the one with my YUBA YONDER 2016 vacation

I've been in vacation depression since I got home.  Anyone else do that?  You plan for weeks, go on your trip and then when you get home?  You hit bottom and don't want to do anything ever again if it can't be as good as what you just did.

Vacation Depression.  It's a thing.  I looked it up.  

So, I waited a few days to even share these images with anyone.  I wanted to keep everything close and to myself.  But now that I'm feeling a bit better, here goes nothing.  MY YUBA YONDER 2016 VACATION.

My mom, Cheryl lives in Downieville, CA.  It's a remote mountain town that started back during the California Gold Rush.  There's history in this town and you can go to the museum and read all about it.  It's pretty interesting and WILD.  They even hung a few people "back in the day".  But in OUR day, it's a nice place to visit and soak up the sun and experience "God's Country" as my step father, Donnie likes to call it.  And he's totally right.  The trees are tall and the sky feels close to heaven and the river?  Pristine and beautiful and COLD.  Yep. Pretty darn cold.  But I braved it and it's what you do when you come visit.

It was just me and the girls.  Devin couldn't make this trip.  I'm not sure he made the last one back in 2008.  I don't think he did. The boy works too much.  But until we sale this house and he gets a break from all the bills, I'm not sure I can get him away.  

Mom picked us up from the airport and after some Pokemon hunting and food, (yes I play!  sooooo  much fun!) we started making our way to her house.  It's a 2 hour drive and 1/2 of it is on some windy, twisty roads.  UGH!  The girls hung their heads out of the car windows as mom drove and all of us arrived tired and wind blown! We did see quite a few deer on the way.  For some reason the deer seem more colorful in Downieville.  Not sure about that one.

The rest of our days were spent on the river enjoying our surroundings.  This family has no problem having fun together!  I can't wait until we can go back.  Same time next year, everyone?

Love does,
Kristin

We left late in the afternoon, but everyone likes to sleep on an airplane, no?

 

We stayed at the outpost which is 1/2 mile from mom's cabin.  Plenty of wood in these parts of the land!

 

testing this space...blah blah blah

the crew after airing up our tires, heading down to the river!

 

The outpost has teepees you can stay in. 

 

I snapped a few shots of mom's cabin.  It's really got a good design vibe going on.  

 

Mom has always had a knack for doing a great kitchen!  So cute!

 

Here's the outside of the cabin.  And the dog?  That's Duke.  We had some serious "together" time while I was there.  I wish I could train Kanga so easily.

 

such a pretty place!  

 

Craig, my bro-in-law, brought some guns and one day, we hiked up to a shooting area and I followed along.  

 

There were HUGE flies, biting everyone so Craig used some spray.  Pretty comical to watch.  

 

The girls shot for their first time!  My girls stayed back at the cabin.  This is a TEXAS thing they can do all the time, you know?

 

With the river steps outside our door, we were in it more then bed.

 

My sister and her family.  :)

 

I wish I had recorded Craig's laugh!  It's the greatest!!!

 

I took my camera down to the river bank one day and tried to take pictures of everyone.  

 

We'd hang out at Mom's some during the day and they have an old organ. Noah is such a great player.  

 

Goldminer's were a BIG part of this country's history.  Donnie, my stepdad had a claim and used to dredge the river.  This is mounted on the hood of one of his old trucks.

 

Mom has a green thumb as does my sister.  Me?  Nope.  I wish, but nope.  The guy on the right?  My step-dad, Donnie.

 

We had to take a few photos together.  Always a must!

 

This is what happens when I hand my camera to someone.  Should have used the iPhone.  LOL

 

Once I prefocused and set the exposure, he gave me this one.  LOVE!

 

If you follow me on snapchat, you saw our tour of the town.  Such a cute place!  I'm sure I could buy a building here and start my photography business over.  No?  Who's getting married in Reno?  Anyone?

 

on our tour, we met up with Kathy again.  When Kalyn Marie was just a baby, Kathy did her first haircut!  How cool is that?!?!

since our flight was leaving at an ungodly time, we drove over and stayed at the Peppermill Resort in Reno the day before and all of us enjoyed the pool and dinner!  Thank you, Mom.  :)