October 1, 2017 Day 115
This morning I woke up again before my alarm went off at 07:30 and got dressed to go to breakfast with the couple with whom I have been parked on their property the last couple days. We all sat down at what I believe the husband called an "old person eats" and ordered some food. I had two eggs, hash browns, bacon and two biscuits which I devoured all while we talked about their grandchildren. They ended up paying for my meal and I honestly can not thank them enough for how kind and generous they have been to me. It warms my heart deeply. After breakfast, we all went to a hardware store for they needed to get something and I needed to get some J. B. Weld to try and fix my gas can. Then they drove me around showing me their beautiful town which was so adorable for people put sweaters on trees and everyone seemed to have a beautiful lawn.
Back at the house, we attempted to fix my gas can; however, we realized there were actually two leaks instead of just one and the J. B. Weld stuff hardens very quickly! After that I retired to my camper for it was too late to really go anywhere and start a hike yet today. I let them continue about their day and stayed in my camper trying to update my blog but failing, trying to sleep but failing also so finally I gave up. I went and made a half a cup of rice and ate that all while talking to a dear friend of mine. The day went by slowly and uneventful so when 19:00 came and darkness fell upon my camper I tried to sleep but sleep would not come.
My mind went from many things and when I first tried to fall asleep it began thinking how funny it is that most of the summer I had waited and hoped for September to come so that I could see someone I cared deeply for again. Now that it has arrived and passed it was just another ordinary month so to speak. As much as I try to ignore the hurt it does hurt caring for someone and thinking you are in something together and on the same mindset only to realize you are the fool. That to the other person you don't even exit, to that person you are no more than someone you pass by on the street and glance at for a second and forget all about them. Yet for it I am stronger but my trust in others is gone and I will no longer let my heart go so easily. When my mind would not settle I turned to reading my book and trying to sleep again only to return back to my book. Finally, around 23:00 I was able to fall asleep and not wake up until morning.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Day 114
September 30, 2017 Day 114
I had set my alarm but I didn't need it for I was already awake by 06:30. I opened my camper door and was walking to my vehicle to get my shower stuff when the husband pulled out of the garage on the way to work and said good morning in his jovial voice. He mentioned that there was coffee inside and stated that he would be back home soon. After he left, his wife came out and I followed her back inside the house to use the shower. Having a hot shower is such an unbelievable joy in my life now and I relish every one I get. Downstairs I was offered tea or coffee so I chose tea since that was what she was having and I thought would be easiest to get. As I was heading out the door to get on with my day the husband was just getting home so we exchanged quick hi's and goodbye's.
Pulling out of the drive, I headed to a Wells Fargo ATM to acquire cash for the day and then went to a cashier at the grocery store the ATM was in to get smaller bills. I tried talking to my mom but alas my phone kept losing signal so I then drove around the parking lot trying to obtain some signal in which I could get directions to the BART station in Dublin. Once I arrived at the station, the parking garage in which I parked was practically empty and in the station area I learned that due to it being the weekend parking was free. I walked up to a booth where a worker was assisting a lady whom he seemed to be getting quite irritated with for she was really confused and not understanding. So I was somewhat worried he would be rude towards me for my questions; however, he was very cordial and explained to me exactly what I needed to do to get my round trip ticket. So I walked over to one of the machines and inserted $13.00 to get a round trip ticket from the station. I then walked up the stairs to the platform and waited for the train; not really sure if it was the train I was supposed to be on but figuring I would find out one way or the other.
As I sat down on the train a young woman sat down next to me and we proceeded to talk the entire trip. Here her and her husband are building a tiny house! It is the cutest thing and so you can imagine we discussed that and my camper along with some other things. Before parting ways we swapped blogs and wished each other luck. After I asked another train attendant what was the best way to get to Fisherman's Wharf I decided to walk the twenty or so minutes along the piers to get there.
The walk was enjoyable and people watching was at its finest for at one point I saw a grown, slightly overweight man in a peter pan outfit with a backpack walking next to a woman! At this point in time it was about 11:30 and I was quite hungry. I was saddened to find out that Mac Daddy (a macaroni and cheese place), a restaurant I really wanted to eat at, was in the opposite direction of where I was walking so I decided to get a bread bowl of clam chowder instead. With my soup and cup of lemonade in hand I sat down facing the water while a man played guitar on the street behind me. I will admit that living in Charleston, SC has spoiled me and though the chowder was enjoyable it was by no means the best I have had nor did it compete with the best.
After lunch, I walked a few feet to an open museum and was going to explore the WWII ships but after I found out that it cost $40.00 I opted to go elsewhere. So I pressed on towards the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park where I sat on a bench for a few minutes and then strolled to the visitor center where I spoke with an older gentleman about the museums in the area until he had to go to his next job. I walked around in the museum and then walked down Hyde Pier to look at the old ships and to walk thru them.
From there, I wanted to see the painted ladies but after walking up just one hill I was done so thankfully I had asked the guy at the visitor center for directions to them. I stood at a bus stop and when the number 47 bus I needed pulled up I paid $3.00 (it was only $2.25 but I didn't have quarters on me) and grabbed my ticket and sat down. I eagerly perched on the edge of my seat trying very hard to see the upcoming street signs so that I would not miss my stop. It was then that I remembered the couple had lent me a map of the area that had the street names so I pulled that out and was able to follow the stops via that. When I got off I then walked to another bus stop and took a different bus to the painted ladies. Although they were pretty I did not think they were as brightly painted as I would have thought for the ones in Charleston are more colorful. Maybe there is something more meaningful behind them that I do not know so I will have to look into that. However, it was interesting to see all the people completely covering the lush green hillside. They were laid out everywhere! As I neared the top of the hill the other side was covered with dogs and people so I took a seat on a bench and as I read my book I would occasionally people watch.
The sun was slowly starting to go down and I was becoming tired of taking shuttles everywhere so I opted to not go to Mac Daddy's but instead head back to the couples home. Standing at the bus stop right below the Alamo park I was freezing cold and shivering although it was only 66 degrees out. Come winter I worry that I will not be able to handle the cold like I used to for I have been in the desert or tropical areas far too long. Anyways, I got on the bus that would talk me to the BART train station thanks to the maps on my phone having a transit option. At the station, I waited for the train to arrive and then crammed in next to all the other passengers. Slowly, at each stop, the amount of people on the train went down so I could sit the rest of the way. At my stop, I got off and drove to a Walmart to acquire a pint of ice cream and a bag of spoons for I didn't have any spoons on me and I did not want to wait until I got to my camper.
When I pulled in, the husband greeted me and invited me inside to talk about my day which I thought was really sweet and I have to admit it was nice to have people to share my day with in person and who were actually interested in what I did. We had a glass of wine and sat around talking and laughing until almost 21:00 at which point we called it a night. Before I left to head to my camper though they wanted to take me out to breakfast tomorrow so we planned to leave around 08:00.
I had set my alarm but I didn't need it for I was already awake by 06:30. I opened my camper door and was walking to my vehicle to get my shower stuff when the husband pulled out of the garage on the way to work and said good morning in his jovial voice. He mentioned that there was coffee inside and stated that he would be back home soon. After he left, his wife came out and I followed her back inside the house to use the shower. Having a hot shower is such an unbelievable joy in my life now and I relish every one I get. Downstairs I was offered tea or coffee so I chose tea since that was what she was having and I thought would be easiest to get. As I was heading out the door to get on with my day the husband was just getting home so we exchanged quick hi's and goodbye's.
Pulling out of the drive, I headed to a Wells Fargo ATM to acquire cash for the day and then went to a cashier at the grocery store the ATM was in to get smaller bills. I tried talking to my mom but alas my phone kept losing signal so I then drove around the parking lot trying to obtain some signal in which I could get directions to the BART station in Dublin. Once I arrived at the station, the parking garage in which I parked was practically empty and in the station area I learned that due to it being the weekend parking was free. I walked up to a booth where a worker was assisting a lady whom he seemed to be getting quite irritated with for she was really confused and not understanding. So I was somewhat worried he would be rude towards me for my questions; however, he was very cordial and explained to me exactly what I needed to do to get my round trip ticket. So I walked over to one of the machines and inserted $13.00 to get a round trip ticket from the station. I then walked up the stairs to the platform and waited for the train; not really sure if it was the train I was supposed to be on but figuring I would find out one way or the other.
As I sat down on the train a young woman sat down next to me and we proceeded to talk the entire trip. Here her and her husband are building a tiny house! It is the cutest thing and so you can imagine we discussed that and my camper along with some other things. Before parting ways we swapped blogs and wished each other luck. After I asked another train attendant what was the best way to get to Fisherman's Wharf I decided to walk the twenty or so minutes along the piers to get there.
The walk was enjoyable and people watching was at its finest for at one point I saw a grown, slightly overweight man in a peter pan outfit with a backpack walking next to a woman! At this point in time it was about 11:30 and I was quite hungry. I was saddened to find out that Mac Daddy (a macaroni and cheese place), a restaurant I really wanted to eat at, was in the opposite direction of where I was walking so I decided to get a bread bowl of clam chowder instead. With my soup and cup of lemonade in hand I sat down facing the water while a man played guitar on the street behind me. I will admit that living in Charleston, SC has spoiled me and though the chowder was enjoyable it was by no means the best I have had nor did it compete with the best.
After lunch, I walked a few feet to an open museum and was going to explore the WWII ships but after I found out that it cost $40.00 I opted to go elsewhere. So I pressed on towards the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park where I sat on a bench for a few minutes and then strolled to the visitor center where I spoke with an older gentleman about the museums in the area until he had to go to his next job. I walked around in the museum and then walked down Hyde Pier to look at the old ships and to walk thru them.
From there, I wanted to see the painted ladies but after walking up just one hill I was done so thankfully I had asked the guy at the visitor center for directions to them. I stood at a bus stop and when the number 47 bus I needed pulled up I paid $3.00 (it was only $2.25 but I didn't have quarters on me) and grabbed my ticket and sat down. I eagerly perched on the edge of my seat trying very hard to see the upcoming street signs so that I would not miss my stop. It was then that I remembered the couple had lent me a map of the area that had the street names so I pulled that out and was able to follow the stops via that. When I got off I then walked to another bus stop and took a different bus to the painted ladies. Although they were pretty I did not think they were as brightly painted as I would have thought for the ones in Charleston are more colorful. Maybe there is something more meaningful behind them that I do not know so I will have to look into that. However, it was interesting to see all the people completely covering the lush green hillside. They were laid out everywhere! As I neared the top of the hill the other side was covered with dogs and people so I took a seat on a bench and as I read my book I would occasionally people watch.
The sun was slowly starting to go down and I was becoming tired of taking shuttles everywhere so I opted to not go to Mac Daddy's but instead head back to the couples home. Standing at the bus stop right below the Alamo park I was freezing cold and shivering although it was only 66 degrees out. Come winter I worry that I will not be able to handle the cold like I used to for I have been in the desert or tropical areas far too long. Anyways, I got on the bus that would talk me to the BART train station thanks to the maps on my phone having a transit option. At the station, I waited for the train to arrive and then crammed in next to all the other passengers. Slowly, at each stop, the amount of people on the train went down so I could sit the rest of the way. At my stop, I got off and drove to a Walmart to acquire a pint of ice cream and a bag of spoons for I didn't have any spoons on me and I did not want to wait until I got to my camper.
When I pulled in, the husband greeted me and invited me inside to talk about my day which I thought was really sweet and I have to admit it was nice to have people to share my day with in person and who were actually interested in what I did. We had a glass of wine and sat around talking and laughing until almost 21:00 at which point we called it a night. Before I left to head to my camper though they wanted to take me out to breakfast tomorrow so we planned to leave around 08:00.
Day 113
September 29, 2017 Day 113
This morning I awoke tired and not looking forward to spending the day trying to find a place to stay again. Why must California be so difficult? At some point, around mid-morning, my friends' cousin called me to offer up some suggestions on places to see within the San Francisco area and to inform me that if I am looking for hotels to look near the Lafayette area. She also told me that she knew a couple, who are friends of hers, that live in Livermore on two acres of land and may be able to house me. So she got in touch with them and then sent out an email to all of us to connect us. From there, I emailed the husband explaining my situation and if there was any way that I would be able to stay on their property for a few days. He responded to me quite quickly that they have room for me. I cannot express the relief that went thru me knowing I have found a place to stay that is safe and that I can leave my camper while I go explore the area.
Before I left my spot on the side of highway 1 I heated up a small can of baked beans and ate it all in one sitting. Then I headed in the direction of Livermore which was approximately three hours away with traffic. It was a slow drive due to the intense amount of traffic and I never saw any gas stations until I was already past them and me being the way I am I do not like turning around and going back. So it was no surprise when my low fuel light came on and now I was hoping I would not run out of fuel on the bridge. Thankfully, I did not run out of fuel before I got to a gas station and once I was fueled back up I arrived at the couples home around 17:30.
As I pulled up the driveway I was greeted by a very cheerful man who instantly started talking to me and I followed him in my vehicle as he walked around his yard to show me how I can do a loop and park without having to back up. I knew instantly that I would like him and his wife and they were beyond welcoming. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle I was ushered inside and offered wine and snacks. We then sat there talking for some time discussing each others lives and I was shown their beautiful garden which I am completely envious of. After some time, I did not want to be an inconvenience to them since I just kind of popped into their day and I didn't want to disrupt any plans they had for the evening so I went out to my camper for the night. I am always amazed at the generosity of the people I meet and it is nice to know that there is still some good out there.
This morning I awoke tired and not looking forward to spending the day trying to find a place to stay again. Why must California be so difficult? At some point, around mid-morning, my friends' cousin called me to offer up some suggestions on places to see within the San Francisco area and to inform me that if I am looking for hotels to look near the Lafayette area. She also told me that she knew a couple, who are friends of hers, that live in Livermore on two acres of land and may be able to house me. So she got in touch with them and then sent out an email to all of us to connect us. From there, I emailed the husband explaining my situation and if there was any way that I would be able to stay on their property for a few days. He responded to me quite quickly that they have room for me. I cannot express the relief that went thru me knowing I have found a place to stay that is safe and that I can leave my camper while I go explore the area.
Before I left my spot on the side of highway 1 I heated up a small can of baked beans and ate it all in one sitting. Then I headed in the direction of Livermore which was approximately three hours away with traffic. It was a slow drive due to the intense amount of traffic and I never saw any gas stations until I was already past them and me being the way I am I do not like turning around and going back. So it was no surprise when my low fuel light came on and now I was hoping I would not run out of fuel on the bridge. Thankfully, I did not run out of fuel before I got to a gas station and once I was fueled back up I arrived at the couples home around 17:30.
As I pulled up the driveway I was greeted by a very cheerful man who instantly started talking to me and I followed him in my vehicle as he walked around his yard to show me how I can do a loop and park without having to back up. I knew instantly that I would like him and his wife and they were beyond welcoming. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle I was ushered inside and offered wine and snacks. We then sat there talking for some time discussing each others lives and I was shown their beautiful garden which I am completely envious of. After some time, I did not want to be an inconvenience to them since I just kind of popped into their day and I didn't want to disrupt any plans they had for the evening so I went out to my camper for the night. I am always amazed at the generosity of the people I meet and it is nice to know that there is still some good out there.
Day 112
September 28, 2017 Day 112
I woke up at 09:00 again this morning and still feeling exhausted and not up to my usually standards of health. The thought of eating anything sickens me so I did not make coffee nor breakfast this morning. I think I may possibly be dehydrated for my lips are constantly dry and I am always thirsty so I will need to mind what I drink and take in some electrolites. I eventually dragged myself out of bed and started packing everything up since I had to be out of my spot by noon. I boiled water for some hot tea, made a gatoraid drink and also put one of my vitamin C tablets in a glass of 8 ounces of water. From there I washed dishes and while I was in the process of reorganizing my kitchen a couple came by wanting to see my camper. So we talked for about ten to fifteen minutes about my camper and my trip and then they left. Once they were gone I finished my organizing, put on real clothes and then I took a hammer to the trim on my back hatch to remove the rivets that are no longer doing anything.
I didn't acquire cell service until I was some ways out of the park just driving around. Once service was established I punched in the University of California: Santa Cruz and drove around the campus trying my best to not run over kids who never bothered to look before entering the road. The whole university seemed to be hidden among trees which I really liked and it seemed like a pretty decent school and a potential spot for my Masters; if that is the path I choose. From there I ended up driving to Natural Bridges State Beach in search once again of cell service. Apparently, the entire city of Santa Cruz does not like Verizon cell service.
Needless to say the beach had no service and though I still was not feeling like eating anything I knew I should get something in my stomach. So I had a bagel and some banana chips before changing into my bathing suit and packing up for a day at the beach. The temperature outside was perfect and since I had stayed at a state park last night I could therefore be at any state beach until sunset for free. All day I laid out on the sun rotating from laying on my stomach and reading my book to laying on my back. After a few hours, around 15:00, I decided to head back to my camper and try to find cell service so I could call my dad and grandma in Wisconsin to wish them a Happy Birthday.
At my camper, I peeled a carrot, sliced up a granny smith apple and de-shelled an egg for my lunch/dinner. While doing thing a lady, who had pulled in next to me, commented on my camper and we began talking. She told me that she once hitchhiked around the world which I would love to do but sadly one cannot simply do that these days. We spoke for some time and then I gave her my blog information and we parted ways. Once I had eaten some of my food I took off in my vehicle and spent the next ten minutes driving around trying to obtain cell service.
I finally pulled into a CVS pharmacy parking lot and though I still didn't really have service I was able to get a phone call out to wish my dad a Happy Birthday. They teased me that they were having cake and ice cream which I would totally devour if I was there! I tried to call my grandma also but her phone line was busy so I headed off in the direction of Half Moon Bay State Beach hoping to find somewhere along the road to stop for the night. Driving on Hwy 1, it was as beautiful as everyone said it would be though it was hard to really see too much for the sun was setting and was directly in my face. Also, at one point it got really gloomy out which was very odd for it almost seemed like it could have been smoke. One beach area I drove by I had to turn around and go back to for it was littered in hundreds of pelicans and I just had to take some photos. Shortly afterwards, I found a dirt turnout that didn't contain a no parking sign and decided to call it a night.
I woke up at 09:00 again this morning and still feeling exhausted and not up to my usually standards of health. The thought of eating anything sickens me so I did not make coffee nor breakfast this morning. I think I may possibly be dehydrated for my lips are constantly dry and I am always thirsty so I will need to mind what I drink and take in some electrolites. I eventually dragged myself out of bed and started packing everything up since I had to be out of my spot by noon. I boiled water for some hot tea, made a gatoraid drink and also put one of my vitamin C tablets in a glass of 8 ounces of water. From there I washed dishes and while I was in the process of reorganizing my kitchen a couple came by wanting to see my camper. So we talked for about ten to fifteen minutes about my camper and my trip and then they left. Once they were gone I finished my organizing, put on real clothes and then I took a hammer to the trim on my back hatch to remove the rivets that are no longer doing anything.
I didn't acquire cell service until I was some ways out of the park just driving around. Once service was established I punched in the University of California: Santa Cruz and drove around the campus trying my best to not run over kids who never bothered to look before entering the road. The whole university seemed to be hidden among trees which I really liked and it seemed like a pretty decent school and a potential spot for my Masters; if that is the path I choose. From there I ended up driving to Natural Bridges State Beach in search once again of cell service. Apparently, the entire city of Santa Cruz does not like Verizon cell service.
Needless to say the beach had no service and though I still was not feeling like eating anything I knew I should get something in my stomach. So I had a bagel and some banana chips before changing into my bathing suit and packing up for a day at the beach. The temperature outside was perfect and since I had stayed at a state park last night I could therefore be at any state beach until sunset for free. All day I laid out on the sun rotating from laying on my stomach and reading my book to laying on my back. After a few hours, around 15:00, I decided to head back to my camper and try to find cell service so I could call my dad and grandma in Wisconsin to wish them a Happy Birthday.
At my camper, I peeled a carrot, sliced up a granny smith apple and de-shelled an egg for my lunch/dinner. While doing thing a lady, who had pulled in next to me, commented on my camper and we began talking. She told me that she once hitchhiked around the world which I would love to do but sadly one cannot simply do that these days. We spoke for some time and then I gave her my blog information and we parted ways. Once I had eaten some of my food I took off in my vehicle and spent the next ten minutes driving around trying to obtain cell service.
I finally pulled into a CVS pharmacy parking lot and though I still didn't really have service I was able to get a phone call out to wish my dad a Happy Birthday. They teased me that they were having cake and ice cream which I would totally devour if I was there! I tried to call my grandma also but her phone line was busy so I headed off in the direction of Half Moon Bay State Beach hoping to find somewhere along the road to stop for the night. Driving on Hwy 1, it was as beautiful as everyone said it would be though it was hard to really see too much for the sun was setting and was directly in my face. Also, at one point it got really gloomy out which was very odd for it almost seemed like it could have been smoke. One beach area I drove by I had to turn around and go back to for it was littered in hundreds of pelicans and I just had to take some photos. Shortly afterwards, I found a dirt turnout that didn't contain a no parking sign and decided to call it a night.
Day 111
September 29, 2017 Day 111
When I woke up this morning around 09:00 (the latest I have slept in until for quite some time) I was beyond exhausted and did not want to get up. It was getting warmer outside and hence warmer in my camper to the point where it was getting uncomfortable so since I could not go back to sleep I got up. There was a cinnabon place inside the Pilot Truck stop and I really wanted one but I told myself, no. I needed to save what money I have for more important things. So instead of going in and buying one I prepped my camper for travel, filled up my gas tank and hit the road.
My plan was to stay at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for the evening and then hit up the University of California: Santa Cruz. Originally, I wanted to stay somewhere along the coast but in order for that to happen I would have to stand in line and wait until 14:00 to see if I "made the cut" and was able to get a spot inside the park. Since I prefer to not take a chance with my living situation and I was still under the weather I went to the Henry Cowell State Park and paid $35.00 to stay the night.
As I pulled into the park, around 12:30, I picked out my spot next to the showers and went and paid. After I backed up my camper I was at this point very exhausted though I did nothing at all and just wanted to shower and go lay down. The shower facility was not the cleanest nor was it the worst I have seen. I deposited two quarters in the box beside the shower to start it up and it was suppose to run for two minutes. Well the water was ice cold and did not even come close to being warm until the two minutes were up. So now I was irritated I just wasted .50 cents and deposited two more quarters and climbed under the spray of water. I just got the shampoo in my hair when it went off again and I stood in the cold ceramic shower, shaving my legs, thinking I would have preferred to use my solar shower instead. With my legs shaved, I deposited an additional .50 cents and quickly rinsed and put conditioner in my hair and rinsed that out quickly also.
Though the shower experience was anything but enjoyable I did feel somewhat better being clean. I tried to take a nap but of course as soon as I closed my eyes this stupid squirrel decided it wanted to pick the tree branch right above my camper to announce to the world this was his spot. In the end, I gave up trying to nap and made a bagel and also ate a carrot. I had no cell phone service where I was so I couldn't look anything up for planning so to pass the time I read from my novel and at 19:40 I went to bed.
When I woke up this morning around 09:00 (the latest I have slept in until for quite some time) I was beyond exhausted and did not want to get up. It was getting warmer outside and hence warmer in my camper to the point where it was getting uncomfortable so since I could not go back to sleep I got up. There was a cinnabon place inside the Pilot Truck stop and I really wanted one but I told myself, no. I needed to save what money I have for more important things. So instead of going in and buying one I prepped my camper for travel, filled up my gas tank and hit the road.
My plan was to stay at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for the evening and then hit up the University of California: Santa Cruz. Originally, I wanted to stay somewhere along the coast but in order for that to happen I would have to stand in line and wait until 14:00 to see if I "made the cut" and was able to get a spot inside the park. Since I prefer to not take a chance with my living situation and I was still under the weather I went to the Henry Cowell State Park and paid $35.00 to stay the night.
As I pulled into the park, around 12:30, I picked out my spot next to the showers and went and paid. After I backed up my camper I was at this point very exhausted though I did nothing at all and just wanted to shower and go lay down. The shower facility was not the cleanest nor was it the worst I have seen. I deposited two quarters in the box beside the shower to start it up and it was suppose to run for two minutes. Well the water was ice cold and did not even come close to being warm until the two minutes were up. So now I was irritated I just wasted .50 cents and deposited two more quarters and climbed under the spray of water. I just got the shampoo in my hair when it went off again and I stood in the cold ceramic shower, shaving my legs, thinking I would have preferred to use my solar shower instead. With my legs shaved, I deposited an additional .50 cents and quickly rinsed and put conditioner in my hair and rinsed that out quickly also.
Though the shower experience was anything but enjoyable I did feel somewhat better being clean. I tried to take a nap but of course as soon as I closed my eyes this stupid squirrel decided it wanted to pick the tree branch right above my camper to announce to the world this was his spot. In the end, I gave up trying to nap and made a bagel and also ate a carrot. I had no cell phone service where I was so I couldn't look anything up for planning so to pass the time I read from my novel and at 19:40 I went to bed.
Day 110
September 26, 2017 Day 110
Waking up this morning I was oddly quite awake though I felt I had been up all night due to the nightmares I had. The first one woke me up for I was crying because my mom told me she was leaving us for good and it felt like a death sentence. The second one, dealt with one of ex-boyfriends who blatantly ignored me near the end of the relationship (not informing me that in his mind we were over) and in the dream turned out having a girlfriend while still technically being with me. The third and final one, was very strange and involved dinosaurs and someone I don't know in real life but I was with in the dream and him deciding to leave me. So after all those crazy dreams the fact that I was not tired was intriguing to me.
In any case, I got up and made my bed then boiled some water for a cup of coffee. While I let the coffee steep I brushed my teeth and then my hair which I then sprayed a bunch of dry shampoo into to try and make it look presentable. Once I had picked out my outfit for the day, which involved "real" clothes, I threw it all in the front seat of my vehicle and climbed in. There I put up my windshield sun blocker thing up and a towel in the driver side window and proceeded to get dressed in my black pants, cowboy boots, light blue shirt and my favorite black leather jacket. By 07:30, I had my coffee in one hand and was on my way down the mountain to the town of Oakhurst.
When the post office opened up at 09:00 I walked in to retrieve the package my mom had sent me and I mentioned to the lady who was helping me that I also wanted to make an appointment for obtaining a new passport. She informed me that the lady who would take the appointment was the woman right next to her but I could not physically talk to her now to set up the appointment. Instead I have to leave the room and call the number she gave me to make the appointment or I would have to wait until their online site was up and running at the end of the week. I just looked at her completely dumbfounded that I had to leave the room to make an appointment with a woman who is literally three feet in front of me! So...I stepped out and as I made the phone call I could literally hear the phone ringing in the other room and the woman picking it up. The appointment was made for 13:00 that day so that I could look over all my paperwork to make sure I had everything in order.
In the meantime, I first opened my package and went thru the paperwork I had been sent and then I proceeded to check out the other contents of the package. The thing I treasured the most and had been waiting for had arrived; my copy of The Bronze Horseman novel!! I have only read the book at least three times but it is one of my favorites and I never tire of reading it. Afterwards, I drove to the grocery store to acquire some food in the form of: apples, carrots, caramel (for the apples of course), banana chips, six eggs (to make into hard-boiled eggs), bagels, cream cheese, fruit jello snacks and applesauce.
At 13:00 I went into the post office for my appointment and I do have to say the lady there was quite rude and made it seem like I was an inconvenience to her. In any case, I got my photo taken, my license copied, my paperwork taken and then I had the pleasant job of paying the lovely price of $150.00 for all of it. Apparently when you get your passport application done at a post office they like to charge you their own fee on top of the cost of the passport. Oh, if anyone is wondering how I am going to get my passport while I am on the road I am not. I am having it sent to my parents house and if I end up needing it I will then give them a post office in which to send it to. Now that I think of it I don't know if I have explained how I go about acquiring mail while on the road. For those who are curious, I simple look ahead to where I may be in a weeks time and call post offices in that area looking for one that accepts "general delivery." Once I find a post office, I then inform my mom or whoever is sending me mail to have it addressed to me and then under my name put "general delivery" and that post offices address. When I go to pick it up I just give them my driver ID card and wallah I have my mail!
With everything taken care of in Oakhurst I drove back west in the direction of the coast and decided to park for a night at a Pilot Truck Stop. When I pulled in I parked on the side of the road so that the truckers had all the spaces they needed. I then sat in my camper devouring my book which now that I think about I am not so sure it was a good idea to have her send it to me for now I seem to get nothing done because all I want to do is read the book. Ha. All day long I had only eaten an apple with caramel, some cookies, a few pringels and a cream cheese bagel but strangely I was not that hungry and I was not feeling the greatest either. I skyped with my dad in Wisconsin for I wanted to show him the trim on my camper that has begun to come off and get his take on that along with my gas can that sprang a leak. So we went over all of that and he was and has been so helpful with all the issues that have come up along the way that I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him to help me out! After our conversation, I wanted to update my blog since I had service but I was not feeling the greatest and decided to just call it a day; however, I ended up reading my book until 22:35.
Waking up this morning I was oddly quite awake though I felt I had been up all night due to the nightmares I had. The first one woke me up for I was crying because my mom told me she was leaving us for good and it felt like a death sentence. The second one, dealt with one of ex-boyfriends who blatantly ignored me near the end of the relationship (not informing me that in his mind we were over) and in the dream turned out having a girlfriend while still technically being with me. The third and final one, was very strange and involved dinosaurs and someone I don't know in real life but I was with in the dream and him deciding to leave me. So after all those crazy dreams the fact that I was not tired was intriguing to me.
In any case, I got up and made my bed then boiled some water for a cup of coffee. While I let the coffee steep I brushed my teeth and then my hair which I then sprayed a bunch of dry shampoo into to try and make it look presentable. Once I had picked out my outfit for the day, which involved "real" clothes, I threw it all in the front seat of my vehicle and climbed in. There I put up my windshield sun blocker thing up and a towel in the driver side window and proceeded to get dressed in my black pants, cowboy boots, light blue shirt and my favorite black leather jacket. By 07:30, I had my coffee in one hand and was on my way down the mountain to the town of Oakhurst.
When the post office opened up at 09:00 I walked in to retrieve the package my mom had sent me and I mentioned to the lady who was helping me that I also wanted to make an appointment for obtaining a new passport. She informed me that the lady who would take the appointment was the woman right next to her but I could not physically talk to her now to set up the appointment. Instead I have to leave the room and call the number she gave me to make the appointment or I would have to wait until their online site was up and running at the end of the week. I just looked at her completely dumbfounded that I had to leave the room to make an appointment with a woman who is literally three feet in front of me! So...I stepped out and as I made the phone call I could literally hear the phone ringing in the other room and the woman picking it up. The appointment was made for 13:00 that day so that I could look over all my paperwork to make sure I had everything in order.
In the meantime, I first opened my package and went thru the paperwork I had been sent and then I proceeded to check out the other contents of the package. The thing I treasured the most and had been waiting for had arrived; my copy of The Bronze Horseman novel!! I have only read the book at least three times but it is one of my favorites and I never tire of reading it. Afterwards, I drove to the grocery store to acquire some food in the form of: apples, carrots, caramel (for the apples of course), banana chips, six eggs (to make into hard-boiled eggs), bagels, cream cheese, fruit jello snacks and applesauce.
At 13:00 I went into the post office for my appointment and I do have to say the lady there was quite rude and made it seem like I was an inconvenience to her. In any case, I got my photo taken, my license copied, my paperwork taken and then I had the pleasant job of paying the lovely price of $150.00 for all of it. Apparently when you get your passport application done at a post office they like to charge you their own fee on top of the cost of the passport. Oh, if anyone is wondering how I am going to get my passport while I am on the road I am not. I am having it sent to my parents house and if I end up needing it I will then give them a post office in which to send it to. Now that I think of it I don't know if I have explained how I go about acquiring mail while on the road. For those who are curious, I simple look ahead to where I may be in a weeks time and call post offices in that area looking for one that accepts "general delivery." Once I find a post office, I then inform my mom or whoever is sending me mail to have it addressed to me and then under my name put "general delivery" and that post offices address. When I go to pick it up I just give them my driver ID card and wallah I have my mail!
With everything taken care of in Oakhurst I drove back west in the direction of the coast and decided to park for a night at a Pilot Truck Stop. When I pulled in I parked on the side of the road so that the truckers had all the spaces they needed. I then sat in my camper devouring my book which now that I think about I am not so sure it was a good idea to have her send it to me for now I seem to get nothing done because all I want to do is read the book. Ha. All day long I had only eaten an apple with caramel, some cookies, a few pringels and a cream cheese bagel but strangely I was not that hungry and I was not feeling the greatest either. I skyped with my dad in Wisconsin for I wanted to show him the trim on my camper that has begun to come off and get his take on that along with my gas can that sprang a leak. So we went over all of that and he was and has been so helpful with all the issues that have come up along the way that I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him to help me out! After our conversation, I wanted to update my blog since I had service but I was not feeling the greatest and decided to just call it a day; however, I ended up reading my book until 22:35.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Day 109
September 25, 2017 Day 109
My alarm sounded at 05:00 am and then at 05:30 but I was just too cozy and warm for once that I didn't want to step outside. Finally, at 06:00 I knew that if I was going to do this hike I needed to get a move on. I was going to make coffee but did not feel like dealing with it so I just got in my vehicle, turned the ignition and let it warm up before hitting the road. It was about a twenty minute drive to where I had parked yesterday across form Camp #4. When I arrived, I decided to just leave my camper attached to my vehicle so I backed into a spot and called it good.
Dressed in my tight workout pants, socks, hiking boots, under-amour long-sleeve, t-shirt, jacket, hats and gloves I prepped my pack: it was approximately 35 degrees out. Once I was all set I texted my friend, Sal, my plan and called up my mom. I spoke to her while I walked to a restroom and then spent the next ten minutes wondering around trying to find the upper Yosemite trail head. There was construction everywhere and no signs at all until I saw the one hidden back in the woods. Talking with my mom was hilarious and entertaining which put me in a good mood for this hike I was about to do.
The hike would be a 9.6 mile trip up and back down from Upper Yosemite Falls. The first 4.8 miles would be all uphill with an elevation change of 2,600 ft. Starting out I was in the woods and it didn't take long for me to start breathing hard. When I reached a viewing point I met a guy who was approximately around the same age as me. We hiked together and though I was really enjoying the conversation I knew I was slowing him down so I told him he could continue on for I was going to take a break. I cannot emphasize enough how much it bothers me how difficult it is for me to breath and not be able to keep up with others. Maybe I really am that out of shape or maybe my body just can not adjust to the constant elevation changes. I don't know what the reason it but I do know I hate it. by the time I was halfway there I was moving very slowly and I just kept telling myself to put one foot in front of the other. Step by step I finally made it to the top even though there were times I wanted to quit I knew I couldn't and wouldn't for I was no committed to this.
At the top, I had to hike 0.2 miles down to the viewing area of the upper Yosemite falls where I met up again with the guy from earlier and found out that one can not really view the falls at all from this point so why they went about doing the work to make a railing and steps I do not know. Now I had to climb all those stairs back up! Talk about a stair master, my legs should be steal after this. I decided I would join him for an additional mile to get to Yosemite point. We got somewhat off trail but made it there and boy was the view something else! It was breathtaking up there and he and I stood talking for awhile before deciding I was going to head down and he was going to continue on to North Dome.
Before we parted ways we exchanged numbers and with that I headed back down the way I had come. The way down seemed to go on forever and my knees and feet were in pain from the constant jarring of each step. Going down was also more difficult for the rocks were slippery and the trail was covered in loose gravel that made it easy for one to slide. Again, do I prefer going up or down? They both suck and by the end of the trail I was tired and my legs were shaking from the effort of trying to not fall. I had started the trail around 08:30 and ended near 13:00 and when I finally got to my camper I was freezing cold from my sweat. I was also hungry but at the same time I felt too tired to really do anything but I knew I needed food and to warm up so I staggered to the back of my camper and made some Ramon noodles. I really wanted to take a nap but I needed to call the post office to see if my package arrived and I also wanted to try and find some gifts.
I changed clothes and took the shuttle to the village but I didn't find anything to buy and my plan to get a beer was thwarted by the fact that one bottle cost from $6.00 to $8.00! In the end, I called my grandma and spoke to her as I rode the shuttle back to my vehicle and made a sandwich. Then I headed towards Glacier Point where I was planning to see the sunset. Driving there took forever on the winding road but when I got there and got out I was freezing and exhausted. I walked to the point to take some pictures and the view was pretty spectacular for I could see all three waterfalls I had hiked, half dome and all of the valley As I stood there I realized I would not be able to see the sunset for the mountain was in the way so I ended up driving back down.
Heading down towards the entrance of the park the sunset was stunning so I stopped to take some pictures. As darkness surrounded me my exhaustion took over and I knew I had to pull over otherwise I may fall asleep behind the wheel. So I pulled over and told my mom where I was and figured a park ranger probably will come yell at me at some point but I was just too tired to continue driving. Well I park ranger did come bang on my door around 22:30 and a woman told me I had to leave the park. So I drove onward, fighting sleep, until I found a turnout where I pulled over and went back to bed.
My alarm sounded at 05:00 am and then at 05:30 but I was just too cozy and warm for once that I didn't want to step outside. Finally, at 06:00 I knew that if I was going to do this hike I needed to get a move on. I was going to make coffee but did not feel like dealing with it so I just got in my vehicle, turned the ignition and let it warm up before hitting the road. It was about a twenty minute drive to where I had parked yesterday across form Camp #4. When I arrived, I decided to just leave my camper attached to my vehicle so I backed into a spot and called it good.
Dressed in my tight workout pants, socks, hiking boots, under-amour long-sleeve, t-shirt, jacket, hats and gloves I prepped my pack: it was approximately 35 degrees out. Once I was all set I texted my friend, Sal, my plan and called up my mom. I spoke to her while I walked to a restroom and then spent the next ten minutes wondering around trying to find the upper Yosemite trail head. There was construction everywhere and no signs at all until I saw the one hidden back in the woods. Talking with my mom was hilarious and entertaining which put me in a good mood for this hike I was about to do.
The hike would be a 9.6 mile trip up and back down from Upper Yosemite Falls. The first 4.8 miles would be all uphill with an elevation change of 2,600 ft. Starting out I was in the woods and it didn't take long for me to start breathing hard. When I reached a viewing point I met a guy who was approximately around the same age as me. We hiked together and though I was really enjoying the conversation I knew I was slowing him down so I told him he could continue on for I was going to take a break. I cannot emphasize enough how much it bothers me how difficult it is for me to breath and not be able to keep up with others. Maybe I really am that out of shape or maybe my body just can not adjust to the constant elevation changes. I don't know what the reason it but I do know I hate it. by the time I was halfway there I was moving very slowly and I just kept telling myself to put one foot in front of the other. Step by step I finally made it to the top even though there were times I wanted to quit I knew I couldn't and wouldn't for I was no committed to this.
At the top, I had to hike 0.2 miles down to the viewing area of the upper Yosemite falls where I met up again with the guy from earlier and found out that one can not really view the falls at all from this point so why they went about doing the work to make a railing and steps I do not know. Now I had to climb all those stairs back up! Talk about a stair master, my legs should be steal after this. I decided I would join him for an additional mile to get to Yosemite point. We got somewhat off trail but made it there and boy was the view something else! It was breathtaking up there and he and I stood talking for awhile before deciding I was going to head down and he was going to continue on to North Dome.
Before we parted ways we exchanged numbers and with that I headed back down the way I had come. The way down seemed to go on forever and my knees and feet were in pain from the constant jarring of each step. Going down was also more difficult for the rocks were slippery and the trail was covered in loose gravel that made it easy for one to slide. Again, do I prefer going up or down? They both suck and by the end of the trail I was tired and my legs were shaking from the effort of trying to not fall. I had started the trail around 08:30 and ended near 13:00 and when I finally got to my camper I was freezing cold from my sweat. I was also hungry but at the same time I felt too tired to really do anything but I knew I needed food and to warm up so I staggered to the back of my camper and made some Ramon noodles. I really wanted to take a nap but I needed to call the post office to see if my package arrived and I also wanted to try and find some gifts.
I changed clothes and took the shuttle to the village but I didn't find anything to buy and my plan to get a beer was thwarted by the fact that one bottle cost from $6.00 to $8.00! In the end, I called my grandma and spoke to her as I rode the shuttle back to my vehicle and made a sandwich. Then I headed towards Glacier Point where I was planning to see the sunset. Driving there took forever on the winding road but when I got there and got out I was freezing and exhausted. I walked to the point to take some pictures and the view was pretty spectacular for I could see all three waterfalls I had hiked, half dome and all of the valley As I stood there I realized I would not be able to see the sunset for the mountain was in the way so I ended up driving back down.
Heading down towards the entrance of the park the sunset was stunning so I stopped to take some pictures. As darkness surrounded me my exhaustion took over and I knew I had to pull over otherwise I may fall asleep behind the wheel. So I pulled over and told my mom where I was and figured a park ranger probably will come yell at me at some point but I was just too tired to continue driving. Well I park ranger did come bang on my door around 22:30 and a woman told me I had to leave the park. So I drove onward, fighting sleep, until I found a turnout where I pulled over and went back to bed.
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