We delayed our start a day to attend a remembrance for a friend. It was worth it.
Arrived at our usual Fossil Falls stop, but it was still 110F outside!
<110F>
OK it’s a dry heat, but with full hookups at Boulder Creek just an hour up the road … Totally Fran approved.
Fran took a morning swim in their pool, while I enjoyed a walk around the campground.
With just the stop at Erik Shat’s Bakkery in Bishop for our turkey sandwiches, It was still 94f outside. We had the perfect parking spot near the ball fields and ate in the RV with the generator powering our AC unit.
We went up the hill for our reservations at Old Shady Rest campground. Insider tip – there's an opening in the campground fence in the southwest corner that makes walking to town faster than a bike ride.
We had site #27 and I’d try for it again.
And our reason for our stay was to ride the new-to-us Lakes Basin Bike Path. We noticed it last year on our way to Tahoe and knew we had to do it. It was a rather hazy ride as the smoke from a wildfire west of Yosemite found it's way Mammoth.
Bike rental prices and we choose a $65 ebike for the 4 hour ride. So very worth it!
Altho the bike path parallels Lake Mary Road ...
While passing Twin Lakes Vista, Tamarack Lodge, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary and Horseshoe Lake. If Time (and legs) permit there is an ~2mile loop trail around the lake.
The bike path climbs nearly continually, and steep at times, for just over a 1000’ elevation gain, at distance of about only 5.5 miles. Still, even with the electric bikes we took it easy with the assent taking over 2 hours. The water falls above Twin Lakes is a beautiful view.
We stopped at the Lake Mary Marina on the return trip to enjoy our previously packed lunch on their spacious deck overlooking beautiful Lake Mary.
Fran also enjoyed a couple buckets of balls at the Snow Creek Driving Range on Old Mammoth Road.
A couple deer interrupted her practice to munch on the grass.
While she was at the driving range I took the bike for a ride along the awesome paths around the city loop trails.
We might be back next year and again dry camp at Old Shady Rest.
We left Mammoth, driving pretty much straight through to Susanville for the night at Susanville RV Park.
Last year's fires pretty much destroyed the cable and Internet service, I’ve had good luck with the WiFi here.
On our last trip our Apollo half-time oven’s heater coil died. I thought I could fix it, but alas could not find the part nor a donor core. Fran really liked that oven, altho the technology is over a decade old. I replaced it with a Toshiba 7-way oven. We have figured out microwave, convection and air-fry. That leaves 4 more cooking modes to explore – including the air fryer … Here Fran is baking a Macadamia nut cupcakes to share with the family when we all gather at Mt Shasta.
I spent 2 weeks harvesting, shucking and cracking those little buggers! I’m sure it’ll be worth it!
Next an impressive waterfall, the mountain and family
It’s Gay…off to a good start I say, minus the heat. Sounds like a really nice bike ride. Love seeing the lakes and mountains! I’m sure those macadamia nut cupcakes will be yummy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gay. Except for the heat in the valley it’s been wonderful
DeleteFamily meet up in Shasta today
You know that area is one of our favorites to explore. Thanks for taking us back again, sorry it's smoky and so hot! We're riding along and look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of our favorite places too! We don't get up there as often as we once could. The heat in the Long Valley really was brutal, but Mammoth was wonderful.
DeleteBummer it was so hot in the valley.
ReplyDeleteBut our 3 days in Mammoth made up for it!
DeleteI was wondering how you'd survive that kind of heat in the RV, but then saw your beautiful shaded campsite and it all made sense. That area is just awesome, wildfire smoke notwithstanding. And the new "cook everything/every way" oven sounds fantastic. Much better than trying to carry multiple appliances. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteAltho I normally stop a Fossil Falls, I would recommend Boulder Creek, with its full hookups, pool, game room,fun camp store and friendly staff. The fees are up but 15% is the CA TOT. Extorsion!
DeleteIt's pretty surprising what has changed in oven technology in the past decade. So far all for the good.
Mammoth is a wonderful stop on 395, we always enjoy it.
Beautiful area up there around Susanville and Lake Shasta. Although we could do without that heat!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is! Shasta is awesome with waterfalls and Yaks for burgers
DeleteWhat a terrific bike ride! Definitely an ebike trail. They sure do make riding bikes in hilly territory a lot more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteMammoth in the summer is great. It offers a lot more than winter skiing
DeleteIt is a mountain and at this altitude ebike is a must!
Beautiful views! Love that area.
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I have to believe anyone who has driven 395 it becomes their fav.
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