_27 February ‘08

Wednesday

Well I mentioned our “caravan” of 37 motor homes in my last post, but upon arriving here I was shocked to see another arriving just behind us that totaled 115 !!!  Gawd, can you imagine…  We are just one of over 2800 motor homes that are here now to partake in the semi-annual FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) Rally.  There are about 300 vendors here that are displaying their products that fit the needs or wants of those of us that have motor homes.  Also the motor home factories have all of their new models here at “the best prices available” whether they’re priced at $2,750,000

__or $69,000. There is something here for just about everyone that wants a “new” motor home.  Louise and I have been jumping out of bed every morning since we arrived here at 7am to run, or fast walk, to our selected seminars.  There are about 6 seminars each day lasting 2 to 3 hours.  These are covering just about any and all subjects relating to RVing.  I’ve been attending more of the tech/mechanical side and Louise has chosen those from microwave/convection cooking, traveling by RV to Alaska and other exciting places. She also took a great seminar on fire and safety in the RV which was really appropriate after having our exciting ??? fire in the last coach.  We also have another opportunity to have the factory “Techs” come out to our coach again.  Today we had the Goodyear techs out to examine our tires.  It seems in the industry, RV tires should be completely changed out after 5th to 6th year, no matter how good they look, and ours looked real good.  Unfortunately we had to make the tire change…  Tonight we are the proud owners of 6 new tires but, had to write a check for $2,800.  Thank God we don’t have to do this very often…  On the other side we took the car (toad) in to have the auxiliary  braking system checked out.  This is the braking system that we put into action when we are pulling it behind the coach.  When we apply braking pressure to the coach brake the “auxiliary” system applies the same pressure to the car brakes.  Well anyway, the company that we purchase this system from 2 years ago decided that we should have a NEW system installed…ON THEM…NO CHARGE…I was a very happy camper with that decision.  When the days are finished (about 5) we find our way slowly (feet hurting) back to the coach.    FMCA has entertainment (50’s, 60’s bands and some other “Headliners”) on 3 different stages throughout the day but unfortunately we pass on the late show.  We are so tired that all we really want to do is head back “home” for a glass of wine and reflect on the day and get ready for the next.

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19 February ‘08

Tuesday

The “Rally” day starts with coffee and juice (where are the donuts?) at 7:30am and breakfast a half hour later.  The educational seminars start at 9.  Attending these we learn more about our motor homes (and there’s a lot to learn) and how to take care of them.  This rally comes complete with 3 meals a day followed with “ice cream socials”, and wine and cheese appetizers…hell, this could be a lot of fun…

_This morning I met with one of the “Tech” reps that the Holiday Rambler Corporation sent.  They are here to meet with those of us that have problems or questions about our coaches and in a lot of the cases take a hands-on approach by fixing them.  There are only two of them, so if they can’t get to everyone now they’ll have the opportunity next week in Pomona.  Just before our “social” we got a knock at the door.  It was the Tech’s.  I gave them a tour of what I wanted them to look at and asked the questions of operation that I had wanted to know about.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a lot resolved but on the other hand, I got a lot more information than I had before.  On Friday, there will be 37 motor homes gathering out in front of the campground and will travel as a group to Pomona.

_Now can you see this…37 motor homes that range from 38 to 45 feet in length and all of us towing a “toad” heading down Hwy 10 for 100 miles.  I would be one of those “happy commuters” that would love this….ya right…  Anyway, I’ll let you know how this goes.

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17 February ‘08

Sunday

We left the snow behind and headed off to Indio this morning.  Well the truth is, the snow was almost totally melted the day after it fell.  The aftermath of the storm left one of the main roadways badly damaged by slides and second main road was very slow to open because of wash-outs.  In taking all that into consideration we opted for the freeway system for a lot of today’s driving.  Indio is about 125-130 miles north northeast from Ramona so we headed for California 515.  About 75 miles later we were at Temecula, turning right and heading east to Indio.  What we didn’t expect was that we were just about ready to head down the “Pines to Palms”…  The Pine to Palms is the two lane roadway that drops from 4,400 feet to -50 in an almost totally vertical drop that is one hair-pin turn after another.

_I really didn’t want to venture onto such a drop in altitude because I’ve always got to keep my eye (or should I say “my foot”) on our speed or breaking power as we are going down the hill with our “toad” (our car) pushing behind.  To be honest I really enjoyed the ride and challenge while my partner, she who rides in the seat to my right, had other thoughts of “enjoyment or terror” at the time.  We’re heading here to Indio for our first “Rally” although this is actually called a “Pre-Rally”.  Pre-Rally because we (us being one Holiday Rambler motor home out of 72) are all going to travel together 75 miles to Pomona, California to attend The FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) Rally.  Almost the moment we pulled into town we picked up the cell phone and called Leroy and Claudia to see if they were “home”.  They have decided that Indio is their new home away from home, or winter home area.  Louise and I were lucky to be here now as their daughter Carrie and her two sons and daughter are here visiting.  We haven’t seen her for a very long time and as far as her kids, this was our first time.  What a great family…  Yesterday we checked into our new campground and this morning we joined other “Holiday Ramblers” (the brand name of our motor home) to start the rally. 

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14 February ‘08

Thursday

Two days ago we drove up to Oceanside and took a left…yep; we wanted to drive the coastline all the way to the border.  The weather was wonderful, with 75 degree bright sunny day and a slight breeze that kept the wave action great for surfing.

_It is amazing how many surfers are out there catching the waves.  Heck, I thought surfing was big but the amount of surfers that we saw in just this one day was amazing.  We really enjoyed the drive, with stops at just about every little village, town, or city that we came to, just to get out and walk some of the piers and beaches.

_We even made a stop at Torrey Pines Golf and Country Club and the glider port next door.

_We weren’t too sure what a “glider port” was but we soon found out.  It couldn’t have been a glider port at an airport as we were at the edge of a huge cliff overlooking the ocean.  What it turned out to be was a jumping off place for those that want to don a parachute and run off the cliff.  As it turns out, this cliff has almost perfect currents so that those that want to jump off can have a very long flight and then come right back to where they initially left the ground.  Driving by San Marcos on our way to Oceanside, we saw Campersworld.  Wednesday morning we drove over there to see if I could pick-up a piece I’ve been looking for.  As it turned out, we didn’t find what I wanted but we were able to spend some money anyway…we always seem to find a way at this store.  Today (Thursday) was one of those days that we decided to stay around home and maybe make a quick trip into the grocery store.  Just before we were to take off for Ramona, we were “shocked” to see it start to SNOW !!!  As they’re telling us over the TV tonight, it was a “surprise” storm that caught everyone off guard.  We must have had at least 2 inches drop this afternoon.  Our neighbors George and Sharon Langton were out all day and got caught it all this mess.  Fact is, they even got caught in a “Road Closed” situation because of a large mud slide.  Fortunately they were able to make it home before dark and all was well. 

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9 February '08

Saturday

After breakfast, we took the winding road out in front of the campground to Julian.  Julian is one way and the road to Ramona is the other so we decided to follow the "locals" and visit Julian.  There was a very short "gold rush" around Julian and at that time the population was about 600, today it's about half of that.  The draw is the distance from the larger towns, driving through some beautiful landscaping, it's up in the mountains (just over 4000 feet), and they are supposed to make the best apple pies in California.  Well we joined the mass of motorcycles, antique cars and trucks, and those that just wanted to get out of the house on a great sunny day and head up to Julian for some apple pie.  We got there just before noon and walked the town.  Now walking through Julian and taking in some of the local stores doesn't take too long.  Very soon we found ourselves looking for lunch, and with lunch some of that famous "APPLE PIE".  Once the time came to order I saw the "Apple/Cherry Crunch" and knew right then and there that I had just found "my pie".   All I've got to say about that is, you've just got to take the ride to Julian, the pie's "that" good.  

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Louise must be feeling a lot better...she wanted to spend the day at the beach.  One things for sure, San Diego has some great beaches to chose from.  One that stands out in our memory is the beach resort of Coronado.  It has been a very long time since we were here last and we were excited to see it again.  First on our list was to walk the boardwalk in front of the Coronado Resort.  The "Del" (Hotel Del Coronado) has been "The" resort to visit and enjoy since 1888.  With it's Victorian turrets and cupolas it is a very special place to see and be a part of, even if it is just for a "Latte".    Sitting just inside of the door was a great looking espresso bar...well for those who know me, know that I've just got to try one.  Ordering my Double Latte and a "treat", Louise joined me by the pool to "enjoy" my new find. 

_I think I have finally found the "Best" Latte and Treat to have ever been made, and it was mine...  Saying it was good is an under-statement.  Well we hadn't come all this way just for me and my coffee so I turned to Louise and told her it was her time.  She led the way to the sand and surf while I grabbed the sand chairs and lunch she had packed earlier.  What a day, it was one of the best "beach" days we have had since last year when we spent 4 months in the Baja.   As the day started to fade away, we decided to take a drive across the bay and take in the Cliffs, Tidepools,

_Lighthouses, and Military Cemetary of Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument. 

_In 1520, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the west coast of what is now the United States.  He is recognized as the founder of what is now San Diego.  We did enjoy this park very much and would like to return for a hike of two a little later. 

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7 February '08

Thursday

Lou was feeling much better today so we decided to take a drive into San Diego and take in the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala.

_This was the first of California's missions ("The Mother" of California's missions), and was founded in July of 1769.  It has to be moved once and rebuilt totally 3 times because of different wars (Indian and Mexican).  At one time it also was even a military post and then President Lincoln signed it back over to the Catholic Church.

_We didn't want to stay out too long because of it being Lou's first day out so we headed back.  On the way we took time to do some shopping at Costco and Trader Joe's...love them both. 

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6 February '08

Wednesday

Well it was time to say "Goodbye" to Mark, Susan (see their new home???), Yuma, and Pilot Knob again for another year.  I also had a wonderful birthday celebration to be thankful for this last Saturday...number 68 and it's going to be great to have the rest of them going backwards in the future (I'll look forward to seeing 67 again).  As we pulled out of Pilot Knob the weather was getting better and we were heading into the California mountains were it was to be getting cooler...what is this????    We traveled west on  Hwy 8 until we were about 20 miles east of San Diego and then we turned north and headed another 25 onto Ramona.  The mountain pass topped out at 4200 feet and there still was some snow up there.  Ramona is still up in the high hills east of San Diego and is supposed to be a little cooler but fortunately it hasn't proven to be.  This whole area was hit hard by one of those tragic range fires that was driven by the 100+ Santa Anna wind storms.

_All around us is evidence of huge losses, even here in the campground.  Then to top off the fire damage, the following rains have swept in and caused a lot of damage as well.  There is a small river that flows into a small lake here in the campground and the color of both is "dirt brown"...not too pretty.  On top of that the trees have all been touched by the fires and have left the leaves dead on the branches and the trunks blackened and still smelling a little bit of a wet fire pit.  There are many homes around here that were lost in the fires and even some cars and pickups are scattered here and there looking like they were caught in a war. 

_6 February '08 Wednesday

I had a slight cold that lasted about 3 or 4 days and now Louise has caught it and unfortunately has made it much stronger.  She is really suffering with it.  This morning we drove into Ramona (about 5 miles south) and picked up some "medicine" in hopes of getting her some relief.