Trip Diary

January 8, 2005

Casa de Fruita, Casa de Wine, Casa de Deli, Casa de Zoo, Casa de Sweets, Casa de RV, Casa de Motel and Casa de Choo Choo, are names to be found at a fruit stand, tourist trap, and old tractor collection. Purchased some White Zinfedel. Ended up behind Chris and Jim. The wind took their camper awning. Helped them remove loose parts. Arrived in Visalia. The Wooden Shoe Campground was muddy/swampy. Brian came to visit and we went out for pizza. Had a good visit.

January 9, 2005

Worst traveling weather. Heard report that it was sunshine and blue sky with the rain on I-10. However, on the way we had rain and wind. Had to dig out rain ponchos at the Boron rest stop to take the dog for a walk. Some evidence of road flooding. Food4Less in Victorsville is much like Winco Foods. Got groceries. Wind picked up and was nasty driving. 215 was closed for flooding so had to take 15 down. Slow downs happened because of detour and because of some sections of rain that the windshield wipers couldn’t clear. Nice to pass by Palm Springs in the daylight this year, but the blue sky and sunshine we’d heard about earlier were gone. Last year was also in the rain, but it was after dark. Arrived at Salton City. Set up camp. Met Victor and Anne at the local burger place. Ate terminator burger which is 1 pound of meat. It was very good.

January 10, 2005

Spent day airing out the fiver, cleaning and organizing things. The Salton Sea causes the area to smell swampy/brine like. Went up to Oasis to get fuel. The groves of date palms are an odd sight. Not used to orchards being of palm trees. Evidence of mud washing over various road sections. Saw a road runner dash across the park about the time we heard the coyotes catch something and announce their feat. Victor and Anne came over for dinner this eve.

January 11, 2005

Went up to see where Victor and Anne camped.The wind was strong. Drove over to Borrego Springs. Drove through some shallow washes that flowed over the road. Purchased grapefruit and oranges. Went through the mall there. Saw some nice tourist souvenirs at more reasonable prices than we had seen the same things last year. Drove back through the washes, which had grown in deepness. One we waited to see how another vehicle went through before proceeding. Wind continued all afternoon and into the evening. Walked on beach of shells and watched the wind create waves on the sea.

January 12, 2005

Went to visit Victor and Anne again. Took up binocs to see if we could see our camp from their place. Wind was gone. Did laundry in the afternoon. Figured out where they were on the hill via binoculars. Met them at the Alamo for dinner.

January 13, 2005

Read books. Had Victor and Anne over for dinner. Showed them where they were on the hill. Walked on the beach and took pictures of some interesting long legged birds. Had good visit. They were leaving that night before predicted winds returned.

January 14, 2005

Odor from the sea was strong. Drove to Yuma. Saw the sand dunes and all the rvs hauling “toys” to play in the sand. Saw something that on first sight was scary. On second sight it was just a truck being towed. Drove by many trucks carrying lettuce. Weekend after this is lettuce festival. Many fields of lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage exist. Did grocery shopping at Fry’s. Arizona Sands Rv park a bit disappointing. Don’t have cable, which the books say they have. Neighbor rv upset that they don’t have 50 amp hookup which the books and office claims. Books also claim telephone. Spots not easy to get into. Wireless has issues. Spent an hour and a half trying to get to page that tells what the wireless is about, rates, etc. Signal wasn’t strong and speed was less than dial-up.

Trip Diary--January 1-7  Trip Diary--January 15-21  Trip Diary--January 22-28