Tourists

Our campsite in Watsonville has been the perfect place to spend Christmas. It turned out to be a lovely day for us, the first year we have been away from family, thanks to modern communication technology.

To celebrate the wonder of not being involved in any planning, shopping, organizing or decorating, and because I have managed to avoid hearing Christmas music in the malls, I added a red glass Christmas ball and two silk poinsettia blossoms to the camper décor.

I cooked lamb and rice balls and cabbage in a  sweet and sour sauce made with homemade cranberry ketchup, a delicious gift from a friend. For dessert, pastries bought at Kelly's French Bakery in Santa Cruz. Having dogs guarantees much walking, in the clear and windy afternoon, we explored a rolling park on Pinto Lake, watched kids playing with their new toys, and rented a movie from the local Redbox, Jersey Boys, which we enjoyed.

This morning is bright blue and cold, even some frost (bad for the local agriculture.)  We decided to stay another night in this convenient and comfortable rv park, drive down to Monterrey and come back at night. Having read John Steinbeck's, Travels with Charlie, I realized, when standing on Cannery Row in Monterey, looking at images of Steinbeck on walls and labels, that I remember almost nothing about that book and little about the history of this area.

I also realize I do not recognize many of the plants, such as this beauty. Does anyone know what it is?

The view from Monterey Aquarium is exquisite, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are total tourist attractions, and as such, fun. The streets, on this holiday weekend, were crowded with people from all over.

I enjoyed walking along, being offered samples of clam chowder from the different restaurants on the wharf. Trying four samples in a row, all delicious, I was struck by how different each one was. Luckily, I didn't have to chose because, with Alfie and Rosco as our walking companions, we chose a  restaurant with an outdoor area where the boys are welcome.  We had  mediocre lunch and a lively conversation with another family, complete with a beautiful black lab who was sitting in a chair at the table.

On the way back "home", along roads lined with artichoke plants, we stopped at one of three produce stands along a stretch of Rte 1. Each was advertising avocados, artichokes, kiwi, citrus, almonds. I am my father's daughter, I find these fruit stands irresistible. We bought all this. The persimmons are just the way I like them, dead ripe and honey sweet. The artichoke is huge.

Tomorrow we move on again. Now I am going to eat a grapefruit.

A Beautiful Day

Eucalyptus Trees

Beach at Santa Cruz

Today we are truly snow birds. The morning dawned grey, but quickly turned bright blue.
Santa Cruz was the destination; we drove along the coast amazed at the stretch of open sea, blue sky and beaches. This is the first clear sky since we left on this trip.

Our goal today was groceries, gas and propane, and goodies for the holiday. Several bakeries line the main street of SC. Q chose the French bakery. Lo and behold, next door, a charcuterie. O happy day. Baguette, pastry and pate.

After shopping (and what a great Trader Joes) we headed to the beach. The water was colder than I expected.

My foot

This morning, before we left camp, we had chosen and reserved (!) a campsite on Lake Pinto. This is essentially an RV park within a city park on a lake. A perfect location to allow us to enjoy more time in Santa Cruz and Monterrey, and is reasonably priced.

It is amazing what sunshine and warm weather will do for the spirit. The weather is just right. Not too hot, not too cold, and not at all like Oregon. Its taken 850 miles and 9 days but we finally have achieved sunshine (at least for today.)
Now were are at Pinto Lake Park, a campsite within a city park on the side of a 10,000 year old lake. The beautiful orange of the trees seems actually to be the result of the long term drought, and the pool of water surrounding it, the result of recent heavy rains. Certainly the combination of the orange foliage and blue sky reflected in the puddle creates beauty,


Rain after Drought

On the downside, Rosco got a tic at our last site. He, we have often experienced, has sensitive skin. It took a while to discover what was making him so miserable. This is the first time I have removed a tic, but read how to do it at the campsite registration kiosk (I guess it happens a lot). Icky. Now, he is still itchy and on Benadryl, poor guy.

This last photo was taken as the sun was setting - the first clear night. There is a fingernail moon in the trees. Then the stars came out. A really beauty filled day from beginning to end.



Fingernail Moon at Sunset

Heading to Santa Cruz with stops along the way

Today is Xmas eve eve. We have spent two nights at an unexpectedly beautiful KOA campsite - Costanoa.

Our site is in view of the ocean - a short walk down a hill and across the highway if we wanted to walk on the beach - but no dogs allowed  - so we walked the beautiful grounds of this place, essentially a full destination resort set on a hill over the Pacific among eucalyptus trees.

The place has horses, a garden, a fine dining (high-price) restaurant, a general store, a charming ranch house, hotel and more. Our site cost $66 once taxes and fees were added to the posted price of $50.

On Sunday, we hit the road around noon, after doing laundry. I spent some time at the Grace Hudson Art Museum, a lovely small museum and home of this California artist. The collection on view was of her paintings done in Hawaii in early 1900's, mostly of people. She is best known for her paintings of the Pomo Indians. The museum also houses a collection of baskets.  I had a tour of the early Craftsman style  house where she lived with her husband, (the collector) and painted.

Then it was time to move on. As we drove south the sun came out, the sky cleared and the scenery was green and gold. The first view of the Golden Gate bridge against the blue sky was awe inspiring. We decided to head for Rte 1, and drive along the coast. Such a beautiful area. In several places the view was total fog, others, rolling ocean.

As we started to look for an RV park, we soon discovered that they are not on every corner as they have been during the early parts of our trip. Many State Park camps are closed for the season, or closed due to drought. Several were just too expensive. Heading to Santa Cruz, it was getting dark and foggy on the Coast Road, so this KOA, was a perfect stopping place.

I was very happy to be stopped for the night, and in a place so warm and mild (though rainy) that we opened the camper door to let in the soft air. To celebrate I cooked an awesome pork, white bean and sweet potato stew in the pressure cooker, using many of the groceries I brought from home. In the morning, we decided to spend the day here, enjoying the sun and the view, and taking some time to reorganize and plan our next moves. Also, taking advantage of the wi-fi service to catch up with the world outside.

Today we move on again ... where will we go? To quote Q - "we'll see."

Avenue of the Giants and Ukiah

Started the day in Arcata, following the local guide listing to an irresistible location; the Brio Bakery and Café described as an artisan bakery. No disappointment here. We bought an excellent walnut wheat loaf and an epee at the bakery and we were directed to the charming café in the center of town for breakfast treats. Here we found a wonderful cooperative art gallery, lots of glass objects (read pipes) stores, a very hippie vibe and a lovely park in the center. Arcata claims to have the largest arts community on the west coast. There is certainly lots of beautiful art in the shops.




The guide also mentioned a mosaic house and workshop I had to see. It was just a few blocks away, a small appearing house on an ordinary street. The outside and throughout the entire interior, practically every surface (even the toilet tiled with pennies)  is covered with tile and pattern. Everything from the floors to a fabulous "pillow" of tiles that looks like fabric. It is also a bed and breakfast. We met the artist, her daughter and nice white dog. This house is definitely one of a kind.

After Arcata we headed south on. Rte. 101.

The decision of whether to travel along the coast or a little inland was made by the weather - lots of rain, storms and a high surf advisory complete with flood warnings sent us to through the redwoods following the Avenue of the Giants.

We camped in the afternoon in a park within the forest. Though the day had been bright, the redwoods absorb the light and create a dark, gloomy atmosphere, further darkened by the rain. The forest is intensely quiet and very wet (which is much needed in drought suffering California.) We walked along paths and over bridges among the trees, simply awed by their size and majesty. We saw no one else.

In our campsite (in the almost empty camp) I discovered this friendly protective bear spirit - guarding the trees no doubt.

Darkness came early (the night before the solstice,) and in the woods it was absolute. No moon, no stars, no light filtering in - we slept ten hours.

It was still raining in the morning. We headed further south, still among the giants and stopped at an Indian casino - thinking it might be fun on a rainy afternoon. In my opinion - NOT. This was such a depressing place - why would anyone spend time there?

So, on to Ukiah where we found a pretty ordinary RV park. It reminded me of a suburban neighborhood (which it is). We did have a great time walking (in the rain) to dinner, a surprisingly good  Asian buffet.

All this rain is making me very aware of the great clothes I have brought along - my red rain jacket over my awesome Columbia Sportwear vest was perfect!

Through the Redwood Forests

Day Three: Brookings

This afternoon is all about a be-here-now moment at Harris Beach State Park. We are parked on a bluff looking at the beach, on the a cusp between Oregon and California. We are just back from a beach walk with dogs, then lunch - fish and clam chowder of course, (does fish and chips count as Chanukah food?) and exploring the town of Brookings. It did not take long.

A Pacific storm has rolled in. The world is all in shades of grey and white. I am sitting in the camper, watching the ocean and the sky through broad, rain streaked windows, sipping hot sweet tea made in our little kitchen and listening to Mozart on the speaker system.

And Rosco is asking for a walk. It can’t be all perfect, but this is close.

We arrived here yesterday, from Grants Pass, driving through Redwood forests, crossing into California and back into Oregon. Though we had researched RV parks, (essentially large parking lots on the Port of Brookings Harbor Marina) with great views, we happened upon the State Park sign. Better.

This campground is a on the Nehalem State Park design, lots of trees, oceanside and good facilities. I plan to take advantage of the excellent shower before we take off again tomorrow –  $26 a night.

When we arrived at our camp site we had to wait for three handsome young bucks, with tiny new antlers, to move out of our spot, and watch us from across the road.

We spent the afternoon on the rocky beach and tide pool, and walking in the park. The weather was mild and grey. Though some of the rocks formations are in shades of red.

We lit our first Chanukah candle on our camping menorah. Sunset is 23 minutes later here than in Portland.  Just for this it’s worth traveling south.

After dark, several campers around the park turned on Christmas lights. It made for a lovely last walk before bed for all of us .  On a side note, I am constantly surprised that for some people, campers and camp sites are long-term homes.

We're Off the Captain Shouted

"We're  Off the Captain Shouted, and the Oars began to leak."

This is what my dad always said whenever we began a journey. Always when we left for the country, a journey of 100 miles. It seems a fitting statement as we begin ours. I realize I have no idea where this comes from, but it is certainly part of our family traditions. So ...

Day 1: 200 miles south on 1-5 brought us to Grants Pass at about 5 pm. We left around noon after a few stops - especially a brief Costco foray that resulted in the delicious aroma of roasted chicken perfuming the camper. We lunched at a rest stop around two - chicken and bread, and a walk for the dogs.

The day was perfect for travel - grey with occasional sun, temps in the 50's. Though we had planned to travel the coast road the entire way, it makes sense to head south and over the passes while the going is good. Though we planned to camp while it was still light, by the time we reached Grants Pass the sun was down and the rain had begun. We drove through the town, beautifully sparkling with Christmas lights and color, seeking non-ethanol gas that Q wants to use for the long term health of the engine. He claims it gets better mileage. Three stations later, we got ten bucks worth of regular gas and finally parked at a Good Sam rv park. It is the rv equivalent of Motel 6, but since we carry our own amenities, it was just good to stop and relax. Though rainy, I enjoyed walking the dogs and breathing southern Oregon air.

Dinner was leftover Pizzicato pizza (heated in our combination microwave and convection oven) and an awesome salad I whipped up, using the fine new cutting board surface Q has added for cooking convenience. The evening was spent searching our campsite choices in Brookings, our first planned destination. Then bedtime. We slept about ten hours. I think we need the rest.

Morning is clear and bright. And we are off again.

Letting Go

I am blessed with many wise friends, one of whom sent me to an interesting article by Arthur C. Brooks in the Sunday New York Times. The article, Abundance Without Attachment talks about what in the long run really matters to us. My favorite part is, "Collect experiences, not things."  This is certainly the goal of our upcoming journey, but the article also helped me to focus on the dual pull I have been experiencing as departure gets closer.  

Yes I want to go, I can't wait to leave, but I am certainly awash with anxiety about this very leaving. Thinking about attachment has helped me to understand what I am feeling. 

I am attached to the comfort of my home, to the familiar routines, to my family and friends and to the everyday, week and month activities that make my life so rich and interesting. These are exactly the things I need to leave behind (for now); the things I need to detach myself from. In order to do this, I have to head into an unknown adventure.

Why? Because though it seems counterintuitive, it is all this good stuff that holds me in place that I need to leave behind at home, so that I can discover the challenges, changes, new sights and experiences to come that I hope will create memories, growth and learning  to last a lifetime .

Has Bins Will Travel: Getting Ready part 2

Cat who hates to travel

As I mentioned in the previous post, after deciding what we need, the next question is how to organize all to reduce chaos and make it easy to find my pajamas or my sunhat. The redesign of our camper included removing a large closet and replacing it with drawers from Ikea. This redesign also allowed Captain Q to enlarge the tiny kitchen counter, and add some under counter drawer space.

Summer camper trials showed that though this was a huge improvement, the large drawers quickly became a mess of stuff in no particular order. So, bins were the next idea. We spent several hours, tape measure in hand, looking for just the right bins for each storage area. This accomplished, we began to sort our stuff into categories, and then into their appropriate bins. We fit these into specific spaces. We each have four bins for clothing - all summer stuff in one, warm clothes in another. Everyday items are most accessible. So far so good.

Food and food prep items are also now arranged in the bins and drawers, as well as in overhead compartments - according to type. Cups hang on hooks, knives are on a magnet. Pots and pans and cleaning items all have place.

I have a nice zip bag that holds all my art supplies; tools have their place. Chains for the van, and anything repair related are tucked under one of the seat benches. Bedding is under another. Everything dog is loaded into dog bins, medicines and first aid are handy. With all of this accomplished, the final push focuses on prepping the house to leave. We have rerouted our mail, stopped the newspaper, and turned off cable TV. Its mighty quiet around here.

My refrigerator is now empty, all items either frozen, distributed or in the camper fridge ready to feed us on the road. My plants (a minor jungle's worth) are gathered together in sunny places to make it easy for our caretaker to take care of them. There is a pile of food for our cat who is staying home, and the rugs are all vacuumed.

Lights are on timers, the security system is in place and cars are filled with non-ethanol fuel for over wintering. Everyone who is home watching and caretaking knows their role. Loved ones have all been kissed good-bye. Tomorrow we roll.

Wish us luck and safe travel.

Getting Ready

We are almost ready. We have the camper – Q (for Captain Quirk) has spent endless hours perfecting every detail for our comfort and convenience. I have spent my time planning and organizing – thinking about our needs for food and comfort and entertainment – and worrying about how all we need can fit into our small simple space. 

There is a lot to consider – but we are following my son’s excellent advice and preparing for any eventuality – and then trying to figure the best way to meet all of these possibilities with the least weight, cost, volume and effort.

Since we will be on the move, and traveling in winter – there is an endless list of possibilities to keep in mind. I worry about:  

Weather – Winter weather as we travel south can include blizzards, heavy snow on the ground, rain storms, earthquakes, tornados (what me worry?) and sunshine and drought. I can’t tell you how many well-meaning friends and relatives have shared horror stories about driving into sudden and unexpected blizzards, crazy driving, sliding cars ….

So – we are carrying chains - which we learned are required to go over the passes, extra fuel, good heaters, lots of food and extra water, warm clothing and bedding.

We recently learned something about California Parks - some places are full hook-up – meaning water can flow. Others are dry. This means limited water, which mean limited potty as well as limited bathing. So we will have to carry extra water – which equals extra weight which means lower mileage.

I worry about finances - fuel prices vary with time, politics and location. I worry about access to medical care if needed, I worry about the dogs. I worry about what it will be like to live long term in a small space with Q -

I look forward to eating -  on the road –what is available can range from gourmet to MacDonald’s –so  we have created a well equipped kitchen which I hope will allow us to eat and cook locally. And of course, will allow Q to have his morning espressos with fresh ground beans. I am depending on my pressure cooker and microwave/toaster oven to keep us well fed.

I worry about looking good and having the right clothes for every situation– I need clothes for cold, rain and warm weather, city and camping, museums and hiking. Also, holidays, social times and rainy days when I want to be cozy. And, I have to have the right shoes for all of these eventualities, plus swimming and showering.

And don’t even get me started about hair,  which brings me to towels and shampoo and makeup and hair dryer, and vitamins and prescriptions – and earrings.

And then there are the dogs – packing for them includes leashes, tethers, brushes, medicines, food (wet and dry), licenses, … what am I forgetting (I ask this a lot.)

And, oh, how about books and music, and my art supplies, camping chairs, tools – for the truck and random repairs, hoses for connections, cleaning supplies, All in our little camper -

Oh yeah - What will we do on cold /rainy days and long dark nights, or if we are stuck somewhere? – which brings us to technology

This has been interesting – to make things simple we are consolidating into one laptop and two Iphones.  This requires that we know about wi-fi and internet access and gadgets that connect and coordinate all. Also, to cloud or not to cloud.  Access will differ from place to place – and we have learned from a trip to the back country where there was no internet service and we had no idea where we were … not to depend on the internet for directions – so we need to carry maps as well.

I have created this new blog as a way to share our adventures with family and friends, loaded Photoshop and other photo software onto the laptop, loaded books onto my Iphone, changed carriers and plans, changed the way I stream video, and more. In our open-ended travel style, we will need to depend on the internet for ideas, suggestions and communication.

Clearly, becoming a snowbird is far more complicated than I imagined. It’s certainly not like the freewheeling days of youthful adventuring – like the times I crossed the country in an MGB convertible with a cooler, a stack of books, a sleeping bag and a bag of clothes.  As an adult the longest time I have been away from home is six weeks.  I have never had to close down my house, and I have never had to plan to shut down my life in one place, with no idea where and what it will be like in the unknown OTHER.  

Which brings me to an entirely new set of issues

Close down the house –

Cat care for Mishka who will be staying home

Turn off cable

Stop recycling and garbage pickup

Winterize house but keep water running for cat and plants

Empty freezer and fridge, organize plants,

AND

Organize all finances to be handled electronically. This has been an investment in time and energy to change things over –tons of phone calls and careful attention to what goes out when, how each company accepts electronic payments, when and how electronic deposits are made, and how and when we are notified. This step has been a true bonus - it’s really cool to see money arrive and bills get paid automatically and without stamps or mail. This is now simpler.

It is my hope that in the long run, after our travels are over, the simplifying that is taking so much effort now will continue to pay off in our at home lives.

As the departure day draws closer, there is still much to do, all of which involves eliminating extra things at home and in the camper.

More tomorrow.