Back on the Central Coast

We had quite the eventful trip here this time – I’m not sure what was off - the weather was freezing and we were both somewhat ambivalent about coming here again, so maybe we unknowingly sought out roadblocks along the way or maybe we are finally getting less excited about being gypsies. Who knows, maybe neither? Maybe I’m just whining. Most likely that’s it.

This trip the fuckoffs just seemed to pop out in our way over and over – do people really not understand that when you are pulling something, your driving strategy is different? Sincere apologies, but we can’t gun it on an on ramp nor can we go to any pump at the gas station. You see that green pump labeled Diesel that you are sitting in your car in front of, just talking on your cell phone? That is the only damn pump we can actually use. And also, while I’m kvetching, when you are done pumping gas and you want to go inside to shop or pee or get snacks? Move your car! That’s what all the extra parking is for, I promise. We are not parked right behind you just because it’s convenient; we’re waiting for your ass to move.

Our issues were not only external, no no. We made it three hours the first day, and then got stuck in Jackpot, Nevada for the next two days during the chain requirements on the passes in Nevada and California. Getting stuck in Jackpot was not all bad, they do have a RV park, and we did get to see some games and had a couple good meals. One morning we woke up and the main part of the trailer was frozen, literally. One of our televisions died, and a camera. The camera has since come back to life, the television has not. The ceiling was frosted, the mirrors, the windows, the bananas, the water bottles, and last but not least – the slide out! It took ages to get that sucker in so we could take off. 6 below is not the most ideal trailer dwelling weather.

We normally stay at Motel 6 when we travel just because you usually know what you’re going to get – which is not much, but it doesn’t cost much either and they allow dogs. It’s the easiest safe bet most times. We decided to stop in Salinas a few hours out to get a good night’s rest and a shower. Now, this was at 11:30 at night but not super late and the area didn’t look horrible. I think we are pretty naïve, as we didn’t really pay attention to the cones in the parking lot to deter traffic, nor the security guard in the lobby. We also got a parking pass to leave in the window, which was new. As we pulled around back to the trailer parking, a car tailed in with us and came through the open driveway, following us tight. A lady was standing in her doorway just staring at us and talking. To herself. The entire time we backed up and parked. Then another car full of people came through driving slowly staring at us. While Cujo took a load in, a guy from the room upstairs came out to his balcony and watched him walk in. A different woman came from another side and crouched by a bush and tried to peer through it, while yet another car pulled up and parked in front of our room. This guy actually got out of his car and went up and looked through our window. All of this happened within about ten minutes. This wasn’t going to be our good night’s rest. We got our stuff, got back in the truck and got a refund. Crazy crazy crazy shit.

When we got here, we walked in to find a cluster inside as well. Pretty much everything fell apart to some extent. They say that every time you take your trailer down the road, it’s like an earthquake and it’s inevitable that things get weaker and worn – it’s true. We’ve seen this poor fifth wheel age over the past two years. Admittedly, we are not the easiest on it. However, this trip was paramount… things that broke – awning, tv, power outlets, shower door, kitchen table, kitchen drawers, water lines, and we forgot our kitchen chairs, haha! Have you tried to balance on a camp chair at a table? They are definitely built for lounging.

The best part of the trip had to be end, when we just happened to run into Pete and Ari at the Union Hall. Neither of us knew the other would be there. Curtis had gone in to get his dispatch and came back to wake me with the news of breakfast… NOW. Yeah, yeah maybe I was grumpy at first but that passed when I saw Pete and Ari. Poor things had to eat with us and we hadn’t showered in days, ewww. Sorry about that. We tried to stop the night before, I promise. Hehe. We went to one of my favorite places in Pismo, the Splash Café. Did you know you could have a chowder bread bowl at 9AM? I didn’t. It was the only time I’ve been there without a line. And, when you eat clam chowder for breakfast, you don’t get hungry until dinner. Or maybe it’s just that chowder – it’s all butter and cream. So bad but so good.

We are staying at a new place here, one on the sand dunes. These things are awesome. We have them in Idaho but I’ve never been. I just remember thinking they were dangerous and people got hurt or worse while riding motorcycles out there. Anyway, these are pretty similar I’m guessing, but thankfully the motorized area is a little ways down from us. We have been going over there and Charlie just runs and runs in the sand like it’s a big grassy field. On the other side of the dunes is the Pacific. The first day I was warned about a coyote or wolf that was spotted on the dunes, great. I’m not sure how serious the warnings are… there are also raccoon warnings around the RV park. Poor nature just doesn’t have many places to recede to.