Wednesday, June 8, 2016

From Yosemite Lakes to Russian River

Our next to the last day (Monday) at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort we went back into Yosemite National Park and did a mile hike to Lower Yosemite Falls and then a short hike to where we could view both Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls.  All I can say is WOW, they are unbelievable.  So much power there and a free shower to boot. 

 Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

After that we drove up Highway 120 towards Tioga Pass and had a picnic lunch along side Tenya Lake and behind us were several people rock climbing.  Not something I would enjoy.  We journeyed a little further up 120 to Tuolumne Meadows which provided us with another gorgeous view.  It always amazing me to see the beauty all around this country of ours. 

Tenya Lake

Tuolumne Meadows
 
Tuesday was another down day when we did laundry and drove into Big Oak Flat, CA to get fuel, which was $1 a gallon less than at Yosemite Lakes.  Worth the drive since we stopped and had breakfast in Groveland and pick up groceries for the next few days.  That afternoon I finished cutting out the 966 black 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch squares for the pattern testing I'm doing.  All together I cut out a total of 1849+ squares.  When I come to the last strip to cut the number needed, I finish up the strip so that is why I say I cut 1849+ squares.  I'll figure out how to use up the extras, maybe a pillow cover.

1849+ Squares
 
We are now all settled into Russian River RV Park and will do some sightseeing over the next week.  We drove past the Jelly Belly Factory, but it is too far to back track to visit it.  :(  Tomorrow, Thursday I'll be chain piecing a lot of those little squares together on Stella, my lovely Singer Featherweight, also known as the travel machine. 

Miles and Lola at our Russian River Site
 
I'm linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday over at My Quilt Infatuation. Thank you Kelly for hosting this link up.  Be sure to visit Kelly's blog to visit all the blogs that have linked up.

Happy Stitching!

19 comments:

  1. what a wonderful trip you are on!! it looks beautiful. No trip for us this year hubby doing a contract job I'm sure we will get in some traveling with the motorhome next year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karen, travel is my second favorite thing to do after quilting, but I can actually do both of them together. Hope you can get your traveling in next year.

      Delete
  2. Oh my gosh that is a lot of little squares. Best of luck getting them sewn together. Do you have tips to piece those squares accurately?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda, no special tips on sewing the squares accurately. I do measure periodically to make sure they are the size they are supposed to be. I use my Singer Featherweight now that we are traveling and I actually line up my material on the left side of the pressure foot to get an accurate 1/4" seam.

      Delete
  3. Such gorgeous countryside! The lifestyle sounds fantastic! How on earth do you manage to keep 1849 little squares together and not spread all over your RV?!!! I can't imagine how you quilt in such a small multi-tasking space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to post a comment. I put the little squares in baggies and mark the outside of them with the letter or letters they are in the pattern and I have the baggies lined up on the table where I do my sewing. For the most part we don't use our table for eating as that is done on the couch or recliner or outside at the picnic table.

      Delete
  4. Wow, that's a lot of tiny squares! I hope the chain piecing goes smoothly and is fun. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne! The piecing is going quite well. So far I have 5 of the 43 rows done which is being accomplished in between sightseeing and long walks.

      Delete
  5. Beautiful picture of the falls. I would have been tempted to stay at that park forever. Those sure are some tiny squares. Hope they stitch up quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tish, the falls were all very beautiful, but we were only able to stay at the park for a week so on we went to our next adventure which has been fun so far. Those little squares aren't getting stitched together very quickly as we are doing sightseeing almost every day. I have 5 rows of the 43 needed done. Tomorrow is somewhat of a down day so hope to get more done.

      Delete
  6. Gorgeous pictures! We have a beautiful country! That is a lot of tiny pieces...but having done a postage stamp quilt...it's going to be amazing whatever yours will be!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jayne. I do love traveling through our country and seeing all the beautiful things. We try to travel on backroads as much as possible. I'm not sure I'll do another postage stamp quilt again as it is taking a very long time sewing those little squares together, but I won't say never as we know what happens when you say that.

      Delete
  7. Such beautiful sights you get to see, Jennifer! A coworker and I were just talking about how much we wanted a vacation. I think your pics are as close as I'll get. Lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer, I so glad you are enjoying my pictures. I was fortunate growing up to live in Florida and to spend my summers in New Hampshire. I think that is how I caught the travel bug. Of course, during my working years I didn't get to travel much at all. Now that I'm retired we can go all we want. Hope you get that vacation some day soon.

      Delete
  8. Your pictures from Yosemite are just amazing! That's someplace I've never been, but hope to visit someday. I have visited the Jelly Belly factory and it's a lot of fun! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks LPQ! Unfortunately, I left my digital camera at home and am having to use my cell phone for taking pictures. I love Yosemite and enjoyed every second we were in the park. It's probably good that we didn't make it to the Jelly Belly factory as I would have eaten my weight in jelly beans.

      Delete
  9. Being a seasoned Jelly Belly Factory visitor, I can say it's pretty interesting, but you didn't miss out on too much (other than a free bag of jelly beans at the end). I'd take the beautiful park scenery any day! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping my Amanda and taking the time to comment. I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, but will get to the Charles Shultz museum this coming week. :)

      Delete
  10. Lovely photos: your country is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete