BACK TO CIVILIZATION

Now, we've come down to describing civilization as a place where our Sprint data card works, and non civilization as a place where it doesn't. If that definition were true, we have just returned to the civilized world! The problem is that the local cellular carrier in Tuolumne County has worked a deal with all of the major players for phone service, but for whatever reason, will not support Verizon or Sprint with their data cards. I can't believe how dependent I have become on having a reliable internet connection.

After 3 nights in Jamestown, CA, parked at Everett & Lori's house, and after a super visit with our friends, we left around noon. We drove the hour or so to Atwater, and are now parked at our friend Nancy's house. It's not really a house, I call it the Kissack Kastle. What a beautiful property, with room for her 2 horses, and way to many amenities to mention. I took a picture of the front of the Kastle, which I'll post tomorrow.

While the motor home was parked in Jamestown, we drove to Stockton, and visited with my Aunt Martha, and my cousin Diane. Diane recently retired from her teaching career, and is now her Mom's primary care giver. My aunt is still able to live in her home with Diane's help, but she has given up driving, and recognized the fact that she couldn't keep driving forever. It was good to see them both, and after a couple of hours, we said so long, and headed to Modesto for a visit with Patty's son David.

Dave was starting several days off, and I hadn't seen his new home that he recently moved into. The house is a newer two story home, in a nice neighborhood, and he now only has a 10 minute, instead of an hour drive to work. His English bulldog "Bachus", is a character, and he was dog sitting "Jacks", a cute little Yorkie. After lunch at a local restaurant we said adios to Dave, and drove back up to Jamestown. Lori fixed a really nice dinner for us and for her son Trevor, and their new daughter in law, Kelsey. We hadn't seen Trevor and Kelsey since before they were married, and it was really nice to be involved with the East's family dinner night. Everett & Lori are such good friends, we wish that we didn't live so far apart. There are tentative plans to join them in Palm Springs around the Thanksgiving Holiday.

We're here for a day or two, then we'll be heading back south toward Lake Havasu City, where I think short pants will again be the dress of the day.

NO INTERNET

Here we go again, no internet coverage in Jamestown, CA. While parked at our friends, Everett & Lori's house, our Sprint phone is on roaming, and it works fine. The data card simply will not work, and I think it has something to do with the local towers not having the right gizawhatsit, or having the wrong megadohicky, or something like that. Not being a techno wizard, I'm not sure what the issue is, but other than Jamestown, CA, the Sprint card works in the boon tullies, it works in Canada, it works in places that we hardly have a cell signal, but for some reason, it hates Jamestown!

At the moment, we're at Patty's son's house in Modesto, and I brought the computer with us. David has a day off from work, and we're about to go out for lunch. Back up to Jamestown this afternoon, then we'll be leaving tomorrow. The plan is to stop at Nancy's in Atwater, then back to Lake Havasu.

RALLY WRAP UP

Golden Spike President - Tom Westerfield, and his wife Barbara

This morning, the last of us will be leaving Carson City, and heading in various directions. Our get together was a lot of fun, as we tried to keep everyone busy during the 2 days of the rally. We rode trains, streetcars, toured a train museum, and we can't forget about the world famous outhouse races in Virginia City. And then there's the food.... During the weekend, someone commented that "we're really an eating club, with a train problem". I think everyone had a good time, and Patty and I are already looking forward to our next get together with the chapter.

Golden Spike Vice President - Bill Hall, his wife "D", and our rally co-hosts.

Golden Spike Treasurer - Bob Poole, and his wife Dottie

Golden Spike Secretary - Anita Price, and her husband Ed

I took this picture of Nancy on the train, just after she took my picture

I think our timing was pretty good in terms of weather, because it's supposed to turn cold tomorrow, with snow predicted at the higher elevations. This morning, we're not in a big hurry, but we should make it over the Sierras on Hwy 88 (Carson Pass), and arrive in Jamestown by late this afternoon. We're parking in Everett & Lori East's driveway for a couple of days, then we'll work our way a little farther south toward home in Lake Havasu.

The Mustang Ranch was the primary sponsor of the outhouse races. I wonder how payment was made to the race organizers?

Two bumps on a log, Ed and Tom, doing a little people watching on Virginia City's Main Street.

TRAINS, OUTHOUSES, & FRIENDS

Our "real train" day started with a short drive out to the Virginia & Truckee (V&T) Depot, just off Hwy 50, east of Carson City. When we got seated for our 10am departure for Virginia City, Tim, our conductor announced that the train was sold out, and that the ride up the hill to the Comstock Lode would take about 1 1/2 hours. Being pulled up a 2% grade behind a steam engine, is about as good as it gets for this train enthusiast, and the added sighting of wild horses only made the train ride that much better!

The revitalized V&T Railroad, with 14 miles of new track, follows the original right of way for most of the way between the Eastgate Depot near Carson City, and up the hill to Virginia City. When we arrived at about 11:30, the trolley bus took us up to Main St, where we arrived just in time for the Outhouse Parade.

The train is just about to cross the Hwy 50 bridge in Mound House.

The train is climbing the grade just above Goldhill.

Looking down at the Goldhill Hotel.

The Red Dog Saloon is where we had a BBQ lunch of tri tip, and chicken.

We started our meal in the back of the Red Dog Saloon, where the BBQ was being prepared, and there were numerous picnic tables. However, the yellow jackets soon chased most of us inside, with Ed & Anita Price the only ones brave enough to withstand the competition for the food. Patty and I enjoyed our meal, and I didn't hear any complaints from anyone, except perhaps the aerial attack while we were outside.

Several of us walked the short distance up main street to the site of the outhouse races, and despite our short window of time, managed to watch a few of the races. This event is kind of tongue in cheek, but many of the competitors take it very seriously. There are rules regarding the weight of the outhouses (minimum of 200 lbs without the driver), and other than that, most anything goes.

This is the pit area, where the competitors wait for their turn to race. The lack of toolboxes tells you that there isn't a whole lot of mechanical things going on at these races.

During the parade, the name of this outhouse (THE FLAPPER CRAPPER), got a few smiles from the crowd.

Even Arnold was represented at this parade with the "Urinator" entry.

I took pictures of a few of the outhouses while they were parked in the pit area, and focused on their names. There were about 15-20 entries, and as you can see, some of the names on the outhouses are obviously related to that most important bodily function that we all must take care of from time to time.

Two outhouses, each pushed by 2 people, are getting ready to race up Main Street.

At 2:15pm, Carl, our trolley driver parked his conveyance in front of the Red Dog Saloon, and we were transported back to the Virginia City Railroad Depot. The train departed at 3pm, and we were back at the East Gate Depot in about an hour and fifteen minutes. At 5pm, the train took us down into the Carson River Canyon to the end of track. The engineer and conductor played a little game while we were stopped at the end of the line, and the game was after the engineer blew the whistle, everybody was supposed to try and hear how many echos reverberated in the canyon. I think the most that anybody said they heard was 9. Two local wines were served on the train, along with appetizers.

While we were waiting for the 5 o'clock train to leave, our buddy Nancy, somehow persuaded the engineer to allow her to climb into the cab of the engine, and blow the whistle. Patty and I were seated on the train when she came back with a big smile on her face, and grease from the whistle cord all over her hands.

Tim, our train conductor.

We capped the day with a group dinner in the Ole, Ole, Mexican Restaurant at the Gold Dust West Casino. The meal and service was good, and it was a fitting way to end a fun filled day.

About half of our group pulled out this morning, and the rest of us will be leaving tomorrow. It was a good rally, and we're already looking forward to our next Golden Spike Rally, which will be in Indio, CA. in January. Thanks to the help from our friends Bill & "D" Hall, everyone gave us praises for organizing a fun weekend. Tomorrow, we're headed over the mountains to CA, then back home to Havasu sometime next week.

A LITTLE TRAIN & AN OLD STREETCAR

Barbara, Betsy, Patty, & Betty checking out the model railroad setup inside the Mills Park Depot Building.

The day started next to our motor home, with a selection of muffins (not $16 apiece), yogurts, fruits, pastries, and juices. A little after 10 am, the group of 23 piled into our vehicles, and we drove a short distance to Mills Park. The first order of business after arrival, was everyone checked out the model railroad inside the depot.

Then, we carefully boarded the two small passenger cars, and were taken on two circuits around the 1 mile of track through the park. Near the end of the second lap, the engineer stopped the train for a photo shoot.

Who says you have to grow up? This group of train enthusiasts enjoyed the short ride as much, or perhaps more, than a bunch of school kids. I must say that after sitting in the cramped quarters of the little cars for 15 minutes or so, it probably took this group of older kids a little longer to exit the train than it might for those much younger kids.

All loaded onto the train and ready to go.

After a lunch at Schat's Bakery, our next stop was the Nevada State Railroad Museum. I had arranged for a tour, and a ride on the Edwards 1926 Streetcar. Our tour guide took us through two buildings, and told some not so well known stories about some of the equipment, and the history of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

Bill and "D" Hall anticipating the departure of the streetcar from the depot.

Part of the group inside the streetcar.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum has about a half mile of circular track on the property, and we made a few circles around the perimeter before we unloaded near the main entrance. When we were all off the streetcar, they drove it onto the turn table, and a few of our members helped turn it 180 degrees.

Left to right, Kurt, Ken, Roger, and Bob manually pushing the streetcar on the turn table.

We capped the day with a super dinner at Red's Old 395 Grill. Everyone I spoke with, said the food was great, and the service was as good as it gets. When the food was served, it was all put on the tables within just a few minutes, and we all ate and finished about the same time. We were told this was a great place to eat, and we were not disappointed.

Today, the schedule is full, starting with a steam train ride from just outside Carson City, up to Virginia City. I feel like a little kid, anticipating the sound of that old steam engine pulling the cars up the steep grade. This is the last day of our rally, and with the outhouse parade and races on main street in Virginia City, it should be a day filled with quite a bit of laughter!

CARSON CITY 2011

Despite some confusion over the location of the Gold Dust West Casino RV Park, everyone who signed up for the rally, arrived safely by 4pm yesterday. In my directions on the original registration form, I noted that the RV Park was at the southwest corner of Hwy 50 & Hwy 395. Well, there just happens to be 3 intersections where Hwy 50 & Hwy 395 join together here in Carson City, and my apologies to those that did a few dosie does, before finding their way here.

President Tom in one of his many "tie dye" shirts

After some delicious appetizers prepared by the gals, and lots of conversation, our president Tom Westerfield presided over our Golden Spike Chapter meeting, and we called it an evening by about 9pm. We voted to donate $100 to the Mills Park Railroad that we'll be riding this morning, and the Chapter will also be making a monetary donation to the Nevada State Railroad Museum which we visit this afternoon. The decision as to the amount we donate to the Museum will be made before the group leaves Carson City.

We had enough door prizes to give away, so that every couple received something. We didn't really plan it that way, it just so happened that we had 12 items, and that's the number of RV's present for the rally.


By the time we finish dinner this evening at Red's Old 395 Grill, I'm sure we'll all be ready to call it a day. Tomorrow is the ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, with a steam engine as the motive power. Anytime I can ride on a train being pulled by a steam engine, it's a good day!

THE RALLY BEGINS

We arrived here in Carson City on Monday, and started doing the leg work for our little RV Rally that begins today. Our co-hosts, Bill & "D" Hall arrived on Tuesday, along with Ken & Sandy Carnes. Yesterday, 2 more rigs showed up, Kurt & Betty Simon, and our President - Tom Westerfield with his wife Barbara. Today, the other 7 RV's will arrive throughout the day, and we'll officially kick things off this evening.

On Friday & Saturday, there will be train rides (2), a railroad museum tour, a ride on a 1926 Edwards Streetcar, outhouse races & a parade, a BBQ lunch in Virginia City, and a couple of dinners in Carson City. In between, there will be lots of socializing around the RV's. Lets just say that I didn't build any time into the schedule for an afternoon nap for the next 3 days.

Yesterday, Patty & "D" picked up some stuff at Wal-Mart, and the Dollar Store, while Bill and I drove to Gardnerville, where I picked up the new motor home air filter. We also stopped at the local winery, picking up a bottle of wine to be given away as one of the door prizes. This morning, I'll install the air filter, and temporarily re-route the intake hose until we get home, where I can replace it.

Last night, the 10 of us had dinner at the Olive Garden, where most agreed that the food was good. However, the service was not even close to good. I won't go into the details, but the one thing that really aggravates me at a restaurant, is when you're all done, and you sit, and sit, and sit, waiting for the server to bring your bill. After what seemed like forever to me, I finally got up and told one of the staff that if they wanted to get paid, our server needed to present the bills. On the other hand, the company and conversation was outstanding!

IT'S A MYSTERY

Yesterday, when I opened the rear engine compartment door on the motor home, I discovered that the air filter was collapsed inward, very much like it had been damaged by a collision with something. Well, that just wasn't possible, as the filter is mounted right up against the engine door, and there was no damage to the fiberglass door. What the heck caused this metal filter to become warped, almost as if someone with very large hands, crushed it like an aluminum beer can?

When I started to remove the filter, I discovered that the rubber intake hose had become detached from the filter, and was hanging straight down. That rubber 5 inch flexible hose was cut about half way through, where it makes a 90 degree turn before connecting to the filter. Everything else including the upper intake area near the roof was OK with no visible damage, and there was nothing in the filter that might have obstructed the intake air flow.

While driving north on Hwy 395, I noticed on the long uphill grades, that our speed was below what it should have been, but everything else, including a smooth running engine was normal. After discovering that the engine was literally sucking air so hard, then it made sense why we had lost some power while ascending the hills. The question remains, what caused the air flow blockage on the upstream side of the filter, that was so severe, that it caused this damage?

I called Joe at Joe's RV & Truck where I just had the motor home serviced, and he agreed, that there had to have been some sort of severe air blockage to cause this to happen. After checking everything, the only possible cause must have been the hose was collapsing, and restricting the air flow to the engine. How it disconnected from the filter, I have no idea, as the clamp was still tight around the hose. Joe arranged for another filter to be sent to a sister store in Gardnerville, about 15 miles south of Carson City, and it's supposed to be there this afternoon. Because Joe just serviced the motor home, he really stepped up to the plate and is taking care of the cost of the new filter, under the possible idea that somehow, this damaged filter was defective. He asked me to hang onto the filter, and bring it back to Lake Havasu, which I will most certainly do. Doing business with folks like Joe, who put the needs of the customer above everything else, is becoming more and more of a rarity. Taking care of problems like this is what earns customer loyalty, and Joe is the gold standard when it comes to doing the right thing!

CARSON CITY FOR A WEEK

Mono Lake from Hwy 395, north of Lee Vining

After some mid morning grocery shopping at Von's, we pulled out of the K-Mart parking lot in Bishop, and headed north on Hwy 395. From this point north, the eastern Sierras blend high desert scenery with snow capped mountains, and multiple lakes, rivers, and sections of pine forest. This area from Bishop north to Carson City, has always been one of my favorite places to spend time. As we passed by Mono Lake, it was nice to see that the lake water level has risen a few feet since we were last here. According to the Save Mono Lake Committee, the lake still has another 8 vertical feet to rise, before the court mandated lake level is reached. If the committee hadn't sued the city of Los Angeles many years ago, Mono Lake would be only slightly larger than a mud puddle by now.

Looking south down Hwy 395 through the very small town of Bridgeport

We stopped briefly in Bridgeport, where we have spent a lot of time in the past. In 1990, myself and 4 other guys started a motorcycle rally in Bridgeport that became so popular, it completely outgrew the town. After the 5th year, I stepped aside as the rally continued to grow larger and larger. During my involvement, I spearheaded a Harley raffle each year, that raised over $100,000 for the local hospital. At about year number 8 or 9, the rally had grown so large, that the town infrastructure was not able to keep up, and the town fathers voted to end the event.
We made a lot of friends in Bridgeport, and created memories that will last forever.

Just north of Bridgeport, we came to a highway construction project, and noticed that there was a fire burning on the hillside. As we were stopped, we became aware of a large helicopter that was dumping water on the fire. In the next picture, I captured the water coming out of the aircraft in the center left of the photo. If you click on the picture and enlarge it, the helicopter is a little more visible.


We pulled into the Gold Dust West Casino RV Park around 2:30pm, and after getting parked, drove over to the convention & visitors bureau to pay for the group train ride this Saturday. We gathered a bunch of goodies from Janet at the Bureau, which we'll distribute to our members when they start arriving today. The next few days will be busy, as we prepare for the activities that have been in the planning stages for the past year.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The familiar scene at the Lake Havasu High School parking lot, where I hook up the Jeep

The Jeep was attached, and we were heading down the hill from the High School at 9:30am, with the Bishop, CA area as our first destination. It was going to be another one of those scorcher days, with temps over 100 in Havasu, and not much less as we made our way across the Mojave Desert. By the time we got to Barstow, the dash A/C wasn't keeping up, so I fired up the generator, and Patty got up and turned on the front roof A/C. That brought the inside temperature back down to a more comfortable level. I'm sure this is a scene played out by a lot of motor home folks, when it takes more than one A/C to keep the inside area cool as ambient temperatures reach into the triple digits. Another problem with hot days, is the rear diesel engine creates a lot of heat that seems to find its way into the bedroom. That additional heat just compounds the problem of trying to keep the inside of the motor home nice and cool.

Hwy 395 south of Lone Pine

We turned north on Hwy 395 at Kramer Junction (some people call it 4 corners), and set sail toward Carson City. This route up the eastern side of the Sierras is always high on my list of enjoyable drives, whether I'm in the motor home, car, or on the Harley.

Starting a little north of Ridgecrest, the old Southern Pacific & Carson & Colorado Railroad right of way becomes noticeable, and for me while I'm driving along, I enjoy trying to keep track of where these old railroads once ran. Sometimes it's easy to see where the old RR grades are, and other times, they disappear from sight. The Carson & Colorado narrow gauge RR ran from it's connection with the Southern Pacific near Owens Lake, all the way up the east side of the Sierras to where it connected with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad near Carson City.

By late afternoon, we pulled into the K-Mart parking lot in Bishop, CA, and with lots of room, and only a few other RV's present, we shut down for the day. Dinner was a couple of blocks away at a Chinese restaurant, and after a good meal, it was back to the motor home for a little TV before calling it a day.

This morning, it's only about 200 miles to Carson City, and after we get parked at the Gold Dust West Casino RV park, there will be much to do in preparation for our little RV rally which begins on Thursday.