The Golden state of California is a huge space of varied environments that needed to be discovered by yours truly. We started off this discovery enroute to San Diego where Liz's sister Kathryn lives. Before reaching sunny SD, we took a nights stay in the San Bernadino mountains at the Lytle Creek Campground. Our earlier quarry for a dispersed camping site was a failure due to the fact that it was literally at the top of a mountain whose gravel road was just enough for the subaru and had a cliff face to one side and a rock wall to the other. Out of curiosity, we unhooked the Gnome and drove to the top for an amazing view of the surrounding shrubland and with notice of the Pacific Crest trail running through the top.
Since this first area was a no go for the gnome, we headed out of the mountainous region to scout for round two. We arrived to Lytle Creek just in time and snagged one of the last spots of the 42 available. The sites were absolutely packed with families ontop of families and kids playing in the street. Even though the fee was $10, the facilities were not enough for the visitors and there was often a line for both mens and womens. Oh yeah, and bring your own TP since the graffiti covered stall with a broken seat is sure to have none. 42 x $10 = $420 revinue a night or $840 a weekend. Seems like the funds are being allocated outside the campgrounds. . . This site was our first encounter with the California Ground Squirrel Mafia. A group of rag tag fluffy soldiers who pilfered food, dug deep holes everywhere and chirped loudly at all threats including cars and humans. Their tenacity usually scored a meal and their quick little legs sprinted them to their hole home. Cute little buggers but that chirp tho.
When it came time to leave Lytle Creek, we sluggishly packed items in a heap due to the 95' heat at 9am. Gotdamn desert. We did our best to pack things nicely and organized since the gnome would remain dormant while in San Diego due to the home owners association and their strict rules. We arrived to the area of Mt. Helix California and were instantly shocked by the enormity of the houses in Kathryns neighborhood. The six bedroom house was to host the gnome and the two humans & 80lbs dog that travelled with it, ontop of the numerous roommates and friends and family of such who filtered in and out throughout our time spent there. We grabbed our hiking gear and setup our outdoor open air 'penthouse' on a cement pad which the sprinklers only reached a little. Most of our days spent at the house revolved around the patio table which at times sat a bakers half-dozen of people and multiple dogs including Ziggy, Lady and Hemi. Lady was the resident female pit bull who made sure that everyone was aware when a person entered the house or caused a stir in the night. Ziggy and Lady worked well in each others presence and only had a few disputes over whose tennis ball it really was; It was always Lady's.
Hemi was a young pup of less than a year who visited for a few days and fit into the groove with the others. All three dogs running around the house with people in and out, it was stressful just to keep track of what was happening and who was involved with it.
Our time spent in the San Diego area usually involved going to Ocean Beach for a meal of burritos on the beach or to watch the sunset over dinner at the Sunset Cliffs. Additionally, we explored the vastness of Balboa Park which had something for everyone including numerous museums and a dozen gardens, a large playground for the kids and miles of walking trails to enjoy.
The weather was exceptional the whole time aside from the chilly nights and the blazing heat of the sunny afternoons. A dip in the pool would give a quick cool off for the really hot moments.
Additional activities included abalone shell and gem hunting with John (roommate) and his sister who was in town. We also participated in the Grunion Run; a fishy mating ritual of the Grunion who, at the full moon, will use the high tide to skim the sands, wriggle into the moist sea grit to lay eggs and then make their way back into the surf all under cover of darkness. The humans however have caught onto this ritual and are allowed to catch (by hand) these fish to eat. Shadowy figures with head and hand lamps ran through the surf to catch these quick creatures as they lay and go away. Quite a sight.
We also found the time to visit the Kolby Flea Market which was a whole dollar to enter. I bought a new camel back water pack for hiking and Liz picked up some brass bells which she restrung from black paracord and tied to the Gnome entrance for a pleasant chime upon enter, exit or any major movement in the camper.
Finally, we made sure to visit Fiesta Island twice for their island dog beach right near Sea World. It gave Ziggy and later on, Lady, the chance to explore the sand, sun and surf without being distracted by too many other dogs like a park would. Ziggy learned what waves were. He also practiced his doggy paddle skills.
Parting the mansion lifestyle and all its glory to return to the Gnome lyfestile was difficult but a necessary step to get back on the road with our travels. While in SD, numerous people recommended we visit Ojai CA to experience the uniqueness of it. We plotted our trip to have a overnight in Ojai on our way to Tahoe. The road to our campsite took us up a mountainous winding road in the Los Padres range and we hoped this spot wouldnt be a dud like Bernadino. The car arrived to the site which had a drop toilet, bear proof garbages and its own ground squirrel mafia. We dropped off the camper to move around town easier. Exploring Ojai for the better part of the afternoon, we came to realize that this town was something out of a utopia novel with overpriced niche shops and a very caring community. The vibe however didnt really stick with us and we ended up heading back to camp around 6 for a meal. Little did we know this meal would involve skinning a rattle snake and cooking the meat for a little extra protein brought to us by a scraggily looking man named Bob.
This story can be found in more detail at Liz's blog HERE.
Out of Ojai desert mountains (3k amsl), we travelled North through a flat grasslands (250' amsl) and back up the Carson Pass (8k amsl) into Hope Valley for the Scotts Lake Campground. Arriving in the late afternoon, we scouted the sites for availability at this first come-first serve free campground. Options were limited but we opted for a smaller, more private site backed up against the hill with views of evergreen trees, snow capped mountains and a vast seasonal meadow. Over the course of the week we spent there, the population for the 4th of July weekend grew from a dozen to about quadruple that with a wide variety of toys including dune buggies, atv's, dirt bikes, horses and military grade jeeps and mega trucks. It was a little exciting to see who was dusting up the trail towards us each time.
A dirt road at the campground lead up a rocky path to adventure. With a sign suggesting that motor vehicles might not want to wandering that way, we journied with the Subarus AWD. The trail led through a beautiful forest with humongous trees and eventually to Scotts Lake with clear water and amazing views of the mountain range. The second time we went up, we took the dog for a swim on our own private beach. 10/10 would visit again.
On our third night, we were just about asleep when we heard a car pull up alongside the Subaru. We peeked the blinds to see a white Prius with two passengers. OMG Shayna and Ki arrived!! Liz and my sense of calendar was off by a day. We expected them the next evening. Luckily we had spent a majority of that day performing fixes and clean up for their arrival. We greeted them and collected their packs for the holiday weekend. Calling it a night early, we tucked in for fun adventures tomorrow.
The four of us made the half hour drive into South Lake Tahoe to explore and find out what its about. The visitor center was able to provide maps and info on the best swimming spots and the attached free museum provides insight into the areas history as a mountain lumber town with a resort aspect. After the region had been decimated of its trees, the lumber yards faded but the lake front resorts remained for the elite and wealthy. Of course some of the trees have grown back but other areas have been scaped without reverse.
Our beach choice for the day was Secret Beach, which wasnt very secret, on the east shore of the lake. We waded with wake boats and sailors alike. The clear water which is visible to a depth of 76' provided a nice chill to the heat of the afternoon on the beach.
The night was spent by a campfire cooking up amazing meals and of course s'mores.
The next day was a relaxed sunday morning exploring a nearby scrub land with a lush stream running through it. The slight change in elevation provided drastic difference bettween who got water and who didnt.
In the evening, we travelled to Kings Beach on the north coast of the lake for 3rd of July fireworks. They were fantastic but the traffic out of town was hellish. Fireworks ended around 10 and we returned to camp by midnight. A good night sleep was had by all.
Shayna and Ki's short stay with the Gnome came to a close Monday around noon after some rousing rounds of board and card games. We were sad to see them go but greatly enjoyed their company in the beautiful Tahoe region.
The days post the holiday weekend were spent in recuperation, reflection and relaxation. Our current status is a bit lost as to where we are heading. Liz is convinced she urgently needs employment so we are set to seek out opportunities in the northwest states including but not limited to N. Cali, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colarado. . . We are looking for loose employment with a natural setting and limited hours. Just something to refill the coffers and make sure we can still feed and fuel ourselves. Should you the reader know something that may fit the bill, obviously drop us a line. We are fairly flexible on skill sets and locations with the exception for Ziggy and the Gnome of course.
Thanks for reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment