 Getting out of LA - I hate cities - any city. London, New York, Paris, Munich, Tokyo Hong Kong - ANY ! I do have to admit cities do offer more then rural Montana. Shoping and great variety of food. After Palm Springs, I meet a friend for lunch at one of the best and oldest restaurants in LA - PHILIPPE home of the best French Dipped Sandwich! Located right downtown Los Angles, across fom Union Station. First opened in 1908. Often the haunt for everbody from billionaires to bums. Movie stars to just us "little people". So find a seat at one of the communal tables . Who knows you might sit next to a "star" Philippe's is a great place and don't forget to pick up some of thier mustard!  
 After a great visit and lunch, I proceeded to a very slow drive on the Hollywood freeway North through Hollywood San Fernando Valley, on to Ventura. Hard to believe what used to take twenty minutes to drive from downtown LA to Sherman Oaks took almost an hour - on a Saturday! Why do people live in cities? I chilled out with some good music and settled in for what was a longer ride then expected to Camp San Luis Obispo. If you find yourself on the Central Coast and looking for a great Italian dinner; be sure to go to my great friend, Jimmy Delmore's place in Grover Beach - JIMMY D'S, located at 1301 West Grand Avenue. open Sunday - Thursday from 4PM .  
Meanwhile the travel companions are looking for their dinner.
While in Morro Bay spent most of the day with theSea Otters and shooting the "Rock" basicly just enjoying the area. Drove up Highway One. The Central Coast is just a wondrful area to visit. Lived here for thirty years and come back a coipe times each year to see friends, enjoy the area and good eats. 
 Left the beach and dove over for some wine tasting. Here is a great old barn east of teampelton  Here is a quick drive up Highway One. See You Down The Road
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First stop was early morning at Brice Canyon then onto one of the finest Mexican lunches ever in Kanab, Utah.
After enjoying the sunrise at Brice continued on to a fine lunch in Kanab. I love Mexican food and this is one of the finest ever - period! So good tempted to drve back today just for a meal! The place has been run by the same family in the same location - 373 East 300 South for 29 years.
 With a full belly of very fine food it was time to continue the trek to Monument Valley When there always stay at Goulding's RV park; but in past times have stayed at the lodge. Be sure to dine at the resturant and try a Fry Bread Sandwich.
While cruising for photos, found a new friend. Mr. Binks was to all that excited to see her. Perhaps a stray but my cats were not interested in traveling with a dog onboard.
Was up a dawn every day crusing for photos; even booked a sunrise "backcountry" shoot with a Navaho guide. To get back in this area you are required to have a guide.   
 This photo above is the most iconic scene in all of Monument Valley - John Ford's Point. If you have watched THE SEARCHERS, staring John Wayne then you have seen this and so much more of Monument Valley. Get up early and stay late for some best photo opportunities. Here is a early morning photo I call CASTLE IN THE FOG. In the background you can see Castle Bute appears floating in the fog.   TOTEM POLE at sunrise. This is EAGLE EYE Can you see the Eagle head and eye?
After a few days in Monument Valley I headed out to see friends in Tucson. Since I was driving to Flagstaff and taking Highway 17 to Phoenix, was told I had to stop at Rock Springs for a meal. Man o Man am I glad I did for it was wonderful! Highly suggest if you are in Phoenix or Flagstaff do make it a stop - you will not be disappointed and don't forget the homemade pies!
For lunch: a Pulled Pork Ruben, the best Sweet Potato fries; followed by Bourbon Pecon ala mode.
 From here off to see my friends in Tucson. Part 2 of this adventure will follow soon . Stay tuned! See You Down The Road lAbove is a beautiful sunrise the day after five days of rain. Upon my arrival it was raining. Rained for five days straight; Cal Poly reported six inches of rain.
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Stayed one more night at ROCKY CREEK WINERY also on Highway 46 the owner/winemaker, John Somogyi Jr. was a treat to speak with and has two great dogs. The winery was estabished in 1999. The vineyards are dry farmed and use no lpesicides.
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John only bottles "Reds" and all are aged and exceptional, the Sirah is a Gold Medel winner. I bought a mixed case of Cabs, Pinot and of course the Sirah.
The "Fuzzy Faces of the Bay"
Friday I checked into Camp San Luis Obispo - LOL wondrful to sleep secure knowing you are protected by armed soldiers! Really, if you are retired military or 100% military disabled this is a great place to stay. Located halfway between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo on HWY 1. Rates are $31 perday for full hook up; although increaseing to $32 in January.
Come in with me and enjoy one of l the great eateries on the Central Coast, one of my favorites has always been LINN'S of CAMBRIA.
The Olallieberry Pie as stated by The Food Network's Marc Summers "The best thing I ever ate by the slice"
This morning I had the "Inside Out Omelette ; so good will try to make at a home!
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LINN's is the perfect stop in the quaint village of Cambria. Stop in for a meal and be sure to take something home from the gift shop.
Some of the other old haunts for great food.
THE HOFFBRAU on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay, MAIN STREET GRILL in Cambria and you can't pass up IN AND OUT, tis one in Arroyo Grande
Piedras Blancas Light
High Surf
Otter Mama and Baby
Pelicans
Alabama Hills
Piedras Blancas Light
Harmony Ranch
Sounds of the Surf
See You Down The Road
My first trip of the 2025 Season was in April. Was hoping to find some beach time on the Central Coast; however it was an unusally foggy/rain and cold month. Still lovely to be on the Coast. Had several dinners with friends, found a couple of great eateries I had never been to before. Generally enjoyed the area. In Montana there are no beaches and how I love to just sit and watch and hear the surf.
I left my ranch in Montana, traveled trough the Gallatin Gap to West Yellowstone and went into the North end of the park looking for buffalo. I found a heard.
vFrom Yellowstone I drove down and through Idaho Falls and into the Great Basin and onto Bishop, CA. Stopped at SCHAT'S BAKKERY in Bishop for bread and a couple of sandwiches for the road and for dinner. If you ever find yourself in Bishop be sure to stop by and enjoy a great sandwich and pick up some of their World Famous bread too.
I continued south on 395 and overnighted at the "foot" of Mt. Whitney, camping in the Alabama Hills.
I continued south on 395 and overnighted at the "foot" of Mt. Whitney, camping in the Alabama Hills.
Alabama Hills is one of my favorite spots and aas you may have read here on this blog, the locatiob of so many movies and commercials.
Got up with the chickens and started the drive to Morro Bay arriving early in the afternood where I met my son on his four month camping trip all over the Country. Below here we are at Camp San Luis Obispo. This is a great RV spot, located on Hwy One between SLO and Morro Bay; sadly if not retired military you are out of luck.
As memtioned almost the entire three weeks the Central Coast was clocked in fog.
One of the pleasures of visiting the Central Cost are the eateries and there are plenty of them to enjoy! This trip I discovered two that I had not be3n to before:
FRANKIE & LOLA'S
FRANKIE & LOLA'S
FRANKIE AND LOLA'S open from 7AM - 12:30 serving breakfest only. The menu is quite extensive and ohhhh so tasty - Enjoy!
The other wonderful stop we stumbled into was a real Mexican resturant in North Morro Bay
TACOS EL VIEJON. Located on Morro Bay Blvd only a short couple of miles from the "Rock".
The other wonderful stop we stumbled into was a real Mexican resturant in North Morro Bay
TACOS EL VIEJON. Located on Morro Bay Blvd only a short couple of miles from the "Rock".
 I had the Tacos Plate and Erik Carne Asada BE there again this coming November that is for sure! |  |
Although the weather wass for the most part damp and cold; there is a lot to do. We decided to warm up on a Paso Robles Qine Tasting Tour. On e of my long time favorites is EBERLY WINERY not far from Paso Robles on Hwy 46. In my opinion Eberly has some of the finest grape juice anywhere!
For entertainment there is always the Otters
Be sure to check out KarlHJohnsonPhotography.com for original photography.
Here are a couple of photos availbale of Morro Bay
Here are a couple of photos availbale of Morro Bay
See You Down The Road
Reflecting on the many travels over the years. Please allow me to share some destinations, that if you have not been, should consider. Below is the D&RG RR. I have done this ride many many times - first was perhaps in 1950 when my father took me Colorado and one of the stops was Durango. A wonderful place to visit. You board the train in Durango and ride it to Silverton. Upon return to Durango and since you are in the area, be sure to drive the Million Dollar Highway (CO 550) to Ouray. Simply on top of the world in the American "Alps". You can find blog posts to the "Highway" and of course Silverton and Ouray, Telluride and all over Colorado. Enjoy!
Martha's Vineyard. Take the ferry over and enjoy the island.. Above is Egartown Harbor Lighthouse. When I was on the island the fishing boat used in "JAWS" was still on the shore abandoned.
One of my all time favorites has been for many years Lake Tahoe. I have sailed, skied and motored the lake here many years; a wonderful destination. For those of you that may be interested that kayak is an Easy Rider with the sail rig. That was a great boat and alot of fun!
Another trip to the coast of Maine. This is Portland Lighthouse. I was somewhat pressed for time on this trip and did not get up to Acadia; good excuse to go this Summer or Fall
Speaking of Fall a must do certainly is drive Highway 100 and all the others in Vermont. Unlike Fall in the West - the colors in the East are wide and varied.
 Above is Mabry Mill along the Blue Ridge Parkway Right: The Poconos in Fall color |  |
Above is a photo taken on my ranch in Montana just a week ago. As they said in the TV series "1923" ; here in Montana we have July and August as Summer, rest of the year is Winter. Well not necessarily true, but we can get snow any time of the year.
It is now April and the snow is gone. First trip is coming up soon. Will go to Southern California then up to spend a few weeks in San Luis Obispo County; staying in Morro Bay. Central Coast is a wonderful place to visit. Such a cornucopia of things to do - Wine tours in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. drive Highway One, and of course the beaches. There is a plethora of fine eateries. I lived in "SLO" for close to thirty years and never got bored. Truely a wonderful destination.
See You Down The Road
The above photograph was taken about ten days ago. Now, here we are four days to Easter. More snow and rain coming in, That’s good one one hand; but been a cold Winter her in Montana.
Now the issue is, can I leave the ranch? With snow on the seven miles of dirt road, some of the drive on a relatively steep and windy section; just don’t think I want to chance attempting the drive out with the XL. Good news is no plans to leave until around April 7th. Just maybe the worm will turn by then.
Off to Morro Bay for some beach R&R and fine sea food at Dorn’s Restaurant and fish and chips on the pier. While there, hope to drive Hwy 1; but with all the storms kinda doubt it is open. Funny, when I lived in San Luis Obispo I rode Hwy 1 so often got a bit board with it!
Off to Morro Bay for some beach R&R and fine sea food at Dorn’s Restaurant and fish and chips on the pier. While there, hope to drive Hwy 1; but with all the storms kinda doubt it is open. Funny, when I lived in San Luis Obispo I rode Hwy 1 so often got a bit board with it!
This is my first bike, 1976 BMW R90S. I will never admit riding sometimes at speeds of 100+ then having to downshift to 15 MPH for one of the many curves. Great fun!
So now if I can take the XL up be a much slower ride!
So now if I can take the XL up be a much slower ride!
The route is beautiful drive - through the Gallatin Gap onto West Yellowstone first nigh probably southwest of Idaho Falls. Continue through Ely, NV find a wide spot to RON. Then onto Bishop and load up on bread at SCHATS BAKERY. Will overnight at a HARVEST HOAST in Independence- Mt Whitney Golf Course. Final leg - blast to Tempilton , CA and stay at a winery, another HARVEST HOAST - CASTORO CELLERS. Motor into Morro Bay and relax for a week.
See You Down The Road
The delivery. Purchased it from La Mesa RV in Phoenix. Took an out of state delivery - why pay the taxes! Montana has no sales tax. So here we are driving to Gallup, NM.
 |  2005 TS , the 2020 FL and the 2023 Ascent photo taken on my ranch. |
I have owned several RV's since 2005 when I bought my first Pleasure Way Plateau TS. Although the van based rig served me well over the years; buying the last in May of 2022, found moving up to the XLTS a great improvment in comfort. Although been winterized since picking it up in October of last year - live in Montana, and thus have not used the shower. I find the liveability to be very comfortable. I do travel by myself with the company of my three cats. We "all" love it. Storage, both interior and the outside bays offer plenty of room for all your items..
In my first real trip recently completed the economy was outstanding for a rig of this weight and size; averging 19.62 gallons over the 5,980 miles.
Added a Honda CT125 "toad" to make living easier. Now can run to the market for milk or adventures. As you can see it is on a hitch carrier and really does not add much length, still pretty much drive and park where I wish.
Next trip is to Morro Bay the first of March - if I can get out of the ranch for now we have quite a bit of snow with more on the way. I have to drive seven miles on dirt to get out, the first two are a bit worrisome given this is not a four wheel drive!.
Hope to bring you more reports and adventure of being in Morro Bay and riding Highway 1
I was so very blessed to have returned home last Friday; for as you can see in the photo below (taken 1/12) we received about seven inches of snow and more to come Temps today are a high of -11 low tonight -33. The RV is snug in the heated garage and I do hope I will be able to get out to Morro Bay first of March!
Next trip is to Morro Bay the first of March - if I can get out of the ranch for now we have quite a bit of snow with more on the way. I have to drive seven miles on dirt to get out, the first two are a bit worrisome given this is not a four wheel drive!.
Hope to bring you more reports and adventure of being in Morro Bay and riding Highway 1
I was so very blessed to have returned home last Friday; for as you can see in the photo below (taken 1/12) we received about seven inches of snow and more to come Temps today are a high of -11 low tonight -33. The RV is snug in the heated garage and I do hope I will be able to get out to Morro Bay first of March!
See You Down The Road
I did depart the afternoon of the first. So glad i did for a storm was beginning to brew. Had to drive through some weather, but not bad. Only drove for a couple of hours to get beyond the morning drive time. Spent the night in Richmond, VA at Cabbellas
Weather reports showed a possible storm coming in at the end of the week; and since I liver of a ranch with a seven mile dirt road, thought it best to get back before any storm. The drive across America was thankfully clear of weather issues. Indeed it was a good decission to blast back for two days after return we received severn inches of snow. The PW would not have made it down my dirt road.
My route was Highway 64 to Lexington,KY and beyond. In route I was here:.
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Like the travelsers of yesteryear I came across one of the most famous "sign posts" in American history: Chimney Rock.
The settlers on the Oregon Trail used Chimney Rock as a guide marker. Standng 300 feet tall it was like a lighthouse to the wagon trains The name :Chimney Rock was given by the fur traders of the early nineteenth century, As per the website, "the first reorded mention of this landmark was given the name by Joshua Pilcher.who had journeyed up the Platte River to theSalt Lake rendezvous in 1827."
I pressed on with a stop at Fort Laramie. The Fort was originally built as a trading post in 1834 and enjoyued an almost momopoly on the buffalo trade until 1841. Things hanged in 1841 as the wagon trains arrivied with the thousands of westward bound emigrants arrived on the way to the West along the Oregon Trail.
Above: Cavalry barracks
While I did take a moment to visit this historic site; my search for a Harvest Host lead me on to Cody, Wyoming. I was a long day in the saddle from Lexington, KY to Cody qnd I was ready to hang up the spurs and have a tall beer before rolling out the "bedroll"
 Stahoo's Brewery om cody is easy acrss from the Highway. . Caution though your GPS may take you under a overpass tunnel that is only eleven feet. Parking is also a bit challenging if your rig is over 25 feet in length.. Also in the evening you will be entertained by the passing of a loud vehicle/motorcycle; but this ended relitive early and I had a great night's sleep. Jim was an excellent host and the beer was tall and cool! |  Gracie May on watch. |
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See YouDown The Road
As I stated in the previous post, my son returned from his deployment to Greece and arrived home on Christmas Eve. Santa did me right! Mostly just enjoying time together. One excursion we did was go to the VIRGINIA MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM. I have been here several times photographing the airshows. They do a fabulous job and should your travel plans see you in the area the have a five collection of aircraft and indeed one of the best in World War One aircraft. Check their website for the air show callandar.
 As a long time BMW rider and arm chair historian have always loved the BMW R75 sidecars and have lusted to own the Kettenkrad, halftrack motorcycle. I did own a 1944 White Halftrak and it was a hoot to drive friquently hung out at Bud Ekins Motorcycle shop, in Van Nuys, California and would run into Steve Mc Queen - he had a half-track and I kinda thought it was cool. So bought one. |  |
I filmed many of the airshows at the "museum" Here is the World War I film I did
several years ago, and the one that's follows is WARBIRDS, many of which where filmed at
VIRGINIA BEACH MILITARY AIR MUSEUM. Enjoy.
several years ago, and the one that's follows is WARBIRDS, many of which where filmed at
VIRGINIA BEACH MILITARY AIR MUSEUM. Enjoy.
it has been a wonderful trip. The PW has been a joy to drive and live in for a month. I shall depart for home on the first and will "coddiwomple". I do have a final destination; however no idea of the route.
See You Down The Road
So with a full and happy belly, I continued Eastward. Passing through West Virginia and into Pennsylvania; destination Lancaster. Lived here for sixteen years. I know the area well and below are photos of my favorite sites Do love the Amish farms. Lots of respect for the Amish folk. America could learn a lot about their work ethic!
Lancaster County offers quite a bit of things to see and do -and great eats. A drive through the farm lands is scenic and peaceful. For a more exciting adventure take a ride on the Strassburg Railroad. Located only twenty minutes from downtown Lancaster you can take a trip back in time. A time when the live - living - steam trains of yesteryear huffed and puffed through our land. I love steam engines. Great beasts that seem alive. In the film below listen to the roar, the clanging, the whistle shattering the peace of the farm land; but oh so wonderful.
Lancaster County offers quite a bit of things to see and do -and great eats. A drive through the farm lands is scenic and peaceful. For a more exciting adventure take a ride on the Strassburg Railroad. Located only twenty minutes from downtown Lancaster you can take a trip back in time. A time when the live - living - steam trains of yesteryear huffed and puffed through our land. I love steam engines. Great beasts that seem alive. In the film below listen to the roar, the clanging, the whistle shattering the peace of the farm land; but oh so wonderful.
Time to eat? An icon of Amish buffets is SHADY MAPLE. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Truly a cornucopia of foods. Located a short (traffic permitting) drive from Lancaster in New Holland.