I followed the Google directions and after a 7 mile detour I found the random non maintained dirt road. 15 miles of dirt, high clearance advised. I look down at the directions the organizer provided and it stated:
“Do not take the 15 freeway you will get lost.” What should I do now? I am on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere I took the 15 and the sun is going down.
124 miles from home if I take the dirt road and 154 miles from
home if I do not take the dirt road.
Maybe I should have read the Organizer’s instructions? Nawwwwww
My Jeep made it and I found the Silver Saddle Ranch and checked in.
Then my truck wouldn’t start. I am stranded. I coast into the campsite. After a few more attempts I get my Jeep started. I finally find a campsite and I am afraid to turn off my vehicle.
I set up my tent in the dark and start to look into making dinner. Dinner is
awesome. Citrus marinated snow crab cooked in a cast iron pot. I only marinated it with minced garlic, pepper , jager, and an orange. And it was amazing. And my Jeep will not start.
There are worse places to be stranded.
The Silver Saddle Ranch and Club in California City is where I ended up and it has mini golf, two pools, a hot tub, an Equestrian center, a petting zoo, skeet shooting, archery, bungalows, and car camping. And they even have real toilets and hot showers. Did I mention hot free showers that are actually hot.
The camping group that I am involved with plans many fun and
unique camping events. This is not your typical camping trip. A DJ spinning techno music until 4 in the morning, a large campfire, 180 people, and an open bar.
What more can you ask for?
Night one was awesome.
Now day two. Breakfast consisted of a shrimp omelet.
Next after a few beers it is time for Golf. I did not overdo it last night and I am ready for mini golf. But then I discovered the hot tub and the heated pool.
It felt so awesome that I never quite made it to golf. I walk back to camp just in time for socializing, eating and drinking.
I walk by a random camp and they offer me a Maple Bacon Love. I am not sure how to make it but it has bread, maple syrup, butter, bacon and it is absolutely
delicious. I may need to have 17 more if I can.
Next a few trips back to my camp. And to another and what do I hear now? Loud music? Hooray!
And a few trips back to the bar, then to the bon fire. Then to camp, then to the dance floor, open bar.
Repeat.
Dinnertime-
Bratwurst, chicken, roasted vegetables, carne asada tacos, chili. This was somewhat of a camp wide pot luck.
And the night continues on. And then what is this?
A Hot Toddy?
Another bit of awesomeness that I need to learn to make. The perfect drink for cold weather: Hot water, buttered rum and a big smile on my face. I had three. I wanted more but with the new bartender up now, I wonder- can they make it? Only a few awesome people knew how to make the drink.
There are worse places to be stranded.
The weekend was becoming awesome. It started awesome but every moment just got better. Life is good.
And then fire spitters, fire spinners, a fire tiki torch, more loud music, a drunk fuzzy bear passed out on a couch.
And Fire Jenga?
Yep it is like normal Jenga but with everything on fire. I was afraid to play but
it was fun to watch.
And then:
Next a few trips back to my camp. And to another and what do I hear now? Loud music. Hooray!
And a few trips back to the bar, then to the bon fire. Then to camp, then to the dance floor, open bar.
Repeat.
I brought a portable DVD player and watched a movie in the outdoors. The batteries actually made it through the entire 2 hour and a half movie.
I check back on my vehicle to see if I am still stranded. I attempt to start my Jeep just to see and it struggles but somehow starts. Then a little later in the night it won’t start.
I learned about the Sparkle Pony, Maple Bacon Loves, and a Hot Toddy.
This camping trip was nearly perfect. I enjoy many types of camping including primitive camping and this situation was far from it but it was still equally enjoyable.
There are worse places to be stranded.
The one downside was that my girlfriend was unable to go. She had to visit family in Colorado. And as the night continues on I realize that I am thankful to have an awesome girlfriend. Not everyone does. The bright moon lights up the desert but the night doesn’t feel complete without her. I miss her.
As the sun rises I finally exit my tent. Only 9am? Why is it so hard to sleep in while camping?
After a hot shower, I pack up all my stuff and start the truck. And guess what? It starts! I drive home (I take the 14 freeway back just in case) After one 9 mile detour I go the right way. And I am off. I make it home and I really enjoyed my Thanksgiving weekend.
I took my Jeep to the mechanic and $547 later my Jeep has a new fuel pump and an oil change. I am ready for the next adventure. Tonight it is called work.