Another few days of firsts.
My first trip to Arnold, what a gorgeous spot and fabulous place to have a holiday home or retire.
‘Arnold is named after Bob and Bernice Arnold, who, in 1927 opened the Ebbetts Pass Inn. Prior to that, the community consisted of two large ranches where logging was the main industry. The inn served as a stop for people traveling along the Ebbetts Pass route as well as lodging for those visiting nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park’.
My first meeting with Terri and Dave. Such lovely people, it was totally delightful to spend time with them both. I hope they got my Aussie sense of ‘uma’. Not sure anyone outside of Australia gets that, or inside Australia for that matter. Even if Dave & Terri didn’t, boy were they lovely and spoiled us rotten. We visited them in their holiday home, they call it a cabin. That ain’t no cabin guys. Terri and Dave travel 1770km to get to their ‘cabin’. I would say absolutely worth it. What a stunning home and amazing place to live.
My first trip in an American big arse Ute. Ford F-150, travelling to said Calaveras Big Trees State Park. I felt like I was in a huge bus and just a little smug looking down on the world. I don’t often get that opportunity, given my slight vertical challenge issues.
My first sighting of a chickaree (Douglas Squirrel). In the Park. Similar to a squirrel and definitely just as cute.
My first trip over Ebbetts Pass, about 7000 feet above sea level. I may have slept for a little bit of it. Or maybe quite a lot. But I did wake up to enjoy my first visit to Lake Alpine. We took some time out to stroll it’s shores, and have an ice cream. We needed the brain freeze that only a cool ice cream can produce. Lordy Lordy is it hot here. 😳 We aren’t ready for summer temperatures of 31 or so. But it is nice to feel the sun on our skin. Naturally only for the Cancer Council safe designated time. Being a redhead (once upon a time), the sun is not my friend.
My first trip into Nevada.
Ok, I’m being annoying now, it’s my first for most things.
Driving into Nevada, it looked much like the movies we see. Vast expanses of dry plains, arid, sparsely vegetated, with canyons filled sporadically with conifers.
We arrived in Carson City and the closer to the city centre, the prettier it became.
Although there are a LOT of Casino’s.
Our destination was Harvey and Jan’s, MOD’s ex in-laws.
It was totally thrilling to meet them both, they are the loveliest people and were keen to show us their home town and make sure I didn’t miss out on any of the must see sites. Harvey drove us up to the famous Lake Tahoe.
There are 39 trillion gallons of water in Tahoe, enough to cover the state of California with 14 inches of water. Tahoe is so clear that in some places you can see objects 67 feet below water. Absolutely stunning. I am so pleased I had the opportunity to see it. Thanks Harvey & Jan!!!
After that we headed back into town to try out one of their favourite restaurants, J.T. Bar and Dining Room. Whilst sitting at the bar waiting for our table, in true Julie and Gary style, we talked to the lady beside us. Turns out her husband’s great grandfather originally owned the hotel. Many many years ago.
J.T. Bar serves ‘Basque Family Style’. Harvey warned us a few times to pace ourselves, but we have no food filters whatsoever. They start the feast with table wine, whether you want it or not, we did, bread and soup, then salad, then beans, and then some strange stew. Jan had a bit of a giggle because she knew by the texture it was beef tongue. It was actually yummy. Then you get the main meat you have ordered, then fries, and then ice cream to top it off.
Oh yeah!
And if you finish off any of the plates, like the bread, they replace it.
Oh double yeah!
I slept very well last night.
This morning we hopped in the car and Harvey drove us to Virginia City.
Totally not what I thought it was going to be, and totally spectacular, a gorgeous historic township. Or fabulous, as I kept repeating. Current word of the day.
And onwards to Redding….
MaureenBetty 