Sunday, February 22/15 - More "Kodak Moments"

We woke early on Sunday - about 6:30 and it was COLD! The thermometer on the clock said the inside temp. was 43*F. and the dash said the outside was 26*F. For you youngsters and “Non-Americans” that is 6* and -3* Celsius! We quickly had the heat on and the stove making tea and coffee but it didn’t help much - it was still COLD!

It soon warmed up to 27*!

We were quickly on our way to get the cab heat going. We stopped in Madras at McDees for WiFi but because it was so cold I had’t typed the blog yet so it wasn’t posted! 

We caught up on emails and Facebook having a good chuckle over the fact that our friend Gloria’s daughter, Melissa had her baby girl, Evelyn, the night before and had called “HIM” Owen Gordon. We had learned this the hard way also, that there were no guarantees in life, with our “Grandson” Gwynnevere!

A Panorama standing in the middle of the two main streets of Shaniko

Once more we were on our way but soon had to stop for a “Kodak Moment”. We happened upon “Shaniko” an all but abandoned ghost town that had been preserved for all time. Although it was closed for the winter, we spent a very cold hour wandering around and taking photo’s. It was like we were lost in a time warp. I would love to come back in the summer when it is probably a bustling little town.

The side street

The end of Main Street

The other side of the street

Shaniko's "Paddy Wagon"

The sign says it all!

The other end of town

We continued on some more, soon crossing over the Columbia River from Oregon into Washington and immediately saw a sign “Stonehenge Memorial - 1/4 mile” so of course we had to stop.

The Columbia River dividing Oregon from Washington 

We are certainly world travellers on this trip. We have seen the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas, the London Bridge in Arizona and now Stonehenge in Washington! Another “Kodak Moment” and on our way again.

The Stonehenge Memorial - Washington State

Navion at Stonehenge - I believe that's Mt. Hood in the background
but I could be wrong.

As usual we took the “off the beaten track” road - I-97 all the way through Washington until it met the #2 just outside of Leavenworth, WA. We then took that west to the I-5 (YUCK!), stopping at one of our favourite spots for dinner on the way - 59’ER Diner in Coles Corner. We had hoped to stay in Seattle for a day or two before home - taking in Pike Place  and Beecher’s Cheese Factory (yummy Cheese),etc. but Dale had forgotten his Heart Specialist appointment 9:00 AM Monday, made a year ago. Kasey told us they called the week before to remind him when we finally got through to home. We decided to have a last “Hurrah” at Angel of the Winds before we ended our wonderful trip. We arrived there about 7:30 PM and I’m sure glad we did. We had $100. each left in spending money so we went to play Poker. Dale lost his quite quickly but I soon had mine up to $225. but when it dropped to $150. I cashed out.

Jackpot #1

They had taken away my favourite “Lil’ Doggie” machine so I tried out a couple more. No luck so we were just going to leave with my remaining $75. when a new one “Jumped Out” at me. In went the $75. and a big Yahoo!!! when I hit the jackpot! $485.50. Another cash out and with my remaining credits it was $567.84. We had to pass “My” machine on the way to the door so I decided to put in another $60. - you don’t really want those odd bills cluttering up your wallet now do you!?!? Knowing “My” machine had just paid big, the $60. went in the machine beside it. I had a few little "teasers" and then minutes later - JACKPOT BONUS again! $465.75 - Cash Out quick.

I tried it once more on a third machine with the “loose Bills” but it took it back so out the door we went. What a way to end our vacation!
We were quickly tucked up in a warm bed (they have hook-ups at “Angel”) - we would have to be up early to get home in time to make Dale’s 9:00 AM Dr’s appt.

Saturday Feb. 21/15 - The Pacific Northwest once more

On the road view of Mt. Shasta

We headed out as soon as we woke as it was a little chilly. We stopped in Susanville and had breakfast at “The Lumberjack” restaurant. Once again we chose the road less travelled - the I-44, transferring to the #89 all the way through Trinity Shasta National Forest, through Mount Shasta and into Weed,CA.

Navion with Mt. Shasta in the background

Once more some fantastic scenery with many a “Kodak Moment”. Here, as so many other places in our travels we also saw the results of many a devastating forest fire - just remember to be careful!

Miles of devastation due to forest fires

We stopped for diesel in Weed and a snack next door at McDee’s. We followed the signs into the Semi & RV parking behind it and to our surprise there was a Winnebago “View” (sister to our Navion) with BC Plates! We had an apple pie & drink and then came back outside to meet Neil and Jackie from North Vancouver in their Rig. We talked a while and then we both headed out - us North and they luckily South to Santa Barbara, promising to keep in touch.

"Navion View"

At Weed, we joined the #97 heading North into Klamath Falls, OR. and continuing on it to Bend, OR. where we stopped at Starbucks for Kyla’s Mug and then up the road some few miles to a rest stop for Shepherds pie dinner and a good nights sleep.

Mt. Shasta - the southern view from north of Weed

Friday, Feb.20/15 - Reno

We headed out as soon as we woke up and into Hawthorne, NV. We’d been there before so we knew where the McDee’s WiFi was. I blogged the last few days as we’d had no WiFi or cell reception at all in Death Valley. We then headed north once more - even the word makes me shiver. We got into Reno about noon and spent about an hour trying to figure out where to park - we kept getting different info from the front desk people and Valet parking people of the big hotels that are still left on “The Strip”. Advice for RVer’s - there is only one outdoor parking lot for all three of the Casino’s - Circus Circus, Eldorado, and Silver Legacy. Go to any of their Valet parkers (Circus Circus is easiest), get a pass, go to the lot which is adjacent to the medical centre on 6th.St., press the buzzer and the valets will lift the bar for you. You can park as long as you want but you can’t stay in the RV - how they would know I don’t understand but we didn’t stay - by 7:00PM we were ready to leave - Reno gave us nothing but a free buffet at the Silver Legacy! Once more we headed out on the open road and stayed at a rest area just before Susanville, CA.

Thursday, Feb. 19/15 - Scotty's Castle

"The Castle" building itself.

We woke early as usual, had tea and coffee and once more did a general clean up and packing. We were soon set to go and had a big farewell to the Hi-Desert Rig Runners group who we really enjoyed our stay with. We set off for our first planned stop which was “Scotty’s Castle” a early 1900’s “Camp” built in the middle of Death Valley for vacationing! There is a whole story to it but it’s too long to tell so you’ll have to google it or visit yourself. It was well worth the admission price and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I got some great photo’s.

The "Cookhouse" out back

The reason for "Scotty's Castle" location
and the most important thing in the desert
WATER!

It took us most of the day, having lunch there of homemade ham sandwiches. 





We continued on about 3:30 PM and got diesel and had dinner at Burger King in Tonopah, NV. We did another hour or so of driving and then stopped at a rest area in Luning, NV. about 8:00 PM. Another one of our enjoyable days that are quickly nearing the end - only six more days to go.

Tuesday & Wednesday February 17 &18/15 - Furnace Creek

A rare sight in this waterless desert!

We said goodbye to Mike, who gave us the directions to take the “Scenic Route” through Death Valley and once again he didn’t disappoint us. We had a wonderful drive up I-178, taking in Ashford Mill ruins, Badwater Basin which is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below see level and still settling, and of course miles of beautiful mountains and the flat salt beds of the Valley floor. 

Ashford Mill

Badwater Basin - Lowest point in North America

We were soon in Furnace Creek and made our way to the campground which was full. We went across the highway to the other campground which was more or less a gravel parking lot with no services what so ever. We didn’t really relish the idea of staying there and not being with the group we decided to move on. As the group hadn’t arrived yet, we decided to go back to the gatehouse at the Furnace Creek campsite and ask if we could leave a message for them that we had moved on. Lucky us, when we arrived at the gatehouse we were told by the young lady that someone had just left early and their spot had become available! Added bonus it was a full hookup site - we were thrilled and soon settled in.

Dinner time - Tacos!

The Hi-Desert Rig Runners arrived in the late afternoon and soon we were among some friendly campers! We had a great two days with them, joining them for meals, an outdoor movie (Last Vegas - hilarious!), campfire, an arranged talk given by Heidi (a local guide and ex-parkranger that had grown up in the area) that was really informative and other good times.

Movie night - "Last Vegas"

We visited the Park Visitor Centre on our own and that was also very informative and we visited the General Store which was the usual tourist goods. Sadly, once more it was time to move on!

We were Lucky - it was only 80*!

Monday Feb. 16/15 - Shoshone

We woke early Monday AM and headed out once more. We went back up the very steep, switch back road about 8:00 but as China Ranch doesn’t open til 9:00 we were able to stop and take photo’s of it - something we couldn’t do on the way down as we had vehicle’s right behind us.

The Navion coming up between the steep, narrow canyon walls
- they take large tour busses down there!

We headed back up the road into Tecopa and turned off into Tecopa Springs - a natural hot springs in the area. We found the RV park but it was nothing but a big gravel parking lot and it was $39. and $5. each to use the spring pool. We decided to travel on and so continued up toward Shoshone and then on to Furnace Creek to meet up with the Hi-Desert Rig Runners  WIT group.

Shoshone was a wonderful little town and seeing the Shoshone RV Park sign we quickly pulled in. They had showers and a pool and for only $22.50 - we were sold! Mike, the manager was so friendly and got us set up in a wonderful little spot in no time.

Our little bit of paradise!

We had a bite to eat as it was only 9:30 and we hadn’t had breakfast yet - we had been hoping to find something with WiFi along the way. Mike said they had WiFi but they were running new lines in town for high speed internet so they were having intermittent service. We tried but no service that day so we had a walk up the road to the museum and store - less than 5 minutes away.

Shoshone Museum

The General Store

Shoshone - not far from anywhere!

The Shoshone Museum is fantastic - the history about the town and it’s surrounding area is very well documented and the geological addition part at the back has an actual Mammoth skeleton found nearby - not a replica. It is well worth a visit especially since it’s by donation only. We crossed the road to the General Store but didn’t buy anything even though they had some really nice locally made things as well as the usual tourist stuff. I had my eye on a beautiful pair of silver earrings but there was only one girl cashier and she was so busy with the gas pumps, lottery and snack sales that I couldn’t get her attention so I thought we might come back later when it was less busy. To Dale’s relief we didn’t get a chance! We walked back to the rig and decided to go for a swim in the pool which is at the back of the park. 

What a surprise we had - the pool is fed by a big pipe running from the spring about 100 yards away, flows into the pool and out at the other end to continue it’s path to wherever it goes. It’s all natural - no heat or chemicals - just pure, warm (about 90* F.), unfiltered water. What an Oasis once again. We had the pool to ourselves surprisingly so we spent a good part of the early afternoon there just soaking in the water or soaking up the sun in the lounge chairs - FANTASTIC! (Just a little note - because it’s all natural - they close it on Wednesday for cleaning so if you’re planning a visit - keep that in mind!) 

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around beside the rig so Henry could relax with us also. We met some people visiting from Northern California - Mike & Lindy, and Dana & Kurt so we had a nice chat and another swim with them before dinner of Salmon, Rice-a-Roni, & Salad.

Candlelight Dinner once again!

They joined us at the central campfire after dinner with wood that Mike the manager thoughtfully provided for us. There are big stacks of it around for you to use free. He also told us to help ourselves to filling jugs from the reverse osmosis filtered tap in the laundry room - “Make sure you fill up before you go - it’s the best spring water anywhere” he told us - and it was quite good!

Lounging around!
(washroom and laundry in the background)

This is where I must comment here about the place. We have stayed in many an RV park - good and bad, luxury and primitive, expensive and cheap  and so we know what to look for. This place is great! It’s older but well maintained. The washrooms are older wood “retro style” but have been updated and you can tell that they are freshly painted. There are only two stalls and one shower stall but it’s very large with a new fibreglass stall in it - the kind that are all formed with a seat at each end and decorative shower curtains and bathmats to give it a homey touch. The shower pressure is fantastic also - definitely not a “pathetic dribble” that are common in a lot of places. The rest of the washroom as well as the laundry room are spotless and well maintained with brand new ceramic tile - this is one of the first things I look for - how clean and/or mildewed are the washroom floors - “you could eat off these”. There is also a “Library” with tons of books, chairs for reading in, a TV with VCR and racks of Video’s as well as a little kitchenette at one end. A nice homey little clubhouse for the use of the guests. The whole park is clean and well maintained and Mike the manager (who is only there P/T - about 6 months of the year is the nicest, friendliest host I’ve come across! I almost regret giving such a great review in case too many read this blog and we’ll never get a chance to stay there again because it’s full!!! We were sad that we could only stay one night and really wished we had found it sooner but we had promised to meet up with the WIT group in Furnace Creek on Tuesday so onward we continued.

Sunday, Feb. 15/15 - China Ranch Date Farm

We woke early, had breakfast and were on the road by about 8:30 AM. It was only about 15 miles to Baker. We got diesel and water there - we still had 1/2 a tank of both but we were heading into Death Valley and we didn’t want to take any chances. We set off north on I-127 toward Shoshone.

Bonus for a while - brand new road - WOW!

Our aim for the day was another Harvest Host - China Ranch Date Farm, just outside of Tecopa Hot Springs. We saw many an RV going the opposite way - mostly Toy Haulers. Soon we came to a big group in the middle of nowhere - running up and down the dunes in quads. Now we know what Californians do on the weekends.

Fun in the middle of no where!

By about 10:30 we pulled off the main road and onto a side road toward Tecopa. We passed through town and then about six miles out the pavement ended - right where we turned off at the sign to China Ranch.

We followed it down a narrow canyon with very steep walls until it became a single lane only, but we had only one truck come the opposite direction - luckily at a wider part! It became even steeper, rougher and switchbacked.

Down and down through narrow canyon walls we went.

We came out at the end into an unbelievable Oasis and the place was packed. There were cars and people everywhere and everyone was having  date milkshakes. We went into the unbelievably, fantastic smelling Gift Shop and Bakery where we found the owner Terry. She came out and showed us where to park out back where it was a little less busy. We got set up and then went back inside to get a giant fresh date cookie and date shake each. Yummy!

We did!

We wandered around the shop which had everything - dates, baking, honey, jams, sauces and salad dressings all made right there. They had local nick-nacks, gifts, soap and jewelry as well as second hand and antique stuff.

Cactus Nursery

Even a cactus nursery selling plants! We couldn’t believe the amount of people in such a remote, off the beaten track, down a washboard road kind of place - AMAZING! The ranch is an actual working farm but is part of the Mojave Reserve so there are trails and self guided tours around the whole place and into the surrounding hills. They didn’t lie - it is an Oasis in the desert.

The Date Orchard

An Oasis in the middle of a beautiful canyon

We spent a hot afternoon hiking one of the trails and then came back to wander through the cool palm trees in the orchard and take photos. We made dinner of Teriyaki chicken, scalloped potatoes and salad. - with candlelight and wine out on “the patio”.

What we like to do best!

Darkness came quickly like it does in the desert and cooled off just as quick so inside we went to watch TV and early to bed. A fantastic experience once again because of Harvest Host.

One of the many historic artifacts.

China Ranch!

Enjoying the atmosphere of the busy place.

The reason for the Oasis - a small creek.