No kidding; No exaggeration.  We drove 130 miles of nail biting, white-knuckle terror today (Monday, September 26).  We took a short-cut through the mountains between Highway 101 and Interstate 5.  It was the longest short-cut we ever took.  Total time from beginning to exiting at Red Bluff was more than six hours.

We were on California Scenic Highway 36 through Six Rivers and  Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  Within a few miles we knew it was probably a mistake.  By the time we reached Dinsmore, it was confirmed.  We took a break and did the laundry. 

Of course the route was flat on the Atlas Map.  Not even the crooked road was obvious.  The narrow 10-mile per hour switchbacks and steep grades also did not show.   Soon, I had to reel in the mirrors to keep from knocking one off against a giant redwood that crowded the right shoulder or the other being ripped off by one of the world’s fastest logging trucks.  It was a very narrow road.

In addition to the mirrors, I had to watch constantly to keep the trailer in line with the truck.  It kept crossing the center line or running the edge of the shoulder – especially on those tight right hand switchbacks with no guardrail and steep drop-offs.  Absolute Terror.  And made even more nerve wracking by Jane’s muffled screams. 

I didn’t think to check the time.  It seems Dinsmore was about two and a half hours into the trek.  A signalman at a road construction site suggested that we buy diesel at Dinsmore; it was the only diesel between where we were and Red Bluff.  Did I forget to mention – Road Construction?!?!  The steep grades (mostly climbing grades) were slurping the diesel at a very quick rate.

We stopped for diesel and were pleased to find that it was less than on Highway 101.  We filled up for $4.29 a gallon.  I went for a cup of coffee and found a Laundromat.  Our plan had been to stop along the highway and do laundry before reaching Yosemite.  This was just great.  And, it gave Jane a chance to relax after all those “double-cheek seat cover pinches” getting this far. 

I found a great coffee mug in the little country store.  It said, “I survived Highway 36 … to Dinsmore, California.”  I need to get mine reprinted to say, “I survived Highway 36 … to Dinsmore, California, PULLING A RV TRAILER!!!”

The laundromat was of special interest.  Dinsmore is not a large town.  It is a store and service station … and that laundromat.  We decided that, if they applied, it would be listed in Guinness as the world’s most isolated laundromat. 

But, it was busy.  Jane had to wait for a dryer.  I don’t know where all those people came from.  There is construction on the highway and logging.  After watching the National Geographic Special on the Marijuana business in California – especially the “High Grass Gardens” in our National Parks and National Forests – we both had the same thoughts. 

Sighting Red Bluff brought a huge sigh of relief.  The drive had exhausted me.  We pulled into an RV Park just a few miles south of Red Bluff.

Getting here has taken a few days.  This will be our third straight night of camping without disconnecting.  We’re still nearly 250 miles from Yosemite but plan to get there tomorrow.  Last night (Sunday, September 25), before the terrifying trip across the mountains, we spent the night at the Ferndale Fairgrounds Campground,  Nothing to shout about but it served the purpose.

Saturday was the first time we were turned away from an Oregon State Park.  It was one of those that takes reservations and/or first come, first serve.  We arrived late and all sites were taken.  Our late arrival was due to our hesitancy to leave Oregon.  Even with the ever-present rain, fog and clouds, we enjoyed our time on the Highway 101 drive along Oregon’s coast.  Every view point and pullout had fascinating views.  So much so that we hardly bypassed any of them.  So, we were a late arrival at Harris Beach State Park.

Saturday, October 1 ,,,

We’re in Lone Pine, California.  We’ll spend the night here … internet, and full hookups, then drive into Death Valley National Park tomorrow.  We’ll spend three night there and head for Texas.

Had a great time in Yosemite.  I’ll try to get some writing done tonight.  til then,

l8r

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