June 27, 2014 Friday
We are now in Grass Valley, California. We have had a marvelous magical mystery tour of adventure. We flew into San Francisco on June 11th and didn’t stop until we got here, Julie half dead with a horrible cold and me exhausted out of my mind. Our last night camping was more like being in Hell than at the Lassen Volcanic National Park. We burned our candle at both ends down to the wick and what a lovely fire it was.
So we went from San Francisco to Marina where we spent our first night in a hotel. We checked in, had a 20 minute power nap and then went down to Big Sur in search of a campground for the next night. Yes we did get into Pfeiffer Big Sur and stayed three nights exploring the southern part of the coast and yes, OH MY GOD, it was mind-bendingly beautiful with sea lions, seals and extreme varieties of seaweed and kelp.
Seals may be cute with their little doll-like heads but sea vegetation is more the thrill for me. Translucent pink, greens, yellow, browns and white in a spectrum of shades. I could have wrapped myself in it and swam to the ends of the earth growing barnacles and limpets on my skin. This, mind you, is before we even had pot.
We went to the Monterey Sea Aquarium and were treated to the undersea wonders of the Universe. Been there, done that and yesterday I bought the souvenir tee shirt at the Salvation Army. Explored Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and dallied daily in coastal bliss, one site more beautiful than the last. Every day we said “it doesn’t get prettier than this.” Cypress trees are a new love of mine, bent, curving with long limbs reaching out in a primal embrace, old and wise they feel.
We were pleased and happy with our gourmet camp cooking. We are really getting it down and this time I was pleased with how efficient we have become, tailgate camping. One needs so little to have everything.
We have a small cutting board, one burner, a knife, camping cook set, two small plates, two bowls, and two sets of eating utensils that all fit with the cookware, a small bottle of one drop camp soap and a sponge with a scrubby on one side, spatula, slotted spoon and a small grater. We bring olive oil and spices and we buy fresh as we go. Aluminum foil, aluminum pie containers for charcoal roasting, pot holder and tongs and a tablecloth. We cook and wash up a whole meal with three bottles of water.
Comfortable sleeping is the key. In our tent we have a queen blowup mattress, two Therm-a-Rest pads on top and a foam pad, and flannel sheets. It’s good.
One gets used to being a little grungy, it fits being in the great out of doors. It’s a good idea to go to a hotel for a good shower. The campsite showers, $1 per five minutes and they are good but can be gross. Roughing is good all in all. There is nothing like sleeping, waking, cooking over an open fire, all outside surrounded by nature, being an earth being, the aromas of green life. We like this and it is a good thing.
July 3, 2014
We are home, it feels good to be back. Yesterday I awoke to glistening chartreuse walls in my bedroom, the light hitting some new dimension in color. I love my home. I was in my pajamas all day, unpacking, taking it easy, sorting and gathering my gifts for my sisters and niece.
We all met for dinner to celebrate Robin’s 50th birthday at the Thai restaurant and talked for two hours. It was good. We are planning Christmas together at Blue Springs.
I am grateful for the beautiful travel I have experienced. Be with me as I open my heart to love and light. Give me the opportunity to serve and do good in the world. I Love
We usually come home from vacation to rest up...
Just love Big Sur. The outdoor cooking , sleeping and showering reminds me of Cayo Costa but cheaper showers. Lorelei's spirit lives on through your posts. Thank you.