It was time to finally head into California. I suppose I was reluctant in part because our last drive on California's highways did not leave a great impression. In fact, it was quite the opposite - with rude drivers and potholes that could swallow a person whole, I thought about never returning. I was also not looking forward to the exorbitant fuel prices that Californians take as a given.
Recent rains covered the desert with a blanket of green.
Our reservations at Pismo Beach were nearing and we needed to head west. Barry and Della told us about the best place for diesel (the Chevron at 18221 Tom Wells Rd, Ehrenberg, AZ - diesel for $2.65 cash price). We were able to fill up a few miles from the California border for nearly a dollar per gallon less than the Golden State average. That was a nice start to the day.
We're pretty sure that's a snow-capped Mt San Jacinto in the distance.
I noticed that California seemed to name every ditch we passed - I don't remember that in other states. If there was a bridge or culvert then there was a sign to let you know what wash or ditch you just crossed. Below we were crossing Tarantula Ditch. I tried to remember the names of some of the others but without noting them at the time they were simply lost to me when I started blogging (is that a part of getting old?).
Spotlight 29 Casino in Indio, CA, was very nearly the halfway point between Quartzsite, AZ, and Aguanga, CA (Jojoba Hills SKP Park), it was easily accessible and it had a nice dinner buffet. That was enough for me to call it a day after 117 miles (91,321.0 total).
The casino had a huge expanse of pavement that was ideal for overnighting. A lot of folks were familiar with the stop. Joani counted more than 30 RVs on Sam's last walk of the day (and a lot more arrived after dark). In a separate area, there were probably 20 or 30 big rig trucks stopped for the night as well. I have no idea how many gamblers parked overnight and with no free-play, all we did was stuff ourselves at the buffet. The food was good and the prime rib was excellent. We will certainly keep this place in mind if we need to overnight in this area again.
There were as many or more RVs behind me as in the picture. With the high number of RVs and the casino police patrolling the lot, this stop felt very secure.
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