And we're off!

We loaded up the trailer and headed out on Friday after work. I had connected the trailer and pulled it out Thursday night and just drove the Bronco to work on Friday. The idea as that I would just call her on the way home and leave when I drove up. For the most part it worked out really well and we got on the road just a little after when I thought we would.

We stayed at the Boulder Creek RV Park near Lone Pine California. I had heard good things about the place and we figured it was close enough to give it a try. Actually the "feel" of the place wasn't as nice as Calico but once we got settled in it was pretty good. The facilities were clean and nice. The only two bad things about the place were the sounds of traffic from Highway 395 and the smell from the Goat pen. The latter was REALLY bad when we first got there and I actually thought it was a sewer problem. It wasn't until later that I really figured out where it was coming from. We were even thinking about moving to a different spot. Fortunately the wind finally shifted and the smell shifted with it!

Since the weather wasn't really cooperating for a relaxing stay AROUND the trailer, in other words it was saying INSIDE the trailer we decided to head out and see what there was to see. One of the first places we came to was the Manzanar Relocation Camp. Neither one of us knew it was there and we just happened to turn the radio to the information channel when I saw the road marker so we decided to stop. I didn't really take too many pictures there as the exhibits (and movie) were kind of intense. Basically Manzanar was one of the 10 (I think) Japanese relocation camps scattered throughout the United States after Japan attacked us during WWII. I can understand the reasoning behind it but it had to be pretty hard for those American's there just happened to fit the wrong profile that were ordered to relocate. It was a bit frustrating when some people in "comment" book equated it to Guantanamo eluding to the fact that we "are doing it again". I mean give me a break. But what can one expect living in California... Anyway the part was really well done and the exhibits and driving tour were incredible. Fortunately the folks that were relocated there only had to be there for a little over three years, but they were not able to go back to their homes on the west coast. They all had to relocated in-land and couldn't stay in California, Oregon, and Washing. If you ever pass by this area you should stop by and take a look.

When the weather did clear up the kids did what they do best... Play in the dirt! It is truly amazing (to me that is) how much time they can spend just playing in the dirt. When I took this photo most of the other visitors were gone (on Saturday) and there were not too many people left in the park. I did light a fire a bit later but the weather turned again and really turned windy and nasty. We had hoped to cook part of dinner over the fire but I finally just dumped water on it and put it out. Denise ended up making a tri-tip that was AWESOME! Since the diet we haven't really eaten much meat, but man that was GOOD!!!

Today we just got up a bit late, made breakfast, played at the park, and headed out. From running around at the part Desirae was beat and crashed shortly after we got on the road. Devin was being really good about her falling asleep on his shoulder.

Even though the weekend didn't go as expected Denise and I were really happy with the turnout. We did travel around and checked out all the other campgrounds that were local to Lone Pine. We came across Manzanar and we both were really glad that we stopped there. We also had a pretty good time at the Boulder Creek RV Park. All in all we are eagerly planning our next trip!

As usual I posted all the selects from this trip to here!