Our stop in Mammoth Lakes, CA was short but marvelous. The National Forest campground is right off the main road, and it was peaceful last night among the giant ponderosa pine trees. The sites are a little small for a truck and 30-foot trailer, but in the group camping area the camp host pointed us to a spot that was just fine.

The heat of Death Valley finally left our trailer and possessions by about 4 a.m., and the furnace, which I had set at 65, kicked in. This morning we awoke to glorious Sierra Nevada views, and since we weren't in any hurry to get up to Reno, we took the time to have pancakes for breakfast. I got a little work done and Emma did some homeschool work too.

The National Forest campground in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Click for larger.

I met some local folks at the dump station -- of all places -- and they told me the snow usually melts by August. Skiing is possible right up to the fourth of July. Even now many roads west are closed because they haven't been plowed yet. This winter the Sierra Nevadas saw a record snowfall that may make the closures longer than usual: 52 feet of snow! No wonder it takes a while to melt.

Route 395 north continues to be amazing, in terms of scenic splendor, isolation, and gas prices. We successfully bypassed a few stations charging up to $4.00 per gallon for regular unleaded, until we found a casino near Topaz Lake selling gas at $3.09.

Mono Lake, in California. Click for larger.

Along this route you'll pass in and out of the Toiyabe National Forest. There are many campgrounds to try if you have time, several of which are along the river. We stopped to dip our hands in the water and it was frigid from the snowmelt.

Click for larger

And now, here we are at our stop for the weekend, Mountain Family RV. Jon Whipple owns this Airstream dealership, and extended the invitation for us to courtesy park, several weeks ago. I finally met him and his wife for the first time last week in Las Vegas at the dealer meeting. Apparently we are the first people ever to courtesy park at the dealership, which thrilled some of the staff. So they've rolled out the red carpet and we have a spot right up front with electric and wi-fi next to six of the Airstreams for sale.

Our spot at Mountain Family RV. Click for larger

Tonight we are just settling in, with a couple of steaks on the barbecue and a nice sunset view. We'll be here through Sunday. Rich Charpentier is going to meet us here on Friday or Saturday, and then we'll be caravanning together into California and Oregon for a few weeks. If you live in the area, be sure to come by and meet us before we head out on Monday. Our doors will be open all weekend, and we are looking forward to meeting some local Airstreamers.