Calaveras Big Trees RV Trip (11)

I picked the RV up from Pan Pacific after they finished some warranty work, and drove home, filling up at Costco. We left the next morning early for Calaveras Big Trees. We had a good ride there, and didn’t stop till we arrived at the campground. It was already getting hot, so we left the dog in the RV with all the windows open for a short walk in the Redwoods. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trails, so Charlie stayed in the RV after walking him in the picnic area. The 1.5 mile North Grove redwood trail is truly spectacular, with many amazing sights and interesting information.

This is where giant sequoias were first discovered by non-natives. What did they do? Well, they chopped down the first tree discovered to make a profit. It was through this however, that the population began to understand the value of these old trees and started to protect them. It turns out there are not many left…about 73 groves in the Sierras…and no where else on earth.

We really enjoyed the area, but due to the heat, we went back to the to check on the dog, who was sleeping in the Rv, which was still at a very comfortable temperature. However, that was to change very soon. A huge heat wave was settling in the for weekend with temperatures above 100. We found that dry camping without using the generator in that heat was pretty uncomfortable. We also were stuck in the campground because we could not leave Charlie in the RV with it so hot….so we decided to leave the next morning. We got up bright and early, drove back to the North Grove and explored the redwood trail in the cool of the morning.

We then drove to Columbia to Marble Quarry Lane RV so we could get full hookups and be walking distance to the historic town of Columbia where we could get a cold sarsaparilla and cool down a spell. Well, it was still really hot, but we were thankful for AC! And even more thankful that the heat spell broke on Sunday and it was a cool 80 degrees when we returned to Dublin.

On the way back, we ate at Squeeze Inn, a hamburger joint featured by Guy Fierro on Dives, Diners, and Drive-Ins. They make great burgers with shredded cheese melted over the top. The cheese melts and gets crispy on the sides, so you can break it off and eat it like an appetizer. You have to see it to believe it, but it is definitely worth a stop if you can forget everything you know about healthy eating for a meal… 🙂