NOTE: This only includes travel from October 2008 - March 2009
On the road again
“On the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never been, Seein’ things that I may never see again, And I can’t wait to get on the road again.”
~ ON THE ROAD AGAIN by Willie Nelson
Our current trip had us leaving the Sierra Nevada region (California) and heading to parts unknown on October 3, 2008. Weather forecasts were predicting heavy rain and snow showers at higher elevations. Since our route took us over Donner Pass (Truckee, CA) we left quickly and tried to beat the storms. With our long-bed pickup truck, our rig is about 53′ long and over 13′ high. You cannot tow a fifth-wheel in the mountains during snow, nor can you safely drive through rain and high-winds. So the weather was a major concern for us.
We found ourselves several hours ahead of the storms and on the other side of the Sierras, we hunkered down outside Reno, NV. We had light rain and some wind gusts, but found it more appealing than the snow and high winds among the higher elevations.
After spending some time in Reno and sneaking in a few buffets, we found that the weather we had ran from was planning on heading our way after all. We left early and made a quick trip through Carson City before the winds picked up. They had actually warned folks traveling the area that there were high winds and that RVs may not be allowed on the roadways. Fortunately we stayed ahead of the weather until we got back into California on historic Hwy 395.
Hwy 395 goes along the backside of the Sierras. This route is definitely one of the most scenic drives you can experience in the mountains. Yet it is very long and you pay a great deal for fuel and supplies along the way. We spent some time in Bridgeport, CA, which is just down the road from Bodie SHP and Yosemite NP.
Bridgeport, CA
For those unfamiliar with Bodie SHP – it is a modern-day ghost town. When the California State Park system took over Bodie, it left all the buildings as they stood. This is one of the most unforgettable places I have ever been. There is so much history there, it consumes you. You can almost feel towns folk walking along the streets right beside you. It is a must-see for anyone visiting that region of California!
Unfortunately the weather caught-up with us and we awoke to snowy mountains! Tioga Pass (the road to Yosemite NP) was closed. We had heard that the recovery team for Steve Fossett’s plane down in Mammoth Lakes) was scrambling to cover the crash-site and realized every place we planned to tour in the days ahead was either getting snow or going to get snow. So we decided that since we were quite happy touring California, that we would come back to visit Yosemite NP another time.
The remainder of our trip along scenic Hwy 395 was amazing. We did manage to see some of the other noteworthy stops along the way, such as Mono Lake, June Lake, Manzanar Camp and Mount Whitney. We then decided to head to Death Valley NP to see Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek and Scotty’s Castle.
Death Valley National Park
- Las Vegas Strip at night
We then decided to try our luck in Las Vegas. As crazy as this sounds, Las Vegas is a great stop for RVers! There are many campgrounds in the area and even one along the LV Strip. One of the most popular – Sam’s Town – has two RV parks and a giant casino (with all the amenities) in between. They even shuttle you to various casino/hotels along the LV Strip. There are, of course, other sites to see that make Las Vegas a great place to unhook (RVers term for ”unhooking” the tow vehicle) for a few days, such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and many parks (including the Grand Canyon and Death Valley). And if you are so inclined, you can do what my family and I did on our last trip through the region (August 2007) and go North from Las Vegas to the Extraterrestrial Highway to Rachel, Nevada. Hey, I told you I have an interest in the odd things! 
After seeing our favorite sites (oh, come on, I wasn’t going to tell you everything!) and hitting a couple buffets, we headed toward Arizona. Now we did think about considering Arizona as our “home” for a couple of months, but when your home is on wheels, things can change!
We toured some areas we hadn’t been to in years, like Lake Havasu. For some reason, London Bridge appeared much smaller to me this time. I guess I was shorter or perhaps it was because we had a small motorhome back then. 
The area wasn’t as crowded as I remembered, but the season is just starting to pick up in that region of the US.
There is a place in Arizona that all the snowbirds (Seasonal and Full-Timers) go to escape the winter temperatures and live cheaply and that’s at Quartzsite. The BLM has land there and for (I believe) around $5 a month, you can boondock anywhere on this land. Now “boondocking” means living in the boonies and pretty much dry camping. You have to be prepared with batteries, generator, water and rely on the honey wagon (that’s the sewer truck that pumps out your holding tanks for you) to make a regular visit. There are people who live this way for months (and some say years). It can be done if you have the know-how and can manage the isolation (many boondock areas are not near cities).
- Quartzsite, AZ
We got there before the season started and wanted to see what all went on in this area. Let me tell you, it is sparse. It is desert and the nearest Walmart is over 90 miles (one way) away – so that shows you how remote you are. There are campgrounds in this area where you can get full-hookups, Cable TV and other amenities for around $300 a month, plus electricity costs. Unfortunately, it is still quite a drive to the nearest cities for supplies.
Our next major stop in Arizona was Yuma which is the mecca for snowbirds in the Southwest. I can honestly only recommend this for people who are happy to be in 55+ RV parks. I’m not 55, nor would I be happy in one even if I was. Yuma has all the modern amenities one could want and the weather is sunny (200% sunny – so wear your shades unless you want cataracts), warm and dry. There is a lot of wind though. And another thing that many Yumans (yep, that’s what they call themselves) will neglect to mention. There is a big military presence in this region and whatever park you stay at – you will hear military jets, planes and helicopters at all hours. Since you are also living on the Mexico-Arizona-California border, there are also Border Patrol road blocks asking either your purpose in the area or if everyone in your vehicle is a US citizen.
We toured Yuma a few days and the only real highlight worth mentioning is the Yuma Territorial Prison. No doubt you heard it in the recent movie 3:10 TO YUMA or read about it in history books or western novels. It really is a great stop, although if you don’t want to pay admission – the prison cemetery is just as interesting and has a beautiful cactus walk along the side.
So since we were here, we thought we might as well tour Texas. We have been here several weeks now. We have found a wonderful campground located outside San Antonio, that is the gateway to some fascinating countryside.
Small cascade along the Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers weave through this area and make it quite the tourist attraction in the summer. Toob and kayak rentals are everywhere! Although there are scenic drives you can take to experience these rivers without getting your feet wet!
Historic Gruene, Texas
Some sites we have enjoyed are in the towns of Gruene and New Braunfels. Both towns were settled by German immigrants. Gruene has preserved their downtown with antique and specialty shoppes. It is also the site of one of the last standing dance halls in Texas (it was featured in the movie MICHAEL with John Travolta).
New Braunfels is a larger community outside of San Antonio. They have tried to balance nature with the city and have a beautiful series of parks and outdoor places. One of highlights of the holidays as been their Hill Country Christmas.
Hill Country Christmas
We have enjoyed touring Texas, especially along the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. Very beautiful scenery - Don’t you agree?
Cypress along the Guadalupe River
Fall colors along the river
Cypress reflections
We have been very busy trying to get things ready for our drive eastward in the weeks ahead. The tires have been checked (and one fifth-wheel tire was replaced) and giving everything that extra check before we put on another two thousand miles or so. Also trying to repack a few things and, of course, doing a little spring cleaning! Have to make room for all those Texas souvenirs we have picked up.
Meanwhile, to all those getting ready to head for your northern “homes” and those “couch travelers” – safe travels!
Updated: March 8, 2009
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