South to the Sun. Lake Cachuma to LA, Day 5, New Years Day,

It’s been warm since half moon bay. I’m thankful to have my iPhone 16 back and functioning thanks to the San Luis Obispo Apple Store. I have a dint in the roller for the canopy I don’t use. It was a fairly uneventful drive to Lake Cachuma..  I couldn’t find the Avilla Beach RV Campground in the dark but was able to give Madigan a run on the beach.  A little further on I stopped in a parking lot facing the beach and took him for another romp. I even sat in the swings, first time in decades.  I napped in the camper till 8 pm and set off again.  

At Lake Cachuma Campground there were not envelopes for late check in so I just stopped at a pick site and went to sleep.  I’d been having problems earlier after San Luous Obispo with the car lights and so many. It turned out that was rush hour.  Later it was easier especially because I found the night screen switch on the Ford GPS.  

I had had a coffee energy drink so didn’t sleep well at Lake Cachuma.  I remember looking and it was 1130 .  New Year’s Eve.  Not a party animal.  At 1230 I looked again and then slept till 4 am.  I was up and gave thanks for the year, the weeks, the days ,  I meditated and walked the dog. I was on the highway at 7 am.  

I was signing, Sun coming up and I’m riding with Lady Luck getting into Santa Barbara.  Warm and lovely seaside air.  Great sun rise.

Now I’ve made it to Golden Shore RV Park at 9 am.  I phoned and left messages and see that there is a vacant site till the 9th. I told the maintenance fellow that and he asked I wait in the parking lot till 1 pm check in. 

I’ve had a mother nap and read some of my historical Sea novel.  I walked him a bit and took pictures of the birds I can see from the camper .  Now I’ve made coffee and it’s 12:15.  I’ll wander over in a bit and check in.  I’m tired.  A break from driving would be welcome.  I’d like to take Madigan for a longer walk then take the Vespa off and riding into town for some groceries and also to see and art gallery.  

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I’ve checked in to Golden Shores RV Park.  Just as I was checking in Larry and Peter (parents of Bella and Luka) drove in,  What synchronicity!  They’d recommended it and left a day after I did. They first came over a decade ago.  

Peter and I walked the dogs.  Bella and Madigan were best of buds up north and now we noted how bewildered they were to meet

“Madigan is my friend from up north in the wet not Southern California,” Peter quipped for Bella.

Nonetheless they all greeted with little dog barks then happily went on a walk to the nearby park. We’d all walked many times together.  Peter pointed out the ferry and the Queen Mary and told me where the restaurants and shops were.  He’s a regular promoter and guide. The best natured person with such positive comments about his surroundings and people we know.  Fun to walk the dogs just like we did up north.

I have my Vespa unloaded and all camper set up with jacks, water, waste and electricity all hooked up. I’m not taking the camper off the truck. I hope I can do everything with the Vespa.  I’m planing on visiting Vaughan Market. Peter says it’s just like Safeway. I also have to get a mount for Garmin GPS for the Vespa.  Barrelling along on the freeways following the GPS I don’t know how I ever got about before them. 

Feels great to be here.  I’m thankful for the break from driving and arrival. I’m booked in till thee 9th and may be able to move to another site or will go onto Yuma as I have in the past or Rosario south of Ensenada.  Right now I’m ready to rest.  I’d like to take a ride on the Vespa leaving Madigan and returning with food so he is reminded of that before I leave him for a longer period when I want to visit a gallery or museum.  It’s cool enough here in the later afternoon he’ll be fine.  I just hope he doesn’t bark and wine but I’m thinking connecting with Bella and a nice walk has pacified him,  He’s calmer.  I’m looking out the window and see the tide is going out.  Peter says that’s the LA river across the way. It was hot at noon. I love the blue sky but there was fog and smog earlier coming into the city.  It’s just so peaceful here.  They call it ‘Tranquility by the Sea’.  It sure is.  Love the birds and flowers to.  Egrets.