Glamping in Sierra Nevada
In the last year, life has completely changed for us. We're living in unprecedented times with Covid-19 rampant, everyone's living a post-apocalyptic life with masks, gloves, quarantines and such. Ive had some personal changes as well - both professionally and personally. I won't go into the details really as you can see a lot of that on my Linkedin, but instead I'll stay true to what Deesignplay was all about - capturing beautiful memories for me to be grateful for.
In times like these, I feel so incredibly fortunate to not only have so many memories I can look back on, but to also have the opportunity to create many more with my loved ones, albeit they're not in Europe or New Zealand, but in our own little backyard or a drive down from home.
Enough about what's been going on so far, and about my trip: Well it was the 4th of July weekend. We've been working extra long hours - non stop, work has been driving us up the wall. I love my job, but it is truly demanding; same for my hubby too! We decided to take a whole week off and disconnect. We do this a ton actually, take our pups away with us and just be one with nature. We got a fantastic opportunity to do this again when I chanced upon this Airbnb by Reverie Retreat- up in the beautiful foothills of Northern California's Sierra Nevada mountains.
With 32 acres of seclusion we are located in the foothills on the Georgetown Divide, approximately 8 miles north of Placerville, within an hour’s drive from Sacramento and a two and a half hour drive from San Francisco.
The property boasts stunning views to the west with spectacular sunsets and a full view of the night sky. At 2,200 feet in elevation Reverie has hot summers (average temps in the low 90s in July and August) and mild winters, enabling a bountiful year-round garden and a multitude of fruit trees to flourish.
On the first evening, after watching the sunset from the stunning infinity pool, we decided to cook up a hearty dinner and play monopoly with the pups right by our sides. We get the pups 20 ft leashes so they can walk around freely (like off-leash), but they can't go too far. Its mainly because this is in the middle of the forests with wild animals and reptiles in the vicinity, so its really for the safety of our pups and us.
Nearly the entire property is shaded by large heritage oaks as well as a diverse mix of conifers, giving visitors a pleasant respite from the heat in the summer, vivid foliage in the fall, and lots of habitat for birds and other wildlife. Two ponds and a stream provide the opportunity for swimming, fishing, or dunking your feet in the cool delicious water.
They are within a burgeoning wine region - almost 10 wineries within a 10 mile distance! We chose to spend an afternoon at the Starfield Vineyards - picked up a bottle of their white blends and cooled off in their stunning amphitheater by the pong!
The retreat is also just a five minute drive from the south fork of the American River as well as within close proximity to several smaller rivers and lakes in the area.
On the second day, we left to check out the river. It was a short hike on Lake clementine trail to get to the river - literally a dream come true for us. We spent a few hours dipping and swimming in the fresh running water, the pups swam right with us.
Bailey is new to swimming and was totally digging this new found sport. Allie, graceful as ever, swiftly swam her way back to the shore, dried herself and sat under the shade lol.
After spending some time in the pool, we thought about hiking up to the top of the trail to see the Dam, but we were both exhausted and decided instead to drive up to it. I'd recommend actually doing the hike and then dipping in the pool - I bet its exhilarating to see the stunning view of the dam and drip in the water below. For another time :)
Back at the yurt, we cooked up another huge meal of Pasta with some homemade garlic and pesto sauces. Got another dip in the fabulous infinity pool, which really felt extra fabulous coz of the 90 degree weather :)
Later in the evening, we walked up to the viewpoint to catch the sunset this time and got back in time for another meal and crashed hard with the pups.
It was the perfect getaway for us - completely secluded, in the middle of the forest, with the entire 32 acres to ourselves, the pool, the ponds, the river... we've been indoors the whole time with covid-19 precautions, it felt amazing to just get away even if only for a bit! :)
On our way back, we encountered these spectacular fields of sunflowers, right along the highway. We've driven past this highway 20+ times in the last decade that we've lived in California, and never noticed them! Funny how you can find beauty if you really keep your eyes open. We're always seeking the landscapes of New Zealand or lush French countryside without fully appreciating the stunning sights right here in California.
We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity and the affordability to leave our home and responsibilities for a few days to experience something like this. Always counting our blessings and good fortune :) And what more do you need when you have the company of the 2 CUTEST munchkins in the world - Allie & Bailey :)
