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
and arriving in San Diego...
 |
| 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 ...
