It's Snow Fun

Well, there is always the silver lining, and in this case, all the rain in the lowlands that caused us to stay in place created a lot of snow in the higher elevations only a half hour away. So, we met Pat, Rhonda, Zach and Samantha in the mountains North of Palm Desert toward Idlywild for some sledding. We were quite thankful that the Belous had friends with extra sleds so that all of the kids (and adults for that matter) could sled at will. The day was beautiful and sunny, which was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: it was warm (though Diana still wore some type of furry animal on her head), easy to see, great sledding conditions, Curse: Every Tom, Dick and Jose (hey we were the -only- Anglos in both areas we went to) were up in the mountains (corollary curse: if you have a two wheel drive vehicle, lowered, with street tires, please do not attempt to get off into the deep snow parking lot, you -will- not -make -it- period. I could have made a month's worth of traveling money with my 4wd truck, and a tow cable, but I was out for fun, though I bet some cars are still up there). At the first place we went to, there were some good runs and we all had some good turns and then a good snowball fight (until an ice ball was thrown, but that always seems to be the case). Unfortunately it became very very crowded and ceased to be fun as we watched multiple people get shellacked by sledders (actually that was fun to watch, kind of Darwin in Action, until a young girl was almost knocked unconscious by an idiot adult who did not even stop and offer an apology). So, we went to another site that we could not enter before (see above note about 2wd cars), but was clear now. We actually had a whole hill to ourselves after awhile so it was entirely better and more fun. Eventually the cold and tiredness crept in and we headed back to Jojoba hills for a swim in the heated pool and a sit in the hot tub, not a bad way to end the day and our stay at Jojoba hills. After this we are heading back into Palm Desert area (Desert Pools Rv park with mineral hot pools) so I can do some work on Pat's house.

Temecula

Since we were staying in Temecula area instead of heading to Quartsite, we decided to explore the Old Town Temecula area and farmer's market. The old town is quite interesting, established in 1859. There is some older style architecture and quite alot of antique stores and also a fair amount of tourist kitsch. There was also a really nice cheese and wine store. They make their own cheese from their dairy and also import alot of good cheeses, quite the treat. Diana could have sat and had the wine and cheese taster tray, but did not want to have to drink the equivalent of a half a bottle of wine herself. chicken. Every Saturday there is also a farmer's market with local fresh produce, honey (mmm, bought a 5 lb jug of Avocado flower honey, it is amazing with hints of molasses and a distinct almost savory taste), tamales (also tasty) and fresh cooked gyros with a wonderful tatziki sauce (actually I ate very little of that, my girls demo-ed it pretty fast). On the last Saturday of each month, the Old Temecula Gunfighters stage a show in a vacant lot. We caught their first show and were quite entertained (though actors they are not, by a long shot, though the enthusiasm was commendable) . This seemed like a better way to spend a Saturday than out in Quartsite in the mud.

The best laid plans....

Well, the weather collaborated to keep us in the Temecula area. No Quartsite trip for us with the Belous. A series of large rain and thunderstorms rolled through the area and after long consideration (not really that long) we decided to stay in Jojoba hills with full hookups and do some reading and relaxing. The pictures may seem benign, but all that water happened within an hour or so and the trees are not like they are in Eastern Washington, they don't normally lean sideways and have all of the branches to one side. It was very reminiscent of the Monsoons growing up. The whole area around us had flooding, mudslides over the road, crashes, etc. So, again after long consideration of 'hmmm, full hookups, wireless connection, heated pool and hot tubs vs. potentially getting stuck, not being able to put out or slides, no hookups and having to stay inside due to weather in Quartsite' I think we made the correct decision. Diana's parents did venture out for an abbreviated trip to a rally for Alpine Coaches to see friends. They reported lots of mud and wind and had to 'rough it' one night with their slides in. The rally was apparently pretty subdued this year, but at least no one got stuck and needed a semi grade tow truck to haul them out. So, we decided to sit tight, visit Temecula some more (after the roads opened), visit Auntie Dean (Diana's grandmother's sister (93 ish years old and sharp as a tack) in Hemmet. Plus we saved $200 in Diesel getting out there and back. I am sure that Quartsite will still be there if we decide to head that way someday.

Point Cabrillo

After leaving Carlsbad beach we headed out past Temecula to the Jojoba (said with an H sound, we are in So. Cal after all) Hills SKP park for a few days before heading out to Quartsite, Az. The park was a nice, well run park with very nice views. We boondocked for a couple of days before deciding to move up to full hookup sites. The park had a nice jacuzzi, sauna, and a heated pool, so the girls were quite happy, plus with ice cream socials on M W and F, we enjoyed it alot. We headed out toward San Diego one afternoon to visit REI (needed shoes, bought some Vibram five finger shoes for everyone but Andie (too small feet yet), everyone should have a pair of these, look em up), Whole foods, Christmas returns and last but not least, Point Cabrillo National Park. The downside is that we arrived later than we wanted due to our other errands because a person could spend easily a whole day at the park with its stunning views, the lighthouse, tide pools, history, bunkers and on and on. We watched a variety of navy ships depart the shipyard close by, even a submarine, though the picture did not come out. We did not spot any of the whales that are reported to be around, but again, we lacked for time. The lighthouse was very interesting and the display was done well. There is a spiral staircase through all three floors and it is tiny but does make for fun photos. There was a group of school kids there and it was a good reminder of why we home school, let us say there was an, um, lack of situational awareness and respect of others while in the lighthouse. Cami and Andi were able in the time allotted to finish up another Jr. Ranger course of study and receive their Pt. Cabrillo Jr. Ranger Badge (#3 for those counting). All in all a recommended park, especially if you have lots of time to sit and take in the vistas. After this it is back to Jojoba hills park to get ready for Quartsite with the Belous.