Too much fun and we're looking for a vacation from our vacation. Mercy Hot Springs is just the ticket and it's on the way back home up I-5, which makes up in speed for it's lack of beauty.
Tejon Pass
About the only interesting part along the way is Tejon Pass or as it's otherwise known - the Grapevine, which is the main trucking artery into LA.
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| Starting up the pass |
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| the summit marker |
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Downhill can be treacherous for truckers,
especially in bad weather & icy conditions |
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Down into the Central Valley.
Yuck - air quality is bad. |
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California Water Politics
Water can be a very scare resources for thirsty southern Californians, especially during drought years. The California Aquaduct is virtually a lifeline for the south.
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| Aquaduct snaking down into LA |
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| Aquaduct in Central Valley |
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During drought years and even beyond, the politics of water use heat up. Odd that large agribusiness would spend millions on these stupid signs rather than spend it on growing crops more suited to the dry environment rather than rice or other thirsty crops. We don't even want to get started about water conservation in LA. But enough of the soapbox... the best movie on the subject is
Chinatown.
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| Congress created the dust bowl? Huh? |
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| Gritches about water allocations |
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| Pomograntes - yes, good drought tolerant crop |
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Lunch Stop at Harris Ranch
We stop for burgers and steak salad. YES - the feedlots to the north of Harris Ranch do make me feel guilty enough to renew my vows to eat less meat and even consider returning to vegetarian meals completely... but they do have great burgers.
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| Entrance Harris Ranch Restaurant |
Road into Mercy Hot Springs
By the time we turn off towards the hot springs, the sun is starting to set bathing the rolling hills in a wonderful warm light.
Mercy Me - We made it to the Hot Springs
After getting the RV settled into a nice spot, we all enjoy the peace and quiet after so much activity. The next morning dawns bright and beautiful... a fun time to take photos.
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| Sign into Mercy |
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| Registration Office |
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| Our campsite |
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| Main warm pool |
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| Individual hot tubs |
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The Road Home
After spending the morning relaxing, we get back on the road for a short two hour drive. Once again we head over Pacheco Pass. Peter drives while I snap pictures.
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Tri colored bluffs.
Next time - we'll take that hike |
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| Classic ranch with hawk catching critter |
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| Beginning of Pacheco Pass |
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| Classic golden hills of California |
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| Wow - there's still a good level of water in the reservoir |
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| Oak studded hills |
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| Fields around Hollister |
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| Must be getting close to Halloween |
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Yes puppies,
we're just about home |
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Uhhh Checkers, could you grab that BBQ
and put it away? |
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