As planned we drove to Redlands Truck and RV early on the 10th, arriving before lunch. We met the Hazeltons who are stranded for an unknown length of time due to a fire in a rats nest on top of their engine. We enjoyed lunch at The Corner Deli and chatted for a couple of hours. Later in the day I noted a circle of chairs in front of another rig in “The Grove” and brought a chair over to sit with Pat and Pete Benoy also from Jojoba Hills and company. We had a lovely Happy Hour before dinner. Then an early dinner and preparation for departure. 

The 11th found us halfway to Sacramento in an Elks Lodge parking lot in Wasco CA. it is Central Valley between I5 and US 99.  They had water and 30 amp electric.  I added a small amount of water to the radiator tank since it seemed a bit low and we had had a STOP ENGINE light with Low Coolant warning during a long climb. Upon restart after a few minutes on the shoulder the warnings had cleared and we continued on.

We continued on to Sacramento where we stayed in Sac West RV park. Nice park, I’ve posted a review. I will refrain from describing the traffic in detail. Suffice it to say that US 99 is a major route in the area and they closed it entirely for 5 days! All of the traffic was rerouted onto I 5. Oy! We had a lovely visit with the Braunsteins that evening and the next morning they picked us up for brunch at Shady Lady in Old Town Sac and we found our way into G Willikers Toy store, you really need to see it to believe it. Then we went wine tasting and late afternoon we collapsed in the coach to prepare to get back on the road. 

We had a brief under two hour drive to Olema CA where it turns out the campground pretty much is the town. It is right on CA 1. It is a nice campground, not a five star, too expensive for limited amenities (30 amp that produced only 100 volts in the heat of the day, no sewer). We drove out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse which not only was closed, but so fogged in we couldn’t see it. Then the reason for this trip to the coast we got to get together with Minda Will, Oscar and Leo. It was delightful visit, Carol got pictures, I didn’t. The boys are definitely young boys, I am glad I can’t remember living through the endless tumult of two boys. 

When we left the coast we had no plan beyond a specific fuel stop where the outrageous price of diesel was somewhat less than other nearby truck stops. It does get old buying 60 gallons plus for about $4/gallon. Even if that takes us 550 miles, it still is a reminder of how bad it is in other countries that would consider it a bargain. As we pulled out of the stop heading east on US 50 that was all we knew. I figured in two hours we should be able to find a place to spend the night. I was at the wheel and Carol tried a couple of places on the route to see if they had room. I don’t think they laughed, but the answer was no. Just about two hours into the drive with Lake Tahoe about 30 minutes ahead I spotted a Federal campground sign on the side of the road. I slowed to take a look and noticed what appeared to be a motorhome so I turned 120 degrees down a very steep narrow entry road. Another guest and the camp host greeted us and assured me that if we disconnected the car we could indeed drive through and find a suitable place to spend the night, away from the road and backed up to The American River. We immediately booked two nights and are  now talking about making it four. It is a lovely place and our neighbor and camp host are lovely people and we really are not in a hurry. Our only limit is water and grey tank capacity. There is a dump and fresh water available so we may stay a while.

This is looking up from the river. Two more pictures will follow when I can get them to upload. and HERE THEY ARE!

Our picnic table overlooking the “river” In Rochester we would call that a creek.

The line up!