Finally a chance to review vacation & campgrounds

[LCMS pastor]

well, 3 weeks after our return, I finally have a chance to review out trip..

THe first few days were in Oceano- next to pismo beach.  Saw relatives and friends in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero - had some great chowder.   Stayed at Pismo Dunes - which was all dunes.  Pretty clean c/g however, but didn't anticipate the dunes blocking the way to the beach.  I wouldn't recommend staying there if the campground is a major part of your vacation.  

Then our favorite campground, Smithwoods in Felton - about 8 miles out of santa cruz - 3rd or 4th time there.  Tis beautiful sitting there amongst the redwoods.  Even found a dulcimer festival/seminar where we learned to play the dulcimer and had a blast.  We just love it there.  

THen over to placerville - and 114 degree heat - KOA campground there - didn't mention it was above the freeway - and that only one set of bathrooms. on the otherside of the campground from where they stashed us.  HAd some nice remote spots - but they were rigged fro only 50 watt systems.  If it wasn't for the A/c on our bayside----- ON top of that - everything - pool - game room - minigolf shut down at sunset.... and most of it costed.

THen we made  a decision - drive all the way back to idylwild to our own campground at silent valley.  Made excellent time - got there in a little less than 11 hours - and only delay was on the 10 freeway.   Silent Valley is awesome - the temperature was perfect - some fun lightening storms in the mornings. (this was the 13-16th)  

One of the things that struck me this time - the number of older popups - We only saw one other modern coleman on the trip - everything else was the old starcrafts and other names.  Of course - there seemed to be far more mega rv'ers out there, most of whom had no manners at all.  

Same thing for driving - saw dudes with toyhaulers in the fast lane of 4 lane freeways.  and others beeping at us for only going 60 ( the jimmy shakes above that speed - not heavy enough - though it is rated that high.)

Overall great trip - but the KOA place was horrible...second worse campground ever

[Camping Coxes]

Same thing for driving - saw dudes with toyhaulers in the fast lane of 4 lane freeways. and others beeping at us for only going 60.  

This seems to be the status quo for the toyhaulers -- the slow lane rules for trailers don't apply to them, nor does the speed limit.  I think they're so used to going fast on their ATVs/motorcycles/sandbuggies, they forget they have to go slower when they're pulling those things.  And the worst part is that if they sway, they're going to ruin someone else's day as well as theirs.  We get rude looks all the time because DH is strict about the 55 rule, plus our diesel doesn't like really high speeds.