Going . . . Back in Time!

When I had called to schedule our visit at the Stockton Delta KOA, the manager mentioned that they had a big group coming in and we should enjoy our time there, for there would be lots of interesting 'junk'. Not real sure just what he meant by that, but, always ready for a new adventure, we headed south.

Took time to make a stop at the Blue Beacon Truck Wash and got the snow & winter grime (that we picked up in Oregon) washed off.


As we pulled in to the KOA, we noticed a couple of 'old military jeeps' parked at the store, and quickly realized that the 'interesting junk' that the manager had mentioned was LOTS of old military vehicles! Our visit just happened to coincide with the beginning of the Military Vehicle Collectors of California annual 'rally' - aka HUGE swap meet. They virtually take over almost the entire park. We arrived on a Tuesday for two nights and each day saw more and more arrive.

If I hadn't known better I would have sworn we had sat down in the middle of 4077 M.A.S.H. - complete with "Hot Lips" Hullahan, for I looked out the window one time to see a blond, dressed in army fatigues, ride by on an old scooter of some kind. We even had an old 'staff' car, a few "MP" jeeps, - even an Army ambulance. I kept expecting to run into "Radar" or "Hawkeye Pierce"! There were 'half-tracs', jeeps fully equipped with guns (but I was assured no 'real' ammo) camoflauge tents, nets, everyone dressed in camos. . . it was quite a sight!
One of our days we drove just 12 miles 'around the loop' and did the review at one of our new conversion parks, Brannan Island. Both of these parks are right on the water and each operation has a full marina. Here we are in the middle of the state, and these waterways can take you clear out to the Pacific Ocean. It is quite the 'hot spot' as a summer water playground for the California suburbanites.

Then it was on to Yosemite - back to the mountains. Had a nice visit at Mariposa (Yosemite W) for one night, then we headed south just 40 miles to Coarsegold (Yosemite S). Had planned a three day stay here, so we could take a couple of days to rest - and visit Yosemite Ntl. Park.

The weather a bit on the cool side, and really so once we got into Yosemite. As we were driving the temp dropped into the 30's in the mountains (still lots of snow alongside the roads).


We were disappointed to find the road to the Mariposa grove of Sequoia redwoods was not opened yet, but we had an enjoyable day just driving in to the Yosemite Valley. I discovered very quickly that I had not dressed for the weather, and my bare toes and short sleeves found me a bit on the cool side. Everyone was bundled up, many in sock caps and gloves.

Back to the campground where we had our picnic lunch on our private 'deck' and then I made 'one too many' comments about "I really should do laundry" - and the next thing I knew, Roger was loading it up! So nothing to do, but do it! I'm always glad when it is done, but I hate the chore of doing it!

The cool temps have hung around and we closed up the trailer & turned on the heater early tonight. Think all this 'fresh air' is making me either very lazy or very tired! Good 'ol Marie Calender's chicken pot pies for supper tonight - just the thing for this cool evening! Cuddling up in my chair with a good book and my moose blanket is my idea of a 'wonderful' evening! Roger has his baseball game on, so he's happy.

Tomorrow will dawn bright and early and we head way south to Barstow, CA - our last park in California for a while. Nevada and Utah, here we come!