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| Original hot springs house - Grover Hot Springs |
Markleeville, Fredricksburg, Gardnerville.....these names sound familiar. Look at the map and realize we have been several miles north of the area I remember.
Let's go check it out!
Taking Hwy 395 south to Hwy 88, we enter California at the base of the Sierras. Fredricksburg still has a road, but no town remains. I think it was just a single, old wooden building even twenty years ago. The mountains tuck in more closely here, the valley spotted with colorful trees, and small ranches. Ravines cut patterns through the grassland. This part of the valley is exactly how I remember it - absolutely beautiful. Yep, I could still live here.
We continue east toward Markleeville on Hwy 4 and I now remember that as the road I traveled from Stockton, CA. The general store is still there, along with four small eateries and a lodge. The county has a good size building on the corner, and the post office and library round out the town. All on the main street. Population 200, interspersed throughout the mountain.
A small side road takes us to Grover Hot Springs State Park. A small sign gives the "pool" hours. Pool? The campground is primitive with 22' trailer limit.
Around a corner and we come to a huge golden meadow surrounded by pine forest and steep mountains with jagged rock. It's pretty even in its brittle-dry state.
One small parking lot is full at 11:00 AM, the other has a couple spaces left. A trail cuts through the meadow and into the trees. The weather is perfect, just reaching 70 degrees when we arrive. Let's go for a walk!
I wear my Keene hiking boots all the time - driving the rig, out to dinner, grocery shopping. Today I'm in sandals :-(. So this can't be a hike, it has to be a walk.
The active creek is a wonderful surprise and we spend some time just listening to it moving over the rocks and through the beaver dam. Beyond the water, the forest canopy is healthy and green.
Bill points out the pool behind the large fenced in area - a real swimming pool - and the hot springs coming out of the ground above it. Oooh, makes sense now :-/
Today there are several people enjoying the hot water and the gate is open for all comers. But there is a chained "waiting line" area outside the fence so this spot must get crowds in the summer.
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| Current hot springs pool |
Coming down the mountain Bill talks with Kevin who is feeling much better and expecting to be released later in the day. A couple changes in his meds seems to have made the difference. Great news! Plans are made for us all to get together.
They stop by to see our home, and then, like our first evening in Carson City, having a great time with new friends over dinner, we spend our last night here with old friends over dinner. We're so happy Kevin is okay.
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| Bridgette, Kevin, Karla, Bill, Jodee |
Our week here has been a good one, and we're ready to move south to enjoy more of the beauty and adventure of Hwy 395.
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| The only fall color in the mountains - this little tree really stood out |
Beautiful area you are in but with fall everywhere it might be time to start thinking about moving a little farther south. You certainly don't want to get caught in any unseasonal early snow.
ReplyDeleteWe're keeping an eye on the two-week forecast and looking at highs in the upper 70's so far. Luckily we're a few hours from "below the snow line" so if the weather looks to change we should be able to miss it :-)
DeleteI read about the Hot Spring somewhere. Glad you found it! How fun was traveling again after so many years and bringing back those memories:) Nice to see your friend is well and was able to visit your new home:) Get on the horse and come to Bishop to catch us!
ReplyDeleteIt's really fun to share it with Bill who has not spent time in this area! We're playing here until Friday so we can see some of the places you went from Lee Vining. Bishop may be our next stop, but we're dragging our wheels because it's still in the 90's in Santa Clarita :-(
DeleteSounds like a beautiful place to relax at, reminds me of the hot springs and pool in Ouray CO.
ReplyDeleteIt "felt" relaxing even in the meadow and forest. Didn't realize it was there or we might have brought our suits!!
DeleteMarkleeville sure is a sweet little town! Looks like you had a great stay overall in Carson Valley.
ReplyDeleteThe people were as wonderful as the place, and a nice balance with the "big city." We will definitely return to the Carson Valley!
DeleteLove to find those out of the way hotsprings. Glad to hear Kevin is OK.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great little surprise. Us too - he's such a good guy.
DeleteI've heard a lot about going down 395. That hot pool sounds like a great reason to stop at the park even if at 35' they won't let us stay there. Which Keenes do you have? I'm in need of a replacement for my 20 year old boots that are sadly falling apart.
ReplyDeleteDebbie (see comment below) says there are boondocking spots nearby! I have the Keen Targhee II Mid for women. They are water resistant and super comfortable on rocks and in sand - and for every day walking.
DeleteWhat a fun day trip! We always enjoy hot springs, so I'm going to put that one on our list. So glad to hear that all is well with your friend Kevin. Enjoy your continued travels down 395! We'll be heading that direction in a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteYour timing should be perfect as the colors are just starting to show, the temps are supposed to be in the mid 70s for at least another ten days, and the clear skies make for amazing star gazing at night!
DeleteNow you are in my backyard. My place zone. I've hiked and kayaked all over Hwy 88. It's my absolute favorite part of the Sierras! It's SO beautiful! There is a really nice place to boondock right near Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 if you're in that area again.
ReplyDeleteIt really is magical up there! When we come back we'll hopefully have our solar so we will look for spots in the area for sure.
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