RWI017 Rollin' to the Left Coast - Our first boondocking experience
Battle Scars
Leaving Las Vegas, we decided to go to State Parks for our next two stops. If it weren’t for the Crazy gas prices, we would have stayed for months in California. Julie picked out the perfect spot for us at Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes.
We crested the hill into the park and before us was a crystal blue lake with a snow-capped mountain backdrop. I thought we were in Heaven and was praising Julie for her pick. We started winding our way through the park and noticed that all the sites were too small for Diane (Road Warrior). I found one site that looked possible, but after several attempts was unable to maneuver into the slot – the road was too narrow.
We gave up… Decided that we were not going to be able to stay. The road to the exit was winding and narrow and I could hear the brush scraping the rig the entire way. Taking a look, there were huge scratches on both sides the full length of the RV. No Problem – Battle wounds.
They buffed out no problem.
Showing my Newbie Side
On to the next State Park. Again, as we drove through, we could find no sites that could take this beast. This time we had to maneuver through pine trees at every twist and turn. AND the brakes started squeaking really loud and campers were coming outside to see what was going on.
Somehow the safety brake line had been pulled out and the trailer brakes were applied full steam. I reinserted the safety line, but the brakes were still squeaking. Finally, a camper got tired of the noise and told me to reset the electrical connection between the truck and trailer and that fixed it. I felt like such a newbie.
Julie took me down a dirt road to the next campground in this same area swamped by pine trees. I came to a dip that was so steep that the front stabilizers were hitting the dirt. I had no choice but to back up and turn around.
After 85 attempts to back and turn between all the pines, I was finally on our way out of that almost impossible situation. I earned a merit badge that day. Sad part is that we have no pictures or video only reminders of the time we were about to kill each other.
Defeated, we ended up staying at an RV Park for the night. I hung out with some firemen from the east coast who came to pick up a camper and do some snowboarding. At the campfire once again – It put me back in my happy place.
We Fit
Not giving up on State Parks, we drove up to the Lake Tahoe area to a little town called Truckee. This area is famous from the Donner Party – remember the pioneers who got snowed in this area (Donner Pass) and began eating each other to survive.
We pulled into our first State Park at the Granite Flat Campground situated along the Truckee River (Ice Cold). This was our first true boondocking experience and everything worked like a charm – including the generator. I was able to make my first bonfire of our trip which made me a very happy camper.
What Body of Water is 97% Pure?
We spent one morning visiting Truckee and stocking up on infused olive oil. We then drove around Lake Tahoe. The views were spectacular. At the southern tip, we stopped at the Vikingsholm rest stop which overlooks both an island and a huge waterfall. Next, we stopped in at the base of Heavenly Ski Resort (no snow) before making our way back to our camp.
I had 10 days off in a row, so the plan was to take a few days here and there as we made our way north to Seattle. We never made it.
One Nighter
Redding Ca. was the next stop for one overnight. We stayed at a cute RV park called Premier RV Resorts. It sets next to the Water Works Park. I spent my time doing a full service on Jack (Ram Dually) and replacing the front tires which were completely worn on the outside.
I noticed the RV next to me had an Army Aviator license plate, so I went to the door and introduced myself as security and stated “Army Aviators are not allowed in this park” I was invited in and spent the rest of the evening shooting the crap with Bill Cauger who was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Great times, Julie could not believe that I just went up to the door, but she eventually joined us in the conversation.
This Place is Must See
Off we go to the 101, a highway that hugs the coastline along the entire left coast. Our next stop was for two days at the Elk Country RV resort near Trinidad California. The site is famous for the herd of elk that pass through the grounds almost daily.
We took a sundown trip to Trinidad Lighthouse – probably the smallest lighthouse in existence.
The views at Trinidad Head were breathtaking. We walked around the peninsula through lush foilage that formed tunnels in many places and then at the peak we watched the sunset – even though there was overcast – it was spectacular. Trinidad is a MUST see place to visit.
Among Giants
Day two we were treated with a herd of elk meandering past the little red schoolhouse. Nice photo op.
We packed some light gear and took the Jeep to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove to walk amongst the giant redwood trees. This is an easy hike for the whole family and even little ones. The Redwoods are amazing and fun to play around.
We left there in search for Fern Canyon. The drive took us on a skinny dirt road that wound its way through a Redwood forest. We have video of the entire drive, but of course we suck at producing videos so far…
Green, Green Canyon
Fern Canyon is explainable with words – I hope the photos help. We walked just over a mile into this canyon which had fern growing 40-50’ up the canyon walls.
A small stream with numerous switchbacks to cross made the hike both challenging (balancing on sticks and stones to cross) and fun.
Vertical streams dotted the walls and the kids were in heaven climbing the fallen redwood trees in various spots. All I can say is WOW.
The next day we were off to the Oregon Coast and the scare of my life…
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