California

October 19

We were on the road at 10:00 under sunny skies. Another beautiful day, the California highways so far in much better condition than what we had encountered in the past. Over the Siskyiou Pass into California we stopped at the rest area opposite Weed Airport about 12:40 for a 40 minute lunch break.

A short distance down the road Mount Shasta was spectacular as we approached. Just past the city of Mount Shasta we turned off the I 5 onto Highway 89 through and over the mountains to Susanville. Again a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful drive, and gain a good road. California must have found some road maintenance money somewhere.

Entering Susanville we spied an IGA (grocery store) so Art turned off the highway and parked in a conveniently placed wide area alongside the road opposite the store. Here Art was able to resolve the problem of the whisky shortage. A Speyside single malt for the price of a Ballentine's at home!

A little further down the road the GPS was telling us that Walmart, where we planned to stay the night, was approaching on the left. GPS told us that Walmart was the large vacant lot as we passed by! As we began to reassess our options we drove past the new Walmart around the corner and on the right!

Entering the parking area we were pleasantly surprised to find some parking areas signed “RV Parking”. Only a few small problems: the spaces were too small, they were taken up by cars, and required a very tight almost identical turn to access! However we parked alongside another motorhome across the regular parking spaces, checked in at the store and settled in for the night. This was one of the very few times we haven't had to buy fuel in California.

About 6:00 PM all the cars parked in the RV spaces departed. In the morning we found another vehicle parked there. Taking up two RV spaces, enough room for 4 cars.