Yes, It Must Rain Sometimes!

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

My recent experience with RV Parks, like this one here [the Evergreen RV Park in Oxnard] seems to indicate that I’m much more likely to find these campgrounds already full if I just show up there.  So many spaces are taken up by full-time/part-time motorhome or trailer residents, leaving just a few sites available for someone like me who’s just traveling through.  It will be a good idea, I’ve now determined, to try to plan my destinations in advance and make site reservations.  Sitting here at my little parking spot, I made use of my morning doing just that – online research for where to go after I visit my friend in Calabasas today.   

Unlike my situation yesterday, there was no other RVer waiting to take my spot but, with respect to Evergreen’s check-out time, I left around noon and headed for Calabasas via 101 S.  I had an hour to spare so I looked for a shopping center and found an UPS store (they printed and mailed Blog #3 for me), a Starbucks (I had banana bread and Caffe Mocha), and an Albertson’s (I replenished some dwindling foodstuffs).  Then I went to Sally’s house!

Sally and I have known each other for five years now, since sitting next to each other, twice, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.  Having learned fingerspelling when she was a little girl she communicated with me that way and I’d get together now and then with her and Bear, her Shepherd/Lab mix, and join them on walks/hikes.  Bear was such a sweetheart, everybody loved him!  He was 16 when he passed on a few months ago.

After parking my truck camper and bringing some of my more valuable stuff inside, Sally and I sat down for a short while then took a walk through her neighborhood to a nearby park. There was a trail and as we walked on it I noted the gentle, and very green, rolling hills surrounding the area.  We came upon two tree stumps in front of a tall oak tree and sat down, a break Sally knew I probably needed.  In addition to being tall with many outstretched branches, the oak tree had a thick girth and, for a moment, I let my imagination run free.  I made a comment about the people that lived around here so many hundreds of years ago and asked Sally if she thought a pair of long-ago lovers may have visited this very tree.  She concurred and said she can also imagine the original inhabitants gathering acorns from around the tree.

We had dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant, after which we played a game of Scrabble on the old, but still useful, Travel Edition that I keep inside my camper.  Around 9:00 p.m. I called it a day and headed for bed in the upstairs guest room.

MONDAY, MARCH 19

So that I could be on my way after breakfast I followed Sally to an organic store that had an eatery inside.  We then said our “see you next time” bye-byes and I resumed my truck camper trip. 

Sally and me.

I wasn’t on Hwy 101 S for very long before I became part of the mass of slow moving vehicles on I-405 S.  On the approach to the Getty Center exit, I remembered last summer’s wildfires in this area and, glancing up the hillside on my left, could see the blackened earth from the fire that had burned so close to this world famous art museum.  

Going south on I-405 towards Los Angeles.

Driving on these busy and jam-packed L.A. freeways commands your full attention, and more so when you’re driving a truck camper…or other RV for that matter.  But for the one or two reckless lane-weavers on the road, traffic wasn’t too bad and I soon connected to I-105 W and arrived at the Dockweiler RV Park, located in Playa del Rey and situated right next to the Los Angeles Airport.  I’d arrived around 11:00 a.m. and had to wait until 1:00 p.m. to check in.  The nice fella in the office told me to just stay where I was parked and, as a kind gesture to help me kill time, he went ahead and gave me the Wi-Fi user name.

All of the sites here are paved, clearly marked, and very clean.  In addition to the Wi-Fi access I have water and electricity at my site.  Directly in front of me, separated by a low wall, is a bike and jogging path.  Several yards beyond the path is a sand berm which, unfortunately, is blocking my view of the ocean.  I found this info online --

Before winter begins, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors deposits giant mounds of sand along the coast to protect parking lots, lifeguard towers, RV parks, and other property from flooding and destruction caused by high tides and storm-charged waves. The county got serious with berm treatment in the early ’80s, reinforcing Dockweiler State Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, Zuma Beach, and Malibu Surfrider Beach. Between February and March the berms go bye-bye, so appreciate their hard work while they’re here.

The sand berm here hasn’t gone bye-bye yet, obviously, but the link is an interesting and informative read -- http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/l-works-beach-berms/

Seen from my camper, a dip in the sand berm 

offers a sliver of a glimpse of the ocean.

Along California’s coast are many state beaches, all of which a camping site can be reserved online.  Summertime reservations are, obviously, snapped up months prior.  But this is March and if I can take a cue from the many empty spaces that I see right now and right here at this beachfront RV Park, it should be easy enough to make online reservations at some of the state beaches further south.

Much to my surprise, however, after spending a great deal of time on my laptop, I couldn’t make a state beach reservation anywhere for tomorrow.  I kept getting an “error alert” about the day I want (tomorrow, Tuesday) and I should pick a different day.  As I pondered this unexpected situation, I observed that dark clouds had rolled in and, having already read online weather reports about the forecast for rain, I had this bright idea -- stay right here for another day.  Making that online reservation for my second day here tomorrow was easy, probably because this RV Park is under the auspices of the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and not the California State Park system.  Feeling better about my decision, I abandoned the laptop, stepped outside, trudged up the sand berm, and there was the Pacific!

As I almost always do, I went down to the water and got my feet wet.  There was nobody else around, but for a few busy shorebirds and two ships in the distance.

Two ships and a few shorebirds.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

First things first this morning – get back on the laptop and see if I have better luck with state beach reservations.  Nope, same thing…I just can’t seem to secure a reservation anywhere for tomorrow, Wednesday, which is not even the weekend.  I’m now wondering if there is a 24-hour rule at play here.  I changed strategy and managed to make a reservation, via email, for tomorrow at a private RV Park in Long Beach.  I was also able to secure a Thursday reservation, through the City of Huntington Beach website, for a space at what’s described as “a beachfront parking lot,” in Huntington Beach.

I don’t know where I’ll be come Friday but now, as I write this, it’s 3:30 p.m. and I’m gonna go back over that berm and get my feet wet.

A view of my truck camper from atop the sand berm.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
It’s been raining this morning and I got wet unhooking the water hose and shore power cord.  Getting behind the wheel I turned on the truck’s heater and then made my way along I-105 E to I-405 S to I-710 S to Long Beach, heading for the Golden Shore RV Resort.  I knew that I-710 ended at LB but I didn’t expect to see a congestion of so many exit ramps at the end of that freeway.  Here I am, driving a truck camper in inclement weather and trying to focus on the confusing array of exit signs (most of which lead to one of LB’s many piers) and I missed the exit I was supposed to take to the RV Resort.

So, where did I end up?  The Queen Mary parking lot!

Staring at the entrance gate bar that was blocking my way forward, I looked around and saw that there was no way I could back up and turn around.  That entire pavement that I exited onto was one-way to about ten lanes of entrance gate bars.  And, thanks to the mechanical wonders of today’s automation, there wasn’t a human attendant anywhere.  That ticket-spitting contraption outside my driver side window had two buttons, one of which advised to press for assistance.  How’s THAT gonna assist me?

Glaring at the stubborn parking lot entrance bar in front of me, and heaving an exasperated sigh, I did the one and only thing I could logically do – press the other button which demanded that I press it, take the ticket that popped out of the slot, and drive directly to the exit.  And then I saw the Queen Mary!  Lordy, that’s one massive ship!  I gotta come back someday and take a tour – preferably when it’s not raining.

The moment I saw the exit gate bar I also saw that there was, thank goodness, an attendant standing there.  I told him I wasn’t supposed to be here and the look on his face was a clear revelation that I’m not the only one who has mistakenly taken the wrong exit and arrived here.  A glance at the time stamp on my ticket was all he needed to verify that I was being truthful and after asking me where I’m supposed to go he gave me directions and let me through.  Following his directions precisely, I still somehow missed the street I was looking for and ended up back on 710, going north.

I finally found the RV Park, but being that they told me check-in time is 2:00 p.m., I was 90 minutes early.  Maybe there’s a shopping center nearby where I can park for a while?  The morning’s off-on bursts of rain was on again and after a series of turns here and there I eventually found myself on Ocean Blvd, right in the heart of downtown Long Beach.  “Just keep going, girl, you’ll find something,” and that I did – a waterfront park that extended along the residential section of Ocean Blvd.  Finding a blessed curbside spot I parked right there and caught up on some CNN news on my iPhone.  By 2:00 p.m. I was exactly where I was supposed to be.  I did the “tank dump” chore and then settled in.

THURSDAY, MARCH 22
Yesterday I submitted an online form and also sent an email to a RV Resort in Escondido inquiring about a reservation for this coming Saturday.  In the box asking for “cell number” I thought, what the heck, and provided my text number.  Just as I was about to leave this morning (it’s still raining and I got wet again unhooking and stowing away the water hose and shore power cord) I actually got a text message from the RV Resort, asking me to call them regarding my reservation request.

But now I’m in my truck, I’ve started the motor, I’ve exited the RV Park I got lost looking for yesterday, and I’ve built up the courage to get back on I-710 N, right this minute and in this rain, to drive south to Huntington Beach, via Rt. 1, the Pacific Coast Highway.

Call them?  An image immediately appeared in my mind – the face of my sweet, good-looking friend, Larry.  Yes, that Larry who lives in Hawaii and has done many wonderful things for the Deaf folks on the islands.  In response to my last blog in which I wrote that “I can’t call” to make reservations, Larry asked if I had a VRS app on any of my devices.  I told him that I do have the app on both my iPhone and iPad but I hesitate to make calls because of erratic or non-existent internet access.  Larry encouraged me to give it a try.  I really should, that I know, wimpy ole techno-klutz me.

But not today.  I’m driving.  It’s raining.  And I have to respond…now.  So, while stopped at a series of traffic lights I exchanged text messages with my fellow texter (not a word, I know, but so what!).  I understood that their RV Resort is first come first serve and although they are currently full on the day I want to be there (Saturday) they do have an overflow space next to the office (this is becoming a very familiar experience!) but to hold it for me they need my CC information now, or at least ASAP.  If they email me the reservation form could I fill it out with my CC information and email it back right away?  I texted back that I’m headed for a place in Huntington Beach that has no Wi-Fi but I’m sure I can find a McDonald’s or someplace and use their internet to retrieve the email and follow up…ASAP.

Driving along with my wipers going, alternately fast and then slow, depending on the temperament of the sky, I had an idea.  Hey!  This oughta work!  My brother Bill!  He can call for me!  I arrived in Huntington Beach but being that I was too early to check in the Sunset Vista Camping Facility I parked on the street, next to a parking meter.  Whether there was time left on that meter, I didn’t know and I didn’t look.  Cutting the engine I immediately texted Bill and asked if he could please call the RV Resort in Escondido and use his CC information to hold that space for me, and then when I get there on Saturday I’ll have them cancel his card and switch to mine.  Sure thing he said.  I texted my other text buddy to let him/her know Bill would be calling momentarily.  Then Bill let me know it was done and I’m all set.  Thank you, Baby Brudder!

It was about 2:30 p.m. when I found myself sitting at my dinette and looking out the window.  What a great view of the ocean!  Too bad it’s been such a gloomy day but I’m warm, dry, and comfortable.  And I did make time for my usual stroll down to the water.

My view the afternoon of my arrival, Huntington Beach.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23
It rained during the night -- that I deduced from the raindrops on my windows – but by around 10:00 a.m. the clouds cleared and the sun was shining.  From inside my camper I could see the blue of the sea and there were a lot more people on the beach and bike path.  I have one more coastal stop today and so I left Huntington Beach just before noon and got back on the PCH heading for Dana Point.

Same view, the morning of my departure.

I was successful last Wednesday, while at Long Beach, in making a reservation for today at the Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.  I guess one does need at least 48 hours to make these state beach reservations.  Same day walk-ins are always possible, but that’s not something I want to take a chance on – especially not here in California.

My drive took me through Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point before I arrived at Doheny SB.  I showed the confirmation information that I had received via email to the fella at the entrance but their information indicated that the site I had selected was cancelled.  I have no idea how that happened and it’s a good thing I had the email confirmation on my iPhone to show them.  They offered me a different site and when I asked if there was anything closer to the beach, they complied with my request and made the change.

There are no hookups at this State Beach but I’ve got plenty of propane for the fridge.  I am, at this precise moment, typing this on my laptop, relying entirely on the laptop’s supply of battery power.  And, at the same time, I’m watching this guy (with verbal and hand directions from his SO) try to back in his Lance trailer into a rather tight spot.  That trailer’s driver side slideout is just about touching the trailer next to it.  Gee, that is a bit too close for comfort!

There’s a sand berm on the beach here, too, but from where I sit, looking out my camper’s windows, I can see parts of the ocean well enough.  With the sun out there, practically clamoring to be adored, I pulled out my camp chair and set it up atop the sand berm.  A beautiful day, indeed, albeit a little bit cool and breezy, and I had my view of the water and my book and the company of seagulls, pelicans, a few ravens…and some people, too.  

Doheny State Beach.

A pelican flyover, Doheny State Beach.

Sunset, Doheny SB.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Observing other RVers and campers can be entertaining, like those folks yesterday trying to back in their trailer.  This morning I watched two groups of tent campers go about trying to prepare breakfast outside.  They had the characteristic body language and demeanor of someone trying to find where they had packed something or other.  Everything I have is sorted away inside my camper – my cereal is right there in the pantry and my milk is in the fridge.  To each his/her own!

I bid farewell to the Pacific this morning and turned east towards Escondido.  Despite the high volume of vehicles on the road (and today is Saturday!) it was a decent drive – I-5 S to Rt. 78 E to I-15 N to Old Hwy 395 to the Champagne Lakes RV Resort.  The lady who texted back and forth with me last Thursday, and who spoke with Bill when he called on my behalf, greeted me when I pulled up to the office and helped me back in to the spot she held for me.  She suggested I get myself set up and then come inside the office to register.

Thanking her profusely for taking the time to text with me, for taking Bill’s CC information, and for holding the spot for me, she smiled her welcome and started to fingerspell.  She’d forgotten much of it but her effort was also much appreciated.  Now that I’m here with Wi-Fi access, it’s time to get this blog posted.  After which I will walk around the Resort.  They have three lakes and I spotted ducks and geese.  I’m not that far from the coast but this spot certainly is a whole different world.  I like it!