The Great American Road Trip–Part IX–The Finale

 

Before I started on this marathon road trip, I made plans to meet up and camp with two friends in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Roughly two weeks into my journey and with no further contact, would we actually find each other at…

Blue Lake, Sierra Nevada, California


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Blue Lake is a special place for my buddy Brian.  His father and grandfather had hunted in the area.  His father’s and brother’s ashes are scattered nearby as well; and his first experiences here dated back to his early childhood.  Brian, came from Boulder Creek, his friend Doug drove from Bend Oregon and I of course came from Utah, all converging like the ‘three’ winds on this remote lakeside campground.

Brian is an avid four-wheeler and was anxious to try out his new truck.  With two off road vehicles, including my Jeep, we had a lot of fun on the fairly primitive National Forest road network leading to, from and around the lake.

Brian Loves Four-Wheelin'

We spent four days together.  We hiked, off-roaded, cooked gourmet campside dinners, told great stories, laughed a lot, and drank quite a few beers.  Other than a nearby group of rednecks illegally shooting and killing a black bear in the campground (really) one night, it was a very pleasant and relaxing stay.

Even in Late September, Some Snow Remains from the Previous Winter

Jeeping to Markleeville for Groceries

 

View from Our Campsite, Upper Blue Lakes

 

No problem. We can make it.

More photos of Blue Lakes

Alas, it was time to say our goodbyes and for me to head home.  From here, a mere 221 miles  takes me back to Boulder Creek where it all began.


Great American Road Trip Summary:

  • Miles driven: 3,820
  • Total Days:  18
  • National Parks and Monuments Visited:  6
  • Cost of Fuel:  $742

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8 Responses to The Great American Road Trip–Part IX–The Finale

  1. Brian January 31, 2012 at 6:13 am #

    What a fun trip this was! As Philip mentioned this is sacred ground to me as I have been coming here since I was very young. It was a lot of fun exploring area’s that I had not visited since I was a kid.

    Thanks for sharing the experience with me Philip!

    • Philip January 31, 2012 at 8:52 am #

      You bet buddy! What a great and relaxing end to a totally bitchin road trip!

  2. Stephanie - The Travel Chica February 1, 2012 at 12:55 pm #

    So fun that you got to meet up with friends for the end of the trip.
    Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Photo Essay: Defeated by the Winds of Patagonia at Pliegue Tumbado

    • Philip February 2, 2012 at 7:38 am #

      It was a great way to end the adventure.

  3. Elinor February 2, 2012 at 3:44 pm #

    Loved this piece. My first look at your blog. Followed the words heart…marathon…off-roading and am pleased to find virtual travel adventures. Will be coming back for more.

    • Philip February 2, 2012 at 7:38 pm #

      Thanks for stopping by Elinor. Glad you like my blog. Plese check out some of the other stories and you can sign up to receive email when I post a new story if you like.

      • Elinor February 3, 2012 at 8:52 am #

        You are now officially bookmarked on my Reading List. Not too many blogs get that far. I’m looking forward to reading the Chicken Buses blog. I grew up on a chicken farm. Chicken adventures are a weird comfort thing for me now. 🙂

        • Philip February 3, 2012 at 11:08 am #

          Thanks for the vote of confidence Elinor. The chicken buses of Guatemala and Panama are fun and some of the artwork is incredible. Great way to meet the locals too.

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