This morning I got up early and took Pat, Mary, and Joey to the airport. Anne and I had breakfast and then I packed up my car while she swam and sunned. She decided to hang around the hotel longer and take the shuttle, so I left around noon.
Was still unable to connect with Beth in Ventura, so I proceeded to the Camarillo Outlets. That was pretty much a waste of time--prices in the Chico's outlet were higher than the sale prices in the stores! As I was attempting to find my way to Ridgecrest in the deepening dusk, I regretted spending the time at the stores on the way. Also hit some traffic in the LA area.
So now I am in the "middle of nowhere" according to the desk clerk at the motel. He was wondering what I was doing here by myself. Told him I was going to Death Valley National Park tomorrow. Two men came in while we were talking and they had just finished touring the park. They said it was spectacular.
I decided to not make hotel reservations and try to negotiate a better rate at the hotel. Didn't get me anywhere at this one, they just offered me the AAA rate. Will see how it goes. This was the lowest price reasonable motel in town, so wasn't prepared to walk. I did have great luck negotiating in Sedona, so will keep it up.
Ridgecrest is about 4,000 feet in elevation, high desert. Dramatic temperature drop from Santa Barbara. I suddenly noticed warm air coming out the vents at my feet (you just set a temperature and the car decides how to maintain it) and checked the outside temp. It had dropped 20 degrees.
WANDERINGS & MUSINGS. Occasional thoughts on travel, getting ready to travel, other things. Maybe some lessons learned along the way.
You're right, you are in the middle of nowhere. I have driven by Ridgecrest dozens of times on the way to and from Mammoth Mountain for skiing. That place and the nearby deserted town of Johannesburg were sketchy places I hoped my car never broke down. No wonder the motel clerk asked you why you were there. Enjoy Death Valley and the desert. You keep us wondering where you are off to next.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping the same thing! So far, all is good with the car. Up the mountains, down the mountains, up the mountains, repeat.
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