MORE BEAUTIFUL OCEAN

 Oh how I have missed the ocean.  I didn't realize just how much until I was here.  Thoughts of diving with the sea lions, getting abandoned by our dive boat three miles from shore and finally getting rescued by two other dive boats who took on more people than they were allowed ... you know, all those good memories!!  But boy have I got stories to tell.

After capturing the hummingbird on camera, we headed on over to Asilomar Beach.  It's not as spectacular there when it comes to waves, but beautiful nonetheless.  I was extremely lucky to find a parking spot on this morning.  That after driving the obstacle course of humans running down the middle of the road.  There are trails for that!!

Mr. Cooper was excited to get out of the van and on the trail.  Okay, not so much.  He was more interested in smelling the smells in the bushes.  It took us 15 minutes to go 50 feet!!

I'm sure he doesn't remember the last time he was on the beach, when he ran straight into the water.  He was not the least bit interested in walking over all these rocks.  I think his lack of distance eyesight didn't help.  

And so we headed out for home, him fast asleep in the chair next to me as I tried to navigate the narrow roads.  There was construction everywhere through town, causing me to go down very narrow one way roads with cars parked on both sides.  YIKES!!  I didn't sign up for this!  

Wasn't I surprised that I made it without running into anyone, or getting honked at.  My van driving confidence soared.  Why have I waited so long to do this?  I've missed it much more than I ever thought.

The best part of all ... I was going HOME on Saturday.  I can't tell you how many times I have driven this road coming back from diving trips on SUNDAYS.  It's bumper to bumper, 25 mph ... but NOW ... it's Saturday and I just cruised right along while the OTHER side of the two lane road was a parking lot.  I admit ... it felt GOOD!!  And I laughed at that!

The quilt store didn't result in much since I didn't bring any of my projects to color match.  I'll be returning at the end of the week.  Finally back home, late lunch was the last of the clam chowder.  It's a good thing since I put on two pounds on this three day trip!!

Though I expected to see Kitters immediately, she was nowhere to be found.  I called and called, but there was no answer.  I guess she's found another home.  I was sad about that.  I picked MORE tomatoes, so I'll be buying more bacon very soon.

Several hours later I heard MEOW.  KITTERS ... you're back!!  There was a quick UH OH however when I let Cooper out and she came running in the house.  I just watched as she went through almost every room, smelling along the way.  Oh Nancy, this is not good!  Surprisingly, Cooper didn't seem to mind at all.

I'm guessing she was looking for that bird smell.  She zoomed in on Jonathan instantly.  UH NO kitty kitty ... he is not for dinner. Out you go!!

I only spotted her once on my Blink cameras while gone, but she spent the entire day on her new bed OUTSIDE.  I know, it's crossed my mind too, but I don't think it will work with a parrot in the van, nor do I think she will stick around if I'm gone a month.  I guess time will tell.  Are there such things as kitty doors?

I forgot to mention the leveling blocks.  This is what I have used a few times now.  They are very bulky and it takes a lot of them to get the front of the van up high enough.  To make it worse, I cannot see them when driving up on them.  

That's when I remembered Dan Chance gave me two long leveling blocks that I stuck under the step going inside.  I got them out, thinking I would practice using them.  Just WOW!!  Not only did they work like a charm, they are a one stop gadget .. you can be any height up to three inches.  I may keep a couple of the yellow ones in the rig, but I'm throwing the rest out.  

The main reason?  With the front up a few inches, the sliding side door stays open by itself ... a big plus when you're carrying a dog on a leash, trying not to fall on your face while the door slams you in the butt.  Dan said I can leave the rig parked on them for at least a week, which works since I'll have to drive it once a week.  YAHOO ... no more sliding blocks on the gravel and not getting the front end up high enough!!

The next thing I know, I've got company again, and a dentist appointment today.  Oh boy that will be fun!!   Then there's a laundry list of stuff to do, including some Halloween decorating, following by planning the next trip.

I realized something in the last few days.  I miss traveling a lot ... I REALLY miss the ocean ... and photography ... and I've become too tied to my house.  It's time to get back out on the road and see the sights.