Thanksgiving was great!

We left for Mather Tuesday at about 12:30 and arrived at camp at about 4:30 after a couple of stops - The Cheese Factory and then a nice picnic in our dining room with a view of Don Pedro out the window. Upon arrival Richard managed to run over a rusty screw while levelling the trailer and learned how to change a flat tire. We had dinner at the Evergreen Lodge with Paul, Chrissy and Matthew that night. It was their wedding anniversary and dinner was especially pleasant.

Wednesday we all had a nice breakfast at the Springs' cabin and then went into Yosemite Valley for a few hours. Visited the damaged area at Curry Village and then stopped in at the Ahwahnee Hotel - still a great experience. That evening Richard barbecued a leg of lamb. Yum!

Thursday morning Brian and Wendy arrived with Norm in tow. We all cooked stuff and watched football. Our trailer kitchen cooked gravy, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce and holiday brie with Judy and Richard moving around the stove deftly. Wendy stopped by on occasion and fed us fresh fruit. It's a very comfortable space.

Eileen and Ken Arrived just about dinner time and then we cooked some more stuff and of course we didn't really eat at dinner time. Everything was delicious. Paul barbecued a 12 lb turkey and everyone had something to contribute.

Ken and Eileen had to leave soon after the pie was served and the rest of us watched more football or did more responsible things like cleanup.

Friday morning was lazy as we were reluctant to depart but Richard finally got the trailer hooked up and we were ready to go at around 1:00. The trip back went well, maneuvering Priest Grade in low gear, seldom needing the brakes. What a truck! Go here for a 360 degree view of the old grade. (This is an interactive photo. Click on the photo and drag the mouse.The road in the background is the new grade which we took. The old grade is too curvy for trailers) Our thanks to everyone there, especially Paul and Chrissy and Matthew for another wonderful Thanksgiving!


Here is the happy family gathering for a last photo before Judy and Richard hit the road. The trailer is all hooked up and ready to back out through the forest. From the left: Paul, Chrissy, Richard, Judy, Matthew, Norm, Wendy and Brian

survey

I added a couple of questions to the survey. There will be more later. Enjoy!
Click Here to take survey

Shakedown a success!

Our second attempt at our first camping trip in the new trailer went off (I can't say "without a hitch") beautifully. Saturday, November 8th we drove 15 miles from our home to Rio Viento RV Park on the Sacramento River (I think rio viento means "windy river"). It's on Sherman Island Road which is the first left turn going north after crossing the Antioch Bridge. Our dear friends Kevin and Barbara O'Connell were there to greet use when we arrived. They have a luxurious motorhome that they have turned into a cozy home on wheels. They cooked us a beautiful dinner - kevin b-b-q'd tritip in the wind and Barb made broccoli and potatoes with bacon, onions and shrooms. Being early birds Judy and I were in bed by nine, having successfully navigated our way to the nether edges of the county and managing to survive in that raw windy wilderness.

Sunday morning Richard made coffee at first light and then took a walk to explore the fishing possibilities on the river. Alas, the north winds cut through his thick clothing and the devilish seas pounded the shore sending our erstwhile provider back to the shelter of the camp. Kevin and Barb saved the day with a delicious breakfast of eggs & bagels while Richard contributed linguica sausage. We ate at their place and then made preparations to return home. We drove away at 11:10 AM and were parked, unhitched and settled in at home by 1:00PM.

Everything on the trailer works great. We love it and look forward to many great adventures in the future!

Shakedown trip cancelled

We had planned on a short trip in our new trailer this weekend (11/1/08). We were going to Rio Viento RV Park to meet Kevin and Barb. http://www.rioviento.com/ Alas, it rained, K & B cancelled, so we did too. Maybe next weekend...