Woods Lake, California

On our way to Burning Man 2012 we stopped for a night at Woods Lake.  It is a beautiful camping area well off but close to Highway 88 that summits at Carson Pass in the Sierra Mountains at 8,574 feet (2,613 m).  There are other Eldorado National Forest places to camp, but this one is the best, and this was our third time here.  It is small, quiet, and mostly filled with tent campers.  Our 22 foot motor home just fits a campsite parking spot.

Woods Lake is near the Pacific Crest Trail, but we only hiked Lost Mine Trail. An abandoned car provided a resting place on the way up to Round Top Lake.

Wildflowers are still abundant in late August.

The red fruit is currants, a favorite munchy of bears...and other wild animals.

Snow is still on the mountains above Round Top Lake.

Heading back down to Woods Lake.

Cambria, California

Cambria, California is one of those delightful communities in which you can drive by in almost the blink of an eye.  You must watch out for it and cruise off an exit to find its flavor.  There is a beach side and an inland side so don't think you've seen it all by stopping on one side only.

We saw many deer wandering safely in the wooded neighborhoods.  Val and Gil, family/friends, are volunteer guides for the nearby elephant seals.  Whales can be seen migrating off the coast.  Acorn woodpeckers are everywhere.  Tide pools are teeming with sea life.

North up Pacific Coast Highway 1 you can see Hearst's Castle and its wandering zebra then continue on to Esalen and Big Sur.  South will lead you to Morro Rock and San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles.