It’s less than an hour’s drive from Lone Pine to Fossil Falls, California.
The crew and I are on Highway 395 heading south through Owens Valley. Not far out of Lone Pine the wind increases significantly. By the time we pull over at the rest stop near Coso Junction, it’s a lean-into-the-wind job to cross the parking lot. Spike and Bridget are oblivious and enjoy their walk around, I guess because they’re close to the ground and, well, they’re dogs.
Not long after we’re back on the highway, the sign for Fossil Falls Recreation Area appears.
Good! I don’t want to drive in this wind! We cross the divided highway to get on Cinder Road. Hmm . . . What a poetic name for a road. Soon we pass piles of black volcanic rock.
What can I say . . . “Oh, look at the lava!”
Then we see a lot more black volcanic rock. A huge, red cone looms off to the left.
It’s red. It’s a cone. Okay, let’s go.
The washboard road takes us to the Bureau of Land Management campground.
Barumpity, bumpity. There goes my dental work.
Let me sum up this place right here and now.
You gotta’ love lava to love it here. As for me, I find lava boring. It’s black. It’s old. It’s jagged. It’s in piles. Seen one lava pile, seen ’em all, in my book.
Oh my. Two lava piles next to each other!
Now before all you geology-earth science types get in a snit, I’m talking about campground atmosphere. I’ll let the photo elaborate for me.
Bare bones here. Ground, table, fire ring. Oh, and lava.
The crew and I attempt the hike to see the actual fossil falls, which, by the way, do not involve water.
We don’t get very far. I just can’t drum up the enthusiasm to seek out a black hole, especially when it’s kind of rough for Bridget and Spike.
All in favor of turning around and going back to camp, raise your right paw.
Not to be entirely negative . . .
It only costs us $3 a night with our Senior Pass ($6 regular price). It’s quiet and private. Only one other camper is here, a guy with a tent somewhere over beyond that pile of lava. Or maybe it’s that other pile of lava. Anyway . . . .
And here we are from another angle . . . ho hum.
The campsites are barren, but they do have a fire ring and a picnic table. About five out of the eleven sites are suitable for RVs, three of which are pull-throughs that can accomodate large rigs. The campground road has a lot of pointy rocks so it’s best to take it slow. Fortunately, the ground is okay for paws as the volcanic rock is the consistency of small pebbles.
“Spike, look! Come over here! More lava!”
The internet connection is fantastic!
That’s the primary reason I paid for two nights here. We leave in the morning. Needless to say, I don’t feel compelled to post a tender, goodbye slideshow depicting the crew and me romping among the lava piles.
“Okay, we sniffed the lava. Now what do we do?”
I do recommend Fossil Falls if you’re crazy for lava.
It’s also a convenient place to stop if you get caught in the wind like we did. Sometimes I like a camp because it shortens the next leg of our journey, and that’s what Fossil Falls does for us!
A good place to blog, I do say.
rvsue
Canine Corner: “Aren’t I pretty?” by Bridget and Spike
Miss Bridget
“Hey, Spike! Look at the photo that rvsue took of me. It’s a glamor shot. Don’t I look pretty?”
“Um, yeah, you sure do, Bridge. I think you’re, uh, you’re . . . beautiful.”
“Do you really mean that, Spike? Do you really?”
“Yep, I do, babe. You’re the gal I spend every day with.”
“You’re not putting me on, are you, Spike? This isn’t a trick, is it?”
“Would I trick you, Bridge. Now would I?”
“Me? Play a trick on the Bridge? Bwa-ha-ha!”
I agree about the lava, gets boring. Hope you find a better spot for your next stop. Be safe and enjoy.
At least the weather was balmy today with lots of sunshine . . . and internet!
First picture I’ve seen of Bridget where she doesn’t look like someone is gonna yell at her. Your new camera takes great pictures. That doesn’t sound right since you’re actually taking them, but you know what I mean. In any case … lava ROCKS!
You’re right about, Bridget. That “please don’t hit me” look comes from her aversion to having her picture taken. Maybe she’s getting used to it.
Look at it this way, Sue. Not too many people get to see lava, much less sleep next to it! 😉
True. True. And lava is quiet. I give it that.
Love your blog…..I hate lava rocks too! Did so many years in that area I used to wish martians would abduct me. Outstanding photos you take. Eye candy. Still rolling on the floor laughing about Bridget and Spike. Their Canine Corner makes my day…………..
We’re on the road in our Casita now. Hopefully, our paths will cross one of these days.
Little Casita, keep on rollin’ . . .
The only good things about lava (we see it a lot up here in dormant (usually) volcano country) are:
– sometimes really big rocks can be very light and you can feel like Wonder Woman when you pick them up
– some lava tubes are really really smooth and look like black glass or toboggan runs
– well – that’s really about it. Otherwise, you’re right. It’s pretty boring and can be really sharp on puppy paws.
Better luck with your next site!!
Thank you for your efforts at helping me appreciate lava, Anne! Nice try.
Wow, not a tree in sight. Pretty sparce campground, but I guess the price is right. lol.
Cute pics of the pups
I should be ashamed . . . at $3 a night I should learn to like lava.
Have you ever thought about writing a chilren’s book about Bridget and Sandabar with them telling the story? I’d sure buy a couple for my gr. grandkidos. I love your blogs. And the pictues coming off that new camera are sensational!!!
Betty from Milwaukie, Oregon.
A potential customer! No, seriously, I don’t want to do anything that resembles work. nice compliment though.
Hey, good internet and nothing distracting makes for good computer catchup time. 🙂
We saw the different types of lava in Hawaii where some of it was being freshly made. Enjoyed that but now it’s been there; done that for me.
Linda Sand
You’re reading me right. The internet here has me caught up on a lot of web things I wanted to do.
Lava is very good if you want to roast a whole pig!! Heat up rocks, put ’em in the pig…or something like that…
Thank you, Donna, for a cooking-at-the-campsite helpful hint!
Dear RV Sue.. I hope you did take a walk around.. there are petroglyphs and other things to see, besides the boring black lava!!
I’ve seen a lot of petroglyphs, so I don’t feel deprived about missing these. We walked around (hence the long distance shot of the BLT) and saw some black sand. Maybe in spring there are wildflowers. Oh, I did see a chipmunk and two birds! What did I miss?
Hi Sue,
I feel bad – you’re surrounded by boring lava while I get to watch the cotton fields roll by, with cotton actually blowing across the highways. But I guess you’ve seen all that, lol!
Miss. Bridget is one of the most gorgeous poochettes we’ve ever seen – Trotters loves to check out her pics. Well, he likes the pics of Spike too, but don’t tell Bridget that part, lol!
Lisa and Trotters
Well, what a nice compliment for Bridget. Thank you!
Sue, Agree with you on the lava. Since not much going on now, could you fill us in on how your PTV is performing, such as mpg on different areas and highways. How much fuel can you carry?
Do you check fuel prices down the road thru gas buddy or what ever is available? Just curious and a little envious.
Thanks
Hi Bob . . . .If my memory is working correctly, the PTV’s tank holds 31 gallons. The last time I calculated mpg (in southern MT) it came out to a range of 12 mpg – 15 mpg. That was “mixed” types of driving – some stop-n-go,, long mountain grades, smooth easy interstate, some crosswind, and all the while towing the BLT. I’m pleased with those numbers. The manufacturer’s specs for the PTV are 17 mpg, I think, and that’s optimum driving conditions without towing, of course.
No, I admit I don’t do research on fuel prices down the road. Sometimes I ask the locals. As I’m getting close to needing gas, I notice prices in the area. I get stuck, sometimes, in a touristy area and have to pay more than down the road, but the peace of mind that comes from not running with the indicator on E is worth the extra dollars, IMHO.
The Miss Bridget photo really is a glamor shot! But the second shot of the two of them had me laughing out loud! Spikey is a hoot!
And yeah… the lava’s pretty boring! 😀
What I love about Spike is he lives life full throttle. Everything he does, he does in a big way! And little Miss Bridget is such a GIRL.
What’s the lyrics of that old Jimmy Buffet song about “lava me now”? Seems like you “lava me NOT”.
I agree, Bridget is getting more photogenic all the time. Spike better watch his comments.
Maybe even show some respect!
If Bridget would get over her dislike of the camera — I think she is doing better — I could show what a lovely lady she is, more often.
There are some petroglyphs down in the falls. That may be fun to look at?????
Petroglyphs? Fun? You need to get out more, Nancy. 🙂
lol you are sitting in my backyard! Not sure where you are headed next but there is a great BLM Campground outside of Barstow called Owl Canyon Campground it sits at the entrance of Rainbow Basin Natural Area. One of the most beautiful areas I know.
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/camping.html
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/basin.html
Let me know if you would like other ideas, I have lots for this area. I use to lead historical 4×4 trips in the East Mohave and know lots of places here.
Thanks, Nancy. You’re very thoughtful. I am headed for Owl Canyon Campground. Nina of Wheeling It blog recommended it. I’ve been looking for a camp outside a town with some services. Boy, that grocery in Lone Pine is good in many ways, but the prices are painful.
Great Minds think alike! lol I know you will enjoy it.
Anything may be a letdown after what you just experienced at Alabama Hills. 🙂
Let me be more specific…. Lava is a letdown after what I experienced at Alabama Hills. Ha!
Glad you escaped the storm. I’m looking forward to reading about your next adventure. Safe travels. 🙂
So you don’t like lava. Looks pretty cool to me. Yet getting good internet in the middle of nowhere beats driving in the wind. I think Bridget may be getting used to the camera.
Hi Gaelyn,
Lava is pretty cool the first 9 seconds. Maybe if there weren’t so MUCH of it, everywhere. Break it up a little bit with a TREE. Like I said, the internet and a break from the wind are big plusses!
Everything is beautiful…in its own way. It’s just that some things don’t “speak” to us as much as others. Enjoy the internet connection and move on to the next place.
Hi Reine! That’s what’s wrong. I’ve run into some aphasic lava.
I talk to my dog also. Isnt lava a handsoap
Oh, David! I get to show off my Latin!
Lava comes from the Latin word ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash.” I’ve waited many, many years for this moment! Thank you!
I would love to see the stars at night at a place like that. Here on the East Coast, there is so much light pollution I can only discern about 10 stars in the sky. It must be magnificent in a wilderness spot like that.
That’s one of the things I’ve come to love about the Southwest. Once you’re in the desert, the night sky is “magnificent.”
Sue,
This Comment has nothing to do with your posting today.
I just finished reading Dark Paradise by Tami Hoag yesterday. In the novel Marilee, the central female character, adopted a male Rat Terrier from the local animal shelter – and named him Spike.
Did you read Dark Paradise prior to adopting your first Rat Terrier?
That’s interesting! No, I didn’t read Dark Paradise before adopting Spike.
What internet connection do you use, Sue, and [if I’m not being too personal] how much does it cost?
I use a Verizon air card. I used to have a two-year contract for 3 GBs a month that cost about $30 a month( no longer available), until I got roped into a two-year contract for 6 GBs for $60 a month. You can read all about it at http://rvsueandcrew.com/2012/07/09/in-pursuit-of-a-little-battery/
Sue, love your blog and double love the Canine Corner!
Thank you, Cheryle… I’m glad you do!
Great post! Love when the doggies get a chance to speak their minds too!
Thanks, Levonne! Nice to hear from you.
Bridge–you are a real beauty, and, you, too, Spike–such a handsome devil. Love both of you!!!
I’m with you on the lava fields– just don’t find them very stimulating. Seen one–seen them all is my theory.
Hey, Sue, I now have a CA map and I am tracing your route. Gives me something to dream about. The Alabama Hills is definitely one on my list. How I loved all you great pictures. Winter is coming for sure. It was 57 in Sun City this morning but will warm up in the afternoon. Take care of you and the crew.
It was cold here last night, too! Not cold enough for me to put the heat on. Instead I put on two pairs of socks and my fleece jacket over my PJs to get through the early morning hours.
RV Sue, Enjoy your lava. We seem to have arrived in New England just in time for hurricane Sandy. We’re learning to boondock as we speak so we can stay warm in the storm!
Wow! Talk about jumping in the deep end! Good luck staying warm and safe!
You can make the boring lava sound funny. Bridget is definitely a girly-girl. I like how you caught Spike in the middle of his laugh. Hopefully you’ll find a place with some nice cool water for Spikey soon. He has to be missing his spa treatments by now.
Spike has assumed his Desert Dog persona for the winter. . . all the better to appreciate the soaks of next summer!
Hehehe…you had me laughing on this one. YES I too find Lava boring….totally with you. Things are good here in Alabama Hills, but weather is gettting chilly so you probably left at the right time. Time to be headin’ south again!
Nina
It was chilly last night! The great thing about the desert is the warmth comes back during the day. Not like northern NY where I come from… You get chilled the second week of October and you don’t feel really warm again until May, if then.
Hi Sue — Now you’ll recognize the lava in aquariums.
Got another uber scenic campo for you..Trona.. its on the way to Death Valley
“You feel like you’re leaving Earth and driving to a scary hidden planet with no means to survive. There’s nothing here. Absolutely nothing.”
It is famous for being a movie locale.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trona-pinnacles-trona
Ridgecrest has a normal Walmart, although abnormally never crowded. The horse corrals east of town are for the captured wild horses. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest/whb.html
Randsburg looks worn and lifeless from the road but I have been fortunate to know some of the colorful characters that made Randsburg a definite halfway-home stop for us. We miss Olga, artist Ginny Olsen and Cowboy Bob. Real chocolate malts at the General Store and dollar cokes at Olgas bar. And we drive away with another new story about desert survival. Ginnys pic is the 6th.
http://www.apug.org/forums/portfolios.php?u=31478
Oh, Rand . . .You are so good to post all this information with links for me. I didn’t read it until I had already driven past the places you mention . . . but more about that in the next post! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I did want to see those wild horses but it was too far out of the way from today’s destination.
About Trona . . . I considered going there but somewhere I read that the road might not be good for vehicles with trailers or something like that… maybe 4WD required… Anyway, it made me reconsider.
Ya,Sue, it’s sure th’ pits, i mean lava pits, no pun intend’d,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but th’ pups save’d th’ day,,,,,,,,,,,,What a crew they are
Our dogs make life good. Give Timber a hug from me.
Greetings Sue and Crew
I never knew lava was visible other than in Hawaii……………..I have learned so much from your blog. Nice campsite………….
Spike and Bridget…………what a darling picture.
Hi! I’ve seen lava at Sunset Crater at Flagstaff, AZ, and Kolob Reservoir at Virgin, UT, and other places I can’t recall right now.
Are you headed through Joshua Trees NP on your way back to AZ?? I thought I recalled you saying that. Anyway, you can either pick up I-15 south out Barstow to Victorville through Apple Valley and on to Joshua Tree’s northwest entrance and continue up to Jumbo Rocks CG. Or, you could go out of Barstow on I-40 to Ludlow then south to Twentynine Palms and in to Joshua Trees northeast entrance and then still Jumbo Rocks CG. I’ll bet you’ll love Jumbo Rocks CG. Lily and I sure do.
Hi Joy,
Yes, at this point I’m thinking about Joshua Trees NP. I haven’t decided what route to take. Your comment is helpful. Thanks for writing.
Jumbo Rocks is a great campground, hope there is a full moon when you are there. It is unbelievable.
Gosh, I’d better go see.
Now what is Bridget thinking about in that glamour shot as she stares into the middle distance? Her next meal? How slim the black lava makes her look? Marrying David Cassidy?
Nevermind. It’s probably best we’ll never know.
Justin Bieber! Justin Bieber!
Sue, There are “oasis” in the Mojave desert and Death Valley. With real waterfalls and springs. Just Google Mojave or Death Valley “Oasis and springs”. Great Blog!
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:00:04 +0000 To: jbarn49@hotmail.com