Nevada City and Oroville, California.

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.

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.

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.

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

And plenty of mama snuggles.

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.

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

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

And cookies to decorate.

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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.

Me and my crazy baby.

Who insists to use my camera during golden hour.

Thanks for the classy photo of us, little one.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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

My little bike gang.

Away they go.

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

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

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.

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

Thanks for reading and watching,
Marlene