After our time spent on Highway 395, we had no idea where we’d end up next. Our goal was to head toward the coast eventually so we pointed west and ended up in a city we’ve never explored, Nevada City, California. We heard good things about this place so we found a spot at the Elks Lodge that was pretty close to town.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

The only downside of camping in this part of California in the springtime is the pollen. Dan’s allergies have started to cause him discomfort so we’re not sure how long we will linger in the area. It really depends on his body reacts to the air here.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

We happened to arrive to this charming old town right in time for Mother’s Day. Coffee and pastries sounded like heaven after we woke up so we headed down the street to Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Company for some breakfast.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Oh, and hot chocolate too. Can’t forget that.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

And plenty of mama snuggles.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

On busy holiday weekends like these, especially in a town where people tend to flock to on special occasions, we try to spend our time at places that are not going to be too crowded. We ended up heading to Empire Mine State Historic Park for the rest of the day figuring that who in their right mind would want to go to a state park for Mother’s Day? Well… THE WHOLE DAMN TOWN, THAT’S WHO!!!! And then some.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Instead of walking around learning about the park, we threw in the towel and decided to enjoyed the planned activities instead.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Learning about the mine would have to wait for another visit because we had tea to drink.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

And cookies to decorate.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

The kids weren’t the biggest fans of tea time but didn’t mind cookie time one bit.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

The park also had crafts, like planting magnolias in a decorated planter for mommy.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Thanks for the lovely day, Ava, Mila, Luka and Dan!

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

I clearly remember last Mother’s Day driving through the mountains of Mexico, stressing. Not so fun. So this year, I really really didn’t want to drive but there were some serious grouchy people at our last site so we drove a bit for a more pleasant night of camping. We ended up at a Moose Lodge for the night in the town of Oroville. No neighbors, dirt lot, just our speed. And yes, we belong to the Moose Lodge too. It’s a great option for non-planners like us that need a safe place to park for a night or two.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

d

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

The plants survived their first bumpy drive down the road. Not sure how long this is going to last but the Mother’s Day plants bring a smile on my face. Dan’s already hates packing them up. Well, they are staying… at least until his Father’s Day wish is to “accidentally” leave them behind comes true.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Mila has been filling this old pitcher with flowers as soon as we set up camp. Today she choose to make a beautiful stick bouquet.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Me and my crazy baby.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Who insists to use my camera during golden hour.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Thanks for the classy photo of us, little one.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

After a night at the Moose Lodge, we headed to a free boondocking stop in Oroville, California.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

There are actual camping spots on concrete slabs here. Free permits had to be obtained from the sheriff’s office before we set up camp.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

The Oroville dam is in bad shape with all the rain fall this year. Crossing our fingers it doesn’t bust open during our stay here.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017s

The kids want to wade in the water. This river can’t be much colder than June Lake which was all snow melt, right? Well, we were wrong. It was too cold for the kids. I didn’t think that was even possible.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Our time apart from Tori and Skyler from @meantforadventure was short-lived. Yeah! They grabbed a spot next to us for a few days.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

My little bike gang.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Away they go.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Road school time inside of our Casita that we called The Mishita.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Remember those pre-made Mother’s Day cookies? We have more to make. It’s our solution to not having a proper oven.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

Dan’s allergies are bad. Real bad. So this inland visit must come to an end. Tomorrow we are off to the coast where the pollen hopefully won’t be so bad. Crossing all of our fingers and toes that it will be the case.

Blog Nevada City Oroville Mother's Day 2017

And here’s Dan’s VLOG our Mother’s Day adventure.

Thanks for reading and watching,
Marlene

Categories: daily

3 Comments

Kathe K. · July 18, 2017 at 7:35 am

Like probably hundreds of others, I’ve just discovered you via the TCM article. I’m looking forward to reading your blog as you move along. I’m wondering if you’re familiar with Bumfuzzle? I’ve been following their blog for years and, if you don’t know about them, I think you’d enjoy meeting them. Their lives are similar in many ways. Keep on doing what you love!

frankrizzo123 · July 27, 2017 at 9:03 pm

I grew up in Gold County, lovely area. Both Grass Vally and Nevada City are great little towns. If CA ever splits, and the State of Jefferson develops, I’ll be moving back!

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