Am finally on the road.
6 hours to LA; another 2, I figure, to campsite.
Maybe a few shots along the way. Just a few.
Don't want to be held up nor arrive after dark.
Update...
Whoa! Have arrived Santa Barbara at 7:30 pm.
Nine and a half hours! And not at campground yet.
Another hour, I figure. No time to process pictures.
Sun just went down. We're in twilight. Enter the zone.
Map: Serra Museum
Everything looking good for evacuation tomorrow.
New spark plugs. Oil clean. Fluids fine. Tires all checked.
You take care of the beast and it'll take care of you.
Last minute items just secured. Time to hit the home sack.
Heavenly Father: thanks for the opportunity to get away.
The monotony is debilitating and I need to see the ocean.
Lord, be with me in my travels and bless this machine.
Help me to be a good witness of Your care and sustenance.
I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name.
Nth class. Only way to travel. Cook on the drop-gate. Sleep like a baby.
Beats sleeping on the ground, which I've done many a time in the past.
Nothing like waking up with stiffaplegia. Not to mention the storms.
Once, camped on hilltop in White Mountains, lightening struck. Frazzled!
Went to see my PA. Refills done. All systems go. Wants blood upon return!
Here's one of the more beautiful women in the neighborhood. "I'm here... on time."
Just about prepared except for laundry and final packing. Have been sleeping on foam.
Splurged last night - bought air mattress. Of course, means buying a pump too.
Hoping to get some hiking in. Mountain lion territory! Near the Reagan's old place.
And good walks on the beach, through Santa Barbara and watch the pelicans.
They hang out on the piers near the restaurants during the day, scavenging.
Come sundown, they waft south on a northerly breeze and dive for dinner.
Got a call from an old friend who needed a ride. To Casa Grande!
OK. I did it. Consider it a favor. And may the dharma make for stability.
And security... on the road to California. Have road-tested, I suppose.
Thought to take pictures of ruin there. No time. Back home in daylight.
An incredibly risky undertaking, getting on the road.
In 1919, Dwight Eisenhower took a detail of men across the country.
Sort of a test run for the lorries; goes to conception of mechanized formations.
Later on, of course, he was an impetus for the completion of interstate highways.
I've got Triple-A and think the vehicle is 'up to it' within reason.
Certainly is a long, straight shot from PHX to Redlands. Plotting.
Would like to take the route up against and through the San Gabriels.
Then follow the Santa Clara River to the coast and Santa Barbara. We'll see.
Things are moving along. The taxes done, just some other matters to clear.
Made an appointment with PA for prescription refill. Out of BP medication.
He's a former Army medic and we get along fine... I've got to face the music!
I blew off my last appointment (I'm almost invulnerable.) and he'll be miffed.
Getting the camping gear together is so much fun. It's stowed in three places.
Don't need much as I'm sleeping in truck bed. Have to find Primus stove ASAP.
Have my food ready. Need to do laundry and collect odds and ends. Simple.
Have determined route. Destination in mountains north of Santa Barbara.
All the coastside campgrounds were booked solid as of a month ago.
Usually I go to Point Mugu near Malibu. Carpentaria nice too. All booked.
This one looks good and near to beach. Hope I get ocean views at elevation.
Campsite along Santa Ynez River leading to Lake Cachuma. Got great deal.
In town before I get my gear together.Central Corridor. Suppose that's SRP water.Oh, great... I hope my plants survive me away a while.
And I'd better stop the mail tomorrow. Lots to do. Mañana.
