Across California, from Nevada to the Pacific.

After our time spent at Travertine and Buckeye Hot Springs, near Bridgeport, California, it was time to make a move.  Heading too far north at this point was likely to put us in colder weather that we wanted to avoid.  Our usual route takes us from just south of Lake Tahoe across California, through Sacramento, and then to the west.  We had followed that route back in November, but found that there was a lot of burned areas from recent fires, and associated salvage timber operations.  For a change of pace and a new view, we decided to pick up I-80 over Donner Pass and head west that way.  Of course we made sure all diesel tanks were plum full before leaving Nevada. :-)

The route took us on a steep climb up the Kingsbury grade, over Spooner Pass, then up the east side of Lake Tahoe. 

 

Our route intersected I-80 at Truckee, just east of Donner Pass.  It's high elevation country up there, and several ski resorts we passed were at least partially open.  Lots of snow still in the high country.

 

But, not being a fan of Interstates when not in a rush to get somewhere, we took the first opportunity to exit - onto Highway 20 at Yuba Pass.  That route was a lot more relaxing, though there were numerous construction zones and one lane traffic areas where they are logging, in preparation for widening and re-aligning parts of the road.

 

When not in a rush (we weren't) I kind of like these periodic traffic stops.  After following a pilot vehicle through a one lane construction zone, I would pull over and let everyone else by, so I could be the last vehicle.  That way, you know there is no one coming behind you and you can go as slowly as you like without impeding traffic, and easily choose where to pull off and check out trailheads or possible camp spots.  We passed through Nevada City, Grass Valley, Yuba City, and Williams along the way before needing an overnight spot.

Eventually, we found this scenic little BLM camp spot in prime elk country - though we didn't see any!

 

Hailey was keen to get out and keep the local lizards and mice on alert.

 

It's right next to the road, but at least the overnight traffic was light, and the frogs and crickets were glad to serenade us.

We had to fill up once more to get across California, but found slightly cheaper fuel at a casino gas station east of Clear Lake.  Next day, it was on across the 101, and west from Willits to Fort Bragg.  So nice to be back on the ocean!

I found miles of great cycling trails right along the ocean at Fort Bragg, so braved some refreshingly cool breezes to explore the trails.

We spent close to a week in the area, not really 'camping', but just overnighting in a variety of roadside areas.

 While the traffic is usually light, and almost nonexistent at night, we found one day that there was almost non-stop traffic, coming in lines!  A few checks of Google Maps traffic and twitter showed the reason why.  There had been a fatal collision and fire out on the 101 near Laytonville, and much or all of the 101 traffic was coming to the coast.  Luckily it did not last that long and it was back to the usual peaceful scene.

Marina at Fort Bragg on the Noyo river.

Near Westport, Ca.

Hailey figured we could have seal for supper, if she could just figure out a way to escape her harness and leash!

From here, we are continuing on northbound up the coast, as slowly as possible.  But as the weather gets cooler, and inevitably turns to rain, our speed tends to increase, the closer we get to home.