Johnson RV Family Vacation number 2!!

[Long Way Home]

If you end up on the south side go have a drink/Food at the The Beacon Bar & Grill.

Camp Richardson Marina Rentals - Action Watersports

Camp Richardson Marina has plenty to offer. From boating, beach-going, and watercraft rentals to lakeside dining, lodging, nightlife, and more. Visit now.

www.camprichardson.com

HWY 50 to South Side
I80 to North side

10Best Things to Do with Kids in Lake Tahoe and Truckee

Children of all ages will love the Lake Tahoe area, not only for its outdoor sports like skiing, hiking or kayaking, but there are also some great events, museums and planned activities all year long at this playground in the mountains. Smaller children will enjoy the KidZone Museum in Truckee...

www.10best.com

 

[RiverDiva]

I think we want to take the boat ride. Any idea which side that picks up on?

 

[rivermobster]

Ya know how people tend to call Really tall guys Shorty?

That how they named Clear Lake. It's right up there lake Smellsomore!!

This time of year, with the water being warm...yuck.

South Tahoe all the way. Drive to Emerald Bay and enjoy one of the most awesome views ever.

If you do rent a boat, the water clarity will blow your mind. Scared me half to death when I was a kid. Threw out the anchor. It got to the end of the rope, and I could see it was no where near the bottom where I could see the fish swimming!!!

Call GRADS. He just got a new Mercdes and would probably be happy to meet you there and show you all the Best places.

Have fun!!!

 

[Long Way Home]

I think we want to take the boat ride. Any idea which side that picks up on?

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe Daytime Cruise | Zephyr Cove Resort & Tahoe Cruises NV

Featuring the M.S. Dixie II, our scenic day cruises offer fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air that has a way of invigorating everyone around.

www.zephyrcove.com

Camp Richardson Marina Rentals - Action Watersports

Camp Richardson Marina has plenty to offer. From boating, beach-going, and watercraft rentals to lakeside dining, lodging, nightlife, and more. Visit now.

www.camprichardson.com

 

[RiverDiva]

Ya know how people tend to call Really tall guys Shorty?

That how they named Clear Lake. It's right up there lake Smellsomore!!

This time of year, with the water being warm...yuck.

ISouth Tahoe all the way. Drive to Emerald Bay and enjoy one of the most awesome views ever.

If you do rent a boat, the water clarity will blow your mind. Scared me half to death when I was a kid. Threw out the anchor. It got to the end of the rope, and I could see it was no where near the bottom where I could see the fish swimming!!!

Call GRADS. He just got a new Mercdes and would probably be happy to meet you there and show you all the Best places.

Have fun!!!

Literally just a night sleep and we are off to Tahoe. Dave only drives 4 hours at a time. Staying at zephyr…Richardson doesn’t allow dogs.

 

[Long Way Home]

i’m in the foothills right now And the weather has been great but yesterday was very smoky so FYI , Check the weather, the wind has shifted the smoke from the Yosemite area fire is now in the foothills and Lake Tahoe area.

 

[Meaney77]

Anyone have suggestions for stuff to see or do in Tahoe? 3 kids one asshole dog

The MS Dixie boat cruise is pretty cool for Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly Valley Ski resort has a tram ride to the top with great views and a bunch of stuff for the kids to do.
Truckee River was a blast to float down and then have lunch and cocktails at the Truckee River Lodge on the river. You can also pack beers for your float.

 

[Meaney77]

Literally just a night sleep and we are off to Tahoe. Dave only drives 4 hours at a time. Staying at zephyr…Richardson doesn’t allow dogs.

The boat picks up right across the street from Zephyr.

 

[DaveC]

Zephyr cove is the spot.

I am gonna miss you again. You are literally driving by my lake house in Napa

 

[dread Pirate]

Just got back from the Sonoma Nats. You still up here Dave?


If you're still in So-Hum, you should drive out to Shelter Cove. Don't take the rv. Road is crazy and theres a sign with a yearly rv crash count as you drop in. Black sand beaches. Amazing views.

Or Cape Mendocino out past Honeydew and Petrolia. Furthest westward point in the content U.S. Great place for a sunset then drive into Ferndale for dinner. Its a loop that will take all day, but and easy drive back down 101 to the rv.

 

[dread Pirate]

Just south of you in Miranda is Avenue Cafe. Good food and great pizza. Next to the high school. You should see some of the old tooling in the idle shop classes in there.

As cool as Avenue is you should head north and cut over to Tahoe or Lassen on 299. Patricks Point is great campground in Trinidad. I think the nazis renamed it though,,,
Then the redwoods in dead logging town of Orick will blow you away. Beaches and lagoons. Fern Canyon..
Crescent City and Cut over on 199 along the Smith River... Come into Grants Pass through Cave Junction.

 

[RiverDave]

Just south of you in Miranda is Avenue Cafe. Good food and great pizza. Next to the high school. You should see some of the old tooling in the idle shop classes in there.

As cool as Avenue is you should head north and cut over to Tahoe or Lassen on 299. Patricks Point is great campground in Trinidad. I think the nazis renamed it though,,,
Then the redwoods in dead logging town of Orick will blow you away. Beaches and lagoons. Fern Canyon..
Crescent City and Cut over on 199 along the Smith River... Come into Grants Pass through Cave Junction.

We are at the avenue twice.. lol. It was the only place open! I have a bunch of their pizza in the fridge..

We are currently at Clearlake which others have described VERY ACCURATELY as Elsinore North. Amazing how accurate that is actually is.. lol

 

[DaveC]

Yup. Clear lake is NOT clear

 

[RiverDave]

Yup. Clear lake is NOT clear

That blue lake deal about half hour back actually looked pretty cool!

 

[JB in so cal]

Yup. Clear lake is NOT clear

So Elsinore should not be renamed pristine lake?

 

[DaveC]

That blue lake deal about half hour back actually looked pretty cool!

Is that Mendocino? it’s kind of a small lake

Clear Lake is actually pretty shallow, so it gets green. When it gets warm they get a lot of algae. It has been getting worse due to run off of fertilizers. I never go there.

You are actually just north of my lake house at Lake Berryessa which is about 45 minutes to the south of Clear lake. I am not there due to work

 

[RiverDave]

Is that Mendocino? it’s kind of a small lake

Clear Lake is actually pretty shallow, so it gets green. When it gets warm they get a lot of algae. It has been getting worse due to run off of fertilizers. I never go there.

You are actually just north of my lake house at Lake Berryessa which is about 45 minutes to the south of Clear lake. I am not there due to work

Mendocino was just a little further back. After that was blue lake (smaller than Mendocino) and then another small lake, than this one all in about 20-30 minutes..

Pics from this place.

 

[RiverDave]

I will say we are staying at this little campground that just sold.. the new owners are maki by efforts to clean it up and make it nice.

I dunno what they are gonna do about the bugs though.. it’s pretty insane. Their are millions of them jumping off the ground at sunset.. enough of them I actually took a video of it because it is pretty wild.. lol

 

[RiverDave]

Bugs in the sun (you can see them at the end)

 

[Gramps]

Yup. Clear lake is NOT clear

Been that way forever. when I was a kid in the late 50's we would spend 2 week there every summer around Clearlake Oaks. I learned to water ski there. For a 19 year old it was a blast, ski, swim and fish all day.

 

[DaveC]

Mendocino was just a little further back. After that was blue lake (smaller than Mendocino) and then another small lake, than this one all in about 20-30 minutes..

Oh yes Blue Lakes. It is crammed right on the highway. Nice little place. I have driven by there many times never stopped, There is some nice motorcycle riding in the hills by there above Upper Lake.

Are you driving thru Napa today? highway 29 to I 80.

Stop in Calistoga or St Helena

 

[timstoy]

I will say we are staying at this little campground that just sold.. the new owners are maki by efforts to clean it up and make it nice.

I dunno what they are gonna do about the bugs though.. it’s pretty insane. Their are millions of them jumping off the ground at sunset.. enough of them I actually took a video of it because it is pretty wild.. lol View attachment 1140620 View attachment 1140621 View attachment 1140622 View attachment 1140623 View attachment 1140624

Looks like the old Aurora RV park in Nice. We went years ago said they were going to put in docks, doesn‘t look they did.

 

[jonnyd]

The side of the lake you are on is usually the worst for weeds and algae. It is quite shallow especially this time of year and the afternoon wind pushes the algae into that area. The Lake is actually quite large and is split into two sections. The other side of the lake around Konocti and Buckingham is deeper and the wind keeps the water pretty clear.

My friend who lives in Lakeport was out on the lake this weekend and said that the water was better than he thought it was going to be as you got away from shore.

Blue Lakes is a popular little spot during the summer. There are two lakes right next to each other. The one on the west side is very deep which keeps the water cool and fresh for swimming but both lakes are extremely small and so a 5mph speed limit, and mainly kayaks etc.

Hope you come back another time when were not in a drought. Clear Lake is actually a wonderful lake. Many times during the week I have been the only boat around. The fishing is also off the chart!

 

[dread Pirate]

When you get to Williams where 20 meets 5 there's an Italian deli Granzellas. Make the stop. Great food. Get olives stuffed with jalapeños and habaneros or whatever you're into.

 

[RiverDave]

Looks like the old Aurora RV park in Nice. We went years ago said they were going to put in docks, doesn‘t look they did.

That’s where we are!

Headed to Lake Tahoe today I believe..

 

[HCP3]

Have you run into this guy yet?

Reddit - Dive into anything

v.redd.it

 

[stephenkatsea]

South shore Tahoe is where most of the larger hotels and casinos are. They have some interesting Black Jack variations. North shore, not so much as far as casinos. The Truckee river tube float is good, depending on the water flow. I’m sure you could call ahead for info. The little town of Truckee is nice. Then there’s Donner Lake and Park. That’s at or near where the Donner Party famous ordeal occurred. It’s a beautiful area.

 

[RogerThat99]

That’s where we are!

Headed to Lake Tahoe today I believe..

I wish I was home. I would meet up for a beer... but I'm am not home until Friday.

 

[Dirtbag]

Say hi to Grads!

 

[rivermobster]

That’s where we are!

Headed to Lake Tahoe today I believe..

Please go check out Emerald Cove from the street. The view is beyond amazing. And if you do end up taking a boat over there, you'll appreciate it that much more.

 

[RiverDave]

Cute little trailer. They are hand built by a couple
Engineers in WI.

Separate note met some rdp lurkers Adrian and Jon.. she’s watches the videos etc on fb and grew up going to havasu.

 

[RiverDave]

It’s a shame we are only here one day.. Lake Tahoe is absolutely beautiful and I’d love to spend more time here, preferably with a boat!! Most amazing lake I have ever been too in terms of beauty.

The drive up the mountain was breath taking with the fork river along side the road the whole way.. some pics of emerald bay (it’s a two mile hike down the mountain to the beach fyi, better to go by boat)

If you goto that Richardson ice cream shop get the “baby scoop”.. it’s still three or four legit scoops of ice cream. The single scoop is huge
These are baby scoops half eaten. Lol

 

[RiverDave]

Love this little trailer

 

[Racer56]

Love this little trailer View attachment 1141148 View attachment 1141149

It's cute until you have to crawl in and out of it, especially in the middle of the night when you have to take a piss.

 

[Willie B]

…

It's cute until you have to crawl in and out of it, especially in the middle of the night when you have to take a piss.

Friend of mine hooked one of the original teardrop trailers up to a trailer hitch on a Fiat sport car in the early 70s… And toured the United States with his girlfriend… said they had a great time…

 

[DaveC]

Yup that’s the spot

 

[The Prisoner]

It’s a shame we are only here one day.. Lake Tahoe is absolutely beautiful and I’d love to spend more time here, preferably with a boat!! Most amazing lake I have ever been too in terms of beauty.

The drive up the mountain was breath taking with the fork river along side the road the whole way.. some pics of emerald bay (it’s a two mile hike down the mountain to the beach fyi, better to go by boat)

If you goto that Richardson ice cream shop get the “baby scoop”.. it’s still three or four legit scoops of ice cream. The single scoop is huge
These are baby scoops half eaten. Lol View attachment 1141102 View attachment 1141103 View attachment 1141104 View attachment 1141105 View attachment 1141106 View attachment 1141107 View attachment 1141108 View attachment 1141109 View attachment 1141110 View attachment 1141111 View attachment 1141112 View attachment 1141113 View attachment 1141114 View attachment 1141115 View attachment 1141116 View attachment 1141117 View attachment 1141118 View attachment 1141119 View attachment 1141120 View attachment 1141121 View attachment 1141123 View attachment 1141124

Would love to go there. David Coverdale from Whitesnake lives in Incline Village and posts beautiful pics from there. Your in Grads’ country no?

 

[Badchoices03]

Awesome vacation, wish I could do something like that with the family, I would even take our asshole dog as well...lol

How is the MH doing?

 

[rivermobster]

It’s a shame we are only here one day.. Lake Tahoe is absolutely beautiful and I’d love to spend more time here, preferably with a boat!! Most amazing lake I have ever been too in terms of beauty.

The drive up the mountain was breath taking with the fork river along side the road the whole way.. some pics of emerald bay (it’s a two mile hike down the mountain to the beach fyi, better to go by boat)

If you goto that Richardson ice cream shop get the “baby scoop”.. it’s still three or four legit scoops of ice cream. The single scoop is huge
These are baby scoops half eaten. Lol View attachment 1141102 View attachment 1141103 View attachment 1141104 View attachment 1141105 View attachment 1141106 View attachment 1141107 View attachment 1141108 View attachment 1141109 View attachment 1141110 View attachment 1141111 View attachment 1141112 View attachment 1141113 View attachment 1141114 View attachment 1141115 View attachment 1141116 View attachment 1141117 View attachment 1141118 View attachment 1141119 View attachment 1141120 View attachment 1141121 View attachment 1141123 View attachment 1141124

So glad you got to go. It's been a few years since I've been. So jealous!

One of the most awesome things I've ever seen in my life was the moon rising over the mountains on the east side of the lake...

We were on the west shore, at about the middle of the lake.

When the full moon got above the mountains, the moonlight reflected off of the water, all the way across the lake to where we were just hanging out on the shore.

I've never been in the winter, only in the summer. It's an amazing lake.

 

[rivermobster]

@RiverDiva @RiverDave

Mammoth suggestions...

As others have said, downtown Mammoth is a bit crowded. Just go to the store for groceries and get out. It's just another small town.

The Main Lodge...

Might be fun for the kids, if they are into Mt. Biking! You can rent bikes there, you go up the ski lifts (with the bikes) and haul azz back down. If they don't have a lot of experience, you might wanna pass on this. It's kinna cool to go check out. Lots of tourists though. Still fun. And there is usually good food to be found.

Mammoth Lakes...

kinna cool. The upper lakes are very nice. But there will be a lot of tourists this time of year. Park the MH and drive the toad.

June Lake Loop...

The north end is kinna barren, but there are lakes spread out the whole loop. The northern most lake is the biggest one? Not sure how much water will be in there now. If your feeling brave, you can camp the shore on the east side of Grant Lake if you want. Dry camping. No spots. The south end is VERY scenic. The water in June lake is crystal blue. It's amazing how clean it is! If you go to the beach, it WILL be packed! Get there early if so inclined. My favorite place for lunch is The Double Eagle Inn. Get a seat by the window, and you'll have the most amazing views of the waterfalls coming down the rock mountains. I usually get the fish tacos. I can't afford the prices for dinner!

Yosemite...

You'll be close to the northern most parts of Yosemite. Head out Early, and get breakfast at...

SHIT! I was going to tell you to go to the Tioga Pass Resort, but it looks like it's closed for now. Such a bitchin little place. I hope they reopen soon.

Maybe grab breakfast somewhere in June Lake, and then head up to the pass (highway 120) out of Lee Vining and head for Tuolumne Meadows. On the way, you'll pass some of the most pristine lakes you'll EVER see. Since food will be scarce, gas up and take the MH, and stop where ever you feel like along the way. I have no doubt you'll want to stop and get in the water. It's cold AF, but the kids will jump in anyway! lol

There is a place to eat at the Tuolumne Meadows lodge, but I think they only have burgers and stuff. If you take the MH, you won't have to worry about it. (Or call ahead, and see if they have food, and then just take the toad). Pull off the road at TM and let the kids go explore for awhile. There are SO many cool things to see! Old cabins. Beautiful rivers. Natural springs. Granite domes. They can run all over the place, and you really won't have to hang with them. Give them time to explore on their own. Stick to the north side of the meadows, it's wide open. The south of the road side is far more scenic, but I wouldn't let them explore alone. Too easy to get turned around!

Bodie...

I've never been. I'm sure others can fill you in.

Mono Lake...

Pretty cool views. There are these flies that hang out by the shore (on the ground). As you walk through them, the fly up about a foot, and then fly back down to the ground. It's kinna like Pig Pen in Charlie brown. There will be cloud around your feet as you walk through them! They don't land on you or bother you. It's trip to just to see em move around. Go late in the day when it's cool and the sun will make lots of shadows. I think it's one of those things you have to see one time. The whole place is a trip.

Devils Post Pile....

Kind of a tourist trap, kind of cool. You have to take a tram over there now? It's a bit of walking, not sure how your ankle will hold up, but Stacy and the kids can do it easily. It's a trippy sight to see.

Mammoth Hot Springs...

Never been. I've heard it's kinna cool though.

Owens River Road/Big Springs Campground...

It's just a couple miles out to the campground. It's first come first serve, but if you get their mid week, and find and open spot HEAVY SCORE!!! You'll be in the middle between Mammoth and June Lake. You can explore all over from there. As you drive out Owens River Road, you'll see peeps parked out in the trees. It's open camping, kinna like Glamis. Find a spot and call it your own.

Dinner in Mammoth...

There are tons of places to choose from, all of them designed primarily to take your money!!! I'd stick to your MH. You'll probably get much better meals there, and for a whole lot less cost. I'm sure others will have better recommendations than me, cause I don't often eat dinner out up there. I'm too cheap, and I can't find the one place I do like on the map. Maybe the rona shut the place down.

Oh and of course, this weekend: https://villageatmammoth.com/summer-festivity/village-fest/

And if you stick around for awhile: https://mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/

That's all I can think of for now. Enjoy and have fun!

 

[stephenkatsea]

June Lake, RV camping, full hook ups, Pine Cliff Resort at Oh Ridge.

http://pinecliffresort.net/

 

[RVRKID]

Tiger Bar for breakfast in June...

 

[Meaney77]

If you are headed to Mammoth coming from Tahoe, check out the Tioga Mobil gas station- They have good food and drinks and some live entertainment with a cool view of Mono Lake.

Menu — The Mobil

Whoa Nellie Deli. Gourmet food in a gas station. Lee Vining.

www.whoanelliedeli.com

The Stove in the town of Mammoth is kind of a staple for breakfast-http://www.thestoverestaurantmammoth.com/

If you do head to Bodie, the road in is a bitch in any vehicle.

There is some great fishing in June Lake and stream fishing along the Owens River. Fish and Game are sticklers for fishing permits and barbless hooks.

If you are feeling adventurous you can take your jeep wheeling all through Mammoth and check out Laurel Lakes.

 

[rivermobster]

Mammoth Lakes, California on Instagram: "For those looking to explore Rainbow Falls, Devil’s Postpile and the surrounding area here are a few things to remember: Day use visitors are required to use a shuttle to enter the valley between the hours of

2,220 likes, 43 comments - visitmammoth on July 28, 2022: "For those looking to explore Rainbow Falls, Devil’s Postpile and the surrounding area here are a few things to remember: Day use visitors are required to use a shuttle to enter the valley between the hours of 7am to 7pm. Your tickets...

www.instagram.com

 

[stephenkatsea]

When we first went out to Bodie, back in the 50s, it seemed more like a rumor. Our Dad had heard about it, so we headed out the way in his Chevy station wagon. Felt like it took hours to get out there. Finally, there it was. No fences, no gates, no guards, rangers or fees. Looked like everything was just as it had been left and visitors totally respected that, back then.

 

[mbrown2]

If headed to Mammoth go main lodge...they do gondola rides to the top....amazing views from up there, also places to get drinks/food there and mid mountain at mccoys...they have also opened up a new climbing experience at mainlodge for all levels beginners to intermediate..

Also take the shuttle from village out to Devils Post Pile

Also visit the Mammoth Lakes. (Twin, Mary, ect)....I was there a couple of weeks ago...I did not think it was crowded...its pretty epic there....kind of nature that makes you question where you want to call home...

 

[RiverDave]

We made it to mammoth yesterday! And what a day it was.. lol.

Left Tahoe and went to Carson Nevada.. there I setup camp in a Home Depot parking lot.. I’m not placing any blame because I’ve done it before but we stacked a lot of chairs on the water pump and it managed to sheer all the bolts off the assembly.. meaning the remainder of the bolts was in the assembly.. lol

No problem dads a machinist.. bought a drill, drill set, tap.. fixed..

We also had a small water leak. I had the water heater replaced when we were in campland and upgraded to the new bad ass digital unit.. called Stacy and she’s always out so I emptied the cabinets and found the leak and fixed it..

Kitchen fauctet would not retract so while I was in there I fixed that..

 

[RiverDave]

Mono lake was beautiful coming over the mountain range.. we stopped that the view point.

 

[rivermobster]

We made it to mammoth yesterday! And what a day it was.. lol.

Left Tahoe and went to Carson Nevada.. there I setup camp in a Home Depot parking lot.. I’m not placing any blame because I’ve done it before but we stacked a lot of chairs on the water pump and it managed to sheer all the bolts off the assembly.. meaning the remainder of the bolts was in the assembly.. lol

No problem dads a machinist.. bought a drill, drill set, tap.. fixed..

We also had a small water leak. I had the water heater replaced when we were in campland and upgraded to the new bad ass digital unit.. called Stacy and she’s always out so I emptied the cabinets and found the leak and fixed it..

Kitchen fauctet would not retract so while I was in there I fixed that..

View attachment 1141619 View attachment 1141620 View attachment 1141621 View attachment 1141622

MacGyver Dave's Place.

 

[RiverDave]

Stacy took some pics of the drive and I can’t for the life of me figure out where it saved them in my phone when I downloaded them from the text..

I can say the Eastern sierras are just as beautiful as the western Sierras.. incredible drive, beautiful river along side the highway..

And there are some straight up BALLER pads over near that mono lake area and past it on the way to mammoth.. I mean like movie star money type places..

Until I find the pics all I got is roasting hot dogs by the fire..