Silverwood Lake Recreation Area

 We stayed at Silverwood Lake Recreation area Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a gorgeous park, one of the California state parks. Not many campers but enough to feel safe. My neighbors were Bree and Matt and their dog Luna. They are accountants, from South Carolina, with their own firm and have been working from their RV for a year slowly traveling through the southern part of the country and are now going up the coast in California. They have a travel blog: NoPlaceLikeGone.com. They left Thursday morning for Lancaster, CA for the Poppy Festival. Unfortunately, Willow did not want to get too close, so we didn't get a chance to just sit and talk, but we at least got to know a bit about each other and exchange blogs. 

Tuesday was cool, so we didn't get to take a long hike. Wednesday was beautiful, and we hiked down to the lake and then up into the foothills overlooking the lake. Beautiful setting. 

We hiked back to camp on a different trail, and we came across the sign for the Pacific Crest Trail. We were on the trail! One of my many trail goals! We weren't on it for long, but I was elated. 

 

As we continued back toward camp, I wanted to find a trail versus the road, and as we wandered the bike path,  a park ranger turned onto the path in his truck. I asked him if there was a trail back to the camp, and he said, "Yes, I'll show you. There's a branch reported to be blocking the path, so follow me, and I'll clear it for you." There was something about this ranger, Jason, that Willow trusted right away. She followed behind him like she had a new owner. Well, the branch wasn't a problem, but the mud was a bit much, so he hiked the rest of the way to the camp with us. I sat down to rest when we got to the campfire center, and Willow just sat by me calmly while we talked. I told him she has never done this before with anyone, and he said he had three rescue dogs, so maybe she sensed something about him. Anyway, if Jason were 30 years older, I would have invited him to my camp for a cocktail. :) 

The night was cold, so we packed up fairly early in the morning, and headed to Miller Canyon, on the other side of the lake. The West Fork Mojave river runs through the canyon. Except for a man and his dog returning to their car, we were the only ones in the area. It was beautiful. 

We found a trail that ran alongside the upper bank of the river and followed it until it got a bit steep for my liking. Willow was just leading the way like she was born for this. When we got back to the main road, I turned to continue further down. I heard a fairly loud noise down near the river, and Willow whined a bit and turned back up the road. The girl has instincts, so back to Minnie we went. It is bear and bobcat country, and the rare mountain lion. I thought it would have been kinda cool if it was a bear fishing in the river. I would have snapped a photo and rapidly left. I carry bear spray on hikes, so I'm prepared. LOL. Big talk. Who knows how I really would react in that situation? Like a pussy I'm quite sure. 

So we have been back at Danny and Stella's, and the walking just isn't the same. I swear this neighborhood is never quiet. There are barking dogs in most of the yards, people are in and out, garage doors opening and closing, Rings warning that "you are being recorded", music playing, cars driving too fast...it's a lot. I plan on going back to Silverwood Lake next week, choosing a sunny spot...number 105 is on the list...and hiking down to the marina and main beach. Until then, we will hang out with D & S, play some cards, and have a few cocktails...well, I will. Danny will have a couple, and Stella will drink a little of his. I make up for their low intake. :)

Before I sign off, I'd like to ask everyone to send positive and healing thoughts to my closest friend Carol. I call her AZ Carol because I have my good friend Nebraska Carol as well. After some vision and other issues, Carol had an MRI and there is a tumor in her brain. No more info yet...referrals done and waiting for additional tests. This woman has survived, skin cancer, breast cancer, and kidney cancer. She never (okay rarely...we are all entitled!) complains, she is such a kind, happy, sweet soul. She was my labor coach for both my kids, my longtime roommate, and Allex's other mother. She means the world to me and to anyone who knows her. I can't say more, I got tears in my eyes, but I have hope in my heart. This girl will beat this fucking tumor like she always has. 

Peace and love, Watson