Yup, we're home.... finally. And, glad to be. Don't even mind the rain and clouds, interspersed with brilliant blue sky and bright sunshine... usual BC weather.
We had a very interesting drive home; learned a lot about Lucy (the trailer) and remain in awe of Chuck (the truck) who just kept on a pullin'. Even the Princess was doin' her part... she'd sleep sure, but then she'd be up and interested in where we were going and what we were doing. She just loved the places with grass (sandy dirt lots... not so much, but grass... you bet!). And, while she couldn't see any Dolphins in the mighty Columbia river when we camped beside it, she did catch a glimpse of some very large sea lions fishing not far from shore.
For those of you who are interested, the places we stopped along our route are as follows. The Orange Grove RV Resort, Bakersfield, CA (sandy, barren sites... but dozens of (U-pick) orange trees sprinkled throughout and the oranges are delicious). This is a good stop for a night; Durango RV Resort, Red Bluff, CA (a beautiful resort on the side of a river, with outdoor fire pits (on every night and large enough for a dozen people to sit around), two large fountains, manicured lawns and landscaped gardens, oh and nice washrooms. It's near to the highway but very beautiful, and Red Bluff sports at least two great Chinese restaurants. This is a good place to stop along the route; Eddo's Harbor and RV Park, Rio Vista, CA (the road in was like an amusement park ride, the lower sites (where we were assigned) were over-grown grass with a view of some derelict cars and a field, the water came out of the tap brown, the owners were nice... but we only stayed the one night. Had we been offered an 'upper' site.... just backed in off the road, at least we would have had a view of some boats on the slough... but we still would have probably just stayed the one night. Not sure we'd go back; Seven Feathers RV Campground, Canyonville, OR (very nice resort with pool and hot tub, great staff, landscaped grounds, and great facilities). And, there's a free shuttle to the Casino five minutes away... if you're a gambler. This is a good stop along the route; and lastly the Columbia Riverfront RV Resort, Vancouver, WA (situated right on the banks of the Columbia river, with over three acres of grass lawns for puppies to romp on, fire pits with bench seats along the shoreline, nice staff, small but acceptable facilities and, it's right across the river from Portland, OR.... a great place to shop). We liked this stop and would certainly come back. From Vancouver, WA we pushed hard to make it home before the rains started again... and we did.
We left early and got to the border about 1330ish. We were treated well by the Customs folks (we had to import the trailer as well as declare our purchases) and we actually got out of there in time to make a run for Tswassen and the 1515 hrs. ferry to Duke Point. We made it in plenty of time (thanks to the new Hwy 17 that avoids all the tunnel congestion). I can say though that at $170 for truck, trailer and crew to board the ferry, Lucy won't be seeing a whole lot of the mainland.. at least for short trips anyway.
So, here we are at home... giving some time for the dust to settle and our life to find it's way back to a semblance of order. We've been away (on and off) since October and we've been travelling in some fashion or another for most of that time. During the first half of our 'winter' we prepared dear Shannon for her new life and searched for a replacement yacht (unsuccessfully). During the second half of the season we did a significant amount of road travel... driving first from Mazatlan to Yuma, then to San Diego and the southern coast of the US, then north and finally home (to unload Chuck and then turn around and return to the warmer southern states of the US).
We had a chance to visit with friends Lynn & Debbie (SV Dolphin Tales), Ron & Fran (SV Calliope), Marty & Murray (SV Ponga), Grant (SV Endeavour), Gene & Barb (SV Chalet Mer), and many many others.... while we were in Mazatlan (and Tom & Jeanne, SV Eagle, and Rob & Kim, SV Keetya I...in La Paz). During our road trips in the US, we had some great visits and stays in Yuma (with Susan & George and visiting with Lane & Kathy, Alison & Craig and MJ & Leona); in La Quinta (visiting Jake); in Cathedral City... twice... (first with Marg M., in a rented fifth wheel, and then again with Lucy (the trailer) in her own sites, and both times with the great company of Ron & Dal who have their own place there (in The Outdoor Resort). And.... we looked at dozens of boats and stayed in numerous hotels (of differing qualities :-)... Thank goodness we have Lucy now and can stop paying the high hotel prices all the while worried about the clientele and the room cleanliness and the safety of the neighbourhood. Kathy has joined "Passport America" which is an RVing organization that offers great discounts (like 50% off) on many of the RV parks and resorts. As a result, if we are in the right place and have time to do the research... we can be camping in nice resorts for as little as $18 or $20 a night and cooking our own meals. That's much better than the, at least, $65 fee for a questionable hotel room every night with meals on top of that. It's also easier to keep the beer cold when you're not having to buy ice for the little cooler in the back of the truck :-)
Okay, enough about the travel. WE ARE HOME... and we've missed our friends and family even more this year than most; and we're looking forward to reconnecting. Little Mojo is still bobbing at the MBYC dock (waiting patiently for a little summer adventure)... and we have lots to do here to keep us out of mischief.
So, thanks for following along with our travels. Sorry we haven't a new yacht to introduce you to... yet. Stay tuned. For those of you who will be leaving soon to drive home... please be safe on those roads.... there are some very crazy drivers out there. For those of you who have stayed home and braved the winter weather... good on ya... hang in there cuz spring is just around the corner (we have crocuses in our front garden...).
To all of you, from all of us, stay safe and enjoy the heck out of your life.... 'till next time... CJ.
