Day 42 - We Have Arrived in Paicines, CA

Ken and I were up at 7, had breakfast and started packing up for our 9 AM departure time.  All went well and the 4 of us were on our way by 9.  This was only an 82 mile drive from Patterson to Paicines, a short one compared to many of our drives.  It was a relatively easy drive too, with only one climb of about a 5% elevation.

Along the way were some interesting sights including the azure hills, an actual body of water, and many grapevines, orchards, plus large fields of onions and lettuce.  It is interesting that we grow so many fruits and veggies in Lanc. County, but mostly for our own consumption or to sell to the locals.  Here the growing of fruits and veggies is a big business.  The fields just go on and on.

The azure fields with the mountains and the sky - beautiful!

It was a bit cloudy!

Gorgeous, huh?????

To actually see a large body of water is rather unusual!

Quite a picture!

Not what we are used to seeing in Lancaster County!!!

Huge fields of lettuce!

A large field of onions!

Another large field of onions on the other side of the road!

So many grapevines.  A great area for wine tasting!

Even more grapevines!  Wow!

We arrived at San Benita Thousand Trails at 11 and even though it is quite a distance from the main roads and down in the valley, we do have internet and phone service - what a plus!!!!  But, there is no TV reception unless you have a satellite.  So glad The Voice, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars are finished!!!!  This CG is fine but it could use some TLC!  The sites are grassy, the buildings a bit rough, and the weeds and grass could use some attention.  But it is part of Ready, Camp, Go and we will not be in the CG very much before we leave on Tuesday.

Set-up went well and after eating lunch, the 4 of us got together in Waldo to discuss our plans for while we are in this area.  Tomorrow we plan to drive about 30 minutes to Pinnacle National Park (it was a National Monument but is now a National Park) and Sunday and Monday do a 1 1/4 hour drive to Monterey. Today we just hung out at the CG catching up on blogs, phone calls, e-mails, etc. I even had time to sit in the sun and read a book - wow!

Ken and I took a short walk around the CG checking out the pool, country store, mini golf course, etc.  Everything was very nice at one time, but someone needs to "take the bull by the horns" and spruce up the place!!!!!  Ken went over to Chuck and Melissa to chat while I talked with my friend, Deb, from home.  She is recovering from back surgery and she wishes the healing process would speed up.  Isn't patience a tough thing????  After dinner and clean-up, Ken and Chuck rode their bikes to a section of the campground where bobcats are often seen around dusk.  No luck tonight for the boys!

The 4 of us played cards in Waldo and the women won all the games.  Go ladies!!!!  We called it a day around 9:45.  Looking forward to checking out this area!