Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Traveling Tuesdays - California Snow Country



We can always depend on the mountains surrounding our Northern Nevada home to treat us to a beautiful winter snowscape. No matter which way we travel, wintertime means snow in any direction. Some of my favorite California snow country is less than a daytrip away.



Driving to Sacramento means a lovely view of Donner Pass, California. It’s an entirely different scene than its summer appearance. 






Donner Pass in the Summer, overlooking Donner Lake
















near the top of Sugar Bowl



Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is located in Norden along Donner Pass. The resort is 76 years old this month! You’ll see snowboarders as well as skiers enjoying the fluffy white stuff that covers the area.




Wheeler Crest, also known as Wheeler Ridge, extends about eight miles between Inyo and Mono Counties, California. Part of it lies within the John Muir Wilderness.  Nearby areas include the town of Mammoth Lakes and city of Bishop.  It’s a picturesque way to head to Palmdale and the San Fernando Valley when the roads are open.


Bighorn ram munching snow at Wheeler Crest













 
Bass Lake is located on the western slope of the High Sierras, several miles from Yosemite Forks in Madera County. We’ve camped and fished in the area, taking time out to enjoy the farmer’s markets and boat show. 
Bass Lake in the wintertime.

 
Even a day trip requires a backup plan. I carry extra blankets, emergency rations, water, and flashlights with good batteries. Wireless service is nonexistent in much of the area. We let a friend or relative know our route and plans and establish check-in times in case they have to alert the authorities. I also carry toys, books, and games to while away the time. 






I’m glad to see and enjoy so much of this natural beauty throughout the seasons.What's your favorite place to visit?

15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. We live in Georgia, so I would absolutely love to see this winter wonderland in person.

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  2. Wow very beautiful! I live in FL but originally from NJ and sometimes miss the snow!

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  3. I love the photo of the bighorn ram! So cool to see nature up close like that.

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  4. Those wintry landscapes look so serene. I'd love to see some of the wilder areas of the western U.S for myself.

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  5. ah I miss this. I was born in California and raised in Nevada so we often went back to the mountains around the holidays. So beautiful in person but these photos bring back a lot of memories.

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  6. Indiana sure isn't that pretty in the winter! I'd love to visit there and see it in person! Simply beautiful!

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  7. I'm an Aries so I was immediately drawn to that ram photo! I have actually never been skiing before!

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

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  8. Wow - I have never been here, but I am definitely putting this on my list. It is just beautiful!

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  9. This looks like an amazing place. It looks so pretty and peaceful here.

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  10. What gorgeous landscape pictures. I think my favorite is the ram munching on dinner. How cute!

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  11. I don't always connect California and beautiful snow county, but it does have such a great range of gorgeous landscapes. I'd love to escape & ski there!

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  12. That really is a pretty way to look at winter.My favorite winter place though, is tropical. ;)

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    1. My sister Jan and I were in Clearwater Beach, Florida one winter. I found a postcard showing a "you" for my hubby sitting by the mailbox frozen with snow, and a "me" strolling on the beach in the pleasant sunshine. For some reason, he didn't think it was nice of me to point out the difference. Tropical is a good choice.

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  13. I love the pictures of the snow! It's such a beautiful (yet cold) time of the year in places in California where it snows!

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  14. Anywhere but Chicago. No this pictures make me want to just go play in the snow. Love it

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