But we have returned west and are finishing out the summer with a couple more camping trip notches on our belt.
Saturday morning we topped off our tanks with pancakes and fruit. While clean-up and packing happened for the day's adventures the kids headed off to the end of the campground & a bridge (careful gap between bottom and top rail is quite large and small children should be watched over)that overlooked the river. They also tried making it down the California Trail which was clearly marked and crossed the property. Unfortunately we quickly learned this must not be a popular trail as overgrowth met us rather quickly and we had to turn back. It was kind of a bummer since the trail holds so much historical value.
So we loaded up and headed about 20minutes up the road to Grover Hot Springs State Park. It's very well marked turn in the little town of Markleeville. We were excited as this is another historic spot having been documented in writings back to the mid 1800's. Our first destination was the pools, so rather than turning towards the gate house entrance we kept going straight. We had warned the kids upfront as this was fed by natural hot springs the water may not be clear and it may be yellow or green. The kids jumped for joy and we did too after shelling out
In complete sun though...the heat and the activity soon got the better of us and we went to the actual State Park to seek shade and lunch. Immediately past the gate house was a wonderful day use picnic area which ran along a stream and had a wonderfully clean bathroom. We enjoyed lunch and built stick doll houses out of the items we found on the forest floor. If we were not so exhausted after all that we might have tried the Nature Trail which is just a little loop with lots of signs describing the flora. And definitely when the kids get older we would like to return to do the Burnside trail which is 3miles round trip and rises 2K ft passing a waterfall and swtichbacking up to Burnside Lake. This is a rather small State Park with only the picnic area, a campground and a parking lot for the trail head. But it seemed wonderfully kept, had lots of visitors, so we made our way through the campgrounds and marked a few sites intending to return next year.
Back to Sorensons we enjoyed snacks at the cafe. It's very quaint with a few staples, souvenirs, and
The next morning we packed it up and made one last stop before driving home. The sister resort, Sorensons, boasted free hot chocolate, coffee, etc for Hope Valley Resort vacationers. Unfortunately no good place to park the pop-up we literally pulled it off the side of the road and walked across. We were met with beautiful gardens in full bloom. Wine Barrels and tubs of every kind overflowing. But the kids enjoyed the numerous bears composed of wire and moss scattered around the property. One rather large guy lay on his belly reading a book, a father & son fished, and a family played in the trees. The staff was very welcoming to us campers and the hot chocolates loaded with cinnamon and whip cream were delightful.
A gorgeous weekend in gorgeous country. We will return as a family to this as well as Grover Hot Springs we have vowed. And Mommy and Daddy have agreed a overnight retreat to Sorensons may be in our plans quite soon.
NOTE: There is no cell phone service in this area. Sorensons has WiFi, but still no cell coverage. Bothe Hope Vally & Sorensons has pay phones.
1 comment:
Extra tidbits...Grover Hot Springs State Park also has a jr ranger program starting at 7yo. And the campsites we liked planning for two families camping together were: 14/15/16(butts up against small meadow & 26/27 & 37/58 (cool rock outcropping)
Post a Comment