Back Out Here!

Rainier and Raven are back at it again!

You can't keep us off the road forever.  The winter is nearly over and our customers seem to be calling us quite frequently right now.  We had to take advantage of the fantastic weather that's happening in California right now and make a getaway.  Of course, we have work days scheduled in also.  We'll be away from Rocklin for over three weeks!

nice view out the front kitchen window

We left Tuesday afternoon and arrived at Sugar Barge RV Park in Bethel Island after dark.  Thankfully Ron is quite practiced at backing up Raven.  The park host gave Ron a thumbs up for his excellent maneuvering skills :-)

The park is mostly grass with gravel sites, 30amp FHU, $45/night with our Good Sam discount. Plenty of area to stretch our legs while walking Rufus for his daily 'duties'.


Work in the area kept us busy the rest of the week.  But today, Saturday, we scheduled in a play day.  And by play, I mean hiking the hills of nearby Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

The weather was perfect.  Blue skies dotted with wispy clouds, a breeze blowing on the hillside but not in the valley, mild temperatures hovering around the mid 60's.  What more could I ask for?

"The East Bay Regional Park District began acquiring land for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the early 1970s. Today, most of the mining district is within the Preserve's nearly 6,096 acres. The area is an ideal location for hiking, picnicking and nature study. Naturalists conduct a variety of programs relating the Preserve's natural and historic resources."  You can read more details about the history of the area on the web page linked above.

likely one of the original buildings from the mining era

spring time greenery abounds

some trails are wide

while others are narrow

Rose Hill Cemetery

"Although little remains of the coal mining communities, a historic cemetery serves as a monument to the lives of the former residents. Buried here are children who died in epidemics, women who died in childbirth, and men who died in mining disasters and of other things. Although over 10 nationalities resided in the mining area, Rose Hill Cemetery was a protestant burial ground, and many of the people buried here were Welsh."

looking back from the cemetery

yes, it was just a bit windy at times...

can you guess what this is??

one of several mine entrances

you won't catch me working down here!

interesting view :-)

what a great play day!

Tomorrow is another travel day for us.  We leave our little spot by the delta for a spot by the ocean.  We'll be staying at one of our favorite places, Moss Landing KOA, within walking distance of the coast!

Ah, it feels great to be back out here!!