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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay 1 – Bakersfield, California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First stop Orange Grove RV Park<\/a>, in beautiful Bakersfield, CA. We didn’t actually depart home until almost 3 pm by the time we got completely loaded and convinced ourselves we weren’t forgetting anything, so we rolled in to the park at about 5 pm. We were literally surrounded by orange groves, hence the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This park turned out to be really cute, nothing like my beach resorts, but very nice. There weren’t many of us there, so it was pretty quiet and not a lot to do, but we were relaxed and on our way for our adventures. We played horseshoes, had a beer or two and realized with all the packing and excitement to get going we hadn’t had any food. So we opted for one of our back-up menu items, a Mountain House Fire Roasted Vegetable sandwich<\/a>. It was surprisingly delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Day one was a success, off to a great start. We did have to stop on our way out at the California Fruit Depot for fresh squeezed orange juice. It was delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calico Ghost Town Campground<\/a> is our second night, it certainly lives up to it’s name. The campground itself is a dirt lot with hookups, very dusty and you can see old mines as you drive into the campground. We walked up the hill to the actual town of Calico and were able to view a few mines on our own along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was hot, or maybe just everything being brown and dusty made it feel very hot. It is an abandoned 1880’s mining town they have turned into a tourist attraction, similar to Knott’s Berry Farm only not at all. It’s small and needs some excitement of cartoon characters or shoot outs on main street, or maybe just people. It has restored buildings, a saloon (kind of), mine tours, a train ride, and of course many souvenir shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can pan for gold, ride the train, tour the Maggie Mine with the $65,000 Glory Hole, all for an additional charge of course. The employees here seem bored, the train driver was lifeless and obviously in need of a vacation – might I recommend a beach somewhere. The employees outnumbered the visitors by far and I do know why this town was abandoned. On the plus side, we had a very good cheeseburger and fries at Old Miner’s Cafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The campground was quiet, I think most of the RV’s were abandoned as well, or they use it for parking and go to fun places. We did encounter several Chukar<\/a> running around the grounds – cute little birds that make cute little noises. Our dinner consisted of cheese and sourdough crisps with olives and a bottle of wine. We also tackled our mini Lego crab and turtle, Dan’s turtle turned out adorable, my crab remained a work in progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We opted for our favorite very filling breakfast ofeverything bagel with jalapeno cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, green onion and capers<\/a>, deliziosa<\/em>!!! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off to world famous, or Yermo famous, Eddie World<\/a>! I was actually quite intrigued but it turns out to be a giant candy shop with the most amazingly clean bathrooms, according to Yelp. It was a heck of a lot busier than Calico, people just meandering around, lost in the glory of it all. Or it’s the most exciting thing to do in the area. A bit disappointed but I did get a giant gummy corn on the cob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We did decide to take a side trip to Zzyzx<\/a>. You may have driven past the sign along the Mojave Freeway and wondered like me, WTH? Well it turns out it used to be home to the Zzyzx Mineral springs and Health Spa offering drinks to travelers through the hot desert until 1974. It is now the site of Desert Studies Center<\/a>, a field station for the CSU system, and Lake Tuendea<\/a>, a manmade lake surrounded by palm trees and greenery and home to the endangered Mohave Tui Chub<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can’t forget driving through Baker when we were lucky enough to see the world’s tallest thermometer<\/a>. It’s pretty tall! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off to Kingman for our Harvest Host stay at Desert Diamond Distillery<\/a> – now we’re talking! Although I don’t like the taste of straight alcohol, or so I thought, we are ready for a rum and whiskey tasting, new experience for us both. We did get there a bit later than we expected but they made it known they would stay open until we were ready to leave, they also had other guests running late due to a flat tire on their RV so that took away any guilt we had for making them stay late. The owner and our server were so nice. The place is quaint, decorated comfortably with cushy chairs but we just bellied up to the bar for our tastings. I stuck to all rums, Dan went for the “Top Tier Master” which included tastings of rum and whiskey. My tastings we very good, and I discovered I like the taste of straight “good” alcohol. We had a wonderful time and had great conservation with the owner John and our server Debbie, I hope I got the names right, we were drinking. This place is a diamond for sure, be sure to check it out if you are ever in the area, they treat you like family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Harvest Host they are extremely accommodating. Allowing us to park anywhere in the huge back lot. We ended with cheese and crackers followed by smores on our tabletop wood burning firepit. Another full day of fun and adventures, on to the GRAND adventure tomorrow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life is a highway, I want to drive it all night long. They must have been drunk, that’s all I can say. This highway goes on forever and then some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily I have the funniest, most charming chauffeur around. Dan and I have a blast no matter what we are doing and long drives make for some great conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We did make a stop in Williams, Arizona<\/a>, on the Historic Route 66 and I am so glad we did. From the Cars themed shop, the Poozeum<\/a> (which unfortunately was closed) and the Historic Brewing Company<\/a> for a beer flight and pizza, this is worth checking out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n But let’s get to the canyon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As soon as we got through the entrance of the south rim, we were greeted by elk and later found the deer crossing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We were ready to get to our campsite at Trailer Village RV Park<\/a>, grab the bikes and go see this amazing canyon. When Dan returned from attempting to check in to inform me he had in fact booked the wrong dates and we had reservations for two nights starting tomorrow I was not impressed with his planning skills. The park was booked, of course, for tonight. This is where I have to refer back to the blast we always have, one day soon we will look back and laugh at this, if I don’t kill him!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes being the smallest trailer around works in our favor. Lucky for Dan, and myself because I really don’t like orange jumpsuits, we found a campsite with one small spot left just outside the entrance to the canyon. Grand Canyon Camper Village<\/a> saved the day. We chose to go park in the lot near the canyon and go check it out before leaving the park. The wind was awful and it was pretty chilly but we had to see what all the hype was about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This canyon is in fact quite grand! It’s so massive and gorgeous, you really have to just stand in awe. It looks like a painting, you want to run over and rip the facade wall down. It’s crazy how every direction you look is different, the colors and the landscape are amazing. We sat, enjoyed the view and made a plan to start in the morning and get in a full day in this beautiful canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We started our next morning driving south to the Watchtower<\/a>. You can see the Colorado River very well from there, it’s all just so gorgeous. We stopped at every point all the way back up towards our campsite and took so many photos. You get different views at every stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We got checked in to our site, had some lunch and a beer, and were able to grab the bikes and take off again on the really well maintained bike trail that took us along the rim of the canyon for even more gorgeous viewing. It turns out the power was shut off all day due to the high winds and fire danger but we didn’t even notice. It was Earth Day and we were enjoying this “geological wonder” carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once back at our campsite we decided to try to bike over to catch a shuttle to Hermits Rest, the best viewing for sunset. All was going perfectly until we got a bit lost in a parking lot. Dan wanted to go one way and I tried to go another way, clipping his back tire ever so slightly. I realized he was not following me and ended up finding him talking to some stranger with his bike upside down. Seems I might have bent a rim of his with that ever so slight ding to his back tire. I believe it was a British accent on the man who agreed with Dan that he was screwed. They all stick together but I made him try it…and it worked. Yes, the wheel rubbing on the frame was making duck noises all along the trail and around the canyon loaded with people wondering what kind of critter was approaching behind them and his wheel looked like it was about to fling off and take someone out, but we made it to the canyon for sunset. We weren’t at Hermit’s Rest but we were at Bright Angel Trailhead<\/a> in time for the sun to set and some spectacular viewing. Oh, and a quick cocktail at El Tovar Hotel<\/a> to try to make up for my slight little error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all the mishaps we managed to get a couple of great days at the Grand Canyon. And now I sure know why my sister loves this place, I fell in love as well. We were ready to head to our beach resort I was promised the next day. I’m excited for some kayaking and sunning on the beach! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Back on the road to Needles, California. This was sold to me a a beachfront resort on the Colorado River, sounds amazing after so much desert driving. Of course we had to stop in Seligman, Arizona for the Roadkill Cafe<\/a>. When in Seligman, eat roadkill. It was an interesting menu and we ate way too much food but sometimes you’ve just gotta go out of your comfort zone and boy were we out of our comfort zone by the end of that meal. I was not going to fit in my swimsuit for my beachfront resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Along the route I see a beautiful beach on the river with palm trees, umbrellas and lounge chairs and can’t wait for that tropical cocktail. I couldn’t believe he managed to find a beach resort and it looked amazing. When he continued driving, for almost another half hour I got a bit suspicious. Turns out Pirate Cove Resort & Marina<\/a> requires a minimum of 3 nights so he found the next best thing, Fender’s RV Resort<\/a>, right on the water as well and even a beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well…it is near water, has a gravel beach, is covered in flying gnats which seem to be attracted to the broken poop hose lying next door and possibly the junk piles at just about every trailer. It appears the majority here are long term residents and have laundry lines and even seem to be conducting business at their trailer, like woodworking at 5 am. The “Cantina” was closed and appears to have been part of the 1880 abandoned ghost town. I do believe we found the casino boat from Ozark and Paul<\/a>. The picnic benches are held up by pvc pipe legs and wobble, so choose carefully. On the plus side, it was one night and the river views were very pretty. We ended up watching a movie and eating freeze dried ice cream, which I do not recommend either. My crab remains in progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We were going to be early for check in at our next stop so we decided to check out Tehachapi’s winery scene. We had yet to do a winery, believe it or not. After googling a few we opted for Stray Leaves Vineyard,<\/a> a tasting room in Tehachapi with 5 stars. The place is beautiful. They have a mural outside with what seems to be the vineyard dog – how could it not be great? <\/p>\n\n\n\n We were greeted by Ann and Alexia who were so sweet and knowledgeable about the area and the wines. The tasting room is beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We ordered a wine flight and Burrata which was served with grape tomatoes and balsamic drizzle prepared by Chef Hank. They have a full lunch menu made fresh, we even got a sample of Hank’s soup and even if they didn’t offer great wine, I would go for lunch! Cliff the owner joined our conversation and we had a such a great time talking to them all. The place used to be a bank so we got a tour of the old bank vault. As for the wines, every one of them were amazing! We will certainly be back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our last campsite is Mountain Valley RV Park<\/a>. This one sounds pretty cool. We will be camping just yards from a runway for Skylark North Glider flight school. We can lounge in our chairs and watch the action in the morning, we were ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We can take a ride if we dare, just check in early morning and sign up. Dan was willing, I was absolutely not, the wind was crazy and they have no engine, they are in the air at 2500 to 4000 feet with no engine, have to be towed by a real plane. We set the alarm for this one and strolled over by 8am as instructed and we were told three of their pilots had called out, they were short handed big time and had fifteen students coming in for flights for some certifications. They took his number and said they’d call but while walking back to our campsite we were convinced this was an omen and probably for the best. We did enjoy watching several take off and soar around above us while we finished our coffee and packed up. Maybe next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We had to end our vacation doing something we loved so on our way out of Tehachapi we opted to pop in to another winery we were told not to miss. Los Viajeros Vineyard<\/a> owned and run by an older Argentinian woman Ilda Vaja. She specializes in Malbec and we had a nice tasting and some interesting history on her world travels and immigrating as a teen. She has a beautiful place and great wines. Stop in if you are in the area for sure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We ended up making a last stop in Bakersfield at The Big Red Barn<\/a>, Murray Family Farms, “Home of the Okie Pie!” We had seen signs for this place on our first day and decided we had to try this Okie Pie. The place is like a mini version of Casa De Fruta<\/a>, only everything in one big red barn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The famous Okie Pie is an Okie version of an empanada turns out, not a chicken pot pie as I imagined. You can get sweet or savory and several different filling options are available. Dan opted for the spicy beef, it was spicy! I chose the Chile Verde, it was pretty bland. They claim they sell out early, just not early enough on the day of our visit unfortunately. It really wasn’t a very impressive hotpocket. They do have a variety of fruits and vegetables, you can even pick your own berries and cherries on weekends in their orchards. They also have an assortment of jarred and canned vegetables and fruits. We opted to take home the spicy pickled eggs, a huge jar of hard boiled eggs, garlic and jalapenos. We were not disappointed in those, they are really good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I really thought the hardest part of this trip would be the size of our accommodations. Our trailer is small and like I said, we have only spent a few days at most in it at once. That was not a problem at all, in fact the small space the less you are able to make a mess so it went very smoothly living in it for a week. We took way too much food and clothing, we learned we can live off sandwiches and cheese and crackers easily, but prefer a baked brie<\/a> and smoked salmon bagel<\/a>. We can build things together, just wait until you see our mini Lego buffalo and racoon. We can just sit quietly and stare at the stars. With over 20 hours of driving just over 1400 miles it is clear, we just like being together and sharing our lives, the locations are just decorative, icing on the cake. And yes, I did finally finish my crab, just note how much more complicated he is compared to that simple turtle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since I don’t care for heights, The Grand Canyon always seemed a bit scary maybe, I had seen pictures, that was plenty, right? Well I have been wrong, you must see it in person if you ever get the chance, yes Linda, you were right. The Grand Canyon is absolutely gorgeous, majestic, overwhelmingly beautiful. It’s millions of years in the making and has a way of making you stop, breathe and just be. There is something magical about it, it brings people from all over the world together peacefully. I’m so glad it was on Dan’s bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all the mishaps and miscommunications, we had a great time. From exploring new places, long conversations while driving, I think we only listened to music for an hour at most the entire trip, even the bumps turned out to be a fun part of our story. The best part of the trip for me, as corny as it sounds, is just hanging out with my best friend. He makes me happy, he makes me laugh, he makes me think, and I bet we have some of the most diverse conversations you’ve ever imagined, trust me. Dan is my box of chocolates, he’s full of surprises and he keeps me guessing, fascinated, curious, sometimes perplexed, lol…but always happy and in love and wanting more! I had the best time and would do it again without a doubt, in fact, I need to get working on our next adventure. Cheers! <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Grand Canyon has been on Dan’s bucket list for years, maybe since he arrived in America, or possibly ever since he discovered America as a child, well after Christopher Columbus of course. It has not been on my list, ever. But being that our marriage is a democaracy not a monarchy, although he does… <\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay 2 – Calico, California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay 3 – Kingman, Arizona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay 4 & 5 – Route 66 To The Grand Canyon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay 7 – Tehachapi, California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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