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
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.
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
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!
You bet buddy! What a great and relaxing end to a totally bitchin road trip!
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
It was a great way to end the adventure.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.