Time to Go

Today is 6.9.15, a pleasing number. My son was born on 3.18.81 so I have always considered these multiple of three dates good luck. I hope so, because we are taking off again this morning. As exciting as it is to leave on another adventure, I am writing at 6 am because I can't sleep.I can attest that the birds started singing at 5:30 - but not at 4:30.

Prepping for this trip was easier than last time simply because we now know what we are doing and what needs to be done. As we traveled last winter, H and I developed a great rhythm for taking care of what needed to be done, quickly and efficiently. This has carried over so that packing and planning is fairly seamless.  I am also pleased to note an advantage to total home leaving means that my refrigerator gets cleaned several times a year. This in itself makes travel worthwhile.

Traveling in summer will be different in many ways from snow-birding. One thing for sure, especially once school is out, there will be more competition for camping spots, more people around (no parks to ourselves seems a safe bet), and higher prices for camping and gas. On the plus side, longer days, lots more light ...though if this morning is any indicator, based on my previous tendency to rise with the sun and sleep when its dark, I will be getting lots less sleep.

It would be nice to say that we are traveling lighter this time, but traveling cross country, even in summer requires that we carry clothes for heat, sun, rain, swimming and potential cold. Also, we are going to a wedding so party clothes are included in the mix. Now that we know how much time we have for reading we are carrying an impressive library of books to read and trade. We also know that it is fairly easy to cook great meals in the camper (Shelly in case you forgot). Once again I have packed the pressure cooker, and this time, mostly basics to be rounded out by local produce to be found at farmer's markets along our route.  (Mmmm lobster, raspberries, home grown tomatoes.)

My  art supply kit IS lighter this trip. I learned that in spite of my most creative intentions, I have little time and less focus for making art. My camera is my creative companion. The pictures I took last winter have provided endless inspiration for me and for my students.

Speaking of which - the time we have been home has been as busy and as full as my time on the road. I like this idea of interweaving travel and teaching, making art and thinking about the art I will create. Since I have been home my teaching schedule has been full, and my studio filled with work in progress. I hung a show of my own work last week, as well as a display of student art at MAC. I entered my senior's work into a contest, and got juried into a new show set for the fall. Not bad for three months. Now I will have some fallow time before I return in August to teach several workshops and prepare for the show in October. I like this ... keeping busy keeps me happy and focused.

So, to quote my dad once again ... We are off, the Captain shouted (and the oars began to leak.)

Wish us well .... and follow our adventures.  By the way, I have fixed this blog so that YOU (dear readers) can respond directly to me in the comments below (at least I hope so.)  Happy summer.

Solving Problems

Jan 8

The Boys at Sunset on Morro Bay Beach

It started right as we drove away from our lofty camp spot on Nacimiento Road – maybe related to the arduous climb up and brake straining trek back down. As we drove south on a windy day we began to notice a noise – wind like – from the truck, when driving up hill. Shortly, this was accompanied by a loss of power on hills too. Mechanical problems are not what we hope for when planning to travel and live in the camper. 

There was another, small problem too – while camping without service (electricity), we depend on the generator, and/or engine to power the fridge and the lights. During this time we noticed that the digital voltage readout had stopped charging.  This meant that without electricity, we were unable to charge second battery (the RV battery) that provides us with light and refrigeration. 

H (Car Guy extraordinaire) – spent several hours researching on line and determined that we needed a new solenoid to fix the problem. The generator, we also discovered did not work right either - roaring and spewing gas fumes. This, we learned required a new muffler, and the problem with the van seemed to be the catalytic converter. Oh, and one more thing. I dropped my I phone and smashed the screen. The insurance company would only send a replacement to a non-Apple Store related address. It was clear we needed to address these bumps in our road.

Taco Temple YUM!

So, we found an excellent RV park in Morro Beach – with full hookup and services, and spent a few days there, including New Years – ordering parts, having the Iphone delivered, researching Ford repair services and repairing the solenoid and the generator muffler.

Also,  enjoying the fabulous beaches, restaurants and shops in and around the area. The weather was quite cool, but still better by far than what we left at home. Morro Beach is right on the ocean, and famous for its BIG rock - visible for miles in every direction. It is also close to several other lovely towns further inland, and we took the opportunity to visit several. Is everywhere in California so beautiful?

On Tuesday, my new Iphone arrived, so, In spite of the motor noise and problems, somewhat intermittent, and with the solenoid replaced and power charging, we headed down the coast. We now had a Thursday AM appointment with Galpin Ford, in LA to fix the van problem, so we decided to take our time enjoying the coast while shortening the distance to LA.

I knew that there were hot spring pools just down the road in Avila. The day was glorious – hot and sunny. We camped overnight at a KOA next door to the springs, enjoyed a wonderful hike on the Bob Jones trail, and I spent the morning soaking in hot mineral water and sunshine. Then we headed out again - south toward LA.

H had found the perfect next stop. Carpinteria State Park, south of Santa Barbara. In Goleta, we stocked up at Costco and Trader Joe’s and headed to the beach.

We were unprepared for the STUNNING perfection of this park. Carpinteria State Park is my/our idea of paradise. When we arrived, around 3:30, the tide was out, the beach and sky spread before us under a perfectly clear sky. People were all along the beach, in the water, on the rocks, gathering shells and blissing out in the warm sunny air. Huge pelicans crashed into the ocean, seals lolled and dolphins swam up and down, and even did flips of joy. I wish I could do that! THIS place is what we have been seeking as snow birds. Paradise on the beach for $33 a night. 

I spent the afternoon walking along the beach – in the water warm enough to stand in – and everywhere, people stopped to talk with me. I photographed families, and even met a new friend, a woman gathering shells, with her two daughters. Each daughter had an infant wrapped to her chest, and several little boys clustered around (lucky woman). I learned that she too teaches art to children. We made a plan to meet in the morning and paint on the beach.

 Our camp spot afforded a wide open view of the setting sun – and the hour plus of afterglow time.  I could not stop taking pictures. Eating our dinner just feet from the sand, listening to the roar of the surf, we knew we had found a place where we want to spend some time, but first, we needed to get the camper fixed. So, the next morning, I made art with three other women, walked on the beach, and sadly, headed down the road. There was still a problem to solve.

 
 


 

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.

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 .

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.