Heading North Again

Hi everyone! We're back on the road now, on our way to Vancouver Island for 2 races there. But first, a recap of the past few days.

On Saturday we took it easy, and sat around in the RV park. We were going to watch some of the action at the start of the desert race, but the security was so tight we couldn't get close, so we decided to take it easy. I did some maintenance on the car to prepare if for our next few runs.

Sunday was Father's Day, and we relaxed some more. A modest quantity of bourbon was enjoyed. In the evening we cooked up a fine dinner of leg of lamb, Brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and some of our favourite red wine. Ben enjoyed the lamb too, and is still working on the bone!

Monday Marlene cooked up the left over lamb as a curry with wild rice. Yum!! Monday evening we took a taxi to the Atlantis casino. We had enjoyed the deli there, and decided to give it another try. Marlene had the matzoh ball soup again, and I enjoyed a chopped liver sandwich. The food was fantastic, and the price reasonable (Total: $16). This time we remembered to take some pics of the food, and you can see the size of the portions. Huge!

We had hoped to watch the free band entertainment in the casino cabaret, but found out on Mondays it doesn't start until 9 p.m. We really didn't feel like sitting around waiting, so we got a taxi back to the Grand Sierra, and relaxed at home with a couple of drinks.

Tuesday we did a few loads of laundry, and packed up the dishes and stuff so we'd be ready to hit the road in the morning. Wednesday morning we left Reno, heading up into the High Sierra again. We climbed the long grades up into the snow belt, then coasted down the long hills. We reached our destination of the Walmart in Anderson, California at around 4 p.m. and it was HOT. Even with the airconditioning running full out, we were hot. We took the opportunity to stock up on our wine here, since its only $1.97 a bottle. We now have enough wine and liquor to last us until we return to the US in August.

The only space big enough for us at this Walmart was near the rear loading docks. Ben was jumpy because of all the noise, and he kept waking up barking in the night. And it was hot all night, and we didn't want to run the generator to keep the air conditioning on all night, so we opened the windows and sweltered. None of us slept well.

We've decided to take our time with this trip, and enjoy the sights, so we're going in short runs each day. Yesterday we drove from Anderson north to Cottage Grove, Oregon. As we drove, Mount Shasta loomed ahead of us. Amazing to see the mountain totally snow covered, while we are sweltering in 90 degree heat.

The Walmart in Cottage Grove is a small one, and there are no restricted parking signs. The store is surrounded by beautiful park-like grounds, and the area was quiet. Several other RV's pulled in later in the evening. These small town Walmarts are quite pleasant, and don't have the noise and crowds of the big stores by the Interstates.

This morning we woke early, packed and left immediately. We only went a few miles down the road, to stop for a few hours. Marlene cooked up some french toast and sausages for breakfast. Today we'll meander along slowly, not far to travel today to get to Happy Valley, where we've stayed before. Please stay tuned...

We get around

On Sunday afternoon I made some modifications to the dash of the motor home. It tends to lift up and whistle in a headwind because of the air pressure under it. I used some moldings and trim pieces and firmly tightened down the dash to its supports. Hope it works.

Sunday night we cleaned the rugs. Wow, was the water ever dirty! We used enough soap and water for 4 rooms, but in the end we had nice, clean carpets.

Monday morning Marlene made a packed lunch, and we went to Lowes to return the Rug Doctor. Then we hit the highway for Lake Tahoe. Our plan was to drive around the whole lake, 75 miles around, starting down the eastern side. The road went through many switchbacks and long, steep grades, til we reached the highest point, just over 9000 ft. As we wound our way down, we finally saw the lake. There are few spots on the road to stop and enjoy the views, and the ones there are were very crowded. We stopped to get onto one of the beaches, but you have to pay $7 each and no dogs allowed! This was not a good sign.

Every time we tried to stop and enjoy the scenery, and walk Ben, we were met with NO DOGS signs and high admission costs and crowds of people. As we wound our way to South Tahoe, we were more and more disenchanted with the whole area. It is so commercialized and tacky-touristy, that the natural beauty has been hidden. We stopped at McDonalds to eat our picnic in their back yard, because it was the only place with grass and trees we could take Ben.

Finally we found a "Doggie Beach", but it was crowded with big dogs running loose, crapping everywhere, and jumping on us. Ben was very nervous, and wanted to leave. As we went north on the west side of the lake we were confronted with miles and miles of 5000 to 25000 sq. ft. mansions. The sheer numbers of these decadent "weekend homes" were staggering. Where do all these rich people come from who have to build a huge palace by a lovely lake. Even here, the bad economy seems to have had its effects. Many of these palaces are sporting For Sale signs.

Our final thoughts of Lake Tahoe: Burn down the fancy houses, level the tacky "Swiss" themed strip malls, and return it to its natural state.

Tuesday morning I took our jet fuel cans and got them filled at a petroleum wholesale place. It was more than $1 a gallon cheaper than in Tucson. Bonus. Then I finished off the work on the dash. In the afternoon we went to the Atlantis casino. Finally a place with some class, and also some crowds. We had a fine lunch at the Manhattan Deli. We indulged ourselves with Matzoh Ball Soup, which came with a baseball sized dumpling. It was as light and fluffy as a Matzoh Ball can be, and the broth was obviously scratch made and had large chunks of veggies, not the usual little slivers. It was almost as good as Mom made. Following our soup, we split a wonderful pastrami on rye sandwich. It was accompanied by french fries, and a bowl full of Kosher dill pickles and piccalily. Total cost: $25.

After lunch we went to the casino cabaret and enjoyed a group of 55 year old rockers playing lots of oldies. We could just imagine what these guys were like 30 years ago when they started playing. We had a drink and then went to tour the hotel. We later returned to the deli and bought a loaf of challah bread, a huge chunk of tiramisu and a giant fruit tart to take home with us. The Atlantis is a well run, class operation. We think it is the only one in Reno.

On Wednesday we loaded up a packed lunch and went to Carson City. This time Ben stayed home to be a watchdog. Our intention was to take a walking tour of the old city, following the Kit Carson trail. We started at the State Assembly building, which has been restored and is currently used to house the Governors office and several state departments. It has a small museum inside with old photos and artifacts.

We had lunch on the Assembly grounds, which were lovely, then we started our walking tour. There are lots of beautiful old homes, dating from the early 1800's, all of them are currently used as homes or businesses. To own one of these historical homes must be a great responsibility. We worked up a thirst, so we stopped into the St. Charles hotel, built in the 1800's, which houses an English style pub. We consumed a couple of draft beers, then walked back to our rental car. Gas here was 20 cents a gallon cheaper than Reno! We found Carson City to be interesting and lovely, and not at all "touristy" even though it attracts plenty of tourists.

Thursday we went to Walmart to stock up on food and booze for our trip north. Better to do our shopping now while we have the rental car. Then we unloaded the groceries and returned to Idlewild park so that Ben could have a nice walk, and inspect the ducks.

Thursday evening we went to a used book store to replenish our library. Then we went to dinner at the Thai Lotus restaurant. We had read good reviews of this little place, and the couple that own and run it are real Thai immigrants, not the usual Chinese. The service was impeccable, and the food was wonderful. We started with a flask of hot sake while making our food choices. We selected a Thai green curry stir fry with beef and accompanied by Roti (flatbreads). Our second plate was veggies and seafood in oyster sauce. Delicious, and accompanied by Jasmine rice. Our third dish was suggested by the owner; it was rice noodle dish with chili powder and basil, lots of meat, poultry and seafood, and veggies. This was a great meal, and only cost $47. Highly recommend this place if you are in Reno.

Today we returned the car, and what a nuisance that was. The parking areas are closed off for the big motorcycle race here, and also for the start of the big 250 mile desert race that begins tomorrow. We intend to stay here at the hotel grounds and watch some of the racing, cook up some fine food, and indulge in some fine bourbon. Sunday is fathers day... stay tuned....

We avoid cannibalism in the Donner Pass

We spent a relaxing couple of days in the parking area of the track at Santa Maria. It was nice in the country, quiet and peaceful. Mostly we kicked back and ate and drank. A little bird kept pecking at the windows and mirrors on the motor home. He would peck at the window, and when Marlene shooed him away he just sat and stared. Even Ben didn't scare him.

On Tuesday we left the track, and headed back to the Flying J truck stop at Lodi, California. While stopped for a rest break at a rest area, we met a lady trucker who makes the run from Calgary to southern California every week. She has pink bunnies striped on her hub caps.

We took the opportunity to dump our tanks, and had a meal in the buffet. It wasn't bad, for $9.99. A couple of truckers were sitting behind Marlene and struck up a conversation with her. She was from New Mexico, and he was from Maine. They both were happy to tell their life's stories to Marlene!

In the morning we hit Interstate 80 and turned northeast towards Reno. But first we have to cross the Sierra Mountains, also known as the High Sierra. The highway climbs in 5% to 7% grades for miles and miles. We had the motor home down to second gear pulling up those hills! At least we were moving faster than the big semis, which were down to 20 mph on the longest grades.

At approximately 7600 ft. we arrived a the Donner Pass, named after the infamous Donner party. This was a group of families and single men heading west to get to the California gold rush. They were taking a new route that had been scouted out just before they left. The group got caught at the highest part of the route by early snow, and started to slowly starve. Eventually, several of the party cannibalized others who had succumbed to illness or starvation. When we were passing through the pass we saw 4 foot deep snow, but had lots of food on board!

After much chugging up and racing down long hills, we reached Reno, and navigated our way to the RV park at the Grand Sierra Resort. This is really little more than a big parking lot on the hotel property, but it will suit us because we have power, water, sewer, laundromat and easy access to a big casino hotel with lovely pool.

On Thursday we took the city bus downtown (for $2 each) to check out some of the casinos. First impressions: The town is suffering, there are closed down hotels, restaurants and stores, and lots of homeless types wandering around. In the casinos, there were few gamblers. We were saddened and disappointed to see how bad things are here. The big resorts like Grand Sierra and others outside the downtown area appear to be just as dead, despite being nice newer 5 star places. Of course, maybe they'd be busier if they weren't charging $40 for a steak and then an additional $3 for a potato!!

Friday we rented a car, and went grocery shopping at Safeway. We were pleased to get some nice meats, and even scored leg of lamb on sale that will do nicely on Father's Day. After unloading the groceries, we went to check out Idlewild Park. A real nice park, alongside the river, with lovely duck ponds, fountains and playground. There were some lovely flowers on display. We went back and cooked up a nice slab of ribs on the BBQ and celebrated the Sabbath. The ribs were fantastic, and went well with the rice and black beans, and carrots.

We chose to stay in Reno because we have several things to get done (cleaning the carpets, minor repairs, finding fuel for the car to cover the next few jobs, etc.) and we want to go to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City. To stay in Tahoe would cost us more than staying in Reno and renting a car for a week.

Yesterday we took our rented Toyota and drove to Virginia City. What a road! It twists and turns as you climb 6000 ft. up, to descend 2000 ft. into Virginia City. This place has been kept as close to the way it was during the mining boom here in the 1800's and it is really cool. The old buildings, some with old mine shafts in the back, are neat. And we just happened to arrive the day of their annual pet parade. We saw quite a collection of dogs, cats, burros and turtles. The lady who sang the national anthem to the accompaniment of her little dog was a favourite. We stopped into a leather shop, and Marlene got herself a real bargain: A leather jacket and purse for $40. We also got a new Mexican style blanket for the couch.

Today we went downtown again for a car show. They've had a whole 60's and 70's revival thing going here all weekend, and we wanted to see the cars. There were some nice ones, but not very many. We've seen bigger car shows in Redwater! Marlene insisted on buying me a shirt emblazoned with flames. Guess she's getting into this jet car thing!! After the car show, Marlene went to do more laundry (5 loads so far) and I went and rented a Rug Doctor to clean the carpets in the motor home. We'll clean the rugs tonight, so they get a chance to dry overnight.

After doing the chores, we went to see another couple of casinos, one of which turned out to be closed down. We went to a little Mexican restaurant and had a couple of pints of nice beer ("Fat Tire") each, as well as a calamari steak appetizer and a chimalinga appetizer. The food was very good, and came with a free basket of nachos and salsa. Total cost: $25, which pleased Marlene greatly!

Tomorrow we plan to drive around lake Tahoe, about 75 miles, and see the sights. Stay tuned...

We spend a busy week

Hi all. When last we left you we were in Anderson California. Luckily, we spent an undisturbed night, and in the morning we bought another 30 pounds of ice and headed south.

As we rolled to Sacramento, we called the RV places and found we could not get a used fridge anywhere. A rebuilt fridge would cost us $700 plus $150 installation, and has a 30 day warranty. A new fridge would cost $1200 plus installation and have a 3 year warranty. We opted for the new fridge.

We arrived at Allied RV service at around 2:30 p.m., and talked it over with the service manager, who arranged to install the fridge first thing in the morning. Having no place to stay because not one of the Walmarts in Sacramento allows overnighters, the service manager kindly said we could stay in their front parking area. At 4:30 the service department closed, and we settled in for the night. Around 8:00 p.m. we were startled by the arrival of 4 police cars. The officers proceeded to handcuff and question four young African American girls, ranging in age from 10 to 15. We don`t know what it was all about, but they were there for over an hour before they unchained the kids and let them go with handfuls of paperwork. It certainly was a large show of force for four little girls!

At 8 a.m. the service guys arrived. We unhooked the trailer, and they took the motor home into the service yard. Two and half hours and $1432 later, we had a brand new fridge that looks just like the old one, but works properly. After paying our bill, we went looking for a Bank of America to deposit our check from Coos Bay. The GPS led us to the nearest branch, which happened to be in downtown Sacramento. Parking our 65 ft. rig was fun!

We were running a bit ahead of schedule now, so we decided to go only as far as Lodi, California, where we could spend the night at the Flying J truck stop. This is one huge, busy place, with action 24 hours a day. We found a corner to hide in and settled in for the night. Overnight the place filled up with RV`s of all types. We had parked in the back by the restaurant, and figured we would be left alone there. Of course, at 7 a.m. some idiot in a BMW had to park right in front of us when there were hundreds of empty car parking spots around! Took some maneuvering, but we got the rig out, dumped our tanks (they actually charge $5 for that!), and headed south.

Following the GPS we were going to Watsonville, California. This track is close to Monterey Bay, and all the well off areas around, like Pebble Beach and Carmel. Of course, the GPS always picks the shortest route, which took us over a road that had huge hills, and the tightest switchbacks we`ve ever encountered. It was a very challenging drive, but eventually we made it to the county fairgrounds where the track is nestled in the hills. Of course, when we got to our destination the pit manager told us that we could have taken a different route without the curves, and only taken an extra 7 miles. Damned GPS!

When we arrived there were a number of high school graduations taking place in the fairgrounds, one after another. It was quite a sight to see all the grads parading in the their gowns, and we were able to listen to the speeches and the singing. Marlene really enjoyed touring the rose gardens here. There are roses of every possible colour and type. It really is lovely. I set up the BBQ and made some nice steaks, accompanied by a bottle of our favourite $1.97 Oak Creek red wine.

Ocean Speedway in Watsonville is a dirt track, and we would be performing a car burn show here. We were very lucky here, in that we were able to hook up to water and power, a real bonus! Friday afternoon the racers began to arrive. There were 5 classes running, and these guys are serious racers. Many of them have more money invested in their trailers than we have in our whole operation! Racing began at 6 p.m., and we were scheduled to be the grand finale. At around 10:00 p.m. a track crewman came to tow us to the track. The crew positioned the car in front of the stands, and I did our big car burn, followed by a surprise victory lap. The fans loved it, as did the track crew. Unfortunately, the fire crew was anxious to show their expertise, and doused the beautiful fire I had created as soon as I began my victory lap! Oh well, judging by the crowd of fans who flocked to our trailer, we were a hit!

We packed up the car and equipment, so we would be ready for our getaway in the morning. We had to make a four hour drive to Santa Maria, California for our next gig on Saturday night. It was a lovely, quiet night in the country, and we were up and on the road south at around 8 a.m.

Going south on the 101 we passed through such places as Soledad, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Los Alamos. This is fruit country, and miles and miles of berry trees and strawberry rows is staggering. As we moved south the temperature increased, so by the time we sighted the ocean at Pismo Beach it had reached about 90 degrees!

We arrived at Santa Maria Speedway at about noon, and found a spot to pit our rig. We set up, pulled the car out, and prepped if for the night`s show. I had been a bit concerned about the operation of the afterburners in Watsonville, so I decided to test fire the engine in the pits, much to the pleasure of the track crew! All was working well, so we finished cleaning up the car, and retired to our air-conditioned coach to wait for dark, when I would perform hot laps on the track. The track did not have a good turnout of cars or fans for this race because they had a really big race the week before, so the schedule was moving too fast. They kept trying to delay things so that I could run in the dark, and we finally hit the track at 8:30. Lucky for me, the evening had brought cooler temperatures, so I wasn`t totally roasting in my firesuit. I ran 3 Fire and Fury laps, and everyone was amazed. Nobody thought I would run fast laps on a dirt track in a drag racing jet funny car! It was one bumpy ride, and I knew I would pay for it with a sore back in the morning. At the end of my run, I stopped in front of the stands and got out of the car for a bow, and was interviewed by TV celebrity Brett Wagner (aka: The Big Schwag... www.bigschwag.net), the host of the TV show Pass Time. He made a big deal about the car and how `Mad` I am! The track promoter came over and was ecstatic about the performance. The fire captain towed me back to the pits, and told Marlene and I that it was the best jet car show he had ever seen. He said that the whole track crew was talking about it on the radio, comparing it to the lame show put on last year by our competitor.

The track promoter announced that I would be signing autographs at the concession stand, so I made a quick change into uniform and ran up to the top of the stands where a line of eager young fans waited for me to sign hero cards for them. I was deluged by people saying it was the most amazing thing they had seen, and the promoter, overhearing that, started talking about having us back again. Big Schwag came over to say goodbye, and I told him we watch his show all the time. He told me that he would try to get us on the show next time they shoot in Phoenix. Whoopee... could be the big time!

We`ve decided to take advantage of the kindness of the track owner, and camp out here for a couple of days R & R before heading north. We plan to visit Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City, all places we`ve never seen, before going to Vancouver Island for our next couple of shows. Stay tuned...