October 14, 2026
How not to get snowed in
Flexibility is required
We planned to go up to Hope Valley for the fall color. When we booked our reservation, it was 100 degrees here and 70 degrees there — seemed perfect. The day before we left, the weather changed and it was 70 here and 30 there. But we braved it anyway, at least for one night.
Molly was ready to go and wanted to make sure she wasn’t left behind.
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We got there a bit past peak, but still glorious.
So we changed plans and headed down to the Sacramento Delta. Good thing as there was a dusting of snow the day after we left, and Ethel is not built for snow. We stayed at Brannan Island, a part of the Delta we’ve driven past many times. Great place for bird watching and fishing. Molly and I got up before dawn to catch the sunrise and watch the boats heading out for the day’s catch. And then we took a nice hike around Big Break Regional Shoreline.
For our last night, we headed back up to the foothills and stayed at Lake Camanche, just a half hour from our house. We got a spot at the top of the hill with a fabulous 360 degree view, perfect for sunset and sunrise photos. This is, after all, why Ethel was conceived…to be able to park where wanted and take pictures without having to drive somewhere.
And of course, Molly.
But Miles With Molly is about experiencing more than screens. Our Fellow Travelers will get an envelope with more than a travelogue. I write more personally and share what Molly and I learn. Plus I’ve got a really nifty new way of sharing physical photos I’m excited to share.
And stay tuned, we have another trip coming later this month.
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