While I had been out multiple times already this summer, the trips were less on the relaxing

side. I was looking to keep the adventure alive and let loose, and experience all that the Sierra

has to offer, while still remaining comfortable in bed, eating well and bringing the pup with me. It

was an easy choice to choose an area, as Highway 108/Sonora Pass has been a go to for a few

years now.

The drive coming in from the West is an experience in itself; through the central valley, up into

the foothills of Gold Country, into the alpine forests deep in the Sierra Nevada, and if you want to,

all the way up by 10k feet where the mountains humble you and high country flowers form

carpets along the trails to vibrant and crystal clear lakes like gems near the Pacific Crest Trail.

The first day was just the reset I needed. My stay in the small lake community of Pinecrest was

a perfect mix of solitude and comfort, from fishing on the Stanislaus in Strawberry, renting a motorboat

and kayak for the afternoon and sunset on Pinecrest Lake, and grabbing a great

meal and glass of wine walking distance from the shore. The dog and I rented a cozy cabin from

a nearby lodge and hung our hats for the night which was a great change of pace.

The following day consisted of horseback riding up a mountainside to overlook the area, a little

miniature golf, and checking into a beautiful little bed and breakfast that mixed historic decor

and a good home cooked meal under the forest canopy in Twain Harte. It was hard to leave the

queen sized bed the following morning, but the smell of bread pudding and bacon was

welcoming and got me out the door for some morning fishing before grabbing lunch in Twain

Harte’s downtown district to send us off back home.

Although it was a quick trip, it was the type of weekend that you cant help but be thankful for. I

know I’ll be back at least once before the snow comes when its time to come back and do it all

over again, trading waders and kayak paddles for ski boots and hand warmers.

Visit www.VisitTuolumne.com to find lodging, including quaint B&Bs, cabins and more, for your trip to Tuolumne County.