Another Hiccup!

No set plans, heading to Redding to figure it out.

Driving from Klamath Falls to Redding we stopped at a Mt Shasta Vista and it was stunning! In Redding we gassed up and found a dog friendly brewery for a late lunch and to search for a place to stay.

I want to visit Lassen National Park, so I looked for something east of us. My request had been submitted via Harvest Host, but they were not replying, their listing was a restaurant. So I googled the town, which was only 10 miles away. We headed to the town and there was nothing there, literally! Then I googled the restaurant address and it was an hour and a half drive! I still hadn’t heard back and I could not submit another request through Harvest Hosts (bad planning for the app). I messaged them saying it was too far, no reply, then they accepted my request. OKAY, I’ll do it, a fancy restaurant, shops, lavender farm, it sounded lovely, maybe worth the drive.

Where the heck am I??

The drive took us through cattle ranches, on skinny, windy, scary roads then FINALLY onto a highway. And to my surprise no one was there and nothing is open! WTF. I pulled into the restaurant to reread the notice they sent, it said nothing about where to park. It said their ‘sister’ shops are across the highway, so across the highway we go! Great, there’s a sign…RV’s this way, I see RV spots and think cool, this isn’t great but it will do.

I am about to get Lambert out of the van, it’s been a long drive. A woman approaches us and says we can’t park here, they aren’t open. I relay that I am a Harvest Host guest and she replies, we don’t do Harvest Host anymore. Okay, but I received a message that approved. my visit. She nods, slightly and tells me I can park by the garbage cans (right next to the highway). HMMMM. So I move the van and thought to myself, forget this crap. I go back across the street to park in the restaurant’s lot. There may not be anyone here but at least it’s off the highway a bit and has a better feel.

I message the host saying I am here and don’t know where to park, no reply. Oh well. I start getting stuff out of the back when two cars pull in and ask if I am okay. They tell me the restaurant isn’t open, obviously. I replied that I was aware and am a HH guest, they replied ‘cool’. Then a truck and trailer pulls up and they all chat. I continue to get Lambert and I settled. I look out a bit later and the cars are still there, along with the truck/trailer. The truck/trailer combo parked to block me from the road, which I think was an act of kindness. Thank you!

One last rant about this evening! The scenery is gorgeous with lovely lawns all around us. And posted signs everywhere saying dogs aren’t allowed on property, even with a leash. My requests on HH indicate I have a dog, their listing says they are dog friendly. Time to go to sleep, tomorrow is another day!

Lesson learned- earlier and better planning!!

What is Harvest Host?

Harvest Host defines itself by ‘Unique RV camping at wineries, breweries, farms and more! It is a relatively inexpensive and the hosts do not charge you to stay there, generally. The first time I stayed at one was with Madeleine in February. We stayed at a ciderey (a place where they make ciders). Once we were settled we went in for a tasting and bought some to have later.So though there is no charge, they did make some money. We held 8 day old goats too!!

Some have hook ups or water that they may charge a fee for if you want it, or they may charge if you want to stay more than one night. It is easy (usually) and flexible and fun!!