Markleeville, California

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I met Robin at Grover Hot Springs State Park near Markleeville in the eastern Sierras where we camped three nights. The state park had just raised their rates, trying to survive the California budget chaos and impending ax. It cost $35 a night to camp, $8 to park a second car at the campsite, and $5 apiece to soak in the hot springs and cool in the pool. Pricey camping, but worth it for the good company and beautiful surroundings.

We set up camp on Sunday then drove Monday up Highway 88, past Carson Pass, to the trailhead for Margaret Lake. The hike was 2.5 miles each way, mellowly up and down with some rock scaling, partly along a beautiful stream and ending at a beautiful lake. On Tuesday we hiked out of the campground a couple of miles up the little creek until the trail ended in some rocks and trees. Molly was wonderfully happy the whole time we hiked since we were in National Forest where she could run without a leash. The joy of freedom made her leap and gambol like a young whelp! Robin and I were happy too.

The hot springs were delicious, after a day of hiking. We cooked great vegetarian meals, sat by a couple of great fires that Robin built, talked, read, rested. On Wednesday we drove in two cars together over Monitor Pass then said goodbye after a late breakfast at Walker, where I headed south and she soon headed east over Sonora Pass to visit her friends at Pinecrest. Tomorrow is her 24th birthday.

I am home now. It's 103 degrees and rising. But it's nice to have my own bathroom and an airconditioner.

To my dear subscribers: I've felt like you were company for me on my travels. I was happy whenever I got a comment or a message. Somebody's out there! I thought. Thanks for coming along on my trip.

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Photos

Robin
on Friday she's 24

Molly in the woods
Chasing sticks and rocks and rodents

fat chipmunk
This fat chipmunk came up real close to our camp despite Molly, threatening though leashed in the campground.

Molly and Me
Margaret Lake, taken by Robin

Reclining Figure
This provocative driftwood lay lazily along the stream near the campground

water skates
Robin took this photo of water bugs on the Markleeville stream.

Leaves, Stream
Robin took this too

Comments

[dee]

i FELT LIKE i GOT TO GO ALONG WITHOUT all the hiking!!! Lazy me. Cute pic of Robin. Summer is about over and I will miss it. I love the long days. Now you are home again, we'll have to talk about what was best about your trip!!! Dee

[Fran]

Lovely! Welcome home. Sorry about the heat. At least you are far from the fire. Fran