Snakes...

 ...within the grasses.

This pink flowering plant is called Snake plant since it's stems wander ...

and intertwine with the grasses. 

We were back at Acorn Campground in Tuttletown for a couple of days of relaxing and Spring hikes. 

From site 62, we were able to see the lake and...

the bridge. It's like where is Waldo in this photo, but in this case it's the bridge.

It's so nice to see the water level up. Our hikes along the shoreline were beautiful since Spring here is in full bloom!

Besides seeing the Snake plant, we saw White Fairy Lantern. Having PlantNet on our phone is so helpful in identifying these plants that we aren't familiar with.

The grasses this year are super high, due to the large amount of rains this past winter. 

Even though the grasses were so high, beautiful patches of flowers were in full bloom.

We hiked the trails for three days. First day in one direction, the second day in the reverse direction, and last day a short hike down to the point. It never gets old! So much peaceful beauty to heal the soul!!

Where the Ospreys Rule!

We headed back to our favorite lake during St. Patrick's Day weekend thinking the campground would be close to empty.

And we were correct! We were able to get our favorite site too!  

An easy walk down to picnic table!

Between the views, easy parking the trailer into site, the short walk down to the picnic table, great hiking trails right from the campground, and few folks at this time of year camping, we loved this area at this time of year. You couldn't pay me to come here in late spring or summer when it is hot...and it gets HOT! 

After lunch, we headed out to hike the trails. One of the trails heads down to the boat launching area. This weekend the parking lot was full-a surprise to us! We discovered there was a Bass fishing tournament. 

Onward we hiked just a bit inland and spotted this osprey hanging out on a branch just above the trail we were on. He showed he wasn't a fan of us by pooping. Luckily his aim was off!

We headed down to our favorite point before heading back to camp. We were surprised at the water level height. Back in April 2021, this area was so low that we took a hike down to look at the lupine. Back at camp, we enjoyed a quiet and restful evening.

Cold December

 We went to one of our favorite winter camping spots on December 18th before kids came home to celebrate Christmas.

Acorn Campground at New Melones had only five sites occupied.  Everyone was spread out that it felt like one had the entire campground to themselves. We snagged our favorite spot to enjoy the views of Table Mountain and watch the bicyclist heading onto the trails. 

It was a cold night, low 30s. A hearty bowl of spicy Mexican corn soup help warm us up...

Along with Ms. Buddy Heater!

Meeks curled up into a ball, while we used quilts to keep our legs warm.

We slept under one sheet and five blankets; I made two of the quilts. 

We're ready to go back, but in warmer temperatures to check on the water level. The water was the lowest we have ever seen and this was after the first big storm we had the month before.

Back to Tuttletown

 We were able to get a spot at Acorn campground at New Melones.

It was a beautiful warm weekend! 

Last time we were at this campsite, November 2020, we stayed up by the RV and didn't use the picnic area to this site, 53, because of the steep hill. So before lunch, I made more steps so that I wouldn't slide down the hill just getting to the picnic table. 

After settling in, eating lunch, and resting a bit from forming the top steps, we headed off down the trail to a favorite point that we like to visit.

View from the picnic table along the trail. When we visited last time in November, that embankment was totally brown. The contrast is remarkable and uplifting.

Lupines were everywhere!!

 

After soaking up the beauty of the purple embankment, we headed back up to the trail.

The California Oaks provided some shade along the way back.

The Park of Reclamation installed a Frisbee Disc Course at Cougar Point. We walked by numerous holes with some of the holes looking very challenging. This hole is more in the open. 

For me seeing Mule's Ears is far more rewarding than the new metal holes at Cougar Point.

Back at camp, I rested and read until dinner. Dinner that night were burgers on the Biolite. Mine of course was a veggie burger!

After a wonderful long night's rest, Meeks needed out; so, I got up to watch the birds while sipping hot tea to keep me warm. 

Since the forecast was calling for hot weather, we headed up to higher elevation for our hike of the day. We had once before hiked a section of the Arnold Rim Trail.

This time we hiked from Avery Sheep Road parking to marker 32 and back, ~ 5 miles. Vegetation here is different from the vegetation at New Melones. The hike starts with a climb up to the rim marker 38. From there we had easy hike to marker 35 and then it was all downhill to marker 32. We past a parking area with a picnic table and fire ring at the top.

Due to COVID restrictions and our own need for feeling safe from COVID, our daily 4 miles of walking are done on level ground. We have stayed away from our local, popular, hilly trails. So, this hike was a bit tiring for us with the hills and elevation. 

Yup, we are still smiling after that hike.

View from the bed the next morning. We took a short hike from the campground to park entrance and back. One of our get the legs moving hike before the 2 hour drive home.