RV Squid

May 4, 2024

Rockets and Beaches

February 9 - March 11, 2024

We spent a month at Vandenberg SFB famcamp. We thought we'd give any snow a little more time to melt before heading north and west to California's mountainous national parks. Vandenberg is a huge base, and much of it feels remote, dotted with launch pads here and there.

During the month we were there, Vandenberg had five launches. Two were daytime; two were nighttime; and one was a daytime launch with booster recovery. What a show! The advantage to being on base is a prime viewing spot that allows you to see the launch pads. The public access viewing spots don't have that advantage, though they may actually be a bit closer when they aren't blocked off. The roads were blocked for the booster recovery launch.

The base has several beaches. One, Surf Beach, is accessible to the public and is an Amtrack stop. We toyed with the idea of taking the Pacific Surfliner just to see the shoreline. Beaches are somewhat restricted during snowy plover nesting season. Vandenberg makes a strong effort to preserve wildlife habitat. Judging from the wildlife we saw, they're doing a good job.

From the campsite

Launch view area

Remember hearing about those CA rains? Road closed.

Elephant seals

A big cat

One of many coyotes

Taking the Jeep ducks for a swim

Sticking the handle

Where Are We Going Next?

Apr 27, 2024

Mendenhall Museum Delights

February 28, 2024

The Mendenhall Museum in Buellton, CA, had a couple of surprises for us. The website says its a museum of gasoline pumps and petroliana. Well, it was that, plus license plates, plus racing memorabilia, plus, plus, plus, including mom's kitchen. One could easily spend hours there looking at all the signs. The tour lasts a good hour and a half, and goes by fast. The tours are typically led by a member of the Mendenhall family.

The first surprise was in their own little gift shop. No less than two jigsaw puzzles have artist renditions of the premises. The story behind the Springbok one is interesting. The Wheels Up one has been discontinued, but the museum has a couple.

The second surprise was the sign for Endless Caverns and the city license plates for both Winchester and Harrisonburg, VA. I'm quite curious as to how those items made it out to CA.

It was a fun visit for sure!