Presley and I left Wednesday heading for Las Vegas. It was for the 35th anniversary of the Special Operations Association. We traveled almost due east through Strawberry and over Sonora Pass and down into Mono Lake Country.

Thank goodness we have a large diesel tank. Diesel was $4.89 per gallon in Lee Vining – a true rip-off. I had decided to keep 60 mph (on the GPS) the whole trip to check for mileage. When we finally filled up at Tonopah, through the mountains we had averaged over 18 mpg which I didn’t think was too bad.

We stopped in the Inyo National Forest for an hour or so. I did some target practice and Presley chased squirrels who were very upset and told him so.

Dropping in down into Nevada I was looking for somewhere to camp. With BLM land on both sides of us (the TomTom shows BLM and National Forest) I decided to pull off into the desert at the next flat place. We went a couple of hundred feet from the road and stopped. I was tired. Presley had spent the entire day sitting up in the passenger seat or (mostly) looking out the window at the scenery. He had even gone for a swim in the Junction Creek while on Hwy 108 so he was beat also.

In case you haven’t heard SMBers will be gathering at the Valley of Fire for what looks like one of the largest events we have had.

If you can make it, post here http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6159.

Imagine broad, sandy beaches, secluded coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a craggy coastline with fertile tide pools and offshore reefs—this is Sonoma Coast State Park, one of California’s most scenic attractions.

A series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The weather here is often a chilly combination of wind and fog. During the summer months, the morning fog usually burns off to create pleasant, sunny afternoons. Even during the summer, however, visitors are wise to dress for the possibility of wet, cold and windy north coast weather.

We dropped in for one night after checking some of the beautiful coastline. The campfire was needed both for warmth and to cook our hobo stew packets. Presley had a great time sniffing around and there were lots of other dogs to check out. The next morning we stopped in Bodega Bay for some souvenirs and some scallops and were home by 1pm.

I am planning a major road trip – about 6,000 miles or so. I like the planning almost as much as going on the trip. With Microsoft Street and Trips it is pretty easy. I am going to figure out a way to keep that running while I drive along. Not up front but in the back somewhere. I actually would like it up front but between that, the smart phone, the zune, the gps, the scan gauge, the rear looking camera, pumpkin seeds, coffee, the dog – oh yes, and driving, it might just be a little too much.

But what I would like to see is an app to show me where all the Safeway fuel stops are ($.10 discount is good!) and where the VA clinics are (just in case the old blood pressure starts to go up.). I’ve got the Starbucks one, Gas Buddy, Rest Stops (although it is hopelessly out of date).

While I am thinking about it, I’d like an app that scrolled the words to songs as they play either on the smart phone or the zune so I could sing along karaoke style. Can you get a ticket for that?

From Mac McIntire, Sportsmobile Forum.

We will meet October 7-9 at Arch Rock Campground in the Valley of Fire near Las Vegas, Nevada. I will arrive on Thursday, October 6 and reserve a camp site (by placing chairs at the site) for anyone who lets me know in advance they will be there. If we overflow Arch Rock campground I can also reserve sites at Atlatal Campground which is a short walk away.

Valley of Fire is gorgeous and has showers and flushing toilets (even has hookups) in Atlatal Campground and vault toilets (no showers) in Arch Rock Campground (where I prefer to go and there would be plenty of room for everyone). The two campgrounds are a short (10-15 minute) hike from each other or you could drive to the showers from Arch Rock Campground. Camping is $20 per night with no hook-up or $30 per night for electricity (at Atlatal only). V of F is 45 miles (an hour) from Vegas but is not too far if anyone wants to go see the sights in Vegas during the day or night. Valley of Fire is away from the city lights and the night sky is filled with billions of stars.

Hope to see you there!