Blog
The Adventure Begins
We have a year+ to see lots of spaces, places and faces. We have embarked on our journey. Join us as we add the miles to our RV.
Canada: May 8 - Sept. 17, 2022
.
East: Sept. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
.
South: Dec. 25 - April 30, 2023
.
The Rest West: May 1 - June 12, 2023
The Great Shakedown Trip
Along with looking for a practice run with Lena fully loaded, we left the Pacific Northwest seeking warmth. For January, the weather cooperated nicely. We packed Lena unhindered by any rain showers. The higher elevations were expected to be warm with no threat of snow for the 10-day outlook for the trip South. We spent 5 weeks in search of warmer weather – a place to ride our bikes, hike, visit friends, and generally spend more time outdoors. Meanwhile, we reorganized the RV and made sure we accurately simulate what we will take on our longer trip; eliminating what we don’t need or have too much of; and made a list of improvements to make in March and April.
Smorgasbord of overnight options
We utilized Harvest Hosts, Boondockers, casinos and BLM land when available: overnighted in private driveways; at a rice farm; rock climbing gym parking lot; olive ranch that grows and processes olive oil; a winery; and a sheep ranch with orphaned lambs we bottle fed. We filled in the overnight gaps with campgrounds such as South Beach State Park in Newport, OR; Pinnacles NP; and Oasis Palms in the Salton Sea area.
Breaker, breaker!
Our first experience with weighing Lena at a CAT Scale made us feel like “real truckers,” especially since we received a Super Trucks limited edition trading card, series twenty, with Waylon Woods’ picture and all his truck stats. But in reality, our Lena looks pretty tiny compared to all the other trucks. We were handed our “swindle” sheet at the scales … and Dave did not leave it “… sittin’ on the scales…” Those of you who remember “Convoy” by CW McCall will understand the reference.
Rolling into warmer climes
Driving through Oregon reminded us we have never seen mistletoe growing in oak trees in the state of Washington – or orchards of hazelnuts (filberts as Becky knew them) for that matter. Oregon is also known for growing marionberries – which we found in the morning scone from Sugar Shack Bakery in Reedsport. From Reedsport, headed inland to Roseburg and on to Grants Pass, we viewed elk; rolled from coastal mist to sunny skies; and stayed at Seven Feathers Casino. The Siskiyous were surprisingly warm and we arrived in Redding, CA, to 70 degrees. Ahhh.
Catching up with friends
The trip south allowed for some fun visits with friends and family – a college friend who makes excellent hard cider, etc, for a living in Camino; family in Copperopolis; friend and past coworker in Brentwood; family friend in L.A.; Salt Lake City friends who we love to play cards with in Escondido and Palm Springs; church members in Irvine; and more family in Indio. It’s great to visit and catch up.
Another National Park, another hat
In Pinnacles National Park we discovered many vehicles parked with their hoods open. Before the mystery was solved by a ranger, we contemplated whether or not the same vultures from Everglades were in the area and feeding on the rubber from the windshield wipers, etc. (a real phenomenon as relayed by friends!). In this park, the culprits are ground squirrels hiding/nesting in the engine compartment and eating the vegetable-coated wiring if the vehicle is unattended too long. Nature continues to amaze us! We saw California Condors; hiked through caves; witnessed Acorn Woodpecker activity on trees (acorns are stuffed into the holes they create); rode our bikes; awed at the stargazing; enjoyed our firepit; washed the solar panels; gave each other haircuts; and kept a close eye on the ground squirrels. Oh, and of course, Dave acquired a new national park hat, and enjoyed singing to the stars (and to Becky!). He needs to get used to playing the small “piccolo” guitar … but it is sounding pretty good! With no cell coverage in the park, upon reconnecting we learned our kids were ready to come find us! They pieced together our whereabouts among themselves, but had concerns and plans for a rescue mission if we were still off the radar much longer!
A planned stay in Oceanside, CA, was our most southerly destination on this adventure. The sunset, with palm trees, surfers, and ocean horizon, was a stark contrast to the inland sheep ranch sunset with mountain backdrop and deciduous tree silhouettes. Beach walks; paved, dedicated bike trails; live music; street fair; fresh seafood markets; ocean smells; jacuzzi; and warm weather – all enjoyed!
Supply list pretty solid
After five weeks on the road, there seems to be very little we have missed or forgotten in our supply list. Yay! One of our best purchases for this trip was warm, cozy slipper socks, with fleece linings and thick soles. Just the thing to insulate from the morning-cold floor. We are tried to keep track of how long propane, water, food, clothing, etc., lasts between refills for reference. All systems functioning…
Questions we pondered
Things we never gave much thought: How do pistachios grow? How can a Cooper’s Hawk sit still for so long along a busy, noisy highway? What is the process involved in getting olive oil from the tree? Acorn Woodpeckers are really a thing? Have you?
