Camping with Maddy

KOA, Petaluma, CA

We took Maddy on a little camping trip for just a couple of days. We wanted to stay close to home so we found a kid friendly campground.  (Once Theo is walking we will be taking him too - we promise Theo!).  This campground was perfect for hanging out with a toddler. The big attraction was the petting zoo. 

Checking out the goats on her trike. At first she wasn’t too sure, but...

In no time at all they were great friends - even getting some goat kisses.  

The first day Nonna and Grandpa came to visit.  Yes, the grandparent to toddler ratio was a bit high, but I promise that there was no spoiling of children...ahem.  I mean, who wouldn’t want a Nonna, Grandpa, Baba and YaYa all to themself?? 

We had so much fun feeding the donkeys, goats and chickens, going on walks, playing at the playground, grilling up burgers and just being silly.  We are so blessed to not only share grandkids with Nonna and Grandpa, but to also consider them dear friends.  

The next day Auntie Momo came to visit. Auntie Momo and Maddy had a fun time playing, feeding the animals, having slide races, going on walks and making dinner together.  

It was a pretty jam packed couple of days.  Maddy played corn hole, jumped on an epic bouncy pillow, read books, did some crafts, collected all kinds of flowers, played with the animals, rode a trike, went on a lot of walks and ate all kinds of yummy things. 

It was enough to tucker a poor girl out! 

Thanks Maddy for the fun camping trip.  We can’t wait til our next adventure! 

Decisions, Decisions

Fish Lake Well Hot Springs, NV

We had a late start this morning. We knew we had a really long drive ahead of us, but somehow we just couldn’t rally to pack up early. 

I mean this was really an awesome spot for soaking up the sun. Thanks Colorado River and Arizona sun, you were good for the soul. 

We drove thru Mojave National Preserve and stopped by the Kelso Depot.  This was a thriving place during WWII with trains hauling iron ore to be used for the war effort.

Today it’s part of our National Park system. The depot is currently closed, but we could still peak in the windows and get a glimpse of a bygone era. 

Sylvia this brought back so many wonderful memories of our road trip together! 

So...I heard about this hot spring outside of Tecopa. We’ve stayed in this town before and sampled the local pay to use springs. I read about this more organic hot spring experience and wanted to try it out. We found the dirt road and traveled down it til we saw the palm trees. Yep, sure enough a sweet little spot. We spent a relaxing hour soaking. It was a nice spot to break up the road trip. We also figured it was a good place to decide where to spend the night. Choice #1, go to Death Valley - soak up some rays and swim in the spring fed pool. Choice #2, drive even farther and head for Fish Lake Wells Hot Spring.  Mmmm - we’ve done them both and were having a really hard time deciding what to do.  Decisions, decisions. 

We didn’t leave our little oasis until 4ish and knew we would not pull in til evening at either place, so we opted for the hot spring. So glad we did! We pulled in close to 8, jumped in the springs, came back for a bowl of soup, went back in the springs...got up at 4:30 to hang out in the moonlit springs, went to back to bed, and rallied with coffee early this morning. 

Feeling refreshed and heading out in a bit to hug our grandkids.  

Spring Break in Arizona

Lake Havasu State Park, AZ 

We were pleasantly surprised by a visit from Josh and Marlina this morning.  They got up early and did a 1.5 hr. drive to Red Rock Canyon to just say hi!  It was a visit that was a bit too short as Ned and I had a long drive ahead of us.  We also got to meet their new puppy, Zuma.  We are in love! Thanks kids for making the effort, it was really appreciated. 

Well I wanted hot weather and Arizona delivered for us.  It took us awhile to get here, but it was so worth it. The added bonus was the campsite we reserved.  I had no idea it was so close to the water and with our own little private beach.  I can feel summer is just around the corner. 

Lake Havasu City is a unique place.  It’s a party beach destination with an epic shoreline trail, hundreds of boats cruising the canal, restaurants overflowing with people and college kids partying like it was 2019.  Yeah, not exactly our scene, but the people watching was truly epic.  

Ned and I did not partake in any partying, but kept to the bike trail cruising by all the action. I wish you could hear the competing music blaring and take in the wafts of pot, beer and suntan lotion. We definitely hit this place in the midst of spring break. 

The shoreline trail is a gorgeous path that hugs the canal connecting Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. The biggest activity is the boats promenading up and down the canal.

The bike trail eventually meanders to a quieter family side. It really is just gorgeous. 

Ironically, even tho Lake Havasu State Park, where we are camped,  is right next to all this action, it’s a quiet little haven made up of mostly retired folks in their monster RV’s.  We spent a lovely afternoon at our little beach, enjoying the birds and quiet. (Do I sound like an old person??). 

We hung out until the sun set enjoying the warm weather.  As I write this blog at 8 pm, it’s 75 degrees outside.  Mission accomplished warm weather found.  

Desert Cliffs from Top to Bottom

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Ricardo, CA

We’ve been wanting to come here for years. Every time we drive thru Nevada or Arizona on our way to California we debate staying at Red Rock Canyon State Park.  We’ve mostly held back because there are no hook-ups, flush toilets or showers.  Today we finally decided to pull the trigger and just go for it.  Yes, that is how desperate I am for hot weather - and Wolfgang makes it so much easier to camp not hooked up. 

We pulled in before noon and were able to snag this sweet spot at the base of the cliffs. This campground is a first come-first serve so we were delighted to get a site on a busy spring break weekend.  

Red Rock Canyon State Park is known for it’s epic hoodoos, fluted folded cliffs and badlands. During the 1870’s it was a landmark for the 20 mule team freight wagons for water. In more recent years it has been used for the location of many movies and tv shows...Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers, Jurassic Park, Zoro Rides Again, Twilight Zone and Lost in Space to just name a few. 

The cliffs were calling so we decided to take a hike up to the top. What we didn’t count on was the 25 mph winds, which were in fact quite bone chilling at the ridge. 

Here’s a pic of the campground at the base of the cliffs. 

Making our way up the path to the ridge, looking back at our campsite.  The red circle is where Wolfgang is parked. 

Hiking up to the ridge was exhilarating.

Our plan was to hike farther along the ridge until we were looking directly down on our campsite. However, the fear of heights and strong winds made me chicken out. This path was right along the ridge with a sharp drop off on both sides. This path is above the cliffs! The red arrow is where we are camped.

Ned looking rather wind blown and cold, at the top of the ridge looking out towards the valley. Note hat in hand to keep it from blowing away. 

We decided to explore the slot canyons instead.  One could make their way up to the top of the cliffs thru one of the many slot canyons.  Yeah, we did not....

Josh & Marlina, you little mountain goats, I can see you two climbing to the top in no time at all.  

 

Late afternoon - early evening the winds died down and we had drinks on the veranda. 

So fun to finally use Wolfgang for warm weather outings and not just camped in damp, wet forests (i.e. our last trips to Port Reyes, Humboldt and Sugar Loaf Ridge).  

This place is known for its dark skies so we are looking forward to epic stargazing tonight. 

Back in the Groove

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, CA

Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged our trips.  We’ve been taking a weekend here and there to get away and explore some local areas. I’ve used the opportunity to regroup and refresh, and for the most part be disconnected.  Alas, Spring has sprung and I’ve decided to make an effort and start capturing our trips again.  

I’m sooooo sick of winter and really want to experience some warmer weather. Thus, we decided to just head South for a few days and see what happens.  Our first stop is Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.  It’s in the middle of the valley and resides a bit outside of Bakersfield.  What an interesting find.  

In 1908 a group of African Americans led by Colonel Allen Allensworth founded a town where they were in control of their own destiny and lived independently.  Today it’s a California State Park and many of the buildings and furnishings have been preserved. There is also a small campground, comprised of about 13 sites located at this historic park. 

We decided to explore the town on bike.  

There is a schoolhouse, a Baptist church, businesses, homes, a hotel, a library and various other structures.  It’s a bit like Bodie, but everything is in great condition and not deteriorated at all.  

Col. Allensworth was born a slave in 1842. He escaped and gained his freedom during the Civil War. He was commissioned as a chaplain of the 24th Infantry of the US Army in 1886. When he retired as a Lt. Col in 1906, he held the highest rank achieved to date by an African-American army officer.  I’m glossing over his life, but he was really a remarkable individual. 

Here’s some pics of the inside of the barber shop, milner store, schoolhouse and Colonel Allensworth home. 

We really enjoyed stopping at all the homes and reading about the people. Each house tells the story of the family that resided here, where they came from, and what their contribution to the town included.  

In 1914 the Santa Fe Railroad moved its rail stop from Allensworth to Alpaugh. As a result, much of Allensworth’s economic base was lost. This coupled with Col Allensworth’s death the following year, and the start of WWI caused the decline of the town.  By 1973 it no longer appeared on the map and was scheduled for demolition.  Fortunately, some dedicated individuals, along with some former residents, advocated to keep the history of this town alive.  

If you have time on your hands and want to break up the trip traveling thru the Central Valley, I’d definitely recommend a stop at this historic park. It was definitely worth our time and a sweet little place to camp too! (flush toilets and free hot showers - just sayin’).

This is the free library.  

Fish Lake Valley Hot Well

Fish Lake Valley Hot Well, NV 

I have no idea how I stumbled upon this hot spring, but glad we did. It has an interesting history. Back in the 60’s a company tried drilling for oil. They didn’t get any of the black gold, but instead tapped into a hot water aquafir. They capped the well and went on their merry way. Years later the county opened the spring for people to soak, built a cinder block wall around the spring and allowed people to camp around it. Lucky us.  

The water flows into the spring or “well”  at 100 gallons per minute at about 104 degrees. How perfect is that! No pipes or valves to fuss with, just perfectly heated water au natural.

The water drains out into several ponds. The pond closest to the soaking tub is about 100 degrees. The pond has koi swimming around and lots of coots and mallards.  They like swimming right up to the hot tub.  It’s fun to watch them as you hang out.

We had the hot spring to ourselves for most of the afternoon.  The force of the water coming in feels great (kinda like a jacuzzi). Really looking forward to enjoying this spring when the temperature drops to the mid-teens tonight.  It was a sunny 50 degree day so very pleasant soaking weather.  

We met an adorable young couple from Portland that camped here last night. They headed out mid-afternoon.  As of early evening there is only one other camper here on the other side of the pond.  It really feels like we are in the middle of nowhere.  

Another view of Wolfgang with the Silverpeak Range behind.  

Speaking of, here’s a screen shot of where we are.  Yeah, middle of nowhere.  

We are so enjoying boondocking more than we have in the past thanks to Wolfgang and his solar abilities.  

Hot Spring Sampler

Benton Hot Springs, CA

Can you believe I slept 12 hours last night?! Those really were some magical hot springs. By the time we rallied, made coffee and headed back to Travertine Springs it was about 8ish. It was already too busy for my liking, so we decided to explore some other hot springs.

This area is called Hot Creek Geological Site.  It’s not swimmable or soakable, think Bumpass Hell at Lassen National Park. 700,000 years ago 50 cubic miles of molten rock was blasted from this area creating a huge caldera.  The water from the Sierras seeps down thru cracks to the molten rock 5 miles below and creates steam vents, boiling water and an occasional geyser.  

We stopped by Mono Lake for a mid morning walk.  I love strolling on this boardwalk at the County Park. So interesting to see the signs marking the decreasing lake level over the years.  Hard to believe these tufas were under water in the 1950’s.  

We’re continuing to put Wolfgang thru his paces.  We decided to get off Highway 395 and take some “backroads”.  Lots of fun ditching pot holes and navigating boulders and sand. 

He’s passing with flying colors! 

Our next soaking destination was Hilltop.  We were expecting a crowd, but had this little spring to ourselves.  This spring has a valve that lets you adjust the incoming water, Ned got it dialed in just right.  We hung out for quite awhile, it was a great lunch spot too.

We were about 10 minutes away from Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and it had been years since we had been there so we decided to revisit it.  This spring is much larger and has several soaking pools on both sides of the boardwalk and along the creek.  We went in the first pool next to the rock outcropping on the left side. Some people were just getting out so the timing worked out perfectly.  

Tonight we’re camped at Benton Hot Springs, an old favorite.  We’re not in our preferred campsite (#5), but glad we got the last available site.  It’s going to be a cold one again tonight, but at least it’s only a few feet to the hot tub.