We were hooked up and pulling out of San Diego at 9:05 Sunday, much earlier than our usual departure time, but we hoped the traffic on Sunday morning would be light. We were right, and it was an easy drive north on I-15 to Temecula, where we stopped for gas and a few things at Walmart before the last 15 mile winding climb east to Jojoba Hills. We were last here in January 2011, and it was as nice as we remembered. The office is closed on Sundays but you can stay in the boondock area, which we did.
There were only a few other RVs there, and it felt like paradise after our month in San Diego.
Suzanne arrived on Saturday, and Debbie has been here for a week, so after working out in the fitness room I joined them in the beautiful pool. No photos of any of us in bathing suits!
That evening we had a little get-together at Suzanne’s site, since she managed to score one of the nicest in the park. It was another mini blogger fest, with Suzanne (Take To The Highway), Judy (Travels With Emma), and Terry and Luann (Paint Your Landscape), whom we met for the first time. The beer, conversation, and laughs flowed freely.
Yesterday we moved up the hill to a very nice full hook-up site. I forgot to take photos so I planned to do so this morning. What a surprise when I got up and it was raining, which was not in the forecast that I looked at yesterday.
We took a hike on the adjacent BLM land yesterday afternoon, where there are miles of roads and trails. We were hoping we could ride our mountain bikes here but there is too much deep sand for our liking.
It was a pretty warm afternoon, so it was nice to be able to go for a swim when we got back from the hike. While soaking in the hot tub, we saw someone wave, and it turned out to be Pete and Frederika, Lazy Daze owners we met in Quartzsite, and who have since purchased a lot here. This is a very nice park and we understand why so many people use it as a home base. We aren’t quite ready for that, but we’ll just enjoy the peace and quiet (and the amenities) while we’re here.
So much fun to enjoy the gatherings and make new friends. Loved your bloomin cactus pic....so pretty that it makes up for the spikes. Don't get to used to all the amenities!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm sure we'll be back to no hook-ups soon, but we are definitely taking advantage of all the extras here.
DeleteMy, you are prompt. I wake up to the rain on my windows (and floor through the skylight I neglected to close last night!) and you have already blogged about it. Lovely photos. Thanks for cropping us out of that pool shot. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat was actually a pool shot we took in 2009 on a cold day with nobody in the pool.
DeleteOne of the few SKP parks we've never been to. One day we'll make it up there. So glad you guys got to meet LuAnn. Good peeps.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your newfound peace and quiet!
Nina
You should definitely stop here one of these days. Everyone is so nice, and the park is just lovely. Quite a change from Mission Bay!
DeleteI enjoyed our get together the other night. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a good time. We'll have to do it again before we all leave if the weather warms up!
DeleteWow that place looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteWOW...you are with some of my favorite people. Glad y'all had a wonderful happy hour(s).
ReplyDeleteWe should have at least visited that park. I can just kick myself for not making it there. We will probably not make it back to CA for a long time if at all.
Too bad you didn't stop here for at least one night to check it out. Know what you mean about thinking you won't ever come back to CA. We said the same thing last year after our trip up the coast, and now here we are again!
DeleteLooks like Paradise! Especially after the bustle of San Diego. How cool you got to spend time with Judy et. al.
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at happy hour, Kim. But we know there are more important things in Alabama!
DeleteWhat fun! Judy is a friend and Suzanne I so want to meet, and of course, you two as well...been reading about all your adventures for some time now. What a great get together.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've read your blog, too, and hope we can meet up one of these days.
DeleteSo glad we were able to meet the two of you and hope to see you again before you leave. You are one of the most prompt bloggers I have ever seen. Puts me to shame. :)
ReplyDeleteWe really wanted to stay at this park right before Thanksgiving (on our way in to San Diego) but they were full up and we did not want to stay in overflow...sure looks like a great park. How fun you got to meet both Judy and Luann and Terry!
ReplyDeleteThe view from that pool is amazing! And what a fun gathering of people - looks like a good time.
ReplyDeleteI can see why the park is so popular, it is definitely in a beautiful area. It looks like they have kept a lot of natural space as well which makes the park itself more desirable. I lived in the Temecula Valley for years and never made it up there. Nothing like a nice cool swim after a warm hike!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you met Lu and Terry. Aren't they just the nicest people:) We had our first visit to Jojoba after they moved in and went to see them. It is a great deal if you want to try out purchasing a property. I love that you don't lose anything if you change your mind. That pool and the view are so amazing! Sounds like you are enjoying your experience. Have a wonderful time with all the amenities:)
ReplyDeleteIf you are an Escapees member can you stay there if open spaces or is it only if with an owner?
DeleteEscapees members may stay 28 days/calendar year if there are open sites. Owners may put their sites in the rental pool when they are gone but not all do. Current rate is $23/night for 30 amp, $24 for 50 amp. If there are no sites open they have a boondocking area in which you may stay 7 nights for $5/night. It is first come, first serve unless you are the guest of an owner who can reserve you a site as their guest. In fact you don't even have to belong to Escapees to do that. It is by far the nicest RV resort we have ever stayed at.
DeleteThanks. We previously read about this resort and thought it would be a great place to visit, but weren't sure it was possible. We also need to join Escapees. LOL. Seems like one of the better RV clubs.
DeleteA small gathering in a lovely spot, sounds wonderful to this gal who has had to go to work full time the last 2 weeks! I'm only going in for a few hours today but the temps are in the 40's and the wind is howling so I'd say no outdoor adventure for me today.
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice site you got. We've been there and I don't remember it being that pretty.
ReplyDeleteLots of amenities and a pool with a view plus warm weather and friendly gatherings sounds good to me. In Flagstaff I need heat on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great group to meet up with after leaving the big city. You guys out west sure seem to meet up and have fun a lot. You are a lucky bunch. That's quite a nice table you all are gathered at. Really pretty picture of the interior road. I can see why Judy put in her application.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim and Gayle! You were recently featured on www.journeylinks.blogspot : Lifes Little Adventures, Where are the Dixons Today, Life on the Open Road, Travels with Kevin and Ruth, RV-A-GO-GO, RV Life on Wheels, Running Down our Dream. Hope you enjoy!
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