Tonelli's Travels

Outside of Yosemite, I settled for the night at June Lake. A national forest campground set on the hill above the water, it was a beautiful spot. From my campsite I could see the edge of the green blue water in the background, nestled up against the snow spotted slate mountains. Ahhh.

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After dinner and some writing, I headed down to the water to enjoy the golden hour. The lakeside was quiet as families returned to their homes or campsite for the evening, providing me with a peaceful view. I settled on a rock and soaked it all in. The landscape of this country continues to surprise and amaze me. To much to see, so much to appreciate. I understand why the Northern Paiute and Western Mono tribes called this land home.

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As the sun sank behind the mountains, the temperature dropped fast. I hustled back to my campsite and wrapped up in a blanket on my chair, trying to stay out as long as possible to enjoy the view. Eventually the cold got to me though, and I took shelter inside. I really wanted to spend more time at this beautiful spot, but alas is was Memorial Day Weekend and I doubted their would be any availability. Oh well! I curled up for the night with my book and journal, and eventually turned off the lights.

The next morning I awoke with plans to leave, and went about my morning routine and cleaning up camp. But, I’m learning to ask questions, to seek help and the camp host happened to walk by as I was almost done. So, I practiced what I’m learning and inquired if there were possibly any cancellations, any open spots. And guess what, he called the front desk and there was – just one! I’ll take it I responded enthusiastically and hustled over to put for the night. Yes!

So I didn’t have to leave this stunning spot. In fact, I didn’t have anywhere I needed to go (other than my new campsite a few loops over), and had a whole free day ahead of me! Just what my body requested.

After resettling in my new spot, I lathered up with sunscreen, packed my bag, grabbed my chair and sand mat, and headed to the beach! I chose a spot on the far left, close to the rocks, providing myself with a little bit of privacy. Just lovely. I spent the day sunbathing, reading, journaling, and people watching. I enjoyed the families who shrieked and laughed as they tortured themselves in the ice water the most. They clearly hated it and loved it at the same time – must of been the challenge of proving they could withstand the cold. I had a few duck visitors, but that was the biggest interruption.

Hours later, a little sunburnt in spots and hungry, I headed up the road to camp for a shower and dinner. The vitamin D had lifted my mood, the stillness had healed my sore muscles. Dinner was delicious.

I wasn’t ready for bed yet, and the sun was casting magnificent shadows on the mountains, so I grabbed my cameras and headed back to June Lake for the sunset. It started golden and bright, dipping behind the tree covered mountain, then turned pink and purple against the puffy clouds. The colors reflected off the lake, creating a dreamy romantic setting. A few deer were strolling near the shore, having an evening drink, enjoying the space with fewer visitors. I’m so glad I was able to stay, chose to stay.

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That evening was quiet, and the next morning slow, finally allowing myself to stay in the moment. At Yosemite a conversation reminded me of how much I’ve accomplished, how far I’ve come, and this day at June Lake allowed me to reflect on that. While I’m excited about what’s next, I’m also in awe of all I’ve done so far. A year ago this was just a dream, now I’m about halfway done. Wow.

As I decided how far to travel next on my way to Great Basin National Park in Nevada, I did laundry and got gas. I decided I still wasn’t feeling a big drive, still wanted to rest and be relatively still, so I found a dispersed camping spot about 40 miles away. A little progress towards my next destination, but an easy drive.

Owens Gorge Road provided an oasis in the forest, among red rocks and dirt roads. Other campers nearby, but lots of privacy. I filled the afternoon with chores, phone calls, and cooking. Then climbed over the hills to catch the magnificent sunset over the mountains. Bliss.

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I loved it so much here, and was continuing to crave rest and reflection, that I spent my next day in the exact same spot. I read, journaled, completed paperwork, and relaxed. I watched lizards scamper around, pausing on rocks to do little push ups before finding a safe place to sun bath. I listened to the birds and breeze. I slept in the pop up top for a change of pace. Sometimes you need to go slow in order to go fast. I’d been going so fast for so many weeks, the slow down was much needed.

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The next day I did need to move on and headed down Route 6, crossing into Nevada. Another new state for me! I remembered to lift my feet as I crossed the state line, hoping it would bring me luck for the next leg of my travels.

Route 6 brought my through Tonopah, a small town with a clown hotel, and across vast expanses of open land. The desert greeted me again, flat stretches of road through dry sage and brush. Gray greens, golden yellows, tan browns spread out all around. And abruptly stopped at the chocolate brown mountains that rose up in the distance, almost encircling me. It was far prettier drive than expected.

My mom kept me company on the phone, although the cell service kept dropping as I climbed hills and descending into valleys. It’s a good reminded that parts of our country are still remote, still undeveloped. Although it interrupted our conversation, it was also nice in a strange way to be disconnected momentarily. Luckily we did get to finish our chat.

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The drive was long though, over 300 miles to cover since I had stayed out for a few days. But I got out to stretch my legs along the way, Black Rock Lava Flow provided a cool place to walk around. There, in the middle of the desert, was a sea of black crumbly rock, remnants of past volcanic eruption. Now scattered and covered in lichen, you could still sense how it was once burning hot and flowing across the land. History is all around, you just have to have your sense open.

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Later down the road I passed through Ely, and then into Baker, Nevada, where Great Basin National Park was located. I attempted to get hiking info, but tired from the hours of driving (although beautiful), I opted to find camping instead. Again, I practiced asking questions and earned myself the last spot at the campground right outside the park. The eyes and arms were thankful. Dinner, a shower, and bed. Tomorrow was another day for adventure.