Fires raged in the Sierra mountains this summer, forcing my husband and I to cancel our long-awaited backpacking trip. So, what did we do instead? We thought “local!” We found Pantoll Campground located on Mt. Tamalpais that seemed like a good alternative for a peaceful getaway. Only a forty-minute drive from home, we felt like we had traveled hundreds of miles, entering into another world. Mt. Tam is a popular tourist attraction, but with packing up all the gear and necessities for camping, we always wanted to drive farther into the mountains. It’s funny how one setback unexpectedly leads to a pleasant surprise. Here’s a glimpse into our weekend…
raised dining and great room with a
rustic fireplace.
feast.
for the following day.
cast iron skillet that must be about 100 years old!
a wonderful, summertime cultural experience.
ready for a break.
us again.
Did you enjoy the scenery? I hope so! We’re glad to have found a local option now, maybe not for backpacking, but at least for camping and hiking. Here in sunny and drought-ridden California, everyone waits for some precipitation to reduce fire danger.
We hope to slip on those backpacks next year…
Thanks for popping in and stay safe,
Lauren ❤️❤️❤️
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Looks like a great place to get away from it all, and nice that it’s so close to you.
It was a nice find after all these years. Thanks, Binky. 🙂
Looks like a great camping spot!
It was definitely a pleasant surprise, Andrew. 🙂
I loved visiting Mount Tam in the day. Your trip looks very relaxing. Thanks for sharing.
Mt. Tam is really beautiful, John, but when the kids were little we headed into the Sierra. But it’s good to have this option now. It’s great that you know the area and I’m glad you enjoyed the pics.
😁
What a wonderful place to camp! A pleasant surprise indeed! I love your photos. Cheers from me too! 😉🌻🤗
I’m happy you enjoyed the photos, Marina. We were literally pleasantly surprised. 🙂 Oh, yes, we don’t forget the wine. 🍷 Hugs, my friend xoxo
😉 clink! 🍷🧡
🥂🥂🥂🤗🧡🍂🍁
🌻🤗🍂🧡🤗🌻
What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos, Lauren. I’m glad you pack nice glasses for your wine and not paper cups! 🙂
I laughed out loud at your paper cup comment, Jill. No, we like wine glasses, although they are plastic for camping. But they look nicer, don’t they? 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the scenery. 💕🍷
What a beautiful area, Lauren. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I loved imagining the hike! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Gwen, and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. There are so many trails, we were in awe. It was funny stumbling upon this campground so close to home after living here for two decades. Life is full of surprises. 🙂
How nice that you have such a beautiful place to camp not far away.
It was literally a pleasant surprise to find this campground since we were in a bind because of the fires. I’m glad you enjoyed and thanks for stopping by, Janis. 🙂
It loojs amazing Lauren. Beautiful scenery x
Thanks for popping in, Alison, and I’m happy you enjoyed the pics. xo
What a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing.
I’m happy you enjoyed this glimpse into our weekend, Nico. 🙂
🙂
Looks splendid Lauren! Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures.
Thanks, Balroop. I’m glad you liked the photos. It was a beautiful and surprising find for us. 🥰
Great captures Lauren! Looks like a fun time in nature 💛
Thanks so much, Val! It was wonderful and tranquil, just what we hoped for. 🧡🍂
Gorgeous scenery. I don’t think I could handle camping in a tent anymore. Getting up off the ground would be a challenge. LOL
Thanks, Ian, and I understand. For this quick weekend, we didn’t bring the air mattress, which we started using 20 years ago. So sleeping on pads in the bags was fine for two nights only. We still love to backpack, but for camping, we’re thinking of looking at trailers next year, nothing too fancy though – we like to rough it. But a little step up from the tent. 🙂
Great pix lauren
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks, Barbara! I’m glad you enjoyed!
Hi Lauren, thank you for sharing your lovely adventure with us. Your pictures are lovely and your picture of cooking bacon is fun. Bacon is one of my favourite ingredients in food.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, especially the one with the bacon. The smell of it cooking is as good as its taste. 🙂 And using my mom’s old skillet is sentimental since she has passed away. 💗
How nice Lauren! I love your photos, this look like a great place, nature is beautiful and we see you had a fabulous time. 🧡
Thanks for your lovely words, Marie, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos. Nature never disappoints, does it? 🙂 🧡🍂🍁
Wow.. What lovely pics and seemed like an amazing adventure!!! Nice to see you having a relaxing time out there ❤️❤️🌹🙏🤗
I’m glad you enjoyed the scenery, Diana. Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend. 🙂 💞🍁🍂
I definitely enjoyed the scenery, Lauren, especially the picture of the San Francisco Bay! What a nice excursion 🙂
I’m glad you did, Barbara. It’s nice to have this campground so close to home. 🧡🍂
I was impressed by your water-boiler!
My husband loves that Jet Boil. We ate backpacking food to keep it simple, so water is boiled in one minute. Can’t beat that! 🙂
With the right attitude, your change of plans was a gift, Lauren. I love the comfy accomodations, the excellent cuisine, and the first class entertainment. And your sense of humor. 🙂 Looks like you had fun.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Diana, and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. We had a great time, happy to have found this local gem. Have a great break! 💞
Your post was such a smiler, Lauren. I loved the tongue-in-cheek photos of the sunrise and sunset, socked in by trees. That’s how they look from my house. You just cracked me up.
Well, I am happy to bring a smile anytime, Diana! 🙂 Have a great time exploring, my friend! 🧡🍁
What a beautiful place, Lauren and your post gifted a lovely pause over here. Thank you. ❤ ❤ ❤
Thanks so much, Jane, and I’m grateful that my photos gifted a lovely pause for you. Love and hugs, dear friend, and have a wonderful start to your week. 🧡🍁🧡
I loved your mini tour Lauren. What a beautiful spot. And I can see you guys are organized planners with all you bring with you. Love your mom’s frying pan! Hugs xx
I’m glad you enjoyed, Debby. We were happy to find this local gem in case fires deter us again from backpacking in the mountains. And yes, when we camp, we strive to be as comfortable as possible in our little home in the woods. Mom’s frying pan is definitely sentimental and that bacon was good. Until next year. 🙂 Hugs 💞
Lol. Til then, turkey bacon? 🙂 xx
Haha! Yep! 😘❤️
🙂 xx
Wonderful to see the photos, Lauren! Such a beautiful place. 🙂💗
Thanks, Betty! We were so happy to be pleasantly surprised, and glad to have a nearby option. Glad you liked the photos! 🙂 ❤️