The Drive

Driving out 580 at 3AM on a very dark night/morning I pulled into Harris Ranch at 6:30 and boy did I have to find a rest-room.  Leaving the car I recognized the fragrant atmosphere from so many years ago.  The place is very different now looking more like Las Vegas than the Coalinga I remember in the 70s.   The waiter was delightful and attentive.  The food [corned beef hash, 3 eggs over easy and country potatoes] was excellent and plentiful.  I stopped in their gift store on the way out and bought a little bag of bones for Cali.  When I got outside the sun was just coming up.  I started back down I5.  Within minutes, visibility dropped to about 15-20 feet.  The temperature dropped as well; 22 degrees F.  As it got lighter I could see frost everywhere.  The ground fog continued all the way to the Grapevine so my speed was greatly reduced.  I reached Pasadena and made a pit-stop; the Harris Ranch coffee was really good.  Back on 210 I headed toward San Bernardino and beyond.  The sun was up, the air was clear and the sign said “Cabazon Outlets 10 minutes.”  Well, I needed to stop one more time before heading into Palm Springs and I was sure to find a nice clean restroom there.  Oh, look at all the stores!  I’ll just stop in a couple.  My back seat filled with deals I headed for the Regal Cinema in Palm Springs.  I picked up my pass and headed for Palm Desert.  Cali greeted me at the door and we waited for her humans to return from doing what they do in the desert.  We all had a lovely dinner [Gary prepared it all] and we retired early.  Today I attend the Gala Opening Screening at 6:30 followed by a Gala Party at the Museum.