Fernley to Winnemucca

So we're definitely back on the road now. And we're going slower.

So today we drove only 2hrs. After cleaning up our little home and having a leisurely chat with Ron & Carol (our friendly neighbors from Florida), we started across the barren desert. 

We arrived in Winnemucca, but I'm pretty sure we're still in the middle of nowhere. 

At Winnemucca RV park, we were greeted by this covered wagon

and another friendly older couple willing to share history and fun places to visit with us.

We chose this place over the other one here because they have a pool

and since it was 100* we got in and enjoyed the cold water!

Ky spent the evening performing VBS songs

for her new cowgirl doll and then learning to French braid her hair. (:

Carson City, NV - Capitol #6

This was the first Capitol where the legislature actually meets in a separate building.

So we saw their old chambers, but not where they actually work. 

It was fun to immediately recognize the Alaskan marble we had also seen at the WA Capitol. 

And the kids got a fabulous coin as a souvenir from the governor. 

 Veterans memorial

Finally, we ended the day with a stroll down memory lane - reflecting on the last time we drove this road to see what the Lord may have for us in Dayton, NV. Nothing last time, nothing this time. Except we did pick up some groceries 

before heading down "the lonliest road in America" to Fernley, NV 

where we stayed the night at Fernley RV Park. (And for super cheap thanks to the Thistle's recommendation to join PassportAmerica.) Thanks Thistles!

Treats along the 395 to Carson City

45 minutes north of camp, who should we find coming down the 395 but the Aksels! Kik was so blessed because he wanted to see James before we left and it didn't happen - but now it did!

Thanks for pulling over to say hey Aksel family! What a treat!

They told us of a beautiful river where we stopped for lunch.

We continued on to Carson City, NV, Capitol #6. This was the first Capitol where the legislature actually meets in a separate building. So we saw their old chambers, but not where they actually work. 

It was fun to immediately recognize the Alaskan marble we had also seen at the WA Capitol. And the kids got a fabulous coin as a souvenir from the governor.

Finally, we ended the day with a stroll down memory lane - reflecting on the last time we drove this road to see what the Lord may have for us in Dayton, NV. Nothing last time, nothing this time. Except we did pick up some groceries before heading down "the lonliest road in America" to Fernley, NV where we stayed the night at Fernley RV Park. (And for super cheap thanks to the Thistle's recommendation to join PassportAmerica.) Thanks Thistles!

June Lake Day - 7/26

A day of laundry and relaxing at the lake

I tried paddle boarding. It counts because I got up once on my own and stayed up for a few minutes though driven to shore by the wind. 

Last dinner

Our last campfire of worship and fellowship with this body that has upheld us these past 3 years.

So blessed to leave from family camp on our adventure. It set a different tone to our travels!

The best is "Au revoir".

Yosemite - Cathedral Lake and Lake Tenaya - 7/25

Lower Cathedral Lake hikers

And then hiking over to Lake Tenaya...

Part way, we met up with the group that had left at 7am for the Upper Cathedral Lake (which included Jo).

I was looking for one of my kids to take this shot of beautiful Lake Tenaya, but none could be found. Lily volunteered to be my stand-in. (I love her like one of my own anyway.)

Sy and his buddy Carson.

So happy together.

Burning the tax returns (among other things). This was a nightly ritual since we couldn't find a shredding service!

Dinner with unexpected friends - blast from the past! 

Laundry and relaxing at the lake

I tried paddle boarding. It counts because I got up once on my own and stayed up for a few minutes though driven to shore by the wind. 

Our last campfire of worship and fellowship with this body that has upheld us these past 3 years.

So blessed to leave from family camp on our adventure. It set a different tone!

The best is "Au revoir".

Family Camp Surprise & Tuolumne Meadows 7/23&24

Our church family camp has been a highlight of our summer since we started attending Calvary 3 years ago. This year we knew we would be out of town, so we didn't sign up and camp filled up long ago.

Last week, a friend said she thought there were cancellations and that since we were still in town we should see if we could go. There was room, but not for our trailer, so we resolved we couldn't go and planned to head north up the 15 in a couple days.

Imagine our surprise on Thursday at 4:30 when we got a call saying someone had just cancelled their RV spot for camp! (Which was to begin in less than 48 hours - perfect timing for the Grubb family!)

So Saturday at 7am we drove to June Lake for a precious 5 days with our church family!

Though we camp at June Lake, we spent days hiking in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows area. 

Girls stick together

We decided to go over the rock rather than around it and had a moment to chat alone. (:

Eventually Sy jumped in and swam. 

Scott helping launch sponges at the other half of our group. (:

Goodbyes

It was more real this time. Our last night in town we ran errands and were able to see friends and family... The Aanonsons, the Thistles, and the Baldwin cousins.

Previous nights we had dinner with the Clarks,

the boys' TrailLife troop,

 the Gallegos littles,

our neighbors, the Deas,

and even my small group (at top). What precious memories were made as we prepared to part from our dear friends for a year!