Monday, June 20, 2016

And Let the Summer Begin

Our new digs and my instant mini patio
Today is the first day of summer, officially. Our typical central California valley heat started off with a bang as usual.  In other words, it became really hot, really fast.

 Fortunately, we also started off with a bang by moving our digs up into the cool atmosphere of the Sierra National Forest.  We have completely moved our RV and all our gear and will be "up in the pines" for about 6 months  while we work at Wishon Village RV resort for the season.

I made a little garden patio next to our motor home.  I sit out here in my lawn chair and read or relax.

Bob relaxing by the campfire
The first part of June was actually quite cold, as you can see Bob is wrapped up in his Mexican serape.

Shopping requires us to go 1 1/2 hrs. to town, but last trip I took the opportunity on my way back to stop at the newly renovated Vista Point in the Pineridge area .  I was curious to see how the 6 months of work had turned out.  I was impressed with the stone work and the Indian grinding holes that had  been preserved and placed neatly where everyone could see and reminisce on that part of the area's history.
Indian Grinding Holes


Well done rock wall and promenade








rock work and promenade to view the scenery

Yesterday, Father's Day and our first day off together, we decided to take a little drive around Lake Wishon.  Last year the lake was at its lowest point in anyone's memory.  The drought had really taken a toll.  This year with a better rainfall, not quite to normal, but  what seemed like a 100 percent improvement, the lake was up and beautiful.  Boats and fishermen were everywhere.
Wishon Lake - higher level this year

Wildflowers

Pentsemon and Indian paintbrush














Some wildflowers we saw along the way as well as an interesting rock formation.



"Here we are" - Bob checks out the map



Geological wonders-metamorphic rocks


















Woodchuck Country

We went to the other side of the lake to check out "Woodchuck Country" which is part of the John Muir Wilderness.  We hiked a little bit to get an idea of the trail.  The higher elevation still has us in its cross hairs.  But we got a few nice pictures and enjoyed the views.

Hopefully, in a few more weeks we can get serious about doing some hiking.



I climbed up enough to get a good view, see Bob?
Proof, I was here

Can you hear the babbling brook?
Bob looking for fish
After woodchuck country, we ventured to the bottom of the dam where the Kings River flows.  There we found out the forest service and PG&E have made some real nice fishing platforms, parking, and bathroom facilities for avid fisherman.  The sound of the river is always enchanting.


We came across a rock slide with a boulder in the road.  Almost as big as our car.  That is the end of today's journey.
Bob pushing a rock