Merced, California: Our route today was straight north on Highway 99. Much-improved from the Highway 99 of old. California now wants to make Highway 99 the preferred route for truckers, so the roads are much smoother than before (though really this is just a mile-by-mile decision). Not having much of a drive today (178 miles, according to our Mercedes Me app), we didn't leave early, nor drive fast. Just kidding - we never drive fast.
Around lunch time we came upon a heavily-promoted tourist cheese/fudge place (lots of billboards) with a massive gift shop that DT swears we have visited previously. I had no recall of visiting Bravo Farms (and there is no mention of it in my travel data base since 1999). They were definately making cheese behind glass walls and have tons of cute things in the gift shop, but really nothing we needed or wanted.
As we were exiting the parking lot, I mentioned to My Driver that I still had no recall of ever visiting this place in our travels. Then he told me it was a western-themed joint at one time, but now has a fancy stacked-stone facade. Maybe that is why I have no memory of visiting here?
Plus: assuming Disneyland is the 1st Happiest Place on Earth, I can name at least 50 places (off the top of my little head) that are happier than a cheese shop in Traver, California. They do have excellent RV parking... something the Eiffel Tower will never brag about.
After splitting (yet another) sandwich in the Bravo Farms parking lot, we continued north to Dave's home town of Merced to spend the afternoon/over-night with Dave's eldest brother and his wife (Bill & Ginger). Bill is the most excellent chef and prepared a delicious stew with Italian-inspired chicken and vegetables on a bed of pappardelle.
Maybe a little bit of wine was consumed. Maybe we hung-out in their garden too late. Maybe their dog had to chase a raccoon away. Billy told a story I had never heard before about when he and Brother Steve (and Dave's parents) drove to Los Angeles to watch Dave run a track race at UCLA. While in Los Angeles, Dave's brothers went to the Whisky A Go Go, so they were so excited when our grandson played there a few weeks ago.
We are sleeping in our RV in Ginger & Bill's driveway tonight! Using their electricity instead of their guest room. Such a fun night with family.
Until my next update, I remain, your Merced correspondent.
Campground Information: Stealth camping!