Part One Day 1 to day 7

Spring Trip March 18,2010

Day 1 Thursday March 18, 2010 37471
Left the lake in the Jeep, here after called Goldie, and drove to the motor home at Judy’s old house. Finished loading last minute items and went to the airport to hookup Goldie. When we checked the lights, the blinkers in Goldie were opposite the motor home. Why? Fixed that and off we went. Took I-5 south through Portland where we were in slow traffic for many miles due to a traffic accident. Spent the night at Blue Ox RV park in Albany space 113. After dinner went for swim and a dip in the hot tub. When Judy tried to do dishes, no hot water. Tank seemed hot but no hot water to any faucet? Will call RV repair place in the AM to see if they know what to do.
Motor home miles today 206 miles

Judy’s Word
On this day, we amended the traveling man to the traveling couple. We have prepared for this for many months. Our plans are to travel in comfort and enjoy the many wonderful places in the United States. We will keep you informed and envious of our travels. J

Day 2 Friday March 19 37577
Found out that the repair shop hooked up the water heater in the bypass position. Just had to turn a valve. Left Blue Ox and headed south again on I-5. Very little snow in the mountains going over the border from Oregon to California. Spent the night just outside Yreka in Waiiaka Trailer Haven, space 148. Sunny and warm, temp around 71. Saw some deer along the freeway yesterday and today.
Motor home miles 253

Judy’s Word
Down the road and over the mountains from freezing to very hot for us. Mr. Fix-it has us rolling and drives famously in spite of a gasp or two from the other side. We are happy and healthy and having a good time.

Day 3 Saturday March 20 37830
We continued down I-5. Not much snow going through the mountains around Mt. Shasta which was beautiful in the bright slightly overcast sun. Continued on to Williams, CA were we spent the night at Almond grove Mobile Home Park, space 54. Saw a coyote in a field. Temp was around 71 today. We stopped at a shopping center for lunch. Almost got stuck because of the wide turning radius of the motor home. Whew, did not have to undo Goldie.
Drove 194 miles today.

Day 4 Sunday March 21 38026
After breakfast headed south on I-5 to Sacramento and then onto US 50 which goes to the southern end of Lake Tahoe. It turned out to be a very steep, winding road both up and down the almost 7300 foot pass. Trucks were not allowed and I can see why. A challenge to my learning how to use the Jake brake and lower gears. Whew. We tried turning south on 89 but found out the pass we had to go over (8300 feet) was closed. Oh darn. Had to turn around in a small town with no big turning areas. Had to take off Goldie to get the motor home turned around. We ended up going to the southern end of Carson City. Spent the night at Comstock Country RV, space 39. After dinner went to the casino across the street, had a piece of cherry pie and lost a dollar each in the slots.
Drove 207 miles.

Judy’s Word
When Richard asked how I enjoyed the trip? I said…. “Honey“, it was pure hell.” These things depend on whose point of view you are viewing this from. I spent most of the day hanging on to the door handle and the view was absolute perpendicular!! Mostly with no guard rail. There were a few mishaps, but we are still enjoying our travel. We have had a lovely evening, and so all is well that ends well. Anxious to get to rocking and National Parking.

Day 5 Monday March 22 38233
We left Carson City and headed east on US 50 to Fallon were we filled up on diesel. Then took US 95 south. Stopped for lunch at Walker Lake near Hawthorne . We saw one lizard, a big flock of pelicans, some cormorants and some unrecognizable ducks. Spent the night in Tonopah at the Ramada RV park, space 1 3 with no water. If we had been 10 minutes later the two remaining spots would have been takes. While inspecting the front wheel bearing oil level the plastic cover disintegrated and the oil poured out. Luckily the local towing outfit/garage had the covers in stock for the Spartan wheel system so replaced them both..
Drove 234 miles today.

Judy’s Word
We are in desert country to be sure! Lots of sage and sand. This is quite an experience. Lots to see, and looking forward to dropping anchor ,unhitching Goldie and doing some real exploring….J

Day 6 Tuesday March 23 38467
Took our time this morning heading out. Drove to Beatty Hot Springs RV park taking space 1 After settling in and having lunch we headed to the visitors center in Death Valley National Park. We checked out what roads, etc. were open. Stopped along the road to look at flowers and rocks. Temp in the valley was 81 deg F. and 61 degrees in Beatty.
Drove 88 motor home miles today.

Day 7 Wednesday March 24 38555
We headed off to Death Valley early. On the way we stopped at Rhyolite, a mining ghost town and talked to the caretaker who told us interesting history of the place. Then we went on the Titus Canyon drive of 26 miles. Spectacular scenery with rocks of different colors and conformations. Took almost 5 hours to do the drive with many stops along the way. On the way back we drove by Scotty’s Castle and headed to Scotty’s Junction. There we stopped and picked up a whole bunch of Apache tears. Before dinner we went for a dip in the medium temperature mineral bath. Ahhhh. Fun day.

Judy’s word…
What a spectacular day… Blue skies and lots of sunshine! This is spring time in the desert. The flowers are blooming, usually small but beautiful. Richard took several pictures that we can share. This landscape is like no other. Anyone interested in geology, rocks or just plain beauty will be awestruck here.