8 April 2018
It was a luxurious night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta. I got a great night of sleep, two showers, and a full belly. It helps to break the camping up and do a lodge or motel every once in a while.
I delayed my departure so I could get to the REI store in Santa Barbara. I needed a new pair of boots, some body wipes for those parks that don’t have showers, and an air pillow. The one I had bit the dust. A small thing like a pillow makes a big difference.
The boots I wanted are Solomon’s. They have no break in period, are high top and fit me to a T. I wear a size 10. When I arrived at REI (I had to drive back south 13 miles to Santa Barbara) I headed straight for the boot department. They had the newer, improved version for $230 in size 9 1/2 and size 11. No size 10. I then asked about other stores along the way. I was referred to the front cash register where one guy tried to help me but the supervisor said they were too busy and pretty much indicated I was on my own.
I called several REI stores (California has 28) and finally found a pair of size 10 and in the color I wanted in Fresno. It’s 2 1/2 hours out of my way, but I’ll have time tomorrow or the next day to make the side trip. I needed to purchase them today because I could get a 20% discount. It was a little struggle to get them to charge my credit card and me pick them up later in the week in Fresno. They thought that strange. With a 20% discount, I got them with $42 off the $230. I asked about something to help when national parks don’t have showers and the guy couldn’t help me. He did show me the inflatable pillows and I bought the one he said got positive feedback.
Later, in looking through the store, I found body wipes that leave no residue nor odor, specifically for places that don’t have showers. Wouldn’t you know it, Pinnacles National Park is the first national park I’ve found with showers for campers.
The drive was up 101 (Ventura Freeway) and then up CA25 to the park. California is greener this time than I’ve ever seen it. All along 101 the hills were all different shades of green. I think the term often used is verdant. I’m used to the brown, dead grass on the hills on most of my visits. It’s apparently a very wet spring. Even Yosemite has portions of the park closed due to flooding and all the reservoirs are now filled. They are even worried now about whether the dams will hold.
The first time I saw the hills of California was when I was stationed in Alameda for Coast Guard Boot Camp. They shipped up to an army base for firearms training and that’s when I saw those wonderful hillsides. Your imagination can get lost in them. To brag just a little, I shot expert with the 45 pistol and the M-16 (todays AK-47). I probably couldn’t see the target today, even with glasses.
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I may not be hiking too much since most of the trails are moderate or strenuous. However, I have to admit my ankle is much better today. Perhaps it is because I drove for most of the day and stayed off the foot.
Pinnacles doesn’t impress at this point. I got here around 3 pm and set up camp (glamp with the 8 man tent, indoor toilet, cot, table, chair, etc.) and bought one of the sandwiches at the visitor center (and a bottle of wine) for dinner. I haven’t explored anything but the tent camping area so I have no idea of what lies in store tomorrow.
What immediately strikes me about the place is it is run more like a state park rather than a national park.
I will start out driving the few roads through the park to see some overlooks. I’ll cautiously judge whether or not to hike anywhere in the park.
The park is just west of the San Andreas fault and the pinnacles were formed by action along the fault. I’ve been in one earthquake this trip so I hope to have a quiet 3 nights while camping along the fault.
Temperatures are in the low to mid 40’s for the next three nights and highs in the high 70’s. It should be perfect sleeping weather and hiking weather.
As you might guess, no internet or phone service so you’ll be getting this later. A
