Local Travel Can Be Fun Too

Another Journey Begins

We no longer have our Canned Comfort #3. Due to health issues we traded our wonderful Airstream for a mini-motor home. A 2018 Leisure Travel Van Unity FX. No more hitching and no more iconic, warm, and cozy rolling home!

Now we have BoujiBaby! She is a new adventure, easier to get going in. No more heavy hitching and I can drive her. She takes a bit of getting used to. She is not shiny and not round but we are learning to love her too. We keep waving to other Airstreamers forgetting we are no longer silver and bright. More stealth. Our doggies are also trying to find their comfort spots.

Our first overnight was in Caliente, Nevada. A lovely little campground called Linda’s Campground. It is just behind the BLM office! Clean, quiet, friendly and great walking trails easily available.

The little town of Caliente is friendly, cute and bustling. It’s looks like there is a lot of area for ATVers and camping in the hills around the town. It has a great railroad history and the community is refurbishing the original railroad stop. Great place for a gentler place during the shoulder seasons and for us its only a couple of hours away.

Settling in for the night was a bit different. Our usual assignments, me inside Brent outside was weird. Our Phantom, tow vehicle was no where to be found! We were already in it! We have a slide out, a 16 gal propane generator, 2000 watt inverter, 400 watts of solar and a two burner propane stove, microwave and convection oven! Our CC#3 had 30-50 amp electrical for AC, two large propane tanks, 200 watts of solar and a 1000 watt inverter. Of course both rigs had fresh water, grey water and black water tanks. So kinda funny not to have my little steps, separate vehicles and different bathrooms.

I will have a sharp learning curve if I want to use the convection oven. Anyway the night was uneventful, comfortable, a little less space and storage. The doggies were confused and we are trying different ways to keep them safe and comfy while we drive.

I still miss my wonderful Airstream but will try and make BoujiBaby, BB for short, ours. Life is always full of surprises. Going to make this our special rolling home. Hope to see you on the road!

Really! A New Way to Travel!

Yes really. We have upgraded our 2 year old CC3 (Canned Comfort #3) and now wonder if we were right in doing so. We then thought of trading her in for a Class C. The prices nearly put us in shock. So, we will now re-think the why of our travels so far, future travels and the how of it.

We started traveling in our first Airstream 14 years ago. We had never gone tent camping unless it was with the military. We had never camped in a trailer or a Class A, B or C. Why did we decide to get a little trailer? It is my hubby’s fault.

He was on temporary duty in central California and thought trailer camping would be a fun way to travel. We had a puppy and did not like hotel/motels set-ups for animals. We did look at 10 other makes of trailers and price points and I said NO! I would sneeze, get headaches and get nauseated from the off-gassing of the materials used in new rigs. I also wasn’t really wanting to “trailer camp”. His last attempt was showing me an Airstream. It was compact, well thought out small space. The low weight and no sneezing or headaches etc. Sold me. We bought it. The light weight could be easily towed by our Sport-Trak.

Big questions: Where do we stay? What is our reason for travel? We han’t thought that far. No, really? I had no experience in leisure travel. Business travel, military travel and going to see family — That is what I knew. Fun and free time intervals was not even a consideration.

After watching too many YouTube couples happily rolling along I felt like I was missing something. Our travels were not at all like the “wonder” people. So, forget the hype and really look at what you want out of your travels. Are you working on the road, traveling with small or teen children or are you retired and wanting to explore? All are great and different ways to enjoy your time. That is step one. Know what you want to achiee through your travels and your rig.

Now it is a conundrum. We are now retired. We have to learn we are not tied to a calendar and need of our talents but by what we want to do with our time. Problem? Yep, after 40 years of punching a clock it is a steep learning curve.

I had ideas I wanted to travel, learn new foods, have some freedom of movement – It is overwhelming. So what do you do? Learn to laugh a lot. Really. It has taken a long time of reading many books, articles, blogs and watching YouTube. This would give me more ideas that energized me and made me more clear on how and where we traveled.

The clairty of where you want to go how to go and what you wish to accomplish is so freeing. This clarity is letting the sunshine in. Yes, even on a stormy day, learning, working through challenges and just laughing are the keys to a successful journey.

Also realize that this will change with time and experience. I know I had no real idea of what could be accomplished, what we really needed and how to travel with our dogs. My growth and enjoyment in this way of traveling and possibly living is still changing. There have also been many Ah Ha moments. More truthfully “Duh” moments.

The Biggest things I have learned: 1-No rig is perfect, not one; 2-expect challenges; 3- Everything changes; 4- remember you are supposed to be enjoying the ride so laugh a lot and “let it go”. Happy travels. C45161F2-E658-4DF0-86B2-F2FB69E46900

We Have Passed Into Spring

Looking out the window at the ranch looks like spring. I speak with my friends across the nation and find snow, cold, windy and tornado weather. Hmmm I think I like it where I am. I look at the Facebook pages of various groups and all are readying their rigs for travel. Then I get to thinking of places I want to see and experience. Spring fever is here not just quite spring weather though.

I have almost finished my first attempt at writing a book for fellow travelers. I also realize that what’s in my head is very difficult to translate to paper. Luckily I have found friends who are writers that are teaching me how to write and re-write without fear.

What does all this have to do with my Airstream? She sits patiently waiting for another trip. CC3 has survived snow storms, gale force winds, rain and rutted country roads. She deserves a rest and TLC. I think of all the little things that make her our little home. She is a beauty in our eyes and we love her.

The Airstream blogs/groups share creative ideas and DYI talent. Little steps is a great way to start. Thinking the kitchen storage area needs help. I am not sure what to do. I know that online shopping is dangerous. Too many options. I have done a little decorating before but a bit overwhelmed. My youngest grand-daughter (9yrs of age) is always wanting to stay in the Airstream when we visit.

COVID-19 has given us a gift of time. Time to be with our friends and families in new ways. Time to see what we really want. Time to see what is important to our life. Taking a big breath of air and seeing what we have and what we need to make life more meaningful. But it sure is a challenge not to take off in our rig just to get out of our Shelter in Place rules. I want to stay healthy and want others to be healthy. Darn, well dreams, plans and enjoying today sure keep me busy. What about your days and dreams of getting on the road again, meeting new people and learning new things?

Well, we did go travel from ranch to home and found a beautiful change of scenary on the way. It was strange to drive highways with rare vehicles other than semi-trucks delivering things we need. We rested for awhile then had a request for help on the ranch. Off we went to the ranch.

The fun weather changes on the upper plains!

It was a learning ride from home to ranch. Every trip on the same highway is a different view. It was a quiet road and fresh views. The semi trailers were fast and zooming past but not problems. We stopped 30 miles north of our regular Hwy 70 turn off and visited a KOA we had stayed at before.

Our last stay was during winter. Quiet and few people with a beautiful view of the snow capped mountains out the window. This time the same mountain with no snow, a packed campground, lots of families and ATVs. It was quiet. The shelter in place seems to have exploded family travel in trailers. Hmmm not the quiet beauty as last time but still comfortable.

Leaving the Fillmore KOA gave us a beautiful ride around a big chunk of Hwy 70. The wide open spaces with ranches, livestock grazing on spring grass, lambs are so cute and all the babies are adorable. This is what makes travel so great. It is the journey that makes your travel so wonderful. Keep traveling and enjoying the newness of the old.

And So It Goes. . . .

The current situation in our world is something to ponder. It will bring out the best or worst in mankind. Luckily the majority of what I am seeing and experiencing is the best. As the year for me started badly. Today I see that that social distancing and less work, travel and increased fear.

As I look around where I have been in our little rolling home, where I would love to be and adventures that may come, I am lucky. I have my health, loving family and my freedom.

I love this chance to look to the future, learn from the past and enjoy the moment.

This is a picture that belies many things. Is it light in the storm? A warning of a storm? The quiet time before the spring brings new life, more activities in your life, and the rush to keep all going well?

As I review Airstream blogs of what people are doing to prep for new adventures I start dreaming. The message appears to show how to take a positive advantage of time. Cleaning is not really addressed but great ideas of decorating, brightening and updating Airstreams are.

Take advantage of the good we can accomplish today, prep for tomorrow and hope springs eternal.

We Have So Much!

We are all Shelter in Place and feeling a bit of the road calling. I am like many of you and have to store our rig away from our home. It still doesn’t stop us from thinking about the travels ahead. Reading the blogs online showing how creative so many people are. It can be a place we can to to visit and do some preparations for the roads we shall travel. Watch the blogs and see what you can learn that may enhance your travels.

I am not blessed with the brilliance. I see in the creative posts of other travelers. It puts a smile on my face to see the colors, modifications and creative use of the inside of the Airstream.

Now I have time to complete my first small travel book for the roads less talked about. I am newly living in Southern Nevada and thought there was not a lot to do or see here but the Vegas strip. I was so wrong.

The Death Valley National Park is very large and and spans many landscapes. We all hear about the lower part of the park but that is just the beginning. As an example, Pahrump is a small jewel siting near one of the entrances to Death Valley. There are also very nice RV parks in the area, one fairly new. Wineries in the area too.

Let’s look at the places we can see when this is over and people we can meet. Safe travels and good adventures.

Our Baby is Home

Finally we have our 26 footer and a beautiful tow vehicle! We had planned our first trip would be for our Thanksgiving celebration but instead it was in Davenport California Costanoa. Why? Because we were renovating our home for sale! But what a wonderful gift.

We needed to go back and forth from Davenport to our home everyday for clearing and cleaning and packing our stuff. It was at least 60 miles round trip each day. It sounds like a very long trek. It was and it wasn’t.

I have lived almost all my life near the ocean and Monterey Bay in particular. I had never really looked at the ocean or enjoyed its various changes throughout the day. But the drive each way at various times from early morning to late evening was a magnificent gift.

Our new baby made the stress and physical strain bearable. We had to clean her up but that was a work of joy. I used non-chemical cleansers that had little or no scent. She shined and sighed and even smiled. H2O home is what I have used on all our Airstreams and home. Airstreams are “green” so I have kept her clean the same way. Her linens, dishes and our clothes are also cleaned with H2O products. For traveling it is easy and economical and safe for us and our doggy.

We put our cooking utensils, clothing and food in our “tiny” home and were quite comfortable. We could sleep listening to the ocean waves and feel at home. We had beautiful views as we drove back and forth. Clean ocean air as we walked in the evening and early morning and have coffee looking out at the morning sky. It is a wow.

We lived in our tiny home working on our big home for over a week. In that time we really learned about what real needs were and letting go of stuff. It was an eye opener. I donated so many clothes I no longer wore, furniture we really did not like or need and helped a new SJPD officer fill his apartment with pots and pans, dishes, and a TV stand. We felt so blessed that what we did not need or want could help someone else.

I got to start cooking after a long recovery from an accident and the tiny kitchen was fantastic. The sights of the early morning fog, wave action and fishing boats were like tiny miracles I never really saw in my lifetime of living near it. We were also able to buy fresh caught fish that was so very tasty and healthy! What fun to live like a tourist in our own back yard.

A really great part was on our very last morning at Costanoa KOA we happened on the new owners of our very first Airstream! We couldn’t believe it and we all hugged and cried. They live nearby also and happened on an overnight fun trip just to relax. They have traveled often and “Cynthia” as she is named is loving it. We also found out they love utilizing Harvest Host through out Central California, Washington and Oregon. They have found many wineries and farms that allowed them to stay over night at no cost. It is a great organization and we are going to use it ourselves. Wonderful things happen on our journeys and we are so thankful to be able to travel comfortably and meet so many new friends.

Next going to Las Vegas to remodel another home and then travel for the Thanksgiving vacation to Colorado! We are such lucky ducks.

Starting over! A new adventure a new path!

Almost a year ago we sold our very first Airstream. She was a 20 ft Flying Cloud and a sweet home on wheels for our 2 miniature Australian Shepherds, me and my hubby. We do plan to get another gem and then see all the 49 landed states (Hawaii to far for a swim!). We now realize we feel so stranded as we only have vehicles, one doggie and have to use hotels!

This will be the beginning of our new movements, cooking, cleaning and enjoying our new world! We are leaving California, my family roots go back to a Spanish sea captain and a native California indian woman whose marriage was noted in the Mission San Diego registry (1759). I love the central coast climate, the sound of the ocean but now so does everyone else! Its time to see the rest of this great nation too.

I love the green-ness, clean lines, efficiency of the Flying Cloud we are planning on getting in the fall of this year. I am thinking of how I want to keep her clean, stay “green”, keep our foot print light and cook up a storm as we travel about. Before I wrote about our travels as new owners and very small geography covered. We were working and had family responsibilities that limited time and miles traveled. We are now retired and free to stretch our horizons leisurely, no military orders or other career restraints.

I am reviewing our re-start with a new gleam in my eyes and eagerness to photograph our best thoughts on keeping our forever Airstream as pristine as our first one. Just this time we will have more room and one less doggie. We lost our first doggie 6 weeks ago now his sister will be at the helm. The Airstream is made for our little family and really is a dream come true.

I look forward to sharing thoughts about our little travels for the next few months in an SUV and our preparations for our new gal. Travel up to Six Sigma Winery and Ranch if you are near Lake County California and stay overnight at no cost! Its beautiful and the wines are even better.

Happy travels and happy tummy!

Looking for THE spot . . .

Its August and its hot! My husband is assigned to a military post in central California and needs medical treatment in Santa Maria. What a great reason to take a trip in our silver escape vehicle. Finding a place to stay is the question. We are 6-7 hours north of Santa Maria so we need at least an overnight midway. It is going to be hot and this is our first trip in the summertime with our coach. We are also taking our doggies – one little and one grumpy.

We look at military family camps (RV and tent facilities for military families) in the area and decide to try Camp Roberts! We also make reservations at Morro Bay Dunes for the convalescent period. Morro Bay Dunes is very close to the beach and it is close to town. We are set. As this is our first year traveling with our silver coach we pack like crazy nuts. Newbies never really know what to take or leave and we took it all. Always a learning experience. Remember it is also an adventure and as my spouse says “it’s the best marriage counseling there is”.

Camp Roberts is not going to make my “places to go ” list. The facility is mostly abandoned, dry, hot and poorly maintained. I can’t believe they still train personnel here. It was built to train troops during World War II and many hollywood celebrities were introduced to the military here. Its layout was a traditional Army Garrison set. One of the original chapels still stands and there is a beautiful organ still in place. It is falling apart and not cared for. The whole camp looks so sad and yet if it could talk I bet there would be lots of great stories. It is said that when soldiers were remodeling a few of the old barracks for new use they found newspapers and letters that were stuffed in the walls for insulation. What great insight into the daily lives of the 1940’s trainees. They also say ghosts are all around and sometimes can be seen and heard during the still warm nights! It’s just sad to see it falling apart and that a piece of our history is just crumbling away. It is actually a California National Guard training facility. It also has eagles flying above and around the creeks, giant oak trees, snakes, dry grasses, abandoned, falling down buildings and a glimpse at what it was almost a hundred years ago! So sad. We won’t stay there again as the facilities are very rough and the road to the camp is poorly maintained and very bumpy. It was a safe place to rest overnight.

Our next morning was bright and beautiful. Skies bright blue and the air still – it was going to be a very hot day. We are on our way to Morro Bay. We had stayed here before and were overwhelmed with lots of very noisy neighbors and felt cramped but our last outing here was an experience in over planning and an aggressive schedule.

This time we were able to get a great spot G-5 in the back of a cul-de-sac right next to the gate out to the beach! Wow we were so happy.

It was an easy drive from Camp Roberts to Morro Bay Dunes and the scenery went from an old California golden dry to the California coast. We are so lucky to live in an area where we are so close to everything so beautiful. The trick is to be able to find a time to enjoy it without a lot of people.

The set-up, as always, was easy, our doggies were happy to sit in the shade and they love running on the beach. We just relax and enjoy. The sound of the ocean waves is fantastic. The next morning we had to be in Santa Maria by zero dark thirty!

Brent convalesced well. Ocean waves crashing, sun, coastal winds and quiet. The doggies, well, Gunny the older one was so good and well-behaved. His little sister was the barky dog who still has not finished her training. She WILL learn. Good thing she is cute.

While in Morro Bay we met two great Airstreamers! Will and Jeff, they travel to California every year, specifically Morro Bay and work while here. One is a photographer the other an architect! We really enjoyed visiting with them. They gave us the name of a mobile home park in Cayucus California off Hwy 1 that has spaces for RV’s too. So we decided to travel home via Hwy 1 instead of Hwy 101 to see a coastline we rarely see. We did get a reservation too!

Outer Banks Trip 109

Picking Up Our Kona Bear

Its July and we have been considering getting a friend for our Gunny. Our mini-Australian Shepard. We called the breeder in Susanville and found out he had a half-sister just born! We began our preparation for her pick up!

We know we have to drive to Susanville, California north of Reno?! Border Town RV Park is our go to place off Hwy 80. This is a cute little RV stop, clean, quiet and on we go. It is comforting to us that our Gunny will have a buddy. We brought her kennel, blanket, collar, lead and food! What we did not know was her temperament for sure. She will be older than Gunny was when we picked him up.

We thought from her pictures and little history she would be small like gunny and quietly loving. Well, nope. She was already bigger than Gunny was at the same age. Different coat, fluffy, soft and tan. Gunny was very small, black and tan tri color and his coat was a little more brindle. He was shy she was curious and active, He was cuddly and she just wanted to run and play. Wow, like all siblings they really had their own personalities.

She did love her new family. It was love at first site for all of us. She loved the truck and the Airstream. She just made herself at home. Sweet!!!!

Brother and Sister in her first snowfall!

So it begins, dogs do like to go, especially ours. They are fun and we follow all the rules for their health and safety. The Airstream really makes it easy. They even know how to open the curtains to see whats outside. It’s so cute to see them use their talents and curiosity. They do also make greats sentries too.

Traveling is better than ever now. On we go! More adventures for all our family.

Its April

We’ve had our baby for about months now. We have been on 4 outings and now preparing for another local weekender. We had made a promise to utilize our new silver dream as much as possible on doable weekend jounts. We drew a circle the was a distance of no more than a four hour drive to anywhere.

My brother asked us to join them at a local camping place within an hours drive from our home! Not only is it nearby but it is a wine festival featuring wines from Santa Clara County. The festival is next to the Casa De Fruta Campground and fruit stand. This is awesome.

We were still newbies so we overthought everything. OK I overthought everything. I planned for every moment, every snack, meal and even multiple clothing options!!! I tried to coordinate with my brother’s wife alternating breakfast and dinner menus. We were staying Friday and Saturday night and returning home Sunday afternoon.

April in the Hollister canyons are mild and beautiful. What we did not realize is that the wine festival was the local dog show used the campground for participants.

Saturday morning was beautiful. Clear skies, warm gentle breeze and morning quiet. Six in the morning is the best time for quiet coffee and gentle wakeup. Ohhhh, my hubby was starting to cook bacon and eggs. Wonderful aroma, so off I went to take the doggies for a little morning walk about to see our area. There was a whole bunch of rigs this morning that were not there last night! I was starting to wonder how guiet it would stay.

Breakfast done, my sister drives over to join us at the wine festival and we get tickets to get in. The temperature is climbing and music and people are joining in the fun. We dance to a little country music under the shade of oaks and madrones and its so fun. We sample wines and want to buy some to take back to the campsite. Unfortunately at this wine festival they are not allowed to sell the bottles to the tasters and participants due to the festival actually being in San Benito County and the wine was from Santa Clara County. Don’t know kinda goofy to me but we enjoyed the music and the dancing! we were so proud of how cute our little baby looked amongst the other rigs around.

The evening was not as wonderful. There was loud music, partiers and hooting and hollering until the wee hours of the morning! The campground had no security and no one enforcing campground courtesy. The spots were uneven and difficult if you had to walk to use the facilities. The rigs were very close together and it was not restful at all. We were learning to be more decerning in choosing our campgrounds.

I made too much food, was cranky and tired and just wanted to go home. We still had a lot of learning to do about living in a very small space with another human and 2 doggies. At least I did not have a meltdown this time. Was great to get home. Will not be back to this campground again! We bought our wine at the Casa de Fruta market, and had a nice walk.

We will find our fun areas and we are not giving up! We need to learn how to plan better, prep better and RELAX!

Our next stop!