We traveled from Boulder, UT to Baker, NV. Lots of long straight lonely roads with very few cars (no trucks) but continued outstanding views. Baker is a town of 86 people at the base of the Great Basin National Park. We were able to walk around the Park some, but overall the Park was closed. Locals report having three times the snow of normal years and on the mountains the snow will not completely melt until July.

While in Baker we met Liz Woolsey, CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) of the Stargazer Inn and Bristlecone General Store. Melinda and Liz became fast Stargazer buddies and Liz filled us in on the history and goings on in Baker. We have passed through many small towns, but Baker has been without a doubt the friendliest. From Baker we hopped on Route 50, The Loneliest Highway in America, and drove to Fallon, NV where the temperatures started warming up.

From Fallon we traveled to the Washoe Lake State Park. In Fallon we stayed in a RV Park, which was not lots of fun. We LOVE staying a State Parks and WLSP was a great one. Nice hikes along the lake and many friendly people. Before arriving at WLSP we did drive into downtown Reno, not to gamble, but to visit the Patagonia Outlet. Lots of great deals, especially because a very kind clerk gave us a 40% discount card. Ralph was the big summer and winter winner, but Ralph and Cory are getting matching bathing suits.

After Otto and I had our usual morning walk we headed to California. Thankfully we were saved by a kind woman who stopped us from heading the wrong way into the Lassen Volcanic National Park. When we arrived at the LVNP Visitor Center there was over 20 feet of snow. Very few people. Very little we could do. But more snow than we have ever seen. As we traveled from LVNP to Red Bluff, CA the snow disappeared, the temperature topped 70 degrees, and we saw fields of California poppies and masses of small yellow and violet-colored flowers. We found the Red Bluff Recreational Area and Stargazer is now resting, while Otto got another big walk and a well needed grooming. BTW: We found a spectacular soft serve ice cream shop and all three of us had a special treat!