Yes this trip does feel as
if we have driven in circles & we are on own last few loops before heading
home. After a really hot night (did I say that last time – yes it was sooooo
hot) we get up early & drive. Even driving is hot because our air
conditioner has given up the ghost completely. Follow the motorways through dry,
hot, barren land on to Las Vegas. We did intend to drive straight through with
only a short stop for fuel, but we saw flashing lights behind us. We sure
haven’t been speeding, so what can he possibly want from us. We leave an HOUR
later. Very frustrating. This cop sure has a chip on his shoulder. All he could
find wrong was the fact that we had 6 extra number plates on the back of the
vehicle (way up the top). He spent ages typing out a warning and lecturing
John. What an arrogant idiot (woops I’m supposed to be forgiving. We think
maybe he had an Aussie wife who divorced him)
Meant we ended up driving
through Vegas rush hour. Just keep heading on and on. Out of Arizona and into
California. We are heading to an Isuzu Truck workshop in San Diego. Hopefully
they will be able to order an air compressor. Traffic is crazy around San Diego
so we don’t arrive until after 6pm. And YAY they are still open and very
excited to see us. Quite a boost for John after that crazy cop! We spend the
night in their yard and the next morning John finds a good used compressor in a
wrecked truck and fits it to our truck, gets it regased and all is perfect.
DOUBLE YAY!! We leave mid morning with nice cool air blowing on our faces. We
will return to leave GR2 here in a few days time. They are going to look after
her when we go home.
Next destination is
Richard & Debbra’s house. They are our American friends who stored GR2 for
us after our Mexico trip, and who came over to Queensland for a few months. But
first we have time for a scenic drive through San Diego taking in Coronado
& its beach front, the old city centre & the waterfront. We hug the
busy coastline for ages until we get sick of the traffic & jump back onto
the motorway. Arrive at the address, but eventually realize that they have
moved!! Thank goodness Richard checks his emails regularly as we don’t have his
phone number – finally on to see them in their new house. Lots of catching up,
plus we use their washing machine for our last huge load of washing.
Now we head north – we
want to catch up with Clive & Karrin – part of our Pinder family – in Paso
Robles. So we head through the humungous city of Los Angeles – on the huge
motorways. We have no intention of winding through back streets here! Hours
later we reach the other side. Now we can hug the coast for miles & miles.
Sea mist is still straggling over the hills. The roads are lined with parked
cars – locals visiting the beach & the car parks are expensive. Even the
State Parks require a fee for day use! We had planned to camp on Pismo Beach as
recommended by Richard, but we stopped and Skype our gorgeous Grandkidlets and
so are not going to make it. Instead we investigate the State Camps on the
waterfront. The first 2 are closed because of an oil leak, & the next 2
want to charge us $45. Crazy! It will be dark soon so we find our own spot.
We are not far from the
very Danish town of Solvang – so head there for a scrumptious brekkie of
pancakes & a big explore. Continue exploring the coast stopping at Pismo
Beach where there is a very chilly wind blowing before moving on to the lovely
Morro Bay. Such a pretty place, but that wind is still chilly. We stop to watch
the cute sea otters – bigger here than the ones in Alaska. Decide to head a bit
further up the coast before turning & heading to Paso Robles. Means we get
to stop & watch the seals sunbaking on the beach.
Our last weekend we spend
with Clive & Karrin getting very spoiled with fabulous food & wine. I
will be waddling home this time! All good things come to an end. We head back
down to San Diego to leave GR2 tucked away at the Isuzu workshop. We know they
will take good care of GR2 – even start her up now & then to keep her
batteries going. Tomorrow morning we head up to Los Angeles for the long flight
home. It will be great to see our family, hug our grand kids & catch up
with friends.
We will be back to USA
later this year (we are excited about seeing the Polar Bears!)
Adios Amigos.
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