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Borrego Springs, CA

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Finally got out of California

After my initial failure at the gas pumps to get the rig moving last Friday, I spent the weekend back at Flag City RV Resort waiting for Monday morning.  I wasn’t comfortable traveling any further until I had someone check the engine for error codes.  The rig went into gear on Monday morning, and I headed for an authorized Workhorse repair place about 15 miles away.

I had called ahead, so I didn’t have to wait too long for them to come out and hook up to the rig’s computer.  The technician was stumped since it showed no error codes at all.  He put the rig through its paces of going in and out of park, and couldn’t duplicate the problem either.  Not much to do if there isn’t an error code found.

It was afternoon before I could leave the repair place, so I just went back to Flag City to spend night number six.  Since I had left the park and then returned, they honored my Passport America rate.  I appreciated that because I sure didn’t think the place was worth $54/night. 

Tuesday, I got back on the road and headed north to just south of Redding, CA.  Stayed at JGW RV park.  I’m having a problem swallowing the prices at California RV parks.  This one was $41 and supposed to be a pull through.  Yeah, I pulled through to get into the site, but then had to unhook and move the car to the front because the back half of the pad was another site that would be backed into.  What a pain for an overnight stay.

This morning I got back on I-5 and finally got the heck out of California.  The scenery was nice, but it sure was slow going over the Siskiyou Mountains.  Luckily, I’m traveling late enough in the year not to have to worry about snow and tire chains.  I wish I could have taken some pictures of Mount Shasta, but I don’t do that when I’m driving the rig.

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What relief I felt as I pulled into Valley of the Rogue State Park!  I’ve got a nice pull through site (D-26) and plenty of room to breathe from my neighbors.  Full hookups for $28/night, and Emma went crazy rolling around in the grass.  It’s been six months since she could do that.

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A short distance away is one of the park yurts.  Some volunteers were cleaning it up, so I went over and asked if I could see the inside.  I’m hoping my daughter, Robyn, and one or both grandgirls may be able to visit me at Harris Beach this summer, and they have yurts as well.

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                               Here’s what it looks like inside.  Pretty nice, I think.

I have reservations to stay here four nights.  My plan is to be in Bandon, OR, on the coast on Sunday for a couple of days of training before I begin my stay at Harris Beach.  Crater Lake National Park is less than one hundred miles away, so I’m thinking of doing a day trip over there while I’m here.  I know all the roads around the lake aren’t open yet, but I’ve never been there before so I’ll give it a go.

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This is the view out my kitchen table window.  Not too shabby.  Sure beats looking in your neighbors window. Winking smile  Forecast for tonight is for temps to get down to 38*.  Guess I’ll make sure the heat is on.  Been some time since I’ve been where it’s that chilly.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

33 comments:

  1. Good to hear you made it farther than a mile, and that there are no big problems with your RV. I bet Emma loved that grass:)

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  2. Isn't that the way it always goes....the engines never act up at the RV doc's. Glad it isn't giving you further trouble.

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  3. Isn't that the way it always goes....the engines never act up at the RV doc's. Glad it isn't giving you further trouble.

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    1. For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
      villa toscane

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  4. Good news that the repair shop found no problems but makes you wonder what happened. At least you're out of RV parks and CA!

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  5. Had to laugh at the virtual sigh of relief in your title. Hope things continue to go well with the rig. Beautiful view!

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  6. Glad you made it out of Cali. I love Cali. But, when you're trying to get out it can seem like the twilight zone. There's a few other states that are like that, on my list, too.

    My niece has a YOME in her mom's backyard; acombination geodesic dome/yurt. It's just gorgeous inside.

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  7. We share your feelings on CA RV park values.

    Don't you just wonder about all the smells Emma gets to enjoy while rolling around on the ground that you miss completely. It's a dog's life. :-)

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  8. Glad to hear the rig is running well (knock on wood) and you found a nice location for a few nights.

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  9. I don't think there is a prettier picture than that of Mt. Shasta. I always stop and take the same photos, coming and going. The road around Crater lake should be open on one side, as I doubt they had an excessive amount of snow this year. I've been there in May and early June, and while the snow is piled up on the edge of the road, you can always get to the overlooks to view the lake. If you've never been there you are in for a supreme treat!

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  10. Nothing more frustrating than having a problem then not having a problem when a mechanic looks at it. I hope whatever caused that "hiccup" never visits you again.

    Enjoy your new area, sounds like you've picked another gem! :c)

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  11. It's so good to read you are well on your way and all is good! I can hardly wait for you to get started at your new refuge. Oregon and Washington were both on our list for this year, but we had to cancel. If all goes well, we hope to be traveling that area next year!

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  12. So glad to see a post from you this morning. I was afraid something had happened and you were totally fed up. Yes, do take a day trip to crater lake. It is the most beautiful place and you can see and enjoy it from the main visitors center and lodge area just fine. That road is always open. You should be able to see some great snow around the lake! take Emma since you won't be able to go on any trails and leashed dogs are ok on the walkways along the lake overlook.

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  13. We are not fans of California rv parks so we really don't plan much travel through the state. Just too expensive. I have always had that kind of luck - the stupid vehicle would never act up for the dealer. Glad you made it safely into Oregon. We visited Crater Lake in May and we had to climb up a snowbank to see the lake but WOW is it incredible.

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  14. Crater Lake is totally awesome, I highly recommend it. The drive around the lake is mighty nice too.

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  15. NO ERROR CODES! It's frustrating that the Chassis company makes things that cannot be checked! I'm very glad that you go the rig out of the bad luck area!

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  16. Valley of the Rogue is a nice park. There is a trail that goes along the river to the town of Agness which is great for walking dogs. It is part of the greenbelt trail system. Just watch for ticks this time of year and keep Emma out of the brush and grasses near the river. Enjoy!

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  17. California is one state we don't travel through!!! Enjoy Oregon for us...it has been too many years...hoping to go back in the near future. The drive from Florence to Lincoln City is a must do!!! The aquarium in Newport is wonderful!!! We really enjoyed our three summers we volunteered out there.

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  18. Your troubles were giving me sweaty palms, as I am leaving Sunday for 7 weeks down the Oregon Coast...my first Solo Trip...So glad you didn't find anything. Are you going to be at Harris June 5-11?
    I have followed your blog for a couple years and would love to meet in person.

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    1. Hi Linda,
      I will be at Harris Beach through at least the middle of August. Hope to meet up with you in June.

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  19. This is all so exciting! I've never been where you are or where you're going so I can't wait! Glad you're in a nice place for the moment. Safe travels on the last leg. The yurts are very cool. I'd definitely stay in one.

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  20. We stayed at Harris Beach last summer for a few nights, it's such a beautiful place. Will definitely go there again sometime.

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  21. You are in a beautiful part of the country, and yes CA RV parks are expensive.

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  22. That is a beautiful site! Grace is always happy to see grass again after we visit the desert

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  23. I am adding another reason why we hesitate to spend much time in in CA.

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  24. California is a beautiful state..but very pricey in many ways..Looks like you have a great spot now. I do love Oregon and am looking forward to more photos...We haven't been there in years!!

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  25. Glad you escaped from California. It's too expensive. Their freeways are bad, too. We hit an uneven bridge deck and damaged our steering. I'll be very surprised if we ever drive I5 through the state again.

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  26. We've stayed at Valley of the Rogue St Pk ... saw salmon in the river, too, which was pretty exciting. We drove Smartie to Crater Lake from the c/g and it was a nice drive. Cold up at the lake, tho, and windy ... almost froze to death. Sorry we missed you in Nevada City. Been a weird and stressful week in California for us, for sure. You too, I guess! ENJOY OREGON!

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  27. Judy...we plan on returning to Port Orford in mid July and remaining there until the middle of November. Looking forward to seeing you in Brookings! We'll contact you after we get back into Oregon and find a work free day (or two) to visit you and Emma.......

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  28. So glad you picked Valley of the Rogue! So sorry I am incapacitated while you are so near, but also so glad we will catch up again at Harris Beach soon. Love your Crater lake photo. Mo and I have camped there on the Rogue at Union Creek near where you hiked. I am still horizontal but finally managing a comment!!

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