Morning finds us camped above the San Antonio River, and a bike ride from the Arroyo Seco River, in Los Padres National Forest. There are others in the vicinity but camping is dispersed and we can’t see them. It is private, lovely with wildflowers, rich in striking rock formations, and quiet … except for the sound of water over rock, wind in the trees, and the song of birds and frogs. Our first campsite of the trip; not so shabby …
We have met some neighbors, camped around bends and beyond rock faces. Sylva and her husband have been here a couple of weeks already. They have a Four Wheel Camper like ours so we figured them for kindred spirits. Originally from Santa Maria, California, they now live in southwestern Utah. When they come back to California, they camp here and their kids and friends come up and join them. How cool is that? We got tips on good places to go and someone to call should we ever need help passing through Utah. Beyond them a piece, and on the way to a nice swimming hole, is a nice man whose name I can’t remember. His dog is named Hitchcock. And his closest neighbors are two guys, one of whom is from Santa Cruz. Small world, ain’t it? And so far, the world is a good place.
Steve took a bike ride to a swimming hole on the Arroyo Seco. On the way he met a couple, here for the first time like us, but still looking for a place to camp. They have a Four Wheel Camper too, and believe it or not, they are from Santa Cruz. How could he not give them the skinny on where to camp?
I spent some time today working … yes, actually for money … and totally solar powered. And doing yoga in the ramp room. Steve just put a fruity beverage and a bowl of Yumm! Sauce-flavored vegetable-shrimp stir fry in front of me so I’m signing off now. We’re not exactly roughing it, are we?
p.s. okay… it isn’t perfect here. There is poison oak everywhere. Grayson is po’d (take that either way and it’s accurate) because we didn’t want him out. Then when he got out anyway, he got washed. Now he’s locked in his pen. In a perfect world, there would be no poison oak!
Hey! The first place we landed when we came over here from the mother-land was Santa Maria!
Yup! The only thing worse than a cat with poison oak is a wet cat! Poor Grayson!
Add no ticks to that list of perfect world items.
If I can’t go along, at least I get to vacation by reading your journal.
Looks gorgeous!
I know… I thought of you, Kim, when they said they were from Santa Maria. Now they are from St. George, Utah and they love it. We’ll have to check it out.
Driving into the National Forest you pass through entrance gates to Fort Hunter Liggett, where you must provide registration, insurance and license info. The roads were smooth and perfect but there were no bridges so twice we had to ford the San Antonio River … it reminded me of driving in Texas. I get kind of tripped out driving through the middle of a river, especially with everything I own in tow. It was pretty though and tempting to stop in the middle (we didn’t). Who needs a boat?
While on the military reservation, you don’t dare venture off the road. Once you enter Forest Service lands, you can go where you will, providing the road is open. Many are closed as this year’s wind storms brought down a lot of trees and brush. I think we’re technically still in Fort Hunter Liggett, as well as National Forest as the map shows us in the middle of military land, and we passed a sign saying something about “concurrent jusrisdiction”. Another difference of note is the condition of the roads. Immediately upon entering the National Forest, the road condition deteriorates but the river crossings have bridges. Interesting, don’t you think?
I have been on that run through Hunter Liggett and I know exactly what you are talking about. It’s kind of like being in Disneyland if they had a Wilderness-land. Everything is almost too perfect and you never feel like you are not being watched.
You will experience that same transition of road conditions between California and Arizona. I could tell immediately that we crossed into Arizona because my teeth stopped vibrating.
Did you notice that you called this a “trip”? (Our first campsite of the trip…) I’m not sure that’s the right title anymore. Hmmm…maybe “Our first campsite of our new life on the road…”? Or, if you want to call them trips, maybe number them for future reference.
I’ve noticed many things since we left Santa Cruz County but that wasn’t on the list. How about the word “journey”? I think it is the better term. Whatever the semantics, I don’t think I’ll be assigning them numbers.
A noteworthy thing of this afternoon was my bike ride to the same spot that Steve went to yesterday. Things started out great. I rode up and up and up and up, happy to have electric assist. As things began to level out, I released the throttle. Pedaling was easier than expected and I thought “wow, I’m doing better than I thought”. Then I realized the motor hadn’t turned off and in fact, wouldn’t turn off. When I braked and stopped, it stopped. For good. I rode some and walked some, up and up and up. Called Steve for advice on whether to keep going. I kept going, shortly cresting and heading down toward the Arroyo Seco. I finally found the lovely swimming hole with crystal clear water but its beauty was marred by dilapidated structures and the remains of an old dam. I was glad I went but feel no need to return. Then I started back and shifting gears on the first uphill stretch, my chain came off. I walked it up the hill, put the chain back on and started my long coast back to camp. The speed was exhilarating and the views stunning. Part way down, my knight in shining armor rode up to make sure I was okay, with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his pocket made with love just for me. I felt appreciation and was happy to see him, but before we got “home”, still dealing with disappointment about my broken bike, I was cranky with him. This journey is about much more than pretty places and time to ride bikes … it is about learning to live again and I’ve got some homework to do.
Glad I checked today and found out where you are.
You are having an interesting time and I love
reading about it. I like that you are on a journey! I hope you do not have poison oak.
love you both, mom
Ha … and duh! Ok, now I’ve got the concept. We can always know where you are! Most excellent traveling so far. Bob and I adore the dry craggy terrain of the desert. Good for you guys … with all going on here my heart tuggs to be in route with you. Missing having you here. I know you’ll be back this way though and it will make it all the sweeter. Yum Yum
Love you,
Helen
What a life you two have!! Enjoy every minute of it!! I love the updates so I will check e-mail more often. We think and talk about you so often, it is nice to see your set up. When will you drive through Colorado? We have poison ivy here but not poison oak! Ask Michele, she should remember!! Have a great time! Love, Beanie