Will we ever make it out of California?
Today we loaded up the family truckster on our National Parks grand tour. It is surprising how much stuff we can bring when we aren’t also including the amazingly perfect grandkids. Though, I already miss the rugrats. It is hard to be away from their beautiful faces. Pat graciously brought some great snacks to keep us fed, and me awake while I drive.
Our first hint of a problem arose when Apple Maps really, I mean REALLY wanted me to go south to Red Bluff, when the right way is to go through Shingletown and Susanville to Reno. We checked the caltrans site, and they said everything was peachy on our route. The entire first hour was spent in a battle of wills with Maps to force it to use our desired path.
When we turned off at Old Station to take SR44 to Susanville, we got our first clue - “Flagger Ahead : Single Lane Road”. It actually wasn’t that long of a wait, but right when we got the wind to our backs, there was another construction zone. This one took a lot longer, and the vehicles in front of us included a houseboat on a trailer, 3 semis, and another pulling a large piece of construction equipment. So, even after we made it through the construction zone, we weren’t exactly flying. Luckily, it was time for our first pit stop at a very nice rest area. So, the cluster of slowpokes continued down the highway, and we took a break.
Back on the highway, it was clear sailing ahead. Then, we hit not one, but 2 more construction zones ahead. Thanks Caltrans! I guess every employee in the area was working on 44, so no-one was back at the office to update their website.
We continued down the road, and made great time from there on. Pat offered us a nice snack of muenster cheese, crackers and cucumber. It was a much nicer snack than some lame-o fast food. I only had to hold my hand out, and it was filled with another amuse-bouche. I guess keeping my eyes on the road was somehow important.
Our first real stop was in Virginia City. We found a parking spot then headed up to the main drag. It is a very historic place - where Samuel Clements became Mark Twain. The Comstock Lode made it into a boomtown, and it was easy to imagine life there - there are still lots of saloons and the like. We were enticed into a candy and novelty shop with the offer of a free root beer barrel candy. They had lots of historic candy, and it brought back a lot of memories. I even found some Frozen Pez dispensers for Mariana - Anna and Olaf. It will be great for her, as she has been sticking toy carrots up her nose and saying “I’m Olaf!” Yes, I do want to build a snowman :)
As we were wrapping things up, we heard “Mrs. Norris…Mrs. Norris!” It was a parent from Walnut Grove - Camilla, Angel, and Emilio’s parents - the Jimenez family. It took Carrie a minute for her eyes to adjust to the light from the entryway - we had just entered an historic saloon - but she was very happy to see them. Small world!
We made it back to the car, and made another pass through town, then headed to Fallon, where we are staying tonight. It was a pretty easy drive, and we made it quickly. After we checked in, we unloaded and headed to dinner. Our first location was connected to a casino, and we were punched in the face with the stink of stale cigarette smoke - not appetizing! We drove around a bit and found a Mexican restaurant that was in a former Pizza Hut building. I am always pleased when my fajitas have red bell peppers in them, and they were delicious! Carrie had quesabirria tacos, and said they were good (but not as good as Emma’s). Pat had a chicken taco salad, and I think we were all pleased.
We got back to the hotel, and Carrie and Pat got situated to start painting. I am in charge of the technology, so I set up that type of stuff. We brought a printer so that they could print out pictures to trace and paint. It gave me some frustrations, but I eventually prevailed. I always feel better after a long trip when I can take a nice hot shower, and this did not disappoint. We haven’t gotten our process dialed in, so if there are no pictures yet, they will be coming. It was really nice to get away, and we’ve already seen some great scenery.
I’m bummed that I forgot to call the kiddos before dinner, so we probably missed their bedtime. I miss her singing and his smile. All in all, it was a good day.
