After three months on the road in Lucy, our fifth-wheel, Helen and I returned home to a lengthy list of responsibilities and appointments. For that reason, I took a two-week technology break and let Easin’ Along move down the priority list a peg or two. I missed our weekly chats, but there was no time. Now that we have significantly reduced our “do list,” I am happily back at the keyboard to share the final weeks of our journey.
We began our visit to California with a stay among the Ancient Redwoods of Northern California. That portion of our stay was fascinating; however, the drive away from there was a bit of a challenge. The sharp hairpin turns with a trailer in tow left me white-knuckled, and I soon opted to move inland and search for a straighter highway to Fort Bragg, California, our next stop.
Pomo RV Campground was one of the first reservations I made when we began booking this trip over one year ago. I remember having several conversations with a lovely lady who couldn’t take my reservation at the time but assured me she would find a spot for us eventually. She kept her word, and I’m very grateful.
Pomo is a nice campground, convenient to the beach and downtown Fort Bragg. The seaside village of Mendocino is ten miles to the south. A Botanical Garden was nearby with gorgeous flowers in full bloom on the day we toured. Our visit’s only negative experience was the persistence of a cloud-covered sky and lower than average temperatures. Nevertheless, we spent a lot of time walking the beaches taking pictures. Helen loved finding the small pieces of Sea Glass, remnants of an old garbage dump that once occupied the area.
Moss Landing, California, served as our temporary home after Fort Bragg. The drive took us through the wine country and thousands of acres of vineyards on both sides of the highway. Also, grapes, vegetables, and grains of every variety covered this productive region’s fertile soils. Beside our campground, artichokes spanned the fields as far as the eye could see. Fortunately, there were fruit and vegetable stands all along the highway to sample the produce. One of the merchants recommended that Helen buy an Orange-flesh honeydew melon. She did and raved about it for days. During our stay, we visited nearby Monterey and Carmel and found both to be charming. The weather finally gave us a break on our visit to Carmel, and we took the self-guided tour through the incredible (and incredibly expensive) homes along the beach. I got to see the Lone Cypress Tree, an icon of the Pebble Beach Golf Tournament.
Good weather prevailed throughout our next visit further down the coast at Morro Bay, California. During this visit, we had the opportunity to break out the bicycles and ride the strand from our campground to the beach on several days. Morro Rock, located beside the beach between our campground and the town, served as the end-point of our daily rides. The rock is an enormous structure left by an extinct volcano many centuries ago. Seals and Sea Lions gathered at the base of the rock.
Another treat from Morro Bay was the number of fresh seafood shops along the harbor. We bought fresh salmon and snapper to take back to Lucy and made several meals out of the catch. The town of Morro Bay is small but had many interesting shops, and we visited a number of them. For lunch, I purchased a large bag containing several varieties of saltwater taffy. Sea Otters entertained us as I ate most of them.
Our last stop in California was at Bonelli Bluff RV Resort, about thirty miles east of Los Angeles. Although it was our last stop, it was the most anticipated. Our California kids would join us there for three days. Readers may remember that Helen and I won a camper last year and our other son and his family caravanned with us to Jackson Hole on this trip to deliver it to the new owner. Camping at Bonelli Bluff would be a reunion of sorts with the new owners and their trailer, now named Heidi.
After spending all of our time in California in sweatshirt weather, Bonelli Bluff was just sweat. The temperatures reached a stifling 115 degrees on our second day there. Thankfully, the air conditioning in the trailers helped, but nothing helps much in that kind of heat. Thankfully, Justin brought a kiddie pool along, and it served us well as a heat reliever. In addition to the heat, smoke from a wildfire near San Bernardino began rising over the mountains. This fire started as the result of fireworks that got out of hand during a “gender reveal” party. The fire raged throughout our stay. Smoke from the fires helped create some dazzling sunsets, and the red sky became quite vivid at dusk. Despite the heat and the fires, we had a wonderful time with the family. Helen and I brought some kites with us, and the kids had a great time getting them airborne.
When it came time to say goodbye, we did so reluctantly and passed hugs all around. These visits are all too short and too far in between. Thankfully, the memories and the pictures linger long.
Our next stop was Las Vegas, and we drove within a mile of the San Bernardino fire on our way out. Time to be Easin’ Along. It feels good to be back with you.
What a great trip, Joe. Loved the fruit stands, your white-knuckle driving, and the accounts of the kids. But I wouldn’t have enjoyed the heat, for sure. Glad you’re safe even if you may be a bit scorched!
Good morning, Rusha,
The heat was stifling, but we had a great time in the kiddie pool with the kids. We made it safely home, and now itching to get out again. Will be at St. George’s Island in January. Y’all there? Thanks for checking in.
Love your photo of the Lone Cypress. Sounds like a fantastic trip … except for the wildfire. Glad you made it out safely.
Ah, that ‘to do’ list. Ours is dwindling but very slowly. Seems as soon as we knock off one thing, we end up adding another😏
Ingrid,
This trip was so good, we will repeat a lot of it next summer. My “to do” list was all but complete…until we decided to trade for a new fifth-wheel. Now we’re scurrying to get it ready for the road. Will take it to South Carolina next week. Stay safe out there. Joe
Joe, I remember that ‘white knuckle’ drive and we weren’t pulling anything. It was incredibly beautiful though – when I managed a look.
You certainly experienced a variety of temperatures and terrains throughout this trip. Mostly pleasing.
Glad for your time with your son and grandchildren. Seems like the perfect ending to a wonderful adventure!
We are heading up to Miramar Beach on Sunday. Can’t wait.
Suzanne,
Glad you’re getting out. There’s nothing like a good beach trip to get your head straight. Enjoy, and please let us hear all about it. Joe
Now you know why I complain about the heat in California, Joe! It was a hot summer and the smoke made it feel worse! I can’t believe you traveled those roads up north in a trailer, that is some driving! The coast looks wonderful, been a while for me. I visited Morro Bay in 2015 when I helped my daughter move to Atascadero. The central coast of CA is quite lovely and I’m glad you enjoyed the west and delivered the other trailer to its destination.
Hi, Terri,
I can’t remember ever being in temperatures that high, and I live in the south. Thankfully, it’s a “dry heat.” We loved Morro Bay and the Oregon Coast, but the entire journey was pure joy, and that’s why we’re planning another one. I send best wishes as you prepare for the move. Any move can be stressful, so be sure to smell the roses once in a while. Great to hear from you–stay safe out there. Joe
Hi, Joe – Welcome back! I’m glad that you have mastered much of your ‘Just Returned Home To-Do List” and are now back sharing with us. What an amazing trip you’ve had. I’m delighted to read that you plan to retravel parts of it next summer. Hopefully, you’ll be able to include Canada as well!
Good morning, Donna,
It’s good to be back and to hear from you. Helen and I had a wonderful time and the only disappointment was being shut out of Canada. We’re still trying to make reservations in Banff, but Parks Canada has not opened reservations for US citizens and has not said when they will. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. We would love to hang out with you and Richard some time and tour your part of the world. Have a great week. Joe
Omigosh, Joe! Another RV?! I think I’ve lost count. Including the Viking you won, this must be #5 or #6! I trust that you’ll be introducing the latest addition to the family in your South Carolina trip report. It sounds like your travels through California were safe, fun and (mostly) comfortable. I’m sure it was a pleasure to see Justin and his family enjoying the travel trailer and, even better, to share a camping adventure with them. Good for all of you!
Hi, Mary,
Well, it’s tough to remodel an RV, so you have to swap it out. We think we’ve finally settled on the one that’s perfect for us. Hopefully, we’ll get to enjoy it for many years to come. Our first trip in it was last week on a trip to our mountains during the annual camping trip with our church. We’re very eager to take it to Edisto Beach next week and finish getting settled in. It was a lot of fun being with Justin and family in California. The heat was unbelieveable, but our campsites were well-shaded and we kept the air conditioner running full blast. Kite flying kept the kids occupied. I suppose your weather is turning cold by now, but I’m sure you’re reflecting near a campfire. Enjoy! Great to hear from you. Joe
Sounds wonderful, Joe!! Brings back s lot of memories. I arrived in Monterey, CA in Sep 1968, for a one year assignment at the Presidio of Monterey. All I knew about CA, up to that time, I’d learned from Hollywood and the Beachboys…. man, was I disappointed, for all I saw for a week was dense fog. Eventually, I did enjoy some sunny afternoons and beautiful sunsets, though thank Heaven I never saw a 115° day. I’ve been back several times, and it is truly a paradise… ‘wish I knew then what I know now’.
Thanks for your great travelogues and this stroll down memory lane!!
Guy Hawkins
Good morning, Guy,
Unfortunately we had our share of fog, but the area is still beautiful…and expensive. Nevertheless, we’re going back beginning in late April. COVID and the wildfires kept us out of some places we want to visit like Yosemite, Banff, and the eastern side of Glacier NP. I could vivit the Oregon Coast or Yellowstone every day. Hope all is going well with you and that the surgeries have all healed. Joe
We love the Northern California coast! Isn’t it fun watching those adorable sea otters? It looks like you had a wonderful journey. Your photos are beautiful, and your photo of the lone cypress is especially stunning. Good for you for getting things checked off of your to-do list, including getting your blog caught up! I’m months behind on our blog, but I finally have time, LOL.
Lauel,
I saw a picture of sea otters on your blog and couldn’t wait to spot a few. We spent about 45 minutes in Morro Bay watching them play. Big Fun! Looking forward to reading about what you are up to. We’ll be in Florida in two months. Wanna meet us in Appalachicola? Thanks for checking in. Have a great week! Joe
Joe, we would love to meet up with you while you’re in the neighborhood! Let us know when you’ll be here and we’ll make a plan.
Laurel,
Right now we have a reservation at St. George’s Island in mid-January. I can’t wait to dig into some fresh oysters. I’ll send you an email on the specific dates and hopefully we can schedule something fun. Talk soon. Joe