Monday, May 30, 2016

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Over Tioga Pass Again Scotts Valley, CA, Library

    While I had driven through Ely, NV, twice previously, I missed Great Basin National Park -- once because it was too cold.
    However, these photos were taken on 2 September 2016, when temperatures were more hospitable.

 


    One of the biggest Class A RVs I've ever seen. It was on a trailer pulled by a diesel bigger than most commercial diesel trucks. And it was parked across US6 from a BLM campground at Sacramento Pass.

 

 

 

 

    While some people think of Nevada as a flat desert, the sign on the park-side of Sacramento Pass indicates a 6% grade.

 

 

    John C. Fremont discovered and named Great Basin, indicating that whichever way he measured it produced the same diameter: 50 miles. It's essentially a conglomeration of several smaller basins or drainages within the 50-mile diameter.

 

 

 

    Wheeler Peak, at 13,064 ft is only 63 ft shorter than Boundary Peak in the White Mountains along the Nevada's western border with California.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Zooming in here's a closer look at Wheeler Peak with a cloud as a hat that's slightly off-center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Zooming in yet again puts "the hat" atop Wheeler Peak.

 

 

 

 

 

Links:
Routes:
  • Th 13 Oct Actual Route: K&Js - Hayfork - Weaverville - Redding - Anderson - Dunnigan I-5 Rest Area
  • F 14 Oct Actual Route: Dunnigan I-5 Rest Area - Vacaville - San Jose - SV Lib - DWLs
  • Sa 15 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - SV P.O. - DWLs
  • Su 16 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - SV $ Tree - S/W - DWLs
  • M 17 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - SV $ Tree - DWLs
  • T 18 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - Aptos Lib - DWLs
  • W 19 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - $ Tree - DWLs
  • Th 20 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - Aptos Lib - Salinas W/M - Marina W/M - DWLs
  • F 21 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - $ Tree - DWLs
  • Sa 22 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - SV Lib - WHLs - DWLs
  • Su 23 Oct Actual Route: DWLs
  • M 24 Oct Route: DWLs - E.Cliff $ Tree - Aptos Lib - DWLs

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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Friday, May 20, 2016

Over Tioga Pass Again

Over Tioga Pass Again Grand Jcn, CO, Lowe's

    Most of my trips over Tioga Pass have been from east to west; hwr, the trip on 31 Aug 2016 was from west to east.
    And the first scenic stop was at Olmsted Point, which has a large parking lot. The dome visible between two pines is not Half Dome. [See links below.]

 

 

 


    At the east end of the Olmsted Pt Parking Lot there's a good view of Tenaya Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Zooming in gives one a slightly better view of this roadside lake -- where there is often insufficient parking for those who wish to take photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The western edge of Tuolumne Mdws -- where the vehicles seem at times to outnumber the flies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Look north while ignoring the glare from the silver SUV on the other side of CA120.

 

 

 

 

 

 


    I suspect only a few of these vehicles belong to hikers or backpackers headed to or at Cathedral Lakes.

 

 

 

 

 


    Finally, here's a zoom north tween the "silver mirror" and another vehicle.

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Finally at the front of the line I scrambled to take this photo of the Tioga Pass kiosk.

 

 

 

 

 


    Here's a closeup with the elevation of 9945 feet clearly noted -- the highest of the passes over the Sierra Nevada.

 

 

 

 


    There was a strong SW wind blowing, but the waves caused by it are not visible from here.

 

 

 

 

 


    The waves are clearly visible through my right window despite the reflection of the sun from my ice chest.

 

 

 

 

Links:
Routes:
  • W 5 Oct Actual Route: Bishop City Pk - Irwin Spector - Lone Pine - Olancha - CA90 bd
  • Th 6 Oct Actual Route: CA 90bd - Inyokern - Kennedy Mdws - Sherman Pass - Kernville - Bakersfield - Wasco W/M
  • F 7 Oct Actual Route: Wasco W/M - Paso Robles - San Miguel - Salinas - Marina W/M - SC - DWLs
  • Sa 8 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - Aptos Br Lib - DWLs
  • Su 9 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - Scotts Valley Br Lib - Dollar Tree - DWLs
  • M 10 Oct Actual Route: DWLs - San Jose - SF - Bodega Bay - Ft Bragg - McDs - S&As
  • T 11 Oct Actual Route: Ft Bragg(S&As) - Eureka - Forest Glen - Hyampom
  • W 12 Oct Actual Route: Hyampom - Hayfork - Weaverville - Hayfork - K&Js
  • Th 13 Oct Actual Route: K&Js - Hayfork - Weaverville - Redding - Anderson - Dunnigan I-5 Rest Area
  • F 14 Oct Route: Dinnigan I-5 Rest Area - Vacaville - San Jose - SV Lib -DWLs

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Trans-Sierra Passes

Trans-Sierra Passes Scotts Valley, CA, Library
    A look at the eastern approach on CA120 to Tioga Pass (9945'), highest of the passes crossing the Sierra Nevada in Californa.
    Most of the routes crossing the Sierra Nevada continue east to at least US395, if not farther. Luther, Walker, & Yuba Passes are omitted since they are shortcuts to other more heavily-traveled east-west passes.

 

 


    Sonora Pass (9624') on CA108 is the pass I've used to cross the Sierra Nevada the most often. It's the second-highest trans-Sierra pass.

 

    My favorite pass is not on a California State Route but is on US Forest Service Road #22S05 near the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. On a clear day one can see Mt Whitney to the NNE from the Vista Area atop Sherman Pass (9200'). Hwr, while paved, the road is not accessible by vehicles towing moderate to large trailers such as 5th-Wheelers. And most Class A RVs will be unable to navigate the hairpin turns from Kernville to Sherman Pass. [SeeTRGLinks below.]

 

 

    Ebbetts Pass (8736')is not for the faint-of-heart since it has improved only slightly from when it was a trail for the Miwok and Washoe Indians. Oh, this 4th-highest (by my rankings) pass on CA4 is passable, but avoid it unless you are an experienced driver of mountain roads.

 

 

 

 

    Red Lake near Carson Pass (8574') is not too far from Lake Tahoe on CA88.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    A California State Historical Landmark on US50 for Echo Summit, near where the U.S. Track Team trained for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

 

 

 

 

 


    Donner Pass, named after the ill-fated Donner Party of 1846-7, has a couple of different heights depending on which road you use, 7056' or 7240' (Euer Saddle). [See the link below to Wikipedia's list of California's Mountain Passes.]

 

 

 

 

 

 


    The lowest of the trans-Sierra passes: Beckwourth Pass (5221').

 

 

Links:
TRG Links:
Routes:
  • F 26 Aug Actual Route: DWL's - Aptos Lib - Marina W/M - Castroville - DWL's
  • Sa 27 Aug Actual Route: DWL's - Salvation Army - Goodwill - DWL's
    • ...
  • T 30 Aug Actual Route: DWL's - Aptos Lib - Los Banos - Watorford - Groveland R/S
  • W 31 Aug Actual Route: The Pines USFS CG - Crane Flat - Tioga Pass - Benton - Montgomery Ps - US95 R/A
  • Th 1 Sep Actual Route: US95 R/A - Tonapah,NV - RR Vy - Ely - Prospector Casino RV Pk
  • F 2 Sep Actual Route: Prospector RV Pk - Baker - Gt Basin NP - Delta,UT - Salina (Hollys Pantry)
  • Sa 3 Sep Actual Route: Hollys Pantry - Green River - Grand Jcn,CO, Lowe's - Rimrock Rd W/M
  • Su 4 Sep Actual Route: Rimrock Rd W/M - $ Tree - Lowe's - Rimrock Rd W/M
  • M 5 Sep Route: Rimrock Rd W/M - Lowe's - Rimrock Rd W/M
  • T 6 Sep Route: Rimrock Rd W/M - Sears - Rifle

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Bishop to the Clark Fork via Sonora Pass

Bishop to the Clark Fork via Sonora Pass Atherton, CA, Library
    All of these photos were taken on Friday 3 Jun 2016 during a drive north from Bishop, CA, along US395N to Sonora Junction and thence west along CA108 over Sonora Pass.
    This first photo was taken near the top of the climb from the Owens Valley to near Sherwin Summit. It's of the White Mountains to the east.

     With both the White Mtns and the Sierra Nevada reaching peaks above 14,000', and Bishop situated at 4,150', Genny Schumacher titled her book on the Owens Valley The Deepest Valley.

 

 

 

    A look at both Round Valley to the right and the Owens Valley extending south from the center of this photo not too far from Sherwin Summit.

 

 

 

    Though I'm not certain, I believe this photo was taken just north of Sherwin Summit before US395N reaches Crowley Lake.

 

 

 

 

    Excluding the ski areas near Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain is the most popular ski area on the east side of the Sierra Nevada -- especially for those living in southern California.
    Mammoth Mountain is triangular-shaped when viewed from the south or north. Note the Minarets in the low spot along the Sierra Nevada crest (Minaret Summit) between Mammoth and the three sharp-pointed peaks to the north.

 


    Driving a bit north, here's a closer look at Mammoth Mountain and the Minarets.

 

 

 

 

 


    This shot as well as the next show the difference between the Minarets and most of the rest of the Sierra Nevada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Looking south along the northern edge of Mono Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Panning left...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Panning again...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Panning yet again...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Zooming in...

 

 

 

 

 

 


    The muddy Walker River just east of the USMC Pickle Mdw Moutain Warfare Training Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Looking upstream...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Looking NE into Nevada one still sees snow on the higher peaks.

 

 

 

 


    Looking up Leavitt Creek, which is visible through the trees directly below the highest peak, and CA108 toward Sonora Pass, which is out of this photo to the right.

 

 

 

 

 


    Sonora Pass, second in height only to Tioga Pass of the trans-Sierra passes.

 

 

 

 

 

 


    Looking upstream from the bridge over the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River.

 

 


    Last link below to Middle Fork of Stanislaus bridge, which is less than 100 yds from the Clark Fork bridge.

 

 

 

Links:
Routes:
    --
  • Su 14 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - East Cliff $ Tree - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • M 15 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - APC Propane - CA1N bd
  • T 16 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • W 17 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • Th 18 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Capitola VA Clinic - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • F 19 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - SV $ Tree - CA1N bd
  • Sa 20 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • Su 21 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • M 22 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos Lib - CA1N bd
  • T 23 Aug Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - S Tree - CA1N bd

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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Monday, April 25, 2016

A Better Way to Use Amazon's Customer Service

A Better Way to Use Amazon's Customer Service Scotts Valley, CA, Library

    If you're like me, you've no doubt purchased more than just books from Amazon. Eventually, if you buy enough things, there will be a problem that will make it necessary to contact their Customer Service.

    Because I do not have a cell phone I searched for tips on using Amazon's Customer Service. Not only did I find a way to contact their Customer Service without a phone, but I also learned that a phone call might not be the most efficient way to solve your problem.

    A young woman who calls herself Briallyn Smith suggests that a Live Chat might well be faster than using a phone -- unless you like to listen to "elevator jazz" or other types of music while you're on hold. She titles her post "The Best Amazon Customer Service Tips That Make You a Better Shopper." [See Links below]

    I ordered a used Reader's Digest Songbook from Amazon and specified that it be delivered to the Fort Bragg, CA, post office. However, when the UPS driver got to an empty loading dock behind that post office he was unwilling to walk around to the front of the post office, which had been open for 55 minutes, and deliver the package.

    Yesterday, a Sunday, I used a Live Chat with an Amazon Customer Service Rep named Carmen. She refunded both what I had paid for the Songbook and the shipping charges. In fact, she had no other calls, for she waited while I re-ordered another copy of the Songbook.

    One final thought: if you're a night owl, you likely won't have any trouble using a Live Chat when it's 1 a.m. on the west coast and 4 a.m. on the east coast. [I assume Amazon's Customer Service operates 24/7!]
Links:
Routes:
    --
  • W 10 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Pharm - Los Gatos - Santa Cruz
  • Th 11 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • F 12 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - CA1N bd
  • Sa 13 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - L/H Pt - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • Su 14 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - East Cliff $ Tree - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • M 15 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - APC Propane - CA1N bd
  • T 16 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • W 17 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • Th 18 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Capitola VA Clinic - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • F 19 Aug Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib SV $ Tree - CA1N bd

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

16 July 2016 Lemmon Clan Reunion

16 July 2016 Lemmon Clan Reunion     For the first time since 2012 the descendants of George Thomas Lemmon and Johan Emanual Sallinen gathered in Fort Bragg, CA for a joint family reunion at the McGuire Ranch BBQ/Picnic Area.
    While the turnout was smaller than in years past those who attended seemed to enjoy talking with their relatives,near and far, in both families.
    Have moved the Group Photo down in hopes of helping this post load more quickly.

 

 

 

Michelle Roberts & son Ryan Patterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BBQ Pit and a few chow hounds.

 

 

 

 

 

Jasper's Family: Kristene Colombi, who took this photo, Steve Colombi (holding Elli-Mae), Arlene Lemmon Colombi, Brad Torbec, Jaana Makkala Lemmon, & Ken Lemmon.

 

 

 

 

Dave & Bob Lemmon Jr. [Where's my hat? It's not in the Smithsonian -- yet.]

 

 

 

 

 

One beer drinker & two teetotalers? Naw! Ken Lemmon, Don Holberg, & Stan Channel all guzzle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eleanor Lemmon Dahl Holberg's Descendants:Don, Waylan, & John Holberg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark, a crab-trapper & salmon fisherman and Junice & Darrin Gleason -- the latter two being Sallinen descendants.

 

 

 

 

 

Nadine Colberg & John Mottoros. Guess whose eyes are bloodshot?

 

 

 


[The following group photo was taken by Kristene Colombi Torbeck, who is 5th from the left.] [L-R:John Holberg, Darrin Gleason?, Mark, Junice Gleason, Kristene Torbeck, Steve Colombi, Arlene, Brad Torbeck, Nadine, John Mottoros, Stan Channel,Cyndi Channel, Michelle Roberts, Jaana, Waylan/Waylon?, Bob Jr, Don Holberg, Dave Lemmon, Ken Lemmon, & Ryan Patterson] (Kristene & Brad's dog Sadi is seated between Kristene and her mother Arlene Lemmon Colombi, who is holding "attack-dog" Elli-Mae.)


Lastly, Casper Lumber Company Locomotive #2 (Daisy), which was maintained and driven by Loyal Lemmon Sr. It's located next to the Laurel Deli at the Ft Bragg Skunk Terminal. [Photo by Dave Lemmon.]

Links:
Routes:
    --
  • Sa 16 Jul Actual Route: Colombi bd - McD's - McGuire Rnch - Colombi bd
    • ...
  • F 5 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Vascular Appt - Los Altos W/M - RV Pk Lot
  • Sa 6 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Atherton Lib - RV Pk Lot
  • Su 7 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Menlo Pk Lib - RV Pk Lot
  • M 8 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Wound Care Appt - Pharm - RV Pk Lot
  • T 9 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Pharm - Half Moon Bay
  • W 10 Aug Actual Route: RV Pk Lot - Bldg 100 - Pharm - Los Gatos - Santa Cruz
  • Th 11 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - SV Lib - CA1N bd
  • F 12 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - Lighthouse Pt - Aptos P.O. - CA1N bd
  • Sa 13 Aug Actual Route: CA1N bd - L/H Pt - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd
  • Su 14 Aug Route: CA1N bd - East Cliff $ Tree - SV Lib - WHL's - CA1N bd

Finding Campgrounds:

N.B. I receive nothing from Trailer Life, Woodalls, or FreeCampsites.net for including links to their free campground lookups.
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