Location: Grover Hot Springs, Markleeville, CA
Our typical pattern is to begin our road trips in a zen fashion - heading into the deserts of Nevada or down the Eastern Sierras enjoying the tranquility of the remote landscape. Not this year! It has been a whirlwind couple of days filled with celebrations, family get togethers and lots of adult libations.
Saturday started off with celebrating my sister-in-law, Linda's, 60th Birthday! What a great time. I visited with a lot of people that I haven't seen in over 30 years. I really enjoyed re-connecting with Derek and Beth. Derek took me on my private plane ride and even let me co-pilot. It was one of the highlights of my life. Derek said he still remembers that I was his most enthusiastic passenger. Imagine that!
Here's Josh and Marlina being held hostage by some old guy showing photos on his cell phone. It was great fun to meet Marlina and embarrass Josh with stories about him as a kid. Thanks Marlina (and Josh) for being good sports.
The highlight of the evening was Linda getting a surprise ride on a fire truck that was specially ordered to carry the birthday girl.
The food was pretty awesome too! Loved the big bowls of freshly roasted veggies, and because it's Linda, bowls and bowls of chocolate goodies were everywhere. There was also yummy chocolate ice cream out of their own soft-serve machine.
We partied until the wee hours of the morning and spent the night in Winnie in their driveway. Mother's Day morning we were honored with a big brunch...because it was so long since I ate...
Next on the agenda was driving to San Francisco to meet Molly's boyfriend's parents from Sicily. We had a great time getting to know them, despite the language barrier. Ned's and my Italian was about equal to their English. Thank heavens for hand gestures and Molly and Angelo translating. Josh and Marlina joined us for a spectacular Italian feast.
Pistachio pasta, cheeses, salami, olives, good vino and limoncello shots. Oh and let's not forget the pastries that just kept on coming. d
Day two and I've already eaten more than I usually do in a week. Good start to a vacation!
We spent the night at Megan's house and enjoyed playing with her new puppy, Lucy.
We were woken up to coffee in bed along with Lucy jumping in with us. Such joy, and energy, in the morning! Kevin fixed breakfast. Thanks Kev!
I'm going to miss the walks with Megan and Lucy, but alas the road calls.
We trekked back into the Sierras making Grover Hot Springs our destination for the evening. We're camped near a stunning Alpine meadow.
Here's Ned thoroughly enjoying a good long soak in the warm afternoon. Who would have guessed it was in the high 70's. A mere 48 hrs. ago it was snowing here.
We spent a leisurely afternoon going back and forth between the 104 degree pool and the "cool" 82 degree pool. It felt so good to swim some laps and stretch out.
Our first official campsite of the 8 week trip. Yeah!! Grilled veggies and wine for dinner.
Looking forward to connecting with Linda and Gary tomorrow for the beginning of a two week jaunt with them thru the National Parks of the West.
Thanks everyone for joining us on another one of our adventures. So fun to have my family and friends along.
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