Camping Under the Stars at Cloverdale (Part--I I )

                                 

View of wild deer on the mountain slopes

                             

Luxury Camping Lodge

                               

Deluxe Camping Lodge

                               

KOA Camping Area

               

We are invited by our kin to spend two days in the woods under a tent along with their friends. We doubted our ability to adjust ourselves in a forest cut off from modern facilities and comforts. Further our delicate health posed another doubt. Yet we decided to go with the flow and were curious to know the experience of spending two nights in the forest. We had to take all provisions, tent material and equipment and also cooking gas, eatables and water in our vehicles. We felt as if we are going to a marriage function. Our lady members prepared dishes in enormous quantity and packed them neatly so that soon after pitching our tents we can have our lunch in time without further delay.

            

View of the Cottages

                          

Wooden Swing outiside the cottage

                      

Children's Park

                            

View of Vineyards

                              

Swimming Pool

                     

 The camping site is KOA (Kamping Grounds of America) located in Cloverdale, Sonoma County.  It is one of the largest systems of privately held camp grounds spread over an area of sixty acres. It is situated on a mountain ridge overlooking Alexander Valley, a famous vineyard place having nearly fifty wineries and cultivating different types of grape varieties. Our camping site is nearly 135 miles from our stay and it took nearly three hours to reach the site. First we have to book and register our names to go there. The hills covered with brown tufts of grass and clover on one side and the sea waters on the other side with many buildings all along the mountain slopes led us through the big city of San Francisco. We passed by Golden Gate Bridge as we took exit 520 off the main highway U.S.-101. We entered the valley region with many winding turns going up the hills.

 By the time we reached our camping site it was already past noon. The young team in our group used their skills and alacrity in setting up five tents for all the members to stay in. It took more than two hours in digging, unfolding and fixing the tents on the site. Meanwhile all refreshments already prepared at home by ladies with much diligence quenched our hunger and thirst. Though there are big trees all over the area it is very hot. We took rest in the tents for some time and later went out to watch people fishing in the nearby pond and took a stroll on the road flanked by forest trees and bushes. Surrounded by hills and dense green trees all around we felt quite relaxed and free. We went to the nearby country store to buy some provisions and wood. After having our evening tea and snacks we went to the children’s park and spent some time watching the children play on swings and hanging bars. In the evening again all were busy in cooking food and making camp fire. Here mention should be made about the culinary talents of our young team who excelled in preparing barbecue items, fried curries and salads. The food was quite really delicious and amazing. Later they sang and chatted right up to midnight. Tired with day’s journey we went to bed early and slept soundly forgetting our surroundings. The cool breeze and silence made us quite forget about electric fans and A.Cs.  As it was midsummer we did not see any birds. But early morning we were awakened by the sounds of crows.

 We got up early to wash as we have to walk 200 yards and make use of limited facilities available and also to avoid long waiting time. Only four bathrooms and two toilets are provided for gents and same number for ladies too. The authorities could have provided more toilets and bathrooms to avoid inconvenience to tourists who come here in large numbers along with their family. But the warm shower bath is quite refreshing. Most of the tourists make their own breakfast and tea. Here canteen opens only after 8.00 a.m. For early raisers like us it would be better if coffee and tea are served in canteen by 6.30 at least.  In the country store basic essential provisions are given including milk, coffee, packed food items and cosmetic articles. But yogurt is not sold. It would be better to include that item also. More things needed by tourists have to be included. 

In the afternoon we went to a mountain stream where children can wade through shallow waters and play there. Even elders were tempted to cross the shallow ford and enjoy the cool waves of the stream. Meanwhile we saw some people going for a swim in Lake Sonoma which is nearly 27 miles from the camp. In the evening we went for a stroll up the hilly slope to watch the scenic surroundings. We sighted a herd of deer grazing on hilly ground. We felt elated to see those wild animals from such close quarters and we immediately started clicking the photos of those pretty creatures. Our camp has been guarded by a wire fence to avoid forest animals intruding into our area. In one way they are provided security from human crowd also who may throw stones and disturb their leisurely, calm habitat. That night we had a grand dinner prepared by our youthful team members. Special mention should be made about one elderly couple who enthusiastically took part in all activities and encouraged us with their interesting tales and songs. In preparing various dishes the elderly lady showed her experienced skills and managed to arrange everything in time without wasting time. So we got everything we wanted in time and did not find any delay in having our food at all hours. Our young members along with their children got maximum entertainment and a lot of fun and at the same time lent their hands in preparing food and in cleaning the surroundings. I appreciate their team spirit and mutual co-operation in managing everything in a tidy manner without getting disturbed or irritated.

 The next day we got up early and after having our breakfast and cleaning the surroundings we dismantled our tents and packed our luggage. After dispersing from there we met again at Saravana Bhavan, at Fremont to have typical South Indian meals and later dispersed to our homes with loads of fresh memories about our friendly gatherings and the scenic beauties of Cloverdale camping site. Occasional trips to rural side and scenic places refresh our minds and keep us in touch with Nature augmenting our mental and physical health also. Our hearty thanks to the young members in our team who looked after us with meticulous care and concern so that we did not miss anything essential to keep ourselves cosy and comfortable.

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           31st August, 2017                                                     Somaseshu Gutala