We (Bob) accepted a workamping position in Likely, California for six (whole) months! So here we are at Lone Pine Ranch until the end of October. It’s likely you aren't familiar with the town of Likely. It’s small. Only around 100 people (spread out). It is north of Reno on Hwy 395 by about 165 miles. So call it extreme northeast California. What’s here? Cattle and sage brush mostly. Now up in the hills toward the Warner Mountain range you’ll find some heavily wooded areas and box canyons with cool rock faces. Blue Lake is a 20 minute drive up the mountain and West Valley Reservoir is larger and closer but access is via a 5 mile gravel road. Oh, and let’s not forget the south fork of the Pit River, which just happens to run through Lone Pine Ranch!
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not a working ranch; no cows, horses or chickens. It’s also not an RV park or campground. It is however very much like a park, lush green grass, a pond, trees (some really big), and a retired couple (Don and Dixie) with a couple of dogs on forty acres. They've done such a good job on the grounds over the years that it’s now a seven day a week job to keep it up. Lucky for us!
We arrived at noon on Thursday, May 2nd. Don met us at the end of the drive on his ATV to guide us in. The turn off the road doubles back and we had to use the whole road and left shoulder to make the turn. No worries though as there wasn't a vehicle in sight. The driveway is quite narrow and I had to get out and move a few large rocks. As we approached the main house Don had us swing wide onto the grass and stop so we could survey the rest of the way on foot. We let our dogs out and they met up with the ranch dogs, Freckles and Trouble. It went well! Yeah!
I had spent many hours (minutes?) studying the ranch on Google Maps. It looked so flat. It’s not! The barn, garage and our site is up the hill from the main house. Bob got the rig parked just so; right up next to the garage and as far back as possible. I was hoping for a view of the river from our back window…but it was not to be. I’ll have to settle for lots of trees (mostly Western Juniper) and a big sky! Oh darn, there are no other RVs anywhere near us!
View from our back window…
Don gave us a tour of the ranch, encouraged us to explore and made sure we knew we were welcome anywhere on the property. We had three days to set up camp before Bob started work on Monday.
It wasn't long before we realized we’d gotten a few particulars wrong. There is no Walmart in Alturas. There is no Costco in Klamath Falls. In the job description Don noted major shopping could be done in Alturas. Apparently major shopping doesn't include men’s clothing or shoes. On the other hand the local vet did have Willie’s prescription food and treats in stock! Also, the General Store in Likely, as well as both grocery stores in Alturas carry diet squirt! The only fast food around is Subway and Quiznos. Can’t say that’s a bad thing!
We were also informed that the ranch is for sale. Interesting that this was not disclosed before we arrived. Doesn't really matter to us as there are many other opportunities out there if we get the boot. But in the mean time Bob is working very hard! His schedule is Monday through Friday 4+ hours per day. He looks happy doesn't he?
We did some exploring in the area. On the way to Blue Lake we came upon Jess Valley and caught sight of a controlled burn.
We also checked out West Valley Reservoir. Looks like a good place to spend the day…
Here’s a few pictures I took around the ranch…
This is THE lone pine tree.
It. Is. Huge!
Bob thinks it’s about 8 foot in diameter!
This windmill runs a pump for a well for the sole purpose of adding water to the pond.
And if you look hard you can see our RV just to the left of the pop-up. I took this shot from the other side of the river.
Hope you enjoyed this update. More than ever I love getting responses since we are now socially deprived. In order of response I thank you! Kit, Josh, Jackie, Kristine, Nancy, Bob, Keith, Marvene, Steve, Paul, Rick, Bobby, Denise and Rosie Mom! Best response by Keith “Best reading I've had in my email in many, many MONTHS!” Wait! Maybe he’s giving me a hard time since it had been SO LONG since I had blogged!?!
We've been here two and half weeks and I didn't cover everything in this post so will start on another right away!
Kim (and Bob) Dance
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