A SLICE OF HEAVEN - Independence Lake

 Independence Lake, near Jackson Meadows.

Lots of possibilities for dinner.

So, bring your poles.

We stay at East Meadows Campground right on the lake at Jackson Meadows, 17 miles off Highway 89. It's also 20 minutes from Truckee, with offers lots of fun too. We get the same site on the lake with a beautiful view every time we go, but this year the walk to the lake is further because the lake level is WAY down. One reason the level is down, other than California's drought, is that water from the lake is let out to go to Milton Pond to help preserve a specific type of trout. Sorry, I do not know which trout. Vanishing glaciers in California have severe consequences for our trout population. Milton Pond is filled with fly fisherman and lots of ducks and birds. We always go for a kayak ride here, it is peaceful, serene, still, and filled with aquatic wildlife.

Serenity at Milton Pond.

QUIET GLAMPING on the TRUCKEE RIVER

Water's great! This camp site comes with its own pool!

Perched on the Truckee River with a good swimming hole, we had black beans with steak tacos for dinner, and a Jesse Stone DVD before falling asleep.  All's Tranquil in Tranqulia. At 9 this morning we are drinking our coffee, charging computers and cell phones, and listening to birds being drowned out by buzzing gensets. No Genset here. Why? 

SOLAR BABY! S O L  A R !

Our solar panels were factory installed when we order Tranquila.
They work while we play.

Darrell and Spark watch the river run.

STAYCATION

One of the Great things about living in the Sierra is you don't have to go anywhere for fun. Sometimes we only travel a few miles in Tranquila to enjoy peace, serenity, and good times.

Kids Fishing Derby

Every spring they drain the pond for a couple of months to clean it out, and then in May it fills with fresh icy cold snow run off and then its stocked with trout. The first of June is the annual kids Fishing Derby. It's a blast to watch kids from 2 to 16 come and fish. Mom and Dad and the Grandparents all gather around and help out.

Dad helping out, boys are less than enthusiastic.

Maybe next year's derby.

The sister and brother team did well.
Enough of the stay cation, time to hit the road.

Darrell's daughter came up for nearly a month to visit us and to explore our valley with its many lakes and many streams. We had a good time hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

 Hana stopped to feed the horses.

Spark flies up the trail to a lake.

After a little hike D jumped in the the lake for a cool swim.

A very convenient BIG Chair…reminds me of the old Lily Tomlin skit.

Best Buddies.

Spark and I love our local lakes, 

but we are getting itchy feet for a trip to the coast.