We have a favorite camping place in Northern California near Susanville, not far from a funky old lumber town named Westwood. Our wandering spirits longed to be nurtured in Nature in a very quiet, private place with few if any other people. Ah ha, Duck Lake would be perfect! We’ve camped here several times over the past few years and relish the quiet beauty and history of the place. We first stayed here in 2009 when Kae’s Sister Jeannie and brother-in-law Ron were members of a draft horse and mule club who were recreating a wagon train traveling an 1860’s supply wagon road from Westwood, CA to Silver City, Idaho. They rendezvoused in this meadow and we followed the wagons for many miles filming, photographing and interviewing the members. Cokie created an hour and a half long movie of this adventure for each member of this club. A few years later we came back with RV buddies for a stay and just fell in love again with the spirit and quiet of the meadow and the forest around it. This time in June we set up camp with all of the trimmings: BBQ, awning, shade cloths, our dog’s corral, patio rug, lounge chairs, snack tables, garbage can, then wondered why we brought so much stuff with us! As the days passed by the winds became stronger and stronger causing us to spend hours with spikes, tie downs, rocks, any and everything we could think of to provide enough shade and wind protection. We were crossing our fingers every time we went into Westwood to shop or pickup mail that the awning would still be attached to the Pod when we returned! Not exactly conducive to rest and relaxation, ya think? Just when we thought we had things pretty well in hand, two things happened: 65, yes 65 cows and calves showed up one morning! Surprise, Ladies! They were as curious about us as we were about them. It was a very mixed herd in terms of breeds, colors and sizes. It was fun to watch the subtle communications and movings about the meadow. They actually were kind of calming in they’re slow deliberate ways and the antics of the many calves were quite charming and even funny.They stayed around for nearly the entire time we were there. The second happening was a drain clog somewhere in the grey water line of the Pod. It meant we could not drain any water out of the sink! Inconvenient to say the leastI Plus there seemed to be some kind of leak under the rig. None of it made any sense. So blessed Cokie crawled under to see what she could see. Not much. Plug-up? Leak? Nothing made any sense but we spent hours trying to figure it out.
Because we were committed to delivering Kae’s bike to the new owners over in Etna near Yreka, we packed up, plug, leak and all and headed out…..
Do you remember these Nancy? Still on the road with us!
Our favorite place for home made soft ice cream. YUM!
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