Tuesday 14th May - Ready for the off - again!

Well, almost back on the road again. I’ve had a great time in San Diego, resting, enjoying old friends and meeting new people.  I guess though that doesn’t make for the most exciting blog and for that I apologise.

I though am getting excited again having just been out on the bike - again clean and shiny - for the first time for a few days to get fuel and pick up my newly soled riding boots.

Guess I should have checked them before I set off but to be fair they have had a bit rougher treatment than I envisaged. Anyway, as good as new now thanks to Sam’s Shoe and Boot Repair – in El Cajon. Sam’s long gone apparently and I’m assuming it was Tom Grosse who did such an amazing job – if it wasn’t I apologise to whoever – it is great workmanship.

 

As I start to get my things together I’m going over the amazing things I’ve seen so far – didn’t tell you did I, but I did see Elvis again and it was a bit of a shock – he is now obviously in his dotage but I didn’t expect the electric scooter….

 

And then there was the elk near the hotel at the Grand Canyon….

 

the craziness of Vegas

Could have saved Dave a heap of money!

and arriving in San Diego...

  

Thinking too that it is funny about greener grass isn’t it? Sitting in a cloudy, rainy UK it is easy to imagine the idyllic lifestyle of those in California – and it is beautiful believe me. But that is looking at it from a very privileged visitor’s point of view.  Living, working raising a family here is different, it is probably more outdoor orientated because of the weather and it certainly is less formal in all aspects than doing similar in the UK. 

It is though far more draining. HAVING to do those things in the heat and dryness – it’s cooled down now to a bearable 30°C (86°F) – is far different to having nothing to do but enjoy a vacation here.

Just getting out of a car in the vast supermarket car parks and having that heat bounce off the concrete at you saps your core.

Then, if you are of a nervous disposition there is a need before any activity to consider all the things that want to maim, seriously injure or kill you. Fires, Black Widows, Coyotes, Rattle snakes – oh I know I exaggerate but if you are looking after kids, not all that much.

Anyway, I’m leaving San Diego now, taking with me fond memories, fresh coffee just roasted and ground by Gary himself, a clean bike and those newly soled riding boots.

From Lee and Gary’s I have a slow – necessitated by staying with Gary and his trailer (for that read caravan in UK) – as we drive up to Pismo Beach just north of LA.

Gary’s trailer is  a 1967 Aristocrat which he has lovingly and totally refurbished inside and out.

I’ll get better pictures when it’s in its natural habitat in the State Park but you get a general impression of my shared “home” for the next 3 nights – as I said, he’s a very good friend.

We hope to meet up with Helen and Mark – friends from my home village on holiday over here. Will be good to share a beer – or three – and a barbeque with them.

Watch this space ...