BajaNomad

Pompano

doradodan - 5-11-2011 at 08:43 PM

Where ya at?

BajaWarrior - 5-12-2011 at 04:28 AM

Pompano sighting...

May 1st pulled over at the Dulzura Cafe. Motorhome and Dodge pickup towing the boat.

I honked a few times as i drove by...

DENNIS - 5-12-2011 at 05:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior


May 1st pulled over at the Dulzura Cafe. Motorhome and Dodge pickup towing the boat.



Headed in which direction?

Vince - 5-12-2011 at 10:39 AM

He's headed to North Dakota and Minn. for the summer.

ELINVESTIG8R - 5-12-2011 at 11:12 AM

Have fun Roger

Mucho howdies, all...

Pompano - 5-12-2011 at 08:07 PM

Had a safe and uneventful caravan from Mulege to Tecate...and beyond. Camped in Baja at Catavina/Rncho Sta. Inez. Prices were 80 pesos per vehicle. (the entry sign says 60P , but it's still a good deal)

Ensenada to Tecate was very pleasant and quick thru the Ruta de Vino. Good highway all the way. Beats the heck outta the TJ route.

Being very busy, the waiting time at Tecate/US crossing was approximately 35-40 minutes. US Customs inspection was thorough, but politely and promptly done.

A few days later now, winding the way Up North from San Diego....somewhat erratically. Sometimes a direct route is out of the question. In fact, it is ALL the time!

Clue to the motorhome's present location:

Now camped in a KOA north of an area in California where the signs erected in some very dry-looking roadside fields read:

"Congress Created This Dust Bowl"

Can you guess where? Many of you will have seen these signs, I am sure.

BajaBlanca - 5-12-2011 at 08:17 PM

have a fun trip and I have no idea where in california you are.

Diver - 5-12-2011 at 08:21 PM

If you're headed through the Gorge, camping at our place is still free to Nomads !

We'll be at the cabin in Netarts for Memorial weekend, catching crab if you're in the area. It's the log house next to the Netarts Bay RV Park.

Have a safe and fun trip !!

Congress Created This Dust Bowl

bajaguy - 5-12-2011 at 08:23 PM

Have seen those signs along Interstate 5 north of Bakersfield

Pompano - 5-12-2011 at 08:54 PM

Right you are, bajaguy..or very close indeed.

Am at the KOA situated at the I-5 intersection of the turn-off for Los Banos, Ca.

Interesting comparisons:

Sta. Inez campground = 80 Pesos
KOA Kalifornia = 60 USD .... welcome to the USA!

Pea Soup

bajaguy - 5-12-2011 at 09:01 PM

You eat at Pea Soup Andersons????

Pompano - 5-12-2011 at 09:07 PM

Will save that delicacy for breakfast...jeez, can't wait..

bajamedic - 5-12-2011 at 09:15 PM

Roger, if you make it any where near Trinity County in Northern California, dinner is on me. JH

Bob H - 5-12-2011 at 10:15 PM

Camping in the USA is no longer a good deal.
Same in Baja. Prices keep going UP Up Up

krafty - 5-12-2011 at 11:29 PM

Head north, sir, and have fun!!!!

Skipjack Joe - 5-12-2011 at 11:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano

KOA Kalifornia = 60 USD .... welcome to the USA!



No way. Really? Is it that high now?

That's ridiculous.

I had to pay $35 at the San Lorenzo RV park at King City and was outraged. It's $5 at Fort Hunter Liggett just 20 miles down the road.

Hook - 5-13-2011 at 04:40 AM

I'm stunned that Santa Inez is 80 pesos now. Really, all you get is a level place to park and I guess there is still water from a spigot. Were there bathrooms? I cant remember any.

Thinking about RVing...??

Pompano - 5-13-2011 at 05:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'm stunned that Santa Inez is 80 pesos now. Really, all you get is a level place to park and I guess there is still water from a spigot. Were there bathrooms? I cant remember any.


Hook, being self-contained, I don't use any public restrooms, but I think there was one...and maybe a cold shower. The small cafe was open..we tried some so-so enchiladas.

You do get lots of shade from many large trees...with campfire rocks, garbage cans, cows, mules, horses...
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano

KOA Kalifornia = 60 USD .... welcome to the USA!



No way. Really? Is it that high now?

That's ridiculous.

I had to pay $35 at the San Lorenzo RV park at King City and was outraged. It's $5 at Fort Hunter Liggett just 20 miles down the road.


Yes, Igor...unfortunately, it's true. Although, KOA's (Kampgrounds Of America) seem to be slightly higher than many RV parks, almost all the RV parks we have used in the last few years have raised thier rates...adding to the already expensive RVing across America.

Up early as usual, I'm in my coach enjoying some robust Kona coffee.... and thinking about how RV camping has changed in America.




Knowing a lot of Nomads are RVers and are interested in getting up-to-date & real time info on campgrounds across the nation, I thought I'd report on my recent experiences.

State, county, and city parks are still the best buys. Naturally, these parks do not always have full hook-ups..and sometimes no hook-ups at all.


SOME SAN DIEGO COUNTY 'FULL SERVICE' CAMPGROUNDS

In the last 18 months I have stayed at a few of the full-service RV parks in San Diego. The rates I paid are:

$28 per night at Guajome Regional Park near Oceanside. Water & Electric only. Common dump for all. A good choice for many reasons.

$39 per night at Padre Lakes, Santee

$45 per night at Vacationer RV, El Cajon

$49 Oceansider RV Park, Oceanside

$50 per night (beachfront) Cal State Beach Parks, Carlsbad, etc.

$50 per night at Pacific RV Park, Oceanside (ugh)

$59 per night at Chula Vista's KOA

$65 per night at Chula Vista Marina RV park.

$70 per night at Campland on the Bay, Mission Bay


Now just think about those prices. Like Igor said, "That's ridiculous." Don't most of you agree?

Over the years since I started RVing (a bunch) I've always tried to find those 'free or almost free' campspots along my trails. Growing up next to National Grasslands & BLM's with free camping was a real factor in this quest.

Most low-cost campgrounds nowadays are state parks or BLM campsites..but are limited by the size of your camping rig. Most have site maximum lengths far shorter than 34ft, plus getting into them can be a real challenge for long rigs.


To be sure, there are still LOTS of almost free campsites available if one takes the time to search them out. One such campsite comes to mind near Tillamook, Oregon. Within walking distance of the Air Museum is a neat little campground with water and electric for $5-$10 per night. A great deal on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Another favorite of mine is Russel city park in Russel, Manitoba. Free with all hook-ups and on my fishing route to some super walleyes lakes. Chamber of Commerce promotion for the town..and you always repay them by patronizing the city businesses. Gas, food, retail, etc.


I know many folks who are fulltimers in thier RV.s and for many years enjoyed touring the scenic areas of America...but one sees fewer of them out there these days. For what I've seen since the rising fuel prices, it seems RVing is becoming more of a stationary thing..lots of parks promoting monthly and yearly rates. I am a Nomad, however, and realize I can't sit still. But... I never let the fuel gauge get below the halfway mark anymore, because it brings tears to my eyes to fill it from empty! :wow: :rolleyes:

Since I am out here anyway and don't have a thing to do except look at the scenery buzz by...I'll keep another trip report thread going on as to the campground info we'll come across on the Up North Trail.

Hasta pronto!

[Edited on 5-13-2011 by Pompano]

MitchMan - 5-13-2011 at 08:05 AM

Wow! Campground prices, Cost of a big RV, Maintenance cost of using a big RV, GASOLINE or DIESEL prices, low gas/diesel mileage of a big RV.

My wife and I are researching the cost differential between driving through the entire USA over a one year period in our Toyota Corolla (which, believe it or not, is quite comfortable driving for us) and staying at low cost motels and eating mostly pic nic style or buyng a big RV (and selling it after the trip to recoup some costs) and staying at campgrounds, or simply a combination of flying, car rentals, trains, buses and motels.

Haven't finished the numbers yet based on not having completely defined the specific itinerary, but the RV prospects don't look good at this point, cost wise.

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 08:19 AM

Well...if you really want to keep the overhead down:

http://www.onfpg.com/

bufeo - 5-13-2011 at 08:27 AM

Roger, if you find yourself on I-84 on the way east, we're near it just north of Twin Falls, ID. Good hook-ups and the price is right. :bounce: Waaaayyyyyyy below KOA and with wonderful vistas of the Pioneer Mts to the north. Backyard is BLM for miles and miles.

Allen R

MitchMan

Howard - 5-13-2011 at 08:49 AM

Yes the $ can add up quickly but a few years from now you will have forgot all about the cost.

There is not to much that compares to sitting around with other RV people at happy hour in your folding chairs and talking about the different places that they just came from as their experiences will be of great value to you as you head down the road. Try that a Motel 6 and you might get mugged!

As long as it does not put a severe dent in your retirement plans, GO FOR IT!

preston - 5-13-2011 at 08:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MitchMan
Wow! Campground prices, Cost of a big RV, Maintenance cost of using a big RV, GASOLINE or DIESEL prices, low gas/diesel mileage of a big RV.

My wife and I are researching the cost differential between driving through the entire USA over a one year period in our Toyota Corolla (which, believe it or not, is quite comfortable driving for us) and staying at low cost motels and eating mostly pic nic style or buyng a big RV (and selling it after the trip to recoup some costs) and staying at campgrounds, or simply a combination of flying, car rentals, trains, buses and motels.

Haven't finished the numbers yet based on not having completely defined the specific itinerary, but the RV prospects don't look good at this point, cost wise.


I did a similar analysis a few years back and concluded that driving a small SUV or PU truck (occasional camping in the back) combined with using priceline to get great hotel deals was the way to go FOR ME to travel around the USA.

SUV or PU allowed me enough room to carry stuff for grilling outdoors and occasional camping in the back ... as well as maneuverability.

Priceline allows me to get 3* and 4* hotels for under $50 (if you're flexible and avoid peak times/locations). No beds to make or bathrooms to clean.

I travel in Baja the same way (without Priceline, of course).

So, while the RV life sounds intreguing, it didn't pan out for me personally ... but everyone has their own equation to optimize.

Happy trails!

J.P. - 5-13-2011 at 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Yes the $ can add up quickly but a few years from now you will have forgot all about the cost.

There is not to much that compares to sitting around with other RV people at happy hour in your folding chairs and talking about the different places that they just came from as their experiences will be of great value to you as you head down the road. Try that a Motel 6 and you might get mugged!

As long as it does not put a severe dent in your retirement plans, GO FOR IT!


I couldnt agree more I got hooked on R.V.ing when i was younger I traveled and Worked as a Ironworker The experinces around the campfire at some of the places we stayed were priceless.:coolup::coolup:

Barbarosa - 5-13-2011 at 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Yes the $ can add up quickly but a few years from now you will have forgot all about the cost.

There is not to much that compares to sitting around with other RV people at happy hour in your folding chairs and talking about the different places that they just came from as their experiences will be of great value to you as you head down the road. Try that a Motel 6 and you might get mugged!



Different strokes for different folks. Me, I look for the old locally owned motel, reasonably well maintained, probly in town on the old US Highway. (I call 'em NAS for Notch Above Scuzz.) Not out on an interchange, no chains and esp no Motel-6. Bad deal, that one.

Then I look for the local bar & grill and plant m'self at the bar for dinner. In no time at all I got a similar experience, throwing in some locals. Good way to learn about the place and the surroundings.

Granted this last time in Baja we went with the big established places (incl Desert Inn) but that wuz just due to the size of the crowd.

Cisco - 5-13-2011 at 11:48 AM

There is a Wal-Mart parking group at yahoo groups that has all the dope for the U.S.

Regarding big rig, small rig, try:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VanDwellers/

Cisco

Vince - 5-13-2011 at 11:56 AM

Hope your trip north is going well, Roger. Sorry we missed you on your last day in Coyote Bay. We had a good trip home except for the Santa Ana winds. Driving to San Jose tomorrow and over to Santa Cruz. I remember those dust bowl signs from last trip up.