Our Roadtrip Finale in Gilroy, CA

We wrapped up our road trip in Gilroy, CA, the “Garlic Capital of the World”—perfect for garlic lovers.

The Road to Gilroy

After challenging coastal roads, we hit San Francisco traffic, and once we got inland, winding roads led us to our campground.

The best part? My son joined his Aunt and Uncle in their motorhome and witnessed a stomach mishap, Aunt’s heroic cleanup, and her socks stepping into the mess—just another road trip adventure!

A Night by the Lake

Our spontaneous stay at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park  was a mix of highs and lows. At $44 per night for electric-only sites, the price felt steep for just one night.

The winding road to the campground added a bit of stress, while Gilroy's signature garlic aroma greeted us along the way.

The scenic lakeside views made it all worthwhile, and spotting a group of graceful deer on our evening stroll felt magical.

A quick tip: watch out for daring Javelina pigs! Use the food lockers to keep your stay safe and stress-free.

Discovering Gilroy, CA

Gilroy has something for everyone, whether you're a fan of garlic, a nature lover, or a shopper. Here are some of the highlights that will make your visit truly memorable:


1. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park: Dive into a world of enchanting gardens and exciting rides suitable for visitors of all ages.


2. Garlic World: A haven for garlic enthusiasts, offering a treasure trove of garlic products and souvenirs.


3. Christmas Hill Park: Embrace the great outdoors with activities like hiking and picnicking in a scenic setting.


4. Historic Downtown Gilroy: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming historical district, perfect for shopping, dining, and exploring the town's rich history.


5. Gilroy Premium Outlets: Shopaholics will rejoice at the outlet mall, featuring numerous stores and celebrated brands.


6. Gilroy Garlic Festival (seasonal): If your visit aligns with July, don't miss the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, a vibrant celebration of all things garlic featuring delectable food, music, and entertainment.


7. Museums: Immerse yourself in the town's rich cultural heritage with visits to places like the Gilroy Museum.


8. Farms and Orchards: Experience Gilroy's agricultural roots by visiting local farms and orchards, where you can enjoy fresh produce and even pick your own fruits.

Our Farewell

On our final evening, we savored a steak dinner and a lively card game, cherishing the blessing of one-on-one time before the inevitable goodbye.

Through the ups and downs of the trip, it felt like divine blessings were raining down on us. Raising teenagers had made us forget the joys and trials of little ones, but we left with deep admiration for my sister and brother-in-law, who tackled sleepless nights and early mornings with grace.

What started as challenges turned into treasured memories, filling us with laughter. Embracing every moment, we proudly called this journey a success.

Hebrews 12:11 NLT

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Reflection: Shaping Character with Love and Patience

• Parenting isn't always a walk in the park, especially when you have toddlers who thrive on routine, play, nourishment, and rest. Witnessing their moments of distress can be heart-wrenching, but it's vital to understand that discipline plays a pivotal role in shaping their character, instilling values, and guiding them on the path of right and wrong. 

Time-outs, as we discovered, can be effective, leading to improved behavior and happier children and parents.

• One approach that worked well for us was time-outs followed by explanations of why certain behaviors were hurtful, combined with words that boosted their self-esteem.

•  It's essential for our children to know that they, themselves aren't bad and that everyone learns these lessons as they grow. Moreover, acknowledging good behavior is just as crucial as disciplining bad behavior.

• Our Heavenly Father calls on us to discipline our children with love and patience, just as He lovingly disciplines those whom He cherishes above all else. Through this discipline, He blesses us and molds us into the people we were created to be.

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father,

Life brings challenges, but we know You never promised it would be easy. Help us learn obedience through our trials and experience Your blessings.

Fill our hearts with love and understanding, as we recognize that our children’s struggles can lead to lasting peace. Grant us wisdom to discipline with patience, seeking Your guidance. May our children grow to love You, value integrity, and treat others with kindness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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