Land Of Sun, Warm and Shorts

OR NOT!!!  Go South they said ... to the land of sun and warmth.  Get away from all the rain and cold up North.  Not so much this year.

After Bakersfield, there's Tehachapi.  Been over that pass many a time.  Never EVER has there been wind like there was this trip.  Down into Mohave I drove and thankfully it quit.  There's nothing worse than driving a huge sale across the desert in the wind.

In no time I was in Adelanto and Hesperia to find myself surrounded with snow covered mountains.  I was sure I could sneak through, but was checking my weather app for wind.  I needn't have bothered because it hit me big time just as I entered Interstate 15.

The rain and sleet came down like cats and dogs for about one mile.  As I crested the hill and headed down into the realm of runaway truck ramps, it stopped.  Thank you Lord.

From there on it was the normal heavy traffic all the way to the old Sam's parking lot next door to Walmart.  This is where we stage for the conga line to the fairgrounds.  I sure hope everyone shows up because I was the only one visible and I've got food for 40 in my fridge.

Just after dark, who should arrive but COCOA!!  Isn't she just beautiful!!  At only nine months old, she's a bundle of play.  We introduced her to Cooper, but he just growled.  Hopefully tomorrow he'll be more receptive to playing with this happy girl.  I don't think I've ever seen a happier puppy.

I suppose I could mention her parents are good friends John and Patty who hale from the Phoenix area.

Obviously I don't get much room on the couch.  I ran the generator for an hour before bedtime, just as a precaution.  This will be the first time I've dry camped with AGM batteries.  In spite of my wishes, it rained on and off all night long, waking me up every time.  Not that I was asleep anyway. 

I kept the heater on low so I didn't use up too much battery power and froze most of the night.  Between the puppies, the rain and the heater, I think I got two hours sleep.  

But here's the best news!!  Those AGM's are AMAZING!!  I began the night with 12.57 volts and this morning ended up with 12.35.  Oh yeah ... and the fridge ran on and off all night too.  I usually wake up with maybe 11.  In spite of the price, I couldn't be happier with these household batteries.

Around noon we will caravan over to the fairgrounds where we will be staged to park.  Sometimes that takes an hour, sometimes THREE hours.  I'm praying for a short wait and PAVEMENT.  With our new parking Boss, I have no idea where we will end up.  I'm bribing him with ice cream.  I'll let you know how it works out.