After weeks of gray skies and rain, we packed up and pointed the RV south—ready for sunshine, warmer weather, and new adventures. These two weeks took us from Oregon’s misty mountains and river valleys to the towering redwoods of Northern California, and on to the sun-soaked valleys of Chico and beyond. It was a stretch filled with long drives, family visits, and some of the most peaceful campgrounds we’ve stayed at yet.
Crescent City, CA – Trees, Trails, and Ocean Views
As sad as we were to leave Oregon, we were excited to continue our journey south in search of the sun. Saturday, November 1st, was a long travel day as we made our way from Hood River, OR, to Crescent City, CA. The RV park we found was in such a cool location—right on the ocean and only about 30 minutes from the Trees of Mystery.
Ocean views to start our southern adventure.
We had planned to spend the week in the area, but after checking the forecast and seeing 4–5 inches of rain ahead, we decided to keep moving. Before heading out, we spent Sunday morning exploring the Trees of Mystery and were completely in awe of the redwoods. Derek and I had driven through them a few years ago, but this was Trygg’s first time experiencing their magic. If you’ve never been, we highly recommend it—yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s worth it! The Redwood Canopy Trail and gondola ride were incredible—and worth conquering my fear of heights.
First-time redwood magic for Trygg!
Chico, CA – Sunshine and Family Time
After soaking up the beauty of the redwoods, we continued south to Chico, CA—a familiar stop since Derek has family in the area. We stayed at a quiet, local RV park and were thrilled to finally enjoy some sunshine and warmer temps. Our afternoons were filled with bike rides, playground trips, and even a (very brief!) swim for Trygg in the freezing outdoor pool.
One afternoon, we headed up to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park. At an elevation of about 9,000 feet, we really should have expected the cold and snow—but it still caught us a little by surprise! Trygg absolutely loved playing in the snow, making snowballs, and just enjoying the crisp mountain air. It was a fun and unexpected adventure that added a touch of winter magic to our trip.
Snow at 9,000 feet! Trygg loved every minute of his winter adventure at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
We also checked out the Chico Children’s Museum—a fun stop that Trygg and I both loved—and spent a sweet afternoon catching up with Derek’s niece and great-niece at a local park. Chico was a great place to slow down, warm up, and enjoy a mix of family time and snowy adventures before moving on.
Topaz Lake, NV & Glass Creek Campground, CA – Peaceful Stops Along the Way
On Friday, November 7th, we traveled from Chico to Topaz Lake Recreation Area in Gardnerville, NV—a stunning spot surrounded by mountains and a sparkling lake. It was the perfect place to camp for the night and reset. We enjoyed a slow Saturday morning. The boys biked and went treasure hunting with the metal detector (Trygg is still convinced he’ll strike it big one of these days!) before packing up to hit the road again.
Morning adventures at Topaz Lake.
That afternoon, we made our way to Glass Creek Campground, tucked between June Lake and Mammoth Lakes, CA. It was a peaceful, quiet place to boondock for a few nights. The camp host told us that during the summer it’s nearly impossible to find a site, but since it’s the end of the season, there were only a handful of other campers.
At around 7,400 feet above sea level, the nights were definitely chilly, but the crisp air and mountain views made it all worth it. We had planned to stay for at least five nights, but a massive snow and windstorm started moving in, forcing us to cut our visit short (this seems to be a bit of a theme for us—maybe we’re the bad weather culprits!).
Before leaving the area, we made sure to squeeze in a trip to Yosemite National Park, and I’m so glad we did. The views were absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of those places you could spend days exploring and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Truly a remarkable place to experience.
No photo can truly capture the magic of Yosemite—but we tried anyway.
Lone Pine, CA – Alabama Hills Exploration & Fossil Falls
On Tuesday afternoon, once Derek wrapped up work, we packed up and hit the road, heading south to Lone Pine, California, in search of calmer weather. We found a quiet campground just outside of town, surrounded by mountains on nearly every side—a stunning backdrop for a few days of rest and adventure.
Our backyard for the week—mountains in every direction.
If you’re not familiar with Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills, it’s such a hidden gem. Over 400 movies and 100 TV episodes have been filmed there, and it’s easy to see why. The landscape is unlike anywhere else—massive, sculpted rock formations set against the dramatic Sierra Nevada peaks.
Our time in Lone City was full of little adventures and memorable moments. We enjoyed exploring the area and soaking in the scenery, but we also had a small mishap with one of our leveling pads—the foot somehow disconnected while we were lifting up our levelers. Derek is trying to find a fix for this problem, and if anyone can solve it, he can! He’s our Mr. Fix-It and professional problem solver, always ready to tackle whatever the road throws at us. Despite the hiccup, we made the most of our stay and loved every minute of our time in this charming spot.
From Lone Pine, we ventured a little further south to Fossil Falls Campground Recreation Area, a gem nestled in the BLM land at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This area boasts a stunning volcanic landscape, showcasing a 20,000-year-old lava flow along with remnants of a once-majestic, dried-up waterfall. As we traversed the old riverbed among the rugged lava rocks, we couldn’t shake the feeling of wandering through another planet. The unique geology and serene surroundings truly made for an unforgettable afternoon!
On the Road Again
As we packed up and left Fossil Falls behind, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for all the beauty we’ve witnessed—and a little amazed at how much the landscape has changed in such a short time. From snow-covered mountains to sun-drenched desert views, each stop reminds us just how diverse and breathtaking this country really is. With full hearts (and a few more rocks in Trygg’s collection), we hit the road once again—ready for the next adventure waiting down the highway.
Looking Ahead
We’ll be arriving in San Diego soon to spend some time with my aunt and uncle—two of my favorite people—and we can’t wait to see them!
We also have two very special guests flying out to visit for a few days, and we’re so excited for their arrival.
As much as we love this life on the road, I can’t deny how much I miss my family. I feel so fortunate to be close to them, but that closeness also makes being apart a little harder. Weekly phone calls and video chats help, but they never quite replace being together in person.
All that to say, we’re really looking forward to a few days filled with familiar faces, good conversation, and that comforting sense of home that only family brings.
We know this life isn’t always easy, but we also know this: every challenge brings growth, every adventure adds to our story, and in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.
Every mile teaches us something new. Here’s to the road ahead.
Here’s to the next stretch of the journey—and all the memories waiting to be made along the way.
Until next time… see you down the road! ✨