I thought I would take a few minutes and update everyone on what I have been doing. It seems like the days blend together so quickly that nothing is very important, but as I think back over the last couple of weeks, a lot has happened.
My first stop was in Quartzsite, AZ to explore the phenomenon community of RV living. Every year, the area around Quartzsite explodes with snowbirds escaping cold and snow in the north to live for a few weeks or months in the southwest desert. I drove through the campgrounds of two visitor areas and talked with a retired couple about the requirements for staying in the park. It’s really quite an inexpensive way to live and ideal for people on fixed income. By the time I explored several sections of campgrounds the afternoon was slipping away, so I staked out a section of parking area in a boondocking area and stayed for the night. The next morning I headed out early for Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree is a nice scenic area within the Colorado and Mojave Desert, and I enjoyed the drive along unique boulder formations and colorful cactus displays. The Mormons named the Joshua tree. They thought the trees looked like Joshua raising his arms to Heaven. There is a beautiful place in the park called Cholla Gardens, scattered with hundreds of flowering cacti, accessed by walkways winding through the desert. I took a couple of hikes during the morning and found a campground later in the day. Even though it was a fairly low altitude, it got very cold in the night and I scraped frost from my windshield before I could pull out the next day.
Nothing on the West Coast moves at a slow pace. It is not a place to find restful activities or tranquil spots for relaxing. Even visiting the beaches at the Pacific Ocean sometimes involve traffic, parking troubles, and expensive admission to the State Beaches. Visiting the Los Angeles area usually involves trips to the wild and wonderful amusement parks scattered throughout the city, and I have to admit that I stood in line and became a kid again. For a few hours, and maybe my last time, I rode the cars, trains, and boats through Disney’s jungles and temples of adventure. It was a tiring two days but I probably got my moneys worth of enjoyment.
Don and Betty graciously opened their home to me and I enjoyed staying with them for a couple of days. I had a good time visiting with them and meeting Betty’s three daughters. Don and I went to the Getty Museum for a little culture on Saturday and then we visited the Ronald Reagan Library on Sunday. It was fun spending time with my brother, but I have to admit that one time at each place will be enough for me. The Reagan Library was a disappointment because there were so many exhibits closed for remodeling. On Monday, Don, Betty, and I will visit Universal Studios.
Don by Berlin Wall
Right now I am staying with Richard and Dianna as they prepare final arrangements for Dianna’s parents home and belongings. The idea is that I’m helping them box, arrange, sort and distribute a household of belongings, but I am actually so glad to be here and spending time with them that it doesn’t even feel like work. I will help them for as long as they need me. My plan this weekend is to spend a couple of days at Death Valley National Park and I will try to update more quickly this time. There are a few photos on my gallery.
We’re glad to get an update from you, and hearing about R&D gives us an update on them too.
Been wondering about you. Don posted a picture so we knew you were there. Glad you updated. Sounds like another good trip. Did you go Soarin’ over California?
I’m so glad that you are there. You will surely feel needed, and that’s a good feeling.