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Dirt Road and Tears

For Thursday December 14, 2017

Hwy. 5 going to Bahia de los Angeles turns into a dirt road for about 20 miles with forks in the road and no clear signs. I went with my gut on which fork to take. The car behind me seemed to have faith in my choices. Luckily the forks got us onto paved highway eventually. It was slow going. Thankfully, I had downloaded a few podcasts to keep me company. The Moth Radio Hour, The Vietnam War was next in the queue on my play next list. Any chance of feeling sorry for myself or a bit afraid of this unknown territory of a dirt road in the middle of Mexico was erased. As I listened to each story and what these people had endured, I was taken back to this era. The entire time, thinking of my older brother, and the devastating events he witnessed and more as a lieutenant leading his platoon in combat. Crying almost hysterically, I bumped along.

Back on a paved highway 5, I turned east towards Bahia. Found a sweet spot to camp at Campo Archelon for $8. (Very nice to have recycling and compost on the premises) I camped next to a nice Canadian family and felt very safe. I was tired from the drive and tears on the dirt road. Before bed, I drove into town for a bite to eat at Costa del Sol Hotel and Restaurant. The fish was delicious and the broccoli soup served before was to die for. With a full tummy, I drove back to camp just in time for a sunset viewing. Without internet or cell service there wasn’t much else left to do but settle in for some reading and sleep. Didn’t sleep great but woke up an amazing sun rise, birds and more. Stayed tuned because the drive on Friday is an adventure for sure!

Highway 5

Sunset from Camp Archelon

Couldn’t Leave

As a traveler, I am taking the prerogative to change travel plans in the event a place deserves more time or not as much time as I had planned. Woke up this morning and did not want to leave San Felipe just yet. My room is too lovely, right on the beach while clean and spacious. I offered the manager a deal and he accepted. It has been so nice to relax, wash clothes, take a couple of walks on the beach, and walk around town. Now early to bed and early to rise.

Next stop will either be Bahia de los Angeles or Guerrero Negro. Stay tuned.

View of San Felipe

San Felipe

Arrived in San Felipe around 2 this afternoon. Went straight for the fish taco. For about a $1.60 I got one of the best fish tacos I may have ever had. Located on Malecon, Maria has been serving tacos for nearly 30 years, at Taqueria y Moriscos Adriana. I drove south of town a bit to check out a few beaches. I ended up with a room at the San Dollar just south of town. It is clean with a gated parking lot and right on the beach.

Drove back into town for dinner. Probably should have gone for another fish taco. Instead tried Mariscos La Morena, known for their coconut shrimp. I give it a 3 star for food, a 5 star for personal service. My waiter and I struck up a conversation. He spoke excellent English while encouraging me to learn some Spanish words. He is from Cabo so knows all of Baja quite well. He pulled out a map and helped me decide where to go each day on the way to Todos Santos. The plan is to make it to Guerrero Negro tomorrow night. A spot known for it’s whale watching. However, it’s just a little too soon for them to be in the area. He also warned me to ask for a certain amount of liters of gas. If you ask to fill up the tank, some attendants will hit a reset button when you are not looking. This continues to add up the cash amount without putting in more gas. Good to know. So I made my first friend. May have to get one more of Maria’s tacos before headed out in the morning.

Fish Taco 62DD3E7B-741A-44FB-BC4E-52DAD7D6CA51

Room With A View

Just kidding

The Mexicali border line was a long wait. Didn’t want to drive in the dark. I’m staying the night in Calexico at California Suites. It’s right between the police station and the Lady of Guadalupe church. I think I’m safe & sound. It is cleaner than the Motel 6 I stayed last night. Plus has a frig and coffee maker which Motel 6 did not. I made it without a coffee maker since I brought my camp stove along. That worked beautifully for my drip cone morning coffee. I know how to take care of my coffee needs!

Tonight I’m chill’in with HBO, watching Get Out , trippy and good. Really looking forward to spending tomorrow in San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez and finally eating that fish taco. “Northern Baja is the original home of the fish taco, with Ensenada and San Felipe in a constant argument over which is it’s true birthplace.” Moon Baja Travel Guide Tomorrow is the Day of the Virgin Guadalupe (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe). It is a popular Catholic feast that celebrates the belief that a man encountered the Virgin Mary, Mexico’s patron saint, in Mexico City on December 9 and 12, 1531. I might get to see some parades or other festivities.

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Feeling lucky

I’ll be crossing the border tomorrow after taking care of some business. Luckily, my Baby Bell vintage camper sold just in time. I’ll be able to have the title signed off and notarized in the morning. The buyer is very excited about repairing the outside damage. He offered to send pictures throughout the restoration. That will be fun to see. Many thanks to Wendy for housing Baby Bell and showing it to buyers.

The plan is to then cross at Mexicali and make it to San Filipe. This time tomorrow night should be sitting on the beach eating a fish taco.

Traveling through

Wednesday night, arrived in El Cerrito, CA. Marian had pasta on the stove to meet me with. It didn’t take long for her to get out the map to see what my trip to Baja entailed. She eagerly pin dropped my stops along the way. Hence the completed map, you see featured on this blog. I think she’s got the travel bug now. Maybe, I’ll be lucky enough to see her and Tupelo down there at some point.

Thursday, we walked the streets of Fourth Street Shopping, Berkeley I caved in and spent all little money on some skin products that were on sale. Ate some delicious tacos at Tacubaya

Made it to San Mateo Thursday night for a stay with my nephew, his beautiful wife and nearly one year old daughter. I just got to meet my new great-niece the day after Thanksgiving when they were in Eugene. She is absolutely precious with her 1/2 Italian and 1/2 Mexican blood. They live near my niece in law’s parents who are lucky enough to be invited over to say goodnight to their granddaughter most nights. Hard to fight back the tears, seeing this ideal world of grandparents being in their grandchildren’s life. This is how it should be. So happy for them and further confused about why I am no longer in my grandchildren’s life. Traveling through the heart ache today.

Tupelo in El Cerrito
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Balls in Berkeley C9CA75C1-D420-4420-BC00-2D90B40BEC18

This Journey’s Theme Song

U2’s Walk On from the album All That You Can’t Leave Behind.

Thanks Marian

Lyrics:

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring…
And love is not the easy thing….
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can’t leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it’s a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it
Walk on, walk on…
Stay safe tonight

You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you’ve got they can’t deny it
Can’t sell it, can’t buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home, hard to know what it is if you’ve never had one
Home, I can’t say where it is but I know I’m going home
That’s where the hurt is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You’ve got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme.

Great burger

Had to eat before hitting the road. If ever in Ashland, OR,

Flip burgers delicious! 🍔

No Goodbyes

Took my time leaving Eugene today. Got in a few more, until we meet again, hugs. Annie served up some lentils and rice to fill me up for the short trip to Ashland. Lovely drive, the sun was shining as Mt. McLoughin came into view. Arrived in Ashland, home of the The Oregon Shakespeare Festival just before nightfall. It is my goal to avoid driving at night if at all possible throughout this trip.

I’m treating myself to a stay at Lithia Springs Resort. I got a deal, after asking about every discount available. The room has a soaking tub fed by mineral springs. My body could use the health benefits of the mineral water. I’ve had a soak, a little cry and now off to bed. I turned on the TV for a bit but there were too many commercials with happy families gathered around the Christmas tree, holiday table or somewhere that makes them look perfectly happy.

Mt McLoughlin

Love with your heart, Catherine’s door

Gifts from friends who know you.

Getting ready to leave the Eugene cocoon. In fact, I delayed leaving by a day. It’s been so comforting and good for the soul to be here. After living here before for 20 years, some strong authentic friendships developed. Friendships were made from different places of work, from the childcare I ran for several years, from raising my daughter in this community and from the women’s theater group I took part in for several years.

The women’s theater group, Get Down with Your Sweet Self, created theater pieces from personal story. In a safe space, we shared life stories that were heart warming, heartbreaking and sometimes comical. Tight bonds were established. With many of these friends and friends from other areas of life here, we reunite and it’s as if no time has passed while getting to the heart of the matter. We’ve held each other up during hard times and created some hysterically fun times together. During my stay this week, they have held me in my grief. The grief of losing connection with my daughter and my 3-year-old twin grandchildren. A choice my daughter feels is right for her. So I am honoring her choice and honoring my own loss of her and my grandchildren.

Tomorrow, I’ll travel to Ashland, Oregon for the night. Then ease myself out of this cocoon with a stay in San Francisco with my dear friend, Marian. Stay tuned, probably a week away from crossing the border.

Gifts from a friend

Couple of beautiful friends