Writing on the Road

I tried so hard to work/write in Sedona, AZ, but the RV park Internet went down, so I drove to the Starbucks by the Hyatt downtown.

The only Starbucks I think in the world without WiFi.

So I drove to another Starbucks, but a very nice homeless man sat next to me. And he smelled. And then he started playing guitar. Sigh. I left and found the Wifi in the RV park had come back to life.

 I actually have to work on the road to make a living. I write every damn day. I make a good living- contrary to what some people think. How else could we afford gas and booze?


Not on The Husband's social security check, that's for sure!

Earlier this month we stayed in Julian, CA and I wrote articles about tents and food reviews at the Julian Library. The old folks drove me nuts muttering while putting puzzles together and the small children were running amok, but then I found the ' quiet room.' Bliss!

When we stayed at our good friends fancy house in Scottsdale my office was a little fancier and very quiet.

Now I am in a tiny town in Apache Junction, AZ writing about a survivalist and traveling to caves in Kentucky while in the local grocery store.

 The average age here is 75, so not a lot of competition over the tables near the plugs. I did however witness two old dudes almost throw blows over who got to the electric grocery carts, but their caregivers stepped in to stop the fight.


Maybe I should write about that!

RV-ing is not an exact science. (Written by RTR)

One checks a website and counts on posted comments and then books a place and time.

 After an enjoyable few days in Julian, Ca., we coasted down the Banner Grade to our next destination on the Colorado River; Walter's Camp.

This is where the bad happens. 

We had been there many years ago staying with friends and enjoyed ourselves as one does at the river with endless cocktails and boating fun. I blame myself for going this time to the river without a boat. 

But what we found at the RV camp ground was nothing like we had remembered. On a rather stagnant inlet... with no river access... without a (real) boat. 

We should have known when no refunds ($40 a night) were mentioned upon checking in. Not to mention the endless 7 miles of washboard road off the highway to get to a concrete slab not even in sight of the inlet- much less the river itself.

So we moved on the next day caring less as to refunds. 

Luckily we know the area well enough to have spent quality time floating in the river at Palo Verde, and then booked a hotel just to get the bad taste of Walter's out. 

The river pictures show us to be not ugly...

So, we moved back into the motorhome. 

What you say, when did you move out? 

Well, we had a brief five- day dog caretaking job at the brother’s house. Nice- a very welcoming home. But we are now so comfortable in our small space that it was wonderful to take to the road. So to Julian and beyond we travel!

After spending six months at the beach, coming to the local mountains is great. The quiet is deafening. No freeway background noise or  train whistles - so one is alone with his or her thoughts. 

My thoughts are shallow by choice so I drift off to sleep easily. The wife, however, finds the quiet unsettling. Being alone with her thoughts without background noise will take some assimilation.

Beautiful days and enjoyable campfires find us enjoying small hikes, bikes, sunsets, and wine. Great to be traveling again. Catch up with you soon. RTR   

Goodbye to a Friend

A decade ago the wife and I tripped to Phoenix for a 50th wedding anniversary.

The Wife had known the family all her life, but there was no room at the inn. We were told that we were staying at their friend's home- which caused us so much concern that we pulled off the freeway a few miles from their house to have a drink.

My cell phone rang and it was Doug, calling to ask where the hell we were.

"Why are you drinking there when you can drink here?" He asked. We chugged our drinks and left for their place.

Within the hour we met our new brother and sister.

 Doug and Joy became our immediate friends. Doug and I bonded in those first few minutes. I really can't explain it any other way - but to say we became family that day. 

Over the years we were only able to enjoy each others company on a few occasions. Meeting and laughing in Huntington Beach. Riding bikes to Newport- celebrating his lovely daughter Nikki's 21st birthday at the beach...

 But that bond between us was rekindled the minute we grasped hands and hugged.

In my life I have been very lucky to have life- long friends from grammar school, but this friendship was made of special stuff. A real and true blessing.  

Tuesday morning, I started the day with what I call a 'rock and walk.'

 The morning was a typical Indian summer, the sun high in the sky and just the right temp for a good sweat. After cooling down,  I took a bike ride and noticed that the windy conditions were at bay. I returned home and grabbed my kayak as the harbor and ocean were glass-like. And the clouds ... magical! 

Just this last week we informed Doug and Joy that our motor- home journey  included definite plans to visit - so a " be ready, message as this entails serious partying was sent."

His text back was typically simple; " Oh Fuck. "

" No, really," we texted. We are coming this time, as former plans did not turn out.

 His reply again was simple;

 "Oh Fuck. " 

Then, with his uncanny ability to make you feel welcome, he simply stated, 

" We can't wait ". 

Tragically, my friend - my brother - passed on Tuesday as a massive heart attack claimed his soul. 

 I was out on the ocean enjoying an incredible afternoon and sunset.


 I now feel as if he were saying goodbye. He loved the ocean, he loved  sailing and was a truly good friend to those around him... even when not convenient.


 Here is my promise, my brother; I will never experience another spectacular sunset without giving you credit for bringing it my way. 



We will meet again Doug, but not yet.... not yet.  

Accumulation

It has only been 6 months since we moved into the park. What started as innocent hunters and gatherers - we made ourselves comfortable in our immediate surroundings, but it now seems somewhat excessive...

When one of the many plans concerning our vacation from our vacation- i.e. - the 30- day- move out, was to rent another storage unit locally when we already have a storage unit, indicates how much accumulation has occurred. Now, admittedly, the wife and I have made ourselves very comfy here in our space, and the "stuff " never seems too much until you have to move it.

The endgame is one of all the "stuff " going in many different directions. I would have included the local dumpster but the wife is more than reluctant to part with any of these so- called treasures. I want to thank those already willing to park some small belongings and also thank those unaware that "stuff " is coming their way.

You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad

-- Aldous Huxley
RTR

Logistics

The decision has been made; a road trip is eminent. 

The ball is in my court as a month on the road will test one's organizational skills. This length of time on the road presents the usual hurdles involving what to take and what to store.

Where I am a minimalist, the wife is a " maximalist." 

Let's  just use shoes as an example. I believe a pair of sandals, one pair of sneaks and one of hiking will suffice. The wife informed me that she would need one tote dedicated to shoes. I innocently asked how many high- heeled shoes she thought would be necessary for what essentially will be a camping, biking and hiking trip.

 

I think the look I received indicated at least two.

And so the fun starts with a decision on the kayak. Bikes, horseshoes, boccie, Frisbee, and football are all necessary of course. 

The wife is wondering how many football games might break out...

Making Plans

One of the major benefits of living in a motorhome is that you can make plans and then change them two hours later.

 "How about we go back out on the road," I ask the wife. 

She responds by saying, "Sounds good, come up with a plan." 

As the plan is formulating, four or five completely legitimate alternatives circle the grey matter. The most important factor is considering what makes the most sense weather wise. Death Valley in August is just stupid. As is Frisco, Colorado in January.

I have heard many say that the planning of a trip is actually one of the best parts of the trip. So, if that's true, the wife and I are literally living one of the best parts of a vacation on a daily basis. 

We must, because of lease laws, vacate the current address for 30 days and then we can return. So the options at this point seem endless. The wife and I are very much enjoying our, sometimes, hourly conversations about the possibilities.

" I'm no longer sure what the question is, but I do know that the answer is " Yes. " Leonard Bernstein

I Represent That!

Early this morning, our young neighbor in the RV / trailer park could hear our blender. 

" Making Pina Coladas?" he asked. Which is telling in so many ways. One is being so close to your neighbors it gives them insight into your life. It may be that you have made one too  many 'Coladas this summer. 

Our answer to his question was no. 

The Wife and I have decided to take some time off from summer cocktailing. 

So we flipped the switch, so to speak. 

I had been on a self- imposed quest to enjoy all of August because, well, life can be hard.

 It's been said that one either has a good liver or not, and has nothing to do with alcohol intake. I sincerely hope this is true. 

Anyway, I am not partaking for a time to be determined by my will-power.

Since we do live at the beach, people will drop by to enjoy our patio. But, the plan is to stay stead fast and resist all the liquid fun. Making me think that one should ask himself if it is necessary to partake to have a good time. 

I will keep you posted...

Back to Business

Last month's blog posts were brought to you by The Husband- who thinks he deserves  to celebrate his birthday for an entire month- like a teenage girl.

Pam and The Husband(on the right)  playing croquet.

The problem is- I indulge his funny, joie de vivre lifestyle- but someone has to be the grown-up, and that my friends, is me.

While he is at the beach sitting next to pretty girls and cute gay guys, I am back at the homestead writing articles. While he is riding his bike down the coast highway I am back at the RV looking for more writing gigs so we can afford to eat.

Those damn mai tais don't grow on trees, ya know!

To be fair, the only check that is regularly deposited in our bank account like clockwork is his social security check and pension from the Grocers Union- so I suppose he can run/jump/and play all he wants- but next year- can we keep it to a 15- day celebration, because I can't keep up!

Day 31 Life Hopefully Continues

When one intentionally overindulges, he should expect consequences. 

Because it makes sense, as scientists have said, that for every action there is a similar reaction. So my binging

should have created equally negative consequences. Happily, I can tell you that my overindulgences have caused  no negative consequences!

I had a wonderful day today. Final day of the experiment to enjoy something special for 31 days of one's birthday month. I road the rails to San Diego, had a ferry ride to Coronado, biked to the beach, enjoyed a new read, moved on to the 19th hole, missed the ferry, enjoyed an IPA, made the ferry, made the rails home where my wonderful wife invited me to a sunset drink on the harbor.

" The road to success leads to the palace of wisdom...  you never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough".  William Blake

Day 30 - West Meets South in San Diego

When I returned from Mexico, I wanted to get together with my middle bro. 

He had come from Texas, his new digs, ( I'm really sure this move was not totally his idea ) to see daughters and brothers and friends. As we had made only tentative plans to see each other, I went to Mexico for a few days, and when we returned he went to Temecula. 

Well, it's not hard to know who had the best of that. Not withstanding that border wait...

So, brothers reunited! We met at the BoatHouse on Harbor Island for a walk and talk. Lunch was tasty and the venue beautiful - especially for those who have chosen to live in Texas.

To his never-ending credit, he refused to let me pay for lunch, or the inevitable trip to the Bali Hai for - Thank you God - Mai Tais. 

My bro said he loved them and could drink quite a few given the opportunity. I will welcome him back.

 I loved the day!

Day 28- A Day in La Mesa

As we were close to the old homestead, the really old homestead, we decided to take advantage of the mother-in-law's house being empty. ( we called for permission ) I figured we could be away from the beach for a day. 

You know how that surf and sand get old. So I sat down with my light beers and watched all manner of sport while the wife caught up on her writing. Lovely!

Invited the favorite cousin over for late afternoon wine and snacks. Things were turning out quite nicely in good old La Mesa. Dinner at Por Favor with Cadillacs.  

I should mention that the town has a different vibe now. Lots, and I mean many homeless folks just hanging out. Nothing stays great forever, except Disneyland.

 Is this where I yell ' get off my lawn '?

Apparently they did get off my old lawn and moved to my current lawn here in O-Side. 

Houston, We Have a Problem...

Days 26 & 27- Buenos días!

It’s been 12 years since traveling in Europe and a couple since Canada.

Roma

 Nevertheless, these last few days in Mexico reminds one of just how uniquely different this foreign country is from all the others I have visited. The colors used in places such as Umbria and Provence are bright and cheery. They make purple and yellow look beautiful, but somehow those same colors- and every other shade dotting the barren hillsides on the way down the coast in Mexico- look out of place and, unfortunately, dirty.

So the resort south of Puerto Nuevo called La Fonda (should we really call it a resort?) is differently charming. That is to say, charmingly run- down.

However the very rustic beach- view room with a huge veranda just steps from the sand (albeit very steep steps – and a lot of them) is a great value. Food and service are excellent, and reasonably priced.  Therefore, the dichotomy of the coat hanger screwed into the ceiling to hold up the shower curtain is indicative of what one finds throughout the whole property. Of course, I live in a motor home…

It is true that once you have arrived to one’s Mexican destination, there is a tendency to slug Tequila. I actually resisted this urge showing the kind of grace and will- power possessed by very few of my friends, and myself, on all previous visits. See how I have matured?

And then, there is the Rosarita Beach Hotel. The wife and I decided to have one final Margarita while looking into staying there on the next trip. Compared to where we had been, it seemed like Disneyland!

 The total opposite of the poverty surrounding it. Once inside that arch, the atmosphere becomes Santa Barbara- like. And it totally hides the cruel reality of the two- hour and 45 min. wait in line one endures to cross back to civilization. An appreciation of this country invariably ensues. 

God Bless America, indeed!

So this is the question; does the value on the beach justify the wait at the border?  The jury consisting of my wife and I, and my bladder, - sans motor- man’s friend – says probably not.

As I have been telling you all, it's not easy being sleazy. It takes a great deal of stamina and courage to pull off 31 days of celebration. I'm heading to Mex. so who knows if I'll make it to the month end. 

So I slept in. !0:00 so I apparently had a good day yesterday. I did coincidentally run into a grammar school friend at the Del Mar concert. And enjoyed dancing with folks newly met and also those friends who have known me for too many years. We drank way too much wine.

I do recall ending the night at Jimmy O's where the wife put my name in the rotation for karaoke. 

Singing back in the day- before Diva-like personality

 And also picked the song. I have no idea what I sang, and I'm not asking. Because I'm a bit of a Diva, meaning I'm my own worst critic, I know for certain that it was not a stellar performance.

So rock on my friends, stay the course, put up a good fight, and all that!

So I was born in Egypt and cast out into the Nile... thankfully not! 

BTW- My future wife was 5 months old when this photo was taken.

I had the incredibly good fortune to be born in San Diego. And a more cushy life really could have not been had. A milk- toast neighborhood in the middle of white- bread America. 

Every advantage offered. I must have done some wonderful things in a past life to deserve all these blessings. Whatever the case may be... I will try to give back to those around me for making this life so fantastic. Love and Blessings to my immediate family and friends for making me feel special. 

Love to you all!

Oh... and another spectacular day in sunny Del Mar.

Day 22- Birthday Eve

The actual day before my Birthday. But as my wife has told me, " you treat every day like it is your Birthday." And that, ladies and gentleman, is a recipe for life.

Simply succinct.    

Day 21- Got your Fins?

Watching the World Body Surfing happening at the O-Side Pier this morning.

Old Guy Photography 101

 Ladies in the water working it. Guys swoopin- in. And this was the ladies age 35 to 44 and men 45 to 54. Then I really was humbled when the men's 65 and older 'dudes ' took to the waves. Holy crap, what have I been doing with my time? I need to get in shape!

Courtesy of Oside News

So I came home made a drink and went on a bike ride. I'll show them.  

Olympics over so perhaps I'll get some sleep before  midnight for a change. I know I could stream it, but I'm old- school and was kind of hoping for another bout of Bob Costas' pink eye. 


Anyway, congrats to all for becoming world class athletes. Hope every one of you transitions to a successful future...

Day 20 - It's the Weekend...

When the weekend comes around after semi-celebrating each day so far this month, it seems laissez-faire.

Friesland flag in the RV Park

 But the wife is asking what's up for the weekend? So something should be planned. Let's BBQ is probably not going to cut it. But it turned out  she needed to work/write- so I was off the hook and looking forward to some relaxation.

Well, not relaxation in the typical sense of the word. I went for a workout. A nice sweat and, of course, a long bike ride. 

Nothing special except for the shout- down by a handicapped lady to a woman whose dog was invading her space. The police actually came. Nothing like a little drama, especially when I'm a total bystander.

Aja & Julie- BFF's

My daughter came by with her gal pal and spent a nice afternoon on the beach. 

All is well in the weekend home space.

Day 19- One more time

It was revealed this morning that someone had forgotten a bag down at Campland.

 We only brought two bags, one being a cooler and the other paraphernalia - nice word and thank you spell check- that the wife packed.

Guess which bag was left? No man leaves a party without his cooler. Enough said.

 I volunteered to retrieve said bag as it would afford an opportunity to ride at the bay. After a brief stop and a Hi-De-Ho to those gracious hosts, with bag in hand, Shelter Island here I come. Wonderful day for a bay cruise.

I tried to find a better kayak launch for accessing Humphrey's concerts but failed. Now this might surprise you, well probably not, I found my way to the Bali Hai.

One and done, as my Uber driver was not with me... 

Day 18- The Zonies are here!

Our friends from Prescott, Az. have arrived at Campland. 

We invited ourselves as my wife has known Maggie since childhood. We did visit them 2 years ago at their house and had a wonderful time. ( Depending on whom you talk to... ) Her husband Bob and I bonded in the very best way. I will not divulge who had to crawl to bed.

However, I discovered that a headlight was out 2 days ago and, dammit all, had put off the repair. Thinking we might be driving darkly I had to fix it. All went well- even though the last time I did this, NASA called and requested I recalculate the angle of the bulb as it was hampering re-entry.

We once again enjoyed the hospitality of a campsite. Have you ever been to Campland on Mission Bay? It was a first for me even though I have lived most of my life in San Diego. This campground is a monster, a total money making machine, and actually well run. Our friends had a bay front campsite and the camaraderie with many of my wife's childhood playmates stood the test of time.

 Chalk one up for making old friends new friends.

Day 17- What's Up With That?

It started yesterday while I was enjoying the sand and surf. 

 A gentleman set up his camp right in front of me somewhat blocking my view. No worries as there was enough space. Sometimes I think it a bit rude to set up directly in front if there is a lot of open sand. 

So today as I was again enjoying the sand, the same gentleman set up camp directly in front of me. I did choose the same general area so I was not completely surprised, but again, did think it rude. No big deal. I could move if I wanted, but there was a bevy of beauties nearby.

After about an hour, the guy gets up and starts striking poses while glancing at me. Oh no! What I had believed was just a coincidence just became something totally different. There really are no coincidences. Nothing happened, no really nothing happened! Except that most of the surrounding people were giving me knowing smiles.

I feel like such a piece of meat!

Day 16 - A Regular August Day

Most of the after-effects of too much fun are hindsight and giving way to what's next? Not easy to plan something special for 31 days without breaking the budget. But then again, with the proper attitude one can find his way. 

After losing a battle with a goat head, I patched my bike tube and was once again on an adventure. The harbor has a lovely hue in the morning, and today was no exception. Sorry to see the boat for sale I had my eye on was gone. But not to worry, I could not afford it anyway. I did enjoy having a ' passing ' relationship though.

 I was brain wrestling with exercising or taking  a day off. 

In the end, found myself on the beach finishing 'Foreign Agent' by Brad Thor. Very topical and a decent summer read. 

Nothing special but definitely an enjoyable summer day...

Day 15- Even more relatives visit the TP

Started the day hosting the wife's half- sister and husband for breakfast at 7am. 

Brother-in-law

The coffee had kicked in and since they are quite enjoyable, it was a great way to start the week. We made a tentative agreement on the sale of the motor home when we upgrade. 

So a really great way to start the week.

Then off to complete obligations made to myself. That would be to cleanse most of the impurities self- inflicted over the weekend. A major sweat followed by a ride to Encinitas. Met the wife at the Union Brewery where light beer cleansing ensued.

It's important to stay true to oneself...