Driving the Eastern Sierra in Winter with a side trip to Fossil Falls

[@philliphenderson1994]

We went to Reno /Tahoe area this last Valentine's Day weekend( 2021)we took the 99 north (grapevine) to the 80.... it was scary beautiful as the sun was going down. (Donner Pass)And a storm was coming in ...we spent the night in Reno at the casinos. .. .the next day we went to Lake Tahoe and saw most of the sights....these are beautiful places in the winter time. So Sunday morning i got the word that i have to go to work on Presidents' Day (Monday). So we decided to take 395 south back to the Inland empire to save on time. Let me tell you. .......bruuuuuh !!! The 395 was the most beautiful surreal , i can't explain , un imaginable , is this real , am i in a dream , is this the North pole.... drives ever..........trust me do it. ....The Best. !

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, it is an especially amazing experience in the winter when the passes are closed. Glad you got a chance to experience it!

[@michellepauling5257]

woman after my own hearth

[@michellepauling5257]

heart lol thanks for all of the info

[@themoviemaniac8416]

My wife and I were married in Virginia City, and we stayed in South Lake Tahoe. This was in October when it's really pleasant and few crowds. We try to go back every October, but sometimes cannot. She likes the casinos and I get to do the hiking and boating. We always drive the 395 coming up the 15 then taking 395 out of Apple Valley. We love the drive. I never get tired of it, such diverse landscape. My dream is to move and live up somewhere along the 395 in Bishop or north of there. One place we always stop is in Lee Vining at the chicken restaurant called Nicely's. It always comes around lunchtime. On the way back, we stop at Schott's Bakery in Bishop and always spend $200 for stuff to bring to the family, esp the fruitcake which they start making in October. 😉

[@FromShetoMe]

It's been a dream of my life to live in the Owens Valley. I'd probably do it now if it weren't for all John's doctors. John will be driving 395 on Monday so maybe I'll have him pick up a fruitcake. He's already promised to get me some wood pellets for our stove. Just can't get them near us. Not sure if we've been to Nicely's. Years ago I rented an off grid home owned by Sarah Adams (Ansel's granddaughter) on Mono Lake for a month. So I went into town quite a bit.

[@themoviemaniac8416]

@@FromShetoMe - Sorry about the illness of John, whom I guess is your husband or mate. What stops us is my wife's whole big family lives in LA, and where we live in Lake Elsinore is about as far as she'll go. It's always great to find another 395/Owens Valley fan. I've seen pictures of Owens Valley from over 100 years ago when Owens Lake was there and full. So sad, and we almost lost Mono Lake too. I'd almost have loved to have been a cattle rancher there at that time, having been raised as a ranch kid. We stopped at Nicely's for the chicken dinner upon watching a Huell Howser episode that showed it. I always wanted to try to get the state to name the 395, or a part of it, the Huell Howser Memorial Highway, but I have no idea where to start on that.

[@stan3497]

very cool

[@CrossCountyTravelers]

Thank you so much for this video. We are planning a trip to Carson City NV around Christmas this year and were wondering what 395 was going to be like. Totally enjoyed your video and look forward to wat hing more of your videos. Ren

[@FromShetoMe]

It’s my favorite spot on earth. But if you are camping...brrr.

[@CrossCountyTravelers]

@@FromShetoMe we will be camping at Death Valley, but that is about it. Wr have found a sweet little Air B&B so we are feeling lucky.

[@robertsegura6451]

Thanks for sharing

[@kxrv6629]

Catching up on vids. You sure know 395! Fossil Falls with snow and water was awesome. Stayed there a year ago and had an beautiful evening. Alabama Hills and Red Rock Canyon are wonderful places to stay in RV too. RV park at Topaz has insulated, heated pipes and was one of the few open in winter.

[@FromShetoMe]

A Streamin Life stayed at Topaz last fall but we tried to stay at Topaz in late spring and the bugs were terrible. I also thought it was strange that you can't just do a walk on for the electric sites. It has to be done on line.

[@michaelkurz9067]

As a truck driver have been all over except for 395 and Alaska, hopefully soon. And the rest areas close at a certain time, where will i park my truck? (Ha,Ha)

[@FromShetoMe]

The lower stretch of 395 has lots of places for truckers to pull off and sleep. The section through Oregon and Washington, not so much. I guess you’ll just have to swap your truck for a van. BTW, There is a trucker I follow on KZbin named Indiana Jack. I only wish he would talk more about things us non truckers need to know about the business.

[@michaelkurz9067]

@@FromShetoMe that was a good one (comment) :) would love to have a Mercedes Van, safe travels to you for a long time: )

[@michaelkurz9067]

@@FromShetoMe non truckers need to know about the business, was there a question you wanted to know or ask (trucking industry)

[@FromShetoMe]

Do truckers dislike RV’s filling up their DEF at truck stops. And are some nozzles too large for our small rigs? Any info you’d like to pass on I would be happy to share with viewers. Things like what we do that truckers don’t like.

[@michaelkurz9067]

@@FromShetoMe depends on the truck driver, for me i love seeing RV's, you have very good truck drivers (like Me) then you have some not so good truck drivers that get very political

[@LisaMarli]

I've got some time this summer, and am thinking of going 395 from LA to back home in San Jose, also known as if I do I5 or 101 again, I'll go nuts (I go down to LA a lot). So thanks for the information.

[@FromShetoMe]

It will certainly take you out of your way but such a lovely detour.

[@patconley4640]

I am curious if you would take a van (Class B rv) on 395 in late February ... we are driving from eastern wasington to Big Bend NP in Texas ... thought we'd try the 395 route south from Klamath Falls to Joshua Tree NP ... after watching your video - I'm having second thoughts (but would still like to try that route, if possible)! Thanks!

[@FromShetoMe]

I am mostly familiar with the section from Reno south. I would suggest you check the forecast before you leave and if snow is expected, then no. Otherwise, that road is very well plowed and it should be a beautiful drive. I'm assuming you would winterize your rig because, depending on where you plan to sleep, night time temperatures can get pretty chilly. Because the passes crossing the Sierras are closed in winter, the road gets much less traffic. There are a number of private campgrounds that are open and have hookups along the route.

[@doncates2954]

Another great video. Lots of interesting information, beautiful scenery and love your choice of music.

[@FromShetoMe]

+Donald L Cates Thanks! I do appreciate your support. Was too long and I’m afraid tomorrow’s may be too long as well. My problem is I often change course in the middle of shooting. 🥴

[@doncates2954]

From She to Me , I sure did not think it was too long. I think all of us really enjoy your videos, so being a long video is really enjoyable. Keep in mind, your educating us, sharing beautiful scenery, and sharing real life scenarios (who else would tell us where to find the best bathroom stops), and beautiful music. Keep doing your videos just as you have been doing, I’m sure they are very much a reflection of your personality. Don

[@FromShetoMe]

+Donald L Cates You are so sweet. I hope we get to meet some time.

[@doncates2954]

From She to Me, I think that would be great.

[@bob4465]

I also love traveling Hwy 395 in the Spring and Fall months. The small towns along the way are intriguing. I enjoying seeing the changing colors of Quaking Aspens along the way. The Alabama Hills, near Lone Pine, was a popular location for filming Hollywood westerns. A historical location north of Lone Pine is Manzanar, a site where Japanese Americans were interned during WWII. There's an informative museum on location filled with reminders of that time in history. Wait to visit after the government shutdown! I also have a Subaru, a Forester, that's outfitted with winter tires for the season.

[@FromShetoMe]

We really enjoyed our visit to Manzanar last year. My favorite book for exploring 395 is Genny Smith's book, Deepest Valley. She passed away this past March but her book is timeless.

[@jordanmiller9931]

Beautiful videos! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@patc7055]

Lots of good information!

[@judyp4421]

I lived in South Lake Tahoe during the 1980’s. Beautiful place!

[@markblais7052]

We’re planning a trip up the 395 this January. Will any rental car be fine? Will chains be needed?

[@FromShetoMe]

Chains required to be carried during winter. Carry emergency supplies like blankets and water and snacks if you can. John was stranded in Lee Vining last year. But the winter drive is gorgeous. They plow quickly.

[@bsjcook]

Very interesting info and beautiful views ... I'd like to see all you travel vloggers (is that a word?) show the route on a map ... since we are living our lives through you! :) Keep up the good work, and have fun working!

[@FromShetoMe]

I did bro! Check the description box. Steph can show you where that is. ;-))

[@teresacollins9492]

Costco Gas in Lancaster (14 & Ave L) is closed until Mar 25, 2019

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, John discovered that on Tuesday on his way to Bridgeport. Now, if they would add Diesel as part of the new work, that would be awesome.

[@piero1203spec]

I am planning a trip in Dec 24~27 from Sacramento to Mammoth lake. Does anyone here have idea what the road will look like? I only have mazda 3 and kind of concerned if I can make it all the way even with the chains on it.

[@FromShetoMe]

CalTrans does a great job of keeping the roads clear on US395. But don't start out if you see a huge storm coming. You can download the CalTrans app and get alerts about road conditions. They also have cameras posted at various locations so you can see the road conditions. Be sure to carry a sleeping bag/food/water, and other essentials in case you do get caught in a major storm. And of course, the only passes open will be Interstate 80 or Hwy 50. I would recommend Interstate 80 as 50 gets clogged through Tahoe.

[@piero1203spec]

@@FromShetoMe Thank you so much for your response and great video!! I and my friends don’t have a car with 4x4 so we’ll be just going to lake Tahoe to do skiing!!! I appreciate your help!!

[@jamesbuchner5875]

Are those dentures?

[@FromShetoMe]

No.

[@garywernick7950]

Shats bakery was a regular stop when we came back from Mammoth skiing years ago with our kids. As a fellow Ascent user I found a handy tap puck light that you can stick between the reading lights in the back that you can easily reach for a light while in bed. That way you don't have to get out of bed if you need a small amount of light in the middle of the night. Cheap and comes in a two pack. The other one we placed over the stove. You do great editing on your videos. I used to video weddings as a hobby and I know how much work and time it takes. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GQFY3KU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for another tip. I have a rather large one over the stove that has a nice soft white light. I'll probably order the ones you linked to because I would like something within arms length. Now if I could only put a timer on the inverter for when I fall asleep watching a movie. ;-))

[@jackiekim4170]

I’m curious why you don’t take your RV for your trips to Lake Tahoe? Is the drive difficult in an RV?

[@FromShetoMe]

We don't take it in the winter. We would have to winterize the vehicle, we prefer not to deal with chains, campgrounds are closed in the winter, and evening temperatures are far too extreme. Much nicer to take an all-wheel drive vehicle and stay in our son's warm house.

[@jackiekim4170]

From She to Me Thank you. I Love your videos - they are so informative and helpful to a new RV owner like me. The maps you put up are great guides. It was really nice to see the map in conjunction with the video footage of the locations.