Today is 12-29-10. We stayed last night in Lost Hills, CA and today we are heading to the Big Sur Coast. After lunch time today we will have no service, cell or internet for the next couple of weeks. We will be staying at Plaskett Creek Campground for one week and Kirk Creek Campground for the next week. Our plans are to be in Marina, CA on or about Jan 11, 2011. So this fast note is to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year. May 2011 bring smiles, happiness and joy to each of you! Stay safe and we will be back online in two weeks.
Brona and Thomas
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
12/1/10 Wednesday
Wednesday – 12/1/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
This morning we spent cleaning up and starting to prepare to move to Holtville after the mail drop. Also on the list was getting clothes together to take to wash, refilling propane, etc.
This afternoon on the way to town we stopped and talked to the Camp Host’s wife. Finally we found out that the amount of people here was normal for this time of year. After Christmas the snowbirds will start coming in and things will pick up.
First on our list is a trip to Big O Tires for a rotation, alignment and check tire pressure. There has been one tire that looks slightly low so they will check that out.
Good thing we took the truck in for a check up. The low tire had a nail in it. They patched it and completed the other work.
Next is to fill up the propane. It’s 5pm and can’t get back to the cheaper place so fill up at the closest station at $2.19 per lb. All three tanks are filled and hopefully we will be good for a while. Last year it was really high in CA.
The laundry we chose was new to us. It was right off of 4th Ave & 7th Street. You got what you paid for here. The hot water was hot and the dryers took 2-3 runs at $0.25 per run. The only bad thing is that it is right behind a restaurant and we are hungry. One of the other patrons said the restaurant made us smell it so that we would all come in and eat. Ha,ha,ha it almost worked on us!
Back at the trailer, we unpacked, put things away and ate supper. Good night to all.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
This morning we spent cleaning up and starting to prepare to move to Holtville after the mail drop. Also on the list was getting clothes together to take to wash, refilling propane, etc.
This afternoon on the way to town we stopped and talked to the Camp Host’s wife. Finally we found out that the amount of people here was normal for this time of year. After Christmas the snowbirds will start coming in and things will pick up.
First on our list is a trip to Big O Tires for a rotation, alignment and check tire pressure. There has been one tire that looks slightly low so they will check that out.
Good thing we took the truck in for a check up. The low tire had a nail in it. They patched it and completed the other work.
Next is to fill up the propane. It’s 5pm and can’t get back to the cheaper place so fill up at the closest station at $2.19 per lb. All three tanks are filled and hopefully we will be good for a while. Last year it was really high in CA.
The laundry we chose was new to us. It was right off of 4th Ave & 7th Street. You got what you paid for here. The hot water was hot and the dryers took 2-3 runs at $0.25 per run. The only bad thing is that it is right behind a restaurant and we are hungry. One of the other patrons said the restaurant made us smell it so that we would all come in and eat. Ha,ha,ha it almost worked on us!
Back at the trailer, we unpacked, put things away and ate supper. Good night to all.
11/29-30/10 Monday & Tuesday
Monday – 11/29/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Happy Birthday to my son, Curtis. He is 29 today.
Today was mostly spent just hanging around and taking it easy.
_________________________________________________
Tuesday – 11/30/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Today is Tuesday and you know what that means…… Two for one breakfast at the Q Casino. Needless to say, they served another great breakfast. They have a Prickly Pear Syrup and Cheese Blitz that are wonderful together. Like before, we got our money’s worth.
Since we were so close to Mexico, we crossed the border and picked up some meds. We also just took our time and absorbed more of the ambiance before heading back to camp.
Now we are just waiting for our mail drop before heading on to Holtville, CA. The mail should arrive between Thursday and Saturday.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Happy Birthday to my son, Curtis. He is 29 today.
Today was mostly spent just hanging around and taking it easy.
_________________________________________________
Tuesday – 11/30/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Today is Tuesday and you know what that means…… Two for one breakfast at the Q Casino. Needless to say, they served another great breakfast. They have a Prickly Pear Syrup and Cheese Blitz that are wonderful together. Like before, we got our money’s worth.
Since we were so close to Mexico, we crossed the border and picked up some meds. We also just took our time and absorbed more of the ambiance before heading back to camp.
Now we are just waiting for our mail drop before heading on to Holtville, CA. The mail should arrive between Thursday and Saturday.
11-28-10 Sunday
Sunday – 11/28/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Today we went to the indoor trade lot. It was small and most of the things were new. We decided to go to the other outdoor flea market.
This is better and more what we were looking for. In addition to the booths for new clothes, hardware, etc there were also spaces for individuals to sell their used items. I tried on a few pairs of new jeans but none fit.
After looking we decided to get something to eat. Almost everything was in Spanish and most of the food had a Mexican flare to it. I opted for a taco which cost $1.60 for a small freshly fried corn shell (no charge for the extra grease) and a little bit of beef. The options for toppings were: chopped cabbage, chopped onions, a thin red sauce, guacamole and sliced lemons. Where are the tomatoes and lettuce, cheese and salsa? I didn’t ask but decided to try the onions, cabbage and red sauce. It was wonderful. The grease made it! LOL.
Thomas decided he wanted more for his money. He went with a really thick large hotdog which was wrapped with bacon before being fried. They added cooked strips of onion and green pepper to top it off. Of course he added a gallon of mustard and was very happy with his selection.
After getting back at our camp, we noticed that today there were more RV’s traveling on the interstate than we had seen since we got here.
Maybe the snowbird traffic will be picking up............
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Today we went to the indoor trade lot. It was small and most of the things were new. We decided to go to the other outdoor flea market.
This is better and more what we were looking for. In addition to the booths for new clothes, hardware, etc there were also spaces for individuals to sell their used items. I tried on a few pairs of new jeans but none fit.
After looking we decided to get something to eat. Almost everything was in Spanish and most of the food had a Mexican flare to it. I opted for a taco which cost $1.60 for a small freshly fried corn shell (no charge for the extra grease) and a little bit of beef. The options for toppings were: chopped cabbage, chopped onions, a thin red sauce, guacamole and sliced lemons. Where are the tomatoes and lettuce, cheese and salsa? I didn’t ask but decided to try the onions, cabbage and red sauce. It was wonderful. The grease made it! LOL.
Thomas decided he wanted more for his money. He went with a really thick large hotdog which was wrapped with bacon before being fried. They added cooked strips of onion and green pepper to top it off. Of course he added a gallon of mustard and was very happy with his selection.
After getting back at our camp, we noticed that today there were more RV’s traveling on the interstate than we had seen since we got here.
Maybe the snowbird traffic will be picking up............
11/27/10 Saturday
Saturday – 11/27/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Last night a car pulled in front of us. He had no RV and slept in his car. This morning we noticed something was really strange about him. First, we noticed that he hadn’t gotten out of his car at any time. Now he is laughing hysterically and talking to someone. Ok, he must be on the phone to someone that is really funny. But it didn’t stop. This continued for hours. We were beginning to get a strange feeling about this behavior.
We had gotten up, had breakfast, had our showers and were ready to go to town. But all the other RVer’s had left. We didn’t feel good about leaving with no one else around to keep an eye on things so we waited.
About 2pm the couple parked on the other side of us came back. Thomas went to speak with them. They were going to be around the rest of the day and would keep an eye on everything. In this type of lifestyle, generally folks watch out for others around them.
The next couple of hours we spent in town at the flea market. We bought corn on the cob for supper….oh, boy am I gonna love this!
Back at the trailer, our neighbor came up as we pulled in. He told us that they had watched things and that the guy had continued his talking/laughing/obnoxious behavior all afternoon. He said the camp host from the Long Term Visitors Area had came by and talked to the guy and told him, “Seems like the guy has spent too much time alone in the desert.” The host left his personal phone number for all of us incase there were any problems. He also said we had been wise to not leave things unattended.
Supper was wonderful. Thanksgiving again plus corn on the cob. While I am still tender, it was great to be able to bite into something like that again.
Tonight, like before, Thomas took care of me and wouldn’t let me help clean up anything.
Hugs to all of you……….
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob area are in the same link above.
Last night a car pulled in front of us. He had no RV and slept in his car. This morning we noticed something was really strange about him. First, we noticed that he hadn’t gotten out of his car at any time. Now he is laughing hysterically and talking to someone. Ok, he must be on the phone to someone that is really funny. But it didn’t stop. This continued for hours. We were beginning to get a strange feeling about this behavior.
We had gotten up, had breakfast, had our showers and were ready to go to town. But all the other RVer’s had left. We didn’t feel good about leaving with no one else around to keep an eye on things so we waited.
About 2pm the couple parked on the other side of us came back. Thomas went to speak with them. They were going to be around the rest of the day and would keep an eye on everything. In this type of lifestyle, generally folks watch out for others around them.
The next couple of hours we spent in town at the flea market. We bought corn on the cob for supper….oh, boy am I gonna love this!
Back at the trailer, our neighbor came up as we pulled in. He told us that they had watched things and that the guy had continued his talking/laughing/obnoxious behavior all afternoon. He said the camp host from the Long Term Visitors Area had came by and talked to the guy and told him, “Seems like the guy has spent too much time alone in the desert.” The host left his personal phone number for all of us incase there were any problems. He also said we had been wise to not leave things unattended.
Supper was wonderful. Thanksgiving again plus corn on the cob. While I am still tender, it was great to be able to bite into something like that again.
Tonight, like before, Thomas took care of me and wouldn’t let me help clean up anything.
Hugs to all of you……….
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Just so you know
Today I have updated lots of photos and entered several posts. If you have read the previous posts, go back and view the photos by clicking on the links.
Hugs to all!
Hugs to all!
11-26-10 Last day in Mexico Yippee
Friday – 11/26/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above
Last day for dental work. Yippee!
Today we head back into Mexico for our final day to finish up this dental work. Janira removed the temporaries and tried the permanents. After we decided on the final adjustments that needed to be made, she sent the finished crowns back to the lab to be polished and refitted.
Another 30 minute wait and I now have 4 new caps on my front teeth and they look great. Now I can have corn on the cob and all those things I could not bite into. It’s been a long wait.
For those inquiring minds…….each cap was $187. That comes to:
4 caps @ $187 = $748
2 root canals and posts @ $250 = $500
Total for all =$1248.
This is less than I would have had to pay in the US for just the one root canal, post and cap! They way we look at it, the other three were free!
Now we are just hanging out in Pilot Knob until our mail comes next week. And finally, a great sunset.
There has not been the wonderful sunsets of the past years. Seems like being here in November instead of January is the difference in the weather and crowds.
Thomas has been wonderful while all this dental work was done. He has made me sit down and taken care of me. Thank you Thomas for being a real sweet heart!
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above
Last day for dental work. Yippee!
Today we head back into Mexico for our final day to finish up this dental work. Janira removed the temporaries and tried the permanents. After we decided on the final adjustments that needed to be made, she sent the finished crowns back to the lab to be polished and refitted.
Another 30 minute wait and I now have 4 new caps on my front teeth and they look great. Now I can have corn on the cob and all those things I could not bite into. It’s been a long wait.
For those inquiring minds…….each cap was $187. That comes to:
4 caps @ $187 = $748
2 root canals and posts @ $250 = $500
Total for all =$1248.
This is less than I would have had to pay in the US for just the one root canal, post and cap! They way we look at it, the other three were free!
Now we are just hanging out in Pilot Knob until our mail comes next week. And finally, a great sunset.
There has not been the wonderful sunsets of the past years. Seems like being here in November instead of January is the difference in the weather and crowds.
Thomas has been wonderful while all this dental work was done. He has made me sit down and taken care of me. Thank you Thomas for being a real sweet heart!
11-25-10 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone
Thursday – 11/25/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the link above
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends. May each of you take time to reflect on the present pleasures in your lives.
The day started out very windy and we weren’t sure if our Thanksgiving feast would have to be put off. Our solar oven doesn’t do well with the wind. Around 10am the wind changed directions which allowed us to set up the solar oven beside our trailer and be blocked from the wind.
Around 4:30pm a full feast was spread which included: a 10lb. turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli casserole. Yummy!
We ate until we thought we would pop! Today is a good day. Our life is a good life. We give thanks for everyone that shares our life and hope we can be a spark in your life as you are in ours. And who wouldn’t be grateful for the opportunity to come here to get quality dental work done that we could not afford in the US?
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the link above
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends. May each of you take time to reflect on the present pleasures in your lives.
The day started out very windy and we weren’t sure if our Thanksgiving feast would have to be put off. Our solar oven doesn’t do well with the wind. Around 10am the wind changed directions which allowed us to set up the solar oven beside our trailer and be blocked from the wind.
Around 4:30pm a full feast was spread which included: a 10lb. turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli casserole. Yummy!
We ate until we thought we would pop! Today is a good day. Our life is a good life. We give thanks for everyone that shares our life and hope we can be a spark in your life as you are in ours. And who wouldn’t be grateful for the opportunity to come here to get quality dental work done that we could not afford in the US?
11-24-10 Day three
Wednesday – 11/24/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos of Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the same link above
Day three of dental work.
Last night we saw a coyote! All the time we have spent here in the past years and we have never seen a coyote here or even heard one. Where in all this barren land does he (or they) live? They are definitely American Coyotes because there is no way they could cross the canal even if they want to because of the fence that runs along the border on this side of the canal.
Thomas has been putting out some left over scraps to help whatever is living in this area. There has never been a crumb left in the mornings. Now we know part of what is scarping down the bread and such.
Back in Mexico, Janira began to prepare my other front and next tooth for an impression. Then she started on the other two. They were still sore but with the pain meds and the Novocain, we were able to get it done. She took the impressions and set my next appointment for Friday since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US.
While Janira is Mexican she is married to an American and lives in Yuma. Everyday she drives back and forth across the border. Mexico will be open for business as usual but she will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her family in the US.
Again, no crowd to get back across the border.
Talk to you again soon…………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos of Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are in the same link above
Day three of dental work.
Last night we saw a coyote! All the time we have spent here in the past years and we have never seen a coyote here or even heard one. Where in all this barren land does he (or they) live? They are definitely American Coyotes because there is no way they could cross the canal even if they want to because of the fence that runs along the border on this side of the canal.
Thomas has been putting out some left over scraps to help whatever is living in this area. There has never been a crumb left in the mornings. Now we know part of what is scarping down the bread and such.
Back in Mexico, Janira began to prepare my other front and next tooth for an impression. Then she started on the other two. They were still sore but with the pain meds and the Novocain, we were able to get it done. She took the impressions and set my next appointment for Friday since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US.
While Janira is Mexican she is married to an American and lives in Yuma. Everyday she drives back and forth across the border. Mexico will be open for business as usual but she will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her family in the US.
Again, no crowd to get back across the border.
Talk to you again soon…………
11-23-10 Day two in Mexico
Tuesday – 11/23/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the link above
Day two of dental work.
I had an 8:30am appointment with Manuela. We got up early, showered and headed for the Q. On Tuesday’s they offer breakfast and lunch buffet’s at buy-one-get-one. The breakfast is $7.99 and the buffet is wonderful. One area is for made-to-order omelets. Another area is a spread of fruits and yogurts. Another serving area if for pancakes, French toast, crepes, blitz’s, etc. Another area tempts you with a multitude of meats and eggs in both American and Mexican styles. And it continues…….. This is a great treat even though I was really sore this morning.
Manuela numbed me up again and removed the temporary fillings. After I was numb, she told me that if I felt anything she did to let her know. I shouldn’t be even the least bit uncomfortable. Several times she asked if I could feel this or that. If I could, then she would numb it more. She then took the impressions and apologized if I was uncomfortable at all.
There is something slightly different in the Novocain they use here. While I was numb to the tip of my nose, it wasn’t the same as in the US. I didn’t feel huge and swollen. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t move my mouth to talk. But, I was numb. As the numb starts to wear off there was a somewhat similar feeling of tingling but nothing like the US Novocain. This is much better. And the dentists really want you to experience the work as painlessly as possible.
After the impressions were taken she put two temporary teeth back in place and told me to be back at 12:30pm to have the post put in place. If this was done in the US it would have taken a week.
We went to the town square and watched tourists wander past and watched them purchase things from the vendors. Knowing this would be a long day, we had brought a lunch with us. The sunshine felt good as we sat on the bench.
In the town square a couple of massage therapists had set up under a canopy to work on customers. Three adjoining vendors sold lanterns, rocks and plates that were spray painted on the spot. If you brought in something, they would paint that. They even had photos of paintings on mobile scooters and digital TV dishes.
Time is up and back to Manuela. The permanent posts are put in and now to go back to Janira for her to finish up.
For curious minds…. The cost of the root canals and metal posts were $250 each for a total of $500.
Janira tried to start shaping the metal posts and supports that Manuela had just put in but with any pressure I was in pain. She thought it best to continue taking the meds and come in tomorrow for her to start. Janira glued in my 2 temporary caps and gave me an appointment for the next day.
The rest of the day was pretty much the same as yesterday.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the link above
Day two of dental work.
I had an 8:30am appointment with Manuela. We got up early, showered and headed for the Q. On Tuesday’s they offer breakfast and lunch buffet’s at buy-one-get-one. The breakfast is $7.99 and the buffet is wonderful. One area is for made-to-order omelets. Another area is a spread of fruits and yogurts. Another serving area if for pancakes, French toast, crepes, blitz’s, etc. Another area tempts you with a multitude of meats and eggs in both American and Mexican styles. And it continues…….. This is a great treat even though I was really sore this morning.
Manuela numbed me up again and removed the temporary fillings. After I was numb, she told me that if I felt anything she did to let her know. I shouldn’t be even the least bit uncomfortable. Several times she asked if I could feel this or that. If I could, then she would numb it more. She then took the impressions and apologized if I was uncomfortable at all.
There is something slightly different in the Novocain they use here. While I was numb to the tip of my nose, it wasn’t the same as in the US. I didn’t feel huge and swollen. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t move my mouth to talk. But, I was numb. As the numb starts to wear off there was a somewhat similar feeling of tingling but nothing like the US Novocain. This is much better. And the dentists really want you to experience the work as painlessly as possible.
After the impressions were taken she put two temporary teeth back in place and told me to be back at 12:30pm to have the post put in place. If this was done in the US it would have taken a week.
We went to the town square and watched tourists wander past and watched them purchase things from the vendors. Knowing this would be a long day, we had brought a lunch with us. The sunshine felt good as we sat on the bench.
In the town square a couple of massage therapists had set up under a canopy to work on customers. Three adjoining vendors sold lanterns, rocks and plates that were spray painted on the spot. If you brought in something, they would paint that. They even had photos of paintings on mobile scooters and digital TV dishes.
Time is up and back to Manuela. The permanent posts are put in and now to go back to Janira for her to finish up.
For curious minds…. The cost of the root canals and metal posts were $250 each for a total of $500.
Janira tried to start shaping the metal posts and supports that Manuela had just put in but with any pressure I was in pain. She thought it best to continue taking the meds and come in tomorrow for her to start. Janira glued in my 2 temporary caps and gave me an appointment for the next day.
The rest of the day was pretty much the same as yesterday.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow………
11-22-10 First day in Mexico
Monday – 11/22/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above.
Last night was spent in Pilot Knob. The remainder of our time will be spent here at least until the dental work is done. This will also be where we will receive our first mail drop from home.
It’s amazing how few people are here! There are only 4 others in one parking area. It also appears that the BLM has made the camping area smaller since this past January. No one is in the farther camping area. We had assumed that a lot of the snow birds (RV’ers that go south in the winter to avoid the cold up north) would be here by now.
While setting up, Thomas talked to another camper here about the shortage of people here. He said that they had experienced the same surprise at the number of people in the area. He told us that Mexico was empty when they went to Algodones. He said, “You could shoot a missile down the street and not hit anyone. That was how empty it is.”
Yesterday I sent my dentist an email telling her that we would be in Yuma by last night and could come to Mexico as early as tomorrow or when she had room for me. Her return email told me to meet her at her office and she would be waiting whenever I could get there. How’s that for an appointment? Has ANY US medical physician, dentist, etc ever told you that they would be waiting on you?
It was scary heading to and into Mexico. There is hardly anyone here as compared to January. From the exit on I-8 the two lane road passes by the Quechan Casino (better known as the Q) with separate parking lots for autos and RV’s, crosses the American Canal, continues past sandy hills that some RV’s park on, past the pay RV Park and to the Quechan Indian parking lot before arriving at the border crossing.
The parking lot for the RV’s at the Q was almost empty. The parking areas on the hills was almost empty. No one was parked along the sides of the roads leading up to the signs for no parking on either side even though the no parking area had been extended. The pay RV Park had many empty spaces. The parking lot at the border was about only 1/4th full. Where is everyone? Has the economy stopped the people from coming? Is there something going on that we don’t know about?
After parking and crossing the border, it was much of the same. No one is here compared to the past January’s. The street vendors and people who are employed by various pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, etc seem more desperate to get you to use their sponsors.
As you walk down the sidewalk lined with stores and offices you hear, “Can I help you? What are you looking for today? Are you looking for pharmacy, dentist, eye glasses? Everything on sale today, just for you and your girlfriend. Check us out. Hey sir, you need a haircut, Rolex, wallet? Lady, I have purse just for you.”
We arrived at the office of our Mexican Dentist, Janira Rodarte around 10am. She confirmed that I needed one root canal and metal post for my front tooth. If the price is right, I hope to get all four front teeth recapped since the original caps had been in place for 16 years. Since I am having problems with one, I don’t want to get back to the States and something happen to the other three and wind up in the same predicament.
Janira sent me to a specialist to start on the root canal and recheck the additional three. Manuela found that the tooth beside the first one also needed a root canal with metal post. The other two could just be recapped. And so the process began.
Manuela was very good about getting me numb. After getting the teeth prepped, she told me that my gums were too inflamed and angry to do the impressions for the posts today. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory with pain medicine. It would be best for me to come back tomorrow morning to finish with her. I was in minimal discomfort but was not going to argue.
We went to the outdoor plaza/restaurant. Thomas ordered a coffee and we sat and watched the other patrons for a while. Of course, there were the street vendors winding through the tables hawking vases and plates, bracelets, jewelry, etc. While here, we asked other tourists if they thought the crowds were down for this time of year. They thought this was normal for this time of year and that it was a little more crowded this year. So maybe it is just this time of year and not the economy that is the difference.
As the numb starts to wear off the thumping becomes more pronounced. Time to find a pharmacy and take meds! The two prescriptions cost me $12 and no they don’t take insurance. That was the full cost.
Now to get back across the border. Where is the line of people waiting to go through the US border checkpoint? Where is the 1 ½-4 ½ hour wait we have usually experienced before? It is 1pm and it only took us 15 minutes to through the line and check point. This is strange. But with my pain starting to build, who am I to question this streak of luck?
Back to our home and to start on the meds. I fixed lunch and later supper. Thomas was so sweet. He put me to bed and told me he would clean up and take care of everything.
Hope everyone has a good night………
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2637
All photos for Mexico, Yuma and Pilot Knob are at the same link above.
Last night was spent in Pilot Knob. The remainder of our time will be spent here at least until the dental work is done. This will also be where we will receive our first mail drop from home.
It’s amazing how few people are here! There are only 4 others in one parking area. It also appears that the BLM has made the camping area smaller since this past January. No one is in the farther camping area. We had assumed that a lot of the snow birds (RV’ers that go south in the winter to avoid the cold up north) would be here by now.
While setting up, Thomas talked to another camper here about the shortage of people here. He said that they had experienced the same surprise at the number of people in the area. He told us that Mexico was empty when they went to Algodones. He said, “You could shoot a missile down the street and not hit anyone. That was how empty it is.”
Yesterday I sent my dentist an email telling her that we would be in Yuma by last night and could come to Mexico as early as tomorrow or when she had room for me. Her return email told me to meet her at her office and she would be waiting whenever I could get there. How’s that for an appointment? Has ANY US medical physician, dentist, etc ever told you that they would be waiting on you?
It was scary heading to and into Mexico. There is hardly anyone here as compared to January. From the exit on I-8 the two lane road passes by the Quechan Casino (better known as the Q) with separate parking lots for autos and RV’s, crosses the American Canal, continues past sandy hills that some RV’s park on, past the pay RV Park and to the Quechan Indian parking lot before arriving at the border crossing.
The parking lot for the RV’s at the Q was almost empty. The parking areas on the hills was almost empty. No one was parked along the sides of the roads leading up to the signs for no parking on either side even though the no parking area had been extended. The pay RV Park had many empty spaces. The parking lot at the border was about only 1/4th full. Where is everyone? Has the economy stopped the people from coming? Is there something going on that we don’t know about?
After parking and crossing the border, it was much of the same. No one is here compared to the past January’s. The street vendors and people who are employed by various pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, etc seem more desperate to get you to use their sponsors.
As you walk down the sidewalk lined with stores and offices you hear, “Can I help you? What are you looking for today? Are you looking for pharmacy, dentist, eye glasses? Everything on sale today, just for you and your girlfriend. Check us out. Hey sir, you need a haircut, Rolex, wallet? Lady, I have purse just for you.”
We arrived at the office of our Mexican Dentist, Janira Rodarte around 10am. She confirmed that I needed one root canal and metal post for my front tooth. If the price is right, I hope to get all four front teeth recapped since the original caps had been in place for 16 years. Since I am having problems with one, I don’t want to get back to the States and something happen to the other three and wind up in the same predicament.
Janira sent me to a specialist to start on the root canal and recheck the additional three. Manuela found that the tooth beside the first one also needed a root canal with metal post. The other two could just be recapped. And so the process began.
Manuela was very good about getting me numb. After getting the teeth prepped, she told me that my gums were too inflamed and angry to do the impressions for the posts today. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory with pain medicine. It would be best for me to come back tomorrow morning to finish with her. I was in minimal discomfort but was not going to argue.
We went to the outdoor plaza/restaurant. Thomas ordered a coffee and we sat and watched the other patrons for a while. Of course, there were the street vendors winding through the tables hawking vases and plates, bracelets, jewelry, etc. While here, we asked other tourists if they thought the crowds were down for this time of year. They thought this was normal for this time of year and that it was a little more crowded this year. So maybe it is just this time of year and not the economy that is the difference.
As the numb starts to wear off the thumping becomes more pronounced. Time to find a pharmacy and take meds! The two prescriptions cost me $12 and no they don’t take insurance. That was the full cost.
Now to get back across the border. Where is the line of people waiting to go through the US border checkpoint? Where is the 1 ½-4 ½ hour wait we have usually experienced before? It is 1pm and it only took us 15 minutes to through the line and check point. This is strange. But with my pain starting to build, who am I to question this streak of luck?
Back to our home and to start on the meds. I fixed lunch and later supper. Thomas was so sweet. He put me to bed and told me he would clean up and take care of everything.
Hope everyone has a good night………
11-21-10 To Pilot Knob
Sunday – 11/21/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2592
And I thought night before last was bad! Last night we stayed in a truck stop. All the way to the right was an RV and then two open spaces before the line of trucks. We backed in beside the RV and got into our trailer. After realizing that we had parked beside a refrigerated big truck, Thomas backed up as far into the space as he could to get away from the generator. Ok, this is a little better.
THEN, around 2:00am I was roused up by another truck trying to swing into the empty spot between us which he thought was actually two spots. He realized in mid turn that we were parked in one spot. From the brakes and then voices, I could tell that someone wasn’t happy! He back up and then made it into his parking spot only to leave his generator running right at our door/window. Needless to say, I have been up since 2am today!
Our first stop of the day was in Casa Grande, AZ for a shower and breakfast then into Wal-Mart to restock on a few things. By noon we were heading to Yuma, AZ.
There have been fields of cotton growing here. Seems strange to see it here when I am use to seeing it in NC.
Now we hit our first rain of the trip. It was nice to have some of the dust washed off the truck and trailer.
Shortly after the cotton fields were the very tall saguaro cactus. There were many of them. Their arms were sometimes wrapped in different formations. One had one “arm” wrapped around it’s trunk like it was hugging itself. Most of them had been eaten on the bottom by animals or birds. It’s a wonder some were still standing from the destruction.
About 33 miles east of Yuma we turned off the interstate towards a mountain with a large “A” on it. Last January I had taken a photo of this same mountain but didn’t know what it was. This year we are going to Antelope Hill to see some of the hundreds of petroglyphs on a volcanic basalt outcrop that lies next to the Gila River. It is believed to have been utilized for thousands of years but its use is more evident from 500 A.D. until the 1800’s. On the north side of the mountain the petroglyphs can be found with some visible from the parking area. There are several photos to be posted. They ranged from smaller ones to very large. The larger ones were at the top of the hill but it was too windy for us to climb to the top. We were perfectly happy with the ones we found sheltered from the wind.
Back towards Yuma and the surrounding area has become very familiar. This is our fourth trip here and we were here last January. We pass through the valley, on towards the mountain we travel through before entering Fortuna Hills. When going through the mountain the road separates and actually crosses so that the west bound is on the left side and the east bound is on the right.
The wind has picked up again and we travel to Sidewinder Road/Pilot Knob BLM for the area where we can stay for 14 days for free. To get there, you pass through Yuma, AZ on I-8. Continue into CA, past the exit to Mexico, through the Inspection Checkpoint and the next exit is Sidewinder Road. Cross over the interstate to the sign for Pilot Knob. There is a Long Term Visitors Area where you can stay 6 months for $180. (There are 7 of these LTVA’s and the 6 month permit can be spent in all, one or any combination of LTVA’s. This is BLM land.) Turn to the right and follow the dirt road into the desert and parallel to I-8 for 1 ½ miles to get to the “no-fee” 14 day area. There are two small areas designated for the free camping.
Between our camping area and the interstate is approximately 1 mile. The community across the interstate from us is the unincorporated community of Felicity, CA, population 280. Beyond Felicity are the railroad tracks.
Time to set up for the night. Tomorrow will be my first dentist appointment in Mexico.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2592
And I thought night before last was bad! Last night we stayed in a truck stop. All the way to the right was an RV and then two open spaces before the line of trucks. We backed in beside the RV and got into our trailer. After realizing that we had parked beside a refrigerated big truck, Thomas backed up as far into the space as he could to get away from the generator. Ok, this is a little better.
THEN, around 2:00am I was roused up by another truck trying to swing into the empty spot between us which he thought was actually two spots. He realized in mid turn that we were parked in one spot. From the brakes and then voices, I could tell that someone wasn’t happy! He back up and then made it into his parking spot only to leave his generator running right at our door/window. Needless to say, I have been up since 2am today!
Our first stop of the day was in Casa Grande, AZ for a shower and breakfast then into Wal-Mart to restock on a few things. By noon we were heading to Yuma, AZ.
There have been fields of cotton growing here. Seems strange to see it here when I am use to seeing it in NC.
Now we hit our first rain of the trip. It was nice to have some of the dust washed off the truck and trailer.
Shortly after the cotton fields were the very tall saguaro cactus. There were many of them. Their arms were sometimes wrapped in different formations. One had one “arm” wrapped around it’s trunk like it was hugging itself. Most of them had been eaten on the bottom by animals or birds. It’s a wonder some were still standing from the destruction.
About 33 miles east of Yuma we turned off the interstate towards a mountain with a large “A” on it. Last January I had taken a photo of this same mountain but didn’t know what it was. This year we are going to Antelope Hill to see some of the hundreds of petroglyphs on a volcanic basalt outcrop that lies next to the Gila River. It is believed to have been utilized for thousands of years but its use is more evident from 500 A.D. until the 1800’s. On the north side of the mountain the petroglyphs can be found with some visible from the parking area. There are several photos to be posted. They ranged from smaller ones to very large. The larger ones were at the top of the hill but it was too windy for us to climb to the top. We were perfectly happy with the ones we found sheltered from the wind.
Back towards Yuma and the surrounding area has become very familiar. This is our fourth trip here and we were here last January. We pass through the valley, on towards the mountain we travel through before entering Fortuna Hills. When going through the mountain the road separates and actually crosses so that the west bound is on the left side and the east bound is on the right.
The wind has picked up again and we travel to Sidewinder Road/Pilot Knob BLM for the area where we can stay for 14 days for free. To get there, you pass through Yuma, AZ on I-8. Continue into CA, past the exit to Mexico, through the Inspection Checkpoint and the next exit is Sidewinder Road. Cross over the interstate to the sign for Pilot Knob. There is a Long Term Visitors Area where you can stay 6 months for $180. (There are 7 of these LTVA’s and the 6 month permit can be spent in all, one or any combination of LTVA’s. This is BLM land.) Turn to the right and follow the dirt road into the desert and parallel to I-8 for 1 ½ miles to get to the “no-fee” 14 day area. There are two small areas designated for the free camping.
Between our camping area and the interstate is approximately 1 mile. The community across the interstate from us is the unincorporated community of Felicity, CA, population 280. Beyond Felicity are the railroad tracks.
Time to set up for the night. Tomorrow will be my first dentist appointment in Mexico.
Saturday - 11-20-10 On the road
Saturday – 11/20/10
Photos:
Last night we slept in a Rest Area 32 miles south of El Paso, TX. It definitely was not Big Bend! Not once did we hear the lonesome call of a coyote but instead slept to the hum of generators of the trucks all around us.
The past several nights I have had a lot of trouble sleeping due to the cap on my front tooth keeps coming off even with the cream to make it stay in place. We are in much more of a hurry to get to Yuma and Los Algodones, Mexico to get this fixed. I’ve been fighting this since the first part of June. No pain – just can’t bite anything even something soft.
Today we saw road runners crossing the road. We passed over the Continental Divide. And made good time getting into Arizona.
I took several photos of the high desert landscapes. We passed a sign stating this was Texas Canyon…What? I thought we were in Arizona?
Next came the Tucson city limits which was 22 miles outside of the city center. Looks like they didn’t want to go through the annexation process again so allowed plenty of growing room and expansion.
Now to find a place to stop for the night…..
Photos:
Last night we slept in a Rest Area 32 miles south of El Paso, TX. It definitely was not Big Bend! Not once did we hear the lonesome call of a coyote but instead slept to the hum of generators of the trucks all around us.
The past several nights I have had a lot of trouble sleeping due to the cap on my front tooth keeps coming off even with the cream to make it stay in place. We are in much more of a hurry to get to Yuma and Los Algodones, Mexico to get this fixed. I’ve been fighting this since the first part of June. No pain – just can’t bite anything even something soft.
Today we saw road runners crossing the road. We passed over the Continental Divide. And made good time getting into Arizona.
I took several photos of the high desert landscapes. We passed a sign stating this was Texas Canyon…What? I thought we were in Arizona?
Next came the Tucson city limits which was 22 miles outside of the city center. Looks like they didn’t want to go through the annexation process again so allowed plenty of growing room and expansion.
Now to find a place to stop for the night…..
11-19-10 Big Bend thru Marfa
Friday – 11/19/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2531
It didn’t take too long to be fully loaded and ready to hit the road. Thomas did most of the packing on the outside while I took care of the inside.
Mike and Adela came over to say good bye. They were heading out today also and our paths may cross again later today but only time will tell.
Mike spotted a stick bug on our tire. Thomas removed it and as he moved it from the tire to a stick, it changed color to green. Interesting little bug.
Heading out we decided to have a good shower for the road. That was nice.
From our campground, we head up hill for 20 miles back to the main welcome center. We get just enough water to do us for a couple of days since we have a lot more up hill to travel and don’t want to pull the extra weight.
From the Main Welcome Center we head towards the West entrance and from there to Alpine, Texas. The road is much like the one coming in. There are mountains around us and in the distance.
Once outside of the park we stop in Study Butte/Terlingua for gas. Here it is $3.059 we get $20 to get us to Alpine where it will be cheaper. Notice the “No Swimming” sign over the door to the store in the photos. Who are they kidding?
In Terlingua the land is cheap if anyone is interested but water and road access is the problem. Oh, and it helps to be about 200% hermit if you want the best priced land. A lady we talked to had purchased 80 acres for $14,000. It’s amazing how many RV’s and mobile homes there are in this area.
All the mountains, peaks, mesas, etc in this area have a sign on the road with their name and height pointing to them so you can’t miss them. This is something that would be nice for other areas to do also. Coming in we passed Santiago Peek on one side and now we pass it on the other. Gradually there are no more homes to be seen. At times you see mailboxes and a few roads. The land is flat to slightly hilly with a mesa or butte or mountain thrown in.
Shortly after 3pm it is time for lunch and a break. Back on the road, things are getting greener and bushes start to appear. Beside the road is a gray colored deer. We’ve never seen one that color before. The deer back home are mostly browns.
Now we are coming into Alpine, Texas. There are valleys and mountains beyond the town. We gas up here and then head out to Marfa.
Marfa is partly known for it’s mystery lights. Across the desert is a mountain which the lights play on. On this mountain there are no roads and if you go close to the mountain you can no longer see the lights. To date, there has been no explanation for these lights.
The lights appear every night just as the sun is setting and continue for about 1 ½-2 hours before disappearing until the next night. They float along or sometimes zip from place to place. There can be two or three that join into a third one or one that separates. Mostly they are white but can be seen changing colors from white to red or blue or green and back again. Some are very bright, some dim, some change in their intensity.
Tonight the most that I saw at the same time was nine. To the left were the brightest ones and this was also the ones that changed from red to white and back again. A few danced sideways while others moved diagonally and horizontally. Several times they merged from 2-3 into 1. One would separate into 2 or 3. This was amazing and fascinating for me.
Back in North Carolina in the northern most part of McDowell County (where I was born and raised) they have the Brown Mountain Lights. Like these, there are all sorts of folk tales to explain their history but no one has a concrete explanation for their existence. I never have seen the Brown Mountain Lights. At least now I can say that I have seen the Marfa Lights. Needless to say, Thomas was not as captivated by them as I was. The lights were mostly gone by 7:30pm.
Since the wind has died down, it’s now a good time to be on the road. Thomas wants to get some miles behind us now that he’ll not be fighting the wind. It’s 7:40pm and we hit the road. Shortly afterwards, there were some deer standing beside the road eating. They had really large ears and were not frightened by the closeness of the traffic.
Another good day with plenty of excitement.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2531
It didn’t take too long to be fully loaded and ready to hit the road. Thomas did most of the packing on the outside while I took care of the inside.
Mike and Adela came over to say good bye. They were heading out today also and our paths may cross again later today but only time will tell.
Mike spotted a stick bug on our tire. Thomas removed it and as he moved it from the tire to a stick, it changed color to green. Interesting little bug.
Heading out we decided to have a good shower for the road. That was nice.
From our campground, we head up hill for 20 miles back to the main welcome center. We get just enough water to do us for a couple of days since we have a lot more up hill to travel and don’t want to pull the extra weight.
From the Main Welcome Center we head towards the West entrance and from there to Alpine, Texas. The road is much like the one coming in. There are mountains around us and in the distance.
Once outside of the park we stop in Study Butte/Terlingua for gas. Here it is $3.059 we get $20 to get us to Alpine where it will be cheaper. Notice the “No Swimming” sign over the door to the store in the photos. Who are they kidding?
In Terlingua the land is cheap if anyone is interested but water and road access is the problem. Oh, and it helps to be about 200% hermit if you want the best priced land. A lady we talked to had purchased 80 acres for $14,000. It’s amazing how many RV’s and mobile homes there are in this area.
All the mountains, peaks, mesas, etc in this area have a sign on the road with their name and height pointing to them so you can’t miss them. This is something that would be nice for other areas to do also. Coming in we passed Santiago Peek on one side and now we pass it on the other. Gradually there are no more homes to be seen. At times you see mailboxes and a few roads. The land is flat to slightly hilly with a mesa or butte or mountain thrown in.
Shortly after 3pm it is time for lunch and a break. Back on the road, things are getting greener and bushes start to appear. Beside the road is a gray colored deer. We’ve never seen one that color before. The deer back home are mostly browns.
Now we are coming into Alpine, Texas. There are valleys and mountains beyond the town. We gas up here and then head out to Marfa.
Marfa is partly known for it’s mystery lights. Across the desert is a mountain which the lights play on. On this mountain there are no roads and if you go close to the mountain you can no longer see the lights. To date, there has been no explanation for these lights.
The lights appear every night just as the sun is setting and continue for about 1 ½-2 hours before disappearing until the next night. They float along or sometimes zip from place to place. There can be two or three that join into a third one or one that separates. Mostly they are white but can be seen changing colors from white to red or blue or green and back again. Some are very bright, some dim, some change in their intensity.
Tonight the most that I saw at the same time was nine. To the left were the brightest ones and this was also the ones that changed from red to white and back again. A few danced sideways while others moved diagonally and horizontally. Several times they merged from 2-3 into 1. One would separate into 2 or 3. This was amazing and fascinating for me.
Back in North Carolina in the northern most part of McDowell County (where I was born and raised) they have the Brown Mountain Lights. Like these, there are all sorts of folk tales to explain their history but no one has a concrete explanation for their existence. I never have seen the Brown Mountain Lights. At least now I can say that I have seen the Marfa Lights. Needless to say, Thomas was not as captivated by them as I was. The lights were mostly gone by 7:30pm.
Since the wind has died down, it’s now a good time to be on the road. Thomas wants to get some miles behind us now that he’ll not be fighting the wind. It’s 7:40pm and we hit the road. Shortly afterwards, there were some deer standing beside the road eating. They had really large ears and were not frightened by the closeness of the traffic.
Another good day with plenty of excitement.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
11-18-10 Thursday, A day to relax
Thursday – 11/18/10
Photos:
Today is a day to rest and just hang out around camp. Not much to tell.
Mike and Adela were going to hike over to the Hot Springs. Having done that yesterday, we offered to meet them there and drive them back but they declined. After they returned, we headed over for today’s dip and stayed for about an hour or so.
Earlier I had cooked lasagna in the sun oven. In the cooler was some of my chevre goat cheese so that went into the lasagna instead of ricotta. It was wonderful to come back and have supper ready. Yum, it was good.
Well, still no internet and there isn’t any cell phone service to be had. Bills need to be paid. Add all that with the fact that the crowd will be coming in doesn’t entice us to stay longer. We have made the decision to load up in the morning and head out.
After supper, we head over and hang out with Mike and Adela. We sat around talking and laughing and enjoying each others company until time to head to bed.
Good friends, good times and a great adventure…what else could anyone want?
Photos:
Today is a day to rest and just hang out around camp. Not much to tell.
Mike and Adela were going to hike over to the Hot Springs. Having done that yesterday, we offered to meet them there and drive them back but they declined. After they returned, we headed over for today’s dip and stayed for about an hour or so.
Earlier I had cooked lasagna in the sun oven. In the cooler was some of my chevre goat cheese so that went into the lasagna instead of ricotta. It was wonderful to come back and have supper ready. Yum, it was good.
Well, still no internet and there isn’t any cell phone service to be had. Bills need to be paid. Add all that with the fact that the crowd will be coming in doesn’t entice us to stay longer. We have made the decision to load up in the morning and head out.
After supper, we head over and hang out with Mike and Adela. We sat around talking and laughing and enjoying each others company until time to head to bed.
Good friends, good times and a great adventure…what else could anyone want?
Wednesday 11-17-10 Hike to Hot Springs
Wednesday – 11/17/10
Photos:
Today we are going to hike to the Hot Spring! We pack a sandwich and something to drink. After breakfast we are on the trail at 11:30am. Ok, so we are slow.
The trail that we have already walked doesn’t seem nearly as hard or take as long. Unlike that Appalachian Trail, this trail has no trees to leave marks on. The trail is marked by rocks piled up. If you are not to turn to the right on what looks to be the trail, there are rocks lined up across the trail as a marker. It would be very easy to get lost if your mind wanders or you aren’t paying attention. Looking into the near distance there can be what appear to be different trails to take.
The sun and shadows add to the ambience of the scenery. With the sun behind a prickly pear cactus the thorns leap to a brilliant fiery red. Canyons and crevices punctuate the vast emptiness. Mid-day sun sends animals of all sizes to seek the coolness of shade where ever it might be found. Crickets and birds are the only animals to be seen.
The last 1/3 of the trial is close by the Rio Grande River. This area has the more varied scenery. A couple of spots on the river look like they would be a great private swimming hole if there were only some access. There just wasn’t anyway to get down to them. The best swimming hole was already occupied by 6 turtles. They swam lazily in the green clear water.
Boulders were everywhere in the next section. Lots of shadowy areas were around for small creatures and snakes to curl into for shade and safety. Large rocks were floating on several smaller rocks and looked like you could just roll them from one place to another…if they weren’t wedged in.
Next was an area which had fossils in the path of the trail. One had rocks piled around it so you wouldn’t miss it or step on it. The shell was larger than Thomas’ shoe! Other fossils appeared to be leaves and smaller shells.
Now the horses on the Mexican side come into view and we know it can’t be much farther. At long last, the Hot Spring comes into view. As we approach the only group there is leaving.
Hiding in the reeds, we change clothes. Then hunger overcomes us. A fast sandwich and we are seeking the refreshing water. The Hot Spring water feels good but I’m more interested in the cold water of the river. Oh yes! The river’s cold water soothes the heat of the sun and wind toasted shoulders and the feet which have walked almost 3 miles on very hot sandy soil.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the return trip. Our hope is to find someone to give us a ride back to the campground. Sorry, the next two groups have no extra room. Neither of us wants to walk back but if we had to it would be shorter going back on the trail rather than to try to walk the road and hope to hitch a ride. Finally, with us about to give up, a couple shows up just to look at the Hot Spring. They have the room and give us a ride back.
More people have moved into the campground. It’s starting to fill up. By Saturday, all the spots which can be pre-booked will be occupied. Thanksgiving week is to be one of the busiest of the year hear.
A really nice couple moved in across from us. They are Mike and Adela from Texas. We enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them.
Get back with you soon.......
Photos:
Today we are going to hike to the Hot Spring! We pack a sandwich and something to drink. After breakfast we are on the trail at 11:30am. Ok, so we are slow.
The trail that we have already walked doesn’t seem nearly as hard or take as long. Unlike that Appalachian Trail, this trail has no trees to leave marks on. The trail is marked by rocks piled up. If you are not to turn to the right on what looks to be the trail, there are rocks lined up across the trail as a marker. It would be very easy to get lost if your mind wanders or you aren’t paying attention. Looking into the near distance there can be what appear to be different trails to take.
The sun and shadows add to the ambience of the scenery. With the sun behind a prickly pear cactus the thorns leap to a brilliant fiery red. Canyons and crevices punctuate the vast emptiness. Mid-day sun sends animals of all sizes to seek the coolness of shade where ever it might be found. Crickets and birds are the only animals to be seen.
The last 1/3 of the trial is close by the Rio Grande River. This area has the more varied scenery. A couple of spots on the river look like they would be a great private swimming hole if there were only some access. There just wasn’t anyway to get down to them. The best swimming hole was already occupied by 6 turtles. They swam lazily in the green clear water.
Boulders were everywhere in the next section. Lots of shadowy areas were around for small creatures and snakes to curl into for shade and safety. Large rocks were floating on several smaller rocks and looked like you could just roll them from one place to another…if they weren’t wedged in.
Next was an area which had fossils in the path of the trail. One had rocks piled around it so you wouldn’t miss it or step on it. The shell was larger than Thomas’ shoe! Other fossils appeared to be leaves and smaller shells.
Now the horses on the Mexican side come into view and we know it can’t be much farther. At long last, the Hot Spring comes into view. As we approach the only group there is leaving.
Hiding in the reeds, we change clothes. Then hunger overcomes us. A fast sandwich and we are seeking the refreshing water. The Hot Spring water feels good but I’m more interested in the cold water of the river. Oh yes! The river’s cold water soothes the heat of the sun and wind toasted shoulders and the feet which have walked almost 3 miles on very hot sandy soil.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the return trip. Our hope is to find someone to give us a ride back to the campground. Sorry, the next two groups have no extra room. Neither of us wants to walk back but if we had to it would be shorter going back on the trail rather than to try to walk the road and hope to hitch a ride. Finally, with us about to give up, a couple shows up just to look at the Hot Spring. They have the room and give us a ride back.
More people have moved into the campground. It’s starting to fill up. By Saturday, all the spots which can be pre-booked will be occupied. Thanksgiving week is to be one of the busiest of the year hear.
A really nice couple moved in across from us. They are Mike and Adela from Texas. We enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them.
Get back with you soon.......
11-16-10 Tuesday fron Big Bend, TX
Tuesday – 11/16/10
Photos:
This morning we packed a sandwich and water because we wanted to hike further today. It was 11:30 before we could get onto the trail today. I found the only flower around that was blooming! It was bright purple/pink with another tiny white bloom coming from the center of it. We hiked until the trail started to turn down hill. If we had packed our bathing suits, we might have continued on to the Hot Springs. But this is enough for today. My feet hurt! Tomorrow we will take what we need and make the full hike to the Hot Spring.
We met a couple on the trail from Texas. They want to come to NC and hike some of the AT. We gave them our name and email address. They were also telling us that they saw a mother bobcat nursing a baby on their way to the trail head. Maybe we will get to see it before we leave.
On the way back, we stopped at the store. The internet is supposed to be working now. We also ate an overpriced but still very good ice cream sandwich. While sitting outside, the bobcat came by and headed into the woods. There weren’t any babies with her. I followed her and was able to get a couple of photos as she made her way across a field behind the store.
After getting back to the trailer and eating the lunch we packed and carried, it was time for a nap. But that was interrupted by a guy at the door. Would you believe it was a man from Lenoir, NC? Lenoir is about an hour from us. Small world.
Ok, now siesta time for Thomas but I plan to upload photos and continue with the blog. Later we are going to wash clothes and I can put all this on the blog and catch up with email.
At this point we are not sure if we will get to the Hot Springs again today or not.
If any of you need to get in touch with us, you will have to do it by sending emails.
Hope all is going well with each and every one of you.
Photos:
This morning we packed a sandwich and water because we wanted to hike further today. It was 11:30 before we could get onto the trail today. I found the only flower around that was blooming! It was bright purple/pink with another tiny white bloom coming from the center of it. We hiked until the trail started to turn down hill. If we had packed our bathing suits, we might have continued on to the Hot Springs. But this is enough for today. My feet hurt! Tomorrow we will take what we need and make the full hike to the Hot Spring.
We met a couple on the trail from Texas. They want to come to NC and hike some of the AT. We gave them our name and email address. They were also telling us that they saw a mother bobcat nursing a baby on their way to the trail head. Maybe we will get to see it before we leave.
On the way back, we stopped at the store. The internet is supposed to be working now. We also ate an overpriced but still very good ice cream sandwich. While sitting outside, the bobcat came by and headed into the woods. There weren’t any babies with her. I followed her and was able to get a couple of photos as she made her way across a field behind the store.
After getting back to the trailer and eating the lunch we packed and carried, it was time for a nap. But that was interrupted by a guy at the door. Would you believe it was a man from Lenoir, NC? Lenoir is about an hour from us. Small world.
Ok, now siesta time for Thomas but I plan to upload photos and continue with the blog. Later we are going to wash clothes and I can put all this on the blog and catch up with email.
At this point we are not sure if we will get to the Hot Springs again today or not.
If any of you need to get in touch with us, you will have to do it by sending emails.
Hope all is going well with each and every one of you.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
11-15-10 Monday at Big Bend National Park
Monday – 11/15/10
Photos:
This morning we decided to take a hike. There are many trails but since it has been so long since we have done much hiking, we decided to start slow. One of the trails that leads from a close by picnic area goes to an over look. If you follow it the full 3 miles, you will be at the Hot Spring. Today we went to the overlook and then a little beyond before returning to the trailer.
Just past the entrance to the trail the same type of souvenirs were laid out by the Mexican businessmen. It seems that they are tolerated to come across as they wish as long as they do so without flaunting it and stay mostly unseen. There is a sign on the bulletin board stating that the items sold by the Mexican businessmen are contraband. If you purchase them, they can be taken from you. If they Mexicans are caught here, they will be sent to a detention facility and then deported. Most surprising is that these same trinkets and walking sticks can be purchased in the Store at a higher price.
The trail started out up hill and continued like this past the overlook. It finally leveled out some. The terrain is very rocky. The plant life consists of mostly different types of cactus and prickly plants. Everything has the appearance of being sharp. The only life we see are the birds and large crickets and one ant. We see no lizards, snakes or spiders. Most everything seems to be some shade of brown. LOL Green brown, brown, yellow brown. The sun is bright yellow and hot and continuously beats down on you. Today is very windy which helps keep you cool but now you have wind burn instead of sun burn. Maybe a combination of both.
At the overlook the Rio Grande can be seen from both directions. The land of Mexico stretches out before you. There is no difference between the two countries here. From this vantage point, it is even clearer how the border between the two countries is pretty much open.
After returning to the camp site, we cleaned up and ate some lunch. Time for another trip to the Hot Spring. It was about 4pm when we got there and were the only ones for about an hour. The same four Mexicans were at their camp on the other side of the river. Since we didn’t have head lamps we wanted to get back to the truck before dark.
Tonights supper consisted of bite size pieces of grilled Ribeye steak in a mushroom and onion gravy nestled in a bed of fluffy herbed rice with a large salad.
Yummy. When we closed the garden up, Thomas packed up 3 boxes of tomatoes in various stages of ripeness. We are just finishing up the first box which was packed with ripe tomatoes. It is time to start on the next box which was packed at different stages of ripeness. The last box is full of all green tomatoes.
After dinner we decided to splurge and take a “pay” shower at the store. It is $1.50 for 5 minutes. Even though we couldn’t get finished in the 5 minutes, it was well worth the $3.
During the night, the coyotes howled again. This time they weren’t nearly as close.
Photos:
This morning we decided to take a hike. There are many trails but since it has been so long since we have done much hiking, we decided to start slow. One of the trails that leads from a close by picnic area goes to an over look. If you follow it the full 3 miles, you will be at the Hot Spring. Today we went to the overlook and then a little beyond before returning to the trailer.
Just past the entrance to the trail the same type of souvenirs were laid out by the Mexican businessmen. It seems that they are tolerated to come across as they wish as long as they do so without flaunting it and stay mostly unseen. There is a sign on the bulletin board stating that the items sold by the Mexican businessmen are contraband. If you purchase them, they can be taken from you. If they Mexicans are caught here, they will be sent to a detention facility and then deported. Most surprising is that these same trinkets and walking sticks can be purchased in the Store at a higher price.
The trail started out up hill and continued like this past the overlook. It finally leveled out some. The terrain is very rocky. The plant life consists of mostly different types of cactus and prickly plants. Everything has the appearance of being sharp. The only life we see are the birds and large crickets and one ant. We see no lizards, snakes or spiders. Most everything seems to be some shade of brown. LOL Green brown, brown, yellow brown. The sun is bright yellow and hot and continuously beats down on you. Today is very windy which helps keep you cool but now you have wind burn instead of sun burn. Maybe a combination of both.
At the overlook the Rio Grande can be seen from both directions. The land of Mexico stretches out before you. There is no difference between the two countries here. From this vantage point, it is even clearer how the border between the two countries is pretty much open.
After returning to the camp site, we cleaned up and ate some lunch. Time for another trip to the Hot Spring. It was about 4pm when we got there and were the only ones for about an hour. The same four Mexicans were at their camp on the other side of the river. Since we didn’t have head lamps we wanted to get back to the truck before dark.
Tonights supper consisted of bite size pieces of grilled Ribeye steak in a mushroom and onion gravy nestled in a bed of fluffy herbed rice with a large salad.
Yummy. When we closed the garden up, Thomas packed up 3 boxes of tomatoes in various stages of ripeness. We are just finishing up the first box which was packed with ripe tomatoes. It is time to start on the next box which was packed at different stages of ripeness. The last box is full of all green tomatoes.
After dinner we decided to splurge and take a “pay” shower at the store. It is $1.50 for 5 minutes. Even though we couldn’t get finished in the 5 minutes, it was well worth the $3.
During the night, the coyotes howled again. This time they weren’t nearly as close.
11-14-10 Sunday at Big Bend National Park
Sunday – 11/14/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2430 This includes all photos of the time in Big Bend National Park.
After breakfast and general clean up we headed to the hot springs. They are two miles off the main road with a dirt access road. However, only smaller vehicles are able to manipulate the road. No wide trucks or trucks with 4 tires on the back axel, no trailers, no RV’s etc.
Thankfully, Thomas was driving. The road was a narrow road with a cliff with sharp jagged rocks waiting to grab you on one side. The other side was a straight drop off. In one area the road split into one way traffic.
The parking area had a restroom. The other buildings were from years ago when there was a house, store and maybe a type of single floor “motel” with 7 rooms. There was a sign and old photo inside the store that showed how it used to look. The Rio Grande River was visible from the “hotel”.
On down the trial were cliffs that had Petroglyphs on them. The trail to the hot spring was beside the Rio Grande River. In areas there were reeds between the trail and the river.
To our surprise, the hot spring is in the Rio Grande River! There is an old bathing area of cemented rocks which contains the hot water. Many years ago there was water from the river which was gravity fed into the pool to cool it. Today this is not working. Dividers had been built in the pool. Part of the dividers in the pool appears to be cut logs. There is a lot of silt on the bottom from where the river rises and overflows into the pool leaving silt to cover the bottom. The pool was hot and the river was cold. After sitting in the hot springs you could take a dip in the river to cool off.
Across the river is Mexico. Yes, that close! Mexicans and their horses were on one side and we were on the other. They would ride the horse over and leave trinkets, bracelets, rocks (mostly amethysts), painted rocks and walking sticks. There would be a sign with the amounts for the items and a can or jar to leave money in.
While we were there a man was talking to one of the Mexicans. He road over and they talked more while he checked the items and jar. When the Mexican left his horse, he kept looking down the trail to make sure there were no border patrol or park ranger coming. This trip he made it with no problem. It was evident that the river would be easy to cross even on foot.
After we got back to the trailer, Thomas took a nap and I started putting this information onto our computer to upload to the blog when we could.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely. After supper and a shower we watched a movie from a collection we brought with us. (The solar is finally working so much better. There is still a small glitch and we think it is probably in the inverter.) Just after laying down the coyotes began to howl. One sounded like it was just outside our trailer. Another up in the mountains would answer back.
Other than that it is amazingly quiet here at night. Almost eerily quiet. We are paid here through the 18 but can stay another week if we want to. The sites that can be reserved are filling up and the host told us it get full and busy here the week of Thanksgiving. We will probably stay on here on a day by day basis. If it gets too loud and busy, we will leave and head on. Of course, will keep you updated on what we decide to do.
Hugs to all.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2430 This includes all photos of the time in Big Bend National Park.
After breakfast and general clean up we headed to the hot springs. They are two miles off the main road with a dirt access road. However, only smaller vehicles are able to manipulate the road. No wide trucks or trucks with 4 tires on the back axel, no trailers, no RV’s etc.
Thankfully, Thomas was driving. The road was a narrow road with a cliff with sharp jagged rocks waiting to grab you on one side. The other side was a straight drop off. In one area the road split into one way traffic.
The parking area had a restroom. The other buildings were from years ago when there was a house, store and maybe a type of single floor “motel” with 7 rooms. There was a sign and old photo inside the store that showed how it used to look. The Rio Grande River was visible from the “hotel”.
On down the trial were cliffs that had Petroglyphs on them. The trail to the hot spring was beside the Rio Grande River. In areas there were reeds between the trail and the river.
To our surprise, the hot spring is in the Rio Grande River! There is an old bathing area of cemented rocks which contains the hot water. Many years ago there was water from the river which was gravity fed into the pool to cool it. Today this is not working. Dividers had been built in the pool. Part of the dividers in the pool appears to be cut logs. There is a lot of silt on the bottom from where the river rises and overflows into the pool leaving silt to cover the bottom. The pool was hot and the river was cold. After sitting in the hot springs you could take a dip in the river to cool off.
Across the river is Mexico. Yes, that close! Mexicans and their horses were on one side and we were on the other. They would ride the horse over and leave trinkets, bracelets, rocks (mostly amethysts), painted rocks and walking sticks. There would be a sign with the amounts for the items and a can or jar to leave money in.
While we were there a man was talking to one of the Mexicans. He road over and they talked more while he checked the items and jar. When the Mexican left his horse, he kept looking down the trail to make sure there were no border patrol or park ranger coming. This trip he made it with no problem. It was evident that the river would be easy to cross even on foot.
After we got back to the trailer, Thomas took a nap and I started putting this information onto our computer to upload to the blog when we could.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely. After supper and a shower we watched a movie from a collection we brought with us. (The solar is finally working so much better. There is still a small glitch and we think it is probably in the inverter.) Just after laying down the coyotes began to howl. One sounded like it was just outside our trailer. Another up in the mountains would answer back.
Other than that it is amazingly quiet here at night. Almost eerily quiet. We are paid here through the 18 but can stay another week if we want to. The sites that can be reserved are filling up and the host told us it get full and busy here the week of Thanksgiving. We will probably stay on here on a day by day basis. If it gets too loud and busy, we will leave and head on. Of course, will keep you updated on what we decide to do.
Hugs to all.
11-13-10 Saturday To Big Bend
Saturday – 11/13/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2411
Last night about 6 RV’s came into the WalMart. One was from Canada.
Today is our trip to Big Bend, Texas. We have already been told to load up before we leave Fort Stockton. It is 100 miles to Big Bend with no services or supplies on the way. The few things that are available there are going to be very expensive.
Fort Stockton is a smaller town. Their WalMart is not a supercenter so we will have to find a grocery store. They are supposed to be getting a supercenter next May.
We decided to have a good breakfast (cooked by someone else.) IHOP was around the corner and it was great. Next was the grocery store. After filling up with gas @ $2.889, we headed down the road.
As advised, civilization fell by the wayside very fast leaving us with desert. The road (US 385) was long and straight. Ranchs with a seldom seen house was the neighborhood. Then off in the distance the vast horizon expanded to give birth to a backdrop of mountains. Off to the left side Santiago Peak rose to 6,551 feet. The Chicos Mountains loomed up in front of us and now the Sierra Del Caballo Modesto Range can be seen.
Upon arriving at the front entrance to the park we were told it was another 30 miles to the main Welcome Center. This is a huge park encompassing over 800,000 acres. The lady gave us a one week pass. On the way to the Welcome Center we realized that we should have been given the two week pass and planned to stop at the Welcome Center to ask about that. If there had been no questions we would have visited the Welcome Center just to stretch our legs, we visited the Welcome Center.
At the Center, we were told that we could get the 2nd week pass after the first week was up and could get that at any of the Welcome Centers in the park.
From the main Welcome Center @ Panther Junction we will have to drive 20 more miles to get to the RV Campgrounds. In the southeast corner of the park is the Rio Grande Village which has two RV Campgrounds. One has no hook ups but has flush toilets. The other is a full hook up Park. We had opted for the regular park since it was within our budget ($7 with Access Card.) Close by these campgrounds are the parks only RV dump and water station, pay showers and “store”. Like the trip down here, we have no cell service available to us. There is wifi at the store which we will use when we can.
These Campgrounds are located adjacent to the Rio Grande River which is the defining park boundary with Mexico for 118 miles. This Park has 3 distinctly different areas which include the River, the Desert and the Mountains. Each has its own beauty and we hope to experience at least a little of each one while here.
After finally finding an appropriate campsite, the rest of the day was spent in setting up and making this home for several days to come. Just before sundown the camp host came by to say hi and gave us some information. Tonight it is suppose to be in the 30’s and it is to be windy. Take down all camp chairs or anything that might blow away. Awnings on trailers are likely to be torn up.
She also told us about the javalinas. (I’m not sure this is the correct spelling.) These look like wild boars but are in the rhinoceros family. The bear boxes with each campsite (in this area) are not for bear but the javalinas and the ravens. They will work together to get food. If you have trash hanging, the ravens will peck at the bags until they are torn open and then the javalinas will eat. Before the flood here, the javalinas has learned to open coolers, unzip tents and break into places where you thought your food was safe.
Happy roads to all and get some sleep.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2411
Last night about 6 RV’s came into the WalMart. One was from Canada.
Today is our trip to Big Bend, Texas. We have already been told to load up before we leave Fort Stockton. It is 100 miles to Big Bend with no services or supplies on the way. The few things that are available there are going to be very expensive.
Fort Stockton is a smaller town. Their WalMart is not a supercenter so we will have to find a grocery store. They are supposed to be getting a supercenter next May.
We decided to have a good breakfast (cooked by someone else.) IHOP was around the corner and it was great. Next was the grocery store. After filling up with gas @ $2.889, we headed down the road.
As advised, civilization fell by the wayside very fast leaving us with desert. The road (US 385) was long and straight. Ranchs with a seldom seen house was the neighborhood. Then off in the distance the vast horizon expanded to give birth to a backdrop of mountains. Off to the left side Santiago Peak rose to 6,551 feet. The Chicos Mountains loomed up in front of us and now the Sierra Del Caballo Modesto Range can be seen.
Upon arriving at the front entrance to the park we were told it was another 30 miles to the main Welcome Center. This is a huge park encompassing over 800,000 acres. The lady gave us a one week pass. On the way to the Welcome Center we realized that we should have been given the two week pass and planned to stop at the Welcome Center to ask about that. If there had been no questions we would have visited the Welcome Center just to stretch our legs, we visited the Welcome Center.
At the Center, we were told that we could get the 2nd week pass after the first week was up and could get that at any of the Welcome Centers in the park.
From the main Welcome Center @ Panther Junction we will have to drive 20 more miles to get to the RV Campgrounds. In the southeast corner of the park is the Rio Grande Village which has two RV Campgrounds. One has no hook ups but has flush toilets. The other is a full hook up Park. We had opted for the regular park since it was within our budget ($7 with Access Card.) Close by these campgrounds are the parks only RV dump and water station, pay showers and “store”. Like the trip down here, we have no cell service available to us. There is wifi at the store which we will use when we can.
These Campgrounds are located adjacent to the Rio Grande River which is the defining park boundary with Mexico for 118 miles. This Park has 3 distinctly different areas which include the River, the Desert and the Mountains. Each has its own beauty and we hope to experience at least a little of each one while here.
After finally finding an appropriate campsite, the rest of the day was spent in setting up and making this home for several days to come. Just before sundown the camp host came by to say hi and gave us some information. Tonight it is suppose to be in the 30’s and it is to be windy. Take down all camp chairs or anything that might blow away. Awnings on trailers are likely to be torn up.
She also told us about the javalinas. (I’m not sure this is the correct spelling.) These look like wild boars but are in the rhinoceros family. The bear boxes with each campsite (in this area) are not for bear but the javalinas and the ravens. They will work together to get food. If you have trash hanging, the ravens will peck at the bags until they are torn open and then the javalinas will eat. Before the flood here, the javalinas has learned to open coolers, unzip tents and break into places where you thought your food was safe.
Happy roads to all and get some sleep.
11/12/10 Friday To Fort Stockton, Tx
Friday – 11/12/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2397
OK, so finally a night that wasn’t that good at WalMart! Around 10:30pm the Fed Ex truck started up his generator. Surely this won’t go on for long. It’s not like he needs an air conditioner tonight. Boy were we wrong. After a couple of hours, Thomas woke up again with this loud generator bussing in our ears. In a huff, he jumps up, grabs clothes and the keys and says: “I’m moving us. This is ridiculous!” He starts up the truck and moves to another area. However, he forgot that he put our aluminum folding table under the fender well of the trailer. Someone who just parked told him that he must have left a chair our where we had been parked. He walked back and got it. The table is a little warped and unstable now but will do until we can find another one to replace it.
Today we hope to see San Antonio. Maybe there will be some place to park and drop the trailer for a little sight seeing. But the rain started early.
Before leaving WalMart, they let us fill our water tank at the tire center. They were very friendly and nice. Thank you.
Back on the road. It has been raining sporadically and just wasn’t a good day for sight seeing. Then we got to San Antonio. The road was crazy! In one place I-10 W split into Upper Level and Lower Level. What? There was such a need to increase the lanes and no where to go sideways so they built more lanes above the other. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The buildings were amazing. The Lincoln Center was all glass. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The landscape has changed from flat to hilly. On the other side of Junction, Texas I knew I was out west again by the first sight of windmills again. Like before, it is strange to see how many are not working but just sitting.
Tonight will be in WalMart in fort Stockton, Texas. This is not a Super Center. We parked close to a Class A. They were very nice and we talked for a while. They will probably be in Holtville, CA while we are there. As the night goes on, more and more RV’s pull in.
Tomorrow…Big Bend
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2397
OK, so finally a night that wasn’t that good at WalMart! Around 10:30pm the Fed Ex truck started up his generator. Surely this won’t go on for long. It’s not like he needs an air conditioner tonight. Boy were we wrong. After a couple of hours, Thomas woke up again with this loud generator bussing in our ears. In a huff, he jumps up, grabs clothes and the keys and says: “I’m moving us. This is ridiculous!” He starts up the truck and moves to another area. However, he forgot that he put our aluminum folding table under the fender well of the trailer. Someone who just parked told him that he must have left a chair our where we had been parked. He walked back and got it. The table is a little warped and unstable now but will do until we can find another one to replace it.
Today we hope to see San Antonio. Maybe there will be some place to park and drop the trailer for a little sight seeing. But the rain started early.
Before leaving WalMart, they let us fill our water tank at the tire center. They were very friendly and nice. Thank you.
Back on the road. It has been raining sporadically and just wasn’t a good day for sight seeing. Then we got to San Antonio. The road was crazy! In one place I-10 W split into Upper Level and Lower Level. What? There was such a need to increase the lanes and no where to go sideways so they built more lanes above the other. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The buildings were amazing. The Lincoln Center was all glass. No way could we have been able to just stop in town to sight see.
The landscape has changed from flat to hilly. On the other side of Junction, Texas I knew I was out west again by the first sight of windmills again. Like before, it is strange to see how many are not working but just sitting.
Tonight will be in WalMart in fort Stockton, Texas. This is not a Super Center. We parked close to a Class A. They were very nice and we talked for a while. They will probably be in Holtville, CA while we are there. As the night goes on, more and more RV’s pull in.
Tomorrow…Big Bend
11/11/10 Thursday
Thursday – 11/11/10
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2376
Happy Anniversary to us!
Last night was another great night. It was quiet with no one running a generator in our ear all night.
By 7:30 we were on the road again. If you ever get to Lake Charles you will surely remember the stupidly tall bridge that goes over the water. There is no way any ship will have any problem getting under it. Someone either was out to prove something by building it this tall or there is a good reason for it. Make sure you look at the photos. I hope it gives you some idea of the height of this thing. Even approaching it, we wondered if we would be able to make it up that steep of a grade! Besides the bridge all you can from the interstate are refineries and huge cranes.
Welcome to Texas. The welcome center became our breakfast stop of the day. With dishes washed and everything back in place we continue on.
Yes, we have been in a push to get to Big Bend where we can put down roots for a few days. So the blog is lacking some of the details as the last one but it will improve.
1:15pm finds us in Houston. There are 16 lanes. I’m so glad Thomas likes to drive. After that a nap is called for. LOL
Refreshed, on the road again and yes awake we come upon a bridge to nowhere! It was half built and they just stopped! Watch out for that last step!
Our Anniversary night was in Sequin, Texas. We decided to splurge and got a chicken and potato salad at WalMart. Ohhh, it was so good! Until now, we have been having fast to cook foods and sandwiches to keep cleanup to a minimal. So the chicken was a delight.
No other RV’s are here and the place they told us to park was close to a Fed Ex truck. So this should be another good night.
Happy Trails until we talk again…
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2376
Happy Anniversary to us!
Last night was another great night. It was quiet with no one running a generator in our ear all night.
By 7:30 we were on the road again. If you ever get to Lake Charles you will surely remember the stupidly tall bridge that goes over the water. There is no way any ship will have any problem getting under it. Someone either was out to prove something by building it this tall or there is a good reason for it. Make sure you look at the photos. I hope it gives you some idea of the height of this thing. Even approaching it, we wondered if we would be able to make it up that steep of a grade! Besides the bridge all you can from the interstate are refineries and huge cranes.
Welcome to Texas. The welcome center became our breakfast stop of the day. With dishes washed and everything back in place we continue on.
Yes, we have been in a push to get to Big Bend where we can put down roots for a few days. So the blog is lacking some of the details as the last one but it will improve.
1:15pm finds us in Houston. There are 16 lanes. I’m so glad Thomas likes to drive. After that a nap is called for. LOL
Refreshed, on the road again and yes awake we come upon a bridge to nowhere! It was half built and they just stopped! Watch out for that last step!
Our Anniversary night was in Sequin, Texas. We decided to splurge and got a chicken and potato salad at WalMart. Ohhh, it was so good! Until now, we have been having fast to cook foods and sandwiches to keep cleanup to a minimal. So the chicken was a delight.
No other RV’s are here and the place they told us to park was close to a Fed Ex truck. So this should be another good night.
Happy Trails until we talk again…
11/10/10 Wednesday Leaving Gautier Crowley, Louisiana
Wednesday – 11/10/10
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Photos through Crowley: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2367
Last night was very peaceful. We heard small animals moving about but didn’t hear the barking of the fox family that lives on the property.
We spoke to the neighbor across from us. His house had burned and he was in the process of renovation. He had his hands full.
More photos were taken and we walked down to the dock to look at the water. Having not been there long, Thomas spots a Manta Ray swimming along. It was probably about a foot wide or so. There was a school of small fish, like minnows, about 30 feet long and 6 feet wide that swam past us. Most of the fish we spotted were these smaller ones but there were so many.
Discouragingly, we spotted what appeared to be filmy oil spots on top of the water. These spots were anywhere from 3” to 12” round and very thin filmy spots on the water. Any thoughts of fishing here dissipated unlike the oil.
The part of Gautier that we experienced was a very nice small and growing small beach town. The summers here would probably be brutal but this time of year is nice.
Having taken several photos to show Mom and Dad we decided to head on towards our next destination of Big Bend National Park in Southwestern Texas. I-10 will be taken from here to Fort Stockton, Texas. Baton Rouge, Louisiana was passed by at 6 pm.
Tonight found us in Crowley, Louisiana at the WalMart. A class C was there and around 8:30 pm a class A showed up with a nice tiger photo on the back. The driver’s name was Wayne and he was very nice. He was also heading for Texas.
Another long day put behind us………
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Photos through Crowley: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2367
Last night was very peaceful. We heard small animals moving about but didn’t hear the barking of the fox family that lives on the property.
We spoke to the neighbor across from us. His house had burned and he was in the process of renovation. He had his hands full.
More photos were taken and we walked down to the dock to look at the water. Having not been there long, Thomas spots a Manta Ray swimming along. It was probably about a foot wide or so. There was a school of small fish, like minnows, about 30 feet long and 6 feet wide that swam past us. Most of the fish we spotted were these smaller ones but there were so many.
Discouragingly, we spotted what appeared to be filmy oil spots on top of the water. These spots were anywhere from 3” to 12” round and very thin filmy spots on the water. Any thoughts of fishing here dissipated unlike the oil.
The part of Gautier that we experienced was a very nice small and growing small beach town. The summers here would probably be brutal but this time of year is nice.
Having taken several photos to show Mom and Dad we decided to head on towards our next destination of Big Bend National Park in Southwestern Texas. I-10 will be taken from here to Fort Stockton, Texas. Baton Rouge, Louisiana was passed by at 6 pm.
Tonight found us in Crowley, Louisiana at the WalMart. A class C was there and around 8:30 pm a class A showed up with a nice tiger photo on the back. The driver’s name was Wayne and he was very nice. He was also heading for Texas.
Another long day put behind us………
11/09/10 Tuesday
Tuesday – 11/09/10
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Last night was a cold one. At 3:30 am it was 36*. It was quiet and there were no other RV’s in the parking lot.
8:45 am found us on the road again. Day two! We are still excited about the CA gig in January.
9:45 am was the Alabama state line. We stopped at the welcome station. Overnight parking is prohibited but they have dump stations at the rest areas. Good for you Alabama.
Tonight will end at Gautier, Mississippi. Thomas’ Mom and Dad have a waterfront lot there which is on a canal off the Gulf of Mississippi. They haven’t been here and years and have no idea of what the neighborhood now looks like.
During a call to Mom and Dad for the address, we found out that Elaine (Thomas’ sister) had knee replacement surgery on Monday. She is doing great! Today she even took 3 steps. Our thoughts are with you, Elaine, during your recovery.
Until Alabama, I really haven’t taken any photos. Maybe it was because I still felt like I was at home. Maybe it was because there just wasn’t anything really remarkable to see. Most of the landscape has been flat or slightly hilly.
The lower part of Alabama changed that. It was amazing how much water was inland. Swampland was everywhere.
After crossing into Mississippi, we needed gas. The price here is $2.779 so we only got $18 to get us farther into a town. Hopefully this will change soon.
Bayous were everywhere! The road is built up like a bridge. It’s easy to see why there could be so much destruction from a hurricane or serious storm.
4:15 pm found us in Gautier, Mississippi. Following Dad’s directions we went to what we thought was the property. After talking to a neighbor we are pretty sure this is it. We parked for the night on the road in front of the property which was on a cul de sac.
The lot was totally overgrown with no easy way to walk through it. We took some photos and will take more tomorrow. The neighbor told us we could walk through her property to the water.
Sleep well,
Brona and Thomas
Photos until we leave Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Last night was a cold one. At 3:30 am it was 36*. It was quiet and there were no other RV’s in the parking lot.
8:45 am found us on the road again. Day two! We are still excited about the CA gig in January.
9:45 am was the Alabama state line. We stopped at the welcome station. Overnight parking is prohibited but they have dump stations at the rest areas. Good for you Alabama.
Tonight will end at Gautier, Mississippi. Thomas’ Mom and Dad have a waterfront lot there which is on a canal off the Gulf of Mississippi. They haven’t been here and years and have no idea of what the neighborhood now looks like.
During a call to Mom and Dad for the address, we found out that Elaine (Thomas’ sister) had knee replacement surgery on Monday. She is doing great! Today she even took 3 steps. Our thoughts are with you, Elaine, during your recovery.
Until Alabama, I really haven’t taken any photos. Maybe it was because I still felt like I was at home. Maybe it was because there just wasn’t anything really remarkable to see. Most of the landscape has been flat or slightly hilly.
The lower part of Alabama changed that. It was amazing how much water was inland. Swampland was everywhere.
After crossing into Mississippi, we needed gas. The price here is $2.779 so we only got $18 to get us farther into a town. Hopefully this will change soon.
Bayous were everywhere! The road is built up like a bridge. It’s easy to see why there could be so much destruction from a hurricane or serious storm.
4:15 pm found us in Gautier, Mississippi. Following Dad’s directions we went to what we thought was the property. After talking to a neighbor we are pretty sure this is it. We parked for the night on the road in front of the property which was on a cul de sac.
The lot was totally overgrown with no easy way to walk through it. We took some photos and will take more tomorrow. The neighbor told us we could walk through her property to the water.
Sleep well,
Brona and Thomas
11/08/10 Monday
Monday – 11/08/10
Photos until we depart Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Finally we are on the road! It was beginning to seem like it would never happen. With my arm in a brace over my elbow, most of the work with the heavy things was left up to Thomas. He had his hands full with trying to get the garden closed up and put to sleep, making sure the exterior of the house and micro-farm were ready for us to be gone about 6 months, and now filling in for me where I couldn’t use my right arm for much.
On Monday morning the trailer and truck were packed. The finishing touches to the house were done and the refrigerator was emptied out. At 12:45 we got in and departed the driveway. Out on the main road Thomas turned North instead of South. Ooopps! At least it wasn’t a biggie. Then we realized we hadn’t checked the lights on the trailer. OK, another stop to assure everything was in working order. Things have got to get better. LOL
Then the phone rings. It is Matt with Monterey County Parks in California. We got the work camper job in Monterey County! How wonderful. The trip is looking up now. We are to begin January 15, 2011. That will be our first day to be on our site. It will be mostly just a day to get set up and meet the other couple there and also Matt.
Our park will be Jack’s Peak Park which is a day park. Jack’s Peak is open from 10 am to 5 pm in January the hours will shift some with daylight savings time and the summer but those are generally the hours. We are not sure how many days we will work yet but have been told that for a couple they ask about 25 hours and we work the same hours and days.
We are very excited to say the least. This is the first work camper job we have ever applied for AND the only one we applied to this year. Our luck could not have been better. This also means that we will be able to spend those 3 months close to Thomas’ Mom and Dad and his sister Elaine and her husband Lucky.
Now we are floating down US 221 South to 85 South towards our first major stop which will be Gautier, Mississippi. (Pronounced “Go-shay”.) The first gas stop in South Carolina was to fill up at $2.599. I-85 will be our route until we get to Montgomery, Alabama. From Montgomery, we will take I-65 S to Mobile, Alabama to I-10 W to US 90 to Gautier, Mississippi.
The trip navigator didn’t figure in what time we would be driving through Atlanta, Ga and the last thing we wanted to do was fight work traffic. A two hour layover put us back on the road at 7 pm.
We arrived in Newnan, GA and went to the Super WalMart for our first night on the road.
Good night to all and we will talk to you again soon,
Brona and Thomas
Photos until we depart Gautier: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/2313
Finally we are on the road! It was beginning to seem like it would never happen. With my arm in a brace over my elbow, most of the work with the heavy things was left up to Thomas. He had his hands full with trying to get the garden closed up and put to sleep, making sure the exterior of the house and micro-farm were ready for us to be gone about 6 months, and now filling in for me where I couldn’t use my right arm for much.
On Monday morning the trailer and truck were packed. The finishing touches to the house were done and the refrigerator was emptied out. At 12:45 we got in and departed the driveway. Out on the main road Thomas turned North instead of South. Ooopps! At least it wasn’t a biggie. Then we realized we hadn’t checked the lights on the trailer. OK, another stop to assure everything was in working order. Things have got to get better. LOL
Then the phone rings. It is Matt with Monterey County Parks in California. We got the work camper job in Monterey County! How wonderful. The trip is looking up now. We are to begin January 15, 2011. That will be our first day to be on our site. It will be mostly just a day to get set up and meet the other couple there and also Matt.
Our park will be Jack’s Peak Park which is a day park. Jack’s Peak is open from 10 am to 5 pm in January the hours will shift some with daylight savings time and the summer but those are generally the hours. We are not sure how many days we will work yet but have been told that for a couple they ask about 25 hours and we work the same hours and days.
We are very excited to say the least. This is the first work camper job we have ever applied for AND the only one we applied to this year. Our luck could not have been better. This also means that we will be able to spend those 3 months close to Thomas’ Mom and Dad and his sister Elaine and her husband Lucky.
Now we are floating down US 221 South to 85 South towards our first major stop which will be Gautier, Mississippi. (Pronounced “Go-shay”.) The first gas stop in South Carolina was to fill up at $2.599. I-85 will be our route until we get to Montgomery, Alabama. From Montgomery, we will take I-65 S to Mobile, Alabama to I-10 W to US 90 to Gautier, Mississippi.
The trip navigator didn’t figure in what time we would be driving through Atlanta, Ga and the last thing we wanted to do was fight work traffic. A two hour layover put us back on the road at 7 pm.
We arrived in Newnan, GA and went to the Super WalMart for our first night on the road.
Good night to all and we will talk to you again soon,
Brona and Thomas
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Yippee! We are on the road again!
Finally we got on the road around noon. As the miles flew by I could feel all the trappings and constraints of being a home owner and life at home peeling away with the passing breeze. It felt like the leaves dropping from the trees. The farther from home, the freer I felt. Then the phone rang..............
Great news! It was Matt with Monterey County Parks calling to tell us that we have been accepted as workcampers for Jack's Peak Park in Monterey County. This park is overlooking the Monterey Bay and Carmel. We are ecstatic to say the least. This is the first workcamper job we have applied for and we got it! And even better who wouldn't want to stay in Monterey, California for 3 months. I'll write more about the Park we will be in. Our first day to arrive is January 15, 2011.
Monday night found us south of Atlanta, Ga at a Wal-Mart parking lot. It got cold. Around 3am it was 36*.
Tuesday night found us in Gautier, Mississippi. This is pronounced "Go-Shay." Thomas' Mom and Dad have a lot there and we were going to check it out for them.
Around lunch time on Wednesday we left Gautier and are heading west on 10 towards Texas. However, it is doubtful that we will make Texas by tonight.
This post is short but I will fill in the details on my next post. Just wanted to say "Hello" to everyone and let them know we did get started, did get the work job and where we are.
Hugs to all and welcome to our newest adventures,
Thomas and Brona
Great news! It was Matt with Monterey County Parks calling to tell us that we have been accepted as workcampers for Jack's Peak Park in Monterey County. This park is overlooking the Monterey Bay and Carmel. We are ecstatic to say the least. This is the first workcamper job we have applied for and we got it! And even better who wouldn't want to stay in Monterey, California for 3 months. I'll write more about the Park we will be in. Our first day to arrive is January 15, 2011.
Monday night found us south of Atlanta, Ga at a Wal-Mart parking lot. It got cold. Around 3am it was 36*.
Tuesday night found us in Gautier, Mississippi. This is pronounced "Go-Shay." Thomas' Mom and Dad have a lot there and we were going to check it out for them.
Around lunch time on Wednesday we left Gautier and are heading west on 10 towards Texas. However, it is doubtful that we will make Texas by tonight.
This post is short but I will fill in the details on my next post. Just wanted to say "Hello" to everyone and let them know we did get started, did get the work job and where we are.
Hugs to all and welcome to our newest adventures,
Thomas and Brona
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Count down!
The count down has begun! Plans are to depart our home base on November 1, 2010 either with the trailer or the goats for a hiking trip. If a hiking trip is first, we will have the trailer 95% packed and as ready to leave as possible after we return.
With Silver Serenity the plans are to head south and across the US. Planned stops along the way are Mississippi, Texas, and some parts of Arizona before Yuma/Mexico and dental work. From there it is a big ?. We have applied for our first workcamping job in Monterey County CA and have not heard back from them yet. Somethings are still up in the air. Travels will again take us up the CA coast to Oregon and Washington then across the north after the weather breaks. Hopefully this trip will be at least 6 months long. Yippee!
Lots more needs to be done around the Micro-farm and home to get ready. The animals have temporary homes and the garden is being put to sleep with thoughts of not being planted next year. Lots to get done to put this place to sleep for 6 months!
Silver Serenity has new tires on her (as does our truck.) The inside has been touched up with paint and the floor has been redone. The soft spot at the door was replaced before complete new vinyl was put down. While doing the floor, we have found out that the old floor, paint, cabnets, everything was original 1969!
Our only battle with the trailer is the stupid solar system. Still trying to work out the kinks! Last year the batteries would only hold for about 2 hours with the computer running at night. Now it seems to be about an hour before we hear the warning sound from the inverter that the batteries are low. We may yet have to buy new batteries. This may be done before we go if we can get someone locally to look at the system. Otherwise, someone will have to look at it after we leave. There was Solar Mike at the Slabs who told us last year he could order batteries for us but his price seemed really high. We'll see what happens.
As it gets closer to time, we will let you know which direction we are going first - hiking or travel. Only time will tell......
Looking forward to getting back on the road and sharing our travels with you again.
Thomas and Brona
Silver Serenity
With Silver Serenity the plans are to head south and across the US. Planned stops along the way are Mississippi, Texas, and some parts of Arizona before Yuma/Mexico and dental work. From there it is a big ?. We have applied for our first workcamping job in Monterey County CA and have not heard back from them yet. Somethings are still up in the air. Travels will again take us up the CA coast to Oregon and Washington then across the north after the weather breaks. Hopefully this trip will be at least 6 months long. Yippee!
Lots more needs to be done around the Micro-farm and home to get ready. The animals have temporary homes and the garden is being put to sleep with thoughts of not being planted next year. Lots to get done to put this place to sleep for 6 months!
Silver Serenity has new tires on her (as does our truck.) The inside has been touched up with paint and the floor has been redone. The soft spot at the door was replaced before complete new vinyl was put down. While doing the floor, we have found out that the old floor, paint, cabnets, everything was original 1969!
Our only battle with the trailer is the stupid solar system. Still trying to work out the kinks! Last year the batteries would only hold for about 2 hours with the computer running at night. Now it seems to be about an hour before we hear the warning sound from the inverter that the batteries are low. We may yet have to buy new batteries. This may be done before we go if we can get someone locally to look at the system. Otherwise, someone will have to look at it after we leave. There was Solar Mike at the Slabs who told us last year he could order batteries for us but his price seemed really high. We'll see what happens.
As it gets closer to time, we will let you know which direction we are going first - hiking or travel. Only time will tell......
Looking forward to getting back on the road and sharing our travels with you again.
Thomas and Brona
Silver Serenity
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Just to let you know
Hi, Just to let everyone know. We are back home now. On the trip home we didn't take the time to stop and upload photos or update the blog. But I will get to that ASAP. There is so much to do here at home and getting unpacked.
There are two more weeks coming to the blog. The first week will be of our visit with Thomas' daughter Michel and her family. The next week will be our trip heading home. Colorado was beautiful.
Be back soon.
There are two more weeks coming to the blog. The first week will be of our visit with Thomas' daughter Michel and her family. The next week will be our trip heading home. Colorado was beautiful.
Be back soon.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
3/26-28 Whaleshead Vista through Humbug Mtn St Park
3/26-28/10 Friday to Sunday Whaleshead Vista thru Humbug Mtn
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1927
Last night I didn’t feel well and this morning is some worse. With luck it will pass soon and will be back to normal. We decide to go on and take it slow.
One of the first things to make note of was crossing the Thomas Creek Bridge. This is the highest bridge in Oregon at 345 feet. Next was Gold Beach. We crossed the Rogue River. This river is known for its water sports. It begins to rain again. Plans are made to stop at Humbug Mountain State Park for the night. Humbug Mtn is 1,756 feet in elevation. This is one of the few times we actually paid to stay in a Park.
Pulling into the park, it was really vacant. The host came out to meet us and told us where everything was including the private beach which was accessible only from the park. After finding a place to park Thomas walks back to pay for the site.
The rains have let up. Thomas wants us to walk to the beach before the sun sets. He thinks the walk may do me some good. While not pleased with the idea, I go. Turns out, it was a good thing.
The private trail goes from the back end of the park through two mountains and beside a river flowing to the sea. A bridge stretches above for the highway to pass by without even really getting a view of the beach or the campground. The wind funnels through this valley pass and makes for a really breezy walk.
Upon entering the beach area you are greeted by driftwood everywhere. Large logs to tiny pieces clutter the access. It seems that Oregon is known for its driftwood beaches. Today there are a couple of other people on the beach but there’s more than plenty of room for everyone.
Clouds have given way to open sky on the horizon. Brilliant orange and yellow burst from the suns hiding place behind the last low cloud. A mixture of water sounds from the crashing of the waves and the flowing of the river mix with the whistling of the wind. Sunset is an hour or so away. The sky to the horizon holds promise of things yet to be. Color floods the shoreline with each wave that slides to gain more footage on the shore. Rocks and sea shells are left on the smooth sand to make ripples in the receding waves. The sun is kissed by a small cloud. Time to go back and finish setting up before the sun is totally asleep for the day. (Photos 4671-4694)
This park has the most glorious showers. The hot water is almost too hot at first but settles into a perfect temperature. Best of all there is no restriction on the amount of water. (I am not sure if I mentioned it before but we are taking showers with anywhere from ½ to 1 gallon of water each. Never thought that could happen but it can.)
By later night, I am feeling better. The nights sleep was good and very quiet.
Saturday and a bright sunny day is in store for us. No one else is on the beach which spreads for more than a mile off to the right of the river. A long stretch of the beach is mostly sandy. Then it turns rocky. After exploring for a while we decide to sit and have lunch.
A fishing boat appears to the left and makes its way looping around to the right. Out from the shore are a couple of large rocks. When the fishing boat passes in front of the first rock, the size of the rock is more apparent. It is more like an island than a rock. I take another photo with no zoom on to give an idea of how it appears to us from the shore. While the second rock is much smaller, it becomes more impressive also. (Photos 4695-4698)
On the shore a long log has been imbedded by one end into the sand. The end closest to the water is jutting out of the sand and begs to be climbed on. I ease up on it and fight the wind to keep balanced. On the mountainside which probably caused the log to stand up was the only flower found in this area. It was a small wild iris. (Photos 4699-4707)
After a short nap on the beach, it was time to explore. The tide was going out. Wet sea plants glowed in the sun give the appearance of flowers. The tidal pools were awash with life and color. The tidal pools of Pacific Grove were wonderful but these have it beaten. Anemone of various sizes and colors waved in the breeze of the currents. Snails and hermit crabs hurried to find food or travel to another spot while the torrential waves were not beating down on them. Their shells were mostly in mute colors but then some were a bright gold or even orange. Patterns and texture added to their décor. A tiny crab froze and then scampered off to go about his work. (Photos 4719-4731)
Then appearing crushed between two rocks was a bright orange starfish. No, wait, there was a brown one also. The orange starfish was moving off to the left away from his friend. While its movements were slow it flowed across the rocks. Other starfish were found clinging to rocks out of the water. The first orange starfish was now stretched out fully on its way to other places. (Photos 4740-4751)
Anemones which were a weather faded plastic green color were plentiful. Each new pool that explored brought more and more wonders. The anemones varied in size and color and shape. Starfish were plentiful in both the orange and brown shades. The more you looked, the more you found. Starfish clung to the rocks both in and out of the water. Muscles flourished in large clusters on the now exposed rocks that they called home. They varied in size from babies to about 5 inches long. For hours tidal pools were fun to explore. Never again will I come to this coast without rubber wading boots.
The tide was starting to come back in. It was time to call it a day. The sun shown on the algae covered rocks. They appeared to have been painted with gold. Our footprints were still the only ones on the beach. Heading back we found something. Neither of us knows what it was and it appeared to be alive but wouldn’t come out to show it’s self. After turning it over and hoping it would live, we continued with out trek back to the main part of the beach. (Photos 4752-4807)
Back at the campground I took a photo of the side of Humbug Mtn that was constantly wind blown. It looked like someone had pruned it into a smooth surface. Another nice thing this campground did was to provide receptacles for your grey water, like sink water, to be disposed of in. We decided to stay another night and by Sunday morning, we were the only campers there. This has been a great place to stay but it is time to move on to more adventures. (Photos 4808-4816)
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1927
Last night I didn’t feel well and this morning is some worse. With luck it will pass soon and will be back to normal. We decide to go on and take it slow.
One of the first things to make note of was crossing the Thomas Creek Bridge. This is the highest bridge in Oregon at 345 feet. Next was Gold Beach. We crossed the Rogue River. This river is known for its water sports. It begins to rain again. Plans are made to stop at Humbug Mountain State Park for the night. Humbug Mtn is 1,756 feet in elevation. This is one of the few times we actually paid to stay in a Park.
Pulling into the park, it was really vacant. The host came out to meet us and told us where everything was including the private beach which was accessible only from the park. After finding a place to park Thomas walks back to pay for the site.
The rains have let up. Thomas wants us to walk to the beach before the sun sets. He thinks the walk may do me some good. While not pleased with the idea, I go. Turns out, it was a good thing.
The private trail goes from the back end of the park through two mountains and beside a river flowing to the sea. A bridge stretches above for the highway to pass by without even really getting a view of the beach or the campground. The wind funnels through this valley pass and makes for a really breezy walk.
Upon entering the beach area you are greeted by driftwood everywhere. Large logs to tiny pieces clutter the access. It seems that Oregon is known for its driftwood beaches. Today there are a couple of other people on the beach but there’s more than plenty of room for everyone.
Clouds have given way to open sky on the horizon. Brilliant orange and yellow burst from the suns hiding place behind the last low cloud. A mixture of water sounds from the crashing of the waves and the flowing of the river mix with the whistling of the wind. Sunset is an hour or so away. The sky to the horizon holds promise of things yet to be. Color floods the shoreline with each wave that slides to gain more footage on the shore. Rocks and sea shells are left on the smooth sand to make ripples in the receding waves. The sun is kissed by a small cloud. Time to go back and finish setting up before the sun is totally asleep for the day. (Photos 4671-4694)
This park has the most glorious showers. The hot water is almost too hot at first but settles into a perfect temperature. Best of all there is no restriction on the amount of water. (I am not sure if I mentioned it before but we are taking showers with anywhere from ½ to 1 gallon of water each. Never thought that could happen but it can.)
By later night, I am feeling better. The nights sleep was good and very quiet.
Saturday and a bright sunny day is in store for us. No one else is on the beach which spreads for more than a mile off to the right of the river. A long stretch of the beach is mostly sandy. Then it turns rocky. After exploring for a while we decide to sit and have lunch.
A fishing boat appears to the left and makes its way looping around to the right. Out from the shore are a couple of large rocks. When the fishing boat passes in front of the first rock, the size of the rock is more apparent. It is more like an island than a rock. I take another photo with no zoom on to give an idea of how it appears to us from the shore. While the second rock is much smaller, it becomes more impressive also. (Photos 4695-4698)
On the shore a long log has been imbedded by one end into the sand. The end closest to the water is jutting out of the sand and begs to be climbed on. I ease up on it and fight the wind to keep balanced. On the mountainside which probably caused the log to stand up was the only flower found in this area. It was a small wild iris. (Photos 4699-4707)
After a short nap on the beach, it was time to explore. The tide was going out. Wet sea plants glowed in the sun give the appearance of flowers. The tidal pools were awash with life and color. The tidal pools of Pacific Grove were wonderful but these have it beaten. Anemone of various sizes and colors waved in the breeze of the currents. Snails and hermit crabs hurried to find food or travel to another spot while the torrential waves were not beating down on them. Their shells were mostly in mute colors but then some were a bright gold or even orange. Patterns and texture added to their décor. A tiny crab froze and then scampered off to go about his work. (Photos 4719-4731)
Then appearing crushed between two rocks was a bright orange starfish. No, wait, there was a brown one also. The orange starfish was moving off to the left away from his friend. While its movements were slow it flowed across the rocks. Other starfish were found clinging to rocks out of the water. The first orange starfish was now stretched out fully on its way to other places. (Photos 4740-4751)
Anemones which were a weather faded plastic green color were plentiful. Each new pool that explored brought more and more wonders. The anemones varied in size and color and shape. Starfish were plentiful in both the orange and brown shades. The more you looked, the more you found. Starfish clung to the rocks both in and out of the water. Muscles flourished in large clusters on the now exposed rocks that they called home. They varied in size from babies to about 5 inches long. For hours tidal pools were fun to explore. Never again will I come to this coast without rubber wading boots.
The tide was starting to come back in. It was time to call it a day. The sun shown on the algae covered rocks. They appeared to have been painted with gold. Our footprints were still the only ones on the beach. Heading back we found something. Neither of us knows what it was and it appeared to be alive but wouldn’t come out to show it’s self. After turning it over and hoping it would live, we continued with out trek back to the main part of the beach. (Photos 4752-4807)
Back at the campground I took a photo of the side of Humbug Mtn that was constantly wind blown. It looked like someone had pruned it into a smooth surface. Another nice thing this campground did was to provide receptacles for your grey water, like sink water, to be disposed of in. We decided to stay another night and by Sunday morning, we were the only campers there. This has been a great place to stay but it is time to move on to more adventures. (Photos 4808-4816)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
3/25 Elk Valley Casino to Whaleshead Vista
3/25/10 Thursday Elk Valley Casino to Whaleshead Vista
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1865
On the road again at 10:30am. (No, I did not try the casino again.) Heading north on Hwy 101 we made Brookings, Oregon before stopping for gas at $2.79 per gallon. Another first for me – The Oregon Coastline.
A cold almost constant rain has set in. Outside of the fuel stop, no other stops because of the weather. The main focus was to not drive too long in this windy rainy weather, find a place to overnight. This spot was found at Whaleshead Vista Point. There were no signs saying no overnight parking and this is a beach access and access to the Coast trail. So we give it a shot. (Photo 4610)
We decide to take the hike down to the beach. Did you catch the word “down”? The weather has turned to on and off rain but with an almost constant wind and gusts. This requires the down coats and frog toggs rain gear. It took a while but we made it down without slipping on the slick trail.
The California coastline is wonderful but Oregon has it beat for the ruggedness and the waves that kiss her shores contain a wild ferociousness that is undeniable. Hiding behind a huge rock on the shore to block the wind, we took photos. Photo 4616 shows the mist being blown off the waves onto the distant shoreline. A lone elk had ventured onto the beach and left only its prints behind. (Photos 4624 & 4625)
Off to the left side of the beach was a cave. (Photo 4631-4634) The whole inside of the cave was a green rock. (Why is our geologist friend Ed back at home when we need some identification? “Not-to-worry” Ed we found plenty for you to identify when we get home again.) Towards the back of the cave is a hole out the upper side. Just guessing but this could be a blow hole for when the ocean comes in and fills the cave. Photos taken from the back of the cave looking outward made some interesting photos.
I found part of a sand dollar on the shore and then started looking for more. Then there on the shore was a small white circle. Surely not with the waves bashing the shore! But it was. A whole sand dollar. Well, if one survived maybe another? Shortly I found another larger one. It was truly amazing that twice something this fragile could have made it through the pounding surf and was placed gingerly upon the sand.
Time to head back up to the trailer and have something to eat. After eating and rest the Coast trail called to us. The rains had stopped and the wind died down some.
This section of the coast trail appears like a great place to hike. The forest has moss covered trees and ferns that were as tall as bushes. At the start of the trail on the post was a really large banana slug. We crossed a creek via a bridge. Skunk cabbage was blooming from it’s home in the water. There was a noticeable lack of wind in the forest. But as soon as the trail turned out and ventured onto the coast the breeze returned. Once again the trail turned into the woods. Water could be heard rushing along. A waterfall came into view. An offshoot trail took you down the cliff to where the whole waterfall could be seen as it flowed down toward the sea. On the main trail someone had carved a bench out of wood in the bank to view the waterfall. The trail continued on farther south along the coast but we didn’t go much farther. It was getting dark and cooler. Time to back track.
Rain showers could be seen building out on the ocean. But we had to stop and view the sun making its way out from behind the clouds. Rays of sunshine burst out and lit up a small area of the sea. As the sun set the golden spot moved toward the shore. In this tunnel of brightness birds could be seen flying in the circle no doubt looking for their last meal of the day. Rain made it to shore to the south of us and was moving our way. But we had to wait for the sun to finish its dance before heading very fast to the trailer.
Drying out and having a warm meal and a good night sleep was all that was left to another beautiful day.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1865
On the road again at 10:30am. (No, I did not try the casino again.) Heading north on Hwy 101 we made Brookings, Oregon before stopping for gas at $2.79 per gallon. Another first for me – The Oregon Coastline.
A cold almost constant rain has set in. Outside of the fuel stop, no other stops because of the weather. The main focus was to not drive too long in this windy rainy weather, find a place to overnight. This spot was found at Whaleshead Vista Point. There were no signs saying no overnight parking and this is a beach access and access to the Coast trail. So we give it a shot. (Photo 4610)
We decide to take the hike down to the beach. Did you catch the word “down”? The weather has turned to on and off rain but with an almost constant wind and gusts. This requires the down coats and frog toggs rain gear. It took a while but we made it down without slipping on the slick trail.
The California coastline is wonderful but Oregon has it beat for the ruggedness and the waves that kiss her shores contain a wild ferociousness that is undeniable. Hiding behind a huge rock on the shore to block the wind, we took photos. Photo 4616 shows the mist being blown off the waves onto the distant shoreline. A lone elk had ventured onto the beach and left only its prints behind. (Photos 4624 & 4625)
Off to the left side of the beach was a cave. (Photo 4631-4634) The whole inside of the cave was a green rock. (Why is our geologist friend Ed back at home when we need some identification? “Not-to-worry” Ed we found plenty for you to identify when we get home again.) Towards the back of the cave is a hole out the upper side. Just guessing but this could be a blow hole for when the ocean comes in and fills the cave. Photos taken from the back of the cave looking outward made some interesting photos.
I found part of a sand dollar on the shore and then started looking for more. Then there on the shore was a small white circle. Surely not with the waves bashing the shore! But it was. A whole sand dollar. Well, if one survived maybe another? Shortly I found another larger one. It was truly amazing that twice something this fragile could have made it through the pounding surf and was placed gingerly upon the sand.
Time to head back up to the trailer and have something to eat. After eating and rest the Coast trail called to us. The rains had stopped and the wind died down some.
This section of the coast trail appears like a great place to hike. The forest has moss covered trees and ferns that were as tall as bushes. At the start of the trail on the post was a really large banana slug. We crossed a creek via a bridge. Skunk cabbage was blooming from it’s home in the water. There was a noticeable lack of wind in the forest. But as soon as the trail turned out and ventured onto the coast the breeze returned. Once again the trail turned into the woods. Water could be heard rushing along. A waterfall came into view. An offshoot trail took you down the cliff to where the whole waterfall could be seen as it flowed down toward the sea. On the main trail someone had carved a bench out of wood in the bank to view the waterfall. The trail continued on farther south along the coast but we didn’t go much farther. It was getting dark and cooler. Time to back track.
Rain showers could be seen building out on the ocean. But we had to stop and view the sun making its way out from behind the clouds. Rays of sunshine burst out and lit up a small area of the sea. As the sun set the golden spot moved toward the shore. In this tunnel of brightness birds could be seen flying in the circle no doubt looking for their last meal of the day. Rain made it to shore to the south of us and was moving our way. But we had to wait for the sun to finish its dance before heading very fast to the trailer.
Drying out and having a warm meal and a good night sleep was all that was left to another beautiful day.
3/24 Clam Beach to Elk Valley Casino
3/24/10 Wednesday Clam Beach to Elk Valley Casino
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1833
Last night our friends around the campfire mentioned Agate Beach where you could find agates on the shore. They planned to go and see what they could find. Then this morning while we were getting ready to leave a lady told us not to miss Agate Beach. So it looks like that will be on the list of stops for the day.
First we stopped at Trinidad State Beach. This was a nice beach. Like the rest, not many people. We did find a few really pretty rocks on the shore. Off to one end were several large rocks. Most of the rocks in this area have lots of color to them. People were sitting on them just watching the day go by. It was a nice place for a lunch or just to pass some time.
Driving back up the steep hill to the main road we passed the Memorial Lighthouse. This lighthouse overlooked a sheltered cove in which several boats were docked. The rugged coastline to the left was in contrast to the cove on the right.
Agate Beach is located inside of Patrick’s Point State Park. The walk down to the beach was steep and long. The only way to access the beach is via the park. The last part of the trail had washed out under the wooden walkway and was tedious getting the final way to the beach.
There weren’t as many agates as I had thought there would be. But still it was another nice beach. Large pieces of driftwood held a waiting invitation for a lunch break. The waves were large and the wind was fairly calm. And who wants to head back up that hill anyway?
On the long walk back to the top several surfers were headed to the beach. Surprisingly they were from their late forties to maybe sixty. The were old enough to know better than to be surfing especially in cold water. But it is their joy and you could see it in their faces as they hurried down the trail.
After finally reaching the top, we paused to watch them for a bit. Strangely they were all off to one side which had a rock just under the surface instead of out in the middle where the larger waves were. But then what do we know about surfing? Maybe for some reason it was better here even with the danger of the rock. One guy finally caught a wave and rode it in a little ways before wiping out.
A few miles farther up the road were the Redwood National Park and State Parks. At Elk Meadows elk were lying in one field watching their daily entertainment of tourists stop to snap photos. This group kept a close eye on us ever ready to dart if need be. These are not tame by any means. Signs warn of trying to approach them. Several elk viewing fields are marked along the road.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park was a really nice park but was too overpriced for this time of year, the lack of services and the cramped spaces for campers to park. After a walk through the redwoods, we decided to venture on to find somewhere else for the night’s stay.
It’s getting late, rain keeps threatening to engulf us. Nothing is presenting itself for a good overnight location. OK, just keep going and stay open for a serendipitous event to occur.
We see a sign for a campground and also a casino at an exit. How funny…after investigating, neither was open and probably hasn’t been in years. Keep going.
Trees of Mystery. The lady this morning said this was also a must see. It is 5:10pm and probably too late. Yes they are closed but we were able to go through the gift shop and museum of Indian artifacts. Outside was a huge statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox. Signs are posted for no overnight camping so we hit the road again.
Another sign - Elk Valley Casino. We are getting closer to the south of Crescent City so maybe this will work out for the night. We follow the way the sign pointed but there were no more signs. Ok, if we don’t find it soon maybe we better turn around and keep going north. Then a dead end. Off to the far right…that might be it. We pulled in and looked at each other. This place was fairly small and was built like a metal outbuilding. Nothing fancy. Good sign, another RV was parked in the parking lot. A security guard passed by behind us and Thomas went to talk to him.
When Thomas came back he looked like he had struck gold! He said, “Not only will we be parked here tonight, we will be eating all you can eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet for $10 each!” And there it was the beginning of a serendipitous event!
The guard showed us to a gravel lot off to the right which was posted as no parking. He told us to park here and he will tell the late shift that we will be staying there. Buffet starts at 6pm and we would need to get a players card for the Buffet. We were both so excited but weren’t sure what we would get. I mean, this is a little no nothing place with absolutely nothing around it anywhere. Surely no one would be here.
Upon entering, the place was packed. The security guard was at the desk when we got there and told the ladies who we were. We got our players cards and they put $5 free play on each card for us to gamble with. Going into the room where the Buffet was served was another surprise. We were going to have to wait for a table! Where did all these people come from?
The meal was delicious to say the least. Probably the best and most we had eaten in a while. When we were able to move, we went to a slot machine. Thank you very much for the wonderful buffet, the $10 total free play and the $30 we won. This is a must stop when in the area! If nothing else but for the Wednesday night buffet! Everyone at this casino is super nice and extremely friendly.
A good night sleep in an almost deserted lot with security watching out for us and the rain pattering on the metal roof. Can it get any better?
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1833
Last night our friends around the campfire mentioned Agate Beach where you could find agates on the shore. They planned to go and see what they could find. Then this morning while we were getting ready to leave a lady told us not to miss Agate Beach. So it looks like that will be on the list of stops for the day.
First we stopped at Trinidad State Beach. This was a nice beach. Like the rest, not many people. We did find a few really pretty rocks on the shore. Off to one end were several large rocks. Most of the rocks in this area have lots of color to them. People were sitting on them just watching the day go by. It was a nice place for a lunch or just to pass some time.
Driving back up the steep hill to the main road we passed the Memorial Lighthouse. This lighthouse overlooked a sheltered cove in which several boats were docked. The rugged coastline to the left was in contrast to the cove on the right.
Agate Beach is located inside of Patrick’s Point State Park. The walk down to the beach was steep and long. The only way to access the beach is via the park. The last part of the trail had washed out under the wooden walkway and was tedious getting the final way to the beach.
There weren’t as many agates as I had thought there would be. But still it was another nice beach. Large pieces of driftwood held a waiting invitation for a lunch break. The waves were large and the wind was fairly calm. And who wants to head back up that hill anyway?
On the long walk back to the top several surfers were headed to the beach. Surprisingly they were from their late forties to maybe sixty. The were old enough to know better than to be surfing especially in cold water. But it is their joy and you could see it in their faces as they hurried down the trail.
After finally reaching the top, we paused to watch them for a bit. Strangely they were all off to one side which had a rock just under the surface instead of out in the middle where the larger waves were. But then what do we know about surfing? Maybe for some reason it was better here even with the danger of the rock. One guy finally caught a wave and rode it in a little ways before wiping out.
A few miles farther up the road were the Redwood National Park and State Parks. At Elk Meadows elk were lying in one field watching their daily entertainment of tourists stop to snap photos. This group kept a close eye on us ever ready to dart if need be. These are not tame by any means. Signs warn of trying to approach them. Several elk viewing fields are marked along the road.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park was a really nice park but was too overpriced for this time of year, the lack of services and the cramped spaces for campers to park. After a walk through the redwoods, we decided to venture on to find somewhere else for the night’s stay.
It’s getting late, rain keeps threatening to engulf us. Nothing is presenting itself for a good overnight location. OK, just keep going and stay open for a serendipitous event to occur.
We see a sign for a campground and also a casino at an exit. How funny…after investigating, neither was open and probably hasn’t been in years. Keep going.
Trees of Mystery. The lady this morning said this was also a must see. It is 5:10pm and probably too late. Yes they are closed but we were able to go through the gift shop and museum of Indian artifacts. Outside was a huge statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox. Signs are posted for no overnight camping so we hit the road again.
Another sign - Elk Valley Casino. We are getting closer to the south of Crescent City so maybe this will work out for the night. We follow the way the sign pointed but there were no more signs. Ok, if we don’t find it soon maybe we better turn around and keep going north. Then a dead end. Off to the far right…that might be it. We pulled in and looked at each other. This place was fairly small and was built like a metal outbuilding. Nothing fancy. Good sign, another RV was parked in the parking lot. A security guard passed by behind us and Thomas went to talk to him.
When Thomas came back he looked like he had struck gold! He said, “Not only will we be parked here tonight, we will be eating all you can eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet for $10 each!” And there it was the beginning of a serendipitous event!
The guard showed us to a gravel lot off to the right which was posted as no parking. He told us to park here and he will tell the late shift that we will be staying there. Buffet starts at 6pm and we would need to get a players card for the Buffet. We were both so excited but weren’t sure what we would get. I mean, this is a little no nothing place with absolutely nothing around it anywhere. Surely no one would be here.
Upon entering, the place was packed. The security guard was at the desk when we got there and told the ladies who we were. We got our players cards and they put $5 free play on each card for us to gamble with. Going into the room where the Buffet was served was another surprise. We were going to have to wait for a table! Where did all these people come from?
The meal was delicious to say the least. Probably the best and most we had eaten in a while. When we were able to move, we went to a slot machine. Thank you very much for the wonderful buffet, the $10 total free play and the $30 we won. This is a must stop when in the area! If nothing else but for the Wednesday night buffet! Everyone at this casino is super nice and extremely friendly.
A good night sleep in an almost deserted lot with security watching out for us and the rain pattering on the metal roof. Can it get any better?
3/23 The Redwoods
3/23/10 Tuesday The Redwoods
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1773
Past Garberville the signs to the Avenue of the Giants signs start to show up. The Avenue of the Giants and Hwy 101 for the next 30+ miles you take you through the largest redwood park in the CA state park system. There are over 50,000 acres of magnificent forest of which some 17,000 acres are old-growth redwoods. The coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on earth, reach heights of over 300 feet and live as long as 2,000 years. (Photo 4513 sign)
How could we not take the Ave. of the Giants? Almost immediately the redwoods closed in on us. The sun light was filtered out by the density and heights of these truly wondrous trees. The redwoods were divided into named “groves”. We stopped at the first pull off to venture into and walk among these trees.
Viewing from the road was one thing but to stand beside or inside the base of one of these trees was even more awe inspiring. They give a sense of wonder…just to know how much longer they have been here than we have. And how much longer they will live than we will. You truly feel small and miniature in their presence. On the forest floor it is cool and damp and serene. A mystical wonderland surrounds you. Trillium was in bloom everywhere. There are no words to express how you feel when dwarfed by these giants of nature.
Our next stop was at the Pioneer Grove. One of the first amazements was the remains of an old tree now with just the moss covered base as a memorial to its life. The center of the tree has been long gone and space was left for climbing into. I laid down on the remains and it would have taken two of me to reach across one side. The hollow inside was almost 5 feet deep. Just as with the first Grove this one proved no less spectacular.
One giant had fallen. I took a moment for a photo of me sitting on the ground beside her. (Photo 4546.) At this point I didn’t know how close I was to either the top or the bottom. A short time later we found the root end. This specimen had pulled up from the ground many years ago. The roots were mostly gone now and there was a slice into the center cavity of the tree. Photos 4553 and 4554 show Thomas and me inside the fallen tree. Our adventure continues through more of the Groves and along the rest of the Ave of Giants with much the same wonder. Maybe we will stay longer in Redwood National Park which is north of here.
Eureka was the next stop along the trip. With gas prices around $3.23 we opted to continue on a little farther hoping for the price to drop. The station farther up the road was $3.25. We made Arcata before getting only $40 to hold us over.
Tonight will be another night on the beach. Clam Beach is a city park. There is a day use only park and just up from it a camping park for $10 per night. There are several people staying here but it isn’t nearly full.
We talked to several of the other campers. A couple shared their campfire with us. We had another glorious sunset over the ocean. California is a great place for their beaches and sunsets.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1773
Past Garberville the signs to the Avenue of the Giants signs start to show up. The Avenue of the Giants and Hwy 101 for the next 30+ miles you take you through the largest redwood park in the CA state park system. There are over 50,000 acres of magnificent forest of which some 17,000 acres are old-growth redwoods. The coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on earth, reach heights of over 300 feet and live as long as 2,000 years. (Photo 4513 sign)
How could we not take the Ave. of the Giants? Almost immediately the redwoods closed in on us. The sun light was filtered out by the density and heights of these truly wondrous trees. The redwoods were divided into named “groves”. We stopped at the first pull off to venture into and walk among these trees.
Viewing from the road was one thing but to stand beside or inside the base of one of these trees was even more awe inspiring. They give a sense of wonder…just to know how much longer they have been here than we have. And how much longer they will live than we will. You truly feel small and miniature in their presence. On the forest floor it is cool and damp and serene. A mystical wonderland surrounds you. Trillium was in bloom everywhere. There are no words to express how you feel when dwarfed by these giants of nature.
Our next stop was at the Pioneer Grove. One of the first amazements was the remains of an old tree now with just the moss covered base as a memorial to its life. The center of the tree has been long gone and space was left for climbing into. I laid down on the remains and it would have taken two of me to reach across one side. The hollow inside was almost 5 feet deep. Just as with the first Grove this one proved no less spectacular.
One giant had fallen. I took a moment for a photo of me sitting on the ground beside her. (Photo 4546.) At this point I didn’t know how close I was to either the top or the bottom. A short time later we found the root end. This specimen had pulled up from the ground many years ago. The roots were mostly gone now and there was a slice into the center cavity of the tree. Photos 4553 and 4554 show Thomas and me inside the fallen tree. Our adventure continues through more of the Groves and along the rest of the Ave of Giants with much the same wonder. Maybe we will stay longer in Redwood National Park which is north of here.
Eureka was the next stop along the trip. With gas prices around $3.23 we opted to continue on a little farther hoping for the price to drop. The station farther up the road was $3.25. We made Arcata before getting only $40 to hold us over.
Tonight will be another night on the beach. Clam Beach is a city park. There is a day use only park and just up from it a camping park for $10 per night. There are several people staying here but it isn’t nearly full.
We talked to several of the other campers. A couple shared their campfire with us. We had another glorious sunset over the ocean. California is a great place for their beaches and sunsets.
3/23 Healdsburg to Garberville
3/23/10 Tuesday Healdsburg to Garberville
Photos:http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1707?size=All&startIndex=0
On the road again at 8:45am, well, until we found a Starbucks.
This is very interesting and beautiful country. The hills are soft and rolling. Everything is so green. Once again, vineyards cover the hillsides. The hills become mountains and moss hangs on the trees. We pass the Russian River. The vineyards continue to sprout up.
We pass the city of Hopland which is known as “Home of California’s first Brew Pub.” Ukiah was also a neat city. Deer were spotted close by on the hillside.
The next town was Willits. Willits is the “Gateway to the Redwoods.” From Willits Hwy 101 is also known as the Redwood Highway. Willits looked like a really neat town, quaint and eclectic. We should have stopped here to look around but this will wait until another trip. On into the mountains again it is 11:45am and 55*, nice weather.
A rest area near Laytonville called to us to explore and stretch our legs for a while. Finding a short trail we headed into the woods. More moss hung from the trees. Fallen trees had been taken over by ground cover moss. Everything seemed so damp and alive right down to the smallest particle. Mushrooms sprung up from their hiding places. This setting seems out of place when considering that the ocean is only 15 miles to the west as the crow flies. In addition to the nice rest areas, this area has really great pull offs beside the road to take a break.
The road continues on with beautiful scenery. Beside us now flows the Eel River. The Eel River is a very beautiful river as it meanders teasingly from one side of the road to the other and back again.
Next on this road of sights we come to The Tree House. Thomas has been here before and took a photo with his two daughters beside the carved bear (Photo 4477.) The Tree House has a house inside the base of the tree. Being early in the season, it was closed but I took a few photos of the outside. In Photo 4478 you can tell how large the tree really was compared to our trailer. We both posed beside the tree and Thomas had another photo with the Bear. Also interesting was a wood carving of a seahorse. She was probably about 6 ½ feet tall.
Leaving this area and just for a marker I snapped a shot of the sign for Confusion Hill.
This looked to be a tourist trap and similar to Mystery Hill back in North Carolina.
Farther north we passed through the town of Piercy and then into Humboldt County. With the Eel River still teasing us, we had to stop. Just before crossing the bridge in photo 4487 we spotted a side road that we probably could access. Sure enough, a great place to stop for a bit.
The Eel River is amazingly clear. The different colors of the water were actually the changes to the bottom from rock to sand to plant life. There were so many shades of greens and blues here that it put Crayola to shame. They only wish their crayons could capture the variances of hues. For a couple of hours we soaked up the sunshine while listening to the slow flowing water, the birds and ducks and just being one with this spectacular bubble we just happened to drop into.
Do we stay for the night or move on? As wonderful as this spot was, the Redwoods called us to venture farther north. It wasn’t too much farther before we started seeing the huge trees lining the road. Then we reached Garberville.
Photos:http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1707?size=All&startIndex=0
On the road again at 8:45am, well, until we found a Starbucks.
This is very interesting and beautiful country. The hills are soft and rolling. Everything is so green. Once again, vineyards cover the hillsides. The hills become mountains and moss hangs on the trees. We pass the Russian River. The vineyards continue to sprout up.
We pass the city of Hopland which is known as “Home of California’s first Brew Pub.” Ukiah was also a neat city. Deer were spotted close by on the hillside.
The next town was Willits. Willits is the “Gateway to the Redwoods.” From Willits Hwy 101 is also known as the Redwood Highway. Willits looked like a really neat town, quaint and eclectic. We should have stopped here to look around but this will wait until another trip. On into the mountains again it is 11:45am and 55*, nice weather.
A rest area near Laytonville called to us to explore and stretch our legs for a while. Finding a short trail we headed into the woods. More moss hung from the trees. Fallen trees had been taken over by ground cover moss. Everything seemed so damp and alive right down to the smallest particle. Mushrooms sprung up from their hiding places. This setting seems out of place when considering that the ocean is only 15 miles to the west as the crow flies. In addition to the nice rest areas, this area has really great pull offs beside the road to take a break.
The road continues on with beautiful scenery. Beside us now flows the Eel River. The Eel River is a very beautiful river as it meanders teasingly from one side of the road to the other and back again.
Next on this road of sights we come to The Tree House. Thomas has been here before and took a photo with his two daughters beside the carved bear (Photo 4477.) The Tree House has a house inside the base of the tree. Being early in the season, it was closed but I took a few photos of the outside. In Photo 4478 you can tell how large the tree really was compared to our trailer. We both posed beside the tree and Thomas had another photo with the Bear. Also interesting was a wood carving of a seahorse. She was probably about 6 ½ feet tall.
Leaving this area and just for a marker I snapped a shot of the sign for Confusion Hill.
This looked to be a tourist trap and similar to Mystery Hill back in North Carolina.
Farther north we passed through the town of Piercy and then into Humboldt County. With the Eel River still teasing us, we had to stop. Just before crossing the bridge in photo 4487 we spotted a side road that we probably could access. Sure enough, a great place to stop for a bit.
The Eel River is amazingly clear. The different colors of the water were actually the changes to the bottom from rock to sand to plant life. There were so many shades of greens and blues here that it put Crayola to shame. They only wish their crayons could capture the variances of hues. For a couple of hours we soaked up the sunshine while listening to the slow flowing water, the birds and ducks and just being one with this spectacular bubble we just happened to drop into.
Do we stay for the night or move on? As wonderful as this spot was, the Redwoods called us to venture farther north. It wasn’t too much farther before we started seeing the huge trees lining the road. Then we reached Garberville.
Monday, March 29, 2010
3/22 Monday part 2, deparing Marina to the Golden Gate Bridge
3/22/10 Monday part 2
Photos: www.silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1635
It was 2:45pm when we were finally able to leave Marina. Saying goodbye to Mom and Dad is always so hard. They are getting older and even Mom had mentioned this might be the last time we see her since her health is slowly fading. We all hope this is not to happen soon.
Our path was along 101 towards Gilroy, CA. Castroville is the Artichoke Center of the World! Just off 101 was a produce stand that advertised artichokes 12/$1 and who could resist when they are $2.50 in the stores even in the Wal-Mart here. We bought 24 of those and 2 giant ones at $2 each. Can’t wait to fix them. I also found blood oranges again and grabbed a few of those.
For all those who just want proof, see photo 4363 for the gas prices.
Further on up the road is Gilroy which is the “1st name in Garlic.” We made a fast detour here to restock on supplies at the Wal-Mart Supercenter. This is the only Supercenter in this area and looks to be the last one for a while.
Just before San Jose we took 85 N to 280. Rush hour traffic is exiting San Jose. Thankfully we are going in and not out! The road becomes a 12 lane highway if that tells you anything about the area. Passing the San Andreas Lake did little for my confidence in the safety of this area.
Getting closer to San Fran. Almost into San Fran was Strawberry Hill Park. This whole area is really beautiful to be an extremely large city. Strawberry Hill Park was a nice place full of green and room to be in nature and not go outside of the city.
Farther into South San Francisco we began to see the type of landscape I had heard about - the rolling hills with rows of homes on them. While I didn’t see any trolly cars, I did get to see the electric mass transit system. The homes along the streets were great. The owners had taken the time to make each of them individual in style/color/etc. I really liked the one in photo 4388 which looked like a castle.
And now folks, we have the Golden Gate Bridge. Wow. We drove across it and stopped at the view point on the north side. It was an amazing sight. Down below is a small house out on the point, photo 4401. It took a while for me to realize that Alcatraz was on the island in front of us. Along our side of the shore was a row of buildings that looked like they were in built into the bank, not sure what they were used for. Sailboats were out in the water even with the foggy, misty weather. There was also a sign showing where Berkley is located. It is amazing to stand in one spot and view so much human made culture and landmarks. Next is to travel through the tunnel and onto our next stop.
The sun is setting and we are tired. We stopped at Healdsburg and pulled in beside a hospital to spend the night in a residential area. Good night for now and will start again in the morning.
Photos: www.silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1635
It was 2:45pm when we were finally able to leave Marina. Saying goodbye to Mom and Dad is always so hard. They are getting older and even Mom had mentioned this might be the last time we see her since her health is slowly fading. We all hope this is not to happen soon.
Our path was along 101 towards Gilroy, CA. Castroville is the Artichoke Center of the World! Just off 101 was a produce stand that advertised artichokes 12/$1 and who could resist when they are $2.50 in the stores even in the Wal-Mart here. We bought 24 of those and 2 giant ones at $2 each. Can’t wait to fix them. I also found blood oranges again and grabbed a few of those.
For all those who just want proof, see photo 4363 for the gas prices.
Further on up the road is Gilroy which is the “1st name in Garlic.” We made a fast detour here to restock on supplies at the Wal-Mart Supercenter. This is the only Supercenter in this area and looks to be the last one for a while.
Just before San Jose we took 85 N to 280. Rush hour traffic is exiting San Jose. Thankfully we are going in and not out! The road becomes a 12 lane highway if that tells you anything about the area. Passing the San Andreas Lake did little for my confidence in the safety of this area.
Getting closer to San Fran. Almost into San Fran was Strawberry Hill Park. This whole area is really beautiful to be an extremely large city. Strawberry Hill Park was a nice place full of green and room to be in nature and not go outside of the city.
Farther into South San Francisco we began to see the type of landscape I had heard about - the rolling hills with rows of homes on them. While I didn’t see any trolly cars, I did get to see the electric mass transit system. The homes along the streets were great. The owners had taken the time to make each of them individual in style/color/etc. I really liked the one in photo 4388 which looked like a castle.
And now folks, we have the Golden Gate Bridge. Wow. We drove across it and stopped at the view point on the north side. It was an amazing sight. Down below is a small house out on the point, photo 4401. It took a while for me to realize that Alcatraz was on the island in front of us. Along our side of the shore was a row of buildings that looked like they were in built into the bank, not sure what they were used for. Sailboats were out in the water even with the foggy, misty weather. There was also a sign showing where Berkley is located. It is amazing to stand in one spot and view so much human made culture and landmarks. Next is to travel through the tunnel and onto our next stop.
The sun is setting and we are tired. We stopped at Healdsburg and pulled in beside a hospital to spend the night in a residential area. Good night for now and will start again in the morning.
3/12/10-3/22/10 Last of Marina, Problems leaving
3/12-22/10 Friday-Monday
Photos: www.silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1555
Most of the rest of this time in Marina with Mom and Dad was spent with them and just being here. A daily routine of breakfast, walking at the beach, lunch, nap, and supper became the norm. Lucky and Elaine came over every night for supper. Much of the time it was easier to go out and grab something at a restaurant or fix left overs at home. Several times I would cook for all of us, but Mom and Dad thought that was too much work. A couple of their favorite places to eat is Sarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Marina Village-which is their favorite haunt and always Saturday breakfast spot, Denny’s, and Mike’s Pizza.
In this group of photos I have included photos from the Marina Beach where Mom and Dad take their almost daily walk and their back yard. It is amazing what they can grow outside here. In addition to cactus, there are jade plants that have been planted into a hedge, bleeding hearts, spider plants and most things that we think of as house plants. There are a couple apple trees and an orange lime tree. Yes, that is limes that are orange in color and taste a little different than a lime and makes great lemonade.
Knowing we are leaving on Saturday we make one more trip to Fisherman’s Wharf. After sampling the chowders and deciding on the best place, we split a chowder bread bowl and some smoked salmon. Yummy.
With a full belly we watched the pelicans for a while. A couple were on the pier and I was able to get really close and take some really close up photos. There were whale watching charter boats going out to sea. They charge from $25-$40 for a 3 hour cruise to hopefully spot whales, dolphins and other sea life. From the pier we watched a sea otter playfully swimming about and eating. Then a seal appeared for a short time before diving down for food again. On one side of the pier is a special floating dock built just for the seals to sun themselves. Only one was taking advantage of the beautiful day. Among the many boats in dock, the one we liked the most (not counting the large gazillion dollar private ship) was a pirate ship. Too bad it was mostly covered and we couldn’t see all of her. Off to the side is another pier which is for commercial fishing and processing.
Leaving the Wharf we ventured back towards the older historic area. There are many people who ride their bikes here, some homeless. There are people playing music hoping for handouts. But the area remains beautiful and everyone seems to appreciate the quaint beauty and take care of it.
Several nights we went through old photo albums. There were ones of Mom and her family in Germany, Dad and his family in South Dakota, then ones of the kids and places they had been growing up. It was very interesting to see Germany and the building where Thomas was born and how they all grew up.
We ate breakfast on Saturday morning and got packed up to leave. Then came the time to back up the truck to hitch up and it just wouldn’t start. Seems like the truck doesn’t want to leave. We tried several things and then called Lucky. He came over and after checking decided it was the started. However, this was not to be a simple job since the starter was under the manifold. A thirty minute do-it-yourself job became a tow it in to a shop and get it fixed job. Here it is noon on Saturday and the shop we spoke to hoped to have it done on Monday.
On Monday, all was in running order now. Much lighter in the pocketbook but now able to head out, we departed Marina around 2:00pm following a tearful goodbye. On to other adventures…….good bye family, for now.
Photos: www.silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1555
Most of the rest of this time in Marina with Mom and Dad was spent with them and just being here. A daily routine of breakfast, walking at the beach, lunch, nap, and supper became the norm. Lucky and Elaine came over every night for supper. Much of the time it was easier to go out and grab something at a restaurant or fix left overs at home. Several times I would cook for all of us, but Mom and Dad thought that was too much work. A couple of their favorite places to eat is Sarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Marina Village-which is their favorite haunt and always Saturday breakfast spot, Denny’s, and Mike’s Pizza.
In this group of photos I have included photos from the Marina Beach where Mom and Dad take their almost daily walk and their back yard. It is amazing what they can grow outside here. In addition to cactus, there are jade plants that have been planted into a hedge, bleeding hearts, spider plants and most things that we think of as house plants. There are a couple apple trees and an orange lime tree. Yes, that is limes that are orange in color and taste a little different than a lime and makes great lemonade.
Knowing we are leaving on Saturday we make one more trip to Fisherman’s Wharf. After sampling the chowders and deciding on the best place, we split a chowder bread bowl and some smoked salmon. Yummy.
With a full belly we watched the pelicans for a while. A couple were on the pier and I was able to get really close and take some really close up photos. There were whale watching charter boats going out to sea. They charge from $25-$40 for a 3 hour cruise to hopefully spot whales, dolphins and other sea life. From the pier we watched a sea otter playfully swimming about and eating. Then a seal appeared for a short time before diving down for food again. On one side of the pier is a special floating dock built just for the seals to sun themselves. Only one was taking advantage of the beautiful day. Among the many boats in dock, the one we liked the most (not counting the large gazillion dollar private ship) was a pirate ship. Too bad it was mostly covered and we couldn’t see all of her. Off to the side is another pier which is for commercial fishing and processing.
Leaving the Wharf we ventured back towards the older historic area. There are many people who ride their bikes here, some homeless. There are people playing music hoping for handouts. But the area remains beautiful and everyone seems to appreciate the quaint beauty and take care of it.
Several nights we went through old photo albums. There were ones of Mom and her family in Germany, Dad and his family in South Dakota, then ones of the kids and places they had been growing up. It was very interesting to see Germany and the building where Thomas was born and how they all grew up.
We ate breakfast on Saturday morning and got packed up to leave. Then came the time to back up the truck to hitch up and it just wouldn’t start. Seems like the truck doesn’t want to leave. We tried several things and then called Lucky. He came over and after checking decided it was the started. However, this was not to be a simple job since the starter was under the manifold. A thirty minute do-it-yourself job became a tow it in to a shop and get it fixed job. Here it is noon on Saturday and the shop we spoke to hoped to have it done on Monday.
On Monday, all was in running order now. Much lighter in the pocketbook but now able to head out, we departed Marina around 2:00pm following a tearful goodbye. On to other adventures…….good bye family, for now.
3/11/10 Carmel and Carmel Beach
3/11/10 Thursday
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1503
Still doing the tourist thing. Today is visiting Carmel and Carmel Beach. To get to Carmel we went around the bay and through Pacific Grove which is on the south end of the bay.
Here the coast is rough with large rock groupings and tide pools when the tide is low. It is impossible to fully capture via a normal camera the intensity, size and awesome nature of the waves on this coast.
As the tide flows out, the tidal pools are teaming with life and color. At first glance you may see little movement but looking closer there are an untold number of snails and hermit crabs in various sizes busily going about life as they know it. Anemone wave back and forth as the water teases past like the breeze blowing the leaves on a gentle summer’s day. An occasional fish, trapped by the unexpected diminishing of their surroundings, darts into cover to avoid the bird’s ever watchful eyes. We learn to listen to the sound of the waves in an attempt to avoid that rogue wave just waiting to catch us unaware.
The town of Carmel is on the must see every time you come list. Most of the homes and shops are small and quaint. The owners give them almost “hobbit-ish” appearances. (Photo 4240-notice the roof.) Space is at a premium and a bench is made into the rock retaining wall. (Photo 4245.) A rose bush lined alley way between shops takes you to other shops hidden in the back. (Photo 4247.) In another yard, many years ago someone began shaping their tree to incorporate a wooden bench. The tree is now so large and the branches so spread out that the branches have to be supported. (Photos 4248 & 4249.) There are some really large eucalyptus trees in the town casting off a wonderful aroma to add to the enchanting experience.
From Carmel Beach the Pebble Beach Golf Course can be seen. (Photos 4241 & 4242.) Anyone want to play? Your treat. Even in March there are a few brave souls in the water. Some are trying to catch that wave and made use of their surf board. Others ride the waves on the beach in the shallows. Youngsters with no feeling in their legs or bodies venture into the water and play oblivious to the cold water. Only a few are in bathing suits and lying in the sun. Playful squirrels hide in the bushes and trees hoping for a morsel to be left behind.
As the sun creeps lower in the sky, the rays turn the waves a beautiful translucent aqua. (Photos 4259 & 4260.) Shadows on the golf course get longer and the sun plays in golden colors on the water. Time for me to climb up the sand beach back to the truck to make the return trip to Marina and bring a sunset to another wonderful day along the CA coast.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1503
Still doing the tourist thing. Today is visiting Carmel and Carmel Beach. To get to Carmel we went around the bay and through Pacific Grove which is on the south end of the bay.
Here the coast is rough with large rock groupings and tide pools when the tide is low. It is impossible to fully capture via a normal camera the intensity, size and awesome nature of the waves on this coast.
As the tide flows out, the tidal pools are teaming with life and color. At first glance you may see little movement but looking closer there are an untold number of snails and hermit crabs in various sizes busily going about life as they know it. Anemone wave back and forth as the water teases past like the breeze blowing the leaves on a gentle summer’s day. An occasional fish, trapped by the unexpected diminishing of their surroundings, darts into cover to avoid the bird’s ever watchful eyes. We learn to listen to the sound of the waves in an attempt to avoid that rogue wave just waiting to catch us unaware.
The town of Carmel is on the must see every time you come list. Most of the homes and shops are small and quaint. The owners give them almost “hobbit-ish” appearances. (Photo 4240-notice the roof.) Space is at a premium and a bench is made into the rock retaining wall. (Photo 4245.) A rose bush lined alley way between shops takes you to other shops hidden in the back. (Photo 4247.) In another yard, many years ago someone began shaping their tree to incorporate a wooden bench. The tree is now so large and the branches so spread out that the branches have to be supported. (Photos 4248 & 4249.) There are some really large eucalyptus trees in the town casting off a wonderful aroma to add to the enchanting experience.
From Carmel Beach the Pebble Beach Golf Course can be seen. (Photos 4241 & 4242.) Anyone want to play? Your treat. Even in March there are a few brave souls in the water. Some are trying to catch that wave and made use of their surf board. Others ride the waves on the beach in the shallows. Youngsters with no feeling in their legs or bodies venture into the water and play oblivious to the cold water. Only a few are in bathing suits and lying in the sun. Playful squirrels hide in the bushes and trees hoping for a morsel to be left behind.
As the sun creeps lower in the sky, the rays turn the waves a beautiful translucent aqua. (Photos 4259 & 4260.) Shadows on the golf course get longer and the sun plays in golden colors on the water. Time for me to climb up the sand beach back to the truck to make the return trip to Marina and bring a sunset to another wonderful day along the CA coast.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
3/10 Monterey Bay Aquarium plus
3/10/10 Wednesday
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1368
Monterey Bay Aquarium Day!
This is one of our favorite spots in the area. From Marina to the Aquarium is 10 miles. The Aquarium is on the Bay and at the end of Cannery Row. Dad was able to get us a free pass which was wonderful.
First for us to visit was the Sea Otters. This year there was a new addition, a pup of three months. They were so much fun to watch play in the water.
At noon was a jelly fish program we wanted to attend so for about 45 minutes we went to the Kelp Forest Tank. With luck we were there in time to watch the diver feeding the fish. The Kelp Forest Tank is very large as you can tell from the photos. Just as soon as the diver entered the water, the fish came in looking for food. Yes in the photos you will also see a shark looking to be fed!
Following the Jelly Fish movie and discussion, we visited The Outer Bay which housed the Jelly Fish exhibit. This exhibit has not changed in the past 5 years but we still love to see it. The adult Jellies are so slow and fluid in their movements. The babies move much faster and jerky. Some have to be magnified 50 times to be able to see them. Some have “lights” in their bodies (photo 4110.) Some are almost invisible (photo 4113.) But they all have a beauty of their own in spite of the fact that the box jelly fish can kill a human.
Another highlight was the Seahorses. So many different kinds. It is still a toss up which we liked the best – the Weedy Sea Dragon or the Leafy Sea Dragon. Both are so unique. Surprisingly the Leafy Sea Dragons were pretty large.
Outside (photo 4164) was a perfect place to have lunch and sit in the sun while watching for seals, sea lions and sea otters that swim in the Bay.
Back inside again we visited more of the large tanks with a variety of fish. They also have tanks where you can touch starfish and other fish and plants that are harmless to humans. Another popular exhibit was the penguins. I attempted some photos but you can see just how fast they are by the blurred photos.
After about 3 hours we left the Aquarium and headed down Cannery Row. There are still some of the older buildings here from when they canned fish here. There was a street singer hoping for money. Hate to say it but I think more were paying him to hush! Along Cannery Row are many types of stores from the souvenir type to the Nestle Toll House Store to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and everything in between. We both had a session in an Aqua Massage unit that massages you with water pressure. Not as good as a real massage but better than nothing.
Last for the day was a fast trip down Fisherman’s Wharf. Winter is a slower time for this area. In the summer all the restaurants are out giving sample of their chowder in hopes of luring you in for a meal. Today there were only three. This late in the day there was none of the whale watching ships in dock. Many of the shops had sales going on.
It was a full day…..now back home for supper!
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1368
Monterey Bay Aquarium Day!
This is one of our favorite spots in the area. From Marina to the Aquarium is 10 miles. The Aquarium is on the Bay and at the end of Cannery Row. Dad was able to get us a free pass which was wonderful.
First for us to visit was the Sea Otters. This year there was a new addition, a pup of three months. They were so much fun to watch play in the water.
At noon was a jelly fish program we wanted to attend so for about 45 minutes we went to the Kelp Forest Tank. With luck we were there in time to watch the diver feeding the fish. The Kelp Forest Tank is very large as you can tell from the photos. Just as soon as the diver entered the water, the fish came in looking for food. Yes in the photos you will also see a shark looking to be fed!
Following the Jelly Fish movie and discussion, we visited The Outer Bay which housed the Jelly Fish exhibit. This exhibit has not changed in the past 5 years but we still love to see it. The adult Jellies are so slow and fluid in their movements. The babies move much faster and jerky. Some have to be magnified 50 times to be able to see them. Some have “lights” in their bodies (photo 4110.) Some are almost invisible (photo 4113.) But they all have a beauty of their own in spite of the fact that the box jelly fish can kill a human.
Another highlight was the Seahorses. So many different kinds. It is still a toss up which we liked the best – the Weedy Sea Dragon or the Leafy Sea Dragon. Both are so unique. Surprisingly the Leafy Sea Dragons were pretty large.
Outside (photo 4164) was a perfect place to have lunch and sit in the sun while watching for seals, sea lions and sea otters that swim in the Bay.
Back inside again we visited more of the large tanks with a variety of fish. They also have tanks where you can touch starfish and other fish and plants that are harmless to humans. Another popular exhibit was the penguins. I attempted some photos but you can see just how fast they are by the blurred photos.
After about 3 hours we left the Aquarium and headed down Cannery Row. There are still some of the older buildings here from when they canned fish here. There was a street singer hoping for money. Hate to say it but I think more were paying him to hush! Along Cannery Row are many types of stores from the souvenir type to the Nestle Toll House Store to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and everything in between. We both had a session in an Aqua Massage unit that massages you with water pressure. Not as good as a real massage but better than nothing.
Last for the day was a fast trip down Fisherman’s Wharf. Winter is a slower time for this area. In the summer all the restaurants are out giving sample of their chowder in hopes of luring you in for a meal. Today there were only three. This late in the day there was none of the whale watching ships in dock. Many of the shops had sales going on.
It was a full day…..now back home for supper!
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