Weeks 102-103: From Nevada to California
Petroglyphs, casinos, friends, and forests. Oh my!
May 10-19, 2026
Hello, hello, and welcome back to another update! This week found us traveling from Nevada to California and points between:
This week was an odd mix of camping and big city life — read on for more!
Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area, Nevada
Monday we left Great Basin National Park and headed out on the Loneliest Road in America to Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area, Nevada. (Catch up on our time at Great Basin if you missed it — we had so many amazing adventures.)
After we arrived we quickly set up camp, ate dinner, and then headed off to see the petroglyphs. They didn’t disappoint!
Then we hiked out to the overlook and stayed as long as we could, just soaking in the view.
I just had to do a quick sketch at the overlook — it was so beautiful, and I loved that snowy peak in the distance peeking out:
We stayed at the overlook until the wind got too cold and then we double-timed it to the van, getting back just before sunset.
I went back to look at the petroglyphs one more time before we left the next morning — it’s such an incredible experience to get to see them up close. I was the only one there for a long time, and it felt really peaceful.
Reno, Nevada
Tuesday morning we headed to Reno, Nevada so that we could get some minor repairs to the van build done at at AEONrv HQ. We booked a rental house for 4 nights so that we could have a place to stay while we dropped off the van. This is the not-so-glamorous side of traveling full time in a van.
But first — and most importantly — we stopped at Trader Joe’s to stock up on groceries — woo hoo! I love TJ’s and was so happy we got to go! (J thinks I’m a little nuts, but if you know, then you know.) After unloading some of the van into the rental we slept like logs.
The next morning we dropped the van off bright and early and then caught a rideshare back to the rental house. We set about doing endless loads of laundry and other chores. Fun, ha!
Virginia Lake
I was going a little stir crazy and HAD to go for a walk on Wednesday. After looking at a map of the area I spotted Virginia Lake Park about a mile and a half away and off we went. It was strange walking past so many casinos, including the Peppermill — not our usual scene!
Built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936-1938, Virginia Lake has a one mile trail around its perimeter.
We were surprised to find cormorants on the lake — so cool to see them!
I felt so much better after the walk.
We picked up the van on Thursday at AEONrv and then had to load everything back in the van from the rental house. Whew! We were watched by a trio of young squirrels — they were really skittish and I never did a get a photo of all three of them together, darn.
I just have to give a quick shoutout to AEONrv — their service is top notch, and we’re loving our tiny house on wheels.
Also! May 29, 2026, will mark 2 years since we sold our house to travel full time — how is that even possible? I’m still so grateful for this life we’ve made — and savoring every minute. AEON gave us a referral link to share with you if you’re thinking of getting an adventure van of your own.
Piedmont, California
Friday we left Reno and headed to the Bay Area to visit my dear friend Jackie, stopping for lunch at Emigrant Gap — what a view!
The craziest thing was that we went from over 10,000 feet in elevation at Great Basin last week, all the way down to 7 (!) feet as we approached Piedmont.
3.5 hours later we arrived at last. First we gave Jackie a tour of the van, and then we moved a few things to the guest bedroom — we would have slept in the van but the driveway was a little too slopey, ha!
Then we had the most amazing dinner that Jackie made for us — it really hit the spot after a long travel day.
We stayed up late chatting and getting caught up.
I noticed that Jackie had some of my artwork in a little nook in the kitchen — a Valentine I painted in New Mexico this year, and some ranunculus I painted before we left Austin two years ago:
It made me so happy to see them there — really touched my heart.
Backing up a bit, long-time followers may recognize Jackie as THE Jacqueline Leventhal, founder of Hero Arts, Inc, a stamp manufacturing and design company. I worked for her for many years and I learned so much from her. She’s one of my art heroes!
I feel so lucky to know her and call her a dear friend.
Two Walks
Jackie and I took a walk in the neighborhood, wandering to Crocker Park, or “Bear Park” as it’s better known:
Then later our friend Paul came over and drove us to Joaquin Miller Park, just down the road in Oakland. We hiked out to an overlook with awesome views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge:
Wow!
Then we had to hurry home for a…
Pizza Party!
Saturday evening Jackie planned a pizza party for us! More dear friends, including Todd and his wife Corby, Paul, Jason and I had a lively conversation while eating the best pizza I’ve ever had outside of Chicago:
Jackie made a giant salad, carefully washing each lettuce leaf earlier that morning and then wrapping them up in towels and letting them crisp up in the fridge. I kinda wanted to eat the whole thing! Jackie even got us vegan brownies for dessert.
Did I mention she made placetags for each of us so we’d know where to sit? Yes, yes she did! I kept ours to remember that fun evening.
Montclair Farmers Market
Sunday Jason and I walked from Jackie’s house to the Montclair farmers market — it’s a really hilly area and was a great walk. I think being at 10,000 feet elevation at Great Basin gave us a boost — I didn’t have to work hard at all.
At the market we got some local organic strawberries (best strawberries I’ve had in forever), broccolini for Jackie, sourdough bread, Thai basil, tamales, and I got a raspberry mojito kombucha. Yum!
We also had some more really amazing views of San Francisco Bay on the walk back home:
What a great Sunday!
Lassen National Forest
Monday morning we said goodbye to Jackie and set off for Lassen National Forest. I miss her so much already. Jackie, thank you again for everything!
We headed for a wild camping spot in the forest, just a few miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park. Of course we had to stop for photos of Lassen Peak along the way:
We also saw Mount Shasta off in the distance:
Wow. Just wow.
We found a campsite near Bailey Creek and the sound has been lulling us to sleep. I can’t wait to share more about our time in the forest next week!
Until then, thanks as always for following along on our adventures — it really means so much to have you along for the journey! — Lisa, Jason, and Henry-the-van
We missed the story of how Henry got its name. Happy trails! So glad I was able to see you. Thanks again for the solar panels. Hugz, Paul
No further north? Oregon, Washington and BC Canada and Alberta Canada...when we RV'd for 30+ yrs, we thought these were paradise. Come on back! :)