Visit Devils Postpile National Monument

Above, basalt rock formations at Devils Postpile National Monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who can afford to RV in the state of California where gasoline now averages $4.30 to $4.48 per gallon for regular unleaded, a trip up the Owens Valley is one that is enjoyable. 

Above, a view along the trail to the rock formations. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up in the Mammoth Mountain area, is Devils Postpile National Monument. In 2016, I visited it and had a good time. It is an easy walk to reach the basalt rock formations. 

RV Travel posted an article on Devils Postpile National Monument.

They begin with:

The Devils Postpile National Monument is a dramatic spot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The monument is located off the back side of Mammoth Mountain in Madera County, California. Its unique basalt rock formations are a mind-bending sight to see.

Above, yours truly at Devils Postpile National Monument.

There are some RV parks in nearby Mammoth Mountain Village if one chooses to stay there.

For more information, go here. 

10 Eastern Sierra Must-Visit Stops On U.S. 395

Above, yours truly at Devil's Postpile National Monument.

Back in 2016, before California's gasoline prices got outrageous, I took a little jaunt up U.S. 395 in the Eastern Sierra.

I stopped at places like Manzanar National Historic Site, Bishop, Devil's Postpile National Monument and Mammoth Lakes. I also drove along Tioga Pass on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. 

There are places that I missed and RV Travel posted an article with video on ten places considered "must-visit" to RVers.

They begin it with:

U.S. Highway 395 in California runs along the Eastern Sierra and is home to arguably some of the most spectacularly beautiful scenery in the entire U.S. In the video below, join outdoor photographer Gabriella Viola on a trip along this famed highway to discover her favorite places and stops along the route.

Encompassing both Mono and Inyo counties, the Eastern Sierra is on the remote eastern side of California’s Sierra Nevada range. Gabriella says this rugged region is home to crystal-clear alpine lakes, granite peaks, hot springs, waterfalls, and much more. Even if you don’t intend to plan a trip, the video, created by a professional outdoor photographer, provides some amazing eye candy.

To read more, go here.

10 Best Mountain Towns In America To Visit

Above, Mammoth Lakes, California during the summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2025 is just around the corner. Many people, including myself, are thinking about where to travel to during vacation season.

TheTravel has posted a list of mountain towns around the U.S. worth considering. I have already been to several of them.

They begin with:

2025 is almost here! Travelers will plan and finalize their travel plans weeks and sometimes months in advance. So, now is a great time to search for destinations in America worth visiting in 2025.

Most have heard John Muir's quote, "The mountains are calling, and I must go." He wrote it to his sister from Yosemite Valley (Yosemite is best seen on a scenic train with one-of-a-kind views) on Sept. 3, 1873. It speaks of an inner need and desire to be in the mountains.

Millions around the world have resonated with Muir's quote. As a result, scenic mountains and valleys have become top-rated vacation destinations worth every penny for mountain lovers in the US and worldwide.

America thrives in its towns, and its mountains are only more picturesque and alluring. With gorgeous natural landscapes, quaint and historical main streets, and warm, hospitable people, these fantastic mountain towns in America are the perfect destinations to visit in 2025.

To read more, go here. 

Section of U.S. 395 To Shut Down 15 Days In September

Above, The Beast at Manzanar Internment Camp in July 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I drove U.S. 395 in California's eastern Sierra Nevadas was back in 2016. During that trip, I visited the Japanese internment camp Manzanar, stayed in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes and drove into Yosemite National Park on Tioga Road.

Those planning to drive U.S. 395 next month will find a part of it closed.

RV Travel reported:

Planning a trip along California’s eastern Sierra Nevada? Check your calendar and your routing. A beautiful section of U.S. Highway 395 in California will shut down for more than two weeks in an effort to protect wildlife.

California dubs the stretch of U.S. 395 as the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, and folks traveling it from the south will find it shut down on September 4 for 15 days. If coming from that direction you will need an alternate route to access the communities of Walker and Colville or to fish and camp at Topaz Lake.

Northbound motorists can take Highway 182 from Bridgeport and connect with lonely Nevada Route 338.

To read more, go here. 

Ruined Vacations Due To 10-Year RV Rule

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next year will mark ten years since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. 

That's when I may face the notorious "ten-year rule" of some RV parks. I'm not concerned about it as my motorhome is in good shape and it is kept in a garage to protect it from the elements.

This is the topic of an article by MSN.

It begins with:

RV owners risk having their summer vacation ruined this year due to a rule that prevents RVs over 10 years old from parking in certain US parks.

Travelers who have had their vehicles for a while might want to do their research before they head out on a family adventure, as they may be denied a reservation.

Oftentimes safety issues are cited as the reason for the rule. Older vehicles can have a higher potential to develop problems such as leaks and electrical issues.

Some park managers are also trying to avoid their sites looking run down due to a build-up of older RVs, meaning the issue of aesthetics also comes into play.

To read the full article, go here. 

Along Yosemite's Tioga Road

Above, an early morning view of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five years ago, I took a "little" trip up the Owens Valley on U.S. 395 in California.

I stayed one night in Bishop and a couple of nights in Mammoth Lakes. Along the way, I stopped at Manzanar and Devil's Postpole National Monument. After this, I headed a little further north up 395 to Tioga Pass Road into Yosemite National Park.

This was the first time I have ever been in this part of Yosemite and it was well worth a road trip.

Travel Awaits has an article on the seven best experiences along Tioga Road.

They begin it with:

During the hottest days of summer, the best way to enjoy Yosemite National Park is to spend most of your time in the higher elevations, in the eastern side of the park, along Tioga Road. The area is open only in the summer, but when it is, it offers breathtaking views of the High Sierras and the High Country of Yosemite National Park. 

I visited the park with my family during the first week of June, just a few days after Tioga Pass opened. Since we ended up in the park during some of the hottest days of the early summer, Yosemite Valley proved too hot for us to spend much time in. So we spent most of our time in the High Country of Yosemite National Park, along the Tioga Pass Road. 

The scenery was just as stunning as in the more famous areas of the park, and the lower temperatures made our visit more enjoyable. The following are only a few of the many things to do in Yosemite’s High Country along Tioga Road. 

 To read more, go here.

Best California Road Trips

Above, at camp in Mammoth Lakes off U.S. 395. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one hits the road in an RV or the family car, California has plenty of roads to choose from for a memorable road trip.

Travel + Leisure has an article on eight of California's best road trips. Thankfully, they have campground and motels to stay along the way, from the desert, mountains and to the sea.

They begin with:

When it comes to road trips, California is hard to top. The land of fair weather always seems to deliver that carefree, top-down road trip experience. And due to its size — California is the third-largest U.S. state — there's plenty of terrain to explore. You can start at the ocean and end up in the mountains, or spend an entire weekend exploring the California deserts.

All it takes is a solid playlist, some road-trip friendly snacks, and a little planning to get out of your routine and on the road. To get you started, we've outlined some of California's best road trips — from multiday to multiweek adventures that criss-cross practically every part of the state (and kick off in major, easy-to-access cities).

To read more, go here. 

Camping After Coronavirus

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At this time, we do not know when state and national park campgrounds and RV parks will reopen. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that when they do open for the summer vacation season, there may be some snags in operations.

With that said, people are eager to hit the road in their RVs and RV Life has an article on what to know when heading out for the first time during the post-COVID-19 period.

As the Boy Scout Motto says: Be Prepared!

They begin with:

While the COVID-19 outbreak has peaked across most of the country, it is still unknown when travel restrictions will be lifted, allowing things to begin to return to normal. If you’ve developed a case of white line fever from staying at home during the containment mandates (like I have), plan on being fully prepared before departing on an RV outing this summer season. By being prepared, you will avoid putting undue pressure on small communities in the area you plan to camp.

To read the full article, go here. 

Good Sam Denies Medical Emergency Air Ambulance Claim

Above, the air ambulance helicopter that took me to Twin Falls. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

This is a story I can relate to somewhat.

When I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada last July, I was in no condition to make any medical or any other kinds of decisions. Luckily, my friend Mitch Geriminsky took charge. He was told that there's a hospital in Elko, Nevada and a better facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. He opted for Twin Falls. Soon, I was airlifted by helicopter to Twin Falls.

Fortunately, since this was a medical emergency, it was all covered.

Some people aren't so lucky with their insurers.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Of the many dubious reasons insurers use for denying claims, one of the most bizarre is telling a patient they neglected to obtain prior approval for treatment in the midst of a medical emergency. 

Because, of course, the first thing most people think of in a life-or-death situation is phoning some insurance company’s call center and jumping through bureaucratic hoops. 

Kathy Mutchler faced this Catch-22 recently — and found herself saddled with a $71,000 air ambulance bill — after being diagnosed with a severe kidney infection in Mammoth Lakes, where she was staying with her wife in an RV park. 

Mutchler, 64, who these days calls the open road home, is a member of the Good Sam Club, the world’s largest organization of recreational vehicle owners. You’ve probably seen the stickers on the backs of RVs and campers. 

Mutchler pays $89.99 annually for the service’s TravelAssist program, which, among other things, says it covers medical evacuations if suitable care isn’t available locally, as well as any costs involved in returning to your RV. 

Mutchler’s wife, Kathy O’Hara, 60, joined her for the trip and contacted Good Sam as soon as they landed in Nevada to let the organization know what was happening. She was given a case number by a service rep. 

Mutchler was hospitalized for three nights. Her condition gradually improved, she was released from the Reno medical center, and she and O’Hara rented a car for the return to Mammoth Lakes — an expense they believed that, like the air ambulance, would be covered by the Good Sam coverage. 

It was on the drive home that a Good Sam rep called. Mutchler’s claim had been denied. She’d be responsible for the air ambulance and rental car costs.

To read more, go here.

Free CA and AZ Camping Guides

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

OMG! The Los Angeles Times finally posted something useful!

At least, it's useful for those who want to find a campground in California or Arizona.

They have an article on two campground guides for those states.

They wrote:

Here are two free guides that can help you find private tent and RV camping sites in California and Arizona — and a whole lot more. Some locations offer stays in cabins, cottages, vintage Airstream trailers, covered wagons, African safari tents and tepees. 

The deal: The 2018 Camp-California! guide offers details about 300-plus privately owned and operated campgrounds. You’ll also find amenities such as pools and playgrounds for kids in the 80-page guide compiled by the California Assn. of RV Parks. 

The 2018-19 Arizona RV and Camping Guide details locations and amenities for 90 campgrounds in its 32-page guide. Check out camping extras such as a pool and on-site laundry at Munds Park RV Resort while touring the northern part of the state. You can order a free copy by emailing arizonaarvc@aol.com or a digital version at www.GoCampingInArizona.com.

For more information (including links), go here.

Mammoth Mountain RV Park

Above, looking toward the main entrance to the campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, during my trip up the Owens Valley, I stayed a couple of nights at Mammoth Mountin RV Park.

The approach to Mammoth Mountain RV Park is the main road from U.S. 395 (about 2 miles) into Mammoth Lakes.

The park is in a forested area with plenty of shade from the pine trees. Some campsites are gravel with sewer hook-ups and some are asphalt without sewer hook-ups. I ended up in an asphalt site since I didn't make reservations. But they do have dump station facilities available. I had a table and fire ring. I had to use my leveling blocks to level the RV.

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is a nice park with a pool, jacuzzi, store, laundry, playground and shower facilites. There's also tent areas.

The staff was friendly and helpful. The park is within walking distance (about 5-10 min.) from stores and restaurants. The price per night was $45.

Above, Sierra checking out the birds and squirrels. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The roads are wide enough to maneuver through the park.

I took a day trip up to Mammoth Lakes to catch the mandatory shuttle ($7.00) to see Devil's Postpile National Monument.

Above, yours truly at Devil's Postpile National Monument.

I would recommend making reservations in order to get a gravel site with full hook-ups. At least I didn't track in dirt and gravel into The Beast thanks to the asphalt. The site was more than adequate for Sierra and I.

When I left the Mammoth Lakes area, I headed north on U.S. 395 to Yosemite National Park's Tioga Pass road to drive through to get to U.S. 99 as gasoline was about $1.25 cheaper there than the stations on U.S. 395.

I gave Mammoth Mountain RV Park four out of five stars at RV Park Reviews.

My grade: A.

Mammoth Lakes and The Drought

Last July, I took a trip up the Owens Valley of California on U.S. 395 and ended up camping in Mammoth Lakes.

It was a nice trip, but a little on the warm side. That was fine with me.

Below, is a photo of The Beast parked at Mammoth Lakes Village:

Below, is what the Mammoth Lakes area looks like today:

It does appear that the drought in California has ended.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

Storms drenched the San Francisco Bay Area and created blizzard conditions in parts of the Sierra Nevada over the last week. They dramatically boosted the Sierra snowpack — a key source of water for California — to 161% of normal and helped rectify the state’s water shortage.

RV DVD Library Starting

Above, Superman (George Reeves), right, captures Dr. Barnack (Lawrence Ryle) in "The Star of Fate" (1953).

About a couple of weeks ago, I went to CD Trader near my home to see if they had Season 4 of Dallas. Fortunately for me, they did.

While in the store, I was browsing around and spotted Seasons One through Three DVD sets of the Adventures of Superman. I already have the complete series on DVD, but what caught my eye was that each set had a $6.99 price tag. It was too good a bargain for me to pass up!

I decided to buy Seasons One and Two for exclusive use in The Beast (my motorhome, in case you're a newbie here). I guess this means that I am starting a new DVD library in The Beast.

The Beast came with a flat screen television set and a DVD player, so if I wanted to watch a movie or something and there's no local television signals or too many mountains, I can just pop in a DVD and be entertained.

While camping in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes a few weeks ago, I watched the entire DVD set of Ken Burns' The War that was originally broadcast over PBS back around 2007 or 2008. Watching those brought back nice memories of watching them at my mom's with her. 

July Better Than June

Above, The Beast at the Manzanar visitor center parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Where the heck is this year going? It seems almost recently that we were in January. Now we're in August.

While the first half of the year was rather crappy (with some exceptions), at least the second half started out better. At least July was a better month than June was.

July began with my cousin's annual 4th of July (held on July 2) bash down in Wildomar, California. It was great to see family members in a festive mood.

Above, a meadow in Devil's Postpile National Monument. Photo by Armnd Vaquer.

Following that, Jes and I went to the Ventura Beach RV Resort for a few days of relaxation. She had never camped in an RV before and she enjoyed it.

After this, I headed up the Owens Valley in the Eastern Sierra with my cat Sierra and visited places that I hadn't been to before such as Manzanar Relocation Camp, Devil's Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes and Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park. I am happy that I'm getting plenty of use out of The Beast.

Above, at Japantown in West Los Angeles. Photo by Anastasia Lipovetskaya.

I commissioned a portrait in July and it was only completed a few days ago. I am working on holding an "unveiling party" to be held in the not-too-distant-future.

I bought DVD sets of Dallas and finished watching Seasons One through Three. Yesterday, I picked up Season Four (the "Who shot J.R.?" storyline) and now in the middle of side one of disc one. It is fun watching my onetime favorite television show after all these years, especially the insults J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) threw at people ("Sue Ellen, you're a drunk, a tramp, and an unfit mother.") Classic!

That reminds me. There's still some legal matters to attend to this month, but I feel confident that I will prevail in them. Most, if not all, were forced by the actions of a couple of female jackasses. There's not much to do except to deal with them and move on.

July ended with an enjoyable dinner at Maria's Italian Kitchen in Encino with Dawn. We'll see how August shapes up.

RV Park Reviews Posted

My reviews of Brown's Town Campground in Bishop, California and Mammoth Mountain RV Park in Mammoth Lakes, California have been posted at RV Park Reviews. I stayed at both campgrounds during my trip this week to the Owens Valley.

Above, Brown's Town Campground office and store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Brown's Town Campground, go here.

Above, Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Mammoth Mountain RV Park, go here.

Home Via Tioga Pass

Above, Tenaya Laka in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The trek up to places I've never been to in the Owens Valley of California is over. I got home about an hour ago. It wasn't an easy task getting home as there was an accident on southbound Interstate 5 in Castaic that snarled traffic for miles (practically to Gorman).

Above, a windshield view of Tuolumne Meadows. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was a sign a mile north of the Templin Highway exit that said traffic was jammed for three miles and it would take 70 minutes to get through from that point. That was enough for me!

Above, Ellerly Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, I exited at Templin Highway and took the Ridge Route south to get around the accident scent. I have never been on the Ridge Route before and it is a rough road, especially if one is driving a motorhome as I was.

But, The Beast took to the road just fine and I made it home.

I took Highway 120 (Tioga Pass) though Yosemite National Park after I left Mammoth Lakes. I had to go north for about 30 miles before I reached Highway 120. It was a nice road (a bit long and windy) and I had never been in the Tioga Pass area of Yosemite before. There were meadows and lakes along the way. I saw some wildlife as well. I saw several deer grazing along the road and one unfortunate bear cub that was killed by a car. The body was in the middle of the westbound lane. Luckily, I saw it with just enough time to go around it. Other drivers weren't so lucky as they had to stop as eastbound traffic didn't allow them to go around.

This is my second visit to Yosemite National Park this year, although this one was a drive-through,

The main thing is that I had a great time and Sierra and I made it back!

Relax Day

Above, The Beast at Brown's Town Campground in Bishop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is a relaxing day at the Mammoth Mountain RV Park in Mammoth Lakes, California. I'll be heading back home tomorrow.

This has been a fun excursion into the Owens Valley area to stop at places that I haven't been to before such as Mammoth Lakes, Devil's Postpile National Monument and Manzanar Relocation Camp.

Above, The Beast at Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast has performed well on this trip. Sierra is getting more used to traveling. Soon, it will be "old hat" with her.

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Lakes Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On this trip, I stayed at two different campgrounds. The aforementioned Mammoth Mountain RV Park in Mammoth Lakes and Brown's Town Campground in Bishop. Of the two, I liked my site at Brown's Town Campground much better, but as far as facilities go, Mammoth Mountain RV Park has a lot more. Brown's Town Campground cries out for a swimming pool, especially since it is hotter there at this time of year. Mammoth Mountain has a spa and pool.

Above, The Beast at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The site I had at Brown's Town Campground was gravel and grass. Whereas, the site I have at Mammoth Mountain RV Park is asphalt. They do have some gravel sites. At least both had plenty of trees for shade.

Above, yours truly relaxing at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will post reviews on both campgrounds after I get home at RV Park Reviews.

Above, Sierra stretched out and snoozing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For tomorrow's trek home, I am trying to decide whether to go back the way I came on U.S. 395 or head west to U.S. 99. Gasoline would be more plentiful (and cheaper) on U.S. 99. It is over $3.00/gallon here.

Devil's Postpile National Monument

Above, yours truly at Devil's Postpile National Monument.

Today, I decided to head up to Mammoth Lakes to visit Devil's Postpile National Monument. I am visiting the Owens Valley area this week in The Beast.

In order to see the volcanic formations, one must take a shuttle from Mammoth Lakes Village ($7.00 for the day). To the Devil's Postpile Ranger Station. From there, a 1/2 mile trail will take visitors to the columnar basalt formations and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls (it is a one-mile walk round-trip). If this 62-year-old can do it, anybody can!

Devil's Postpile National Monument is operated by the National Park Service.

It was a fairly easy trail to the formation, with benches available for resting, or to just sit and enjoy the scenery.

After my visit, I headed back to Mammoth Lakes Village to do some grocery shopping and to check in at the campground. I will be camping in Mammoth Lakes for the next two nights.

Here are some photos of my visit:

Above, shuttle tickets are available at this building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a creek view from the trail. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a high sierra meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Devil's Postpile. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Devil's Postpile. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the basalt formations that fell. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of a creek from the trail. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Devil's Postpile ranger station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the shuttle bus in Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.