Prior to our October trip last year, Holly's mom had a recurrence of cancer from 9 years previous. It was a very tough road but we're pleased to say that she has beat it again! It was a long winter and spring, but she got through it. During the ordeal we all decided it would be best to move them closer to us in the event either parent was sick again. So in the late spring we helped them find and buy a home and are now in the process of selling their old home.
In November we decided to finally work on remodeling our kitchen. After many months, several different contractors, and a lot of leg work, we are finally approaching the delivery of our cabinets which will be followed by the demolition and complete remodel of our kitchen, mud room, and 3rd bathroom. Fun times ahead!
After our October trip, and due to the aforementioned issues, we took a few months off from traveling. It wasn't until March that we were able to get back on the road, and we were so glad to get out there again.
2019 - March - Still Water Cove, California
In late March we headed up the California Coast to visit a location that had personal historic significance for us. 46 years ago, Holly's oldest brother died in his early 20's while diving. It was at this Still Water Cove location that the tragedy had occurred. As an homage to he brother, we decided to visit this place for the first time. We booked an RV site (no hookups) at the Stillwater Cove Regional Park. The location is 26 miles north of Bodega Bay up Highway 1. It takes nearly an hour to traverse the steep and winding road, there is no cell signal or services, but the views were spectacular.
The park was all but deserted and very quiet. Even thought Highway 1 was relatively close, there was little traffic at night to cause much noise. As we were boon-docking, we had to conserve water and run our generator when time to cook. Our spot was fairly level too!
There was a nearby trail that took us under the highway and right to the beach area. This is the area we are told her brother was last seen.
There are signs at this beach declaring it the "Most Dangerous Beach in California". There are rip tides, Great White Sharks, and lots of hidden rocks. It was a trip of reflection as well as relaxation.
2019 - April - Yosemite
Last year our planned trip to Yosemite was thwarted due to the Yosemite fires and associated smoke. We decided to try again. We also decided to join the Thousand Trail club for RV parks. It is a membership-based club with which membership includes the RV reservation at the many sites associated with Thousand Trails. We will trial it for the year we paid, then see if it is worth the money.
We booked the Yosemite Lakes RV Campground in Groveland, CA. In the member area, it is a first-come basis for the RV spots. We found a decent spot the first night and changed to a little better spot the next day (a little closer to the creek). There was no cell signal but there was wifi at the clubhouse for a quick check-in with the world (and Holly's parents).
The sites had full hookups at our two locations. We made camp and relaxed the first evening. We broke camp early the next morning and headed into the Yosemite Valley for a dog-friendly hike at the Lower Yosemite Falls.
Overall a very relaxing trip! It has been many years since either of us has visited. It was a bonus because it was early in the season and not too crowded.
2019 - June - Sunflower RV Resort, Emmigrant Gap, CA
We took May off (due to the aforementioned Parent move) and were back at it in June. We knew that with our impending kitchen remodel we wouldn't be on the road in July and August. We booked another Thousand Trails location just an hour up I80 from Roseville.
The location was far enough from the freeway to be peaceful and quiet. It was relatively busy, however. We did find a spot that ended up being one of the best in the area! We had a relatively unobstructed view of the lake from inside our RV. There were nice trails to hike with the dogs and the weather was perfect! I had to use level blocks on one side, but the spot was otherwise very nice. There was electricity and water but no sewer. Fortunately, there is a convenient dump station as you leave the area. One note (and this was a first for us) - they ask for proof of registration and insurance on all vehicles staying at the property...so be prepared. Also - the manager's office is quite a hike from the RV spots.
That's it for now!! We plan a trip back to Arkansas sometime in September.....more "Retirement Tour Research"
