How to Have a Successful RV Trip to Joshua Tree, Yucaipa, and Palms Spring
A step by step map of our planning and enjoying our trip
To escape the crowd, covid-19 and social distancing, we took our first RV trip.
Since the pandemic we had taken only one other trip and that was too Yosemite. We enjoyed it but being in a hotel was a bit nerve racking, having to wipe all down and watch everything we touched. Touring Yosemite was scenic and nothing short of amazing until a fire started on our last day there and all went from scenic to blurry. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the trip.
Six months had now passed and we were starting to feel a bit claustrophobic, in the house twenty four seven and the walls were starting to close in, so we decided we needed a trip somewhere, just needed to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of work and house work.
A toastmaster’s associate of mine, just happened to share that he and his family had taken a road trip with an RV, advised he loved it and highly recommended it for a quick getaway. He provided all the details regarding the RV owner that he utilized and we even got a discount as a new customer and he got a discount for future travel for the recommendation.
Fast forward, we contacted the company, Outdoorsey, Inc, checked out their prices and available dates. We had wanted to go for our anniversary in February around Valentine’s day but all was booked up for three days and therefore we settle for March. Made the reservation and later a conflict arouse and we had to change the dates to mid March. After this another conflict arose but I refused to change the date and we worked out our conflict.
After making the reservations, it seemed so far off and as life would have it things started to disrupt our lives and I wanted to cancel but my husband refused and now I can truly say that I am glad he refused to cancel.
Time came sooner than later and the day had come to get ready for the trip. I was excited and nervous. The owner contacted us for an hour walk through before leaving for our trip. I thought an hour was a bit long for a walk through of a RV. What could be so complicated? During the walkthrough, it was so much too learn and my brain was on overload that I almost didn’t want to take the trip after all but pursued and learned as much as I could. I figured between my husband and myself, together we should be able to manage and support each other with a vehicle that now looked bigger than life. After the walkthrough, having the keys in hand, preparing to leave the following day, my husband advised he was a bit overwhelm also.
Returned home, finished packing and early to bed for an early 6:00 AM start and by 7:00 after packing up the RV, we were on the road to Joshua Tree. No sooner than we left the owner’s location with the RV, my husband turned the first corner like he’d turn when driving his little car. I panic and demanded him to slow down and be aware of what he was now driving and he complied. On the road, I monitored the speedometer as the RV rattle with much noise. Later, I discover the noise was from hangers in the closet and regular noises that are naturally apart of an RV, especially with all the cabinet spaces and most filled to capacity with items of convenience supplied by the owner.
All went well and three hours later, we arrived in Joshua Tree. What a relief, we made it. In route to the park, I spotted this cute little shop,” The Hippie Feed Store” with a large rooster in front and just had to visit, so we stop and went in. Meet this very interesting lady who worked there. She was quite the talker, not too many visitors I presumed.
As a feed store, they also supplied grain for the farmers and was raising baby chickens. See below.
By now we are starting to enjoy our decision, after our first stop at this cute little country feed store. I purchased an antique looking clock, took some pictures and on the road to Joshua Park. Decided to take some photos of the RV’s interior at the request of many friends on social media. Below are pics of the interior cabin, a home on wheels was nice, no time constraints like a hotel and didn’t have to worry about wiping things down and being around others considering the pandemic.
Our second stop was at the small town souvenirs and tourist’s shop directly across the street from the visitors’ center and a thrift store, that we visited both. See below. There was a line to get in and they adhered to the social distancing rules.
After leaving the visitors center, the tour guide advised us to take a back road to Joshua Park to avoid the traffic, we did and she was so right. All the traffic went in the opposite direction as we toured Joshua Park with much excitement and delight as we hopped off and on to take pictures and walk around. This sights were breathtaking and nothing short of amazing. Below is Joshua Park: See the Joshua Tree
Observing all the infinite numbers of monumental mountains, super large enormous rocks aka the Jumbo Rock Park, the Joshua trees in all their splendor everywhere, and the countryside look as God had intended, and not manipulated by man and his greed to destroy nature for economics. Thank God it was and is a National Park where man’s hands are off. Its beauty shall remain forever or until God changes it.
We are being wowed by the seconds and then suddenly, there was hail falling all around us for a good thirty minutes. Yes, I became concerned about my husband driving in the snow as we, both, kept a positive outlook and continued our trip as planned enjoying the hale and all. After hailing, then we got snow, serious snow. By now, we are amazed with the beauty of the snow on the trees, mountains and rocks, but the temperature dropped drastically and after awhile, I stopped jumping out to take pictures of the scenery but my husband was determined to capture all the beauty of it he could, and did as I watched from the passenger seat. It was now frigid, my hands and feet were freezing. Again, keeping a positive attitude, we decided it is what it is, yet in spite of the elements of the weathers, enjoyed all in its totality, almost childlike. Joshua Park with snow. See the photos below.
After touring Joshua Park, we parked at one location and had dinner in the RV. That was pretty cool as we watched the people going and coming to the sites. After dinner, it was time to head to the RV Park because you had to check in by 7:00PM. On our way there, I spotted a few small shops along the road, we pulled over and walked around a bit, then on the road again, as I spotted the Dollar Store and wanted to go in to see what snacks we could get for the evening. By now and for sure, thirty minutes later we arrived at the RV Park where we had made reservations to hook up to their gas, electricity and sewage. Note, as we arrived, I hoped to remember the process that the owner had taught us the day before. After arriving, checking in, and parking, my husband proceeded to do all the hookups as I held the flashlight and was clueless as I realized by watching him that I had forgotten most of what the owner had explained but thank God my husband took to it like a duck in water.
The RV and Campground was designed to accommodate tourists. It had all the accommodations that a tourist would need from the hookup area, picnic area with fire pits, and the surrounding grounds that was designed with community in mind. There was a pond, art theatre, sculptures, artifacts, amphitheater, plants, birds, ducks, and much more to behold. We spent a few hours admiring all the beauty in its finest in this RV park. See below:
Now the time as come to leave this area, we headed toward Palms Springs as I spotted what looked like a flea market with little boutique stores all up and down the street. As you guessed it, we stop and walk from one end of the street and down the other side of the street enjoying all the little unique stores with all types of clothing, used and new, and much nostalgic memorabilia. This took about a couple of hours, then back to the RV where we had dinner, set a few minutes and then onto Palms Springs.
Arrived at another RV Park, parked the RV for the night, hooked all the essentials up, walked around the area, had a snack, watched a little television and then off to bed. See the photos at the bottom. Checkout was at 11:00Am, we showered, had breakfast and off we went. This RV Park unlike the other where we park was tight to drive through but after a few tries my husband managed as I navigated via the back window of the RV. On our way back home, we had planned to spend some time in Palm Springs where I spotted a casino. We parked and off to discover the area we went. First was the casino, no gambling for us, then onto the main street where there were tons of restaurants, people packed with and without masks, and lots of shopping stores. My husband bought me a couple of items to wear. We spent a few hours there and the weather was as sunny as can be. We went from shivering with jackets and sneakers to no jackets and flip flops. Go figure nature. We enjoyed the variety in the weather all in three days.
Below are photos as we spend time in the Aqua Caliente Casino, had a little snack and then onto the main street that was packed with stores, restaurants and people. See below:
Palms Spring RV Park:
Joshua Park town’s weekend flea market and boutiques stores
In conclusion, I high recommend RV traveling for families, couples, or friends for a quick get away and enjoy all the amenities of home in doing so.
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