While our most recent attempt at a new bike overnight route didn't work out as planned, we still had a wonderful time and really enjoyed our experience at Rancho Cicada resort.
The boys and I left the house as early as possible--8 am for us. The Mundo was already packed from the day before.
We rolled out with the intention of getting up to Beal's Point before it hit 100 degrees. The high was 106 for the day so it was going to be a challenge, especially with the 3 mile climb at the very end. I was concerned about the bike being so heavy, I estimated it at about 350 pounds total. Once we were moving, my fears were abated and we could easily keep a 12-13 mph pace along the flat bike trail.
We had our first yaya stop at about mile 17 and devoured the leftover burrito from last night's dinner. It was perfect! We were fed and happy and making great time--until Big Brother said "oh look, mama, a stripe!" He had gotten a bug bite that morning and now, there was 6" stripe running down his arm from it. Thirty minutes later, after a long conversation with our advice nurse, we determined that it wasn't blood poisoning and most likely just a reaction to the bite. He had an appointment set up for the morning in Folsom just in case it didn't get better.
With the long delay and bit of worry, I had lost some of my original steam. We made it up into Folsom and had just an hour to go up the final climb before it was to reach 100. It was going to be close since I figured my average speed uphill is about 3 mph.
It was hot at the campsite and we had a major meltdown when we tried to get over to Folsom Lake. I made the mistake of thinking that a walk over would be nice. The boys happily donned their life jackets and we started up the hill to the lake. I forgot to pack snacks and and hadn't realized how far the lake really was, especially to the little guys. Once we finally got to the edge of the park, I saw that the lake's shore had moved another 1/2 mile out. I've since learned that it is evaporating down 4" every day due to the drought and heat!
Anticipating the additional mile walk and the walk back to the campsite, I had to tell the boys that we couldn't get to the water. They were crushed! It was a struggle to get them both back to our tent, kicking and screaming the entire way. Luckily, some treats and games finally got them to calm down.
Doped up on Benadryl, one kiddo fell right to sleep while the other happily bounced around in the too-small tent for hours. Eventually, he went down but that was jut the start to a long and restless night in the cramped tent. However, in the middle of the night, a couple coyotes started yipping at each other and I was glad to have been awake to hear them.
The ride to Racho Cicada Resort was narrow and hilly. Although it was only 35 miles away, it would have been horrible to ride there with the heavily-ladened bike and kid-cargo. There were a few more moments of stress trying to navigate the long, steep driveway to the campground. Having the Mundo strapped to the back didn't help anything, either.
Once we were settled into the beautiful resort, nothing else mattered. It was so peaceful since we were the only ones there. We had a large tent with a real double bed on a real frame. We hiked and swam, picked blackberries, and played for two days. It was blissful!
By the second night, both boys fell asleep as soon as they climbed into their sleeping bags. I stayed up and got to hear a couple of Great Horned Owls have a loud conversation across the valley.
Bill and David were wonderful camp hosts. You can tell that they've put all their love and care into creating this idyllic oasis. Bill drove us up the hill to save my dad the extra stress and stopped off at their orchard to send us home with a bag full of juicy ripe organic peaches. Little Brother refused to get out of the trailer when we got back to the car.
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