"There's gold in them "thar hills!" was an old western movie cry we frequently heard as we saw reenactments of the Gold Rush era.   The fevered push of finding gold brought men and women from far and wide across the country. Many settlers from the East risked all they had to find this elusive yellow ore.   They left the familiarity of home to risk facing the unknowns of the Wild West including rugged landscapes, mountain ranges, unpredictable weather conditions, outlaws, Indians, mountain lions, bear, and a host of other secrets to be discovered.   Like Columbus before his time, pushing forward, even fearing what lay ahead, they were drawn to continue onward, westward, feverishly seeking their promise land. The mysteries beyond the Rockies and the elusive touch of an occasional gold nugget kept them stirred and the gold fever unquenched.

The Gold Rush era of 1849, brought not only Easterners but African-Americans from the Atlantic states, Mexicans, Chileans, Chinese, French, Englishmen, Germans, Australians, Hawaiian Islanders, Filipinos, and others.  While this conglomerate of humanity coexisted, they would serve to foreshadow the Californian population which now exists.  Admitted into the Union as the thirty-first state in 1850, the diversity of mankind continued to multiply.   During these past one hundred plus years, California has emerged as a gold mine of a human trans-cultural state. The diversity of American culture in California is as unique as the topography and attractions the state has to offer visitors.

Rising to a population explosion of over thirty-four million and sustaining the fifth or sixth most popular economy on Mother Earth, did not come without a high price to the delicate environment.   Realizing that wealth lay not only in gold, but in the beauty of the desert and in the richness of the diverse landscapes, the frontiersmen were able to have Yosemite designated as a federal preserve in the 1890's. Saved from the scarring and stripping of mining, Yosemite stood as a reminder that if California was to be preserved, for the children of the future, men and women who loved the creation of nature would be the preservationists. Californians developed a special bond with the outdoors life and symbolized this bond by founding the Sierra Club in 1892, with the election of the club's first president, John Muir, one of America 's finest nature writers in American literature.

Today, with the onset of mega resorts, theme parks, and public attractions attended by millions of guests on a yearly basis, California still copes with the delicate balance of keeping the desert healthy and its tourist happy.  The golden state is one of the winter favorites for RV'ers. Called "snowbirds," many RV'ers travel to California as the fall season fades and winter sets in.  The Southern Coastline of California is a fantastic place to wait out the winter. One such RV resort noted is San Diego RV Resort. Located at 7407 Alvarado Rd, La Mesa, California, this resort is close enough to all the world class attractions to keep you busy for an entire winter! Plan to buy discount tickets for the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Qualcomm Stadium, go shopping in the Gaslamp District, see Balboa Park, experience Mission Bay, or relax on the nearby beaches just for starters.

San Diego RV Resort is a Sunland Resort consisting of 174 full service spaces. Each site includes 30/50 amps water, sewer, and coming soon—cable television! Pets are welcomed within reason (the usual dog or cat). Since the California area is so well loved during this time of year, you probably will want to call ahead for reservations and also check rates.   Planning on staying longer than a week or two? The resort does make allowances for longer stays. There are certain restrictions regarding the age and condition of your motor home, however, if you meet the requirements, San Diego RV Resort will allow you to stay for a month. Groups are welcome at the resort. Certain restrictions and qualifications apply.

To make reservations call, 1-619-469-4697 or email at info@sandiegorv.com