First truly stressful day...of many I'm sure...(July 9)

From Rebecca:

Like yesterday today started out really low key.  The kids and I hung out around the camper until the check out time around noon.  I was able to stock up on water by filling the fresh tank for the dry camping adventures of this evening.  I was even able to give the kids each a bath!!

I left and soon figured out that the GPS was not going to go the route that I needed to follow to stay on track with John and Andrew.  I decided to use the MapMyFitness app to lead the way.  John had sent the route the night before.

The roads were narrow and steep, but manageable.  I met up with the guys around mile 32 of their ride.  About 8 miles down the road was the road to PiPi Campground.  This was one of the only ones anywhere in the forest that could accommodate a 35ft trailer.  I made my way down the very steep one lane road switch backs and all.  6 miles later I arrived at the campground.  It looked daunting, but not impossible.  I passed the campground host and he suggested that I "try" space #18.  Getting back there was rough but again not impossible.  I got to the site and thought it was possible.  I made several attempts at backing it in but the road way was too narrow to maneuver the beast without hitting a tree with the truck or the camper.  After further inspection I determined that even if I get into the space I'm not sure I can make the curve getting out when it is time to leave in the morning.  So I pulled out and no less than 3 times had to very narrowly maneuver through trees, rocks, posts, etc.  Once or twice I had to back up and make a second approach...I was on the "roadway" for this!  I met the host again on my way out and he of course made a comment about being comfortable with your rig...I was not in the mood.  I drove back up the tragically steep and narrow road that I used to get there...6 miles later I was at the intersection where I could meet the guys.  They were only a mile or so away, so I waited.

While waiting I called the Bear River Lake Campground which was 10 miles up the street and begged for a spot.  I called yesterday and they didn't have anything open.  They were able to give me a 40ft fifth wheel space.  I was relieved.  We drove there and checked in.  On our way back there it became clear that this was not going to be an easy place to get parked either.  It was not as narrow or tree filled, but there was a good amount of rough terrain.  We found the spot after having to back up once to find the road that we missed.  We made several attempts at angling back into the space which had a steep incline right at the foot of the spot.  Our camper is somewhat of a low rider, so steep hills are not a great idea...especially driveways and parking lots.  We did end up digging the bumper into about 2 inches of dirt before deciding that this was not going to work for us either.  By this point we are all cranky and the kids were expecting to be done in the car hours ago.  The front desk kindly refunds our fee and suggests that we backtrack 35 miles to the Casino in Jackson.  Not my favorite choice after all of this, but we don't really have any other options that this point.  We headed back.

About 50 minutes later we arrived...this place is the most modern pristine campground I have ever seen!  Wide lanes and open spaces...the grass is perfect, the roads are all perfectly level and paved.  This is exactly what we needed after the issues today!!  Too bad we had to back track 35 miles to get here.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day.  I am looking forward to arriving at Amanda's house in Virginia City tomorrow evening....after going through areas that may or may not be dealing with forest fires and flooding.  Yay!! ;)

My only regret for today is that I didn't get photos of the issues we faced.

Finally...the night ski here is awe inspiring!

From John:

Today was a day of climbing. 40 miles and over 5000' of gain. It was brutal. However, my training from the Colorado tour last year and constant attention to my food and fluid needs helped me get through feeling pretty good. I managed never to go into my 'red' zone, but this probably made the day last longer then it had to. I whopping average of nine miles per hour we crawled our way up the mountainside. Tomorrow we finish Carson Pass. Topping over 9000' it is going to be intense. I am looking forward to but am nervous about the challenge. When we arrive in Carson City we will have a day of rest. I am greatly looking forward to this.