Short Stories: Schwieterman Summer Adventure Series (Part 5.3, originally posted 8/17/22)
After five days with family in Carmel Bay and Carmel Valley, it was time to begin our journey homeward. We had taken the “southern” route out to California and were taking the “northern” route back to take in some new sights. I had done significant research on our sightseeing destinations for our weeklong travel westward but had done very little research on what stops we should make for our way home.
We did, however, have that first stop planned. We were going to drop in on the newlyweds to see their home nestled above the abundant acres of farm ground near the Monterey Bay area. Daddy attempted a lesson in food production to the girls in the back seat of the RV as we made our drive north. Seeing as we mainly grow livestock feed (corn and soybeans) in our area, he wanted them to see the endless fruit and vegetable fields on either side of the road. They, however, were not up for the teaching session. I just smiled at his efforts.
We had a nice visit, and my husband was given some advice on alternate routes for a more picturesque view than what interstate could offer. So with a modified course, we headed north to take in one last California sight—Lake Tahoe. If only traffic would have cooperated! It took considerable time to make our way out of the highly populated areas of San Francisco and Sacramento. Thankfully we did encounter a small “waterfall” or “watterdrizzle” on Hwy-50 before it became too dark to see the sights. My husband assured me that it was for the best that we came into Tahoe at night because that drop-off was intense! I had some freakout moments on the treacherous curves of Hwy-1, and he believed these curves were comparable. The light from the oncoming headlights illuminated enough for me to agree with his opinion.
After boondocking that night in the public transit parking lot (the legality of which is unknown), we made our way to Kings Beach to see Lake Tahoe in the daylight. The water was oh-so-cold, but crystal clear. The landscape of it all is something to behold, just gorgeous. Ours was just a quick passing through, but I could see how staying a few days at Lake Tahoe would make for a very relaxing vacation.
The beautiful scenery continued as we headed through the Sierra Nevada Mountains along I-80. The road follows the Truckee River through a stunning valley. I mentioned how I could totally see myself living on these mountains, taking in that view every day. We had certainly seen some spectacular sights on our journey, but the tranquility of that river was certainly calling me to return one day. I sure hope we do! Goodbye California (said with a fairytale smile on my face) Oh, Nevada (said with a sigh). “Let’s make this quick!”
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