BodesWell

No Whiskey in Whiskeytown

Posted on August 31, 2009 by angela6 Comments

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–

Peace, Brother

Posted on August 28, 2009 by jason13 Comments

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.