National Parks

Aloha Everyone,

One of the goals J.J. and I set for our RV adventure is to visit all contiguous states in Honu and to visit many of the 58 national parks in the National Park Service. Counting Haleakala National Park on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, we've so far visited 26 of them. That is more than one a month in two years!

The state of California with 9 national parks tops the list followed by Alaska with 8, Utah with 5, and Colorado with 4. 

We are often asked which is our favorite national parks. It is impossible to choose one over so many incredible, majestic places.

Aloha -- Cathi

Completed 4,000 miles in 31 Days

Aloha Everyone,

Our most recent period of adventure lasted 31 days and we covered over 4,000 miles. Some of the memorable and meaningful activities included Capitol Reef National Park in Utah and jeep tour with Sandy and Gene into Canyon de Chelly. Another is our reunion with our dear friends, Richard and Terttu, and their family and finding Dr. C. our new Primary Care Physician in St Grorge, Utah.

Today we drove about 230 miles stopping for lunch in Solvang before returning back to my Mother's home.

Aloha -- Cathi

Ultimate Luxury, California Wine Country RV Resort

Aloha Everyone,

After a long day of stressful defensive driving on the California freeway systems, it is wonderful to checked in at the luxurious Vines RV Resort.

Located in the city of Paso Robles, translated "The Pass of the Oaks" this is one of the top 5 RV parks J.J. and I have stayed in the past 2 years.

Paso Robles is in San Louis Obispo county known for many wineries, almond orchards and olive groves. This is also where the California Mid-State Fair is held in July. www.midstatefair.com/

Paso Robles is an affluent, rapid growing community with median income reported to be $57,114.

Vines RV Resort amenities include a swimming pool complex, a library, fitness center, a lounge and even a ballroom.

We met Cory who was bar tending. Even though J.J. and I don't consume any alcohol, this is definitely a place we would return to.

Aloha -- Cathi

Delightful Day Visiting With The Yangs

Aloha Everyone,

Our relationship with Richard and Terttu is a long one. They came into our lives over 40 plus years ago. Even though a great deal of distance separate us for more than 3/4 of the period, we have remained friends. Whenever I have happy or sad news, Terttu would be one of the first persons for me to reach out to.

With their daughter, Tricia and her husband, John.

We went out to lunch at Flipper's Gourmet Burgers.

Terttu and I both had vegan salad of quinoa with greens.

J.J.'s Korean Noodle soup

Richard's choice of hamburger

The charming neighborhood where we had lunch.

It is such a blessing, therefore to spend the afternoon with them enjoying each other's company and simply appreciating our friendship.

Aloha -- Cathi

Back to Northern California

Aloha Everyone,

40 degrees, sunny and clear morning. Last night the temperature dipped to 31, but we were comfortable in Honu with our Alpaca blankets from Cuenca for extra warmth and comfort.

Took US 80 through Reno and Donner Pass.

Another perfect driving day. Lots of accumulated snow at the summit rest stop.

Brake check area for trucks was congested with nearly 40 long-haul trucks. Impressive! J.J. mentioned that most of them will comply for their own safety. I would love to interview some truckers as I am sure they have interesting stories to share. By their appearance and demeanor, most truck drivers are husky, rugged, solitary individuals. Hopefully we will encounter someone who would enjoy having a conversation with us. J.J. reminded me that truckers are usually on a tight schedule.

A quick lunch of cheese, bread and fruits at the Gold Run Rest Stop. While J.J. took a nap, I walked around the premise and enjoyed wild flowers.

Sel and Virginia also just arrived at the RV park we are staying for the next two nights. They are in the process of deciding where to set their roots down. In the meantime, the couple, like us, has been enjoying various state as well as national parks.

Aloha -- Cathi

Cold, Windy Day In Carson City

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I allocated two hours this morning doing our weekly laundry. Our timing was perfect as we spent the time in a warm, spacious and spotless laundry room. Outside, the north wind was blowing snow flurries. The mountain range south of Carson City was shrouded by snow.

In the afternoon, we went to a Walmart located in the outskirts to restock our provisions. J.J. and I feel this was the coldest day we've had so far this year.

Considering the windchill factor, I had to wear triple layer on top and a double layer on the bottom to stay warm. Of course, after completing a brisk one hour walk within the Walmart store, I was ready to peel off one layer of my clothes.

Luxurious hot shower to warm me through my bones before J.J. and I shared a ribeye steak with grilled mushrooms, baby spinach and avocado salad for dinner.

Aloha -- Cathi

Scenic Drive On US Highway 395 to Carson City, NV

Aloha Everyone,

Don works for the California State Park & Recreation. He has been on the job for 10 years and Don shared with us his frustration regarding "millionaires who own vacation homes in June Lake."

"They are so tightfisted that they refused to pay for a private rubbish collector," said Don. He has caught a number of them dumping household appliances, old bathroom fixtures, etc. He even found bins stuffed with cardboard and wooden crates used to mail wine bottles, Maine lobsters and Alaskan salmons. The recipients' names and addresses were intact so they were sent fines of $2000.

Please enjoy our scenic drive through snow-capped mountains, lakes, alpine villages, rivers and thriving farm land to our destination -- Carson City, Nevada.

My lunch of fresh mixed green salad, a hard boiled egg with 1 slice of Gluten-free bread and gelatin for dessert. Yum!  

Aloha -- Cathi