Boondocking at Mono Lake, California.

After Mammoth and June Lake, we decided to creep further north up the 395 and spend some time on the BLM land surrounding Mono Lake. We’ve visited Mono Lake several times since living on the road but have never actually camped there. There is one large camp spot that has gained popularity over the years and guess what? It was taken. Which I guess isn’t very surprising given the popularity of the area. 

So we went scouting for a spot on the surrounding BLM land. Our friends Tori and Skyler from @meantforadventure actually found a spot that would accommodate both of our rigs. The dirt road to get there was tight, real tight but we didn’t have much trouble getting into our site since our Casita trailer is narrower than our truck. Just had a take it slow.

Luka happy to share his treats with me after we set up camp.

Maybe we should check on our friends?

Not sure how they did it, but they fit their vintage 31 foot Airstream into this spot after some fancy maneuvering.

We all got some new pinstripes thanks to the high desert bushes that lined the dirt road.

There is no way we would have fit into these spots with a newer wide body Airstream.

Actually, a ranger showed up a couple days later and informed us we were really not supposed to be down in this area at all. Oops. They said we could actually stay a couple more nights but not to tell anyone about this spot in the future. So SHHHHH.

The kids have been asking for the camera so look… I’m in a shot. Luka also took these sage brush photos below.

And when he’s not a photographer, he’s busy annoying one of his sisters. Oh, Luka.

Nice weather equals school time outdoors. The girls are actually watching a drawing class on YouTube.

And Luka? He’s just being Luka.

Workbook check time for the little ladies. Looks like someone grabbed the camera again. I exist again!

Happy hour, lakeside…

…with Bella…

…and Bandit.

I’d really love to camp here again. Too bad it’s not allowed. They should put up a sign or something, no?

Alright, Mono Lake. It’s time to say good-bye.

Thanks for the sweet spot and sweet company.

Before we leave, we have to stop at our favorite spot in town, The Whoa Nelli Deli at the gas station. Actually we stopped here 3 times this week. Yes, we like it that much.

We said we were going to take things slow, real slow, up the 395 highway. I would say that we accomplished that for our type of travel but I’m sure some of you are laughing. We tried our best. Three weeks is a loooooong time for us.

Our next stop was Washoe Lake campground near Reno, Nevada. We were actually here 3 years ago (the old blog post is here). It’s where a bolt of lightning scared the crap out of Luka and he ran into the Airstream with so many tears.

The last time we were here there was actually no lake at all.

And now there is so much water that they had to shut down the dump station all together.

Besides a place to shower, the kids were itching for some asphalt to ride their bikes.

Look at these smiling faces.

And a thumbs up from Luka.

Silly kids.

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I love watching them grow up. I feel so lucky to be able to watch their bond grow in front of my very eyes.

Here’s a behind the scenes shot of Dan’s VLOG.

And here’s the real thing. Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting,
Marlene