RV Travel in North America: 2005

Exploring the West Coast

We had been so looking forward to doing a caravan with other Koala members to Biloxi, MS and then Monaco Rally then finalizing with the FMCA Rally in Perry, GA. Work events have changed all that and we are pushing on to San Diego, CA., for work issues. Although it has

been an arduous drive - making allot of miles we choose to do so to allow stops along the way.

La Mesa, NM we had seen on a previous trip and had enjoyed it so much we stopped again, the restaurant and town square were as we remembered it this time taking time to browse the shops. Tom purchased some table place mats to have a southwestern theme, learning too late he did not have the proper colors to match the coach so Nita allowed it to be put out just one night. The farm fields that were all planted when here before are all barren of foliage, the farmers just now tilling the fields to prepare to plant. Next time we shall visit a month later to see all the fields as they blossom with crops.

Deciding on a 2 lane road from New Mexico to Phoenix, AZ we lay over in San Carlos Indian Reservation, Nita and Tom both learn how to operate the slot machine on a $2.00 gift certificate the casino provided. Nita actually had allot of fun playing the slot machine building to $25.00 then finally loosing it all. A couple of free drinks ended a very pleasant evening.

Off to LAS VEGAS, NV for some R and R. We had a FREE coupon for a 5 day stay at the Outdoor Resorts in Las Vegas, how could pass that up? This resort has provided motor coach owners with the most exciting resort adventure, golf, gambling, tennis, shopping and world-class dinning are just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The park is beautifully landscaped, state-of-the-art-hookups for water, sewer, electric, telephone & Cable, swimming pool & spa, tennis courts and a 9 hole putting course. The weather has been sunny and in the mid 70's, so we are relaxing at the resort by day and seeing the sights by night. We are not gambler s... so we are enjoying walking the strip that rich of entertainment. Some of the best shows in the world take place every night . The Casino's are nothing short of magical. We loved the Venetian. it is right out of Italy, we even took a romantic ride in a Gondola boat thought the casino. Alfredo, our driver sang romantic songs in Italian to us and stopped under the bridge of love so we could kiss and reinsured us it was a kiss that would bring us luck. It was magnificent, we will never forget Alfredo and our Gondola ride.

The best walking tour is the Paris Hotel and casino, beautiful architecture that Tom says is very much like France and numerous restaurants and shops to view. Next door is Bally's where we saw the show Jubilee. A little more costly than our "free" sights but well worth the price, a combination of Las Vegas showgirls with a storyline as well. Additional demonstrations of contortionists, trapeze artists made a good break between acts. No cameras allowed so nothing to share - you shall have to see it for yourself.

We were overwhelmed with the water show at the Bellagio Casino. Every 15 minutes they display thousands of lights under the water, spouting up water to music It is breathtaking to watch, we found our selves stooping and being mesmerized by the sights and sound as often as we could. We are trying to visit all the top named casinos, I think we have done well, we only have a few more on our list. Needless to say we are walking allot, good thing with the rich food we are trying that definetly needs to be worked off. But it taste so, so good

Las Vegas was allot of fun maybe too much fun...

Just outside of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, this public land has long been recognized for its scenic beauty and uniqueness. In 1967, the Bureau of Land Management designated 10,000 acres of Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands. We enjoyed the area's highlights on a paved, 13-mile scenic loop drive which skirts the edges of the escarpment, The more adventurous can hike a well-developed trail system, ride horses or mountain bikes on multi-used trails, or perform technical climbs on some of the best climbing routes in the west. We just enjoyed driving and taking pictures.

We continued on to San Diego for work seeing more family (see page AZ_CA_OR_WA_Family _Visit). After we finished our business with the San Diego office, said good-by to our beautiful camp-sight and headed north to Organ to visit with family and meet with Chuck, Val, Jessica and family in Sea Side, Or. for four days of fun. We decided we would take our time as we traveled north only doing between 2 or 3 hundred miles per day.

Our first layover was around Stockton CA., at a KOA... hum, which said a lot, we have never liked KOA and this just reinforced our feeling. It was unappealing, in need of active lawn mower and general sprucing up. To our good fortune we were tired upon our arrival, so getting a little something to eat and a good nights sleep was just the ticket.

Our next stop was Lodi Ca., where we were to stay for two nights so we could take a day trip on Saturday to the wine country. Using our Coast to Coast directory we found a resort on the river, so Tom thought this would be a good choice, being able to get in some practice could losing up his fishing arm before he and brother Bob concord the rivers in Organ. Good thought, put there had been so much rain in the area the ground was soggy and the fish were hiding. So we decided to take the locals advise that the area’s award-winning wines are the passionate creations of some of the best winemakers in the world. REALLY... good thing by brother Chuck wasn't with us (he is everything you ever wanted to know about wines-from why you swirl wine in a glass to how to read a wine label). I think he would have preferred gone golfing and used me as his caddy. That about sums it up for Discovering Lodi wine and dine. But I must tell you, I do believe the high light for Lodi was the afternoon nap.

Sunday we headed north on I-5 for our planned stop in Mt. Shasta the weather was great and the landscape was breath taking. The little towns with the rolling hillsides showing off their livestock of sheep and cattle we both remarked, “This is a town we would like to come back and spend more time in."

We arrived to our campsite in Mt Shasta around 2pm., as the light rain started turning to snow. We weren't sure at first if we believed our eyes but as we climbed higher we knew we were right. After we checked in and made our way to our space that would be our home for the night, the snow started coming down harder even harder. The flaxes were large so I felt confident in reassuring Tom that it would not stick and more then likely would not accumulate to cause us and worry. Well I’m sure Tom will agree I should not concede doing the weather as a permanent job. To our surprised we were in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. Pulling in the slides was a little tricky, Tom had to sweep off the slides so they would retract and not be left out to freeze. We snuggled in, changing our clothes into the wormiest we had, grabbed a good book to relax for the rest of the afternoon.

In the quite of the snow and the reality that we were the only people

in the campground (not that we couldn't understand why) Tom noticed six black tail dear right out our window. They were so close we could almost touch them. We found ourselves wondering what we could feed them, Tom opened up some “corn chips” you know corn, deer... sounds like they might go for it...and they did. Two bags full, the two baby’s seemed to be standing further in the back but watched the old and wiser ones with awaiting skills and soon found they liked the tasty treat as well. Tom fed our newly found four legged, snowy, black tail Bambi's as I snapped the camera. When the corn chips were gone, still wanting them to stay we resorted to giving them our fresh garden broccoli we had just acquired. Well, just so you all know the deer’s turned up their noises on the green veggies and seemed to wonder away in protest they preferred the JUNK FOOD. The snow had stopped before we turned in that night and the next morning was clear, sunny and 37 degrees as we headed to Tom’s mother house in Albany OR.

Picking up Mom and continuing to the coast to meet Jessica, Chuck and Val we had a great weekend playing tourist with them all. (see page AZ_CA_OR_WA_Family _Visit)

We had an appointment for our RV that Monday to have warranty work done so we headed back to Albany. We took a side trip to Mount St. helen. Parking the motor home at the bottom on the mountain we un hooked and headed out to climb the 54 mile road to view the mountain's dome. We had a late start so the visitor centers were closed. But we all enjoyed the history of when Mount St. Helen blew herr top 25 years ago,, 1,377 feet of the mountain disappeared, billions of pounds of ash enveloped the globe, and scientists and visitors from around the world came to witness. They are still coming as we did, and many say what's happening around Mount St. Helens today is an exciting as what happened in May 1980.

The eruption and ensuing mudflow's devastated a popular route to Mount St. Helen's neighbor and soul mate. Spirit Lake. It took 12 years to reopen the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504). The view of Tourtle River Valley Mudflow's and a peaceful hiatus to reflect on the momentous event. We stayed the night at the bottom of that the bottom of that mountain and some how I couldn't imagine the awesome power of the volcano and it's destruction. We dropped Mom off on Sunday, then headed down to get our coach checked at Junction City.

Tom's Brother Bob releasing some fish

Tom was able to get some long awaited fishing in with brother Bob. They loaded but the boats and headed to the river for a day of brotherly fun. They both caught some fish between the rain drops and the cold weather.

On Monday April the 18th, we completed the repairs and decided to head up the 126 past Springfield OR., planning to stop and camp at Bellnap Hot Springs and Campground. We were pleasantly amazed at the beauty of over 700 acres of gardens, campgrounds the were beautiful and springs of hot water that was pumped up to two large swimming pools. The water temperature that came out of the mountain side was between 190 degrees to 220 degree. They processed it by cooling it down to 112 degree, constantly keeping the pool inviting to relax in (Tom was a little over done by the time we got out). They also offer massages on the weekends. The Mackenzie river ran through the property, you could take a stroll across the wooden bridge to the other side of the river. They have many pathways you can walk along to see the many flower gardens. We only stayed one night but we are planning on returning after fishing season starts.

We were heading back on Hwy-26 when we ran across Donna Knox, the care taker of a park her late husband founded and left it to her three years ago. She was a bundle of joy with overwhelming energy. She invited us to stay on her property in front of her house while telling Tom he was welcome to fish. And fish he did...He caught 48 fish on his first venture out to the river. He returned for some lunch, excited with the number of fish he reeled in Tom went back out to see if he could catch some more. Another 16 he landed before he called it quits. We found it amusing, most of the time he come home tired of fishing but this time he was tired of reeling them in. This will go down in the book as the most fish caught in one day. What a thrill for Tom we only hope he will have more opportunity to do it all over another day.

Traveling over to see my nephew and family (WA) we felt like Lewis and Clark during the expedition's day's. Needless to say they didn't have a 40 foot 2005 Beaver motor home to enjoy it in the way we did. Explorers Meriwether Lewis and Williams Clark and their Corps of Discovery were among` Washington's first tourists. They arrived in October 1805, without maps or campgrounds, but they must have been amazed by what they saw. Traveling from one side of the state to the other and back, they stayed in the area about seven months in all. And ever since they got home and described their fantastic trip, visitors have never stopped coming, and discovering more incredible things about Washington each time they return. Two hundred years later, Washington brings the Lewis and Clark Expedition into the 21st century. We drove Highway 84 along the Columbia River as did the expedition did nearly 200 years ago, we marveled at the sight around us, making detailed entries in our journals as they did. But for thousands of years, American Indian tribes had made their homes in and near the gorge, taking advantage of the lush plant life and plentiful salmon. Today, we see rugged and diverse beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Columbia river stretching from Troutdale to the Deschutes River area,(where Tom was able to Fly fish) It is a breathtaking river canyon and only sea-level route through the Cascades. Marking the border between Washington and Oregon, the gorge is 80 miles long, it's canyon walls rising 4000 feet above the river. We were able to see several waterfalls that graced the area. Falls in the gorge included the Multnomah, (620 feet), Latourell (249 feet), and Bridal Veil (100 feet),

We enjoyed Benson City it is in the High Desert and has more then 100 wineries, 200 corps and 300 days of blue skies, the Tri Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland and the communities of the Yakima River Valley can rightly claim to be Washington's fruit basket and sunshine capital. This was a nice break from the rain in Oregon. Small farms and orchards carpet the region, with roadside stands that sell bins of boxes of their annual yield. Pick-up farms allow you to pluck their own cherries, berries, tomatoes, or whatever is ripe. It's the grapes that get the glory. The ideal combination of soil, sunshine and temperature helps the area's vineyards place their bottles in wine cellars around the globe.

When we left we decided to take 197 at the Dalles and go south. It was a beautiful ride as we drive through farms

of green looking forward to seeing the Sisters. Three Sisters Mountains provide the backdrop for this Old-West community that enjoys unmatched vistas, lots of sunshine, and year-round recreation. We were headed to McKenzie Pass the scenic byway is an 82-mile loop driving tour which begins in Sisters at Hwy 242, doubling back on Hwy 126. Crossing over Cascade Mountain passes, the road travels by jagged lava flows, along pristine rivers, and through stands of old-growth trees in two national forests. The Three Sisters and Broken Top Mountain serve as a backdrop along the route, which can be driven in 3-5 hours. It was a wild ride in our 40 foot home on wheel's, it is beautiful but just plan on taking your time on the curves that take you down the mountain.

San Francisco

San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge in the fog seafood on the Wharf and steep hills that Hollywood loves to have car chases. That is what I think about when someone would say "San Francisco". What a perfect time to due a little sight seeing on our layover at Travis AFB.

It was an easy hop on HWY 80 except the horrible traffic we encountered, the 50-mile ride took about 1-1/2 hours with stop and go and at times some sitting. Taking the Bay Bridge put us right on the Wharf that is lined with San Francisco's fishing fleet is docked on the piers that have been turned into tourist traps displaying family entertainment is the specialty along Jefferson Street with attractions such as Ripley's Believe It or Not, Red & White Fleet, offering bay cruses. We stopped at Pier 39, a renovated cargo pier, is home port to the Blue & Gold Fleet and offers two levels of specialty shops and destination dining including Pier Restaurants and Hard Rock Cafe. Aquarium of The Bay and Turbo Ride (a simulation theater)are popular family attractions. We stopped and took some pictures of the famous sea lions that make their home on K-Dock. We enjoyed eating at Bubby's Gump's restaurant, stopping in the quaint shops and taking in the sights of the various small street vender. The air smelled of salt water, light jacket or sweater was needed.

We have always wanted to visit ALCATRAC other then in moves, so we booked a tour on the Blue & Gold Ferry for the island. Alcatraz...The Rock. Alcatraz, Spanish for pelican, was named Isla de los Alcatraces after the birds that were the island's only inhabitants.

The island served as a military fortification in the 1850's and an incarceration facility for war prisoners during the Spanish-American War. In 1934 Alcatraz became the infamous maximum-security prison for members of organized crime and high-risk

convicts. Famous island residents have included "Machine Gun" Kelly, Al Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud. Although the island is only a mile form shore, there is no evidence of any successful escapes across the icy bay. The prison was the only one in the federal system that touted hot showers-a luxury designed to keep prisoners from acclimating to cold water.

It was a federal penitentiary until 1963, when the last inmates are transferred off "The Rock" and Alcatraz is abandoned by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Remnants of each period can be seen today, and the National Park Service, the island's caretaker since 1972 is working to ensure that these traces are protected and that the island's many stories are told.

We truly enjoyed our visit to Alcatraz it was amazing to image this prison had been flooded with hard case criminals that were surrounded by steel bars, security doors, metal detectors and gun cages. Out side miles of chain-link and barbed wire were strung and while the guards watched your ever move from the massive guard towers. The cells were so small and cold not only in temperature but in the felling.

After all the walking around Alcatraz, we decided to head to Chinatown for a meal and more sights. As we passed though the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates on Grant Avenue at Bush Street our sights were tempted by the aroma of ethnic cuisine, bright neon and the sound of foreign languages. We decided to eat, so we picked a small restaurant with lots of cooked ducks hanging in the window.

As we walked-in they seemed to have some kind of Chinese buffet, by placing a large verity of dishes (costing $ 2.50 per heaping plate) of mystery food on a small table that looked a lazy-Susan. All the parturient were Chinese (good sign) gather around pointing and talking in their language as they took heaping plates of food to their awaiting tables. Not quite sure of the procedure of ordering or the food; we decided to take the only available table and requesting a server to guide us through this undertaking. A menu was given in Chinese and English (to our good fortune), some of it we were familiar with and some not. Tom went for the duck and rice, I went generic. asking for the shrimp and snow peas. It was all very tasty and lots of it. As we ate our meal we watched them hang a cooked pig from the hook above the serving area and start cutting it up with a butcher knife, that
grew a huge crowd. Needless to say a long walk was in order for two reasons, walking off lunch and seeing Chinatown. Chinatown today is home to more then 10,000 of San Francisco's Chinese residents. Most local Chinese commerce remains along Stockton Street where you will find traditional herb pharmacies, temples, temples, fortune cookies, fresh produce markets, seafood and poultry shops, and of-course restaurants.

Our next stop was LOMBARD STREET, located in the Russian Hill District, Lombard Street is know as "the crookedest street in the world" because of its eight sharp turns on a 40-degree slope. The turns, know as switchbacks, were built in the 1920's to allow traffic to descend the steep incline. The street zigzags around beautiful flower and shrubs and offers a wonderful view of the bay. There are stairways (without curves) on either side of the street for pedestrians. But we decided to be on the wild side...Tom encouraged me to stand on the seat and take pictures through the moon roof, and so I did.

HISTORICAL NAPA VALLEY

After a day of rest back at the RV we slipped on our walking shoes again, as we headed to the Napa Valley. The weather was beautiful, the sky was clear and blue with that wonderful California breeze. Stopping a the visitors information in the downtown area to map our trip and get our inspiration to create our hit list of sights and stops.

Our first stop was Yountville, just up the road on 29. It was the most spectacular small town that takes you back in history. The old style building with the wooden board walks that lead you into extraordinary shops, restaurants, boutiques and wine testing. We enjoyed strolling the gardens, lushes green grass and the sweet smell of Jasmine filled the air. That is where we stumbled across The Barrel Cellar; specializing in Napa Valley Wine accessories and gifts. Dru Montanelli was delightful in showing us her specialties in wine accessories They where all wonderful and we had a hard time picking out a few things, just wanted to buy out the whole store. Tom kept me in line and we settled on 3 items. He made a great selection.

Our next stop was Beringer Vineyards in Historic St. Helena, California. Where Jacob Beringer left his home in Mainz, Germany in 1868 to start his new life in America where his brother Frederick was living in New York growing hops. Jacob had heard that the warm sunny climate of California was ideal for growing wine grapes so in 1870's he traveled by train to San Francisco the to Napa Valley by train. To his delight he discovered rocky, well-drained soils similar to throes in the Rhine River Valley. Best of all, he found took several years to complete but would maintain the constant temperature (58 degrees) needed to produce fine wines. Jacob bought land with Frederick in 1875 and settled into producing wines comparable to the premium wines he had developed in Europe. In 1876 they founded Beringer Winery.

We enjoyed walking through the tunnels that was a tedious task of hand-chiseling the rock tunnels that were completed by Chinese workers. We were given a extensive lesson on the operation and care of wine producing from our informative guide Jack. We wandered the winery and scrutinize the farmhouse where Jacob had residence, that was built in 1848. We visited the 17 room mansion that was constructed in 1883 which was a recreation of the family home on the Rhine River in Germany.

Yosemite National Park

Picking up Mom from Sacramento airport, Alaura from Tom's niece in Sacramento to provide a ride to Las Vegas where Tom's sister Jean shall pick her up. We stayed over a day to see Yosemite National Park. Nita remained behind while Mom Alaura and Tom went to see the sights.

Quite a drive along winding roads through heavily forested mountains. The entrance to the park was backed up quite a ways and with tour busses trying to enter also it took45 minutes to enter the park. Cars parked everywhere and it made it difficult to stop and see the waterfalls. Using Mom's handicap pass we parked in some odd areas but were able to see much more than if we did not.

Alaura had a great time using Nita's camera to capture pictures of the waterfalls and mountains. Tom made some very good shots of Mom and her Great Granddaughter.

Lunch at the famous Ahwahnee Inn was equally fun, the lodge was very grand with the women's bathroom upstairs in the mezzanine.

A stop at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees really fascinated Alaura. Although it was early in the summer the crowds were large and traffic was quite heavy, another time we shall visit before school lets out and have more time to see things.

Visiting Las Vegas to work the truck show while concurrently meeting up with Kathy and Jerry from South Carolina, Jean and Bob (Toms sister) from Arizona. It made for a busy but fun time to socialize as well as to get some work accomplished.

Jerry, Nita and Kathy tried their luck at the slots.