October 2023

Sunday: (10/01) Bean soup for breakfast. Lou made ham and eggs with home fried sauerkraut potatoes for lunch. I had some leftover from the freezer BBQ ribs for dinner. I finally did a follow up Covid test today and I am negative. I tinkered a little doing some final packing and purging items from the van. In the evening I made another shopping run to Smart and Final to get more oranges for Lou and some potatoes and onions. I also stopped at Marshal’s to get the potato peeler I was supposed to get before.

Monday: (10/02) Granola and applesauce for breakfast. I got to work with dirty job. Also a dangerous job for an old man. I cleaned the leave debris off the house roof and the sunroom roof. The sun room is directly under the live oak tree and has a basically flat roof so it collects a good load. I tend to let it go longer than I should. Lou wants it cleaned too often for my likes. Since I’m taking off for a week or so and she has been threatening to clean it off herself, I had to get it done before I leave. Definitely not a job for an old lady. It took all morning but it’s done now. Leftover moussaka and roast chicken for lunch. In the afternoon I drained the gray water tank and filled the fresh water tanks. I also disconnected the charged battery and charged the trouble maker battery. Hopefully, once they are balanced they will track better. Cheesy chicken tater tots for dinner.

Tuesday: (10/03) A nice slow morning. I relaxed in bed much of the morning watching morning TV (CBS Mornings, Live with Kelly, and The View) while also catching up on some Youtube videos like the late night comedy shows return. I did some additional packing, fixed a garden hose. I finally prepared a big ham, cheese and egg breakfast sandwich about 1030.I headed off in the Hyundai toward Redwood City but had to turn around. The power steering wouldn’t stay on. I took the van up to Grocery outlet there as well as stopping at West Marine for a folding wall cup holder. Theirs are better built than anywhere else as well as cheaper. Another stop was the bank for some cash. Cash gas prices are worth the trouble. When I got home an Amazon package that i order late Friday and showed no progress until 2:35am this morning when it shipped, had arrived before 1430. I expected it to be the usual 10 pm delivery. It was some cable and connectors I need to recircuit the batteries to a new battery switch that will allow me to isolate the batteries. I may do that in camp somewhere. Anyway, since it was only 1430, I called Lou and told her i was on my way early. I had thought I wouldn’t get away until tomorrow morning. Traffic wasn’t bad until I got on the 580 freeway leaving Livermore. I stopped In Tracy for a break and to eat dinner. I had picked up some fried rice and Honey walnut shrimp when I passed through Freemont at the Asia Express restaurant. By the time I was back on the road traffic had gotten worse It didn’t get better until i was on the East side of Manteca. I stopped in Oakdale for a couple of more things at Grocery Outlet and I got gas there. I headed out of Oakdale as it got dark at 1850. I finally stopped for the night above Groveland at the Pines Forest Service Campground.

Wednesday: (10/04) I awoke at 0500 and prepared a nice bacon, eggs and cheese with hash browned potatoes for my breakfast. I was on the road about 0615 and entered Yosemite park before the entrance kiosk opened. I parked at Curry Village and hiked up to Vernal and Nevada Falls. It was my post Covid test hike which i intended to be a 5-6 mile hike but this hike was 10.2 miles. I was ready to quit before I walked a mile but I pushed through and it wasn’t a bad hike. I had my usual trail lunch of some tuna and crackers and added a Cliff Bar. Back at the Van I had an ice cream bar reward. I left Curry Village and headed up Tioga Road.I stopped about 1600 for some leftover chicken tater tots by a lake. I had intended to camp by Saddlebag Lake just outside the park but, for multiple reasons that whole area is closed to camping. I came down Tioga Pass and stopped at Aspen Campground for the night. At camp I had my leftover fried rice and shrimp for more dinner. I relaxed and had a shower then watched some downloaded videos.

Thursday: (10/05) Two Eggo waffles for breakfast with some bacon jerky. Drove the June Lake Loop road. Stopped in Mammoth Lakes for gas and at the visitor center. Decided to take the road to Benton where I connected with Highway 120 the Highway 6 into Bishop. I had a salad for lunch. I picked up some clam chowder at Von’s Market for dinner. I continued down to Big Pine and took Highway 168 out to the Ancient Bristle Cone Pines Forest. I camped at the Grandview forest service CG about 2,5 miles down from the Visitor center.

Friday: (10/06) I left camp and drove up to the Visitor Center, which is closed for the season. I had a slice of apple pie for breakfast. I hiked the 4.5 mile Methuselah Trail through the Bristle Cone Forest. Nice hike. A little frosty to start and some snow still on the trail. I drove back down to Big Pine and had a slice of pizza for lunch. I headed up toward Onion Valley and stopped early at Upper Grey’s Meadow CG. Before I left town I picked up some TriTip BBQ which I had for dinner with ramen noodles. While I was in town I caught up on some computing. Nice relaxing in camp all the rest of the afternoon.

Saturday: (10/07) I prepared ham and eggs with hash browned potatoes for breakfast. Then, I drove up the road to the Onion Valley Trailhead. I hiked up to the top of Kearsarge Pass and back. Lots of other hikers both day hikers like me and PCT hikers. Also a lot of the day hikers brought their dogs and most were leashed. The hike was about 10 miles RT. Beautiful views on a clear day. Nice to get a peak over the pass into the interior of the sierras. I drove on down to Lone Pine. They had an Art In The Park event. I looked around several campgrounds and at Alabama Hills but nothing was available. I decided to not continue South and started heading back up North. I ended up spending the night at a rest area North of Independence.

Sunday: (10/08) I drove up to Bishop and got my breakfast at the Pupfish Cafe, a nice avocado and clamata olives on toast. I drove up to Sabrina lake looking for fall color on the trees but it is still too early. Some yellow but no good variety of color. I stopped at Von’s market and got some soup and picked up some soup for dinner and a chicken breast for lunch. I continued up to Mammoth and drove down to Devil’s Pos tPile and hiked out to see it and on to Rainbow Falls and Lower Rainbow Falls. About a 6.5 mile hike. I was supposed to rest today but Devils Post Pile Road is only open on Saturday and Sunday and I was arriving at 1500. I finished the hike about 1715. I topped off my gas and picked up some bottled water that I had forgotten earlier. Then I continued North stopping at another Rest Area for the night.

Monday: (10/09) I had some leftover hot and sour soup for breakfast. I then drove down to look at Hot Creek Geologic Site. It is boiling hot so people are not allowed anywhere hear the creek. I then looked around nearby at possible dispersed camping sites. In fact, there are some right next to the Hot Creek parking area. After the look around, I drove North and stopped at Bodie State Park. it is a well preserved old mining town but isn’t really informative. I munched an apple for lunch. The museum was closed and i missed being able to see the stamp mill. On the way in I stopped to watch a huge flock of sheep. There was a shepherd with two collies and two sheep dogs. When I returned back it on the same road the sheep were gone and even the temporary electric fence they had by the road was gone. All in a little over two hours. I continued North and stopped at the Burger Barn in Bridgeport. Wonderhussy claims they make the best Asada Fries and I will admit they are great. I added a blackberry milkshake as well. A nice late lunch and early dinner about 1530. I then drove more North stopping for the night beside the Walker River. I had a bowl of soup later.

Tuesday: (10/10) I was up about 0600 before the sun. I knew of another car that was parked very nearby that had evidently come in while I was relaxing in the late afternoon or evening. I really didn’t hear them but saw the glow of their inside lights when I walked down to the river before going to bed. My campsite required some rock avoiding navigation to get into. Well, I only had to roll 50 feet forward and discover another neighbor. He was parked in the road and I thought was completely blocking my exit. After studying the route with my headlights blasting into his camper and after getting very close I determined that I could squeeze through and roll over what looked like troublesome rocks with their menacing shadows. Not an inch to spare. I headed North through Topaz, Gardnerville, and into Carson. I stopped in Gardnerville at a Meeks building materials and also an ACE store to look around. Lou had reported that the evaporative cooler motor had failed so I was looking for a replacement which out local stores do not carry. The online ACE website said they had one at that ACE but they didn’t. They did have one at the Dayton Nv ACE store. It was only 10 miles out of the way East. They actually had about 10 motors. Must get hot there. I stopped in Carson at a Basque cafe for breakfast about 1100. I had a homemade chorizo stuffed chili relleno with rice, beans and a fried egg. Really tasty. I bought gas at the nearby Costco store before heading on toward home. I drove through South Lake Tahoe on High 50 then turned onto highway 89 then 88. I stopped for a nap on the way down the mountain when it started to rain. I then continued on highway 12, and then 26 taking me to Stockton where I caught highway 99 to Manteca. I stopped to look around the Bass Pro Store. I had hoped to spend the night there but Manteca doesn’t allow it. I drove a little South on highway 99 and parked for the night at the Flying J truck stop. I got a slice of pizza to supplement my broccoli salad for dinner.

Wednesday: (10/11) Up at 0500 due a door banging into the side of the van and loud talking and cursing. I prepared to leave. I drove over to Tracy to the Winco Market and parked. I napped more until 0900. I then explored the Winco Market, Ross's and Marshal’s and then a Walmart before going to the nearby Golden Corral buffet for breakfast at 1100. Not much I could really eat there due to my starting a no fiber and other limitations for my upcoming colonoscopy. I then headed on toward home. I filled the gas tank before getting home. I relaxed some more before starting the cleanup. I drained the gray water tank, drained the fresh water tanks and refill them. Some of that water has been in the tanks for eight months. Even though I had taken three very generous showers, washed all my dishes and gotten all my drinking water, the tanks were still very full and took a long time to drain. I washed off the van with some then gravity drain the rest and it took over 30 minutes more to drain. Then I washed the van. Lou made a baked potato with ham, cheese and salsa for dinner.

Thursday: (10/12) Today is a fasting day getting ready for my colonoscopy tomorrow. So no breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just relaxing all day.

Friday: (10/13) Up really early to do the final lensing. Lou drove me to Kaiser and I was checked in around 0800. My appointment was for 0900 but I was out in recovery about 0905. Lou picked me up and we were off before 1000. We stopped for breakfast in Los Altos at the Country Inn. We shared a bacon avocado omelet soufflé which came with my favorite Swedish pancakes. Back home and time to rest until the meds wear off. Spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.

Saturday: (10/14) Bacon jerky with fried eggs and hash browned potatoes for breakfast. So nie to be able to eat again. Just one day not being allowed to eat makes me appreciate it even more. I tried to do some things on the van but all I got done was measuring its height which is 8’10”. I also did some laundry from my trip. Later, I prepared some paperwork in preparation for re-registering the van as a motorhome. They want some photos and cost information both for DMV and my insurance company.

Sunday: (10/15) Granola for breakfast. Lou and I made a Grocery outlet run this morning. A nice Super Taqueria lunch. Relaxed all day. Lou and Dawn prepared stuffed squash with asparagus and rice for dinner.

Monday: (10/16) Banana with granola for breakfast. I called Cole Jeep in SLO and got an appointment for Wednesday. Then I reserved a site in Oceana SP for Tuesday through Thursday nights. Weight away in the Jeep and van about 1400. We stopped at the Longhouse in Gilroy for a garlic lunch. I then took the van to the Cat Scale at a truck stop. It weighed 8360 lbs. Lou and Dawn checked the thrift stores nearby. We met at Walmart then headed on South. We stopped in Greenfield to pickup some flan for latter. We then went onto the Rest Stop South of Bradley for the night.

Tuesday: (10/17) Avocado toast with leftover garlic porkchops for breakfast. We separated ways. Lou and Dawn thrift shopping me looking around. They had lunch at a Huckleberries restaurant . I had a Costco chicken bake for lunch. We checked in to our campsite at Pismo SB Oceana CG about 2500. Dinner at Old Juan's Cantina.

Wednesday: (10/18) Leftover pancakes and bacon jerky for breakfast. We prepared the van to roll. I headed off to the Dealer for an appointment for a recall fix and an oil change. I waited un the area. I attended my Wednesday webinar in front of Vons market. I had a piece of chicken from for lunch. I walked over to a park for a nap. I got the van back at 1300 and headed home. Lou and Dawn has been out at Grover Beach thrift stores but we're back at camp relaxing. We went to A clam chowder dinner at Pismo Gish and chips.

Thursday: (20/19) Strawberry and banana waffles for breakfast. It was foggy and soggy today. Lou and Dawn were off to SLO to thrift. They had lunch from Von’s market. I took a drive South to Guadalupe and Santa Maria looking for a hike. Nothing found. I had lunch at about 1400 at Francisco's Country Inn. I was back at camp about 1630. Lou and Dawn returned about 1730. Salad for dinner.

Friday: (10/20) We prepared to leave. Lou and Dawn took showers. We took a walk around the campground. About 1100 we went to Francisco's Country Inn for brunch. Lou and I shared a corned beef hash with some bacon. Dawn had loaded oatmeal. We then went our separate ways toward our new campsite at Morro Bay State Park. Lou wanted to join me in Bakersfield for lunch at the Rice Bowl but today it was to be 96 degrees. Tomorrow is supposed to be 85 degrees. So we reserved another night here on the coast and Morro Bay had the only sites. We were still foggy and soggy this morning in Oceana but once over the hill into SLO it was sunny and remained sunny in Morro Bay. Maybe we’ll get the batteries recharged today. We’ve had to conserve yesterday and today. I stopped at Costco for gas and REI for a look around. I found my 6 egg case that I’ve been looking for. Only 12 egg cases were to be found until now. Lou and Dawn visited a thrift store for more stuff. We met at Morro Bay SP a little after 1400 and checked in. Lou prepared an omelet for lunch. We looked around Morro Bay a little. Beans for dinner.

Saturday: (10/21) Granola for breakfast. Lou and Dawn took showers and we prepared to roll. We headed toward Bakersfield on Highway 166. We met in Bakersfield at the Rice Bowl and had lunch with my cousin Judy and her husband Don and Lou’s old room mate Anita. Lou and Dawn continued North to Tulare to do more thrifting on their way home. I drove out through Glenville to Wofford Heights then North along the Kern River to Johnsondale. I considered taking Sherman Pass Road over to Kennedy Meadows and Highway 395 but decided I wanted to stay on the West side of the mountains. I stopped for the night on a forest service road between Johnsondale and California Hot Springs. (35.9425000, 118.6380000). When I stopped i started my water heater with the intent to take a shower. The, in my wisdom, I decided I could have my dinner while I waited for the hot water. Big mistake. It very quickly trimmed my main battery fuse, a 300 amp fuse. I checked my fuse stash and luckily found I had planned ahead and I did have a spare. To install it i had to move the refrigerator out of the way and open the top of the electrical compartment to get access to the fuse. Nice to see the lights back on. No second attempt to take a shower until I replace the spare fuse stock. I got to enjoy a shrimp dinner (shrimp with chow mein) for my lunch and leftover lunch for dinner. Also, the driving today and sunny skies managed to fully charge my batteries.

Sunday: (10/22) A foggy morning. I prepared bacon and eggs with hash browned potatoes for breakfast. After breakfast I took a shower. I left in the fog. I drove down to Porterville. I Found a Vallarta Market where I picked up some chili rellenos. I also stopped at another Mexican restaurant and got a carnitas torta. Then I continued up Highway 65 to Exeter and took Highway 180 into Sequoia National Park. I stopped at a view point after entering the park to eat half of my torta for lunch about 1400. It was foggy everywhere in the park. After a look at the Sherman tree I headed further up in the park. No, instead of fog there was also smoke due to active burns being done. It was near 1700 when I got to the junction of Highway 190. I hadn’t seen any open campgrounds so I decided to head out of the park to find a place to spend the night. I had planned on returning into the park and continuing into Kings Canyon NP in the morning. But, there were no places to stop. Mostly private property instead of National Forest. I then decided to just head toward home. I continued down to Fresno then got on Highway 99 which soon came to a full stop. After a little creeping I took the first exit. There was a TA Truck Stop there where I thought I might spend the night but there were no other people doing the same si I decided to just take the back rod over to Firebaugh and Highway 5. I planned on spending the night there but no places to stop including the rest area which was closed. In the end I just drove home after a short stop for my chili relleno dinner in Gilroy at 1000. I was home at 1130. .

Monday: (10/23) I spent some time in the office in the morning. I had homed to get an Amazon delivery of some spare fuses but they wont be arriving until possibly 2200 so I decided to hit the road. I had the other half of my carnitas torta for lunch. I got away a little after noon. I did some exploration near San Luis Reservoir. I tried to go up to Henry Coe’s South entrance but evidently it is closed and only rarely open. I still want to get up there and hike. I also stopped at Pacheco State Park. It also is on the list for some hikes. I also went out to Dinosaur Point which is a boat launch area on the South side of the lake. And finally, I stopped at Cottonwood Wildlife refuge. I found out I can camp there in the parking area so a possible site to go with the other hiking sites. I then continued out Highway 152 to Madera where I got gas and then spent the night at Walmart. Chili relleno for dinner.

Tuesday: (10/24) Up at 0600. I had some pie for breakfast. Since I was parked at Walmart and I remembered I could use a pair of reading glasses, I went inside and got a pair. My real glasses won’t stay in place. I’ve been looking for a strap to keep them in place. Haven’t been able to find any yet. The reading glasses work fine. I headed out of town on Highway 145 driving through the foothills and through North Fork then on into Yosemite. I drove out to Glacier Point and had lunch, some broccoli cheddar soup, with a fabulous view. Then I came back to Sentinel Dome and hike to the top for more views. It was nearing 1600 and I’ve decided i need to get settled in to cam earlier so I decided to head out 120 and look for a spot. I did stop in the valley to take some photos and watch the El Capitan climbers. As I approached the exit booth on Highway 120 i noticed Hodgdon Meadows campground and decided to see if they had a site. They did so I settled in about 1730, before it got dark. I had BBQ baby back ribs and Spanish rice for dinner.

Wednesday: (10/25) Apple pie for breakfast. I drove out of Yosemite NP and went down to Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite reentering the park. I hiked out to see some waterfalls. I went by Wamata Falls and on to Rancheria Falls. A nice 13 mile hike on a nice day. The mosquitos and flies were a little bothersome but a storm trying to come in provided a nice breeze occasionally and provided some relief. It also provided the threat of rain that did start as I drove away from the parking area. Lunch was the usual trail lunch of tuna salad and crackers. After a nice shower at a pullout on the highway I drove further down the mountain to another pullout for dinner and to spend the night, It had some cell signal which their first location did not. I had BBQ baby back ribs and Spanish rice again for dinner.

Thursday: (10/26) Apple pie for breakfast. Did I mention that I ended up with two apple pies in my refrigerator for this trip. I left my campsite in the dark of morning departing at 0630. I drove down Highway 120 to Highway 49 and stopped in Sonora for a walk. Then on to Highway 4 through Stockton and Clayton then caught Highway 680 to Highway 84 and on home. I stopped for a walk along the way East of Clayton at the Round Valley Regional Preserve. I picked up Lunch about 1400 in Union City at my favorite Honey Walnut Shrimp Chinese restaurant. Leftover Chinese food for dinner. I prepared the Van to leave tomorrow morning to Dave’ Ranch. Lou and Dawn were going to go but decided not to at the last minute. I have to go because I’m the host.

Friday: (10/27) I prepared pork roast with fried eggs for breakfast. About 0930 I headed off in the van to Dave’s Ranch. I did stop at Super Taqueria for a super burrito and at King egg roll for some egg rolls before heading over Mt Hamilton on Highway 130. There was some bad signage that implied the road may be closed. Coming down the back side the County was doing some repaving and I was passing through during their lunch break, otherwise it would have been closed. I arrived at the ranch gate about 1220 but it was locked. I decided to prepare some paper plate signs while I waited. A rancher came out the gate and left his lock unlocked for me but I was hesitant to go inside and not be sure of a way out. Dave and his wife Lou showed up shortly and we went in. Markus was right behind us. I settled in. I did some weeding around the van and picked up the cow pies near the van and around the ranch house. I also cleaned off the picnic tables. We were surprised when one of the other owners fly his plane in. When he was taking off to leave, Pavel and Ludemilla arrived. Pavel. Ludemilla, Dave, Lou and I took a walk out by the old homestead cabin. When we were returning, Henry met us on the trail. I had some cottage cheese and cold cuts for lunch. Dinner was half of the burrito I picked up. In the evening we had a campfire and Tom drove in. We enjoyed the campfire until about 2200.

Saturday: (10/28) I took a morning walk before breakfast at 0700. Then I fried some eggs and pork roast slabs for breakfast. At about 0930 Pavel. Ludamilla, Tom, Henry, and I walked the Ridge Trail. Back at the Van, Lou came bay to say Dave needed some help with a water leak in his trailer. Just where the leak was, wasn’t easy to find. Eventually some blue towels determined it was the pump leaking. When I got back to the van I found out that Anna and Chinse had arrived and had actually tried to catch up to us on the ridge trail. I had my remaining burrito half for lunch. Later I took Chinse and Anna on a narrated hike to the homestead cabin. The hikers BBQ’d lots of stuff for dinner and also had some taco makings. I brought some egg rolls as appetizers. Then a nice campfire in the evening with Scott, Tim, Clint, Frank, Darlene, Tom, Brad, Dave, Lou

Sunday: (10/29) Granola for breakfast. I helped cleanup the house and outside. I left the ranch about 1000. Just some of the biker group remaining. I thanked Dave for having us for the weekend. I returned via Mt Hamilton Road. Back down in San Jose, I called to order a pizza at House Of Pizza. I picked it up and relaxed in the parking lot while eating some pizza and catching up on email. Then I took a nap before heading on home. A little van clean up and more napping before BBQ ribs with corn and tater tots for dinner.

Attendees:  Bikers =Clint, Brad, Scott, Tim, Frank, Markus, Darlene. Hikers= Dave, Don, Chinse, Ludmilla, Pavel, Tom, Anna, Henry

Monday: (10/30) A leftover half burrito for breakfast. I worked in the office all day cleaning off my desk and paying bills. Later in the morning Lou and I went to Costco and Dawn visited a bookstore. When we returned home we enjoyed tamales for lunch. I was back to work in the office at home. Chili beans ala Lou for dinner.

Tuesday: (10/31) Leftover pizza for breakfast and lunch. I headed off to the DMV office in Lps Gatos to re-register the van as a motorhome rather than a commercial van. I waited through the line and got the van inspected to confirm it was converted. Then I waited through the line to turn in the paper work but I forgot to bring the title sheet so I had to return home to find it. Then back to the line to complete the change. I got new plates and tags and turned in the old plates. Mission accomplished. Back home for a nap. Leftovers for dinner. Cottage cheese, yogurt, pork roast and a spring roll.

October

Saturday: (10/01) Granola for breakfast. Tea in the garden. We all took a bike rie through Stanford University this morning. I was on my ebike, Lou and Dawn on the quad bike. We checked out the Arizona Cactus Garden, the Rock Creek, and the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden. We had lunch and chia latte at Coupa Cafe there. We followed the bike trail along Park Avenue and beside the railroad tracks to the Stanford Shopping Mall. We returned home through the College Terrace neighborhood and through some business parking lots to stay off the busy streets. Good weather for our ride. Back home, I put a couple of coats of varnish on the back of the ceiling panels. That determined the consumption of the varnish so I headed off to Lowe’s for more varnish. Tomorrow I can flip the panels over and give the panels 3-4 coats on the side we’ll be seeing. The back was painted for moisture protection. I’ve been waiting to do any painting because of the winds recently. It was nice today and hopefully for the next couple of days as well. Dawn made vegetable soup for dinner. My onions didn’t really get big but my carrots did. They are about 3 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. Not at all normal, but typical for my garden.

Sunday: (10/02) Granola and a sausage for breakfast. I painted three coats of varnish on the display side of the ceiling panels. They appear to be ready to install. Chili with onions and cheese for lunch. Dawn made pizza for dinner.

Monday: (10/03) Granola for breakfast. I painted the van bed platform that I modified with ventilation holes and extra bracing. Leftover vegetable soup for lunch. After lunch, I worked on pulling in the wiring for the overhead bed lights and installed the rear two ceiling panels. I also trimmed and installed the rear fan edge cover. The panels look nice. Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner.

Tuesday: (10/04) Ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. I headed off early to lead a hike at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve with 17 friends, members of San Jose Mid-week Hikers Group. It was 8.4 miles on a great day with beautiful views. The hilltops below were islands in a low cloud cover. Lunch was a super nachos from our neighborhood Taqueria El Gruellense. We made trips to the Grocery Outlet Market for a few things. Lou and I went at different times for different things. My trip included ice cream. For dinner I made a rice and bell peppers with sausage casserole, sort of like diced stuffed bell peppers.

Wednesday: (10/05) I was up and off early toward San Francisco. I wanted to have two adjacent hike days with some good climbs to be sure my back will be able to do the three Pinnacles hikes coming up. I was up at 0545 and caught the 0650 train to San Francisco. The reason for the early rise is because that gets me to the SF Arboretum in Golden Gate park before 0900 while the entry is free. I picked up a nice breakfast sausage, egg and potato pie before entering. I wandered about to get a good view of the fall sights, about 2-3 miles. Then I caught buses up to Sausalito. My intent was to go through a tunnel that exists just after the exit from Hwy 101 into Sausalito. Unfortunately more research should have been done. It was a long single lane, one direction at a time tunnel that did not allow pedestrians, only cars and bikes. So I walked on into Sausalito. I picked up a bacon, tomato and cheese sandwich for lunch before walking on through Sausalito climbing through the neighborhoods sometimes on hidden stairways and paths until I got to the Spenser Road parking area and took the Morning Sun Trail up to Alta Trail, then onto the Bobcat Trail to Hawk Campground. I wanted to check out the camp because I intend to backpack from the Presidio up to Sam Taylor State Park someday a,d this might be one of the stops. Nice campsites but no water available. I retraced my path but continued past the Morning Sun Trail on to the SCA Trail and the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge. I walked across the bridge then caught the #28 bus to the Fisherman’s Wharf area. I walked up to Columbus Avenue and got a slice of pizza at Golden Boy Pizza. I enjoyed it in a nearby park then caught the #30 to the Caltrain Depot. I made it to Palo Alto about 1853 and caught the #22 bus home arriving about 1930. Long day, about 16 miles walked, 1931 feet ascent, more than I planned but a good test.

Thursday: (10/06) I had leftover Spanish rice/bell pepper casserole for breakfast. Our neighbor Meili brought over some Chinese fried rice for lunch. I checked on the sewer line project in the morning and tinkered with the RV after that. We dropped off the Jeep at the collision repair shop in the afternoon. More leftover Spanish rice for dinner. No work on the van today.

Friday: (10/07) Granola for breakfast. Salad for lunch. BBQ ribs with new potatoes and fresh tomatoes from the garden for dinner. Lou and I rode the four wheeler to Safeway for a few things. I worked on the van, mostly wiring and ceiling panel preparation.

Saturday: (10/08) I prepared scrambled eggs with toast and ham for breakfast. I tinkered on the computer in the morning. Later we attempted to go to the local high school flea market but they changed from the 2nd Saturday to the 3rd Saturday. So we just did some produce shopping on the way back home. Chili and wieners for lunch. I worked on the van in the afternoon. I troubleshot why the ceiling lites I installed didn’t work. Found a bad connector. I installed the rest of the panels. I still need to install the front fan shroud. And, more light problems. Now the ceiling lights turn on but not off nor will they dim. We had macaroni with cheese and chili rellenos for dinner. The peppers were from Dawn’s garden.

Sunday: (10/09) Leftover macaroni and cheese for breakfast. Tomato soup with toast for lunch. Shepherd’s pie for dinner. I worked on the van cutting panels for the walls. Wednesday I’ll be busy varnishing these panels.

Monday: (10/10) The usual hikers breakfast ham, egg and cheese ciabatta sandwich for breakfast. I led a hike from Picchetti Ranch up through Stevens Creek County park and Fremont Older Preserve, a 9.4 mile loop. I only had four other hikers join me for this hike. We had good weather and conversations along the trails. After the hike I stopped by the Chinese Township restaurant for lunch of fried rice and coconut shrimp. Back home I had a nice shower and relaxed. Lou made roast chicken with mashed potatoes and homemade orange cranberry sauce.

Tuesday: (10/11) Leftover rice and a sausage for breakfast. Chili beans and chips for lunch. Pizza for dinner. I decided to try to donate a bunch of used solar panels I have. I tried Habitat For Humanity but they didn’t want them due to their age (10 years old). They referred me to the Builders Resource in San Francisco. I emailed the details and am waiting for a response. I finished cutting a wall panel for the van and then sanded all the panels I cut yesterday and today. Ready to paint or varnish as appropriate tomorrow.

Wednesday: (10/12) Lou made French toast for breakfast to which I added some sausage. A broccoli salad for lunch. Lou made stuffed peppers from our garden. It was served with asparagus and a baked potato. Lou believes in efficient time in the kitchen. The pepper filling was a was a common mix that she uses for Shepherd’s pie ground beef, zucchini, and onions with some peas and other things. I attended my usual Wednesday webinar then got to work painting. I did two coats of paint or varnish on the backs of all the panels and one coat on the finished side. More to do tomorrow. While the panels were drying, I headed off to Lowes to get more varnish, brushes, screws, electrical connectors and boxes. I also stopped at Grocery Outlet and Walmart Neighborhood Market for a few things.

Thursday: (10/13) I put a couple of coats of varnish on the good side of the van panels. In the afternoon, while stuff was drying we all took a ride out to see the donkeys. Lou and I in the quad bike and Dawn on her Zappy trike. Dawn had trouble coming up a hill so Lou went to ride the bike up and he managed to fall off and have the bike fall on her. We had a nice visit with the donkeys who were out of their pen going for a walk in the park. Back home, Lou decided to go to Emergency to have her ribs checked. We got home about 2130 after a cat scan. No problems, just bruises. I just waited in the car near a Safeway and watched videos on my phone. Seems like if I do go toward home I never make it home before getting the call to return for pickup. I did get the van ready to roll tomorrow. Lou needs the car for a couple of appointments and I have a hike leaders hike tomorrow. French toast and sausage leftovers for breakfast. Broccoli salad and a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Soup from Safeway and a burger from Jack In The Box for dinner.

Friday: (10/14) A hiker’s breakfast ham, egg and cheese ciabatta sandwich for breakfast.I drove the van to Los Gatos to meet Tara for a ride to Felton for a hoke. Rich hosted a group of hike leaders at his property where he had constructed a maze of trails during the Covid shutdown. He also led us through some neighboring trails and showed us the (10back gurn area near his house that stopped the CZU fire before it got to his house. After the hike we had lunch on his patio and discussed all sorts of things including leading hikes. The van drove well and was quiet with no unusual noises with the ceiling and floor installed. After a rest I got to work on the van and installed most of the wall panels that I had recently finished. Lou made pizza for dinner.

Saturday: (10/15) Granola and a banana for breakfast. I needed to plan the closet so I wanted to go to The Container Store to look at containers. Dawn joined me. Most are too fragile or too weak. I wanted containers for clothing which will all be rolled. I wanted containers of a little less than a cubic foot, soft, ventilated, and sturdy. It also must be a common brand and type so it can be replaced. I found one that matches all the requirements. Seems to be the only one that does. We then went to the IKEA store to check there. Nothing was found there but Dawn enjoyed a lunch for breakfast. Back home I checked and it seems like it will work. I’ll just need 7 more after I get the closet built. I also installed the bed wall panel that will be partially covered by the closet. I also installed the foam and fabric on the headboard wall panel and installed it. Then I installed the dinette wall panel. Ham and cheese sandwich and broccoli cheese soup for lunch. Chinese food for dinner from Lucky Chinese Bistro.

Sunday: (10/16) PBJ toast for breakfast. I tinkered in the van in the morning. I did a little trimming to fit the water tanks against the wall and then stared at things trying to determine how to build the water tank boxes and secure the tanks. I had leftover Chinese for lunch than took Dawn out to make a pickup of Free Stuff. Then I was off to Lowe’s to look at things where i bought some aluminum angle to use to secure the tanks as well as some electrical parts and screws and washers. Lou made tamale pie for dinner.

Monday: (10/17) Leftover tamale pie with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Salad for lunch. Dawn made stew and I added toast for dinner. After the usual project inspections I got to work on the Van. I made aluminum channels to hold the tanks and cut the plywood for the box over the tanks. I also cut a wall panel for above the refrigerator. Then I painted the panels.

Tuesday: (10/18) Up early to attend the Alpha DevCon. It started 0600 because it is online and on the East Coast. It lasted all day. I had granola for breakfast, salad for lunch, and macaroni salad for dinner. The DevCon ended early at 1400. I then got to work on the van and painted the color coat on the panels it primed yesterday.

Wednesday: (10/19) Day two of the Alpha DeCon today. Another early rise to start at 0600. Granola for breakfast. Salad for lunch. Macaroni salad for dinner. More work on the van in the afternoon. I completed the installation of the water tanks. I had to ride the bike over to ACE to get more brackets. Because the platform for the bed is more than difficult to get in place and upon completion of the upper cabinets and shower it would be impossible. And because the platform won;t tilt up because the walls are too slanted, i have decided to redesign the bed with hinged side panels allowing access to the storage over the tanks and a hinged couch like middle section that will then be short enough to remove and with enough clearance to actually swing up. Basically it’s mostly a matter of changing the support for the platform and slicing the platform. It also provides an opportunity to fix an error I made for the end panels of the tanks which are 1.5 inches too short. In the evening I moved all the materials out of the motorhome into the van. The RV needs to be ready to roll Sunday to the Pinnacles for our visit and hikes next week.

Thursday: (10/20) Day three of the Alpha DeCon today. Another early rise to start at 0600. Today’s session was longer going until 2 pm after which I needed a nap so no work on the van today. I did a little more cleanup of the RV. Scrambled eggs, sausage and toast for breakfast. Ramen noodles for lunch. Chili relleno with asparagus and refried beans for dinner.

Friday: (10/21) Day four of the Alpha DevCon today with another 0600 start. Interesting things presented but I’m glad I didn’t travel to it and see it in person. These past three years it has been virtual. Later in the afternoon we all went grocery shopping at Grocery Outlet, Smart and Final and Nob Hill markets. When you’re picky, you have to go several places. Granola and banana for breakfast. Lou’s clam fettuccine blob for lunch. The noodles fused together likely because they are gluten free. I supplemented them with more cheese and some salsa and it was quite good. Chinese food from Lucky Chinese Bistro for dinner.

Saturday: (10/22) Busy in the morning preparing to leave. Fill the water, drain the holding tanks, wash the windows, unload unneeded items and restock needed items. A change of plans affected the loading. I’ll be going solo this trip. Lou and Dawn had a change of plans. Since they didn’t have to pack to go they were busy planting the winter garden. Granola and a banana for breakfast. Leftover Chinese food for lunch. I picked up dinner from Harry’s Hofbrau.

Sunday: (10/23) I took a final good shower, folded up the RV and rolled off the leveling block. After tea in the yard and breakfast, I departed a little after 1030. One reason to leave later was to wait for my favorite restaurants to open. I picked up a Super Burrito from Super Taqueria in Sunnyvale. Next stop was at Safeway for some drinks, Wok On Chinese restaurant for a combination of peking ribs, salt and pepper fish and pork fried rice then REI for some electrolytes all at this one stop. Then I phoned in an order for a pizza at House of Pizza in San Jose. I drove down and it was ready for pickup. I learned that the RV’s shocks are bad again. It’s back to an increasing wobble side to side when a bump is encountered. Couldn’t safely go faster than 50 mph so I decided to not take the freeway but stay on minor roads. I stopped at a park on Santa Teresa Blvd to enjoy some pizza for lunch. I continued down to Hollister and took a nap before continuing on to the park. I was all settled in at 1630. Flan for breakfast. Pizza from House of Pizza for lunch. Chinese food for dinner.

Monday: (10/24) The usual hikers breakfast sausage, egg and cheese ciabatta sandwich for breakfast. I met my 16 fellow San Jose Mid Week Hikers at the camp store and we drove up to Bear Gulch parking to start our hike. We hiked up through Bear Gulch caves to the reservoir then up through the High peaks rocks and back down on the Condor Gulch Trail. All hikers survived. Trail lunch of canned tuna salad and crackers. Late lunch back at the RV of leftover pizza. I spent the evening at another hikers camp looking at the condors flying around the ridge above camp and chatting. Dinner was leftover lasagna.

Tuesday: (10/25) The usual hikers breakfast sausage, egg and cheese ciabatta sandwich for breakfast. I was joined by 20 fellow San Jose Mid-week hikers for another hike here at Pinnacles NP. I call the hike the Grand Loop, only 10.6 miles. Nice weather, nice views , and nice conversation.Trail lunch of canned tuna salad and crackers. Late lunch back at the RV of Chinese food. Dinner was leftover hot and sour soup and pizza.

Wednesday: (10/26) The usual hikers breakfast sausage, egg and cheese ciabatta sandwich for breakfast. Only seven of us hiked the North Wilderness loop today. Nice cozy small group. So much easier to not lose anyone. The usual trail lunch of canned tuna salad and crackers. Back at the RV, I had half of a Super Burrito for a late lunch and dinner.

Thursday: (10/27) Leftover fettuccine with added cheese and salsa for breakfast. I prepared to roll and moved the RV out to the High Peaks Viewing Area lot. I decided to make my bonus hike to the top of Mount Defiance. The way up is off trail for three miles. Finding the start of the way up took two tries. Since I couldn't find a way through the brambles to start where I had planned, I opted to start at a little steeper location just behind a wild pig trap. The track is not obvious for the first half mile and disappears often. Much of the trail is through sticking brambles and over loose gravel and sand and is very steep most of the way. I almost decided to admit defeat at about 2 miles up because it was already noon. But, I decided to continue and turn around by 1400. I made it to the top about 1330 and had my lunch of the usual tuna salad and crackers. Nice views of the High peaks area and everything else in any direction. I added my name to the register book. The last registration was last April. Not too many people come up here or not many register. While I got a few pokes and cuts by the brush on the way up it appears going up is with the grain and going down against the grain. Going down was like losing a fight with Edward scissor Hands. My arms were cut everywhere. My favorite hat was shredded. Mt Defiance was very defiant. I made it back to the RV at 1630 and took a shower. Then I cooked corned beef hash for dinner before leaving. Since I had to keep my speed down due to the bad shocks, I didn’t get on any freeways. I departed after 1800 and arrived home about 2100.

Friday: (10/28) Leftover corned beef hash and eggs for all this morning. Leftover fettuccine with salsa and cheese for lunch. Dinner from Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City for dinner. I had a nice French dip sandwich. Lou and Dawn were busy with a housing appointment and a Social Security office visit today. I added a brace to Dawn’s squash whose trellis was falling over.

Saturday: (10/29) PBJ toasted sesame dinner rolls for breakfast.I spent some time inside preparing my mail in ballot. I also drafted a hike to post for Tuesday. I still have to check with the boss to be sure I can go. Lou and Dawn were off to a story telling memorial for a member of Dawn’s storytelling group. Broccoli salad for lunch. In the afternoon I pruned the artichokes and front yard geraniums.


Sunday: (10/30) Granola for breakfast. I relaxed all day today except for some tinkering , thinking about, and demolition of the van bed. Meili prepared our lunch of a curry stew over rice. Leftovers for dinner.

Monday: (10/31) Up early to drive our neighbor’s car down to San Jose for some work on the transmission. We stopped by Dawn’s apartment at the San Jose house on the way back home. I made corned beef hash and eggs for breakfast. I rechecked my measurements for the van bed and cut some new, better fitting pieces for the modification of the bed. I got the pieces cut out and primer painted. We expect rain tomorrow so I put everything away before dark. Salad for lunch. We got to pick up the Jeep after 1700 from the body shop. It looks pretty good with a couple of items awaiting parts or missed that will be corrected later. Dinner from Super Taqueria in Sunnyvale, a super burrito for me and nachos for Lou and Dawn.