Archive for the California Category
Posted on September 2, 2009 by jason
We drove up through the sleepy tourist town of Ferndale and grabbed some lunch and looked around for a few minutes. That’s about all there is to do there. If you like charming Victorian storefronts and trinket shops, this is your place. There’s a mini-farmer’s market, but you’re better-off hitting the one up the road in Arcata.
Arcata is a great little college town that we haven’t ever made it up to visit. We have friends who went to school here years ago, so we knew it existed, but never had any good reason to drive all the way up to check it out. A groovy little place with a downtown built around a well-manicured town square. Lot’s of VW buses. Lot’s of twenty-something neo-hippy kids lounging about, playing guitar, smoking dope and napping in the grass. All is well with the world.
I was impressed with one guy who parked his bike/trailer/solar-cooker combo in front of the local Co-Op and spent his entire day espousing the benefits of solar cooking. His own soapbox, I suppose, and a valiant cause. He showed Bode and I how he cooked beans in an old stadium light housing (great focal properties… and free). He also had Mylar-lined umbrellas and old satellite dishes and demonstrated igniting a piece of paper in just few seconds. The beans would be ready in about an hour.
After a lazy afternoon, we headed a little farther north to Trinidad for the evening. It was our first CouchSurfing.org experience as guests and it was a good one. We always liked the idea (what are you doing with your empty guest-room?) and had hosted CouchSurfing travelers in the past and met some really great people, so now it was our turn to surf. Our host was kind, shared some interesting conversations, and generously hosted us on short notice. In the morning, we were treated to breakfast made with all locally-grown ingredients, including blueberry muffins made with grains freshly ground in her kitchen. It just doesn’t get any fresher or tastier!
There isn’t much to Trinidad itself other than fog and a harbor, but it’s a naturally beautiful spot and was a place we would not have ordinarily visited. We took a short hike out to the harbor and got to witness all the action on the first of a ten-day salmon season. The word on the water was that there were no salmon out there.
Onward and upward to Oregon!
–currently headed towards Crater Lake and Bend–
Posted on August 31, 2009 by angela
Jason picked up the ‘drag link’ he’d ordered in Redding and we were on our way to Hayfork, CA–site of the 2009 Trinity County Fair. This was another recommendation from our new friends Mike and Maria who were going to be there. Hayfork is a pretty small town and this is the once-a-year big deal that brings everyone out of the woodwork. We were pleasantly surprised too see an even blend of tie-dye and cowboy boots.
Jason hadn’t been to one of these since he was a kid in Texas (100% cowboy boots), and enjoyed checking out the prize-winning squash and going through all the exhibit halls where everything had a ribbon hanging on it. Best muffins. Best 4th grade poster art. Best quilt. Best hog. Best chickens with feathers in peculiar places. You name it, and the best of the county was represented here and awarded appropriately. Good clean fun.
The competitions were not just limited to agriculture. We got a chance to participate too. The kid’s tractor races sounded fun and Bode was game for it, so we signed him up for the four-year old heats. Despite the organizers best attempts to remind everyone that this was all just for fun, we were surrounded by parents coaching their kids on the finer details of pedal-tractor drag racing. “No steering!” “Pedal like you’re mad!” were being tossed around like common knowledge. The kids went in pairs, but due to a no-show, Bode had a solo heat and raced the clock. A clear disadvantage. Jason insisted there was also a slight humidity increase that deleteriously affected the track conditions. If you’re getting our drift, Bode did not turn in the fastest time. The winner clocked in at 7.7 seconds. Bode turned in a respectable 10 flat. Of course, nobody really cared and all the kids got free ride tickets – Bode was thrilled and we went straight for the serpent coaster.
We missed the Ugliest Dog contest and Bode was a little sad. While we were checking out the pigs, I saw a woman carrying what had to be the ugliest dog I’ve seen, and thinking that Bode would be happy to see the winner, I asked “Were you entered in the contest?” The woman holding this tiny furry beast looked confused. I tried to explain that I’m sure her dog wouldn’t have won, and I meant no offense to the dog, but I think the sentiment was lost due to Jason’s laughter from behind me. Oh well, she’s gotta know that dog isn’t pretty.
Next it was time for the pie-eating contest. Jason had threatened to enter, but after seeing the competition, he backed out. Probably a good decision. The kid’s competition was cute – they only had to eat a thin slice. The adults had to eat a half a pie – not as cute. It should be noted that one of the duties of Miss Trinity County 2009 is to help out with the pie-eating contest.
We continued down Hwy 36 toward the coast. It was lovely at first, but there were no lines on the highway and being a Friday night, there were lots of large pickups hauling boats. We stopped at a small burger joint right off the highway – Mad River, the only sign of civilization we’d seen. Jason went to check out the camp sites next to it, but returned and requested we get our dinner to go. Too many strange things going on, including the hitchhiker woman with trashbag luggage and an animal cage who was trying to bum cigarettes from Jason.
Soon after that, a deer ran in front of the car. I noticed something hanging from it, and realized it was an arrow. I was having trouble getting the Deliverance banjo music out of my head when we finally reached Redwoods and I knew we were close to the coast. We camped at a state park, but were up and out of there early in the morning. We later learned this stretch of road is referred to as the ‘highway of death.’ Lot’s of fatalities. Has a nice ring to it too.
–currently headed towards Lake of the Woods and Crater lake–
Posted on August 31, 2009 by angela
The day started with news that the part Jason was to pick up in Redding wasn’t available yet, so we knew we needed to stick close by. We got our usual late start and drove through the nearly 100 degree heat of the day until we rolled into Whiskeytown Lake around 4:30.
Jason showed all the patience he could in dealing with the hosts at the Oak Bottom campsite, who seemed to have no idea what sites were available. We drove around and noticed there weren’t many sites with parking near them, so we picked a couple that did and headed back to the camp store. After much confusion and a long wait, we got a site and headed straight for the beach area of the lake. It was a nice beach and the water was warm. On our way to the campsite, Jason happened to read the rules of the campsite, which stated no sleeping in cars. We considered stealth camping (not popping the top), but figured it might be obvious if there was no tent set up. Jason said he should have trusted those feelings he had when he first dealt with the hosts and taken off.
While trying to get a refund, I asked the host if she could recommend a motel in Whiskeytown. She said no, but to stay away from California St. Um, okay onward to WHISKEYTOWN!!! We’ve been to Shasta several times, and I’ve always wanted to go to Whiskeytown.
It was clearly marked on the map, just a few miles from where we were, and a large sign posted on the highway directed us north 4 miles. All day, the thought of seeing the town whetted my thirst. I love the band *, I love the drink, and how exciting that it would be right in the middle of a beautiful Whiskeytown National Forest. I was going to find the seediest bar/restaurant that allows 4 year olds, saunter up through the swinging doors and get me a whiskey! We followed the signs, and realized that aside from a boarded up general store, there was no town. A few boat launches, and a great lake that looked fun, but no whiskey to be had.
A little defeated, we headed back to Redding and got a cheap motel room. A warm shower and a good meal and we’re ready to try again tomorrow.
*not the best version of this song, but it does feature Beatle Bob, and I know Alison will love it 
This situation don’t feel so right…
- Ryan Adams, WhiskeyTown
–currently headed towards Lake of the Woods and Crater lake–
Posted on August 28, 2009 by jason
We’ve been getting the occasional peace sign.
A ‘hang loose,’ here and there.
The old bus is a magnet for good vibes and we’re the beneficiaries. Since I’m a bit of a nerd, the idea crossed my mind today of creating some sort of heat-map of peace-signing over the US . A contour map of good-vibes from other drivers would be an interesting way to plan a road-trip, although most of us can guess where the hot-spots might be. I’ve seen worse ideas get funded.
Anyway, we’re currently in a good-vibe epicenter. Five today.
They mostly come from other VW drivers. It’s nice when it’s a random Honda. Never a truck.
Amazingly, until today we’ve haven’t seen a single air-cooled VW bus out on the road so far – just in people’s yards. What gives?
When we finally saw one I had such bus withdrawal that I pulled over to chat. We checked out each others rides and swapped advice and stories. Daniel is a super-nice guy who believe it or not(!) is on his way to Guatemala in his bus. Of course, he’s blogging about his trip and you can check it out at http://mytimewellwasted.blogspot.com/
He’s just getting started as well and drove here from Florida. His travel style is more of the young(er) solo variety. Lots of ‘stealth camping.’ Pulling over and hiding off the road. Bar parking lots (“officer, I just had too much to drink and decided to rest”). Apparently, you can get a ticket for sleeping at a truck stop – it’s for commercial drivers only? Certainly a thrifty way to travel, but his girlfriend was an early casualty – she was too “high-maintenance” and required electricity.
I used to (still do, I guess) have a theory that the amount of fun you have is proportional to the risk you take. I see the allure of his travel style, but its just not how to travel with a four year-old kid… or keep a healthy marriage. I’ve recently been reminded – happy wife, happy life.
Maybe more interesting were his motorcycle trips. From Florida to Oregon on a dirt bike – 80% unpaved. I don’t even know how that’s possible. From Florida to Guatemala on a dirt bike – the inspiration for his current trip. Anyway, we’re going to keep in touch and who knows – you might see these two buses together again somewhere down the road.
Posted on August 27, 2009 by jason
We headed up through Lassen National Park and pretty much cruised right through. Bode napped the entire way, so we just kept driving. It’s pretty, but we weren’t in the mood for hiking or waking up a sleeping kid, so onward and upward. He woke up in time for Subway Cave, which was a great stop for him. He got scared as soon as the cave got really dark and wanted to go back to the car, but as soon as we left the cave he wanted to go right back in. This time he was a brave explorer, explained how the lava tubes were formed to me, and we made it all the way through. There was even a snake waiting for us at the end. Cool! Four is probably the right age to get introduced to spelunking.
We drove up to Burney on a recommendation and we spent the afternoon relaxing by the lake. Kids skipping rocks and that sort of thing. Big impressive waterfall. Nice place. We’ve actually been here a few days now just taking it easy and getting caught up on some chores, blog posts and internet things (free internet at the pizza joint – a recurring theme.) They’ve got a car wash, so it was good time to wash off the filth we’ve accumulated since we left. Those mountain gravel roads aren’t kind to the engine compartment of an old air-cooled bus.
Burney is a funky little town with exactly everything you need and no more. Mexican food. Check. Pizza. Check. Bowling alley. Check. Wacky VW guy with a van up on a pole in his front yard. Check.
If you’ve got a few days to lounge around and enjoy a place, this is a good one. The campgrounds at Burney Falls State Park are spacious and quiet. It’s also given me some time to finish more bus projects and take a real close look at my steering. There’s still a fair amount of play in it – you definitely notice it on a windy road – and I’ve tracked it down to the Drag Link Arm (i think). Fortunately for me, The Bus Boys is only 50 miles down the road in Redding, so that’s our next destination. Note : if you search for The Bus Boys on Google, you will not get the VW parts guys. However, I was reminded that The BusBoys were nominated for a Grammy for the song “Cleanin’ Up The Town” from the original “Ghostbusters” film.
Posted on August 26, 2009 by angela
Heading up towards Lassen, we made a few wrong turns and ended up in the tiny town of Belden. Any town with a large martini glass on top of the town sign is okay by us. Its easy to miss a turn around here, and certainly not a problem, since everything is so beautiful. Turning around and driving along a ‘shortcut’ that was by no means shorter, we found a stream with wild blackberries growing along the side. Bode gave up on the blackberry picking quickly, so we left that for Dad. He and I trekked through the stream, climbing over the slippery rocks trying to make it to the next row of big rocks that formed a small waterfall.
We climbed up to the next little falls around the corner and I noticed a camping trailer parked above. We were in the water (thigh high on Bode) laughing and struggling when I noticed two plastic milk crates in the water. One held bottled water and the other beer. Just then, a large man in a t-shirt with the arms cut-out and holding a fly swatter stands up and yells “You stay away from those bottles.”
It was really loud by the stream, and I assumed he was joking, so I turned to my four year old and said “Okay Bode, no beer for you!” and I turned back to smile at the guy. Apparently, he wasn’t joking, and I got a look from him I’ll never forget. I didn’t know there was a problem with beer thefts in the middle of nowhere, perpetrated by women and children. Don’t argue with someone holding a fly swatter.
About 8 miles into our shortcut, we hit the even tinier ‘town’ of Caribou. It’s a PG&E town and it’s pretty much just a few houses for the folks that work at the dam just a little farther up. From here, the road turned to gravel. We persisted and started climbing. Once again, the bus proved totally capable as we wound around mountain roads past Butt Valley Reservoir – another nice looking camping spot. No camping for us tonight, though. The little resort at Child’s Meadow looked inviting and we pulled over to enjoy the evening.
Another one of the great things about this trip and blog is that we now have the time to catch up with people we’ve lost touch with over the years. Our quote of the day is from one of Jason’s old friends, who pretty much nailed it.
I’m not sure whether to say you guys are nuts, or to congratulate
you on continuing to evade maturity.
-Steve B.
We’ll take the congratulations.
Posted on August 25, 2009 by angela
When we began talking about this adventure, things were a little bit more organized in my mind.
The van would be running, and we would have had several overnight trips in her before we left. I’d have storage all figured out. Everything we needed would be purchased. We’d also have a better plan as to where we were going. A system, if you will.
Life has a way of getting in the way of planning things out perfectly – if we kept waiting until everything was perfect, we would still be waiting. Jason didn’t have as much time to work on the van as he had hoped, and the lease of our house set the date we had to vacate. The house projects and getting rid of our stuff took priority from the van. The packing came the day before we left. Bode and I first rode in the van on our way out of Alameda 9 days ago. On that day, everything left in our garage was unceremoniously shoved in the van.
In this small space, it is very important that everything has a place. We realized this after the first 2 days of constant questioning “where’s this?” followed by ‘in a bag, either in the closet, under the jump seat or on top…i don’t know’. And so the van projects, tweaks and adjustments as well as the storage are getting figured out as we go. It will take some time, but we know the camera, map, and soy yogurt must always be easy to get to. I fear the day we can’t find a store selling soy yogurt (Bode loves it an he’s allergic to milk).
Saturday, we worked on Red Beard, with Jason doing some electrical stuff (horn fixed!), and me repacking. We gave Red Beard a break from the mountains and traveled through Carson City (yay Trader Joe’s) and Reno, Nevada before heading back into California and towards Lassen. We decided that if we are to camp, we need a more leisurely 3 pm roll-in. Otherwise, its just too hectic to enjoy. That didn’t happen, but everything worked out perfectly anyway.
We drove into Portola, CA in the afternoon hoping to find a playground and campsites and were surprised to find “Railroad Days”. Carnival rides, street fair and live music. Just what Bode needed. We ended up staying late and drove a few miles north to Lake Davis to camp really late. In a true test of VW camping, we were able to pop the top and move all our junk to the driver’s seat without getting out of the van.
We went back to the fair on Sunday and did some ‘fishing’ thanks to the California Department of Fish and Game. They set up a tub packed with hungry trout for the kids to try their hand at landing one. I was surprised that the kids actually got to keep the fish. The guys handed out backpacks to the kids and dropped the flopping fish in and they were happily on their way. Kids walking around town with fish flopping around in their backpacks. Gotta love it. Portola also has a little skate park and free Wi-fi at City Hall. All of this stuff is immediately next to each other, so we had a fun and easy morning enjoying Portola.
Next, we are heading on towards Lassen.
By the way, for those VW folks- Red Beard did great, no problems at all.
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