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Published: September 8th 2008
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Alllll Byyyyy Myyyy Seee-i-eeeellllf
The last week with Randa-Roo was AMAZING! As with all good things, though, it had to end. We said our soggy goodbyes at the Oakland Airport and did our very best to remain composed...failing miserably. The drive toward Fremont, CA where I was to get my brakes checked immediatly after was strange. Losing the Lewis to my Clark was like suddenly wearing a prosthetic hook for a hand. No turning back, I'm really in this.
After the wonderful Les Schwab crew stayed late to ensure I had safe brakes, I forged south to Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel. The drive west on Highway 84 was something close to spiritual. Windows down, Silverchair blasting and me singin at the top of my un-tuned lungs as I wound though the Redwoods catching intermittent wafts of sweet Sequoias and the salty sea air only to be outdone by the sun setting across the ocean left me speechless! Praise be to the Creator!
Saturday, Sept. 6: Ye Olde Pacific Highway
Arriving too late the night before to see much of the hostel, I settled in with fellow dorm dwellers getting to know a bit about
them. A couple of girls on a spontaneous road trip, a woman on her way back from house-sitting for a friend. Exhausted, both physically and emotionally, I slept soundly.
In the morning I was better able to get my bearings on the hostel. It was set next to a lighthouse on a rocky point where Pelicans and other sea life were easily observed. After walking this stretch a while, I cleaned house (Ol' Blue) and started my cruise down the windey Highway 1. Because I wanted to make good time I limited my stopping only to gas and to view the elephant seals and sea lions. My timing was unfortunate and I was unable to book a bed at the hostel, so with the innkeepers reccomendation I camped in San Simeon. Good News: Her suggestion that I park across the street and hike in allowed me to stay for free! Bad News: The parking ticket cost me a chunk. Note To Self: Secure ticket before rolling down the windows on the freeway. Ooops.
Sunday, Sept 7: No Nude Swimming
Before leaving the San Simeon area, I took the advice of a former bunk-mate, Virginia,
and toured the Hearst Castle. Now, I personally had never heard of the castle and barely recognized the name of William R. Hearst, but the sights were magnificent! Talk about extravagence. I only wish I had the time and money to see all of it. Another time perhaps.
I decided to reserve a bed at San Luis Obispo's Hostel less than an hours drive from San Simeon. I've felt the need to slow down my trip a bit and take in the sights. This was a beautiful place to do just that! I went to Avila's beach just south of San Luis O. and soaked up some sun. After warming up enough I summoned the courage to get in sea. I don't know if it's just the murkiness of the water and the unknown of what creatures lurk beneath, or the way the waves seem to lure you out further than you have any intention of going, but I have my hesitations about ocean play. For these reasons I observed very carefully the way others were body surfing the waves into shore; the kind of waves they waited for, the positioning of their bodies, and how to overcome the
waves. I felt I was ready and gave it a shot. Not bad for the first time. I could do better. Correcting my technique slightly each time, I thought, "Just one more"...thinking silently to myself that it is always on these 'justs' that the shark attacks or rip tide grabs you. I pushed my fear aside waiting for the perfect one, and here it came. Positioning myself like the 8-year-old-pros I'd been watching, I NAILED IT! Swimming at just the right moment, gaining speed, I WAS HAULING...oh..oh no! MY SWIMSUIT! How did I not see this coming? Bending my knees quickly to retain my bottoms and ducking below the surf to recover without attention, I secured myself and stood...forgetting completely about my top. Yikes! A quick turn around and re-positioning, I averted eyes as I slowly made my way back to my peice of beach convincing myself no one saw a thing. It'll help me sleep tonight.
I most likely will devote tomorrow to driving toward Las Vegas.
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Jami A
Hitchhikers, naked swimming, ice cream...? My goodness girl! Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself, and taking time to enjoy Dad. Can't wait to hear more about it all. I think of and pray for your often. Love ya to wherever-you-are and back home again!