Yosemite - April 2017

This was the longest I have ever spent in Yosemite, 5 days and 4 nights.  So glad I have my new Travato Camper Van “Charley” to make these trips so comfortable. Everything worked perfect!. I had two hot showers, plenty of water for dishes and everything else. Cooking, sleeping, reading, just chilling,  all so different now than when I was tent camping. 

Spending all that time in Yosemite is spiritual.  It is several days later and I am still feeling the euphoria of walking, sitting and just hanging out in the middle of forests, granite cliffs, big rocks, rivers and lakes..  My soul, my spirit… is happy.  I walked, and walked more, read my book, sat by the river, had pleasant chats with new friends, campfires! And good food was abundant. I also got to spend time with fellow Travato owners.  We all share a passion for the open road, being outside and our Travatos. 

 

The water was flowing big time and little waterfalls were everywhere you looked.  The dogwoods were just starting to bloom.  The roads had a lot of damage and construction was going on but using the shuttle to get around the valley makes everything so easy

I know that the last few days of sunshine has added to my happy.  Everywhere you look the trees are screaming green and flowers are showing off their colors. My own backyard is crazy with golden poppies. 

The days are finally heating up.  My next big trip is with my kayaking group to the Trinity River and Whiskeytown Lake. I will be trying out a KOA there in Trinity Center.  I much prefer state parks, but this was the choice for some others taking campers. Hope this is a nice one.

My sister helped me add some cabin feel to my bedroom.
 

Written on the wall of the tunnel

Reflections

 

 The trails are endless with so many paths to choose from.

 Mirror Lake

 

 

Wrights Beach - Russian River - (Bodega BAY, CA) April

Big ocean views, campfires, kayaking down the river right to the ocean, hiking the bluffs and a potluck.  These are some of the best things in life.  Wrights Beach is a great campground right on the sand.  The ocean views and sunsets are amazing. 

I was lucky to spend a couple of nights there with good paddling buddies and great weather.  I cannot wait to do this one again.

This was my first trip carrying my Kayak in the van.  It fit great under the bed and all went as planned.  Yes, it was a little challenging walking around it sometimes...but all in all, a great plan for me! So easy to load and unload.

It was still cold at night so I really am appreciating my new ride, Charley.  There is nothing better than playing hard all day and hanging around the campfire at night.  But when it is time to call it a day it was shear pleasure to crawl inside my little house on wheels and my cozy bed with all the comforts of home.  I fall asleep looking out two big windows so I can watch the stars at night and then wake up with the sun.  This is going to be a great year!...up next is Yosemite.

MARCHing ahead

It is March 2, but it feels like the year is just getting started. The weather is getting warmer (a little) and the rain appears to be winding down. I am SO ready to get on the road and on the water.

 

This year I will be traveling with Charley my new Winnebago Travato 59 G camper van!! Wait till all my camping and paddling buds see my new digs. Forget the tents and cramped car sleeping, this year I am camping in style.  The last couple of camping trips I had decided to sleep in my car. It was easy and pretty comfy.  I remember thinking...now if I only had a bigger bed, bathroom and fridge, I would be in heaven. Picture light bulb over my head! Camper Van!

 

 

Our paddling group spends hours paddling on ocean bays, lakes and rivers. We also hike, some bike, and we always add exploring the local area. (you know, some retail therapy).  We come back at the end of the day exhausted, and ready for a hot shower and food.  The best part of the day, arguably, is gathering around the campfire for shared food, games and relaxation. 

 

 

That is me in the middle trying out a new ride a couple months back. 

 

 

So...it is official

 

My tiny house on wheels has all the comforts of home! 

Best sleep space ever!

 

My dinette converts to a second sleeping area...friends and fam space.

My pantry

One of my first trips was to Sequoia. I took my kid and my dog. 

 

 

This is my hairy beast of a dog, Sydney.  She is not a great traveler and I doubt I will take her very often.  I am still de-hairing the van...

ooh, ooh, ohh, looking out my van door...( name that song)
My awning lights up!

 

So here are some of my trips lined up for this year:

Yosemite

Wrights Beach- kayaking the Russian River

Trinity Lakes

Central Oregon- around La Pine

Lake Tahoe

Hood Canal, WA

Loon Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake

Mendocino

Monterey - Elk Horn Slough

 

I am also hoping to get to Yellowstone, probably in the fall when not so busy.

 

So here is to 2017! Road Tripping and Kayaking. What could be better?