Sunday Another Travel Day

I rose early, at 5:30. Having showered and swum the night before, I just wet my hair, packed up, and dressed. I was headed out after rushing my breakfast at the hotel, the usual IHG industrial breakfast, and getting coffee to-go. Evie was fully charged, and we took on the mountains again at 6:15.

BTW: Californian Highway Patrol (CH(i)P).

The power was going fast, and the Nav voice that comes with the VW complained that its plan was not working, so it changed its charging plan. This happened before, and I thought it was caused by the 40°F (4°C) temperatures, but it was the climb to over 3,000 feet again. This is a Google Maps application integrated with the EV’s information to create a live-updated plan. It even checks if the chargers are in use before recommending them.

The mountains were breathtaking; the Shasta area is one postcard moment after another. I passed Lassan Volcanic Monument signs as I traveled south on Highway 5 in Air VW the Gray. I will be staying in Chester in a B&B on the way back to spend a day at Lassan.

Traffic was heavy all day, and driving was tough. I put on Eco mode and the cruise control, usually set at 75 mph (120kmh) except when the CH(i)Ps were concentrated. I did see a Volo Stationwagon pass me with some enthusiasm, only to be reminded later of the cost of speeding by California’s Finest. The fishing for speeders was easy after all the fast downhill driving.

The land became a plain and farmland. Olive fields announced Corning, California, was approaching, the home of The Olive Pit. I did not stop for product, though I plan to on the way back, but tried to get an early charge at 400kW in Corning. Despite being on my list, it was only Tesla-style charging. I avoided 400kW after that.

I found a 350kW that worked for me, added it to my trip on Nav, and for $32, was back to a full charge. I planned on three chargings today. I switched from the recommended chargers to more expensive but faster 350kW stations on the Nav (it plans the trip and charging to minimize cost while keeping to a fast schedule). I also always booked a 100% charge to have spare instead of taking the EV to 10%. I do not want to be stranded or stressed about having to find a charger now. I can afford the time and money for an easy trip.

I texted (forgetting Joan S, today, sorry) my city-by-city progress to Dondrea, Z, and Deborah. I stopped at various rest stops as needed and ignored the Caltrans chargers, since they appear as red lights on my app. No longer working or very low-rated speeds. Circle J brand truck stops also provide 350kW charging and, while more expensive, at least have food, coffee, and a nice restroom. They also feel very safe. Some of the chargers are in urban areas and come with all that means. Tomorrow I will need a charge on the way to pick up Deborah and Jeanne at John Wayne Airport, and I hope to hit a Circle J.

Lunch was some pretzel sticks (a guilty pleasure) while driving, and then a salad with a hard-boiled egg at Circle J while I charged and used the facility. Good, except I should have checked for egg peel (adding a small extra crunch to my lunch).

Before, I had flagged it, the CircleJ, as a replacement for the location suggested by my Nav, a 150kW place, and found myself spending 2% traveling back roads for four miles (about 2-3 miles to a percent), then taking Highway 5 again to another highway, and finally reaching 99S to Fresno through the valley. With close attention to speed limits, as CH(i)Ps were everywhere. Still, it seemed like a better plan.

It was sunny, and I went for 40s to 80s with no humidity. The wind is icy cold from the ocean.

And while it seemed forever, I finally arrived in Fresno, early (!), and was happy they had a room ready at the next IHG (they were understaffed, I was told). I got my bags out of the car (to make Evie less of a target), and found room 202, the usual comfortable IHG single with a large bed. The AC was maxed, and the room was dark. I turned on the lights and discovered there were no complimentary water bottles or even a coffee maker to prevent waste. Well, I agree to the idea, I miss coffee in the morning when I wake (I will have to get a cup and my instant from the car).

Next, taking the car back on the highways, I drive four miles to a 350kW and max out the charge for tomorrow. I look at food ideas, but I would use 5% or more, and that defeats the purpose (though the steakhouse looked good). I have never tried an In-N-Out Burger, and there is one next door to the hotel. I return to the hotel and take a nap. I dream strange dreams and wake after an hour.

I walk to the burger joint and have the regular with fries and a diet drink. I read more about the American Civil War. The burger is OK, and the veggies are crisp and fresh (American cheese is not a fav), but the fries are undercooked. Later, after telling Dondrea I thought it was not equal to our Burgerville, she points out the $10 charge (in California!), and that I should have ordered (what I learned is off-menu and a shared secret) “double animal-style” to get grilled onions and secret sauce on a double cheeseburger and skip the fries. Secret burger incantations, who would have guessed?

I returned to the hotel and read for a while; my book is ending with the crushing of the last fighting army of the Confederacy at Nashville. I return to my room, having enjoyed a coffee with my book, and start to wind up my day. I write this blog.

And that takes me to the end of today’s travel day. Thanks for following long with Evie and me, enjoying mountains, plains, and urban areas all in one day. I am also anxious today after some nightmares last night, and that is finally fading.

I have put the locations in Nav, including a 350kW charging station on the way. I learned how to create a multi-stop plan to pick up my fellow travelers tomorrow by practicing with Nav. Five hours, with a charge, to John Wayne. I will head out just after six. I should arrive at the airport as they deplane, if all the plans work. Wish us luck!

Thanks for reading!

PS:

I forgot to say that I am traveling for two days instead of flying or doing the 20-hour drive in the EV. Beaverton-Shasta area to Fresno to LA.

While I was waiting for the first charge, I got out my laptop, watched YouTube videos, and called folks. I don’t like to sit in the car when it charges as it is very boring.