The sign on the back of this bench seemed so appropriate for the incredible journey we have been on. The bench was a viewpoint stop on a hiking trail that we walked after breakfast this morning. Let me fill you in on the latest news of our travels and explain where we were on our morning hike.
We left Carson City, Nevada, Thursday morning, driving around Lake Tahoe and then over the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the Carson Pass Scenic Byway. Both of us had been around Lake Tahoe before and knew what a beautiful place it was. But Carson Scenic Byway was new territory and we were both caught by surprise at the awesome scenery on the 58-mile route. There's definitely a reason for its scenic byway designation.
Lunch stop along Carson Pass Scenic Byway
A lake viewed along Carson Pass Scenic Byway
Thursday's drive ended at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park campground in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Jackson, California. I enjoyed the history lessons in the park, which is designed to preserve the artifacts and illustrate the culture of the Northern Sierra Miwok Indians who inhabited the area centuries ago. The campground, however, was not one of the best for providing a restful nights sleep. Adjacent to the park was a farm, that, although you couldn't see it through the trees, you could hear the loud, annoying cries of peacocks. They make a sound like stranded cats and must not sleep at all, because they kept wailing all night long.
Reproduction of Roundhouse used for ceremonies and social gatherings by Miwok Indians.
Main grinding rock showing numerous holes where Miwok women pounded acorns and other seed into meal.
A tired Miwok tourist.
Besides the history at Indian Grinding Rock, we had the opportunity Friday, as we were leaving the area, to drive through Volcano and Jackson, reading historic signs of the California Gold Rush days.
View outside of Jackson, California. Structure to left is Kennedy Gold Mine Frame Head.
On Mother's Day weekend we were spoiled by the lavish hospitality of our friends, Bob and Alice, at their Rio Vista, California, home. Sunday morning worship service at their church impressed us with the friendliness and welcoming attitude shown by everyone in the congregation.
Yesterday, leaving Rio Vista and driving northwest, we passed through the beautiful Napa Valley, viewing miles and miles of vineyards bright with new spring growth. Our destination for the night was Clear Lake State Park on the shores of California's largest natural lake. This campground was very quiet; no noisy peacocks to prevent a good night's sleep. We had enough energy and time this morning that we were able to enjoy a hike on a forested trail over the ridges that surround the park and overlook the lake. One of the stopping points was the bench in the photo at the start of this post.
Trail at Clear Lake State Park
View of Clear Lake
Mount Konocti volcanic peak on south end of Clear Lake
Tonight we took a break from camping and are in a motel in Chico, California. The weather has been great and we hope tomorrow evening to be camping again around Susanville, California.
So nice to hear from you on Sunday! Still enjoying vicariously your jaunt...so much information. I never heard of the Miwock Indians and that Carson Pass Scenic Highway was so enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYou'd wonder how those beautiful peacocks could be so annoying.
Glad you enjoyed a good visit with your friends. Keep up the go0d work!