On our way to California

We left Mesa on Monday and drove to Parker Dam on the Calif. side of the Colorado River.  Found a nice BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Park where we had a  spot to park the van right across the road from the river.

The next day we drove to Parker Dam and then went across to the town of Lake Havasu .  The original London Bridge which was built in 1830 was moved there brick by brick and was reconstructed on a site over the canal. Spent the day walking across the bridge and the beach area where we had “free” pancakes”.  A local church set up a stand to feed pancakes and water to anyone who stopped by.

numbered bricks for the London Bridge

Parker Dam

walking on the gorge bridge

Decided to spend another night in the park-great deal just $5.00 per night.

On Wed. we drove to another BLM Park near Lake Isabella.

part of the Pacific Crest Trail

We were the only campers there and it was a nice peaceful night.  Good washrooms but no showers-yuk.

Thurs we were off to Sequoia National Park which is the 2nd oldest national park. Since Joe has a seniors pass for the national parks we didn’t have to pay the entrance fee of $30.00 and we paid half price for the camp site - $11.00.  Good deal.  There were only two camping areas open so we were lucky to find a spot.  

On Fri. morning we took off to drive through the park.  The Sequoia trees are amazing.  The General Sherman tree is 2200 yrs. old and is 40’ in diameter. The swish back roads are a challenge and they are restricted to vehicles no more than 22’ long-we just made it.  Joe was looking forward to driving all the way up the park to the Kings National Park.  We got 1/4 of the way when the sign said “road closed” and we had to turn back.  Found out at the information booth that they were working on the trail to get it opened so we had our lunch, Joe took a nap and when I checked the road had just opened.

After we got there we knew why it had been closed-high walls of snow on both sides of the road but the pavement was clear. Windy roads all the way up 5,000 to 7,000 feet and back down again.

Walls of snow on each side of the road

Our next stop was at San Joaquin River park just east of Fresno.  There was only one other camper there until after we took a 1 mile hike to the bridge.  When we got back there were 30 tents set up with a group of boy scouts.  We also met a couple from New Zealand who are traveling across the U.S. in their van.

The next day we made out way to Sebastopol.  Jeanne and Pat greeted us on the front steps at Jeanne and Marcia’s.  So good to see them.  Had a delicious chicken dinner with Pat, Jeanne and Marcia.

On Sunday, after church, we took a drive to Point Reyes National Seashore had a picnic lunch and then went on to Pat’s house where we all spent the night.

The Berry Kids - Pat, Jeanne & Joe

Lots of rain in the forecast for this week so we’ll enjoy visiting with Jeanne and Marcia this week and just chill out.