Scotts Seein America: Are We in another State, Country or Planet?

We have been in sunny southern California since the first of April attending a company conference. But we are wondering if we have landed in another State or Country? I usually buy water by the gallon and not the individual bottles, but I saw a case for a very good price at Walmart, so I grabbed them and proceeded to the check out counter. Since I purchased only a few items I quickly realized the bill was a little higher than I expected. In reviewing the bill I saw a CRV fee. A what? California Refund Value???? Well, come to find out it is a surcharge placed on all plastic, aluminum, glass and bi metal items that will eventually end up in a landfill. Ok….I guess that makes sense. The fee is reimbursed if you take the containers to a recycling center…that’s probably not going to happen.

Then one afternoon we were running late since we tried to make some stops during our 1.5 hour conference lunch break, but when the low fuel light came on we knew we had to stop for gas. So we rushed up to the pump, put in our credit card and was immediately asked for a pin number. After trying this 3 times, I ran inside and inquired why their stupid machine was asking for a pin number when I put in a credit card.

Well, I was informed they only accept debit cards..and NO credit cards. Shows you how often I use our debit card. We also notice you can not lock the gas pump for automatic flow, you have to stand there and hold it the entire time.

I guess that's to prevent a spill - another environmental issue. I'm all for protecting the ozone but when your in a hurry......

Welcome to California.

But, the Palm Desert area is beautiful with its wide boulevards, lush landscaping and mountain vistas.
We were pleasantly surprised after being so disappointed when we where in Palm Springs a couple of years ago. We had to catch up on our taxes, laundry and organizing our conference notes (while I could still decipher what I wrote) we weren't able to sight- see as much as we would have liked.

Palm Desert located in the Coachella Valley, surrounded by the Santa Rosa, San Jacinto and
the Little San Bernardino Mountains

Beautiful, lush grounds around the RV resort.

And some beautiful sunsets!

We left the Palm Desert area last Tuesday heading for Bakersfield, CA. Bakersfield brags a 300,000+ population, but we haven't found much to see close by. We did find a "pick-ur-own" family farm specializing in oranges, cherries and corn. We had a late lunch of Okie Fried Pie (Joan's choice) and Shepard Pie (Ron's choice). Bought some homemade Peach Preserve, Blueberry Jam and Marinated Asparagus.

Entrance to Murray Family Farms.

Apparently they are famous for their Okie Fry Pies, so I had to try one.
It was good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have another.

We did spend a couple of hours geocaching one afternoon. Although it didn't take us to any place too exciting, we did find 3 out of 4. Which always makes for a happier Ron. He hates when we go out for hours and find none. I'm trying to convince him the fun is in the hunt and not the catch, but he hasn't bought into that theory yet.

We like the campground we are in, which was designed around an orange grove. They even give you a huge bag of oranges when you check in! Some of the juiciest and sweetest I've every had.