Day 10: overnight in Riverside

It was a long day. We left Pismo Beach around 11AM and finally pulled in at Rancho Jurupa in Riverside after 5PM.
Because we are going to be dry camping in Quartzsite (without any amenities), before leaving Pismo we topped up our LP Gas. This will be our source for running the fridge, for cooking, the hot water tank, and should we need heat, the furnace.  After our LP gas fill, we still needed to hook up Jeep.  
By 11AM we were under way for the 240 mile trip, traveling south along Route 101.  

From Santa Maria all the way through to Glendale we drove along the dotted scenic route on the map, which today was partly obscured in the mist and occasional light rain. You could still see the outlines of the rolling hills, and everything looked lush and green.

As we turned south, the ocean sprang into view and under today's grey sky it looked a khaki green. Large waves rolled in one after the other depositing a wide swath of foam along the shore.

view of the Pacific, and the El Camino Real mission bells that mark Route 101

Route 101, a black ribbon between the ocean and the mountains

Driving through the Los Angeles outskirts was a stop-and-go ordeal, and today being Martin Luther King Day, the traffic was lighter than usual. We agreed that living here and driving the highways on a daily basis must not be pleasant. It seemed to take forever.

About 40 miles from our destination, the "jacks down" alarm sounded its high-pitched scream. It has sounded previously, typically within the first hour of driving.  After activating the "store" button, the alarm would stop and we always continued on without further incidence. 
Today, however, the darned alarm would not go off. It was a pretty miserable drive for the next 30 minutes, stuck in 5 lanes of slow traffic, with nowhere to pull over to investigate the ear-splitting screech. Just before entering on to Route 60, we saw a golf course parking lot and pulled in to see what was going on with the left rear jack. As if it was not enough dealing with the screaming jacks down alarm, our GPS was now alerting us that we were violating an RV weight restriction in this area. Michael checked that there was fluid in the HWH system, and then investigated what was going on with the left rear jack. He extended the two back jacks, cleaned them off, retracted them, and all worked fine.
Alarm off, jacks stored, we made our way back to the on ramp to Route 60 and 24 miles later, pulled in to Riverside's county park, Rancho Jurupa. The Leggs stayed here earlier and based on Janet's recommendation, we decided to come here too. It's a pretty park with a small fishing lake and the RV sites are large, paved and level with full hookups. We were happy to get a pull-through site and we have internet.

Tomorrow we complete the remaining 196 miles to Quartzsite. Before we leave, we will prepare for our stay in the desert: we need to fill the fresh water tank and dump the waste tanks so they are completely empty. This will be our first experience dry camping in the middle of nowhere. We have heard so much about Quartzsite and what a popular destination it is for RV-ers. We will be joining our Alpine group. Apparently there are 50 Alpines that have signed up with a few extra joining us. There will also be many other RV groups gathering during this week which coincides with the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show. Since there will likely be no internet access, and it may be a while before I am able to share with you what the fuss is all about, here is a link you may find interesting should you wish to check out how we will be spending some of our time next week: http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/

Day 9: last day in Pismo

Tomorrow we head out to join the SoCal Alpine group in Quartzsite, Arizona, for the annual Desert Rat Rally. We have enjoyed our stay in Pismo Beach, albeit short. We always look forward to coming here and with each visit, it feels more and more like home. 

Alpine and Jeep

the beach used to slope gently upward towards these eroded "cliffs"
you see that Michael is walking past 

At this time or year, and owing to the effects of the El Nino winter storms and king tides, the beach looked quite different. The extremely high tides have caused a lot of erosion, exposing rocks that were previously hidden below the sand.  It looks as if the beach surface is now one or two feet lower than before, allowing the tidal flow to reach far higher up the beach.  It has not kept us or others away from our daily walks (me) and runs (he) each morning, followed by an evening sunset stroll to the pier and back. 
Today, with a high surf advisory in effect, the pier was closed. We watched the waves rolling in, crashing, and thundering far onto the beach. It was quite an awesome sight.































The weather has been quite pleasant, raining only once overnight. To Californians it feels cool and I find it amusing that the women wear boots and down coats while I stride in my usual lightweight long-sleeved top that I typically wear at home in spring and fall. 

We have also noticed how very green the hills are after the recent rains in California. 

When our route to the beach took us through the State Park, we stopped at the monarch grove to observe the butterflies. To keep warm, the butterflies cluster together. In this photo, what looks like leaves hanging down are actually clusters of monarchs. As the day warms up, they become more active and fly high above the eucalyptus tree tops. 
What clever little creatures to call Pismo their winter home.




In the afternoons, we have spent time on various projects. Michael has worked on his favorite projects - the Alpine and Jeep. We had a leak in the storage area, which we discovered during the torrential downpours back in Washington State. Of three possible entry points, by process of elimination, he thinks it could be related to the furnace vent. He bought a new vent with a rain shield flange across the top, a bit like a deflector, and installed it. We are crossing fingers it makes a difference. 
His other project is to install a new radio and speakers in the Jeep. Ever since I met this guy, he has been tinkering with sound systems, and a good one in his vehicle is a must.

As for my projects... I spent a few pleasant hours dreaming up quilt tops, and have started piecing an "I-Spy" quilt. On this trip, I also brought along my embroidery module to see if future embroidery projects in the Alpine are feasible. Yesterday I spent a successful couple of hours embroidering kitchen towels for our rally hosts.



Now that we have a "toad" (tow vehicle), we were able to drive to do some shopping and stock up for our time in the desert. 

Once again, Pismo has been a perfect destination.  My only complaint is that our stay was not long enough.
Here are a few beach scenes for you to enjoy as we did:

we could not walk beyond the white cliffs this visit because the tide was too high

this pelican seemed to enjoy posing for me along the pier

the view south from the pier, the tide coming in and spilling far onto the beach

a surprise in the sand as we walked on to the beach this morning - a Pismo clam and a starfish

there were dozens of these little Sanderlings, scurrying back and forth, on the hunt
for a meal... they amused us greatly, especially when one finds a snack, and others chase after it to steal it away.

horse riders on the beach

a wild and woolly winter scene in Pismo, quite mysterious and beautiful

Sandpipers resting on one foot.... quite unperturbed by the waves crashing and rolling in

previously we could walk past this rock all the way to the cliffs in the distance

Pismo Beach seems to be popular at any time of year

the boardwalk with its numerous cafes and shops

this morning, a musician playing out of his truck entertained folks along the boardwalk

adios Pismo and we hope to back again soon....

Day 5: Paradise in Pismo

The final 220 miles to Pismo Beach were the longest.  Like a squirmy, eager child, I want to keep asking: Are we there yet?  

We left Patterson under weepy skies.  Seems it never rains in Southern California came to mind. After the years of drought and water restrictions, any rain is quite welcome here.
It didn't last very long at all, probably for a mile or two, and it was over. 

We continued driving under peek-a-boo clouds and sunshine for the rest of the way. 

























Close to Santa Nella, we pulled into the TA to fill up. This 100-gallon tank can go several days before replenishing. 


Every available piece of land in this valley is used to produce food in some form: vineyards, fruit orchards, citrus groves, nut trees, cows and sheep. It makes me think about where a lot of the produce I buy at home is grown.
The aqueducts, farmers' water troughs, looked full and flowing, a blue ribbon beside the highway.

Water continues to be a contentious issue, and there were several new billboards asking: Is growing food wasting water?










We turned west on to Route 41 to Paso Robles, then route 46 and finally route 101, El Camino Real with its mission bells. We left the flat straight highway through the valley and drove among soft velvety hills of the coastal range. 






A Rialta passed us and I recalled fondly that not too long ago that was us driving in one just like that. And then mused just how small it looked! 

About 19 miles from our turn-off, we descended for 3 miles along a 7% grade, Alpine's PAC brake doing its magic. We always joke when Michael engages the exhaust brake and I think of Brett (whom I dubbed the Professor). At the Pomona rally, he advised Michael on the importance of regularly lubricating the PAC brake.   And he explained the system to me, saying it was like jamming a potato up the end of the exhaust pipe - it blocks the exhaust and creates back-pressure in the engine that slows it down.  So when I hear the familiar whine of the PAC exhaust brake, I always ask if we have potatoes cooking for dinner.  

By 3PM, we were at our destination, Pismo Coast Village. We found our site, #95, and for the first time since leaving home, unhooked Jeep then parked Alpine, set up, plugged in and boiled the kettle.
Tea finished, emails checked, and off we went to see the sun setting on one of our favorite beaches. But first, we ducked into the 711 store to pick up our second lucky Power Ball ticket.

Here we will stay for the next four days  - bliss! It feels like we have arrived home.

Day 4: the next 196 miles

California is a long state. Today's drive down I-5 took us to Kit Fox RV Park, an RV-er's Motel Six meant for an overnight and not a tarry. After hours of driving, it is a welcome break, and as soon as Michael had the power hooked up, the kettle was on the boil. We had our tea and checked emails. 
The Powerball Jackpot is over a billion, so we went for a walk, in search of a convenience store to purchase our one lucky ticket.

The route traversed 196 miles of valley floor, the Sierra's looming to our east. We passed mile after mile of fields, vineyards, ranches, and orchards. The fruit and nut trees, in their state of hibernation, looked like skeletons on this January trip, and the fields lay fallow and very brown. It was a scene of flatness to the horizon punctuated by tall silos. The only rise in the road was each overpass across the local roads.

hundreds of birds gathered in these fields 

mountains to the east, clouds overhead, a perfect day for driving

I wonder if we know these folks...

We passed Sacramento, another busy city with traffic whizzing along busily, and arrived in Patterson in the early afternoon. 


Alpine hummed steadily, Jeep followed along, and our audio book kept us entertained. At one point, another Alpine with Oregon plates passed us and we honked and waved.  I wondered if they too were making their way to Quartzsite. 

Day 3: Cruising into California

It was a 269-mile drive across the Siskiyous and into California today. This time of year can be unpredictable in the passes but we were fortunate to travel on bare pavement, under a mostly blue sky, with the only snow along the side of the road. Perhaps the bright rainbow I spied as we left Canyonville, was a lucky omen. 

From Canyonville, I-5 weaves its way through the craggy mountains, climbs in elevation to any one of numerous pass summits, and drops to the other side, only to climb back up again to the next pass: Canyon Creek Pass (2,020 ft) followed by a 5% downgrade for 3 miles; Stage Road Pass ( 1,830 ft); Smith Hill Summit (1,730 ft) with a 6% downgrade for 2 miles and another slow climb for 2 miles to Sexton Mountain Pass (1,960ft). 

breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks enveloped in puffy clouds

Just before Medford, we looked for Mt McLoughlin towering at 9,495 ft, but today only the lower portion of the cone showed, the rest of the volcano draped by thick clouds. 

snow around us at the highest elevation

After Ashland, we started the long slow climb to the Siskiyous Summit, Alpine steadily moving forward, passing trucks, and pulling our Jeep with no problem. From 2,000 ft, the road rose up to 4,000 ft and crested at 4,300 ft. Then a 7-mile, 7% downgrade, and we entered California. 








As if someone flipped a switch, the terrain changed dramatically to a khaki landscape, dry and barren. 

We breezed through the border Inspection Station, giving the officer a list of fruits and vegetables we had on board with us. I make it a habit to check the website for the contraband produce and either make sure we eat it before we enter California or don't bring it with us.

A quick stop at the Klamath River rest stop, and we were on our way again, climbing up to Anderson Grade Summit (3,097 ft) and continuing on from Yreka in breezy, wet and foggy conditions until we passed Dunsmuir.

The scenery along this stretch of the Shasta Trinity National Forest wilderness area is always imposing and spectacular. Mt Shasta towered in its shiny frosty white mantle. 

From Redding, we dropped down to the valley floor, where the rain disappeared and we continued under a high grey umbrella, I-5 a straight black ribbon all the way to the flat horizon. We drove past familiar ranches, orchards and fields that mark this stretch and just beyond Corning, we pulled into Rolling Hills Casino for the night and treated ourselves to a buffet dinner.

Day 2: In Canyonville, Oregon tonight

Yesterday we stayed overnight in Centralia, Washington.  This morning, the water hose was frozen and Michael applied the hair dryer trick to thaw it enough for water to resume flowing from the city water supply tap. It was quite thick with fog all around us, and despite the predicted low 30'sF overnight temperatures, I guess we didn't consider the temperature inversion that occurs in the valley area where it can be a lot colder. As we pulled in the slides, thin layers of ice broke off the toppers. 

Today was a long day of driving, 294 miles south along the I-5 corridor, a route that we have traveled many times.  Alpine drove smoothly all the way. 

We left Centralia under heavy fog that gradually lifted as the day progressed. 
By the time we crossed into Oregon and reached Portland, the sky was clear, blue, and sunny. The scenery was gorgeous, with peek-a-boo glimpses of Mt St Helen's broken top and Mt Hood looking spectacular in its fresh white mantle. 

Mt Hood above the Columbia River

It remained a sunglasses-driving section until we approached Junction City where the fog returned again briefly for several more miles. 

A little after 4PM, we arrived at Seven Feathers Casino RV Resort on Cowcreek Indian land in Canyonville, Oregon, one of the more popular stops for us snow birds heading south.   
We are parked, hooked up to electricity, hooked up to the internet, sipping a welcome cuppa', and warm and cozy in our Alpine. Our four-wheeled travel companion is hooked up and ready for departure in the morning. I still tend to glance quite frequently at the monitor to make sure I see the Jeep as we travel.

Tomorrow we will be heading over the Siskiyous, crossing fingers and relying on the good weather to hold just a little longer so we can cross the pass before the snow returns. 
Here in Canyonville it is clear, the daylight lingering well after the sun set behind the hills.  And now it's time for dinner and then the next episode of Downton Abby tonight. 
Life on the road with its creature comforts is rather pleasant.

Aiming for Arizona

We're back on the road, aiming our sights for Arizona.
First order of business before setting off was to hook up our '01 Jeep Cherokee Sport. This will be our first time towing a vehicle.

The Alpine came with a Roadmaster tow hitch. This past November, after keeping his eye out for a Jeep, Michael found this one that already had a base plate as well as a Blue Ox supplemental braking system. 
The joke is that we essentially found ourselves a tow hitch with a Jeep attached.

Last month, Brazels in Centralia checked everything out and made sure that all the connections between the coach and the Jeep work properly.

This morning, after shutting down the house, and hauling the last of the things on board that I am absolutely sure we need to have with us, we hooked the Jeep up to the Alpine and were on our way.
For the first several miles, I think I kept my eyes glued to the monitor to make sure Jeep was tagging along. 

It will be a new experience having a vehicle with us on our travels. This will be the perfect trip to try out our Jeep, particularly because one of the destinations on this trip is Quartzsite, where we understand that Jeeps are the perfect vehicle for buzzing about in the desert.