DAY 8
We had a good night at the Twin Lakes Resort, it was quite and cool, and now we were ready to pack up our rig and get rolling. Sharon and I were sitting outside on a picnic table watching some geese on the pond when Sharon pointed out a lady in a RV spot abut fifty yards away. She too was sitting on a picnic table watching the geese, but she was talking to herself and rocking back and forth, which is unusual even for RV’rs. We watched her for a while, wondering what her life was like.
This was all interesting enough, but we had to get ready to go. Sharon went in to clean up the inside of the trailer while I started to raise the rear struts and disconnect the utilities on the outside. When I was finished I sat back down on the picnic table for a moment. Before long, I heard a banging noise coming from the direction of the detached lady. I glanced over and saw that she was trying to close the door of an old pickup truck. She would slam the door and it would spring back open. She would mutter some choice words and then slam the door again. After about five tries, she just jumped up into the truck and sat there, muttering to herself. She cursed at the truck and then yelled “Come on Bill” to someone inside a nearby mobile home. Before long a couple came out of a mobile home, talked to her for a few minutes and then hopped into a red Toyota and drove off. After a few more swearing tirades aimed at Bill, I formed a scenario of what her situation might be like;
“Come on Bill; get your lazy butt out here”. What a mess this all turned out to be. Stuck out here in the middle of nowhere; sweating out the 120 degree days here in this dump of a ten foot trailer, with absolutely no one around and nothing to do. This sure wasn’t in my plans. When we got married, I thought I was in love. Bill had swept me off my feet. We left that dump of a town I had lived in all my life and headed to Vegas to get married, entirely against my mother’s wishes, but I never listened to her anyway.
Vegas was great for us. Bill got a job as a janitor in the Lady Luck Casino and I waited tables. Life was good until Bill started to gambling. It wasn’t much at first, but before long he was betting his entire paycheck, and loosing. We pawned our car and whatever other belongings we had. Then Bill broke his leg. He couldn’t work and I had to take care of him. I lost my job and we had to move in with Bill’s brother Gray here in Twin Lakes. Actually we moved into an old trailer Gray had on his property. A dump of a ten foot trailer out in the middle of the Mohave Desert; no air conditioning, up on blocks, and just a step above a pig sty. And Bill’s no help. “What do you expect me to do; can’t you see I’ve got a broken leg?” he would cry. Not that it mattered; he had never helped out around the house anyway.
“Bill, get out here, I want to get out of this dump!” she yelled. Gray and his wife were nice enough, but during the day they’re off to work; and with them gone there’s nothing to do around this place; day or night. Crap, if I had half a brain I would go over and hook up with that old man over there and hitch a ride to Vegas. “Bill, where in the hell are you” she yelled as she jumped out of the truck, slamming the truck door which just bounced back open again. She stomped over to the mobile home cursing at Bill all the way. Finally Bill showed himself at the door. “Stop your bitching I can hear ya” he yelled at her, “ He hobbled down the stairs on his crutches and they argued for a while. Then they both went into the mobile home, yelling at each other all the way.
This was all too weird for me. I walked around to the door of our 5th wheel and told Sharon that I loved her. Then we packed up the dogs, got into the truck, and started off for our next destination; Needles, CA.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
DAY 7
We left Yosemite today. The early morning weather was cold and we had to cancel our route east over the Tioga Pass road because of icy conditions; so, it was back down the 6-7% grade hill we had come up a few days ago. Fortunately there was road work in progress and we had to follow a lead car more than half way down the hill. That gave me an excuse for only going fifteen mph.
Once down on the flat, we followed Hwy 99 the rest of the way into Bakersfield, CA. At first there were small back roads going through the farmlands of CA, a good change from the sterile I-5 route. Later on we were on a good freeway, but still more rural than I-5. Our destination for the night was to be Twin Lakes RV, about twenty miles outside of Barstow. We arrived in Barstow, got a partial fill up of diesel with the intent of topping it off when we got to Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes was interesting. Turns out that the twin lakes were two ponds two feet deep and of about one acre each, scrapped out of the desert floor. Other than the campground, there was nothing. This was in the middle of the desert. Not a desert like the Sonora desert of AZ, but the Mohave Desert, where the summer temperatures are 120 plus, and absolutely nothing grows.
We found our spot and set up camp for the night. As I was returning from the office where I settled up our camping fees, I noticed a rut scraped in the dirt road, as if someone had been dragging a heavy stick. I followed it right into one of the trailer spots. A 5th wheel trailer had just come in with a blown out tire. They were just at the front gate when the tire blew so they just continued to drive on the tire, which was now just the rim. I talked with them for a while to see if they need any help, but they said they had it under control, which was no control at all. It turns out that the previous day they had had a blowout. The garage where they had it repaired told them that all the tires were several years old and should be replaced. RV trailers deteriorate within five to seven years to the point where they may not be safe.
To be on the save side they replaced all four tires. On their trip today, they had blown out three of the new tires, and now this one was the fourth. They had no more spares and were waiting for a service truck to bring them some new tires. The garage that just sold them the four new tires must have sold them automobile tires. I guess that the old desert service station false repair tactics are still alive and well.
We left Yosemite today. The early morning weather was cold and we had to cancel our route east over the Tioga Pass road because of icy conditions; so, it was back down the 6-7% grade hill we had come up a few days ago. Fortunately there was road work in progress and we had to follow a lead car more than half way down the hill. That gave me an excuse for only going fifteen mph.
Once down on the flat, we followed Hwy 99 the rest of the way into Bakersfield, CA. At first there were small back roads going through the farmlands of CA, a good change from the sterile I-5 route. Later on we were on a good freeway, but still more rural than I-5. Our destination for the night was to be Twin Lakes RV, about twenty miles outside of Barstow. We arrived in Barstow, got a partial fill up of diesel with the intent of topping it off when we got to Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes was interesting. Turns out that the twin lakes were two ponds two feet deep and of about one acre each, scrapped out of the desert floor. Other than the campground, there was nothing. This was in the middle of the desert. Not a desert like the Sonora desert of AZ, but the Mohave Desert, where the summer temperatures are 120 plus, and absolutely nothing grows.
We found our spot and set up camp for the night. As I was returning from the office where I settled up our camping fees, I noticed a rut scraped in the dirt road, as if someone had been dragging a heavy stick. I followed it right into one of the trailer spots. A 5th wheel trailer had just come in with a blown out tire. They were just at the front gate when the tire blew so they just continued to drive on the tire, which was now just the rim. I talked with them for a while to see if they need any help, but they said they had it under control, which was no control at all. It turns out that the previous day they had had a blowout. The garage where they had it repaired told them that all the tires were several years old and should be replaced. RV trailers deteriorate within five to seven years to the point where they may not be safe.
To be on the save side they replaced all four tires. On their trip today, they had blown out three of the new tires, and now this one was the fourth. They had no more spares and were waiting for a service truck to bring them some new tires. The garage that just sold them the four new tires must have sold them automobile tires. I guess that the old desert service station false repair tactics are still alive and well.
Friday, December 11, 2009
DAY 6
The sky was bright and sunny today giving us a most pleasant drive to Yosemite Park this morning. Along the road we passed many motorists who had pulled off to the roadside to take pictures of the colorful autumn leaves. The mornings were getting nippy and in another week or two the leaves will all be in their full glory of color.
Today we plan on visiting some of the places in the park which were shrouded in clouds yesterday. I also want to visit the giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove which is about thirty miles from Yosemite Valley.
On the way to Mariposa Grove we pass by the cutoff to Glacier Point, a popular destination which gives great views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Yosemite high country. The road was undergoing some renovation and would not be opened for another hour. If we continue on to Mariposa by the time we finish, we can return to Glacier Point and the road should be open.
We drove on through the small town of Mariposa to the entrance of Mariposa Grove. As usual our luck prevailed and the parking lot was closed for maintenance. They had a bus service which would take you on into the grove, but it was just leaving as we arrived and there would not be another one leaving for an hour. Swallowing our pride, we returned to Glacier Point in hopes that the road would be open by the time we got there.
The road was open and when we arrived at the lookout point, there were only a few people there. Quite a change from the hundreds of visitors you would expect on a sunny summer day. The view panorama delivered everything the brochures said it would. The entire Yosemite Valley was laid at your feet. Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls: because of the heavy rains last week all the falls had an ample amount of water flowing over them. We lay back on the warm rocks and let the sun lull us into a deeper appreciation of the deep spiritual beauties of the area.
Leaving Glacier Point we returned to Yosemite Valley and visited the Valley Visitor Center and the Ansel Adams Gallery. Ansel Adams had always been one of my favorite photographers; such detail, lighting and content. I fancy that my photographs are a lot like his.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
DAY 5
Our first day in Yosemite National Park was a bit cloudy and drizzly. This, however, did not dampen our spirits. We awoke early and by 10:30 am we were on our way. The RV campground was about twenty-five miles from the park but the road was filled with all kinds of scenic views. Because fall was approaching, there were many scenes of fall colors. As we approached the park practically every turn of the road presented us with a new vista of the canyon.
Our first day in Yosemite National Park was a bit cloudy and drizzly. This, however, did not dampen our spirits. We awoke early and by 10:30 am we were on our way. The RV campground was about twenty-five miles from the park but the road was filled with all kinds of scenic views. Because fall was approaching, there were many scenes of fall colors. As we approached the park practically every turn of the road presented us with a new vista of the canyon.
Once at the park my Golden Age Passport allowed us to bypass the $20 fee for a seven day pass; one of the (few) benefits of old age. As we drove up the winding road the colors started to change from greens to yellows, browns, oranges and gold. The valley which had been formed by glacial action those many years ago, presented us with a great variety of the wonders of nature. Our first stop was at Bridalveil Falls. A short hike up the trail and we were at the base of the falls. The wind was swirling about the cliff and blowing the falling water in a delicate free-fall. Because of the lateness of the season we were spared the pressing throngs of tourists. We did meet an older couple shuffling their way to the falls. Twenty-three years ago they had climbed their way to the falls and it was still just as beautiful.
As the day progressed the clouds and rain increased. Now the peaks were shrouded in a cloak of clouds and mist, which gave them an aura of mystery. No matter what the weather, so long as you can see, the valley presents itself in an ever changing canvas of beauty.
For a complete selection of tastefully selected photographs visit https://www.photoshop.com/user/travlinmangallery and select the Yosemite album.
DEC 10, '09
Hello again-
Well, much to the glee of most of you, we did make it home to our beloved MountainBrook. The slight delay in my postings (two months) was due to several factors which I won’t go into here. However I will mention a few. Firstly, when I set up my computer at home, it managed to get some kind of a virus; It would hang up, switch off, etc. etc. etc.. I called a “computer expert” which was advertised in our local MBV news to try and resolve my problem. She came over bubbling with enthusiasm and praise of herself, ready to tackle any kind of problem my computer could throw at her. After half–an-hour of checking out the system she suggested I buy a new computer. No virus software, no analysis disks, only computer prattle, sympathy and “That will be $50 please”!
After I escorted her out the door I called my brother, who does know a thing or two about computers. He recommended some anti-virus, system cleaners, and other programs aimed at cleaning up my computer. I installed what I could and tried to repair the damages. I succeeded to some extent, but I just couldn’t restore it to its pervious pristine condition. Now it was a good computer, but an old computer, I had upgraded it over the past several years, but perhaps it was time to get a new one. I have hauled this thing, (desktop computer) back and forth from AZ to WA at least five times.
It was now time to get a new laptop.
So here I am, with a brand new Toshiba Satellite, Intel Core 2 Dup T6600, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 500 GB HDD computer. It came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system. Now while this has been my salvation, it has also been my demise. Not all of my previous software would work on the new W9ndows 7. I managed to get some of the software to work, others I had to replace, and others I just had to do without. One of the new software programs was a photo editor, Adobe Photoshop Elements 8. They said it had a steep learning curve, but it was an excellent program. With me, the learning curve was “flat line”.
Now, after just a scant four weeks, I finally am able to put together a small collection of photos. Since I like to include a photo or two along with my travel blog, I am now ready to continue the exciting adventures of Gary, Sharon, The Pip and Jasper.
Hello again-
Well, much to the glee of most of you, we did make it home to our beloved MountainBrook. The slight delay in my postings (two months) was due to several factors which I won’t go into here. However I will mention a few. Firstly, when I set up my computer at home, it managed to get some kind of a virus; It would hang up, switch off, etc. etc. etc.. I called a “computer expert” which was advertised in our local MBV news to try and resolve my problem. She came over bubbling with enthusiasm and praise of herself, ready to tackle any kind of problem my computer could throw at her. After half–an-hour of checking out the system she suggested I buy a new computer. No virus software, no analysis disks, only computer prattle, sympathy and “That will be $50 please”!
After I escorted her out the door I called my brother, who does know a thing or two about computers. He recommended some anti-virus, system cleaners, and other programs aimed at cleaning up my computer. I installed what I could and tried to repair the damages. I succeeded to some extent, but I just couldn’t restore it to its pervious pristine condition. Now it was a good computer, but an old computer, I had upgraded it over the past several years, but perhaps it was time to get a new one. I have hauled this thing, (desktop computer) back and forth from AZ to WA at least five times.
It was now time to get a new laptop.
So here I am, with a brand new Toshiba Satellite, Intel Core 2 Dup T6600, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 500 GB HDD computer. It came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system. Now while this has been my salvation, it has also been my demise. Not all of my previous software would work on the new W9ndows 7. I managed to get some of the software to work, others I had to replace, and others I just had to do without. One of the new software programs was a photo editor, Adobe Photoshop Elements 8. They said it had a steep learning curve, but it was an excellent program. With me, the learning curve was “flat line”.
Now, after just a scant four weeks, I finally am able to put together a small collection of photos. Since I like to include a photo or two along with my travel blog, I am now ready to continue the exciting adventures of Gary, Sharon, The Pip and Jasper.
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