p.s. How is Sammy going?
Another Northern(or other part) California tale/trip
-
Delicate Snowflake
- Posts: 10600
- Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:08 am
- Location: ɹǝpun uʍop
- Has thanked: 413 times
- Been thanked: 242 times
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Got a text this morning, Dr. Vet gave him an all clear for full return to "Old Dog" duties. Said he's at 100%...Delicate Snowflake wrote:
p.s. How is Sammy going?
Considering he was only at 85% before the accident, he's doing great.
And still pissing on every tire coming trough the gate. Needs a little more training.
-
Delicate Snowflake
- Posts: 10600
- Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:08 am
- Location: ɹǝpun uʍop
- Has thanked: 413 times
- Been thanked: 242 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
campfire wrote:Got a text this morning, Dr. Vet gave him an all clear for full return to "Old Dog" duties. Said he's at 100%...Delicate Snowflake wrote:
p.s. How is Sammy going?
Considering he was only at 85% before the accident, he's doing great.
Needs a little more training.
Good news about Sammy!
As for that dog in the gif, please stop posting that. He's making us look bad. Most human males can't aim that accurately nor find the flush lever...
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Guy's ride last Wednesday for four of us. Weather was threatening, it looked great and rain was in the forecast. With the drought, we need all the rain we can get, and it would just as good to ride.
So that's what we did. Not as much as we wanted, but it did rain on us for the 183 mile loop.
Over the Lockeford again for some supplies, and then up to Clements Ca for a burger!
Two 1200 RT's, a GS, and a Kawasaki Concours 1400. The KLR felt like the Dachshund running with the German Shepherds again.
So that's what we did. Not as much as we wanted, but it did rain on us for the 183 mile loop.
Over the Lockeford again for some supplies, and then up to Clements Ca for a burger!
Two 1200 RT's, a GS, and a Kawasaki Concours 1400. The KLR felt like the Dachshund running with the German Shepherds again.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
What was "this" old bridge...
and it became a great ride across some unheard of undeveloped mountains north of me,
Has now finally been replaced. But I fear that it will just increase the off road seekers and hikers to explore the area. It was a locals only ride and few knew how to get across, and where to the outlets are.
It's supposed to have the "Grand Opening" in about two weeks.
I'm figuring it will also come with more patrols from Bureau of Reclamation Rangers into the back country to our favorite out of the way abandoned campgrounds. And more signs posted about "NO TARGET SHOOTING".
and it became a great ride across some unheard of undeveloped mountains north of me,
Has now finally been replaced. But I fear that it will just increase the off road seekers and hikers to explore the area. It was a locals only ride and few knew how to get across, and where to the outlets are.
It's supposed to have the "Grand Opening" in about two weeks.
I'm figuring it will also come with more patrols from Bureau of Reclamation Rangers into the back country to our favorite out of the way abandoned campgrounds. And more signs posted about "NO TARGET SHOOTING".
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Got out for a ride today in the mostly sunny 60 degree weather.
The natural weed eaters are back in the valley busy as ever with the mustard.
Headed into the hills for some curves, and found the local water supply reservoir is still spilling over, and that's a good thing.
Then on up into the far reaches of the county for some single lane roads with water crossings.
Stopped along the way for a few breaks, shot my little 22 pistol, had some snacks, and took some nature breaks but never saw any slithering critters.
160 mile loop for a wonderful Sunday ride.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Down in Southern California for a weekend ride and took a pretty good fall yesterday at the snow line. Landed on my shoulder, but didn’t break anything. Sore, and just hanging out in the house today with an excursion thru some desert trails in a dune buggy.
More of a trip report next week, running off of my phone doesn’t allow me to post pictures.
More to follow.
More of a trip report next week, running off of my phone doesn’t allow me to post pictures.
More to follow.
-
LadyDraco
- Posts: 8659
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2016 5:58 pm
- Location: Here and There & Everywhere,Some of the best roads
- Has thanked: 544 times
- Been thanked: 294 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
campfire wrote: ↑Sat Mar 18, 2023 3:31 pm Down in Southern California for a weekend ride and took a pretty good fall yesterday at the snow line. Landed on my shoulder, but didn’t break anything. Sore, and just hanging out in the house today with an excursion thru some desert trails in a dune buggy.
More of a trip report next week, running off of my phone doesn’t allow me to post pictures.
More to follow.
WTF ! Don't do that ... So glad ya didn't break anything
If you can take Ibuprofen then a hour later take a Tylenol extra strength.
It hit the same pain scepters as the good pain script drugs..
It does work...
Hope ya heal up fully and well
TISE.... 
Life is what you make of it .
If it don't fit make alterations .
Just because the road is rocky doesn't mean your spirits should get rocky, too.{Crazy Cora}
Life is what you make of it .
If it don't fit make alterations .
Just because the road is rocky doesn't mean your spirits should get rocky, too.{Crazy Cora}
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
OK......... 
First one, Southern California, March 16th-19th. The guys get together for a "Desert Ride" and not in Death Valley this year, packed up the trailer and headed out on Thursday to Apple Valley.
Enjoyed myself on the way down cruising at my own pace, stopping when I wanted, or needed to. I was thinking of maybe taking a road to explore along Edwards Air Force Base...
But after turning off and seeing some signs, I decided to stick to the main Highway and get there on time I guess. For some reason, I felt like I was being watched.
Pulled into the Base Camp house and was greeted by the crew and told where to park.
"Uh.............. OK, this will work just fine.
Unloaded the bike out of the trailer and setup camp inside for the weekend. Two bedroom house with some floor space, so I decided to bring my own room again.
Went out for pizza that night, enjoyed the company, and slept great for the next days ride. Into the hills we would go.
Friday morning was nice and our host was inside busy cooking breakfast for everyone. Can't complain about that!
Loaded up, and followed our leader south for some elevation gain and the views were great.
Bombing along the forest roads was great, got into some soft dirt that was a challenge, then the snow and ice showed up on the road. We were all doing ok, and had about 200 yards to go before an intersection and gate crossing....
Rode across a finger of ice sticking across the road, and all of a sudden
Crack! BAM!
Bike went down and I left the scene airborne to find a large rock heading for my helmet. Tucked in and landed on my left shoulder in the side embankment. Haven't dumped it that hard in a long time, but I was able to get back up and crawl back over to the bike to shut it off. Got to my feet and could feel the shoulder already, "Oh boy, this isn't going to feel good in the morning" I thought to myself.
The crew was amazing and with almost all ex Military riders, delegation was issued by the officer. I was tended to, bike was uprighted, turned around, recon sent ahead to find the gate closed and locked, and bike recovery was seamless back to a flat spot.
Friends are GREAT to have along.
Mud, ice, and no blood. All is good. Didn't feel that way, but it could have been worse.
END OF PART 1
First one, Southern California, March 16th-19th. The guys get together for a "Desert Ride" and not in Death Valley this year, packed up the trailer and headed out on Thursday to Apple Valley.
Enjoyed myself on the way down cruising at my own pace, stopping when I wanted, or needed to. I was thinking of maybe taking a road to explore along Edwards Air Force Base...
But after turning off and seeing some signs, I decided to stick to the main Highway and get there on time I guess. For some reason, I felt like I was being watched.
Pulled into the Base Camp house and was greeted by the crew and told where to park.
"Uh.............. OK, this will work just fine.
Unloaded the bike out of the trailer and setup camp inside for the weekend. Two bedroom house with some floor space, so I decided to bring my own room again.
Went out for pizza that night, enjoyed the company, and slept great for the next days ride. Into the hills we would go.
Friday morning was nice and our host was inside busy cooking breakfast for everyone. Can't complain about that!
Loaded up, and followed our leader south for some elevation gain and the views were great.
Bombing along the forest roads was great, got into some soft dirt that was a challenge, then the snow and ice showed up on the road. We were all doing ok, and had about 200 yards to go before an intersection and gate crossing....
Rode across a finger of ice sticking across the road, and all of a sudden
Crack! BAM!
Bike went down and I left the scene airborne to find a large rock heading for my helmet. Tucked in and landed on my left shoulder in the side embankment. Haven't dumped it that hard in a long time, but I was able to get back up and crawl back over to the bike to shut it off. Got to my feet and could feel the shoulder already, "Oh boy, this isn't going to feel good in the morning" I thought to myself.
The crew was amazing and with almost all ex Military riders, delegation was issued by the officer. I was tended to, bike was uprighted, turned around, recon sent ahead to find the gate closed and locked, and bike recovery was seamless back to a flat spot.
Friends are GREAT to have along.
Mud, ice, and no blood. All is good. Didn't feel that way, but it could have been worse.
END OF PART 1
Last edited by campfire on Wed May 03, 2023 2:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
PART 2----
Quickly figured out that I was able to ride, but could not really push or pull with my left arm so steering with the handle bars was going to be fun getting DOWN the hill this time. Clutch was fun too with squeezing the lever with that left side thing. Took it slow and lots of breaks to stretch the arm and muscles, but I did load up on ibuprofen right after the crash. Made it back to the house in the early afternoon, and made the decision to sit out the PM portion of the ride.
"Later guys! Have fun without me!"
Dennis has some small quads at the house so that would be my entertainment for the afternoon.
The guys planned Saturday's ride without me and that was fine. I wished them well and took photos.
But Dennis being the most awesome host, felt bad that I would miss out on Saturdays ride, so he offered up his classic 1967 Myers dune buggy to cruise around in so I wouldn't hurt my shoulder anymore.
Had a blast with the past out in the SoCal desert running powerline roads.
Now all of our shenanigans around the house and the 5 acre lot were being watch by the neighbor.
With Envy!
Seems the neighbors have taken over custodial care of their 10 year old nephew who drooled over our motorcycles, quads, and laughter. We were given strict orders to encourage him, but remind him of manners and his "Merit Awards". Seems he had three more merits to earn and then the riding lessons on the quad could begin.
Guess who got his merit awards?
With borrowed gear and some bicycle motocross pads, he was ready to roll. We setup a course on the lower property and he had to follow the leader and NOT pass. Dennis taught him well, and after 7, 8, a dozen laps, the flag was passed to me. I led him around for lap after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap...
I then passed off to Sal, who passed off to Jon, who passed off to Guy, who passed off back to Dennis........
Who finally told him that it was break and beer time. (we'd been downing beers the whole time anyway, but drinking and riding were starting to clutter the BBQ plans.
HUGE dinner Saturday night and another wonderful gathering was enjoyed by all.
Sunday began the packing for home, weather was setting in and the rain started in light. Emergency KTM repairs were made to get one rider back to Arizona, neighbors were thankful for our entertaining our new friend, and of course we had to capture the moment.
Life is an adventure............... Enjoy the Ride.
Quickly figured out that I was able to ride, but could not really push or pull with my left arm so steering with the handle bars was going to be fun getting DOWN the hill this time. Clutch was fun too with squeezing the lever with that left side thing. Took it slow and lots of breaks to stretch the arm and muscles, but I did load up on ibuprofen right after the crash. Made it back to the house in the early afternoon, and made the decision to sit out the PM portion of the ride.
"Later guys! Have fun without me!"
Dennis has some small quads at the house so that would be my entertainment for the afternoon.
The guys planned Saturday's ride without me and that was fine. I wished them well and took photos.
But Dennis being the most awesome host, felt bad that I would miss out on Saturdays ride, so he offered up his classic 1967 Myers dune buggy to cruise around in so I wouldn't hurt my shoulder anymore.
Had a blast with the past out in the SoCal desert running powerline roads.
Now all of our shenanigans around the house and the 5 acre lot were being watch by the neighbor.
With Envy!
Seems the neighbors have taken over custodial care of their 10 year old nephew who drooled over our motorcycles, quads, and laughter. We were given strict orders to encourage him, but remind him of manners and his "Merit Awards". Seems he had three more merits to earn and then the riding lessons on the quad could begin.
Guess who got his merit awards?
With borrowed gear and some bicycle motocross pads, he was ready to roll. We setup a course on the lower property and he had to follow the leader and NOT pass. Dennis taught him well, and after 7, 8, a dozen laps, the flag was passed to me. I led him around for lap after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap...
I then passed off to Sal, who passed off to Jon, who passed off to Guy, who passed off back to Dennis........
Who finally told him that it was break and beer time. (we'd been downing beers the whole time anyway, but drinking and riding were starting to clutter the BBQ plans.HUGE dinner Saturday night and another wonderful gathering was enjoyed by all.
Sunday began the packing for home, weather was setting in and the rain started in light. Emergency KTM repairs were made to get one rider back to Arizona, neighbors were thankful for our entertaining our new friend, and of course we had to capture the moment.
Life is an adventure............... Enjoy the Ride.
Last edited by campfire on Wed May 03, 2023 2:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
Delicate Snowflake
- Posts: 10600
- Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:08 am
- Location: ɹǝpun uʍop
- Has thanked: 413 times
- Been thanked: 242 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Use a film camera, their fancy satellites can't track those.
If the Men In Black should turn up, shoot the first one and claim he was an alien.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Another ride/attitude adjustment.......
Had to get some papers signed by my wife's uncle who we take care of his affairs, as he's in a long term care facility in Sonoma. Decided to ride and enjoy the awesome weather of 85 degrees or so. Got the paper work signed, and a very interesting (short) conversation with the uncle, and realized that I'm very fortunate to still have my faculties. He'd stay on a subject about 15 seconds and then change it, walk, fidget, stand, sit. Poor guy.
Walked out and looked at the clear blue sky, and realized my freedom to decide my own fate at this point in my life.
Then, decided to take the long way home.
Rode away considering how lucky I truly am. North on Hwy 12 and saw a sign for Eldridge California.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldridge,_California
And remembered some weird spooky stories I've heard over the years about the place, and some of possible ties to the Philadelphia Experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment and how there was a lone building way back on the grounds of the Sonoma Developmental Center that the victims were commited to after the experiment. Housed upstairs with only one way in or out and top secret stuff.
Who knows about the urban legends and a ship of yesteryear?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Eldridge
Of course there was plenty of other stories about the place, and they proved to be true near it's closing by the State.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoma_De ... tal_Center
Gee? I wonder why they closed it?
Anyway, the grounds to the place are extremely beautiful and serene (at times) but they do make you wonder.
Again, the weather...... WOW.
Left and pulled out head for the lovely little village of Glenn Ellen.
Once home to Jack London, and the famous "Wolf House", They have a great market there with an awesome deli and a fine selections of wines, beer, and sodas. Had to stop for a drink, right?
Strolled through the market and found a drink since I was riding and knew the road I would be on.
Sat down, enjoyed the moment, watched the tourists come and go, and contemplated a few things.
A: my attitude
B: my outlook
C: how lucky I really am
Climbed on the bike and headed up Trinity Road for a scenic ride and views. And some FANTASTIC curves!
One of our huge Northern California fires ripped through here too and destroyed so much, foundations and burned trees still dot the landscape, but recovery is in full swing and growth along with rebuilt homes are every where. Couple of steep areas over the ridge between Sonoma and the Napa Valley's were conquered by industrious minds over a hundred years ago with the ideas of switch backs.
Bless those early engineers!!!
Rode through my favorite set of switchbacks but realized that I really needed a picture for my friends who I want to visit the area. Turned around and got the shot, then headed home with a much improved attitude.
Had to get some papers signed by my wife's uncle who we take care of his affairs, as he's in a long term care facility in Sonoma. Decided to ride and enjoy the awesome weather of 85 degrees or so. Got the paper work signed, and a very interesting (short) conversation with the uncle, and realized that I'm very fortunate to still have my faculties. He'd stay on a subject about 15 seconds and then change it, walk, fidget, stand, sit. Poor guy.
Walked out and looked at the clear blue sky, and realized my freedom to decide my own fate at this point in my life.
Then, decided to take the long way home.
Rode away considering how lucky I truly am. North on Hwy 12 and saw a sign for Eldridge California.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldridge,_California
And remembered some weird spooky stories I've heard over the years about the place, and some of possible ties to the Philadelphia Experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment and how there was a lone building way back on the grounds of the Sonoma Developmental Center that the victims were commited to after the experiment. Housed upstairs with only one way in or out and top secret stuff.
Who knows about the urban legends and a ship of yesteryear?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Eldridge
Of course there was plenty of other stories about the place, and they proved to be true near it's closing by the State.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoma_De ... tal_Center
Gee? I wonder why they closed it?
Anyway, the grounds to the place are extremely beautiful and serene (at times) but they do make you wonder.
Again, the weather...... WOW.
Left and pulled out head for the lovely little village of Glenn Ellen.
Once home to Jack London, and the famous "Wolf House", They have a great market there with an awesome deli and a fine selections of wines, beer, and sodas. Had to stop for a drink, right?
Strolled through the market and found a drink since I was riding and knew the road I would be on.
Sat down, enjoyed the moment, watched the tourists come and go, and contemplated a few things.
A: my attitude
B: my outlook
C: how lucky I really am
Climbed on the bike and headed up Trinity Road for a scenic ride and views. And some FANTASTIC curves!
One of our huge Northern California fires ripped through here too and destroyed so much, foundations and burned trees still dot the landscape, but recovery is in full swing and growth along with rebuilt homes are every where. Couple of steep areas over the ridge between Sonoma and the Napa Valley's were conquered by industrious minds over a hundred years ago with the ideas of switch backs.
Bless those early engineers!!!
Rode through my favorite set of switchbacks but realized that I really needed a picture for my friends who I want to visit the area. Turned around and got the shot, then headed home with a much improved attitude.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Last week we headed out after a spur of the moment idea, and headed for Lake Tahoe. We caught the weather right and it was awesome! After all of the record snow fall in the Sierra's this winter, the snow melt runoff is amazing.
The wife asks if I want to get lunch at Fallen Leaf Lake as we are coming down Highway 50, so over the Angora Ridge we go and grab a burger with lake front views.
https://www.tahoeactivities.com/fallen- ... alifornia/
Took a little hike and visited the Fallen Leaf Chapel that started its building in 1921. https://www.tahoeactivities.com/fallen- ... alifornia/
Walked back to the truck and decided to drive on up to the trailhead at Lily Lake for the Glen Alpine trail. It did NOT disappoint .
https://visitlaketahoe.com/hike/glen-alpine-trail/
Looking north from below the falls there are some old cabins, and some new ones that have been rebuilt, or new construction over the years. Oh what a setting.
We headed into South Lake Tahoe and State Line to play tourists and see how bad the crowds were. To our surprise, it was actually nice and not that bad. We continued over to the Nevada side and turned on the Kingsbury Grade https://shpo.nv.gov/nevadas-historical- ... bury-grade where our Hotel/Condo/Lodge was near the bottom. (more on that later)
Checked in and then cleaned up for dinner out somewhere in the area. Base Camp Pizza is always our favorite when we visit, so off we went. BBQ Chicken Pizza and a nice salad proved to hit the spot. Then a nice after dinner drive to catch some sunset views and a picture or two. Back up Kingsbury Grade all the way to the top, then a right turn to go further up near the backside of one of the ski resorts called Heavenly Valley.
Now at 7,400' of elevation, us flatlanders are not going to hike that much until we acclimate a bit. Walked to some nice overlooks and snapped some pics.
https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/ ... 7375-feet/
Enjoyed the view, and headed back down from 7,400' or so on the long winding road. About a third of the way down there is a clunk, and the steering gets hard. I look down at the tach and it's at zero, then I realize that the engine died. Start braking a bit and try to restart it, no starty and I pull over. Crank it over, cranks but no go and the mechanic mind starts to open up to full throttle. Couple of cars go whizzing by and I realize that I need to get off this two lane road and out of someone's driveway.
"Hey, it's all downhill from here!" I tell my wife. Watch for a clear spot in the traffic, pop it into neutral, put on the hazards, and start coasting.
The lodge is about half a block off of this road, straight down, with one left turn. I should be good... right?
Coast all the way down and see the turn, one car coming up... wait.... and IT"S CLEAR! Turn left, still have momentum and make it to an open spot right in front of the lodge at 6,374' of elevation.
(Google Earth view of the spot) Feeling truly blessed, I promise my Guardian Angel anything they want. Now the brain kicks into rescue mode - Rental car? Tow truck? Call the daughter in Sacramento to come get us? Get home and borrow a truck and car trailer?
But hey, we are back at the lodge with a place to stay, services, and no where to be for three days. Except for all the things we had planned. Have the wife help with a quick diagnosis and I pull a fuel line off the filter, "Turn it to start real quick" I say and no fuel pressure. OK, I know where to start and we head inside to internet searching. Fuel pump? It's a $185 at Autozone.... and the one in South Lake Tahoe doesn't stock one. Jump on a couple of Land Cruiser forums, search "dies no restart-no fuel pressure-cranks no start" and my eye catches a thread of "check if the Check Engine light does not light up on bulb check".
Read that one and it goes into problems with the 25 amp fuse melting taking out the ECM/EFI circuit. Run back outside while it's still light out, grab the test light.....
Slept so good that night knowing that I fixed it with a .25 cent fuse from my toolbox.
Two more days of fun exploring, WAY too much food, awesome sunsets and thunderstorms, and down time. Took the long way home up the east side in Nevada and stopped for more views.
Of course the paranoid mechanic in me was waiting the entire trip home for another event.
NOTHING! Great drive home, and it was a great getaway.
I did update my toolbox in the truck and replaced the fuses in a few other circuits.
The wife asks if I want to get lunch at Fallen Leaf Lake as we are coming down Highway 50, so over the Angora Ridge we go and grab a burger with lake front views.
https://www.tahoeactivities.com/fallen- ... alifornia/
Took a little hike and visited the Fallen Leaf Chapel that started its building in 1921. https://www.tahoeactivities.com/fallen- ... alifornia/
Walked back to the truck and decided to drive on up to the trailhead at Lily Lake for the Glen Alpine trail. It did NOT disappoint .
https://visitlaketahoe.com/hike/glen-alpine-trail/
Looking north from below the falls there are some old cabins, and some new ones that have been rebuilt, or new construction over the years. Oh what a setting.
We headed into South Lake Tahoe and State Line to play tourists and see how bad the crowds were. To our surprise, it was actually nice and not that bad. We continued over to the Nevada side and turned on the Kingsbury Grade https://shpo.nv.gov/nevadas-historical- ... bury-grade where our Hotel/Condo/Lodge was near the bottom. (more on that later)
Checked in and then cleaned up for dinner out somewhere in the area. Base Camp Pizza is always our favorite when we visit, so off we went. BBQ Chicken Pizza and a nice salad proved to hit the spot. Then a nice after dinner drive to catch some sunset views and a picture or two. Back up Kingsbury Grade all the way to the top, then a right turn to go further up near the backside of one of the ski resorts called Heavenly Valley.
Now at 7,400' of elevation, us flatlanders are not going to hike that much until we acclimate a bit. Walked to some nice overlooks and snapped some pics.
https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/ ... 7375-feet/
Enjoyed the view, and headed back down from 7,400' or so on the long winding road. About a third of the way down there is a clunk, and the steering gets hard. I look down at the tach and it's at zero, then I realize that the engine died. Start braking a bit and try to restart it, no starty and I pull over. Crank it over, cranks but no go and the mechanic mind starts to open up to full throttle. Couple of cars go whizzing by and I realize that I need to get off this two lane road and out of someone's driveway.
"Hey, it's all downhill from here!" I tell my wife. Watch for a clear spot in the traffic, pop it into neutral, put on the hazards, and start coasting.
The lodge is about half a block off of this road, straight down, with one left turn. I should be good... right?
Coast all the way down and see the turn, one car coming up... wait.... and IT"S CLEAR! Turn left, still have momentum and make it to an open spot right in front of the lodge at 6,374' of elevation.
(Google Earth view of the spot) Feeling truly blessed, I promise my Guardian Angel anything they want. Now the brain kicks into rescue mode - Rental car? Tow truck? Call the daughter in Sacramento to come get us? Get home and borrow a truck and car trailer?
But hey, we are back at the lodge with a place to stay, services, and no where to be for three days. Except for all the things we had planned. Have the wife help with a quick diagnosis and I pull a fuel line off the filter, "Turn it to start real quick" I say and no fuel pressure. OK, I know where to start and we head inside to internet searching. Fuel pump? It's a $185 at Autozone.... and the one in South Lake Tahoe doesn't stock one. Jump on a couple of Land Cruiser forums, search "dies no restart-no fuel pressure-cranks no start" and my eye catches a thread of "check if the Check Engine light does not light up on bulb check".
Read that one and it goes into problems with the 25 amp fuse melting taking out the ECM/EFI circuit. Run back outside while it's still light out, grab the test light.....
Slept so good that night knowing that I fixed it with a .25 cent fuse from my toolbox.
Two more days of fun exploring, WAY too much food, awesome sunsets and thunderstorms, and down time. Took the long way home up the east side in Nevada and stopped for more views.
Of course the paranoid mechanic in me was waiting the entire trip home for another event.
NOTHING! Great drive home, and it was a great getaway.
I did update my toolbox in the truck and replaced the fuses in a few other circuits.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
And if you want to know just how much snow the Sierra Nevada Mountains had this winter... 
These are the concrete picnic tables at the Donner Pass rest stop (west bound) on Highway 80. Elevation of 7,370 feet.
That was some weight of frozen water on those tables to do that.
These are the concrete picnic tables at the Donner Pass rest stop (west bound) on Highway 80. Elevation of 7,370 feet.
That was some weight of frozen water on those tables to do that.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
I wasn't sure where to post this, so I'll just link it here. https://advbannedcamp.com/viewtopic.php?p=81567#p81567
Watch out for those deer on the hill sides.
-
campfire
- Posts: 4884
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 2:55 pm
- Location: Out West
- Has thanked: 387 times
- Been thanked: 446 times
Re: Another Northern California tale/trip
Poll??? Should I just keep it here or start a new thread?
We're heading out on a long road trip on the 25th. No bikes, but an RV retirement trip to Wyoming for a Family reunion. Towing our trailer across the salt flats of Utah, through farmland, desert, and even the Grand Tetons.
I'll do my usual picture taking along the way and narrow down to some to post when we get back. Looking at around 2,800 miles, two weeks or so, and changing plans if we feel like it.
We're heading out on a long road trip on the 25th. No bikes, but an RV retirement trip to Wyoming for a Family reunion. Towing our trailer across the salt flats of Utah, through farmland, desert, and even the Grand Tetons.
I'll do my usual picture taking along the way and narrow down to some to post when we get back. Looking at around 2,800 miles, two weeks or so, and changing plans if we feel like it.