California and Hawaii – Day Six: A Hot Mess in Our RV Oasis
Battling the Heatwave in Style
Wow, last night in our RV felt like a sauna on wheels. Our trusty antiquated AC unit valiantly tried to cool us down, but it was as if the California heat had a vendetta against chill vibes. At one point, our thermostat was defiantly stuck at 92° (that’s around 33° C for you Celsius enthusiasts). Michele, my partner in crime and co-survivor of the heatwave, decided to wake up at the crack of dawn, courtesy of Mother Nature’s fiery embrace. So, we opted for a refreshing shower and hastily bid adieu to our sizzling home at Indian Flats RV Park.
Breakfast Chronicles in Mariposa
Our quest for cooler pastures took us toward the promised land of Rick and Terri in Visalia. But first, breakfast was calling our names in Mariposa. Lo and behold, we stumbled upon a quintessential American roadside diner. Michele opted for the regal Eggs Benedict, while I embraced the omelet life. Portions were not for the faint-hearted – they were colossal, a testament to the American mantra: go big or go home. Needless to say, we conquered the mighty plates with the grace of seasoned food warriors.
The Scenic Detour: Lakes, Mountains, and Wineries, Oh My!
Back on the road, our 3.5/4-hour, 165-mile journey unfolded. It might not have been the express route, but oh, it was the scenic one. We cruised past expansive lakes, with Bass Lake stealing the show. Mountains played their part in this picturesque journey, throwing in switchback corners and steep climbs/descents, some roads so narrow they’d make a catwalk seem spacious. A rollercoaster through wineries and orange groves completed this odyssey. All in all, our car embraced the challenge, proving once and for all that it’s more than just a comfortable box on wheels.
Oops, Wrong Turn: Visalia Edition
Upon arriving in Visalia, reality struck – we weren’t at Rick and Terri’s abode! A classic blunder on my part, merely noting the town instead of the crucial address. Fear not, a swift reroute, and we found ourselves at our destination only fashionably late by 15 minutes. Greeted with open arms, hugs, and champagne, we quickly forgot about our detour faux pas.
An Evening with Rick, Terri, and the Charm of Visalia
Our hosts, Rick and Terri, were the epitome of hospitality. The next couple of hours were a delightful haze of conversations, laughter, and genuine camaraderie. To cap off this unforgettable day, our gracious hosts treated us to a local dining experience at Fugazzis in Visalia. A heartfelt “thank you” doesn’t quite cut it for their generosity.
Lights Out, Visalia Style
As the night settled over a still-warm Visalia, Michele decided to call it a night. The day might have been filled with twists and turns, but the warmth of friendship and the coolness of champagne made it all worthwhile. So, from the heart of Visalia, we bid you good night and sweet dreams.
