Most of the traveling I’ve done in the United States has been by going back roads. The only time I get on an Interstate is if I happen to be in a hurry getting to my destination. Even then I’m definitely not thrilled with the idea of missing out on what sites may be seen on the road less traveled.

I started taking back roads in the 70s. If I had two weeks to myself I put my dog and a sleeping back in my truck and headed out. Usually my decision regarding which direction to go came only after I was on my way.

My last excursion was probably the biggest surprise of them all. My goal was Colorado Springs, CO. since I had been to (and through) Colorado by the southern route more times than I can remember (and since my Mother was in Napa visiting her brother) I decided to go to Northern California first, then cut across Nevada and through Colorado to my destination. I had never been that route before and was in the mood for an adventure.

When I got to Napa, CA I found out that some friends mine were there on business. After visiting with family for a few days I caught up with my friends. One of my friends, Rod had been brought up in Northern California and knew every back road (and even some back roads to the back roads) that you could imagine.

We caught up with each other and left from Stockton (home of the Big Valley for all of you 60s TV fans). I was soon to see some of the most beautiful land you can imagine. We took Highway 88 from Stockton to Lake Tahoe. I think I used three rolls of film that day. They were many lakes along the way, Caples Lake, Silver Lake, Red Lake and of course Lake Tahoe.

We never did get to Colorado. We spent nearly four months in the Sierras and parts of Nevada. We covered nearly every Highway in the region. I lost count trying to keep up with how many lakes there were.

I would have to say though, that Highway 88 is our favorite. In fact, it’s my favorite in the whole State of California! We camped in several different places, each one better than the last. Several weekends we camped 30 feet from one of the lakes. We camped another place right on the Carson River. Running water, right there! And the fishing… you will never run out of a new place to fish! I can’t reveal our favorites because if I do, they might not be there the next time we go. But I will tell you that you have to be observant. Don’t pass it up just because it looks like it leads nowhere. It probably leads to a little bit of paradise.

 

Go Right To Fun Vacations in:
Stockton and The San Joaquin Valley
Palm Springs, CA & the Southwest Desert	Napa, Sonoma, & Mendocino Wine Country
Big Bear Lake, CA	Orange County, CA
Nevada	South Lake Tahoe

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