PLACERVILLE, GRASS VALLEY & NEVADA CITY

We had plenty of time to drive from Sarah’s to out camping outing because the town of Grass Valley is about two hours from her house. We stopped in Placerville for a look around the old town and to perhaps do a little bike ride.

Seems that Placerville is about half way between Folsom and Lake Tahoe.

A bit of history about the train from Placerville to Sacramento.

I can never seem to pass up a little town humor.

Susan had previously scouted out the El Dorado Trail where we could spend some time biking.

I took a bit of a tumble with fortunately no injury — it was little tumble— but still not up to par with good energy level due to this head cold, we turned back early. Susan says she thinks I have a cold rather than allergies (see next paragraph), and as time has gone on, I think Susan might be right. Anyway we did not ride much of the trail and may make this a destination on a future visit with Sarah.

I’m thankful that this ride happened at all today. This morning I wasn’t sure if it would. ALLERGIES!!

I started the evening before with full symptoms which got worse through the night and I did not sleep much through the night and got up at 2:00 a.m.. Sarah has allergy pills, allergy eye drops and allergy nasal spray that she says she and Lucy must take every day. Something, maybe all of it, finally made me a little feel better.

BUT! I had not expected to be so wiped out for the ride we had planned on the El Dorado trail. Right from the start as I took a test spin around the parking lot, I felt wobbly and very unsteady.

I didn’t know one could feel so rotten due to allergies! But I sure felt rotten. Less than half way along the trail, I told Susan I could easily turn around and head back. I was tired and never felt confident on my bike, even took a spill. No injuries though.

Returning to town, we took time to walk along the Main Street to enjoy some sights in Placerville.

The oldest Hardware store west of The Mississippi still operating.

Hangtown and Hangman’s Tree Historic Spot.

Soon it was time to move onto Grass Valley RV Center for the Rainbow RV Spring Valley. We have not camped with this group as they are based, and do their outings in California. Our friends Penelope and Barb have joined them a couple of times and asked us to meet up with them after our stay with Sarah and so we did.

I got no photos of the campground — or any body there! The Fairgrounds directly across the road from where we are camped at GVRV (Grass Valley RV).

There was lots going on at camp during the three days — fondue and wine welcome; dessert and wine evening; corn hole game, pickle ball; bocce ball; wine and conversation; swimming pool; wine farewell night. It was busy.

Susan joined me for our two rides. The one took us to Grass Valley with the walking/walk your bike mall and umbrellas hanging over head. Reminded me of places in Europe. We would return here for dinner, window shopping and ice cream the following night with our friends Penelope and Barb.

From Grass Valley we rode on to the neighboring town of Nevada City. A delightful little town where we found the cutest place for lunch al Fresca. Again, having a European flavor, especially with our waitress having an accent of some kind.

Time to return to camp and as we rode through Grass Valley again I found this butterfly.

We had another ride the following day that went into much more country side which I am sorry to not have captured on any photos. The was winding and there were some hills but the traffic was light to none and the countryside was beautiful.

At the start of the ride from our campground, around the first corner we discovered the mine.

Unfortunately the museum was closed until later in the day and we would not be able to visit. This is a museum I would find interesting.

Our time in Grass Valley had now come to its end and we bid all each other with farewells, safe travels, and see ya down the roads as we departed.

Susan and I will be moving onto the next part of our adventure as we head toward home.