On The Road Again

Bakersfield, California: Hello from Bakersfield! Using the Mercedes Me app, I learned we drove 234 miles today and averaged 12mpg. Don't think that is good. Do not know yet. I learned quite a few more things from this app as well, but our gps (that used to think we were in Indiana) now thinks we are in Minnesota! It's getting closer. I've tried everything I can think of using their apps, but maybe this is going to require a trip to a dealership? Don't count me out yet, Dear Reader. I'm very resourceful and can Google the YouTube like it's my job. No matter. It's not like we don't know the way from La Quinta to Eugene.

Taylor Manor was locked and loaded and we hit the road about 11a. Traffic was light, but the winds were (as usual) no fun traveling west out of the Coachella Valley. Probably why this area is loaded with hundreds of wind turbines? Ugly, but so useful. All that wind would go to waste otherwise.

We stopped for a bit at one o'clock to split a sandwich and then continued on until we reached Tehachapi where we refueled (18 gallons of #2 diesel at $6 per. Ouch.) The RV rides fairly well - even over the terrible roads around Tehachapi - and the rig is pretty quiet. I think we have figured-out how to batten-down any hatches.

We have an overnight spot at The Orange Grove (a very usual one-nighter place for us and many of our friends). The acreage used to be an orange grove, but someone somehow carved a campground around all the trees. In the season (winter) campers are welcome to all the (free!) oranges they can pick. I cannot tell you how many green lime-sized oranges are budding now on the trees. Book a site in late January and have plenty of room in your freezer.

And though we have a long-standing tradition of enjoying lasagna on the first night of a camping trip, I am tuned-in and knew heating the oven in a teeny RV in 90-degree Bakersfield would not be a good plan. Lasagna Soup to the rescue! Made last week and frozen for just this occasion, I only had to boil a little pasta to add to the soup. A butter lettuce and tomato salad was served on the side.

DT washed. I dried.

Until my next update, I remain, your traveling correspondent.

In case you missed it: The Home Alone house is for sale.

Good Read: An interview with Jimmy Buffett's long-time boat captain from Power & Motor Yacht magazine. (Thanks for the link, Steve.)

Campground Information: Orange Grove RV Park - Full service park with many spaces. They have a pool, laundry, dog-friendly. All sites are gravel, with picnic tables. Not close to town, or really anything. We paid $57 with Good Sam.

---