I have adopted the introvert moniker, but I don’t know if that is the correct label. I guess it sounds much better than “guy that is content in his own world and doesn’t give a fuck about what other people think”. 😛
Now that is not meant to be hostile. I actually do love people. I just have a low bullshit tolerance.
Having said that, I also love music, so Coachella would seem to be a great festival to explore new music. And… it did not disappoint.
Today I will kayak to California.
That is a statement that never entered my mind, but it is exactly what I did yesterday. I crossed the Colorado River from Arizona to California in my inflatable, yes inflatable, kayak.
Now, before you begin to conjure up images of an all-day, strenuous haul… miles and hours of endless, back-breaking paddling… you should grab your handy Rand McNally. [If you’re scratching your head or under the age of 30, click here.]
Yesterday I had my second solo kayaking adventure. The destination… Lake Havasu, well… an area near Lake Havasu.
I started my “yak” at Castle Rock Bay. When I first arrived at the rock, I didn’t see the bay, but I was greeted by a lovely sign reminded me to be mindful of rattlesnakes. 😛
The bay is located about 800 or so feet away from the parking area. Did I see rattlesnakes? No. A more appropriate sign should probably read, “Be Alert! Watch Out For Donkey Shit!”
Anxious to get out of Georgia and to Florida, I pushed my 150 mile limit. And… I made it, well… sort of. I traveled 147 miles to Lake Seminole RV Park, a mere two-ish miles from the Georgia-Florida line.
This is a small park I discovered through Passport America with discounted rates of $15 per night. So, I am proud to say that my annual membership fee of $44 paid for itself in my first two stays (two nights at Lake Seminole and two nights at Southern Trails Resort).
After getting checked in with the owner, Greg, I ventured to the state line and stopped at the Jim Woodruff Dam.
Next up… Chattahoochee, Florida, and well… not much to see here. Chattahoochee is a small town, but it did not let me down. They had my latest obsession, Dollar General. The little old lady in me was tempted to pick up an adult coloring book, but I resisted.
The next day, January 14, I ventured over to Snead, Florida and Three Rivers State Park. I had hoped to get a hike in for the day, so I fueled up on a ghost with big boobs fried eggs and turkey bologna. I don’t know why, but I only crave fried bologna when I’m camping.
Alas, no hiking to be found at Three Rivers State Park, so I pulled out the trusty Kindle. (I’m currently reading Out of My Mind, a lovely piece of young adult literature. 😜) I also did a little reflection and writing while enjoying the beautiful day.
All of that relaxation had made me hungry, so I ended my day with a plate of fried shrimp from a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant back in Chattahoochee called Northside Seafood. Nom! Nom! 😀
Next up… Port Saint Joe, Florida. 😀
Patrick and I are now eight days in to My Scotty Adventure, and we’re having a great time. But… I’m enjoying myself so much that I am slacking on my updates. So… time to play catch-up.
After leaving Atlanta on January 11, we stopped at Southern Trails Resort in Unadilla, Georgia. Why Unadilla? Well, one of the few parameters I have set for the trip adventure is to limit my driving to no more than 150 miles each travel day. I’m sure there will be exceptions, but it is “about the journey and not the destination”.
So, back to Southern Trails Resort. I find it amusing that many campgrounds feel the need to put the word resort in their name. Yes… Southern Trails Resort was a fine campground, but erase the image you may have of heated pools with swim-up cocktail bars and daily massages from a hunky, muscled stud. (Is it getting hot in here? 😅) STR is a RV park… and one that is located by the interstate.
We stayed at STR through Friday the 13th 😱. There were only a handful of other RVs on site, and we had our pick of spots… so we chose one near the bath house.
It was my first time backing Mork into a RV spot. Luckily, the sites were wide and he is not, so… I didn’t need to get it straight (as you can see). 😛
The bathhouse was nice and clean. Although, I did not use it to shower… more on that later. (I see you shiver with anticipation.)
Would I go back to STR? Yes.
My stay at STR allowed me to try out my Passport America membership. My daily rate was cut in half to $18. SOLD! Plus… I was able to find my next stop through Passport America… but… you will have to wait for my next post. 😛
On Wednesday I will be boarding a Holland America cruise ship headed toward the Panama Canal. This will be my seventh cruise in 12 months. Here is the rundown…
2016 was an eventful year. I also spent time in Ocala (Florida), Orlando, Louisville, Cleveland, Daytona Beach, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Diego, London and Puerto Vallarta.
I was also able to work in a few camping trips to Lake Lanier, Amicalola Falls, and Ooltewah (Tennessee). I hope to make 2017 the year of camping now that Scotty is in the mix.
My spirit animal of the day is Paul Welkins. Check out the nomad bicycle camper he created.
You can buy the plans for this lil’ guy for $20. Plus… Paul has some other cool creations on his website.
As I continue to slack further from blogging, I figure it is best to get the pics from the rest of this journey up before it is gone from my memory. 😛
After leaving Astoria on September 29, I made my way down the west coast aboard the Norwegian Jewel, arriving in Los Angeles on October 2.
10/2/2016: time with friends in Los Angeles, followed by a bus and two trains
While in LA, I was able to spend a couple of nights with friends, have a few drinks, and take part in one my favorites… a day in the park with a book.
When Tuesday rolled around, it was time to dive in to the Los Angeles public transit system. I picked up a bus at Beverly and Genesee, then a hop on the Metro red line (train) to Union Station.
Next stop… Amtrak (my first) and a ride down the Pacific Coast.
I would definitely do Amtrak again. So… don’t knock it until you try it.
Oh… and then there was the view. SOLD!
10/4/2016: San Diego
As far as my mush brain can remember, I had never been to San Diego, but it is a city that I can see myself returning to.
Although, I was only in San Diego for two days, I managed to get in the San Diego Zoo…
… a hike…
… a tour around the various museums and greenery in Balboa Park…
… and a visit to the Fleet Science Center to see Nathan Sawaya’s Art of the Brick exhibit.
Yes… the truth is that the guiding force behind my trek to San Diego was to see this exhibit. In fact, I took pics of every single one of Nathan’s LEGO works of art. I’m sure at some point I will create a post with everything. Loved It!
After my two days were up in San Diego, it was time to catch an Uber, followed by my return flight to Atlanta.
<<END ADVENTURE>>
Yes… I’ve been slacking on the blog, but I do not what my writing to become a responsibility. Instead, I want it to be outlet.
I just spent a couple of weeks in continuous travel. Here was my itinerary, along with some pics.
9/23/2016: flight to Vancouver
9/27/2016: bus to board my ship for a pacific coast cruise
9/28/2016: spending the day in Victoria
Beacon Hill Park was one of the best public parks I have ever visited. It had a variety of green areas, wooded spaces, ponds, and wildlife.
To further drive home the fact I have made the decision to live a more nomadic life, I came across this little gem on a park bench…
Love Life Now… seize the moment… live it up… carefree as a frisky pup
Cherish your mate… be kind… love nature… for peace of mind
I ended my day in Victoria with a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf.
9/29/2016: trolley to the Goonies in Astoria, Washington
My trek around Astoria included a ride on the riverfront trolley, a search for Goonies, a visit with the sea lions, and a bite and brew at a local pub.
If you’re ever in Astoria and want to see the “Goonies house”, it is located at 368 38th Street. Unfortunately, this is about as close as you will get. It seems that the 30th anniversary created a bit too much havoc.
For 14 years, homeowner Sandi Preston has let fans — within reason — approach, photograph, gawk at and geek out on her property in Uppertown. On occasion, she has even opened up her house to them.
“Sandi … has been very, very accommodating,” City Councilor Russ Warr said.
But, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 visitors swarming around the house almost every day this summer, Preston and her neighbors near 38th and Duane streets are experiencing fan fatigue.
I ended my day with a bowl of clam chowder, a sweet potato biscuit, and a local beer from Port of Call Bistro and Bar. Life is good.
MORE TO COME…
