Aloha Everyone,
CA-88 is a state route also known as the Carson Pass Highway. This scenic highway traverses in an east-west direction crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains at Carson Pass. The route begins just after Stockton and becomes Route 395 at the border with Nevada.
CA-88 remains open year around except under extreme weather conditions -- usually heavy rain or snowfall.
This was our very first time taking CA-88. We spent about 4 hours on the road enjoying beautiful meadows, sparkling lakes framed with snow capped mountain ranges. The snow was unexpected in mid July.
J.J. is the best travel companion I can ask for. His knowledge and interest in history and literature still amazes me.
When we entered the county of Calaveras, he said to watch out and see if I can spot any signage about the "Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Perplexed, I asked what is it all about. J.J. recalled reading a short story collection by Mark Twain when he was a young boy. I always associated Mark Twain with "Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn" in the South. However, research reveals that in 1865 "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was Mark Twain's first great success as a writer. It brought him national attention. Here is a link:
Cook's Station in Pioneer was our lunch stop. Originally opened as a Stage Stop in 1863, first structure had a dining area, nightly rooms for rent and a brothel upstairs. Stagecoaches and cattle drives coming along highway 88 would stop at Cook's to spend the night. Animals would be watered and fed, fenced in nearby corals, while men and other visitors would get a home cooked meal, their clothes washed, a hot bath and a clean bed for the night. Stations were usually spread apart about 5 miles and also functioned as toll gates. Today Cook's Station is only 1 of 2 stations that are still in operation.
Aloha -- Cathi