California and Hawaii – Day Seven: A Toast to Lakes and Bear Tales
Waking Up to a Truckin’ Good Morning
It’s the crack of dawn, or at least 07:00, and here we are at Teri and Rick’s den of tranquility. The night was like a lullaby, and as the sun peeks through the curtains in Visalia, we’re ready to seize the day. So, what’s the drill? Shower up, slip into something fabulous, and kick off the day with the holy trinity: fresh brewed coffee and sourdough toast. Because nothing says good morning like the aroma of coffee and the crunch of perfectly toasted sourdough.
Rambling on Rick’s Ram Ride
Step outside, and bam! There it is – Rick’s Ram, a monster truck that’s more like a four-wheeled fortress. Today, this beast is our chariot, ready to take us on a wild ride to Pine Flat Lake, a mere 35 miles away from the cozy abode. Buckle up, because it’s about to get bumpy in the best way possible.
Pine Flat Lake: Where Heat Meets Reflections
Disembarking from the Ram, the temperature smacks you right in the face – it’s going to be another scorching day in California, a cool 40°+ kind of day. Traversing the dusty terrain along the lake, you can practically feel the heat bouncing off the ground. As if that’s not enough, the lake’s water levels are giving us major side-eye; Rick spills the tea (or in this case, the lake water) – it’s only at 40% capacity. California, sweetie, hydrate much?
Boat Tours and Lakeside Libations
The pièce de résistance? A tour of the houseboat, an aquatic mansion with three bedrooms and three decks – basically, a floating paradise. Post-tour, we settle at the back, sipping on a concoction of beer and champagne. The lake sprawls out beneath us, and life feels nothing short of fabulous. It’s lakeside living, darling.
Return Drive: Sequoia-bound with a Dash of Bear Anticipation
Back on solid ground, it’s time for a wardrobe change because, let’s be real, that California sun demands a second shower. Destination: Gateway Lodge and Restaurant at Three Rivers, the gateway (duh!) to Sequoia National Park. But wait, there’s more! Our server spills the tea this time – a bear has been spotted in the river below our table. Bear sightings, champagne, and lakeside living? Sign us up.
No Bear, But Plenty of Yellowstone
Alas, no bear cameo during dinner, but fear not. Back at Teri and Rick’s, we’re in for an evening of catching up on Yellowstone, a slice of home in the heart of California. Sometimes, a bear in the wild just can’t compete with the dramatic twists of a TV series.
Onward to Monterey: Visalia, It’s Been Real
As the night settles in, tomorrow beckons, and Visalia is bidding us adieu. The road calls, and Monterey awaits, promising new adventures and, perhaps, a bear or two.
