South to the Sun, Day 4 ,evening, Half Moon Bay, California

I’m here in Francis’s Beach Campground, Half Moon Bay south of SF and 400 miles north of Long Beach. It was an unremarkable long haul down I had to stop twice because I was zoning out.  The countryside was spectacular, forest and mountains.  Redwood Highway and Highway of the Giants.  Some Kich big foot site and a few other Disney kind of places .I expect the kids like it. I saw a herd of deer and think they were domestic.

I stopped at an outdoor 101 best burger drive in at Willits. It advertises local sourced beef and it really was a quantum leap better than fast food. Madigan devoured his burger paddy and wanted mine. He loved the real banana milk shake too.  

In Coverdale I picked up at coffee at Macdonald’s.  I stopped before SF spacey and ate a box of chocolate to stay a wake. It worked.  I had fond memories going through Marin county past where I lived in SAN Rafael years ago.  I didn’t take the Golden Gate Bridge but the Richmond 580 following my guide and knowing that the last time I went through the heart of SF with the motorcycle and Camper last year it had been tight on the little streets.

The 10 lanes of freeway driving at 100 km going across the Richmond Bridge to downtown Oakland takes a lot of concentration.  Glad to begin looking for an RV place before dark tonight.  What a great find here. I was able to search campsites and RV parks close to me on a vista stop and this was 7 miles away.  I got the last site.  Maybe tomorrow I’ll try to book the upcoming sites in SAN Louis Obispo and Long Beach.  I’ve done well with finding places and have enjoyed the freedom.  

I’m wearing down with the driving.  Soon I’ll be able to stay for a while in one place. If there’s room in LA Long Beach I’ll book for a week or two before going back to Yuma.  I’m still thinking of Rosario.  This place on Half Moon Bay is heaven.  $50 with electricity.  Electricity is all I need for the  Starlink and space heater.  I filled up the water and emptied the black and grey water tanks at the Eureka RV resort so I’m flush. It bothers me that the exchange rate for money is what it is.  I will pay more in LA. Location, location, location.  

The weather was sunny today and I stood waiting for my burger in Willit enjoying the heat of the sun.  Here in Half Moon Bay its even and windbreaker weather. Just glad it’s not raining.  Tomorrow I’ll be in the warm. We find half way between SF and LA it really becomes wonderful. I certainly appreciated that it wasn’t raining all day today, just a little fog and a few light short showers.  I’m here for the weather and God is giving me what I seek. Thank you God!

Another great day travelling and getting closer to the destinations with enjoyment along the way.

Madigan is such a good companion,  It’s also good to check in with Laura and family. I can feel a bit lonely.  

Vancouver to Tillamook, Oregon - First day Trip to Yuma

I woke up at 6 am and decided to head out. Sun would be up in an hour. I just had to detach the lines and climb in the truck with Madigan, the adventurous cockapoo.  I left the BCRV Park at 630. The alarm on my Harley Davidson Nightster special began to wail as I left the entrance. I tried everything I could think of to get it into transport mode, even putting my key fob in the saddle bags.  It just kept alarming, whining, lights flashing and screaming as I drove down the highway towards the border crossing.

Barnes HD at the Langley turn off was near the border crossing.  It was 7 am. I filled up the truck at the Chevron with the 2 $100 cards I bought with credit card points.

I then drove the little ways to Barnes and parked in front of service. I bought my first real Harley Davidson from Barnes. The Roadster which  Laura and I loved .  I drove her all over BC camping in pup tents in all kinds of weather .  Barnes was great for services.  The Nightster Special I bought new from Trev.  Trev Deely is great too but they were in the other direction from the border.  

It was around 8 pm rafter I’d read everything on the internet and studied several utube video’s that one of the Barnes service guys arrived.  He said he didn’t know how to put the Nightster special into transport because only one switch did both lights and normally transport mode is achieved by pressing the left and right switch.  Another service guy arrived and said, “I don’t know how the Nightster special transport mode works but you can take out the main fuse and that will solve the problem.”  A minute alter he’s back with a screw driver and shows me how to take out the main fuse , handing it to me and telling me how to put it back in when I get to Yuma.  I asked him if I owed him anything. “No just have a great trip and enjoy the ride.’   Typical Barnes Harley guys.  Living the life. A young service guy arrived and said he’d ridden down and back to Yuma on his Harley over a weekend and to have a great time.  

What a send off.  

At the border, I’d never taken a camper or trailer through. I had horror thoughts of the who thing being inspected and searched.  I had nothing to declare and my only concern was as I’d used the camper for hunting I worried 22 shells which fall out of pockets would be hiding somewhere.  

“Any fruit or vegetables?”  Then the standard questions, where are you going, what for, how much money , etc.  ‘That’s good , enjoy your trip.”  I think there’s an advantage to being older.  It was 930 when I left the border.  

Driving through the mad dash of Tacoma with 8 lanes a wonderful American driver honking his horn pointed to the back of the camper. I waved my thanks and  switching lanes made my way to the shoulder where I stopped with flashing lights.  The hook up between camper and truck had come undone with the cable dragging. I bungee corded it down and was was so fortunate to turn in at Coombs RV. 

Www.coumbsbrv.com 3052 Pacific Ave.  S.E.  Olympia WA 98501 300-357-6506. Parts, trailer and 5th Wheel Towing. 

They were fantastic.  The family owned business had the part needed and the young guy took apart the cable and redid the wiring while I waited.  I even had time to walk Madigan out back where he had his morning constitutional .  What lovely helpful competent experienced people. The cost was minimal and an hour pit stop at most had me back on the road , like an Indie RV pit stop! I loved the people.  Admittedly I was still feeling the glow of crossing the border and heading south on a new adventure.  What great service!  Given the night driving I’d later do they really were a god send. 

I headed south and enjoyed the drive to Seattle recollecting all the trips I’d made this way, in different vehicles, cars, trucks and   different motorcycles. I really was enjoying carrying my own toilet, bed, kitchen and table and chairs.  Madigan was content to curl up close to me and lay his chin upon my thigh.

I did really well until I got lost passing through Portland. I headed west to Seaside but second guessed myself and headed south. I didnt have a good map and my truck navigation system only worked with names.  I wasn’t even sure Seaside was right.  I ended up on this goddawfull twisting bypasss and finally stopped to buy a map but the gas attended didn’t have one.  

“Just go back to Brook something and continue on to Seaside.  I retraced my path and was on my way to Seaside again when I saw a sign for Tillamook. I’d seen that on a rest area map of Oregon.  So I headed through the forest park up to 1000 feet altitude and what they called ‘rough road’.  It was paved but called ‘rough road’.  I thought they should see the logging roads I take the truck and camper on.  But it was night when I left Portland and lots of traffic. I’d been dozy coming into Portland but with all the traffic and the twisting and turning roads I was hyped following #6 to Tillamook on the 101.  The  I5 has the high pass and the weather reports said ice on the road. I’d decided I’d wanted to take the coast if only for my joy travelling along the Orgegon beaches.  I still tear up think of my cockapoo Gilbert who lost his eyes late in life and was so scared bumping into things till he ran free on the Oregon beaches.  Being a sailing dog I’d done lots of beaches and remembered and was full of joy running about like a puppy again.  Laura and I were so touched to see his happiness. After that his confidence returned.

I pulled into an RV campground south of Tillamook.  It was dark and I just parked in their driveway.   I slept a few hours waking at 4 am rested before heading out this morning  I let $30 not seeing a night check in till I was heading out. I stuff ed that in the box having planned to slip it in the door. I left my name andd phone number on the outside of the envelope.  I had another 2 hours of night driving and then parked on the side of the highway beside a beach. I slept for another hour lulled by the crashing surf.   In the morning light i saw I was parked beside a side saying ‘no overnight camping’.  It has really only been a couple of late morning hours of napping. 

Now I’ve driven 8 hours to south of Eureka , 200 miles morth of San Francisco.  We’ve been eating egg McMuffin and Big Macs and even stopped for Fish at the Mad Norwedigan’s fish and chips plates in Port Oxford I love.  I’ve stopped a few times at different beaches and this little guy has delighted in racing all over and doing circles around me.  What spectacular views. It was hard going since Eureka looking for a place to camp. I’ve pleased with this .$33 for a campsite as part of the state system. I’ll be up early and leave.  It says I’ve another 12 hours to go.  I’m making progress. I drive all day with short breaks and only seem to do 7 or 8 hours of travel on the map.  It’s a long haul.  

Today I ve had the joy of listening to the audiobook, the Madness of Crowds by the most incredible author Louis Penny.  I read an earlier work of hers and love her writing and characters.  Audiobooks really help with driving. When I commuted I listened to grand rounds pod cast , being able to complete a family medicine, internal medicine, neurology or psychiatry grand rounds  going both ways.  Sometimes I’d complete 3 a week.  No surprise I was seriously up today and broad based in my knowledge.  I feel this Madness of Crowds books should be a bio ethics required reading re eugenics.

I’m going to get to bed and get some sleep.  Maybe read some B.N. Rundell western.  Madigan is already asleep.  What a great ride.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you!!!!

Driving the Mini Cooper from Eureka to San Francisco, Christmas Day

Christmas Eve we stopped at dog friendly Motel 6 Eureka. Eureka Christmas Eve!
While we were sleeping in the Motel 6 Jesus was being born for approximately the 2017’s time.
Laura and I slept in.  While Laura was showering I walked Gilbert and got us coffee.
10 am we got started. The weather was incredibly warm.  Fragrant sea air.   Heading south we passed through more Red Woods.  Then valleys of lovely farmlands.  California hills with dry yellow grass appeared. Laura pointed out the pampas.  It was terrific seeing palm trees.
Eventually we passed Marin County. So many memories of living in San Rafael, anchoring in Sausalito, eating breakfast in Tiburon. Then Golden Gate Bridge appeared.  I love the Golden Gate Bridge.  Passing over it, passing under it.   Sailing in the SV Giri from Vancouver in fog.  Sailing out from under it to cross the Pacific solo in winter.  I love that Bridge.  Now Laura, Gilbert and I  in the Mini Cooper were passing over it again.  What a rush!
We drove about San Francisco a bit.  There was just too many cars.   A line up of cars just  to get to Fisherman’s wharf turned us back.  I’d tied my sailing boat to Pier 39 so what more is there to do there.  Laura had been to San Francisco too. We began singing, "Do you know the way to San Jose? and headed south.
We kept on to Soledad.  We're here in dog friendly Soledad Motel 8.

Three Macdonald’s Restaurant pit stops fueled the road trip. Gilbert loves Macdonald's plain beef patty. Those MacDonalds staff were amazing, working so hard and efficiently on Christmas.

Gilbert liked the rest stop walks too, the international au de dog poo and piss.

I love the Mini Cooper. Laura loved the Hail Mary roof  handle.   While I was doing 65 miles on serpentine highways she told me the Mini's were rally cars. I loved driving down the  amazing California highway 101.

 Incredible!  Roadtrip! Christmas day roadtrip!

Gilbert’s Mini California Christmas.

We left our homes in the good hands of watchful souls and headed out on the road. All I knew is I wanted to head south to the warm. Gilbert, the blind cockapoo with the sore back, couldn’t be left or fly this year. A road trip was the answer.

Enter the new British Racing Green 2017 Mini Cooper with room for Laura and Gilbert to have their own seats.  Lots of luggage room. I even have a roof rack if we need more space.

Our break of dawn start had a departure time of noon.  Despite crossing borders we were able to make it to Kalama a few miles north of Portland.

Motel 6 is definitely dog friendly and very convenient.  We had Beef Dip, Salad and Chicken Nuggets meals in the room from the nearby restaurant. These were shared with Gilbert who was very pleased.

The Mini handled fabulously on the highway, a delight to drive. I miss my Miata MX5 sports car but don’t have to feel the mild guilt pangs I used to have  looking accross at Laura weighted down under Gilbert and excess luggage.  I will miss the convertible but the marvellous sun roof on the Mini ameliorates the pain of loss some.

I don’t feel as cool. It’s a mini touring car and reminiscent of what my father had when he was much younger than I am now.   Laura says a lot of Mini’s have  racing stripes because they are ‘racing cars’. I certainly experienced this in the Red Wood winding highway.

At the Covered Bridge off I 5  where I fueled up we learned there was snow forecast for Mount Shasta. If I’d wanted more snow I’d have gone hunting in the Queen Charlottes or skiing in Whistler.  I didn’t come south to face a blizzard in the high mountains.  Laura was insistent she didn’t want to experience again that ugly time we had coming down the Coquahala when the ‘climate change’ (weather person) made an error and we found ourselves in freak blizzard.

At Grant’s Pass we took the 199 south and were so glad we did. Great country driving. Beautiful winding roads through the Red Woods. Suddenly we were entering California.  We eventually came out at CrescentCity on the coast. I remembered sailing my 40 foot SV GIRI by this lovely harbour a couple of times.  This coast is amazing.

We turned left when we came To Pacific Ocean heading even more south on a terrific freeway that changed into a winding coastal road that at times had red lights for the the one lane passage before returning to a freeway..

I’ve driven it a few times in each direction but it was Laura’s first time.
“The Red Woods are huge,” she kept saying.  “I love the beaches, too” The surf and smell of salt air was delightful.
 Laura kept saying,”It’s so warm it’s like spring. I see people wearing t shirts and sandals.”
I loved seeing the seagulls. The sailor in me enjoys their company.

We stopped and let Gilbert, our blind dog, gambole about off leash on the beach. He almost ran into the surf but other wise had a marvellous .time knowing somehow from memory, it was safe to run on a beach, his little tale wagging and his legs going a mile a minute.

“That’s the best Christmas gift you could have given him.”  Laura said.  We so enjoyed watching him running and skipping about for really the first time since he had his last eye removed because of the hereditary glaucoma.

Back in the Mini Cooper I sped along the winding highway as the night set.  It was dark when we reached Eureka.

Eureka used to be a major hippy town.  There was still a huge neon Peace Sign. Humboldt County Sesame was the competitor to BC Bud.  That was back in the day I had flowers painted on my face while dancing in the streets of SAN Francisco. Now the town had Nutcracker showing in the main theatre and there were a lot of ATV and sports oriented stores.

We’d liked to have gone to church for Christmas Eve but this is Gilbert’s holiday and blind he’s anxious in new places. We listened to a Christmas pod cast on advent and Christmas and listened to Christmas carols driving south today..

Now we’re going to have an early night after eating turkey wraps from Safeway. We’ve found another  dog friendly Motel 6.  I really like the Motel 6 sta..

Merry Christmas.  Thank you God and Mother Mary, Joseph, and Jesus Christ.