Convict Lake & Mammoth Lakes

Sep 11     We drove out to Mammoth Lakes Basin Area today. The drive from Bishop took us about 1 hour. The elevation in this area is about 8900. The fresh, crisp mountain air and beautiful scenery was really, really awesome. Twin Lakes was our first stop. Absolutely breathtaking...

Twin Lakes

There were some people fishing using floaties. Kind of strange. They wear waders underneath and paddle around with their legs.










Continued on to see Horseshoe Lake, drove around Lake Mary and then parked by Lake Mamie. It was good timing because while we were there, a truck stopped and started planting trout in the lake. We've never seen this before, the guy climbed on the back of his truck with a big scoop net and started scooping fish from a big tank on the back of his truck.

Horseshoe Lake

Lake Mary

Lake Mamie

Planting trout in the lake

We were at the top of Twin Lake Falls overlooking Twin Lakes, such a beautiful site.

Waterfall in background

We took a drive to Upper Twin Lakes to see the waterfall from the ground. We discovered there's a campground there and found that there were sites that our motorhome would fit in. That's good because I wouldn't mind spending some time here. There's also a nice walking/bike path that goes around the whole area. Lots of people around getting some exercise.

First wildlife sighting

Our next stop was Convict Lake. So we drove out of Mammoth down to Hwy 395 and traveled for about 1/2 hour. Another beautiful lake. We did a hike around the lake, about 3 miles. The elevation here is about 7850 and we got pretty winded hiking but we just took our time and enjoyed the scenery.

Our last stop for the day was finding this hot springs that I read about. It's out in the boonies but pretty popular so a lot of people go there. Well, we found it but it was very small. There was another couple already in the tub...butt naked....so we didn't want to get in with them. There was another one in the area but Joe had enough. I was kind of tired too, maybe we'll try again tomorrow.

Bishop, CA

Sep 09     Pahrump, NV - Bishop, CA     213 miles     4 hours 45 minutes

We drove from Pahrump to Bishop, CA. This is the eastern side of California. The plan is to travel on Hwy 395 up to Lee Vining. The route we took was north on 95, hwy 266, then hwy 168 to hwy 395. We went through 3 mountain passes. We were not expecting that. We knew there was one on hwy 266, the summit over 7000 feet. The other 2 was unexpected and they were over 7000 feet also. It was a very long drive today, Joe didn't stop for any breaks.

One lane road over the pass

We're staying at the Bishop RV Park at Tri-County Fairgrounds. $35 per night for full hook ups. Nothing fancy here but good location to see the sights.

After having lunch and settling in, we went to the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and visitors center. The man that helped us gave us a lot of good information on the area. Looks like we'll be spending a few days here.

Then we walked to Schat's Bakkery. A European-style bakery and deli offering sweets, specialty breads and sandwiches. We bought their famous apple strudel, a pumpkin loaf, and cheese bread. All very good.

Sep 10   Bishop Creek Canyon

This morning we got an early start and took a drive to Bishop Creek Canyon. From downtown Bishop we climbed over 15 miles into the mountains from the valley floor to elevations over 9,000 feet on a well maintained highway. 

First stop was North Lake. Located several miles off the main highway. Steep climb up the mountain on a dirt road. When we got there, was a small lake with some people fishing. 

Was kind of cold

Next was Lake Sabrina, a lake created by damming the middle fork of Bishop Creek.  Beautiful lake, very scenic with lots of people fishing. We walked along the edge of the dam. 

Lake Sabrina

Last stop was South Lake. The drive up Bishop Creek Canyon to South Lake is mesmerizing. Quaking Aspen, Lodgepole pine and willows carpet the canyon floor and hillsides. We're a little early for the fall colors but it's still very scenic. We did a short hike up the side of a mountain, both of us gasping....the altitude plus being out of shape!  

We were back at camp by 11am to watch some football.

Pahrump

Sep 07     Las Vegas - Pahrump      72 miles     1 hour 30 minutes

We drove to Pahrump today to stay at our favorite resort, Nevada Treasure RV Resort. Last year, we spent a whole month here. It'a real nice with the swimming pools, hot tubs, and fitness center. We're staying only 2 nights this time and planned to use our discount with Passport America. This discount normally would be 50% off rates. This resort changed the rules and now if using Passport America, the first night is full price and the second night is 50% off. When checking in, the office staff was kind of rude so we're thinking maybe next time we'll try something different.

Our spot for 2 nights

We had a nice afternoon. Went to the pool, did some laundry, and had hamburgers on the grill. Watched football tonight, first game of the season. Patriots vs Chiefs, paying attention because I got 5 parlays going on this weekend.

Sep 08     This morning we drove back to Vegas to pick up an extra filter for the generator. Joe forgot to get it when we were there. No problem, I got to buy some much needed underwear at Victoria's Secret.

Joe making last minute check on the generator

Lunch was at Cracker Barrel then we headed back to Pahrump. Today Las Vegas was very rainy and stormy but the drive was nice. When we got back to Pahrump, we couldn't do much because it was rainy and stormy too. That's okay, we just stayed in and caught up with some small stuff and watched some football.

Hopefully it clears up tomorrow. We're supposed to be heading out to Bishop on hwy 395.

Fall 2017

We begin another RV adventure. We'll be away

from home for about 7 weeks and will miss our family, especially our grandchildren. JJ is now 2 1/2 years old and Jade just turned 1. They are so much fun, we really enjoy them.

On this trip we plan to travel hwy 395 from Bishop to Lee Vining, CA. From there we head to Boise, ID for a wedding. Then back to Vegas on hwy 93, visiting Ely and Great Basin National Park. Should be fun.

Las Vegas

Sept 04   We arrived in Las Vegas this morning and our friend Winky picked us up. As always, our first stop was breakfast. A new place this time, Mimi's Cafe on Stephanie in Henderson. It's near our hotel Sunset Station. Breakfast was real good. Besides our regular breakfast, we had a pumpkin muffin with cream cheese filling...so good!

We went to the storage to pick up the car and start the RV. Both started right away so that was good. After Winky left us, we started the generator. It started right up but after a few minutes, it died out. We kept running it but it kept dying out after a few minutes. We'll need to wait till tomorrow to fix it because today is Labor day.

We're staying 3 nights at Sunset Station. Got lucky with comp rooms. We like this hotel, very convenient to our storage. For dinner we met Winky & Leslie and their friends Pua & Richard at Tata's Asian Grill on Stephanie in Henderson. Was pretty good, especially the Japanese combo. The tempura was excellent. Afterwards, we all went back to Sunset Station and did a little gambling. Always a blast to hang out with Winky & Leslie.

Sept 05   Today we did some maintenance on the RV. We had an appointment at Camping World to install the vent in the bathroom. Joe checked with them about fixing our generator. We had to pick up the fuel pump and filter across town and bring it back to Camping World so they could install it for us. We got everything fixed and our final bill was $624. Hopefully, nothing else gives us problems.

We spent some time at the pool today. Very nice pool here, wish I had more time to enjoy it. Especially in this heat! It's been real hot...over 100 degrees.

Sept 06   Today we continued to get the RV ready so we can leave Las Vegas tomorrow. We gassed up, shopped for food and supplies, and did some light maintenance. In the afternoon, we went to the pool again, so nice.

Las Vegas

May 01     Grand Canyon - Las Vegas, NV    272 miles     5 hours 15 minutes

We left Grand Canyon around 7am. Wanted to get an early start just in case the wind picks up. Kind of excited about getting to Las Vegas. Jan arrives this morning and Lisa comes in tonight.

The drive to Vegas went really well. Little bit wind but nothing Joe couldn't handle. We gassed up in Kingman and continued on.

Our site for the next week

We got settled at Main Street RV park. Full hook-ups for $22 per night. We'll be here for 6 nights. Jan and her husband came over to check out our home away from home. Then we headed to Triple 7 for drinks and pupus. Joe hasn't been drinking on this trip. He made up for the last 2 months in 1 night.

May 02

Gambling at Golden Nugget with Lisa

We met Joe's friend Winky for lunch at 808 HMP on Craig Road. Was good to eat some local food.

In the afternoon, caught up with Lisa who came in late last night. We were in Golden Nugget and Carmen found us. Everyone's slowly arriving.

Jan & Joel

This evening we went to see Michael

Jan, Carmen, Dawn

Jackson One by Cirque Du

Soleil at Mandalay Bay.

Electrifying fusion of acrobats, dance, and visuals that reflects the dynamic showmanship of the King of Pop. Excellent show, tickets were $150 but worth every penny.

Lisa, Jan, Leslyn, Dawn, Carmen

We were eating a late meal at Market Street Cafe in California Hotel and ran into Coco and her family. So fun to see everyone.

May 03

This morning we ran into Coco and Lance so we had an early lunch at Main Street Buffet. Nice catching up and talking story with them, its been awhile.

Then in the afternoon we went to

Top Golf, behind MGM. We met Janelle and her family there.

Was lots of fun. We played boys vs girls and of course...girls won!

We had a great discount from Janelle's nephew but our final bill was still up there $445 plus tip! But that's okay, we had so much fun and everyone chipped in.

Dinner was with Jan and Joel at Triple 7. No high rollers tonight, Joe went overboard Monday night.

After dinner we went walking to the Cal because the Waialua Jubilee was just finishing up. Ran into more classmates there. Kind of  "make ass" because I didn't recognize a few people. Hung out playing Keno at the Cal making big noise and laughing at everything. So fun to get together with friends.

May 04

Winky told us about this good place to eat breakfast called Cinnamon's out in Summerlin. They have a restaurant in Kailua and Waikiki but we've never tried it. Of course we had to try it here...pretty good. Trader Joe's was right around the corner so we bought some goodies.

No, I didn't win

We had our class reunion tonight. First was a slot tournament at Main Street, good fun. I'm guessing about 30 classmates in attendance.

Class of '80

Then off to Triple 7 for dinner.

May 05

We met Winky and Leslie for breakfast at Cinnamon's. Was so good yesterday, we went back. Always a good time with these two.

Dinner was at Main Street, seafood buffet tonight...so good.  I think I ate for 1 hour.

Since coming back to Vegas, we've been overeating big time. Feeling so fat!

May 06

Joe got up very early this morning and did some work on the rv. We need to get it ready for storage. Our trip is winding down. We're ready to go home, miss the kids.

We walked over to Fremont, did some gambling then on to the Jerkey Store to buy some goodies. As usual, we overbought so we had them pack a flat rate box and ship it home to Waialua for us.

Dinner was with Leslyn, David, Lissa, and Carmen at Tony Roma's. We had a nice "farewell" dinner. Carmen leaves tonight and Les, David and Lissa leaves in the morning.

We had such an awesome time this past week in Las Vegas. My class reunion was great but most important was our group of friends that still holds a special bond. Only one missing was Kimi, but we'll get her on board with the next get together. We're already planning our next one!

May 07    Main Street Station - Henderson    13 miles

We put the RV in storage today. Lots of work to do that so we spent most of the morning there.


We'll be staying at Sunset Station for the next couple of nights. This is our first time here. It's pretty nice. I think we'll be staying here in the future because our storage is close by.







May 08

Today we had lunch at Thelma's. They're located right on the outskirts of Sunset Station's parking lot. Was so good to have filipino food but  I ordered lumpia on the side and it was junk. As soon as it was put on the table....ugh!!! Very old oil...I should have just returned it.

The pool at Sunset Station is very nice. We spent some time there today just relaxing.













May 09

We put the Kia in storage today and walked back to Sunset Station, only 1 1/2 miles to walk so very convenient. On the way back, we stopped at In-N-Out. I don't know what it is, but we really love their burgers.

We did some gambling today then got ready for our flight home. The cab fare from Sunset Station to the airport was $30 plus $10 tip. Not too bad because when we catch the cab from the storage facility it's usually around $50 total.











In closing.........We had a wonderful 3 months vacation. We put over 2700 miles on the RV and saw some awesome sites. We spent about a month in Arizona and a month in New Mexico. We've been to both before but this time we took our time to explore and find new adventures.

Ending our trip in Las Vegas with my class reunion was great but spending time with our exceptional group of friends made it outstanding. We talked, we laughed, and we made special memories that will last a lifetime.

Time to go home....we miss our family and friends back home....

Our first morning back..this scene never gets old

Grand Canyon

April 29     Camp Verde - Grand Canyon     158 miles     3 hours

We've been up to the Grand Canyon south rim a couple of times but you never get tired of this spectacular site. We decided to enter through the east entrance and drive along the rim to the south rim which is where our campground is located. Trailer Village Campground is very convenient, full hook-ups for $48.00 per night. The campground is always full and you need to make reservations way ahead of time. We got lucky, there must have been a cancellation because I booked this last minute.

We drove up I-17 from Camp Verde to Flagstaff, I-40 east for a few miles, hwy 89 north to Cameron, then hwy 64 to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there and another 1/2 hour to reach the south rim. This was a beautiful drive, very different from our usual approach to the Grand Canyon.

Desert View Watchtower

Our first stop was Desert View, this is where the Watchtower is located. The view is excellent and we went up the stairs all the way to the observation deck at the top.

360 -degree views of the canyon through large glass paneled windows. There is also an open air balcony on the first level of the tower that is excellent for views and taking pictures.

Inside the watchtower looking up...see Joe?

Desert View 

Couldn't believe how cold it was

It was a very cold and windy day. We did some walking along the rim in the afternoon but very, very chilly!

Even though cold, still enjoyed the views

April 30

Hermits Rest

We got up early this morning and caught the shuttle to Hermits Rest. The plan was to ride the shuttle from the Village to the furthest point and then hike along the rim for part of the return.

Hermits Rest is 7 miles from the Village.

The temperature today is not as bad as yesterday. It's still kind of cold but not as windy so pretty comfortable.

Inside Hermits Rest

We got off at Hermits Rest and looked around up there. Absolutely beautiful scenery. Then we got back on the shuttle and rode back part of the way, getting off at Powell Point. Then we hiked along the rim back to the Village. I think about 3 miles, absolutely breathtaking scenery along the rim.

Stupid people sitting on the edge of that rock

There's no guard rail so kind of scary in some spots. On the shuttle, the driver mentioned last year there were 29 deaths at Grand Canyon.
6 were suicides, the rest were accidents. Probably people taking selfies. We saw so many people climbing to the edge and taking chances..unbelievable.

Lunch was at Bright Angel Lodge. Bread bowls for both of us...so good. After lunch, we walked backed to our campground, another 2 miles.

Beautiful colors at sunset

We went back to the rim to watch the sunset....some more hiking. Lots of people all over but such a beautiful site. We were real tired after a full day of activities. I think my fitbit logged us at hiking over 7 miles today, that might be a record.

We leave for Las Vegas early tomorrow morning. It's going to be a long drive, probably 5-6 hours. We're kind of anxious to get there. I have my class reunion and some friends are flying in for the occasion.