During the summer in NorCal, everyone heads to Tahoe. Everyone. And their brother. It is so gorgeous, so why wouldn't everyone want to enjoy it? We love it too and are lucky to be close enough to enjoy it at any point of the year. This gives us so many opportunities to explore the rest of the Sierra Nevadas with many spots that are just as gorgeous, just as great to visit, and not at all as crowded! It also helps that many of the roads we explore require 4wd.
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| Let's get on the road already! |
Heading out after work for a quick weekend getaway means throwing gear in the back, a stop at the grocery store, and barely room for Hudson in the back! It was a hot summer day and he was ready to escape the heat and play in some water. He says "Let's go before the day is over people!"
Hidden off Hwy 88 is a small side road that is easy to miss, completely incognito, and which leads to amazing views, a little offroading, and the prize of a small lake with a high likelihood of peace and solitude. Many of the local offroad community are familiar with the trail as it is connected to the Pardoe Trail and a great run to make to Bear Valley Reservoir.
After crossing the cow gate, making our way down a rocky incline, and just a few turns in the forest, this view appears to the left of the road. We always stop and take a picture from this spot. This trip we arrived just before sunset. The mountains were darkening and turning beautiful shades of purple and the reflection of light on the lake below was enchanting. We stayed for only a few minutes as we were hoping to make it to camp before dark. We were very optimistic!
Despite it being the middle of summer and many many hot days, we came across a nice little mud pond in the middle of the trail. Hmmm.. The trail didn't show much sign of use although it was clear that others had been through the area. Still, a quick hop out to find a stick and check the depth of the water and the mud. No big deal, a little splash and we were back on our way.
Our optimism was a little high as we arrived to camp after dark. We picked a spot to set up camp, hung out by a fire to warm up and enjoy the stars, and then headed up to bed anticipating a beautiful morning at camp!
The sun woke us up early in the morning but it was too cold to pull ourselves from bed to watch the sunrise Next time...maybe.... We kept cozy in our James Baroud RTT until the need for coffee won out over the crisp morning.
With coffee made, camp set up, and sharing the lake with only one set of campers in our distant sight, we were ready to begin a day of relaxing, watching clouds and birds, some napping, and reading a trusty Sunset Magazine!
After such an exhausting day relaxing, we couldn't imagine a better way to end the day than by a great camp dinner, a warm fire, and the endless colors of this sunset. From bright glowing tree tops and darkening skies to brilliant pinks that seem to have set the sky on fire, we soaked up each moment of Mother Nature's show!
EXPLORE . ENJOY . LOVE . LIVE
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