Dec 1-7
Our first – a week in one spot!
We have been thoroughly enjoying a restful and quiet week in Bakersfield CA. Bakersfield is in the mid/south central valley of California. They are known for “ag” and “oil”. Neither is doing well at the moment with the depressed world oil prices and the state of California has been in a drought condition for over 3 years, so growing fruits and vegetables is a challenge as well. We are certainly enjoying the lower gas prices as we motor around the nation!
The park we are in has about 2/3 rds “long term” residents in the 120 sites. As we continue to find, there are many transient workers on contracts, etc. that occupy RV parks. This park has been recently constructed and was well done with paved streets, cement patios, grsss and trees, a very nice pool and hot tub (it’s our as no one else seems to go), store, club room, etc..
We haven’t done too much all week. We have had the bikes out three times as on the other side of the Kern River there are 30 miles of paved trails. The Kern River has been dry for at least 3 years due to the drought, so we have to walk the bikes across the river bed to the other side to access the trails. See PIC. Weather has been great all week with the day time temps going into the low to mid 70’s. Unseasonably warm according to the locals. We’re not complaining.
One day we biked over to “downtown” Bakersfield. Nothing too special in a city of 400,000. Tired and quiet. There is a local country watering hole called The Bull Shed, so we checked it out one night. Probably more exciting later in the evening, but as “retiree’s” we had to be home early.
Other than that, we took the RV out on Thursday for an oil change and check the house battery. Not too much exciting.
Only other thing to report is that there was a small RV Rally here this weekend (about 24-30 people – not sure what they do) and they brought with them all their Christmas decorations, trees, etc.. So when I dug out the 6″ x 8″ box of decorations for Kathy to put up, they just didn’t cut it! I guess we are doing a little shopping tomorrow when we leave here.
Back to the coast tomorrow.
Sunday, Funday – Squawk!!!
Going for a bike ride.
Biking on the Beach?? – Nope – it’s the Kern River “riverbed”
Bakersfield sunset – Dec 7
Flip flops and sunshine……soaking it in FINALLY!
That weather sounds perfect for your week to relax in one spot.
No snow here, so no worries about driving this week!
I have been volunteering at the Huron County Christmas Bureau last week, and again this week when the families will arrive a few scheduled at a time to “shop” for free gifts, clothes and stocking stuffers. Each family also gets a grocery Gift Card – amounts from $100 – $500 according to the number of people in the family.
It is a huge well organized operation and many people depend on it heavily. On Sat. a friend and I went shopping for outfits in sizes where donations hadn’t come in. In 30 minutes we spent $1679.08 at the local Joe Fresh/Loblaws store. That is called power shopping!
Tomorrow I have a hair appt. in London and may check out a store or 2 if the crowds are not too big. I try to do most of my shopping in Exeter, where the pace is relaxing and the people are friendly.
Next week, I am going to Toronto to Lily’s Christmas Concert, and after the concert, we are going to check out the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District.
That’s all for now! Keep on having fun and travelling safely!
Love Dianne
Chilling looks like fun. Nice and warm by the looks of it
Thanks for the Christmas Card! Although a X-Mas card with palm trees and tropical birds is a bit mean after we got a dump of snow the other day. Looks like you’re having a great trip so far! All the best for the Holiday Season.