Sequoia National Forest


After a comfortable yet somewhat noisy night at Camping World in Bakersfield, I found an Aldi's grocery store right around the corner. Even though I really didn't need many groceries, I took the opportunity for some great deals, as well as that awesome chocolate assortment. I've been waiting for the opportunity to stock up on chocolate, and this was it. I seriously believe that newly formed mega bruises deserves good chocolate. I am doing ok, but it hurts.

Even though Miss Google told me it was going to be an hour and 8 minutes, it was more like an hour and a half to get to the Sequoia National Forest. I used my "free camping" app to direct me to a hot springs along the Kern River. There were mixed reviews on the amount of people and some nudity that could be found in this area. By the time I got here there were many cars in the parking lot and from my vantage point it looked like quite a climb down from the cliff's edge to the river below. Either way, I wasn't in the mood or shape for any hiking or climbing, nor for groups of people whether they were clothed or not.

I continued down this remote road looking at several pullouts for a possible overnight stay. Eventually I came across an area that was more like a driveway, about 100 feet from the road, so I took advantage of the space, easily backing the Sylver Gypsy in. I took the time to do some relaxing, elevating the leg, making phone calls, and eventually took a walk along a fenced off dirt road that seemed to head down to the river. I came across several large paw prints, maybe they were cougar, or a big dog, and several cattle bones that were literally scattered in the middle of this roadway. It was a bit eerie, and interesting, to say the least. I also got a whiff of some horrible odor, that I could not identify, but wreaked like something had died. So I turned back. It was pretty warm for both Jo Jo and I.  It's cooled down really well right now, and for whatever reason, I'm getting television reception and watching "Dances With Wolves." I know it's a different state, but the terrain in this movie reminds me a little bit of the terrain that I've experienced here, in this part of California.

I think it'll be an exceptionally quiet night, maybe even an opportunity for wildlife to come around. However, as much as I like kitties, I don't want to have to deal with a cougar. But there are cow pies all over the place, so maybe I will see a cow.



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