Traveling comfort – Canned Comfort

It’s Already October

The first steps in planning for our “epic journey”.

As always I see how many days we will actually be on the road and identify what challenges we may encounter. We have two, two year old Australian Shepards and they have traveled with us since they were 10 weeks old. They are still rambunctious but slowly learning our lifestyle. My husband looks at the roadways and weather. I look at food, medical and doggie needs. I also do a thorough cleaning.

We have planned not to use the big interstate highways where possible. We can travel faster from point A to point B using the fast interstate but that is not enjoyable. I also felt we needed to look for Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome and other no cost places to overnight. We generally travel to see family and take care of annual medical exams. We haven’t traveled in our rig just for fun in years. We are looking to change that!

Our first leg of this journey was scheduled to leave exactly at 7:00 am. I ordered a breakfast order at our local Kneaders for a 7:15 am pickup. We made it by 7:30 am. Then we had to put fuel in our rig. My “pilot” did not fuel up the night before! We use diesel and oh well here we go again.

Hwy 93 from Las Vegas to Fallon Nevada is our first start. It is mostly a two lane highway through deserts, ranches and small towns. We stop to let our doggies do their business and we switch drivers and snack, stretch with the doggies for a small walk. So far so good.

While driving we realize we are not passing any truck stops. We get diesel fuel at up to 30 cents cheaper at the truck stops than the regular gas stations. Hmmmmm. We have passed many really inviting towns but we are on a timeline to Spokane, Washington. Notes for future stops. I was really surprised how different the countryside was the farther north we traveled. Loved the slower feeling of travel without a lot of heavy traffic. People actually waved at us and smiled. A great change.

I had made one strawberry cheesecake and Greek apple cake for the trip and to share with my son’s family on the last leg of the trip. Big mistake. We had slices of the apple cake for the first 3 days but kinda forgot about it. Left the frozen cheesecake until we got to the ranch. The cake was getting weird, kinda got wet because I secured it in the sink while we drove. By the time we reached the ranch it was slimy so thrown away. The cheesecake got watery while it thawed! It was a good idea but traveling in different climates and length of time on the road did not work in our favor. Oh and the new refrigerator was smaller than our Airstream’s. Well oh dear, on with the plan! Always learning.

We we did not make reservations for any RV park or BLM. So we stayed the night in the truck parking of a casino in Beatty, Nevada. It was after 9:30 pm. We had a late start from home. Again such plans. The truck parking lot was all dirt, no donkeys, lots of semis and a few trailers.

We were able to take the doggies for at least 2 thirty minute walks and let them stretch. No feeling of fear. Able to put the slide out and enjoy the bed and warmth, especially since the doggies think the bed is for them.

The next part of the journey is north toward Fernley, Nevada! Whew, they had a space without a reservation. Hopefully the trail will be relaxing and new and without problems.

Oh Boy!

I cannot believe I am so behind in my blog! The story hasn’t changed since we traveled and the memories are still fun.

After leaving Mina, Nevada we headed to our next destination the Twisted Oaks Winery near Murphy, California. We had been through this area before but had not noticed our surroundings. The beauty of trying to slow down is that roads we have traveled before become new.

Highway 95 is a lonely two lane road that is used by big semi-trucks and the occasional rig. It is early spring and the wind is warm. It is a quiet road, we pass abandoned farm houses and businesses. There is an Army depot near Hancock California. We took a left to go south on Hwy 395 to cross over and through Yosemite NP.

The strange thing is when we had our small 20 foot Airstream we drove down the road past Mono Lake as we did on our way to California but could not find signs to help us navigate to get to an historic cemetery near the lake or get closer to the lake. We were such newbies then. We decided we would follow the map and drive through. We still didn’t know if rigs were allowed on these roads or where exactly the cemetery was. We are now pulling a 27 foot Airstream and turning is a challenge. We are such sissies. We did not want to trespass if this was private land and we did not want to be on BLM land we were not allowed on. We did park the rig, take the doggies out for a walk and to do their business. We did a little walk around and found pit toilets, some fencing but no signs. We left to get going.

As we turned left to go onto Hwy 395 we started seeing signs to the entrance to the Mono Lake National Park! Sometimes we get lost in too much thinking. It was getting later and we had to get across the mountains into Gold Country.

We were able to get to the entrance of Yosemite NP but found that COVID and snow made for a few restrictions. 1- you had to have reservations to get into Yosemite and 2- a two hour wait for one way traffic into or through the park. We had not made reservations as we were just passing through. Luckily I had my military ID with me and we were give a free pass to go through the park. Whew otherwise we would have to go to Barstow, California many, many miles away. We were able to walk the doggies again, eat a nice lunch in our rig and comfortably wait for our turn to pass to the other side. Oh and it was very cold, snow on the ground and windy.

We drive through Yosemite without any problems or backups. We did drive down very windy roads to get out of the area and it was a bit of a nail biter. We reached Modesto California in one piece and onward to Twisted Oaks!

I am a California native and have been through these hills many times but that was before wineries. hmmmm. My hubby decided we should use his navigator on his phone to locate our destination. It was now 91 degrees outside!

I thought the directions were a bit wonky but he persisted. It took us through 1 and 2 lane gravel and dirt ranch roads instead of the highways I knew I had driven many times before. It took a good 3 hours to drive carefully and safely to our Harvest Host site. The winery is located right off Hwy 49! We could have been there 2 hours sooner if we had taken my directions. Oh well we made before closing, were given a very nice place to park, tasted great wine and there was a cooling breeze all night long. We had no hook ups as these places are free with no “hook-ups” (no electricity for campers to hook up to. That means no AC and it was hot. We opened all our windows on the Airstream and the cross ventilation was so enjoyable. Eating outside was even more fun for all of us.

The most fun spot for an overnight with crazy rubber chickens hanging from trees with funny sayings and great wine too. We hope to pass through there again. It is quiet beautiful and free. Well we did buy some wine and it was another plus for taking the slow road to wherever. We also found out we were five minutes from a favorite place of ours, Angels Camp, California. Next time we will take even more time to enjoy the area.

Can We Do It Differently?

Day One

We had a beautiful morning and it was not too cold. The sky clear and the sun shinning. Took doggies for a nice walk.

Our one and only neighbor had already left. Appeared to be a retired couple one small dog and they came quietly and left the same. It was so nice to have so much quiet and have space. A nice beginning to day two

Day Two

There are not too many big trucks or RV rigs on the road at 7 am. We drove through the little town of Hawthorne, Nevada. It is an old ammunition storage site and Army base from WW II. The town itself is clean, quiet appearing with alot of pride for its history.

The road that brings us here ends here. We take a left turn through town and end up on I-395 -via I-95 passing Mono Lake! Wow.

We have stopped for a potty stop at Mono Lake before going to California before. This time we drove farther in and looked for the old cemetery and gave up. It was quiet and nice and the dogs loved walking about. Nice lunch break and taking a deep breath instead of racing for time. We also could not see how to get to the lake from this entry road.

We did notice that going through a small town after the turn south on I-395 was an entrance to Mono Lake! Felt like duh! We felt foolish but we had a nice stop and we noticed that the temperature was dropping.

We drove through Tuttle Town, cute, next time we will stop and have lunch. We know that we have to go through Yosemite to get to our destination. Not a really fast trek.

As we approached the entrance to Yosemite, we say signs stating no entrance without a camp reservation!!! COVID and winter rules. We had to wait 2 hours for our turn to at least see if we can drive through and not stop to sight see or camp. When we hit the ranger station they asked if we were active duty military and I still had my ID that said I was. They gave us a no fee permit to drive through the park. Wow, what an ordeal. It did show how much work they had been doing to clean up fire and snow damage. It was nice to see reasonable numbers of people walking, hiking and enjoying the frozen sierra vistas.

The roads are two lanes, the Yosemite Valley shops are closed, at the entrances they are checking for your reservation and ID status when you are stopped. Kinda creepy. After many switch backs, slow going and beautiful scenery we were in the dry low lands and the temp was increasing.

Our destination for the night was a Harvest Hose Winery that we had made reservations with. We needed to check in before 5:00 pm when they closed. We put the address into the NavAid on our tow vehicle and off we went. As we neared the back end of the Modesto area. We were directed to a lonely, desolate combination road of asphalt, gravel and back ranch roads. I had lived in the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay area all my life and skied the areas near by the winery. I could not recognize any of the roads. It took us away from Hwy 49 which is wine, hiking, historical and ski areas around Angels Camp. We kept going, tried not to argue and keep cool. After 3 hours (should have taken 1.5hrs) we found the back way into the Twisted Oak Winery! It was a silly, crazy road. The entire one lane road into the winery had rubber chickens hanging from the trees with funny sayings also either posted on a tree or in the ground. Even had chickens with prison stripped suits painted on them. I couldn’t believe it. We laughed so much after such a challenging way in. A good way to start the evening. But was close to 100 degrees outside! You will have to try the red blend “Chum Bucket” too or “Chicken Bubbles”.

After checking in and trying their wines we retreated to the now empty parking lot in the middle of the vineyard. We did walk the dogs about the grounds and they loved it. It was so good to be outside the “Phantom” and all the windows were open. The great thing about our Airstream is the great ventilation. Cross winds from the hills made it so comfortable. We had our home made version of charcuterie and a bottle of white wine.

As the sun set we settled in and slept in the warm quiet.

Day two complete! Now it will be back into the traffic of the San Francisco Bay Area! Hmm. In the morning we found Hwy 49 a quarter mile away from the winery. Oh boy!

So We Re-Start

The learning curve begins and what a gift.

Discussing the future way of travel was our first step; 1- learn how to use the many apps for finding “free” overnight camping spots and non-national private ie, KOA type places, 2- we set a goal of only driving 4 hours a day, 3-stop, plan for an easy setup for a relaxing evening and enjoy walks with the new puppies.

We are planning a 3 week family visiting trip covering 5 states. Looking at an Atlas book of current maps of the United States and Canada we penciled in 3 different routes. The route had to be different than our usual one. On our previous trips from Nevada to California were from our home off I-15 south to Hwy -5N to Hwy 46 to Hwy 1 to Santa Cruz, California. Whew. This time we went North on Hwy – 93 to Hwy 6 W, Hwy 395 to Angels Camp California and then winding our way to Felton, California for the duration of our first leg of this trip. Yep, that doesn’t sound like much until you look a a real map. Oh boy.

Ok, to say the “best laid plans oft go astray” is too true. We were up early, rig already packed and hitched the night before. Doggies prepped. Then our real day began. The two, 9 month old miniature Australian Sheppard puppies spotted a young coyote across the road. They were already in the car. We had decided to try traveling without their crates and put them in a safety hammock. Hubby left the driver side window open. They both jumped out the window. The chase began!

It was a beautiful young coyote that was chased by two doggies. It then turned around as to say “I’m supposed to chase you!” He turned around and began barking at the dogs and then the dogs decided they had better get back home. They of course ignored our calls to report to us and then kinda went to the busy street above our road and we started worrying. They quickly returned to home after seeing big cars. We were now grumpy and frazzled. Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. NOW. We were behind in our timed start. Big breath, go to the drive through bakery for a croissant breakfast sandwich, large coffee and water for the pups. We had driven about a mile. Oh my. We laughed, wished we had filmed the coyote express and realized we had planned a 3.5 hour drive and it was only 7:00 am.

Our first stop was Mina, Nevada. Our first overnight. Never heard of it? Me either. It is a very small, dusty hamlet on the way to somewhere else. It was empty of campers when we arrived. Fine for us. They had long “pull through” spots with well defined hook ups. Very clean, near the highway but quiet with an amazing view of the desert hills of eastern Death Valley. It was very reasonable, $35.00 per night. Very good for our budget. The sun was still up, warm, gentle breezes wafted through the camp. It was a quiet I associate with the late spring of the prairies. We could hear the occasional hum of a semi-truck. Just quiet and calm. Our pups loved the walk around the grounds and sniffing a bunch of everything. I took a big deep breath and almost cried. It was a space out there without the noise of the city, My hubby poured us a beautifully chilled Marianne’s Rose from Six Sigma Ranch in Lake County California. We felt so accomplished. We drove for only 3.5 hours, on a less traveled road, identified places we would like to explore on a recreational trip. We were not stressed and puppies were also less cranky.

528A26A8-4F64-45FE-9E00-22E52DTheB182EB — The end of the day refreshment

Our dinner was one I had prepared the day before and we heated it up in our kitchen while enjoying our view. We ate inside as the wind was picking up and the temperature was cooling down.

We took the doggies for another quick walk about, then into the coach for our dinner. It was so nice not to feel wrung out and stressed. We were able to eat dinner with a beautiful view of the desert landscape and birds, not worry about a crowded, noisy campground – we listened to the quiet, even the highway noise was muffled and slight. We heard a faraway train going through during the night. Ahhhhh

The morning was bright sunlight, not warm yet. Quiet, no people, many birds and deer scattering as we make human noises. Big deep breath and sip fresh coffee on our outside chairs. Doggies nudge us for the morning wake up walk. Just what we need. Simple, quiet, not people. A fresh new day. We had camp fire toasted, homemade cast iron bread. Home made jam and a smile. The doggies little wiggle butts were happily wagging too. It was an easy, un-rushed re-pack, to secure items and pack the dogs. We knew it was May. The day would heat up and we would melt. Onward and westward we charge!

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.

A NEW CHALLENGE – 2020

We started this year not knowing it would be full of challenges. Our January was quietly moving in a direction of its own spirit. This year so far shows that there is only one truism – You never know what you can do until you do it.

A very dear friend was fighting a very aggressive and rare cancer. She was the kind of person that knew her mind, could be as stubborn as she was kind. She made sure that her last Christmas season was the most memorable for all her family. She found special ways to create warm and loving happy memories for her spouse, children and grandchildren. Then the time was drawing near that she would have to say goodbye.

As the time drew near to say goodbye she asked me to help her and her family make the journey together in dignity . I got a call to come. It was a change for me. I have been a medical provider for over 40 years and in charge. Now I was a bystander of her medical care, an emotional supporter as well as medical translator. I was with her when she finally let go of the here and now and left for what was beyond. It was peaceful and she was at rest. Her family and friends came to say goodbye. Both happy and sad but the was out of pain and at peace. I had been gone from home for 2 weeks. Now on to home.

I was in Wyoming during lots of snowfall, wind and cold. There was many days the highways and major roads were closed. I was also at her family members hospitality for a place to sleep. I did not have my silver coach. I sure missed the privacy and quiet of my own little home. Honestly I spent most of my time at the hospital or the Hospice center.

I decided to go to my home in Nevada 2 days later. I could not fly out as there was no plane to transport me from Laramie, Wy to Denver Colorado could not fly us out. My son and his wife picked me up in Ft. Collins, Colorado. I was so very tired and wanted to go home. I was so thankful for their assistance.

Four days later my daughter-in-law died suddenly. I flew out immediately to help my son and his family prepare for the funeral et al. It was snowing and cold in Colorado! I have never seen so much gray, snow and sorrow. Two days later my hubby arrived with our Silver Coach. This was heaven. It gave us all room to grieve and yet be together. There is more to having a Silver Coach, it is our home whenever we need it.

Life goes on and we learn how lucky we are to be able to use our gifts to help others. Happy travels and safe keeping.

The End Is The Beginning

Here it is then end of a decade! A new decade begins and excitement is in the air!

We have spent most of our time this year handling health issues and family needs. We traveled back and forth to Colorado and California as well as Idaho. We learned that one of the joys of all the challenges was the beauty we found in our ordinary travels.

If you have ever traveled between Las Vegas Valley and Central California you know that parts of this path is “beautiful” – wellll. We learned that taking a back road or alternate route opened our eyes to very beautiful seasonal changes that we have missed by not looking. Traveling with our Airstream allows us to stop and smell the roses! We learned to stop when tired at beautiful, clean rest tops that are free and available to all. We can rest in our own “home” and wake to wonderous sunrises sipping our fresh made coffee preparing safely to continue our travels.

We did not realize the help that is out there to help us to have safe travels. The ability to find gas stations or rest stops or historic spots – there is an app! We utilized the Apps this winter between Southern Nevada to Colorado and from Southern Nevada to Idaho. Fantastic finds in out of the way places when we urgently needed gas, a rest spot and a new look at our routes.

A Christmas look at the KOA in San Antonio! It says it all!

Be thankful for this past year and look forward to a healthy, happy and bountiful new year!

(a little note – we will have a new small traveling cookbook available after the first of the year!)