Ten years ago, July 2011, Patrick and I took a wonderful RV trip to Yosemite. We parked the RV at Park of the Sierra, a lovely Escapee Club RV park in Coarsegold and drove the tow car thirty-two miles to Wawona, the Southern entrance to the Yosemite Valley. I’ll never forget, as we drove through the tunnel, and wow! There was Half Dome.
This year, July 2021, we returned to Park of the Sierra. This time our objective was not Yosemite, but the RV park itself. We were looking for a country retreat within driving distance of our home in Rossmoor. Our assigned campsite was ideal. Wild birds of all sizes flew through the native oak and manzanita trees. We could see for miles.
The people were so friendly. Every evening we ate ice cream confections from the clubhouse freezer and joined in the table games. We took home small winnings from Bingo and Bunko and learned to play Hand and Foot.
On the morning of the 4th of July, we watched patriotically decorated golf carts parade through the park. At noon, we celebrated with huge ice cream sundaes. In the evening, we came back for BBQ hamburgers with all the trimmings, then danced into the evening to a fine d.j.’s oldies but goodies.
On Sunday, we traveled a half hour along deserted back roads through spacious ranch country to find a remote, century-old stone church across from a granite quarry. It was hard to believe the crowded sanctuary when we’d seen so few cars on the road. After mass, we joined another couple from the church for brunch at the 1910 Raymond General Store and Café.
Back at camp, we took our mini poodle, for a welcome home romp at the campground dog park. After dinner, we sat out on the patio, enjoyed the breeze, the fragrance of the warm summer air, the music of the crickets, and the multitude of sparkling stars.
