Half Way

We have been on the road for 1 1/2 weeks and are probably half way on mileage. We are currently in Auburn, WA. The city has a small RV park which makes it convenient. The only downside is trying to locate a good WIFI signal. Got that this morning while Auburn Foreign Car changes the oil and checks our van. Being able to use the laptop is much nicer that the cell phone! I could never type a blog post on that.

This trip has checked a few bucket list items. We spent our first night in Hobbs, NM and then moved on to Carlsbad Caverns and spent the 2nd night in the Guadalupe Mountains in TX. Discussed stopping in El Paso to try Chico’s Tacos but it was too early in the morning. Not sure we would make the trip again just to try a taco. It is a long drive.

The RV park in Benson, AZ was very nice but almost empty. Of 200 sites about 30 were occupied by the last of the snowbirds who had not moved back north. Enjoyed the swimming pool and pool table. Almost matched Harry.

Indio CA turned into a nightmare. I wasn’t able to get anyone to answer the phone at the 1st RV park and got a recording at the 2nd saying they had openings. Decided to try the 1st one. We were able to turn in but then there were people and vehicles everywhere. They were having a music fest for the weekend. 30,000 people were expected in Indio that weekend. Took a lot of work and lots of time to get back out. Wish they had had a sign outside the park. I found a park in Desert Hot Springs (on North side of freeway from Palm Springs) that was only $38 for the night. Small park but the heated mineral pool was just what we needed.

The four days in LA parked in Cousin Larry’s back yard were very relaxing. We enjoyed catching up on all of our lives. It was nice to let the animals explore under the lemon and orange trees. Murphy also had to sniff every plant in the garden. I think he and Fred were sad to leave. We headed out of LA via Highwy 1 along the coast. It was interesting for awhile. Saw killer whales feeding in the bay just below Hearst Castle. Didn’t get a picture of them breeching but we did see it.

Camped at the CA state park just outside of Big Sur. $35 cash only to camp in the redwoods without any hook ups. There was a water faucet across the road from our site. Murphy did try to climb a Redwood and Fred peed on it. It was a place to spend the night. The road was not really designed for our van. 30 MPH curves are nice for a sports car rather than a large slow van. We decided I5 sounded like more fun than to continue up along the coast. Stayed in Red Bluff, CA and then moved on the Albany, OR the next night. Quick hop then to Auburn. We may not be out so long after all.