Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tucson
We have today arrived in Tucson at Far Horizons Tucson village where we will stay a month. When I have time I will update on our travels off the grid this past week. I am on the community computer tonight. It was a warm and sunny day. We are just out of the pool.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Advice to Travelers
Stay home in January! You would think we would learn that lesson. We have never had great weather in January. Today we have been stuck in the rig most of the day. One squall after another is moving through. We have been thinking of all the worst places to be stuck so count ourselves lucky.
This is mostly to let you readers know that tomorrow the sun will shine again and we will move east. No plans at present but we most likely we will head to Arizona and be out of the net world for awhile.
This is mostly to let you readers know that tomorrow the sun will shine again and we will move east. No plans at present but we most likely we will head to Arizona and be out of the net world for awhile.
Missions
1. The southern most mission in the US--San Diego de Alcala.
2. The smallest mission we visited--Nuestra Senora de Soldad.
3. The most northerly of the missions--San Francisco Solano in Sonoma.
One photo
I've shrunk my photos so maybe I can post some now. We have taken almost no photos here. No way to capture the weather.
This huge and unusual statue on the San Diego harbor is part of a tribute to "the greatest generation"--aircraft carrier Midway in the background.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
San Diego in the Rain
NOT ONLY IN TEXAS
I have just been reading a missive from our friends Bob and Omi in Texas (probably last week) about the horrendous rain they were having. Well here in San Diego we are learning about rain as well. (And we north-westerners thought we knew rain.)
We arrived at our RV park in Chula Vista Tuesday morning, got our groceries, and settled in just before the storm hit (#2 I think). Between the rain and the wind it was a challenge to get to the laundry room—luckily not far away. We gave up wearing shoes and settled for flip flops so we could wade across the street turned stream. Luckily the storm abated in time for a late afternoon walk and fish tacos at the marina bar nearby. A rave note about the Chula Vista RV park—the wonderful location near marina and bay front and proximity to the trolley line—the facilities including a pool and hot tub we may not get to try, and an exercise room that we surely will—all of this we are getting for $47 a night. (see earlier entry about state parks).
SOME ADVENTURE
Luckily Wednesday morning was a lull between the storms. We set off for the trolley stop, almost a half hour walk but not entirely unpleasant, and caught the trolley to the San Diego mission and back to Old Town. We spent more time on the trolley and finding lunch than anything else but it was fun. In the afternoon the weather started deteriorating again. At 2 pm we were picked up by Pete and Jen. (Pete was a friend from grad school whom I haven’t seen in 40 years). We did a wet tour of the town and drove out to Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma. . When we blew in the door to the Visitor Center the wind was blowing 51.3mph. At the beach the waves were unlike any the Californians had seen before. The huge waves were magnified by the wind sending up tufts of spray. In Ocean Beach just to the north, the waves were bashing the pier. Luckily we spent the late afternoon indoors enjoying the amazing view of the city (when it wasn’t totally weather obscured) and enjoying wine and pizza. Thankfully they drove us home.Thursday morning we ventured out with Ida to visit my mom’s cousins Jim and Ruth who live only 7 miles from here (the long way). It was an adventure even so. Now we are back in the park waiting out the storm.
I tried posting photos but it was too slow. Maybe later.
I have just been reading a missive from our friends Bob and Omi in Texas (probably last week) about the horrendous rain they were having. Well here in San Diego we are learning about rain as well. (And we north-westerners thought we knew rain.)
We arrived at our RV park in Chula Vista Tuesday morning, got our groceries, and settled in just before the storm hit (#2 I think). Between the rain and the wind it was a challenge to get to the laundry room—luckily not far away. We gave up wearing shoes and settled for flip flops so we could wade across the street turned stream. Luckily the storm abated in time for a late afternoon walk and fish tacos at the marina bar nearby. A rave note about the Chula Vista RV park—the wonderful location near marina and bay front and proximity to the trolley line—the facilities including a pool and hot tub we may not get to try, and an exercise room that we surely will—all of this we are getting for $47 a night. (see earlier entry about state parks).
SOME ADVENTURE
Luckily Wednesday morning was a lull between the storms. We set off for the trolley stop, almost a half hour walk but not entirely unpleasant, and caught the trolley to the San Diego mission and back to Old Town. We spent more time on the trolley and finding lunch than anything else but it was fun. In the afternoon the weather started deteriorating again. At 2 pm we were picked up by Pete and Jen. (Pete was a friend from grad school whom I haven’t seen in 40 years). We did a wet tour of the town and drove out to Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma. . When we blew in the door to the Visitor Center the wind was blowing 51.3mph. At the beach the waves were unlike any the Californians had seen before. The huge waves were magnified by the wind sending up tufts of spray. In Ocean Beach just to the north, the waves were bashing the pier. Luckily we spent the late afternoon indoors enjoying the amazing view of the city (when it wasn’t totally weather obscured) and enjoying wine and pizza. Thankfully they drove us home.Thursday morning we ventured out with Ida to visit my mom’s cousins Jim and Ruth who live only 7 miles from here (the long way). It was an adventure even so. Now we are back in the park waiting out the storm.
I tried posting photos but it was too slow. Maybe later.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Update of past week
It is difficult enough to find free wireless internet, but it is more difficult to get our computer to work with it. So I am writing ahead to download whenever the opportunity presents itself…
THERE AND BACK (adventures in Napa/Sonoma)
The weather was not conducive to hanging around in Calistoga for some biking.. so we left –and headed to Sonoma. We have spent MUCH time in the Napa Valley. but we have not crossed over to Sonoma—mainly because of the lack of campgrounds there. Sonoma is a sweet little California town with lots of history, restaurants, and shops. Too bad there is not a fairgrounds RV in the middle of town. We went to visit the Mission—the northern most of FR. Sierra’s missions. For $3 each we not only got into the mission but also into the military barracks, and the home of Mariano Vallejo –an important dude in CA history. He was indirectly responsible for the first wine making operation in CA although his real job was political and military. AND we got into a fourth site of this State Historical Park –namely Mariano’s adobe ranch near Petaluma. (He also got rich raising steers).
Petaluma was actually our final destination on this outing. I won’t write more about this city—but it got mixed reviews. (I couldn’t wait to leave). After MUCH discussion we decided to come back to Napa and rather than drive back to Calistoga we checked into the Napa Fairgrounds which is a real RV park with grass and everything. I was pleasantly surprised that it is within walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants. But with all the busy roads, it’s not ideal for biking. Nonetheless the next morning we set out on a bike ride to find the Skyline Park where we were told there were bike trails (mountain bike). Imagine our surprise to discover another RV campground there—in the country—with 16 miles of hiking trails. So we quickly moved Ida to this park for our last night in the Napa Valley.
THERE AND BACK (again)
This may end up being a theme of our trip. We settled into San Lorenzo County Park in Monterey County, and then spent a day back tracking to Salinas to visit my cousin Virginia (and Bob). Rather than continue on to Pasa Robles we checked back into San Lorenzo.
BEACHES AND BAD NEWS
Our plan was to spend Sunday eve at the beach (assuming beach parks would be full on Saturday night). Here the bad news part begins. We have found ourselves in the middle of the storm of the decade (not since 1998…). The rain began on Sunday and has been getting steadily worse. Our plan was to stop at Refugio Beach (our favorite beach s.p. anywhere) and enjoy the beach despite the rain. Alas this wonderful campground is closed for the winter this year. El Capitan SP next door is open but the sites were very small and uneven and no beach out your front door. So we continued to Carpenteria where at least there is a cute little town with restaurants—but we needed diesel and there was none to be found in Carpenteria. Hwy 101 is notoriously bad for finding diesel. We had to drive another half hour south to Ventura. It was getting late and ugly (wet, windy) and we were desperate to find a place to stay. The one private campground in that town was closed. Luckily we found a county park right on the beach (over the rocks and 2 feet from our campsite) with hookups and cable TV. Monday afternoon finds us at a state park in San Clemente, somewhat sheltered from the storm. Now here is the REALLY bad news. Ordinary mortals can no longer afford to stay in CA state parks. We are paying $60 a night for a campsite with water, electricity, and plenty of rain. Throughout CA the tent sites are now $35. And we thought the RV sites in Carpenteria were outrageous at $50. We have been faring better with the county parks which are closer to $30 except the one on the beach with cable TV. At least SOME good news: the rain held off and the traffic was moderate for our drive through LA. No worse than Seattle for sure.
EL CAMINO REAL
The Spanish missionaries left a trail of missions from the tip of Baha to what is now Sonoma, CA. Each of them were a days journey. (Now it is more like an hour). We’ve been enjoying visits to several of the missions. It is interesting that each is presented in a somewhat different way. I will try to post photos when we get internet. Today’s (Monday) mission was San Juan Capistrano (pre-swallows). We got soaked as so much is outdoors. This one is a magnificent ruin but still has a small church where FR Sierra preached.
THERE AND BACK (adventures in Napa/Sonoma)
The weather was not conducive to hanging around in Calistoga for some biking.. so we left –and headed to Sonoma. We have spent MUCH time in the Napa Valley. but we have not crossed over to Sonoma—mainly because of the lack of campgrounds there. Sonoma is a sweet little California town with lots of history, restaurants, and shops. Too bad there is not a fairgrounds RV in the middle of town. We went to visit the Mission—the northern most of FR. Sierra’s missions. For $3 each we not only got into the mission but also into the military barracks, and the home of Mariano Vallejo –an important dude in CA history. He was indirectly responsible for the first wine making operation in CA although his real job was political and military. AND we got into a fourth site of this State Historical Park –namely Mariano’s adobe ranch near Petaluma. (He also got rich raising steers).
Petaluma was actually our final destination on this outing. I won’t write more about this city—but it got mixed reviews. (I couldn’t wait to leave). After MUCH discussion we decided to come back to Napa and rather than drive back to Calistoga we checked into the Napa Fairgrounds which is a real RV park with grass and everything. I was pleasantly surprised that it is within walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants. But with all the busy roads, it’s not ideal for biking. Nonetheless the next morning we set out on a bike ride to find the Skyline Park where we were told there were bike trails (mountain bike). Imagine our surprise to discover another RV campground there—in the country—with 16 miles of hiking trails. So we quickly moved Ida to this park for our last night in the Napa Valley.
THERE AND BACK (again)
This may end up being a theme of our trip. We settled into San Lorenzo County Park in Monterey County, and then spent a day back tracking to Salinas to visit my cousin Virginia (and Bob). Rather than continue on to Pasa Robles we checked back into San Lorenzo.
BEACHES AND BAD NEWS
Our plan was to spend Sunday eve at the beach (assuming beach parks would be full on Saturday night). Here the bad news part begins. We have found ourselves in the middle of the storm of the decade (not since 1998…). The rain began on Sunday and has been getting steadily worse. Our plan was to stop at Refugio Beach (our favorite beach s.p. anywhere) and enjoy the beach despite the rain. Alas this wonderful campground is closed for the winter this year. El Capitan SP next door is open but the sites were very small and uneven and no beach out your front door. So we continued to Carpenteria where at least there is a cute little town with restaurants—but we needed diesel and there was none to be found in Carpenteria. Hwy 101 is notoriously bad for finding diesel. We had to drive another half hour south to Ventura. It was getting late and ugly (wet, windy) and we were desperate to find a place to stay. The one private campground in that town was closed. Luckily we found a county park right on the beach (over the rocks and 2 feet from our campsite) with hookups and cable TV. Monday afternoon finds us at a state park in San Clemente, somewhat sheltered from the storm. Now here is the REALLY bad news. Ordinary mortals can no longer afford to stay in CA state parks. We are paying $60 a night for a campsite with water, electricity, and plenty of rain. Throughout CA the tent sites are now $35. And we thought the RV sites in Carpenteria were outrageous at $50. We have been faring better with the county parks which are closer to $30 except the one on the beach with cable TV. At least SOME good news: the rain held off and the traffic was moderate for our drive through LA. No worse than Seattle for sure.
EL CAMINO REAL
The Spanish missionaries left a trail of missions from the tip of Baha to what is now Sonoma, CA. Each of them were a days journey. (Now it is more like an hour). We’ve been enjoying visits to several of the missions. It is interesting that each is presented in a somewhat different way. I will try to post photos when we get internet. Today’s (Monday) mission was San Juan Capistrano (pre-swallows). We got soaked as so much is outdoors. This one is a magnificent ruin but still has a small church where FR Sierra preached.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Carbon Neutral
I wonder if while driving through the Redwoods we become carbon neutral? I wonder if the Napa vines consume enough CO2? Today we stopped for lunch at Parducci Winery (and to buy some Petite Syrah) and discovered that they not only make organic wines but are the first recognized carbon neutral winery in the US.
It poured rain all last night and drizzled and spluttered all day today. Actually it's Oregon sunshine but in the wrong state. We were driving through the tiny town of Laytonville. Kit says "Here is another town with no redeeming qualities". Wrong! I found a quilt shop. Stop!!
We have arrived in Calistoga planning to spend some days of R and R. But the weather is not conducive to bike rides or walks through the town. We found the driest spot at the fairgrounds campground and when Kit wakes up from his nap we will walk into town to visit my favorite bookstore and have dinner at our favorite Cal/Mex restaurant. Too bad there is not a quilt shop in Calistoga. Too bad it keeps raining.
It poured rain all last night and drizzled and spluttered all day today. Actually it's Oregon sunshine but in the wrong state. We were driving through the tiny town of Laytonville. Kit says "Here is another town with no redeeming qualities". Wrong! I found a quilt shop. Stop!!
We have arrived in Calistoga planning to spend some days of R and R. But the weather is not conducive to bike rides or walks through the town. We found the driest spot at the fairgrounds campground and when Kit wakes up from his nap we will walk into town to visit my favorite bookstore and have dinner at our favorite Cal/Mex restaurant. Too bad there is not a quilt shop in Calistoga. Too bad it keeps raining.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The gardens at Shore Acres were once part of the Simpson Estate as was the whole state park. Besides the gardens,this park has one of the best ocean viewing viewpoints on the coast--but the weather was pretty benign the day we were there.
From There to Here
By the time we got our errands done in Eugene on Friday--and found a DR for Kit--it was mid afternoon so we decided to forget driving to the coast-- and since it was pouring down rain we headed to Valley River Mall to do some walking. But instead we found that we arrived minutes before a showing of AVATAR (3D) so we canned the walking and went to the movie. Awesome.! We were quite surprised when we exited that it was 3 hours later. So we headed to the new county campground at Armitage Park which is reasonable close to Valley River--and had a late dinner.
Saturday we checked out the Junction City Camping World and then headed to the coast on a very back way (HWY 36) through Triangle Lake and Deadwood and Swisshome and places like that. Driving through the coast range with the mountains wrapped by clouds reminded me of the sky mountains in the movie.
Landed at Sunset Bay campground and got in a hike up to Shore Acres (photo in separate post) before dark. Sunday we went only as far south as Harris Beach. I was bummed out because I thought the quilt shop in Port Orford would be closed. It wasn't! So I got fabric!
Tonight we have finally made it as far as California. The predicted rain never showed and the wind didn't pick up until about the time we arrived here in Fortuna (south of Eureka). We like this place because of great walking (despite the wind) and the fact that there is a brewpub with great food just around the corner. Tomorrow we hope to be in Calistoga. It has been in the 60's since we arrived on the south coast but still gray.
Saturday we checked out the Junction City Camping World and then headed to the coast on a very back way (HWY 36) through Triangle Lake and Deadwood and Swisshome and places like that. Driving through the coast range with the mountains wrapped by clouds reminded me of the sky mountains in the movie.
Landed at Sunset Bay campground and got in a hike up to Shore Acres (photo in separate post) before dark. Sunday we went only as far south as Harris Beach. I was bummed out because I thought the quilt shop in Port Orford would be closed. It wasn't! So I got fabric!
Tonight we have finally made it as far as California. The predicted rain never showed and the wind didn't pick up until about the time we arrived here in Fortuna (south of Eureka). We like this place because of great walking (despite the wind) and the fact that there is a brewpub with great food just around the corner. Tomorrow we hope to be in Calistoga. It has been in the 60's since we arrived on the south coast but still gray.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Think gray
I don't have any photos to post yet--think gray--that about covers it. We are holed up for the night in Eugene. Our favorite site at Deerwood was upgraded to 50 amp so we can't stay there (in site 25) any more. Don't know if we'll be here more than one night. RV parks are getting so expensive we may have to take up Wal Mart parking lots. (joke)
We had a few "issues" getting under way. One of our brake lights wasn't working--but a bit of jiggling got it going. Then our propane water heater wasn't working. Luckily we are able to get it fixed in Sweet Home--the RV repair place is just 2 blocks from where my mom lives. The other issue is Kit's cough which he thinks is getting worse.
We made the trip to Sweet Home in two days instead of one. Stopped along the Columbia River in a campground along the shipping route but it was too foggy to see any ships. Last night at the county park where we stayed--we were the only campers. We are getting ready to go out to dinner with Kit's sister Milli. That's about all the news so far. It's started to rain again.
We had a few "issues" getting under way. One of our brake lights wasn't working--but a bit of jiggling got it going. Then our propane water heater wasn't working. Luckily we are able to get it fixed in Sweet Home--the RV repair place is just 2 blocks from where my mom lives. The other issue is Kit's cough which he thinks is getting worse.
We made the trip to Sweet Home in two days instead of one. Stopped along the Columbia River in a campground along the shipping route but it was too foggy to see any ships. Last night at the county park where we stayed--we were the only campers. We are getting ready to go out to dinner with Kit's sister Milli. That's about all the news so far. It's started to rain again.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Ready for the Wet Highway
I was beginning to despair but our washing machine did get fixed this morning and we have run a load of laundry. Of course it is pouring rain when I have to run back and forth to Ida with goods from the refrigerator and other last minute packing. We shall have to do a major house cleaning (in Ida). The plan is to leave at close to high tide on the 8:30 ferry in the morning. We have a last civic duty--taking a side trip to drop off water samples (from our community system) at the lab in Burlington. We plan to take the better part of 2 days to get to Sweet Home.
