Yes Jagger and I are alive and well still heading north. We’ve landed in several camps over the last few weeks that had terrible internet or none at all! I have many experiences and photo’s for my blog to share with you. I’ve taken lot’s of good notes along the way and I will be publishing more than usual over the next few weeks, so let’s get started.

Travel Journal – May 3, 2016

Narrow road to Tuttle Creek

I open my eyes and it’s still dark at 5:15 am. My alarm hasn’t gone off but I’m ready to get up and start the day. I reach for my cell phone to turn on the volume and check for any updates. Then lay here staring at the ceiling. Well I know I’m in my home (the Coach), but can’t immediately remember where my camp is located. It takes me about 10 seconds before I can recall the last place I remember. Oh, I’m in Lone Pine at the base of Mount Whitney, The Pacific Crest Trail is just up the way.

I haven’t been to this area in over thirty years. Ten years before that, I hiked with several other friends up the mountains just north of here out of Devils Postpile to the John Muir Trail. Quite an adventure at any age.

Tuttle Creek BLM – Lone Pine

The temp in the Coach is a cool 60 degrees, but I’m ready to get up! Yesterday was 88 degrees with wind gusts getting up to 20 mph last evening, that made it the hottest day here so far. The wind has been relentless, almost daily, however the mornings are calm. This morning as the sun comes up, there’s not even a whisper of a breeze.

Our days here are slow and quiet, but refreshing at the same time. I’m learning to enjoy the simple life at our BLM (Bureau of Land Management) parks. No electricity or hook ups, but managing my water and solar panel, I’m able to get by quite nicely. Also at $2.50 a night for seniors a great way to save on my budget.

Inside the BLM

Alabama Hills

After getting up on Friday, I decide to take a drive to the Alabama Hills. I’ve read so much about this area from other bloggers and wanted to see it for myself. I drove out Movie Road and saw some truly fascinating scenery, like from another world. Jagger and I went on a few short walks as I physically was not feeling up to any long ones. Too many aching bones!

Greeter to Alabama Hills

Rock formations Alabama Hills

As I was looking at the formations, my imagination would skip back to the many Black and White Movies I enjoyed as a child. Hopalong Cassidy and The Lone Ranger come to my mind first, along with others filmed on location. I felt like part of history here looking at the backdrop before me. I feel this way often as I visit locations like this one. One example is the mountain backdrops of “The Outlaw Josey Wales”, with Clint Eastwood, shot at Pahreah, Utah. When visiting there I had to enter the area using my 4 wheel drive as it was very steep and rough in many areas.

Afterward our adventure on Movie Road, I drove into Lone Pine for dinner at the Totem Cafe. I had a good meal, but like most items in Lone Pine it was a little over priced. Then we headed back to camp for the night.

Until next time…Safe Travels, Gary

More Photos: Tuttle Creek Campground, Alabama Hills

Tuttle Creek BLM Campground Review: (Very Good – 4 out of 5 stars) Tuttle Creek BLM Campground has about 50 developed sites along Tuttle Creek near the small town of Lone Pine, Ca. The town has a small (expensive) market with produce you will have to pick through. Also several gas stations, restaurants and merchants. The views from the campground include the Eastern Sierra’s and snow capped Mount Whitney. Sites are $5 per night ($2.50 with Senior Interagency Pass). Water is available and a Dump for additional $5. Vault Toilets are very clean, but no showers are available.

Sights – Movie Museum, Movie Road, Whitney Portal

Negative – Very windy most of our two week stay. Usually the afternoons and nights. Mostly below 10 mph, but one day we had gusts of 20 mph and that night over 40 mph. Obviously dusty at times, not as bad as Quartzsite, as the dirt seems a little sandier and heavier here.