From Sea to Shining Sea and Back Again

Pacific in May, Califonia coast

 Atlantic in September, Maine coast

 Pacific in November, Califonia coast. 

We are still about 700 miles from home but it has been nice to see some familiar territory. We took a couple days off of the road to stop in Lake Havasu City Arizona. We checked in on Dan's mom's house. It is on the market so we may not see it again. While in Lake Havasu City we went to visit some long time family friends. Elizabeth, at age 90, was preparing to cook Thanksgiving dinner for her grandchildren who are coming with their children. One of her other dinner guests will be Doug. She thinks of Doug as just a kid since she has known him since he was a teenager. Doug is 87, he is the other long time friend we visited. He shared an interesting story from when he was 15 during WWII -- He took off from LA with a couple buddies on a greyhound bus for Idaho. After they got there, they decided to "ride the rails" hobo style to get back home. They were arrested and released about three times (including once in Bend Oregon) before they opted to hitchhike the rest of the way. Doug and Elizabeth have both buried their respective spouses; they lead quiet slow lives. The visits left both Dan and I feeling a bit melancholy about that time in the future when either of us would face life alone. 

 We spent one night in the desert at Red Rock Canyon in California. I took this photo of this hat accessory to block sun. This lady was looking for a deck of cards and we had a spare we could share. In exchange for the cards I asked her to model the hat for me. I may try making one of these sun shades. It is adjustable and may be worn with or without a hat.  

 She was sweet to "model" for me. 

We scooted on across to San Simeon. We stayed at a state park there then took a tour of Hearst Castle. 

 Here are a few of my photos. It is a spectacular place. 

Dining room

Fountain

Dan & the ocean view. 

 Roman bath. 

Waterless Neptune pool (it was under repair)

 A different style of "selfie". I took this looking into one of the guest rooms through the window. 

We spent last night in the dark redwoods at Big Sur State Park. We hurried back out into the sunshine this morning. 

 Now we are soaking up the last bit of November summer at New Brighten Beach. We reserved our spot ahead of time since it is a holiday weekend--unintentionally we are back in the same campsight where we spent a week in May as we were making wedding preparations. 

How random is that!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We will go over the mountain to Los Gatos to join my Aunt & Uncle and family for a holiday feast. 

My the Lord find us grateful and ever mindful of the needs of others. 

Amen