We got an early start this year, taking advantage of clear weather and above freezing temperatures to head down I-5 instead of the usual longer, lower routes to California.
It’s always hard work to get everything done and ready to leave, but the sunny weather counteracted any tiredness and we made it all the way to Medford in time to settle in to a Walmart Superstore parking lot before dark. The perfect place to ring in the new year 🙄
The morning was thick with fog, but as soon as we started over the passes, the sky was crystal blue and cloudless - or rather, we were above the clouds. New Years Day brought us to the casino in Corning, where we have stated before. It’s a beautiful place to stop, shower in their deluxe facilities and rest up. And get soda from the amazing computerized Coke machine.
Jan 2, another fine day for travel, brought us to Gustine, and a park on a reservoir we have been before. Here, instead of gamblers, we saw elk and birds and hiked rolling gold hills and slept 10 hours in the deep quiet. In the morning, steak and eggs for breakfast at Harris Ranch.
Thus fortified we hit the road for our destination- Carpinteria State Beach. It was a long trip - made easier by the great book we’ve been listening to - The Source. And we made it! By 4 o’clock we were strolling the beach delighted by the return of the sand which had disappeared last year. However, arriving here brought us through areas scarred by recent fires - burned trees along the edge of the road, blackened hills and numerous signs thanking firefighters and first responders
This place is still beautiful- the sky all fone in pearly pastels to welcome us. It feels like coming home
