Monthly Archives: May 2016

Calico

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I used to get all the rally information from the Airforums and their calendar.  However things have changed a bit.  Many more rallies are being announced and coordinated on Facebook.  There are two primary groups that we follow, Southern California Airstreamers and Northern California Airstreamers.  This rally was announced there.

It turned out to be a small rally and a good one for us due to its’ proximity to home.  As an added benefit, our friends the Chen’s were able to make it also!  It had been a while since we could camp with them and this time they had no kids with them.  I am sure they missed kids but just a little…

We started out the trip with a present from our daughter:

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Appropriate for Roxie as she loves the mountains.  Me, I just pretty much love anywhere with the trailer.

We got there Thursday and were able to relax a bit.  There were a few of the other Airstreamers there and the Chen’s were coming in a bit later on Thursday also.  There were only about 12 Airstreams signed up for the rally and about 5-6 were there already.  We visited a bit with them (George got a selfie-stick):

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We all walked around the Calico Ghost Town on Friday.  One of the benefits of staying at this campground is admission to the Ghost Town is included.  Roxie and I had been there before but we were both very young, single digits young.  But some jokes never get old (Roxie fell for this one):

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Actually I fell for it also when I was young.

After the Calico walk we decided to go into Barstow to get some things and lunch.  We ended up at some hole-in-the-wall Salvadorean restaurant, Cafe Las Pupusas.  It was down in a residential area but very good.  We got some fuel, propane, hit up the Walmart and went to the Outlet malls there.  Later that evening we ended up eating at Peggy Sue’s Diner, fun and nostalgic.

Saturday was the day to go shooting.  We went out in some back roads to find a secluded spot.  There were numerous others shooting also but we did find a spot:

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I also have some videos of Roxie and I shooting:

That evening was the normal Airstream pot luck.  It was also a surprise baby shower for Cara and John.  It was always nice to see the other ‘Streamers.

Sunday was the getaway day for most but not us.  We were there until Monday.  The Chen’s were going to leave on Sunday but since they lived so close they stayed around for a bit and we visited the Calico Cemetery:

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Here is a shot of the Airstreams there:

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Then us and the Chen’s:

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On Monday, another rally was over and we headed home.  Here is a shot of Franco’s trailer with the Calico mountain at sunset:

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Yosemite in Winter!

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Shortly after the new year we started to get some inclement weather.  What should we do?

Go to Yosemite!!  Without the trailer of course, a day trip is in order.

We live 137 miles from the Yosemite valley floor.  But how often do we go visit?  Not very.  It is a sad state of affairs, I know.

We had a free Saturday so let’s go.  Our truck has 4×4 and M/S tires.  Unless it is a level 3 chain requirement, we don’t have to do chains!  I brought chains anyway.

We left home relatively early and the weather had been stormy the day before but was clear.  But there were still level 2 chain requirements on CA41 into the valley.  That’s OK!  It will be an adventure.

We stopped in Oakhurst on the way to get some sandwiches at Vons.  Bringing our own food in is a way to show how cheap I am!  At least I didn’t make them at home.  It was pouring rain in Oakhurst, a good thing I thought.  More chances of snow in Yosemite!

As we climbed out of Oakhurst on CA41 there were more signs of snow on the ground.  We rounded the corner and found the CHP stopping people to put their chains on.  He asked us if we were 4×4.  Yes.  Were we carrying chains?  Yes.  Proceed.  It was very nice to drive past all the others out in the cold and wet putting on chains.

The road had snow on it most of the way and I had to switch in and out of 4×4, but that is a switch on the dash so I didn’t even have to get out.  It took us about an hour to get to tunnel view.  And it was amazing!

Tunnel View

We were surprised by how pretty it was.  It snowed on and off.  A bit of rainy slush thrown in here and there.  We were also surprised by how many people were up here.

We got out and took the trail to Bridalveil falls.

Bridalveil Falls

We drove around a bit then had our lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge food court.

After some more sightseeing we headed back home.  We stopped in Fresno for dinner at the Shepherd’s Inn.  This was the first time I noticed how dirty the truck really was!

I would highly recommend a trip to Yosemite during the snowy season!