64. That is the number of different campsites we experienced between October 14, 2018, and April 7, 2019. If you’re doing the math you’ll notice we moved on an average of every 2.8 days. When you consider we spent nearly two full months lazing in Los Barriles the numbers are too exhausting to calculate. A truly crazy busy last six months saw us traveling through eight states (two of them twice) and up and down Baja twice. It was also an amazing winter filled with friends both old and new, many places both old and new, and grand adventures. However, we are, needless to say, road weary by now.

Here is our annual, and this year exhaustive, list of where we stayed from the day we left Coeur d’Alene to our arrival at our new camp in the Sierra Nevada’s. Because of the number of stops I’m breaking this down into more than one blog post. We begin with the fall adventures from our departure in CDA to our arrival in Los Barriles.

Copper Belt Winery ~ Baker City, Oregon (Harvest Host)

We had previously experienced the joy of using Harvest Hosts in Baja and were eager to take advantage of it once again. The winery is located a few curvy miles from the freeway and a wine tasting with the owner before a peaceful night next to a cow pasture was our kind of night.

Rock Creek Park ~ Twin Falls, Idaho

Stop # 2 was in the lovely city park next to the river in Twin Falls. We were looking for inexpensive and quiet and this fit the bill with the added plus of some nice walking trails.

Lakeside RV Park ~ Provo, Utah

Although just a convenient stop along our route to Bryce National Park, this did prove to be a comfortable campground with a friendly staff, hot showers, and a bit of a nature hike for all of us to get the cobwebs cleared.

Ruby’s Inn RV Park ~ Bryce Canyon, Utah

Oh, we know.. an RV park right outside of a National Park is overpriced and lacking in amenities and we can’t disagree. However, late October weather wasn’t conducive for us camping in one of the campgrounds in the park and with only one day we wanted to be up front and center to get in some sightseeing.

Riverside Ranch RV ~ Hatch, Utah

We headed to Riverside Ranch for a job interview. An intriguing call regarding their need for new managers was enough for us to make the drive to check it out. It is ideally set just miles from Red Rock Canyon and the entrance to Bryce and near the adorable town of Panguitch. As wonderful as the owners and camp are, the remote location was simply a bit too remote in light of our need to be more accessible to Jim’s parents. But, if you’re in the area, make sure to stop in for wonderful scenery and hospitality!

Casino parking lot ~ Ely, Nevada

A long drive west found us camping for a quick night behind the casinos in downtown Elko. No frills. No facilities, but free is a good price.

RV Park ~ Winnemucca, Nevada

I have to admit I don’t remember exactly which park we stayed at in Winnemucca. I believe it was the Gold Country Casino & RV. After a long day it didn’t matter that we were in a big parking lot of RV’s…there was a dog park, hot showers, laundry, AND somehow with a Good Sam discount our price came to just $10.18. THAT I remember:)

Scandia RV Park ~ Bend, Oregon

A long drive, including nearly running out of gas due to a headwind, found us stopping in one of our favorite spots, Bend, for a couple of nights. Scandia is a moderate camp but ideally located for enjoying all of the breweries and good food of the city.

Webb County Campground ~ Pacific City, Oregon

I swore long ago never to return to the campgrounds of Tillamook county (other than Cape Lookout) when they introduced lodging fees and lodging fee taxes on the dog fee. However, with Pacific City the site of Todd’s memorial and the ever-increasing prices of Cape Kiwanda RV we did end up here. Facilities were basic but clean and the location is great. The value not so much.

Seal Rock RV Cove ~ Seal Rock, Oregon

Seal Rock was the site of another possible management position so we headed south for a couple of days. This small campground doesn’t boast a lot of facilities but it is clean and well-kept and the views from many of the sites are breathtaking. Sadly, we couldn’t come to terms so we won’t be working there but make sure to check them out on your way along the coast.

Blue Heron RV Park ~Hornbrook, California

Our first night on the road actually heading south to Baja! We stopped in to assist with a bit of internet connectivity issues with the new campground owner and enjoyed a lovely evening next to the gorgeous Klamath River with wild horses roaming camp. A curious site set-up as the previous owner planned the park to only cater to Class A Motorhomes, thus the hookups were on the wrong side for our travel trailer, but for one night it was no problem.

Flag City RV ~ Flag City/ Lodi, California (Passport America)

We had stopped at this Passport America park heading north in the spring and the timing, and the wine was right to stay for another night heading south. Truly just a big parking lot, it is right off of the freeway with nice facilities and for $29/night with Passport America, not a bad deal.

Aqua Dulce Winery ~ Santa Clarita, California (Harvest Hosts)

Another great Harvest Host experience. As usual, we spent more on wine than we would have on an RV park, but they had just finished a BBQ cook-off when we arrived so a festive atmosphere reigned. After the tasting room closed we were alone to wander the vineyards, check out the petting zoo animals, and enjoy a quiet evening next to the vineyards.

Oak Creek RV Park ~ El Cajon, California (Passport America)

To prepare to cross the border, and get some work done, we headed to Oak Creek RV. It’s Passport America and good thing as their base rate is $100/night! The park is fine. Laundry, showers, pool, and close to grocery stores and RV shops, but sites are small and it is still spendy at $52/night.

LA Cetto Winery ~ Valle de Guadalupe, Baja

Back to the winery! Well, this is officially a Harvest Host, we’ve been staying here for a few years simply because they allow you to camp for free. As usual, we did the wine tasting, bought a couple of bottles, and enjoyed a fantastic evening wandering their bull ring and vineyards.

Villarino RV Park ~ Punta Banda, Baja

We had previously stayed at La Jolla camp, just next door, but in our attempt to scout out our upcoming stays with Baja Amigos we changed it up a bit. While the campsites at La Jolla are our preference with ocean front views, the facilities are certainly better at Villarino. Nice beach and friendly staff.

El Pabellon~ San Quintin, Baja

Not to be confused with Fidel’s El Pabellon, just to the south. El Pabellon is run by Maria, a delightful lady, and sits on a gorgeous and enormous beach. Basic but clean facilities and home to approximately 4 million intact sand dollars you’ll find while wandering the beach.

Rancho Santa Ynes~ Catavina, Baja

Another of our favored spots. Ralph was nowhere to be found (we found out later he had broken a hip and was in the hospital in the states) but another peaceful afternoon spent hiking the arroyo checking out all of the amazing rock formations and cactus.

Kadekaman Hotel & RV ~ Vizcaino, Baja

Yep, that’s right. We were back to THE best camp bathrooms in all of Mexico! Some additional murals have been added to walls and a new decorative front on some of the hotel rooms has been finished. A wonderful stay and fantastic shower experience as usual.

Coyote Beach ~ Bahia de la Concepcion, Baja

Of course, our next stop was El Coyote. We can never get enough of this splendid bay parked right on the sand next to tranquil turquoise waters. Fresh tamales delivered for breakfast isn’t bad either. They have even redone the drop toilet outhouses. Fancy!

Rivera RV ~ Loreto, Baja

Back to Yolanda’s for a couple of nights to clean up, get some work done, and drink some craft beer at Zipolate Brewing. Super tight and busy as always but with a freshly designed office/ laundry space, she runs a tight and well-organized ship.

Campestre Marantha ~ La Paz, Baja

We have always avoided this campground in the past. Not because it isn’t nice, but because the location right on Hwy 1 and not walking distance to anything has never been appealing. With our Baja Amigo’s caravan staying here twice we decided we better give it a go. There are lots of pluses. The staff is friendly, the facilities very nice, and the cafe on the corner delicious. It is a short drive to downtown, groceries, and Home Depot but we’ve always preferred to either skip La Paz or be closer into the Malecon. For a good, well-run camp, it is the best game in town.

And we made it! 22 stops found us in our second “home” in Los Barriles. After departing CDA on October 15 we finally arrived into town on November 25th and before we even discovered our campsite at Verdugo’s we were surrounded by friends offering up beer, hugs, and welcome backs.

This is why we did it. Why we continue to make our way down Baja. Five weeks and around 3400 miles brought us back to where we belonged.