out. A paved trail led back in the direction of the car and then across the street and up around a 'vista point'. Kevin wanted to take that trail for a bit to see what was up there thinking there would be good photo ops of the lake.
The trail curved around the side of a bolder field with charred trees and blacked rock obviously from a semi-recent fire. On the crest of the path was a small community of log cabins that were all boarded up to reduce further weather damage. Kevin and Theresa deduced that these structures had also been victims of the fire and perhaps were part of the adjacent state park. It would cost a small fortune to restore the buildings, but oh what a view and access to the lake one would have, if these cabins where functional! It might be worth it...
Kevin snapped a few more shots and then it was indeed time to get back to the car and drive back over the pass and down to the RV park. An alternate route back was selected that was more familiar to Kevin. This was the twisty 2 lane road that he drove many times for skiing and mountain bike trips 25-30 years ago! He affirmed that the RV would not be a good idea to bring up this path nor the other hwy that was taken earlier in the day. The best way to enjoy the area in an RV was staying in Carson City or Minden and then driving in for the days adventure.
Kevin snapped a few more shots and then it was indeed time to get back to the car and drive back over the pass and down to the RV park. An alternate route back was selected that was more familiar to Kevin. This was the twisty 2 lane road that he drove many times for skiing and mountain bike trips 25-30 years ago! He affirmed that the RV would not be a good idea to bring up this path nor the other hwy that was taken earlier in the day. The best way to enjoy the area in an RV was staying in Carson City or Minden and then driving in for the days adventure.
Back at the RV by noon the team prepared for departure and the 3 hour drive to Mammoth Lakes, CA.
The route headed out of Carson City/Lake Tahoe area was very familiar to Kevin from the numerous trips from San Diego when he and Theresa would haul bikes and/ or skis with several friends up to Tahoe or Mammoth for long weekend or weeks adventure in the mountains. The sign for entering CA was welcomed as this was the final State for the Northern Exposure trek! The border check was a tight fit for the big rig but Kevin squeezed thru after a brief questioning by the guard.
As the route passed by Mono Lake, there was a series of bicyclist strung out for several miles in what appeared to be an organized ride of some sort. Both Kevin and Theresa lamented that they would love to do a week or longer ride that was organized and all the participant has to do is the biking and enjoy! No logistics, no meal prep or foraging, no hauling of tents and baggage... just riding! Maybe this will be something to explore for 2016!
This place seemed quire familiar to Kevin especially when he toured the pool area. Theresa suggested that perhaps this or a similar campground in the area was the site of one of the infamous trips with the class 'C' (bed over the cab) RV that was the original Smit adventure-fun-mobile when Kevin and Theresa lived in San Diego. Theresa recalled that Carol (aka)Bumps, friend from the Hash, brought her teenage son, Patrick on the trip and both Kiehl and Kassel were along as well. Patrick was enjoying playing Batman with Kassel who was about 2-3 years old at the time. Kassel had his blanket, that he was never far from, tied around his neck for a cape to make him the superhero. At one point Kassel asked to go to the restroom... “I got to go bad” with the familiar look of panic in his eyes. Patrick offered, “I can take him”. Off they went. A bit later they returned. Kassel was ready to continue to play and Patrick reported. “I did not know I had to participate!” All the adults rolled with laughter! What a fond memory! Still brings a big smile to the face!
As the route passed by Mono Lake, there was a series of bicyclist strung out for several miles in what appeared to be an organized ride of some sort. Both Kevin and Theresa lamented that they would love to do a week or longer ride that was organized and all the participant has to do is the biking and enjoy! No logistics, no meal prep or foraging, no hauling of tents and baggage... just riding! Maybe this will be something to explore for 2016!
The road continued following a rippling stream up to over 7000 feet and then ascended slightly into the Mammoth Basin. The ski lifts could be seen with the familiar bowl in the center with a web of runs on either side. The Mammoth Mountain RV Resort (with indoor pool & jacuzzi) was on Main street across from the visitor center. The Smitanic was assigned to a back-in full hook up site next to the shower/bathroom facilities. How convenient!
This place seemed quire familiar to Kevin especially when he toured the pool area. Theresa suggested that perhaps this or a similar campground in the area was the site of one of the infamous trips with the class 'C' (bed over the cab) RV that was the original Smit adventure-fun-mobile when Kevin and Theresa lived in San Diego. Theresa recalled that Carol (aka)Bumps, friend from the Hash, brought her teenage son, Patrick on the trip and both Kiehl and Kassel were along as well. Patrick was enjoying playing Batman with Kassel who was about 2-3 years old at the time. Kassel had his blanket, that he was never far from, tied around his neck for a cape to make him the superhero. At one point Kassel asked to go to the restroom... “I got to go bad” with the familiar look of panic in his eyes. Patrick offered, “I can take him”. Off they went. A bit later they returned. Kassel was ready to continue to play and Patrick reported. “I did not know I had to participate!” All the adults rolled with laughter! What a fond memory! Still brings a big smile to the face!
The hook up was a bit different as the electric outlets were underneath the box which made it a bit more challenging to identify the correct plug and get the plug to stay in with gravitational pull working against it. Cable connection was a welcome plus because that would allow for the viewing of the Republican debates scheduled for later that evening. All hook ups were completed and ready for the slides to be deployed to make the site home for the next 3 nights.
Cable TV was a big challenge. The main TV could not find any of the stations, the rear TV could find the stations but was a bit broken up and it was a bit too chilly to try the outdoor TV. Yes this RV has 3 TVs, is that a bit excessive?
The issue was reported to the front desk but no one could address it until tomorrow. Argh! So the debates were viewed in part on the rear TV and then when that was so broken up that it became un-watchable the last resort was to listen to it old school style via radio.
Dinner was leftovers from previous feasts as the debate was in full swing.
Theresa researched a few trails in the area for mountain biking as well as hiking for the next days consideration. A trip to the visitor's center would be required prior to selecting the days adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment