We were originally going to take a different route into Arizona today but decided to go a different route. Rather than going interstate we took state roads…which turned out to be a pretty relaxing drive.
Chatting with a fellow Heartland owner
While Michael was packing up outside a gentleman from across the way (who’d pulled in yesterday) came over to chat. He’s the owner of a brand new Landmark 365 that is a month old. Between both being Heartland owners and retired military they had a lot to talk about.
The plan was to pull out at 10:00 am for our 265 mile trek through the desert and as usual…we did good! We pulled out at 9:48 am, ahead of schedule again!
The scenery along CA-247
California highway 247 is a 2 lane road in good condition. We didn’t have much traffic to speak of…the most of which was as we passed through the small town of Lucerne Valley.
At Yucca Valley we turned east onto California 62. Highway 62 turned out to be just as nice of a road as 247. While only two lanes, it was nicely paved, smooth and traffic was light. Michael enjoyed the slow pace, low stress drive.
We drove past 29 Palms where there is a Marine base aptly named, 20 Palms Marine Base. We never did see the actual base but we thought we could see it to the north in the distance.
Stamping our book and adding the sticker for Joshua Tree NP
CA-62 also passes by the north side of Joshua Tree National Park. We found that the Oasis Visitor’s Center wasn’t too far off of the highway so we decided to stop and check it out. We got our Passport book stamped and purchased a sticker to add to the page, looked at the few exhibits and hoped that we’d see some more Joshua Trees as we drove along the highway.
Today’s special – yummy salads!
Since it was the noon hour we decided that Kelly’s Kitchen would utilize one of the picnic tables on the outdoor patio of the Visitor’s Center. We enjoyed our lunch even if it was fairly warm sitting on the covered patio in the shade!
Our home…in the desert
While highway 62 passes through desert land the drive was actually quite pretty…craggy mountains, hills and lots of sand, of course. At one point we even stopped in order to take some pictures of the coach.
A Joshua tree at the Visitor’s Center with our coach in the background
Funny thing is is that before we got to the National Park we saw Joshua trees all over. I held off taking any pictures as I figured once we got nearer to the park I’d have a better chance of getting a good picture. That was not to be…once we got to the park we didn’t see any Joshua trees other than the 2 at the Visitor’s Center!
The plan to follow CA-62 to AZ-95 had a wrench thrown in it when we came to the intersection of CA-177 and CA-62 and found that 62 was closed from that point on…no idea why…but it is what it is. We ended up following 177 south 24 miles to I-10 and then I-10 into Quartzsite instead.
Getting chores completed while on the road!
Just as we were about to pull onto I-10 we pulled over in an old parking lot to use the facilities (who needs a rest area when your whole home is right behind you!?) While we there Michael decided it was a good time to fill the DEF. We’d picked some up yesterday as we’d started getting a notification a few days ago that it was getting low. I could have picked a better place than the middle of the desert at 98 degrees to do it…but it’s done! Thankfully, it’s an easy, quick task.
Park office
We arrived at Split Rail RV Park about 4:30 pm. This is a Passport America park which requires you to stay a minimum of two nights to get the discounted price….$12.50 per night for a full hook up 30 amp site. We’ll be here two nights before we continue east.
Split Rail RV Park – site 37
We got checked in and were given a bunch of literature about Quartzsite and then escorted to site 37 where we got unhooked and leveled. While Michael got the outside utilities taken care of I went inside, put out the slides, cranked the ac (was 92 in the house!) and started dinner.
We enjoyed a nice dinner of baked cod (yeah, yeah…I know…kinda hot!) and steamed veggies before settling in for the night.
Endangered Desert Tortoise
Just a side note. Remember those ‘Turtle fences’ from yesterday? Didn’t see any today BUT we did find a stuffed Desert Tortoise at the Joshua Tree NP Visitor’s Center. Ok…so he’s not alive but at least now you know what they look like!