WonderVan Adventures

Armed with warm clothing and our new Carsule, Dennis and I were ready for another adventure. Dennis’s coworker, Cheryl, recommended  Gualala Point Campground  (part of Sonoma County Regional Parks). Dennis found a spot available for Friday and Saturday night. Gualala Point is next to Sea Ranch on the Pacific Coast off of Hwy 1. Figuring it will be about a 3.5 hour drive, we scooted out the driveway about 1pm.  Sunset is about 4:30pm and we are trying not to setup in complete darkness. We stopped at a bakery on the way up for some cookies and then continued to our spot. The campground is located right before you cross the bridge into Gualala. It is tucked back in the redwoods next to the Gualala River. The sites are close together but situated in a way that you don’t feel you are on top of your neighbor. A ranger came over shortly after our arrival to give us the lowdown on the facilities...the host is on vacay, firewood is self serve and our campground pass gives us free access to all

One of the things that was apparent after our first trip besides our need of warm clothing, was we were going to need some kind of structure for sun or rain. We were thinking a pop-up canopy but then I came across something on Pinterest. It is called a Carsule. I was a little concerned that I didn’t see it on very many websites but I took a chance.  When I ordered it from  SocialStack  (with a 20% off coupon), the site said to expect delivery in 2 months but a week later it showed up.  The Carsule is a pop up square room that is supported by the back hatch of the van.  It can stand on it’s own as well which is nice when we want to go on a day adventure from the campsite. It has solid and screen sides as well as a rain fly. Here is the  YouTube video  about it. 

As I mentioned in the previous post, our maiden voyage was to Grant Park near Morgan Hill (Lick Observatory sits about the park). A one night trip to test out the equipment, we picked a place close to home that also had availability.  The drive up Mount Hamilton was steep, narrow and curved. As you reach the top, you drop in the valley behind and you find golden rolling hills spotted with oaks. We arrived before the 3pm check in and took a nice stroll in the valley bottom because there is no early check in.  Our walk was flat and easy. The woodpeckers were very busy storing acorns in the giant oaks.   The van and our build worked great but where we lacked in “equipment” was in warm clothing. It was cold and windy and we did not bring the right clothing. The rechargeable hand warmers that Dennis bought were a warm blessing. The park and campground itself was very nice. We had a great spot with no immediate neighbors. The bathroom was a quick walk down the hill and was very clean with fl