On and Off the Road Again

From October 2nd until the 12th I was occupied by a visit from my longtime friend, Diane. We made an adventure out of an errand to take care of the long awaited task of bringing her mother's ashes HOME.

In the cooler was sliced cheese, Honey Yogurt, Cream Cheese, Ensure and Red Bull. Ancient Grains crackers and Instant Oatmeal provided the carbs.

Beginning Wednesday with the trip to Yreka and Dinner at Casa Ramos. Cheese and crackers for lunch at one of the Lake Shasta Rest Areas after stopping at the Ide Adobe and the Sundial Bridge.

Thursday we walked the trail at Woodson Bridge (where the Rogue River enters a Lava Tube making a Hidden Bridge) then circled Crater Lake eating salads and a croissant turkey and swiss on the deck of the Crater Lake Lodge then called for delivery by China Wok as we settled for the night in Klamath Falls. 

Friday it was down 97 to I-5 and up Mt Shasta for a picnic at Panther Meadows. On down 89 to Burney Falls, then Lassen Peak and a night in Chester, where I picked up individual Pizzas for dinner.

Saturday I took the unplanned route and we drove 36 to Susanville then 395 past Honey Lake to Carson City where we ate lunch in a small shady park. West along 50 and the shore of Lake Tahoe then on to Sacramento. Dinner was a home cooked Szechuan Garlic Eggplant over Cauliflower mashed with cream cheese.

Sunday Diane worked to clear the rain gutters and swept the patio deck then we visited the Carmichael Farmer's Market where we purchased tomatoes and stone fruit for the next phase of our trip. Stopped for a Car Wash and interior vacuum and dusting in Carmichael. Dinner at Black Angus.

Monday on the road again: up 50 and over Luther and Monitor Passes for a night in Lee Vining. Lunch was a picnic with ravens at South Tufas, Mono Lake, and dinner was fried chicken at Nicely's.

Tuesday, south on 395 to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and another picnic in the great outdoors (leftover fried chicken). Checked into the Bristlecone Motel in Big Pine and had a dud of a dinner at Jeffrey's Country Kitchen. They really botched the grilled pork chop but I ate it anyway. There won't be a next time -- the restaurant was filthy.

Wednesday we visited Manzanar on our way to Mt Whitney. Picnicked once again at the Mt Whitney Trailhead, an active bear area! before heading to the Alabama Hills for a brief exploration.  We made it in time for dinner @ 5 p.m. at the Rice Bowl in Bakersfield with my Uncle Bob.

Thursday I had breakfast with Bob at IHOP and headed for home. Lunch was Red Bull, Cheese and a Plum at a Rest Area (I didn't get out of the car in the light rain). Not at all hungry for dinner.

Friday I stocked up the Fridge and pantry. Brussels Sprouts and Smokies became a dinner of last resort.

I can't remember Saturday except for the pork sirloin in chow mein. That morning I participated in the 3 hour World Wide Photo Walk in Old Town Sacramento.

Sunday toast and coffee and I'm headed for Richmond. Chris offered me a fresh peach around noon then I picked up Mac and Cheese, Teriyaki Wings, Potato Wedges and a Fruit and Custard tart at Safeway in Mill Valley. I was headed for the Marin Headlands for an afternoon of pictures. Dinner was cold Chow Mein around 8 p.m.

All and all the past two weeks were focused more on scenery and conversation than on what I ate.