Destination: Eel Creek Campground, Mendocino National Forest, CA
After packing our camp and taking care of housekeeping, pumpout, trash and filling water tanks, we departed Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, at 10:30 AM via the 101. As we departed the beautiful KOA, I made sure to take some final pics as I would recommend this place to anyone who wanted to explore wine tasting in the less pretentiousness area of Sonoma County. We enjoyed Napa but found the wineries here to be smaller, family owned small businesses with excellent varietals. Even without an RV or a tent, this KOA had cute little cabins where someone could drive up from San Fran for the weekend to visit some wineries.
Heading north again, we quickly returned to Mendocino County where we had stayed on the beach. Van picked out a National Forest area where we had a good chance of finding a first-come-first-serve site.
Lessons learned from night driving through the northern CA forested hills has taught us to do these scenic drives in the daylight; otherwise, we just might have to repeat the drive another day to see what we missed. Oh the gift of being half-retired (Van may be, I am not retired - I say- I am on a sabbatical until the studio is DONE).
We turned on to 162 E to head deeper into the Medocino National Forest . The further east we travelled into the mountains, the more the roads became like a go cart race track on steroids. Those who understand my predilections may be able to predict the outcome of this day. Van enjoyed the drive and would have enjoyed it more if his passenger had been sedated.
The weather was 63 degrees and mostly sunny. We arrived at BLM camp, paid our $4 fee and settled in for the rest of the day and night.
The problem I saw with this stop is that there was only one way back to civilization. Van had planned to continue on this road east through the mountains. One problem - the road was not maintained for winter travel, so we would be on our own. You know the next line. We would be travelling back the way we came. I would manage better on the return out of the Medocino National Forest, knowing what was ahead of us. Have I told you that I have fear of the unknown especially when it comes to snow, mountains and unserviced roads?
We were happy to be settled at camp despite the many makeshift tents and full time "campers" nearby. I just didn't feel that our shiny, new TCB blended well in this remote landscape.
Another entry for the "What I learned on my TCB Sr. Gap Year Travel." Review the driving route when planning destinations with your partner. You may trust each other implicitly, but even after 32 years of marriage, there are always traits you do not know about.
I am thankful for all the lessons I am learning on this trip.
