Bakersfield, CA to Home 338 Miles

 Welcome Home, they said, and enjoy the 100 degree temperature!

We left Bakersfield early in the morning to try to beat the heat. The motorhome has a decent air conditioning system, but it struggles when the ambient temp is over 90 degrees or so. Our destination was a quick overnight stop in Santa Nella, CA, about 185 miles away. We usually stop here because the trip from Bakersfield to Home is more than we like to do, going through major cities and such. 

So we set off across the Great Central Valley, amazed as always at the variety of crops grown here. We're on a quiet farm road, driving through Almond and Pecan orchards. Well kept, neat and clean, the nuts are approaching harvest season.

A bit farther along we saw hundreds of acres being prepared for another crop.

The road travels through several small farm towns before it settles down to a long straightaway heading west.

On I-5 north, we eventually arrived at our overnighter, the Santa Nella RV Park. 

This great little park is part of a mobile home complex that uses solar energy for it's primary source of energy. Most of the mobile homes are covered to one extent or another with overhead solar panels as "carports". Pretty cool. The rv sites are short but wide. They advertise a 40' maximum length, but by allowing us to park diagonally across two sites, we've always been able to "get in". Management has been very nice to us over the seven or so years we've been staying here. They usually but us into sites 47/48, on the end of the row, easy to exit in the morning. They were very busy this time, with a full house.

Wednesday morning, the 12th, we were lazy because we knew it was going to be a short driving day. And, of course, we really didn't want the trip to end! But, we had to do it, and will enjoy seeing family and friends again after our quarantine. We stopped for fuel just as we arrived into our home town because we don't overuse the electricity at our daughter's house where we will be spending the Fall. That means using diesel fuel for water heating, but under the circumstances the water comes out of the tap about body temp, so not much heating is required!

Our home for awhile:

We've enjoyed our abbreviated summer trip. It's been a different experience for us. Normally, we would set out traveling longer distances for a longer period, visit larger cities, and eat at scores of restaurants. Not so much this year! We began by going north into Oregon and Idaho, seeking some cooler weather. It was cold. Then we headed south seeking warmer weather. It was hot. So we're back where we started.

Our short time in eastern Oregon was good since we got a chance to revisit Crater Lake, a beautiful place to see. Then across central Idaho where we saw farmland and Rocky Mountains at the same time. One of the highlights of our time in the Flaming Gorge area was the geological loop through some of the most spectacular mountains we've ever seen. 

Our time with friends in Colorado was unforgettable, and we shall miss them. But we learned that the area on the West Slope, Grand Junction and environs, offers a lifetime of hiking, biking, fishing, and water activities. That was unexpected.

The formations in Southern Utah were, without a doubt, some of the most jaw-dropping sights of the trip. We went from wide spot to wide spot along the road, taking pictures, some of which we posted here.

Traveling across Hopi Reservation land in northern Arizona gave us an appreciation for the harsh life the people who live here have. They truly are scratching a living from the dirt.

Once into Flagstaff, AZ, our trip was pretty much just a drive home. Up to then almost all of our driving had been on two lane roads. Some of them US highways, and some state roads. In a couple of instances, we found ourselves on County roads for a short time. Considering the motorhomes' length and height, some of these roads were....interesting. We drove 3,011 miles in the motorhome, and put another 3,614 miles on the car other than towing. We spent just over $1,000 on fuel for the motorhome, some as cheap as $1.99 a gallon in Rexburg, Idaho, and as expensive as $4.15 per gallon in Needles, CA. We've been away from home 53 nights.

This year was not measured by many friends seen or huge numbers of restaurant meals, but by the quiet, off the beaten path we traveled. Of course, we had to visit a few tourist locations, but for the most part, we avoided people and public places. That made this trip unique, and special, in it's own way. While we will be "home" for a period of time, we are already planning our next trip. Who knows where or when that will be, but we're planning!

See you on the road!

Needles, CA to Bakersfield, CA 261 miles

 We're reaching the end of our 2020 summer excursion. It's bittersweet to be sure, but with the constant worry about COVID it just hasn't been as much fun traveling this year as in years past. As you've seen, many people have no interest in social distancing or mask wearing, so we've been constantly concerned. At our age and health level, getting the virus is absolutely the last thing we need!

Interstate 40 rises out of the Colorado River Valley leaving Needles behind. The first thing a driver encounters going west is a long grade that tops out after some 11 miles. By the time you've reached the top, in 95 degree heat, your vehicle will be running just a little bit warmer than normal!

I-40 ends in Barstow, CA, where we joined CA 58 as it begins its journey west. Near the top of Tehatchapi Grade, 4042 feet, the constant wind makes for some great wind energy production!

So, after a reasonable 5 1/2 hour drive, we pulled off the highway and checked into Orange Grove RV Park. We've stayed here a number of times over the years because it always seems convenient. The park is tucked into an old grove of orange trees, a lot of which are grown around here, and guests are encouraged to pick the fruit in Dec/Jan as it ripens.

This morning, Monday the 10th, we decided to explore the area. Just around the corner, literally within walking distance from the park, is the California Fruit Depot. This facility is one of many "packing houses" where oranges are cleaned, graded, and packed for retail sales. Their selection was limited due to (again) the virus, but we did manage to spend a couple of bucks on some tasty items for the road.

Just a little farther south, we wanted to visit the town of Weedpatch. This little town is in the middle of the Great Central Valley agricultural area of central California. Surrounded by fields and orchards, it was a destination for the "Okies" back in the '30's that were escaping the Dust Bowl. Back then, most of society was agrarian based, so the migrants were familiar with farming and hard work. Weedpatch had a migrant camp set up to be used until suitable permanent housing could be established, and still offers temporary housing to workers who follow the crops. We hoped to visit the site of the old camp, but it is fenced and isolated. John Steinbeck had a chapter or two about the Joad family in this area in his famous Grapes of Wrath.

We did take a photo of the largest building in town, the grocery store.

The Central Valley seems to stretch for miles. You can just barely make out the Coastal Range of mountains near the ocean as you look to the west.

Donna's family had a connection to this area from back in the day, and so we visited the town that a cousin or two lived in 90 years ago. 

As you can see, the largest west coast energy supplier, Pacific Gas and Electric, has a huge distribution campus just outside of town. Must be millions of volts or amps or whatever flowing through those wires!

The Mom of one of our son's playmates (a long time ago) grew up in Buttonwillow. Her family owned a grocery store and she spent many hours there. We only knew her for a short time, but decided to visit the store anyway. It wasn't hard to find in a town of 1,500!

If you didn't pay on your account at the store, the sheriff would visit. You might end up spending a bit of time here....

Back in Bakersfield, we found 21st Street in old town and one of the most famous five and dime stores of the 20th century.

This Woolworths Building, now converted to an antique mall, has the only remaining operating Woolworths Luncheonette in the world!

And they may still give Green Stamps!

Across the street is another reminder of a more simple time.

Just a block or so east on 21st, at the intersection of Q, we stopped for lunch at Nuestro Mexico. With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 1,000 reviews, how could we go wrong?

We didn't! This little restaurant is family owned and the chef is a lady who was a chef at a hotel restaurant in Mexico City. She and her family now operate Nuestro Mexico, serving dishes as she learned in Mexico. It was near 100 degrees as we sat in the socially distanced patio, so they had misters and fans placed strategically around the perimeter. What a great treat on a hot day!

We began a conversation with son Chris, and he guided us through the menu, as many of the names and descriptions didn't register with us. Now, understand, coming from Southern California and it's large Hispanic population, and loving Mexican food, we have probably eaten a thousand meals in any number of Mexican restaurants. This one is Top Five, without a doubt!

We started with an order of Pambazos. A pambazo is a dish made from pambazo bread, filled with potatoes and chorizo, dipped and fried in a red guajillo pepper sauce. The dish has been prepared this way specifically for years, using a special recipe for the bread. It was delicious, in spite of the apprehension that Donna felt!

The boys in the family make all the tables and chairs, and while we were enjoying the Pambazos, we checked out the craftsmanship. Very nice! Then our entrees arrived.

Donna ordered Mole Chicken Enchiladas and pronounced them outstanding! Notice that the utensils came prepackaged, which made it a bit difficult to cut the enchiladas, but the safety was understandable.

Which made the presentation of my Chili Encuarado unique. I had a real spoon!

This dish is a poblano chili stuffed with cheese and served over a creamy white sauce, with white rice along side. Beans, tortillas, and shrimp made this one of the most scrumptious Mexican dishes I have ever eaten! Overall, a soft taste because of the cheese and sauce, but with a slight hint of chili as an aftertaste. Perfect! Tell Mama it's a winner!

We've just about run out of time in Bakersfield this visit, so off we go tomorrow toward home. Stay tuned for the trip wrap-up!

Williams, Arizona to Needles, California 179 miles

 And 111 degrees F!

Knowing that we had an easy day of driving on Interstate 40, we left Williams at about 10 am. On the freeway in a flash, heading west. The highlight of the days journey was an hour stop for lunch at a rest stop near Yucca, AZ. Near Yucca and the Chrysler Arizona Proving Grounds, this rest stop has been newly expanded and can now accommodate dozens of trucks and scores of cars. Short overnight stays are apparently allowed at rest stops in Arizona. We wanted to get a photo of the Proving Grounds, but of course that was impossible. Only a glimpse of the oval track, the slaloms and chicanes are visible if you hold your mouth right. Doggone it, I wanted to get a look at a 2023 pickup!

We stopped for fuel at a Pilot station at exit 9 off the Interstate in Lake Havasu City. Lake Havasu is miles away, but that's the address they listed! There's also a Loves Truck stop and an independent station at this exit. I expected the station to be very busy as it's the nearest to the California border. We got fuel for 2.39 a gallon and saw that as soon as we crossed the Colorado into California the price jumped to 4.19 a gallon!

Speaking of California, it was kinda nice to be back in the state after a two month trip!

We rolled into Desert View RV Resort just after 2 in the afternoon. This park is pretty empty this time of the summer but is probably very, very busy in the winter months! We had been promised a site that was very easy to get into and out of, but we were escorted to a site that, while long enough, is a bit narrow. Nicely landscaped, however, with Oleanders and trees on either side. It was 108 when we arrived, so setup was minimal....electricity first for the a/c of course!

When cooler temps arrived late in the evening, we ventured out for a walk around the park. I can see why this is a popular place. Looking off to the west from behind our motorhome was breathtaking.

This morning, Saturday the 8th, we decided to explore beautiful, downtown Needles. Blink.

Needles was on the fringes of the Borax mining industry back in the 19th century, and welcomes visitors to town with a wagon originally used to haul Borax out of the desert. Remember "Twenty Mule Team?".

Route 66 rolls right through the middle of town, as it did in Williams when we were there, and the city makes the most of it. Markers painted on the road verify it's origins and signs everywhere proclaim the origins of the city in 1883 during the construction of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It's name was taken from the Needles, a group of painted mountain peaks at the south end of the Mohave Valley, a subsection of the Mojave Desert. The town was originally a tent town for construction crews but grew to have a hotel, laundry, shops and general stores. And of course, 10 saloons. Needles quickly became the largest "port" on the Colorado River north of Yuma and the Fred Harvey Company built the El Garces Hotel and Santa Fe station in 1908. It has been restored, but was considered the "crown jewel" of the entire Fred Harvey chain of railroad hotels.

Needles was a major stop on the historic Route 66 from the 1920's to the 1960's. Immigrants from the Midwest saw it as the first town that marked their arrival in the "Land of Milk and Honey", California. Broadway Avenue is lined with motels and shops from that era, mostly abandoned today. In fact, the largest takeaway for us of the town of Needles is the huge number of boarded up and abandoned gas stations. Dozens of them. I suspect that if it weren't for the water sports on the adjacent Colorado River, the town would be gone in a generation. We saw a sign for, but missed, "Carty's Camp." In the famous Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family enters California and has a brief experience at this ghost tourist court. 

West of town, on the original Route 66 before it joins Interstate 40, we discovered tributes to our country and Armed Forces. Several of these monuments have been created to honor Wounded Warriors, all branches of the Military, and several local heroes who gave their lives for our country. Scattered along the edges of the highway, in an out of the way corner of the world, someone has quietly shared their patriotism.

It's just over 114 deg F as I write this. We took a drive to Bullhead City after looking at downtown Needles, just to stay in a cool car! All three a/c units on the motorhome roof are operating at warp speed. It's comfortable in here, but we'll be anxious to get to our next stop....Bakersfield, CA, where it's expected to only reach 103 F! But it's a dry heat.....really.

Monument Valley, Utah to Williams, Arizona 208 miles

US Highways 160 and 163 combined to get us to US 89 on Wednesday. Both are two lane roads through the Navajo Nation, with not a lot to look at except some random rock formations.

Periodically we spied a house or two, widely scattered throughout this harsh landscape. We marveled at people living so far off the grid that they need to haul water in tanks placed in the back of trucks. The trucks apparently fail regularly because most houses have a large variety of vehicles parked rather haphazardly around. I should say that I don't know if the cars and trucks are operable or not, but in any case they comprise a substantial collection around what is generally a small, compact dwelling.

After passing through Tonalea and Tuba City, we joined US 89 and started south toward Flagstaff. Intersecting Interstate 40, we headed west to the town of Williams. Built around the Grand Canyon tourist industry, Williams is a small town with big hopes. Located on the Mother Road, Route 66, there's a lot of nostalgic business downtown. We drove through just to check the town out, and yes, it still looks the same as years ago!

We blew into Railside RV at about 3 in the afternoon and settled into site 69. The sites in this park are very close together; we can see what the neighbors are grilling for dinner. The wind apparently is nonstop this time of year and is gusting at about 30 mph.

We decided to stay two nights here so we could go into Flagstaff for some much needed supplies. We had to stop for a cup of coffee on the way home at Macy's European Coffee House Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurante. We were introduced to Macy's in the '90's by our daughter who was doing some work at nearby Northern Arizona University. This hangout is near the campus, so...... The coffee is still just as great as it was 25 years ago, even though we ordered from a window, masks required, and couldn't enjoy the eclectic indoor atmosphere of mismatched furniture and the hubbub of college kids.

As I write this, on Thursday afternoon, the wind is still blowing a gale and we have been unable to spend any time outdoors, even though the temps are only in the 80's. We're outta here tomorrow and should be in California by nightfall. Wish us luck!

Last Day in Monument Valley

Our last day in Monument Valley. The temp was only 107 F today. We elected to take a drive around the edges of the Valley, and so headed south on US 163 this morning. The road wanders through several more sandstone formations, but we noticed that they are getting farther apart.

Twenty odd miles south we came entered the town of Kayenta. This town is so large that it has a McDonalds! Not large enough to have a Starbucks, but it is the organizational center of the Navajo Nation. Educational facilities are located here, everything from boarding schools to Vocational Centers.

We turned east on US 160 and soon came to Baby Rocks. This formation is an outlier, being located far from Monument Valley, but is very interesting nevertheless.

We eventually turned north on US 191, our old friend from several days ago and found ourselves near the town of Bluff, Utah. It's easy to see where the name originated.

We ate our picnic lunch under a big tree on the grounds of the closed elementary school in town with this to look at as we ate.

The Twin Rocks Trading Post and  Cafe are tucked into an awesome setting, but we wondered if rocks periodically fell from the bluffs!

There is an upscale development just to the north of Bluff, with hotel and tourist activities available. It is a new area, with rafting, restaurants, and common rooms available. Most of the facility is closed now, but it is located in a beautiful spot! This is the backside of the property, but one of the nicest views.

We continued south on US 163, back to our motorhome after a 156 mile day trip.

But we had to stop for one more look at the colors and formations of Southeast Utah!

We've thoroughly enjoyed Monument Valley and encourage a visit if you can swing it. It's a locale unlike any other!

Tomorrow we're off to Arizona and hopefully some cooler temps (that doesn't sound right, does it?) We're starting our return to California, and expect to be home in about a week.