Hellooo out there; in case you were wondering we have not dropped off the planet. Once our footprints start heading west and north the days just seem to be gobbled up and all sense of time gets kind of fuzzy. As well, in these modern times, there’s not much opportunity for being ‘off the grid’. Not so many years ago heading off in the boat or into the forest with a tent meant “see you when we get back”. There were no cell phones and certainly no internet, wifi, apps, or other such technically confusing apparatuses (is that a word or should it be apparati?). Anyway, we’ve been busy as well as on vacation.
When we left Cattail Cove SP we headed ten minutes down the road to another state park we have enjoyed in the past - Buckskin Mountain SP on the Colorado River. There we found, more grass, less barking dogs, just as much wind (so not much opportunity to have our shade-creating awnings out), friendly staff and (just like the last couple stops) washrooms in need of updating and better maintenance. BUT we enjoyed our time there, complete with bocce in the wind, happy hours and the beginning of what has become the 2022 Jenga Tournament of Champions. The quarter and semi finals have been played and the grand Finals are scheduled for tonight. I digress.
Wind Event; that’s what they called it. Then they called for Wind Events #1 and #2. The first event called for gusts up to 55 MPH and that’s pretty much what we got. It certain'y had our attention as the trailer rocked and rolled and campsite carpets picked up and attempted to fly. Then they called for Wind Event #2 with gusts up to 45 MPH. We were supposed to leave right in the middle of these ‘events’. Needless to say that didn t happen. Visions of trailers flying sideways down the road are not the way you want to be travelling. The authorities were even warning people to stay put; so we did. At least John and Sue were able to stay in their site. Unfortunately ours was not available for the extra day so we did have to move…but only a few miles down the road to a nice, newer state park called River Island. The overnight was quite peaceful and we packed up and headed out the next day (after adjusting all previously booked reservations for the remainder of the trip home - by one day).
Next stop was in Tehachapi at the Mountain View RV Park. This was a one nighter and it was really great; one of those ‘mom ‘n pop’ places where everything is kind of rough but works. The washrooms were clean and there was even a washer and dryer we could have used. It’s set up right beside a small airstrip where small planes towing gliders took off every once in a while. They were a lot quieter than the Blue Angels and fun to watch.
Off the next morning to Coalinga and the Harris Ranch. We’ve been here before, twice. This is a rather unique place, famous for its wonderful restaurants and the fact RVs can stay overnight for free. On previous visits we had parked on the road behind the attached gas station (very noisy with the big trucks coming and going and the guy who blows off the parking areas at 0500). The second time we were there we opted for the dirt field off to the side (much quieter but a very rough ride across the rutted and rough field. This time I called ahead to ask if there wasn’t somewhere nicer we could park. “Why don’t you park in the parking lot?” a nice youn woman suggested. Doh!! The parking lot?? What a novel idea 😄and so we did. It was indeed quieter with no large trucks, however the 0500 leaf blower guy was still there and little Lucy was over-run with the stench of nearby cattle stockades… not pleasant at all. Once awake thanks to the 0500 leaf blowing alarm, we were up and on our way fairly quickly.
Down (actually up) the road again… and we were at the Rolling Hills Casino RV in Corning. While their sites are very nice, ever since they switched to a new registration system, and then assigned untrained staff to manage it, checking in has been a gong show. Sue stood in line for one hour to check in and I waited for 45 minutes. Having done so I was given a site number with instructions to come back and see them if there was already someone in the site! We won’t be going back… way too stressful. From Corning to Canyonville, where we are this morning. It’s very busy here, and full. This morning we head to Sheldon, WA the Little Creek Casino RV (no, we don’t gamble but their RV parks are flat and full service).
Our last camp out will be at Port Townsend. They have a rustic RV park right at the boat harbour. We’ll be there for two nights and will take care of our COVID tests during that time. We will be on the March 30, 0820 Coho Ferry from Port Angeles. My time for chatting has run out so I will post this as is and get busy preparing to leave. No photos today but, when we have time, we’ll put together a collection and post them.
I hope this message finds you healthy, happy and safe. TTFN CJ
