California is a fine place to live - if you happen to be an orange.
We left our RV park on the Colorado River Thursday morning just before 8:00 AM. First we wanted to fill up with fuel We figured fuel prices in Arizona were certainly a lot cheaper than California. We definitely wanted to top that tank off. The first gas station we noticed as we approached Needles had a sign showing a price of $4.99 a gallon for unleaded. That station was just off the freeway so it may have been the highest in town but we didn’t venture in that town so couldn’t check the rest out. However, that one was about $1.30 more than on the Arizona side in Parker. It will definitely be interesting to watch those prices as we travel west and then northward through California. We’ve already looked at GasBuddy.Com but sometimes the best stations aren’t in our path. We did check out the price at the station just around the corner from our current RV park. Unleaded is $3.93 and we don’t think that’s bad since it is California.
It had been a couple years since we had taken the route north on Hwy 95 to Needles and then west on I-40 to Barstow. On the 200 miles we drove we seemed to be constantly either climbing a hill or going down a hill. The roads were good and the traffic was light but those hills were all the way. I can’t say that’s our favorite route west. Everyone has a favorite way of going from one point to another. So far I think I liked the way we headed to Arizona the best …. via Pismo Beach.
We did see a couple boondocking sites. One wasn’t far from the post office in “Wyatt’ Earp, CA. The boondocking site had about 15 RVs on it and was located about six miles from the town of Parker! (Toni … take note!). We’ll probably check that one a little more thoroughly next year.
It was interesting to check the temperature differences between Parker and Barstow. Late in the day when Parker was sizzling at 97, Barstow was warm at 81. Now that 16 degrees difference sure makes a difference in your enjoyment of a day. Friday the temperature difference will almost reach 20 degrees when Parker pushes the 100 degree mark.
Some RVers have a two-two-two rule. We’ve never tried to stick to that but this year we’re going to try to abide by it. It shortens the travel days and makes each day more enjoyable. We’ve been known to have some mighty long travel days including several that even topped the 600 mile mark. We’re determined not to do that this year. So, our goal is to travel about two hundred miles, arrive by 2:00 and stay at least two days. Let’s see if we stick to it ….. so far so good.
How does it feel to be moving again? It feels good! A couple nights in this location and Tehachapi here we come.
We’ve exchanged palm trees for pine trees.
‘Tis life on the road.
I sure like your 81 better than our 95. I'll be interested to see if you can stick to the 2-2-2 rule. Could be a challenge for you guys.
ReplyDeleteNow that 2PM arrival time. Is that Arizona time or Daylight Savings Time?
ReplyDelete2 pm or 200 miles but I must say when we are moving it's 2 days stay every 2nd day.
ReplyDeleteGas is a killer for sure but not much we can do about it huh. Just keep looking for the lowest price !
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics again in this post Jeri.
My first year on the road I did that Needles to Barstow route a couple of times. B O R I N G !!
I'm back on the road again myself (will update my Blog eventually LOL) and it does feel good. Watch out Vegas - here I come !!
New header picture...nice!
ReplyDeleteWe rarely arrive later than 2 at a campground. Under 200 miles is a very good day.
Two hundred miles is a good day, arrive by 2 and stay at least two maybe more works for us.
ReplyDeleteI like the 2 x 2 rule with a slight adjustment - travel 200 miles, stop by 2pm and stay 2 nights every 2nd day of travel. Those temperatures are sure a lot nicer than the scorchers down here in the desert.
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