After a leisurely breakfast and visiting with our dear friend, it was time to move onto our next eagerly awaited visit. Five years between visits is just too long. Since it will be another hot day, projected high was 99, we drove with the top up and the air conditioner on. You know it’s hot, if I’m driving with the top up – 3rd day in a row!

It was a short 90 minute drive. Today we passed through Oroville, CA and just 9 days ago we crossed from Canada into Oroville, WA. It seemed as we approached Grass Valley the scenery became more interesting. We noticed more hills and green fields and orchards. Grass Valley is a quaint town with some interesting shops. We checked into Gold Miners Inn. It is a wonderful hotel. The staff are very friendly and eager to assist. As the name implies, the decor is influenced by the mining industry. Grass Valley, originally named Boston Ravine and then Centerville, was home to two of California’s richest mines, the North Star and Empire mines. Many of the original settlers were tin miners from Cornwell, UK.

Brown’s Valley along CA 20

CA 20 approaching Grass Valley

After checking into Gold Miners Inn, we had dinner with family we also hadn’t seen in 5 years.  We had a wonderful dinner at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. It was great to catch up with Wendy & Peter and meet their niece. We had fun sharing travel stories. They have been traveling internationally for quite awhile in search of a place to retire. After dinner, we bid adieu until next time – hopefully sooner than 5 years!