Happy Halloween, Kyren.

Traveled for three hours (176 miles) today.  Goodbye, California – Hello, Arizona!  Arizona Oasis RV Resort (formerly Colorado River Oasis RV Resort) is under new management and not very busy.  We found it to be a very dusty park with dirt roads, gravel parking and small patios.  They had done a nice job of situating the minimal vegetation so that shade would filter the afternoon sun on the patios, but the Stapel luck prevailed…the tree on our site was dead and our patio was split into three sections which made for a tripping hazard. Our mysterious electrical problem has reared its head again, but the best lights are to be seen in the sky complete with shooting stars and satellites.

We were able to Skype with Kyren and phone visit with Kyle and Courtney and exchanged emails again with Herb and Laura.  We discovered that the faint skunk odor we had smelled was left by some very nearby prowlers.  Cute little paw prints decorated our patio chairs and the black wheel covers.  Not much to do, so we drove to Quartzite – guess the hype happens in January. Georgia thinks having the Colorado River close to her backyard for daily swims is about as close to heaven as you can get!

On the distinct upside, we ended up meeting some wonderful folks, Marolyn and Jerry, who hosted a pleasant gathering at their trailer.  Our new acquaintances, Barbara and John from Vermont, joined in the happy hour conversation then everyone grabbed cameras and tried to capture some rare sunset shots.   We will have an opportunity to re-connect with Marolyn and Jerry when they arrive at the Casa Grande RV Resort in a few weeks.

The neighbor’s antics resume at 6:00 am when he leaves, returns with groceries and backs his pickup into the utility hookup for the next site.  We are a little hesitant to leave our rig parked unattended!  We did go to the hot tub for a late evening dip with the pool/tub area all to ourselves.  Tomorrow will be grocery shopping in Banning.

Sad dwelling next door.

Now that we have TV reception we don’t need it!  Lots to observe next door as three police cars full of partners converged to question the shady trailer occupants next to us.  Both vehicles searched.  Too bad the officers had not been here earlier to witness with me the drug snorting/smoking in the back seat of the SUV.  Lots of notes were taken before a big long citation was written. They were sent packing, and we were not sad to see them go.  Gives a whole new meaning to “home schooled” which is what they were doing for the elementary-age girl. 

This afternoon while we were sitting outside a man attempted to pull in and backed his trailer into the picnic table a few feet away from me.  Chris jumped in to assist with directions.  We seem to draw them somehow!!

The spaghetti dinner at the clubhouse was great.  Exchanged FB messages with a high school friend/college roommate and discovered that we will both be staying at Casa Grande RV Resort in Arizona.  I'm looking forward to re-connecting with Jo.  There is quite a bit of catching up to do since we have not seen each other for over 40 years! 

The new neighbor guy pounded late into the night putting a light string on part of his trailer.  His friend left a barking dog in his care for some time and then proceeded to come and go at 15 minute intervals in a golf cart with Christmas twinkle lights.  That in and out routine continued past my bedroom window until 11:45…Arghhh

After a friendly greeting to a woman passing by with her computer, I ended up volunteering three hours to burn a dozen water aerobics audio CDs for her.  Julie was very thankful for the help and said our “All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday at the clubhouse would be her treat.  I guess I have now joined the ranks of working campers!!

Best surprise of the day:  we thought we would try our outlets on the slide to see if they were still powerless and low and behold they have juice!  Still a mystery, but the result is great!

Chris and Georgia found a wonderful expanse of damp green grass beyond a fence which trumps the miserable dog park of large gravel. 

Time to leave the ranch!  It was important to get up early and travel that one lane leg out of the property before other motorhomes were arriving and the plan worked perfectly.  Chris had lost some sleep trying to determine whether we would travel the steep hills toward Santa Barbara or take an easier, but longer, route back to Highway 101.  In the end he decided to give the hills a try and found that the tow haul mode on our gas rig’s transmission handled the steep downhill grades extremely well.  Glad we gave it a try and found out what our Tiffin can do.  It was a long travel day (4 ½ hours) through Burbank, Pasadena, and San Bernardino to Cherry Valley Lake Resort in Beaumont, CA. 

We are again next to “full-timers” who are a group of 4 or 5 adults, two young girls and a dog in a sad, old trailer.   We also have All-American neighbors who have their motorhome awning and area bordered in flashing red, white and blue lights that pulse all through the night. 

Chris got an oil treatment this evening when I opened the cupboard above him and the olive oil container jumped out and landed “kerplunk” on the floor beside him sending the cap and contents flying.  Sure did shine up that area of the floor!!

Just another warm day on the ranch, with housekeeping, laundry, and windows begging to be tackled. 

We had read the history of Rancho Oso and set off to explore our surroundings; the stone lodge built in the 1920 where Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton visited with owner E.W. Alexander, the root cellar which has windows barred with axels from a Ford Model A and is naturally cooled by an underground spring, the horse trail bordering a currently dry river, and the Thousand Trails lodge. 

On our return drive from Goleta we nearly flattened a tarantula crossing our path.  Our afternoon entertainment: a bustling colony (or more) of ground squirrels who have rendered the ground a Swiss cheese texture.  As if to keep the “Swiss” theme going, tonight’s stars make the sky look like indigo dotted Swiss fabric. 

Left Santa Maria Pines Campground at noon.  Traveled south on Highway 101 to Highway 154, then onto Paradise Road which wound its way through Los Padres National Forest.  Had to wait for a sizable flock of wild turkeys to cross the road.  We got to what we thought was the Rancho Oso entrance but it was only the beginning of a mile and a half of one lane switchbacks with some corners “mirrored” for possible oncoming traffic!  Certainly not optimal for motorhome navigation, but the destination was worth it (even according to Chris who was driving).  Long horned cattle grazing at the gate, pastures of horses, stables, Conestoga wagons, etc., surrounded by expansive hillsides and far-off carved canyons. The scenery is enough to make us forget that we have no TV, no cell phone and sketchy internet with the Verizon MIFI.

Amanda Hart, Courtney’s maid of honor, had been following our FB postings and this website so she arranged a dinner outing at the Cold Spring Tavern which was established in 1865 on the stagecoach line.  It was fabulous to chat with our long-time family friend who graciously traveled from LA for the rendezvous.  The historic venue added its charm as well.

We watched Shadow Riders (Elliott and Selleck) and hit the hay early!

Georgia’s feed bin in freshly filled thanks to the proximity of a feed store that carried her favored brand. 

Our electrical challenges now include two outlets on the large slide that do not have power.  Everything else seems to work, no breakers seem impacted, borrowed an electric meter and we are running good current elsewhere…mystery remains.  We will monitor things and check with a Tiffin dealer when able.

Had to chuckle at Sesame Street and Mickey’s Clubhouse broadcast in Spanish right along with the movie Appaloosa.  We are able to view more channels in a foreign language than we are in English. 

We drove to find Georgia a place to play.  Our first attempt failed since the dune park was off limits to dogs.  The ranger gave us directions to Avila Beach near Pismo where they had a big off-leash beach.  She was in doggy heaven. 

Visited with a couple who are anticipating upgrading from their trailer to a motorhome as she pursues her mobile nursing career assignments.  They were excited to think a less old/used vehicle might actually be within their budget.  We certainly never thought we would be traveling in such luxury!

We were able to watch the second half of the Seahawks game – unfortunate loss!  Maybe the Sounders will be broadcast this afternoon since they are playing LA. 

As we pulled off the highway and approached the intersection one block away from the entrance to Santa Maria Pines Campground, Santa Maria, CA., we were turned away by a road crew laying fresh gravel/oil.  Self-made detours on unfamiliar streets in a motorhome towing a car are not an afternoon delight!    After a couple of round-abouts, we decided to pull over near a school and give the campground a call.  I was rather skeptical about this because this was the office I had called multiple times in hopes of making reservations over a week ago.  Their voicemail was my only experience for three straight days with no resulting call-back.  Finally, I had connected to make the reservations, but wasn’t given a confirmation number or any further information. 

Today, the host picked up seconds after the recorder intercepted my call and she was able to give us directions (no street names) that Chris could make sense of as he used a map app.  The road crew would not let us make the turn into the campground from the other direction until the oil dried so we re-traced our steps, parked a bit and waited the allotted time.

This campground has tons of potential, but management seems to be in limbo.  We are paying the nightly Good Sam’s discounted price of $36. but are stymied by the additional $1 a night charge for Georgia given there is no dog park to offer her a place to be off-leash for a romp or ball-fetch session

Pinnacles National Park

Instead of waking up to sounds, this morning I lay in bed smelling the sun-warmed onions and garlic that are locally grown.  Those of you who have been in the Ilalko Elementary Library know why it reminded me of the workplace where all of the kitchen smells would waft through the air ducts and either bring tears to our eyes or grumbles to our hungry tummies.

Received an email reply from Laura.  She and Herb must have arrived just as we were leaving Russian River.  We look forward to seeing them along the road this winter.

Today was another travel day with a little navigator error.  Reminder to self…trust the AAA TripTik and do not mistake Truck Route signs for the “normal” way of getting somewhere!  We did arrive still speaking to each other at Ciudad Del Rey RV Park right off Highway 101 and near a truck stop.  Chris is enjoying the sounds of the 18 wheelers.  We are experiencing powerful winds and dust galore from the fields nearby.  We have a bit of television reception which gets better as the wind abates and if we do not run our overhead circulation fans.  There is a glorious garrison flag unfurled all night in its spotlight  which makes me want to vocalize a few patriotic songs. 

Grocery shopping is more difficult now that we do it in tandem, have unfamiliar stores and different cupboards and refrigerator/freezer space.  California meat/produce prices are a bit of a shock, too.  On-site laundry was a bonus though with washing for $1 and drying $.75.  It is nice to get it all caught up including bedding, towels, etc.

We are still trying to figure out the definition of “full-timers” which is what many of the people who live here call themselves.  Maybe we are just nomads in a box! 

Missed another Sounder game telecast but liked the photos posed on FB by Kyle as he enjoyed the tickets Rachel gave him as a birthday surprise. 

When we used the dump station our thoughts returned to the horrific scenes in “RV”.  At least Chris concentrated on the seatbelt and got it right without multiple extensions today as we left Russian River. 

I went from my passenger seat through the coach to check on the pillows, garbage can, cowboy hat and blankets that were being jarred from their resting spots by the rough ride.  When I returned to my chair and commented to Chris he was completely surprised I had even been gone.  (That is the epitome of keeping your mind on the road!) We bounced and bumped our way along awful California highways, crossed the Richmond/Oakland bridge (we were on the underside) and continued to Morgan Hill, CA.  This Thousand Trails Park seems poorly staffed and full of folks living full time in their trailers and tents. On one side a pleasant 77 year old man with a chest length grey beard and shoulder-length matching hair pounds and saws his way through repairs to his 19 foot trailer from the 60’s to make it compliant so he will be allowed to remain.  His son comes and goes and sleeps in the plywood constructed tall canopy on the back of their pickup.  The friendly family to the other side resides full time in a motorhome they purchased as-is for $600 with colorful sheets in the windows.  They have a barely-running car filled with trinkets they have gathered including a large piece of driftwood and a horse skull.  Three guest cars joined them overnight. At least their pharmaceutical/recreational smoke masks the evening smell from a roaming skunk!  Still no TV, no sewer connection and in the 90’s.  (Not really as bad as it sounds)

We were thinking of Kyle today as he turned 25, and phoned him with birthday wishes.    

Spent the afternoon engaged in a domino marathon with Chris the overall winner.  Went out for one of the best dinners ever at La Hacienda in Cloverdale, CA.  So full that I uncharacteristically walked away from the last few gulps of a delicious mango margarita, but the whipped cream and cherry were gone!  Laughed out loud at the seatbelt fiasco that Robin’s character in “RV” shares with Chris.  The soundtrack kept playing in my mind before sleep finally silenced it.

The heat has taken its toll.  Feeling a bit overcome and knowing that more hydration is in order.  Took a short drive to do a little shopping and found a most interesting store/buffet combination that would have been more appealing if my stomach had been a bit more steady. 

Took the afternoon a bit easy. The microwaved leftover spaghetti kept the kitchen cool and we opted for a movie (Crossfire Trail) over the moon tonight.

I am terribly tempted to tie on some tap shoes and do a little soft shoe to the rhythmic rapping of the red-headed woodpeckers who happen to be our nearest neighbors.  (How is that for an alliterative expression? You can take the Language Arts teacher into retirement but you cannot turn off her need to craft a passage or two with figurative language.) 

Chris has gone to the river for an early walk with Georgia before the expected heat wave melts our ambition.  Not adjusted to the extreme of 105⁰ temperatures. 

We are sure glad we timed this trip to the cycle of the moon.  Nothing beats a full moon shining through the pine needles and reflecting against the nut and seed pods so that you would argue that someone strung holiday lights overhead.

We had the good fortune today to see one of the white deer as we were leaving.  The camera was at my feet and available for an impromptu click through the window. 

Today’s drive was a brief one since we had missed that previous spot and were catching up on our planned itinerary.  Pumped gas along the way and soon arrived at Russian River RV Park near Cloverdale, CA.  It is part of the Thousand Trails network, so we unhooked and went browsing for a suitable site.  Since this campground lacks sewer connections we chose a nice space near the restrooms/laundry with a generous “yard” and ample shade.  Whew…is it hot!  Hovered near 100⁰ but we still managed to go explore the river. (We were glad it still had water because many we have crossed and seen along our travels have been non-existent after California’s extreme drought.)

Never thought I would consider myself a birdwatcher, but there is no way to avoid it.  Quail scurry around the campsite and rowdy birds thump our roof with dropped nutshells. 

Still no TV service at this park, but we do have a few bars of Verizon service and I still have a little data usage left in this cycle so perhaps I can cut and paste a few entries to the website.  Just too hot to consider sitting in my “office” near the expansive windshield until tomorrow.  Sat out and watched the moon make intense silhouettes in the trees until ending our evening with a DVD of Quick and the Dead.  Nothing beats watching Sam Elliott before bed!

We were warbled awake by wild turkeys this morning and a lost hummingbird continues to fly around our motorhome.  I am trying to update my journal that has gone ignored for several days.  I realize I will have to discipline myself better especially in places where internet connectivity is hard to find. Already 80⁰ at 11:00 so it is time to shut down the laptop this morning and find a cooler spot.

Time to do a little grocery shopping in Willits, CA.  The Safeway parking lot had reception so we were able to have our hearts melted by a video Johanna sent us of Kyren telling us “I love you bunches of gobs forever and ever with all my heart”.  So glad Brett taught him this sentiment that our kids routinely  good-nighted us with when they were young.

Verizon had one bar…just enough to let me make reservations for the next two campgrounds. This little park is filling up this afternoon and the heat is ramping up.  One of two rigs traveling together from Carson City, NV, settled in as our neighbors.  What a coincidence that their friends had a Nevada plate with RUFNIT.  Not surprising that they had spelled it differently because they sure weren’t having as much FUN as we are. Their hydraulics weren’t working and they were cutting their trip short to return home for repairs.  The six of us ended up around our picnic table for some lively conversation.  Our late dinner was quickly consumed, and then City Slickers played on DVD.

Another travel day with Leggett, CA, as our destination.  Drove past a sizeable elk herd before getting to the construction zones on Highway 101.  Came upon a section with paving was taking place, and we were reduced to a skimpy single lane of traffic going our direction.  Someone out of view ahead of us must have clipped an orange cone because it was sitting directly in our lane.  We removed it for the cars following us and fortunately only ended up with a scuff on the RV.  We are thankful to have that protective coating over the paint job!

By the time I saw the insignificant brown wooden sign at the driveway for our planned stop it was too late to maneuver the entrance.  I wonder how much business they lose having such poor signage and an entrance in a shadowy curve with a tourist spot on the other side of the road.  Naturally there were no towns for miles and when we did see an RV park sign it was on the across the road and looked pretty seedy.  Chris kept driving and we finally saw a campground sign and a pull out lane.  Turned out to be the Golden Rule RV Campground on the property where Seasbiscuit lived.  Beautiful treed setting with 35 camping spots. ($32 a night)  We would have paid more after a 5 hour travel day and the frustration of needing to cancel our other reservation!  Still no TV and not much phone service, but a musical lullaby was provided by the coyotes’ serenade of the half moon and a cricket chorus.

A new month but no calendar pages to turn!  Took a loop drive through the redwoods.  From one vista we spotted our first humpback breaching and spouting in the rolling foam fairly close to a shallow rock outcropping.  Saw some elk and then spent the rest of the 80^o day reading and relaxing.