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Ski Pro 3

Placerville area

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Joined: 06/15/2012

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Posted: 09/23/13 10:16am

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A couple weeks ago I took a week-long motorcycle camping trip with a buddy of mine I met on a motorcycle user forum years ago. We go on a couple trips every year and we always have a blast. One thing we noticed on this trip was how much light there was after the sun had set even though there was no moon and even if there was, it rose and set wit the sun anyway. That got me thinking about camping under a full moon and sure enough, last week was a full moon. While that was reason enough to plan a trip, a couple other events were also supposed to be taking place; first is the Autumn Equinox and second; a change in weather with the first precipitation in 5 months expected. So, I loaded up the camper, the wife and the dog and off we went to Hope Valley. Hope Valley is in the Sierra Nevada mountains just one pass South of Lake Tahoe near the intersection of highways 88 and 89. We arrived around noon and the air temperature was about 60 degrees. Since it's been quite warm around our place, this was very nice. After setting up, all of 10 minutes to accomplish, I dug out a book and propped my feet up to enjoy the afternoon sun and warming air. By 2pm the temperature had climbed to the low 70's and it was time to check out the trout fishing on the Carson River. Fishing was pretty steady, landing one about every 15 minutes or so. I kept one for breakfast the next morning and after, went out to site in my new Rugar 10/22 rifle and scope. Once dialed in, it was time to go check out the after noon fishing. Clouds started pouring over the Carson Pass to the West and the temperature started to drop. While fishing, the rain started and soon changed to sleet. DW had come out the sit while I fished so we stayed a little longer, she shielded by some willow brush and me starting to get a little wet. We decided to head back to the camper and fix some hot chocolate before it got too wet. By the time the sun started to set, the sleet had changed to snow and we sat looking as the flakes started to stick to the ground. Off to bed and dream of a white Christmas! Ha! Next morning there was not much snow on the ground around us, but the surrounding peaks were covered in maybe 3 or 4 inches of the white stuff. With the wet weather on Saturday, there was no one else camping and hardly anyone on the roads. We stopped off at Apple Hill and had some hot cider and an apple fritter before finally heading to our own driveway.
One of the best things about owning a camper and being retired is the spontaneity of taking off at a moment's notice. Hope you all enjoy the photos!

RoyB

King George, VA

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Posted: 09/23/13 10:28am

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Makes me remember my younger JEEP CAMPING DAYS in the high country of AZ and NM way back then...

Don't get no better that that...

Thanks for the memory lane...

Roy Ken

My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
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Scott16

Planing to buy. Research in progress

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Posted: 09/23/13 10:37am

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Thanks for the photos and the report.
Always nice to go camping anytime, and a good harvest moon to brighten the landscape.
Scott

US Navy Retired IC1(SW)USS Fletcher DD-992

Reddog1

El Dorado, CA

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Posted: 09/23/13 10:45am

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I see my kind of breakfast, add a little Lousiana Hot Sauce and I'm ready to go. I think it is fantastic to see a storm rolling it, and even better to watch the snow falling. It appears you had a good time.

It has been a couple of years since we have been to Hope Valley. We like to camp on the river, and at Upper or Lower Blue Lakes. We don't care for the Hope Valley Campground. The weather is very unpredictable this time of year.

Wayne

Ski Pro 3

Placerville area

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:00am

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The area we camped at is a 'dispersed' camping area, not a formal Hope Valley campground you have to pay to stay at. It's at the Scott Lake turn.

Raften

Northern Calfornia

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:03am

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Hope Valley is a very nice place. Over the last 40 years we have used it as a rest stop on the way to and from other destinations but at least five years since we have been there. Always tried to avoid a mid summer weekend stay but fall a great time to visit, looks like you hit it just right.

When I was a lot younger I would climb those nice slopes on Red Lake Peak in the Spring and run down on very short but wide fern gliders, before snow boards came on the market.

* This post was edited 09/23/13 11:49am by Raften *

c.traveler2

Moreno Valley,Ca.

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:13am

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Nice trip report and I liked those photos of the trout [emoticon]

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69 Avion

Phoenix, Arizona

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:20am

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That sure is some beautiful country.

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tomkaren13

West Central Florida

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:20am

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Oh envy! Fresh caught Trout!

DesertHawk

Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Posted: 09/23/13 11:27am

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Good trip report. Great pics. Enjoyed both. Thanks for sharing.

">DesertHawk- Las Cruces, NM USA
*2015 Lance 1985~Casita de Campo~23' 4" Tongue to Bumper, Dinette Slide
160 watt Solar Panel/GoPower! Solar Controller
*2009 White Ford F-150 Reg. Cab
Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper
*Previously~ 2005 16' Scamp