triumphgal

Day 5 – Heading East at last

TriumphGal

December 25, 2014

Another ridiculously restless night found me awake and ready to go early. Started it off right.

Mom was to take me to the airport and then go on to Salt Spring Island to be with my brother and family. I started taking stuff down to the car and saw that the light was on in my truck. Seems I didn’t close the door properly last night. Thank goodness for the last repair which was a new starter and battery, it started on first turn. When I got to the airport I couldn’t seem to get the checkin kiosk to recognize my flight so went through the agent to find it was going to be late so I was given a boarding pass but no seat and a standby for my luggage.

she assured me I would just need to get down to the gate and I would be assigned a seat. Fortunately I had my Nexus card and was able to jump the line.

there was quite the wait but we finally boarded. This was not my seat, cant imagine what first class cost on this Boeing 777

the seats in steerage were surprisingly roomy and comfortable. I enjoyed the company of the ladies on either side of me and enjoyed the breakfast of champions

while I watched The F Word with Daniel Radcliffe. Having left half an hour late we were late arriving in Toronto but I really enjoyed the tracking map.

once I deplaned I had to find out where I was boarding next as I had no pass. From the signs I knew what gate to head to and along the way I saw a help desk and was assigned a seat and pass. I had 20 minutes or so to spare so I popped into a brew pub and sat down at the bar. Started chatting right away with a man who is from Sault St. Marie but works in and around Red Deer. We had a great conversation, he bought my beer, gave him my card, had a big hug and both rushed off. I would like to speak again but even if not it was a lovely holiday moment.
Having left at the last moment I basically walked straight on to the next plane. There was a jovial mood and I was laughing and joking going down the aisle. I reached my seat and the woman beside me mentioned her husband was a few rows up so I swapped with him. Must have been the good mood I was in. Once again sat between really nice ladies and we chatted a lot. Enjoyed the dinner of champions

and watched If I Stay which had me in tears a couple times. Focussed on the map again for a while.

poor Ashlée, we were early so she wasn’t there to greet me but she sure made up for it!

we went for a tour but it was too late, not all lights were lit

popped by to see Terry Fox

and then wound our way up to Signal Hill for a glorious view of the city at night

just after midnight we wished each other and FB land a Merry Christmas earliest in Canada

arrived at her home where she had reversed the tradition and gotten me pajamas for Christmas Eve. How sweet and thoughtful. She made popcorn while I made juice which we drank out of glass boots. I can’t wait to see everything in the daytime. It was a little bit chilly but no snow on the ground. I am still up at 2:15 am as it is only 9:45 at home… So much for getting my sleep patterns fixed, oh well. Merry Christmas Eve!

Day 4 -my Friday has arrived!

TriumphGal

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December 24, 2014

It was not a remarkable day except for the amount of work I managed to get done. I have been entering and reconciling data for all of 2014 to ready for the year end at De Vellis Auto Centre. I work in an office with two heaters as the cinder block building makes for a Bob Cratchit work environment. Marcello, the owner is no Ebenezer though and along with his salesman Rick and mechanic Sean, I always enjoy being there. They are super nice guys who almost make me take back anything negative I’ve ever said about used car salesmen. I can still see myself driving that 2002 Porsche Boxter, visions of it dance in my head but for today I put my ’98 Pathfinder in for a check up and oil change, also cost a few pennies to replace the wind deflectors that some vandal ripped off.
Finished what I could, hugs all around and I shall return for a morning before heading home in January. I got home and started reorganizing my truck which Shannon will be driving home. Was talking to the VP of our strata and got the heads up that there will be another Special Assessment soon…. And there went the visions…. Sigh.
Managed to get organized and ready for my flight in the morning then Mom and I had dinner and watched We Bought A Zoo. I am finally done work for 2014!!!!!!!! It will be interesting how long it takes my system to realize that and let me sleep.
Speaking of which I must attempt to do so now as I have a long day tomorrow
Good Night,
Marnée
Ps I do love New Westminster, the city of many angles….

Day 3 – Monday Marvels

TriumphGal

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December 23, 2014

Can not forgive Moms Alarm going off over half an hour before mine especially as I was in her bed and she on the couch, half an apartment away. Oh dear, that sounds bad. It was her choice, honest!
I took over the renovation of my kitchen in the new unit I was assigned on teachers row in Bella Bella. Home Depot had sent the wrong Lazy Susan’s so I brought them down to exchange for the correct ones. I decided to take them on my way to a client this morning. Laurie was friendly and helpful and I left with a few more items I could use. Next was on to work. I have had my own business, Printed Matter Services since 1994 and hey! It’s my 20 year PMS anniversary! Just realized as I was typing that, cool! On the side, with permission of my employer, I keep my own clients, one of whom is De Vellis Auto Centre in New Westminster. The owner, his wife and their staff are remarkably nice people and I was eager to see them again. The whole day was wonderful… Started with a gift of Baileys ( which I chose to hold off opening), a mug and chocolates, much laughter between hard work, and a total drool fest over a car they have for sale that I would love to have.

I really want this baby but it is hard to justify in a town that is 2.5 Km from one end to the other. I brought home the manual to read through… Car porn. Got back to the apartment and loaded the truck properly as Shannon will be driving it home when she returns from San Fran. Mom had a surprise for me when I arrived!

I paid for this in October while I was away and it got held for a street address. So glad to get it and just in time for me to use the backpack on my holiday.
Mom had a delicious dinner ready and then I spent a cranky long amount of time trying to get her newly acquired iPhone able to receive and send texts. This became my most hated screen as I couldn’t seem to solve it to other people , only between us.

I used the old distraction method… Sorry that doesn’t work but look, I’ve set up your email on it! Was so cool to watch my 73 year old Mom reading her email on her phone and a giggle fest ensued. Brainscar moment for sure.

I have one more day of work and then that is it…. Once I have checked in, I am on holidays! I sure have enjoyed this whole journey though. Maybe some more sleep tonight, please Santa!

Day 2 – Walking Dead

TriumphGal

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December 22, 2014

I suppose it is impudent to reference a show I’ve never before seen but that is what I felt like for most of today. Woke up too early having snored and thrashed Mom out of her own bed. Shannon helped me take things out of storage to go home in the truck, we picked up a bicycle for a local boy that she had ordered in advance and I dropped her at the International Departures around noon for her 2:10 flight. From there I headed back into New Westminster

to see if I could get a little beauty maintenance done. Shopped a bit

(ran into a friend from high school at London Drugs) and then relaxed into a massage chair while one lovely lady worked on my feet and a delightful man did my manicure.

This I needed, even fell asleep momentarily

From there I headed down to Queensborough, my child hood home, and was waiting for a parking spot outside Walmart where I was going to see if they could fix my glasses when I spotted a young family one of whom was a co-worker in my last job. They live up the Sunshine Coast now so it really was odd to find them there.

In the eyewear area was a delightful woman who fixed my broken glasses and offered great advice as to the new pairs I was ordering.

I purchased a large package of toilet paper as it is to me one of the most overpriced necessities in Bella Bella and then hurried to pick up Mom to go for dinner.

It was so nice to have a visit with Susan, my used to be ‘sister in law’ and the I got to keep them in the breakup, niece and nephew Ashley and Alex. Cactus Club was good and Sue treated! By now I was once again getting to the nod off stage and we headed back to Moms. I had to review the lists of which I had many. Most things are checked off or will be tomorrow. The minute I am checked in Wednesday I will actually remember to exhale and feel as though I am on holidays. I had two quite similar but opposite people moments. While in line at Toys R Us, I paused momentarily to reach for a stocking stuffer and the woman and her family behind me went in front! I chose not to say anything and their transaction went on far too long as we waited for manager overrides, etc. I was annoyed by it all. While in line at Walmart in the 12 items or less line, a pair of ladies was behind me chatting and one started to go around me but stopped suddenly and apologized. I turned and said ‘after today I was getting ready to trip you’. There was a pause and they both broke out laughing which lead to a chat about the holiday season.
I re-read last nights post this morning and found the sudden onset of my sleeping pill so funny I left it as is. I am not taking the pill tonight but am certain feeling the effects of exhaustion. I will wrap up this tedious list of things done on an average day and hope tomorrow will be of more interest.
Goodnight, Marnée B in New Westminster, BC

Day(?) 1 – who needs sleep…..

TriumphGal

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December 20, 2014

The week was long; work and Christmas festivities filled the hours. The pressure mounted, my nerves frayed and both brain and body wore down. A friend died, children sang, the world went on.
I am off on a new adventure to visit my daughter Ashlee for the holidays in St. John’s, Newfoundland. According to my navigation app she is 7,740 Km away.

It will be a two ferry, two plane journey east that begins now.
It is 3:27 am Saturday December 20th. After a lovely visit with friends I returned to load my SUV and try to rest. Sleep was elusive but there is a long ferry from Bella Bella to Port Hardy and then a long drive down Vancouver Island to catch another ferry across to the Vancouver area.
My friend Shannon is sharing the trip on her way to fly to San Francisco. Many of the teachers are heading out so the boat should be fun if I can stay awake. We have to check in 2 hours ahead of the 6:30 departure of the Northern Expedition.
I shan’t bore you with the minutiae of getting on the road but hope you will follow along as I head for the other side of this vast country of Canada.

On the boat now but by the time we got upstairs there were chairs but no place to sit as everyone brings bedding and sleeps on the floor. Some get staterooms. This is a new and weird experience for me as I have always travelled by day.

ah well, when in Rome….
It was 6:30 by the time we found a spot and Shannon rolled out her bedroll and fell asleep. I was in the chair by her feet and couldn’t handle the loud snoring ( of the guy across the lounge, not her) so I put in my custom earplugs with the jawbone device in one, listened to my iPhone’s music and drifted in and out for an hour and a half. By then it was light and I went wandering. Some people had really settled in!

it is hard to capture in photos the waves but we were told at one point that there were 50-60 metre seas so we would be holding back for two hours before crossing the channel, which would really shorten our time to make the long drive to the next boat. We all met up, visited, ate, watched Mr Peabody in the onboard theatre and generally began to unwind. Finally they came on to tell us we were only holding for an hour and heading across but it was ominous when a crew member began strategically placing barf bags about the ship.

finally we were heading on our way with many a Christmas and safe travel wish.

Shannon and I headed into Port Hardy for gas and to fill my tires. 71$ of gas at the cheapest rate I’d seen in a while, 113.9/L
As we headed south on a mostly two lane paved logging road the sky opened up. At times the wipers had a hard time clearing but we had time to make up as I needed to pick up some custom made chocolates from a friend s home business in Nanaimo before we got the next boat. I will tell you more about them after we try them tomorrow.
The drive straight through to Departure Bay was at times torturous as I was battling fatigue by times. But finally there it was

I had offered to take Colleen as she was going to Yale Town and Paige and Jordan were going to Squamish. We all hung out and Richard appeared on board too I took some fun shots and was getting my seventh wind of the day.

We had agreat sat, are tucked in in New Wet,insert I took a sleeping pill and a barely tend to see straights so will toy this in morning. Good night

Oct 20 – Living Like I’m Dying

TriumphGal

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October 21, 2014

My flight was at 7:45 so Mom and I were up early and on the road in the dark.

It was still feeling odd to be in the passenger seat. Even though I wore my custom earplugs most of the trip I can still feel the roar in my ears. I am ambivalent about the return. My sense of self has shifted. A theme has run through my head since I heard a song on the country station Tim McGraw’s Live Like You Were Dying earlier in the trip. It really struck me that this is what I am trying to do. I chose to live in this beautiful place on the planet

because I had come to love the people of the Heiltsuk First Nation and the ‘others’ who live amongst and around them, living a life that is unique to a tight knit remote community. I wanted to do something of value, feel fulfilled in what I do, add to the quality of my life and others. I had many hours on this journey to muse on the previous six months…… But I didn’t. Instead I let all the stress, all the politics, all the renovations, all the advance work I had to do….go. I spent my time in the moment, soaking up the sun, enjoying every single moment, person and place I experienced. It was with great joy and pride that I explained often where exactly it was that I lived…. In the Heiltsuk First Nation on Campbell Island in the Great Bear Rainforest, more commonly known as Bella Bella, ‘the place so nice, they named it twice’. I showed them my picture and pointed to the red pin midway between Washington and Alaska

The response was nearly always enthusiastic and inquisitive. Many yearned to come here to fish and hike and explore, to learn more about ‘my people’. It wasn’t long before I stopped explaining that I was an ‘other’. It was irrelevant, my love for this place and it’s inhabitants was what mattered. I honestly did not miss home that much as I was in the moment of wherever I was, soaking up the cultures and experiences of the people I met along the way. I was grateful for all the Native Americans I met and shared with. As most of them were from drought area Pueblos, they dreamt of salmon and fishing on the ocean, things I so take for granted. And so as I landed on this rainy day, the remnants of a big storm evident

I was not unhappy, I was glad to be home. Home, the place where friends leave your vehicle for you at the airport,

ripe tomatoes in your garden

a bottle of wine

a stocked fridge

and more. As I settled back in to the obligations and responsibilities of my job, I am making myself a pledge to hold on to that feeling… To be in the moment, to choose my routes wisely, to keep my tank filled and rubber down…. To live like I’m dying.

Oct 19 – Audrey you almost gave all to this trip

TriumphGal

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October 20, 2014

Slept 10.5 hours! Tossed and turned, could still hear the highway sound but got the rest I needed. Got ready and popped off to church. So glad I did as I got to see many friends including Carol-Ann and Dave, two more of the original C’s in Peru.

CA was there with her daughter Ciara and granddaughter Lily. I love this family and it was great to catch up.

after an inspiring and self deprecating sermon from Cam I went off to get Audrey an oil change and find out how much wear and tear would need to be dealt with before driving her far again.

The guys at Mr Lube checked her, changed her oil and then I was asked if I wanted the good news or the bad news. I said just tell me it all and he went on to explain all that should be done…

I told him I only paid $1500 for her and he replied that I could replace all of that and come out ahead if I sold her still. I asked what the good news was and he said, “you made it” with a big grin. My cousin’s husband Rob sent me a pic of Audrey grinning about her accomplishment

Stopped next at Sherry

and Dans for lunch where I got to further catch up with the C’s who were also there. Seems both have had big career and life changes and are looking forward to us all going to Great Britain as that is the next destination on the table. A stop at Fabricland for a few more items and it was up to Moms to take the plates off and cancel my insurance. The man there was funny, he told me to give everyone back home in Bella Bella a hug from him….. Once the storage plan was on for a year I said thank you and covered her up. Even Louise was forlorn.

I have a big task to pack all my treasures for the flight home in the morning. Mom just made a delicious meal and we were going to go out to a movie but while channel surfing we found out Thelma and Louise is on at 8. That seems like the perfect end to this stage of the journey and then a good sleep before my 0745 flight.

Oct 18, 2014 -Look out Washington, I’m coming through

TriumphGal

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October 19, 2014

As it happens I put on 564 Km yesterday and my dear friend friend Colleen kept me up with stimulating conversation and wine until nearly midnight after which I blogged….. “What is that noise? argh can’t open eyes, oh it’s my alarm, 5 o’clock, seriously?!” 4 and a bit hours sleep seemed like a stupid start to a race for the border. My Mom lives in my condo and had gotten notice that some things had to be moved or I would be fined. It would involve a truck and moving to a larger storage unit. Fortunately my friend Julie came to the rescue once again and offered to show up with her boyfriends truck to move stuff to my storage unit which was inaccessible after 5, and not at all tomorrow. So I enjoyed my home roasted bean coffee a la Mike,

a lovely breakfast a la Colleen, a frantic search for my power cord and I was off. I filled up the gas locally and was officially on my way by 6:45. It was hard to say goodbye as I felt we were really connecting. Colleen gave me two sweet rocks. That meant a lot as she is a collector.

Top up for second day. Traffic got thick around Seattle but the lanes are variable speed based on signs ahead. Very clever, although at one point I was completely stopped on the I-5

I stopped in Bellingham to fill up and pick up items for a friend at home. Dropped the top as the sun was shining. When I reached the top of the Nexus line I was asked if I had anything to declare. I responded that I had just purchased a carton of smokes for the lady who watered my plants and was about to continue on about the alcohol when he asked how long I had been away. I responded that this was day twenty-two and he laughed and said have a nice day.

Nice site to see…

I arrived and had a great chat with ladies in the building and found out that one person wants my mattress I don’t know how to get rid of and another would love to store my palm tree so YAY. Julie arrived, she and I loaded my big wardrobe that used to be my dads, my double antique bed frame and started out… Well, sort of, it was nearly too tall to get out of underground and I had to push up on gate to get out.

we moved everything into the larger unit and headed back

‘q

upon returning we followed a Bella Pizza car which made me more ready to get home

I regaled them with tales as I unloaded the treasure half of my suitcase and then we were off to find food

before Jules had to head out to Mission again. Mom and I picked up some cucumber and cracked the Gin, hockey is on and all is right at the moment… Except that I am falling asleep doing this and it is only 9:17 pm.
613 Km, a lovely end to a no stress day, thanks to Mom and Jules. Wrap up day tomorrow.

Oct 17 – oh Oregon…..

TriumphGal

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October 18, 2014

I knew as soon as I awoke that the air had changed, rain had made its presence known. I battled the slow internet and managed to post my blog of yesterday before heading out. I still can’t stress enough how much I feel that California 1 is a highway that should be on a ‘do not miss’ list. I also think I forgot to mention that last night I was so tired I asked the waitress what state I was in and she got a very healthy tip for responding kindly. I won’t bore you with details about today. It was mostly a misty, rainy, foggy, just get there kind of a day. It began looking like this

I decided to follow 101 after all.

and next thing you knew I was in Oregon.

The architecture and materials looked like home

and everything was very green

I saw this in a grocery store in Bandon and found it amusing

I spent the day taking random, on the move shots of things that struck me

I must say that this state does bridges with a passion. I couldn’t help but take pictures as I was cruising over them.

Much of the view was wet and blurry…

I stopped momentarily at Depoe Bay where I first visited on a Band Trip in High School

finally I was approaching Portland

It was all so confusing approaching as there are not good signs in Oregon. It was dark and I was really unsure where to go so I activated my data and allowed my phone to lead. When I got to the destination the house the numbers didn’t match up and I texted such. Next thing you know Mike pulled up beside me and escorted me to their place which was a right rather than the left my phone told me to take. I finally get parked and my first inspection is the rock collection

then Louise tried to settle in in her matching ensemble

<a href=”https://triumphgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_4669.jpg”>but there was much to see and love to find

I was so happy to see Colleen had managed to get her beautiful table home from Santa Fe. It so matches their beautiful home

we drank wine, did laundry, inspected treasures and Colleen prepared a lovely dinner. Shot some pics, talked much more and had a generally great time getting to know these special friends even more

I probably should have got her to play this for me but I have to save something besides Powell’s for the next visit!

crud, I forgot to take a shot of my odometer tonight, will have to figure out the mileage tomorrow. I have enjoyed Colleens company so much it is 1:00 am and I want to leave by 6!!! Oh and I was gifted a petrified wood piece as I had to drive past the petrified forest in the dark as well as Holy Dirt personally gathered where we met the 96 year old Father.

Oct 16 – sometimes spontaneity brings the best moments

TriumphGal

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October 17, 2014

This morning I made Annemarie late for work as she prepared me a lovely breakfast and gave me directions to backtrack to the Marin Headlands lookout over the Golden Gate Bridge. I gassed up, grabbed a coffee which the owner offered for free when I taught him how Canadians use credit cards in pumps (for Zip use 00 and the numbers only in your Postal Code) and headed there. Wow…

after enjoying my coffee and walk in the sun I headed up Hwy 1 and decided at the last second to continue with it towards Stinson Beach and beyond

I stopped a few times for pictures but mostly drove like an Indy driver and had a blast. There were few to no cars going North (sigh) so I could set my own pace on the perfectly banked winding, climbing , descending, crazy road

I had read how scary it was but it was awesome. The only fear in the back of my mind was that I was following the San Andreas Fault and one of the last times I drove this state there was an earthquake. It didn’t help that there was a state wide earthquake drill as I was leaving in the morning.

there were signs of drought along the way (sign on winery silo says ‘Save Water, Drink Wine’

The trees were as amazing as the ocean as I wove inland and back seaside often

these two dogs kept popping in and out to amuse me

388 Km over 6 hours and I was in Leggett

I gassed up and headed through the Redwood Forest on 101. It was all good until it got dark but I knew I had to get to Crescent City. I was even cold the last hour but didn’t stop. Sure can tell I’m heading north

finally I was here just over 2.5 hours, 257 Km making a days total of 647. Settled in to Super 8 for only 49.50, walked down street for excellent dinner at Northlands and then came back to sleep.

trying not to be concerned about this

Oct 15 – dang work and obligations…

TriumphGal

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October 16, 2014

Awoke well rested and grateful for these new friends that welcomed us into their beautiful home. I was still hopeful that I would be able to squeeze another day in but when I called work for an update and studied the maps and calendar I knew I had to get going. Had a delicious breakfast that included freshly squeezed orange juice from the backyard trees!

it was goodbye to all four as Colin had promised to make Ceviche after they all toured some wineries. I set out to follow Hwy 1 along the coast all the way to Tiburon, across the Golden Gate where Annemarie lives. The first stretch was not. Ear the water much but I found it interesting as I passed through brown, scrubby, drought country that suddenly became emerald with fields of food crops

I couldn’t help but believe that some of my Grown in the USA produce came from the area near Guadalupe. It was a beehive of activity and looked like it took a lot of work to keep it all watered and fertile. Further along the road I saw signs Avocados 7 for $1 and kiwi 10 for $1!! I wish I could bring some home. I saw many sites but only stopped at a few for pictures as there was a lot of ground to cover

somehow I managed to take a turn down a long beautiful stretch to find I had to turn around and make my way back to the highway. It was worth it

I just had to stop and stare at the ocean as I had missed it so much, home is calling me

I saw a couple cars parked in an odd place and realized what they were looking at so had to capture the randomness of a field of Zebras near San Simeon

Just past Hearst Castle which I had seen on the last trip this way were the Elephant Seals who had drawn a big crowd

While stopped for construction I bemoaned the fact that the best views were mostly looking South

But not all of them

I did follow a few annoying drivers who wouldn’t use the turn outs and would have had to speed up to slow down for corners but often I was alone on the highway and Audrey just hugged the curves. When I was 28 miles from San Francisco I contacted Annemarie to get directions. While we were (hands free) talking I drove into a thick fog that lasted until halfway over the Golden Gate Bridge. At one point I could only see two car lengths ahead!

Good thing Hwy 1 goes through the city and over the bridge as it was around 7 on a busy night and traffic was thick and challenging. I really do need to plan to get into major cities earlier and in the day light! Suddenly the fog cleared and it was beautiful but I missed seeing much until then

I found her place and we had a great evening which started with a little joke for our friend Shannon. I had met Annemarie when she came to Bella Bella in June for a visit with Shannon.

Not only did this kind woman open her home to me but she took me out for a lovely dinner and we visited until late. We researched my route for tomorrow and it is supposed to be clouded right in on the first part of a ‘treacherously’ winding coast route so rather than stretch the long day further I am going to head on 101 to Eureka and beyond. I am now tucked in and tired out after a 9.5 hour day to go 618 Km! I am all about the journey though and every winding Km was fabulous.

Oct 14th – Santa Barbara bound

TriumphGal

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October 15, 2014

Not too long and we had breakfasted (had my first Guava juice which I love ) and hit the road. The intention was to aim for the coast and go north to hit Santa Barbara mid day and see Craig and Lorraine.

I lead us on a crazy route trying to stay near water and we happened upon a crazy accident with a guy in cuffs and a cop car up on a hydrant with water everywhere

after much meandering we arrived at Craig and Lorraine’s and also met their son Matt and his girlfriend Mia. I was caught off guard by his handshake. It was solid and strong, something I had become unfamiliar with as it is not the norm anymore. I really didn’t have time to react in a like manner before Mia offered hers and I was pleased to be able to respond in kind as she also has a firm, almost crushing grip. She said she liked my handshake and I acknowledged hers. I believe it was a meeting of like minds in many ways. My father always said you could tell a man by his handshake and I have met some dead fish along the way. Couldn’t say that about either of these fine folk.

Craig and Lorraine took us into town after a nice lunch and we wandered for hours down a street with a market in the middle and many interesting stores along the way

Gone With The Wind premiered here!

this project impresses me, seismic upgrade while retaining old facade.

only 240 Km today to end up with great people and a fabulous meal of tritips(?)

we sat
with the ‘grow ups’ at one end of the table looking at photos and the ‘kids’ at the other end discussing Johnny Depp and John Waters movies. All in all very enjoyable and makes me wonder if I am really going to leave in the morning as planned….

Oct 13 -Happy Thanksgiving

TriumphGal

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October 14, 2014

This morning I woke up and remembered all the things I was thankful for and then I went to the Ducks Team Store at Honda Center

I wanted to buy one of everything! It was awesome that they also sold all other team jerseys as well

I headed for the park around 12:30 and on the way passed a man trying to push twins in separate strollers. I went back and walked along pushing one of them. He was meeting his wife and other child in the park. Wouldn’t you know I see Colin and Wendy walking towards us and I laughed and said my Prince Charming came with twins. I spent the day catching the rides I had missed and reading my book in the lines

this little girl was so excited that she ran open armed to Donald

A bellman in the Grand Californian Hotel told me they would mail my postcard home to my little buddy. That hotel has over a 1000 rooms and is impressive

more wandering and enjoying

I met Colin and Wendy for a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner which had a set 3 course menu and primo viewing reservation for World of Color show later. We also had a great view of parade

the food was delicious, the service fantastic and although it was more than usual, no more than a similar caliber else where

we wandered and Tom one last trip through Radiator Springs and then watched the show

it was worth every penny and getting drenched

Oct 12 – I got shat on in the happiest place on earth

TriumphGal

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October 13, 2014

Had a relaxed morning, blogging, buffeting and relaxing after the day before and then over to the park by noon. Started in California Adventureland and straight to Carsland and the Radiator Springs Racers ride. Only took 20 minutes instead of the 70 as I was a single rider.

at the ride was a rock that very much looked like Camel Rock just out of Santa Fe

even though I sometimes felt odd being alone on rides I usually chatted with people from all over and did some creeper people watching….

I really looked out of place in the line for photo op with Lightening and then Mater later, but I knew my little buddy Freddie back home would like the shots

Grizzly River Run was so fun but I got drenched! Took hours to dry completely

after that I decided to grab a beer and wander for a bit in the sun. While standing in line I felt something and asked the guy behind me if a bird had got me and he just laughed and said yes. I went to the restroom where a very nice lady helped clean it up and another said it was good luck. I told her if that was true I better meet my damn Prince Charming. And so finally beer and cream cheese stuffed pretzel in hand I wandered.

saw some oddities

I was unimpressed with the number of parents who brought very young children, barely 40″ tall so I would say 4-5 year olds on the Tower of Terror ride. I suspect many of them will be afraid of rides for years, but Louise and I had fun

Many people were playing Heads Up on their phones in the lines, it was fun to join in

Darth Mickey and Superman for the win

my longest waits were for fave rides, Haunted House – 50 and Big Thunder Mountain Railway – 30

I bought a turkey salad dinner at the V8 Diner and it was delicious and affordable and healthy! Called Mom from there and met a Canadian lady walking by who grew up in Williams Lake. She knew where Bella Bella was

the Tow-Mater ride was very fun

the last ride I did was the swing at Paradise Pier before wandering my way back to the Hotel by 10 or so. A man hollered out ‘Stop! Look out” as an escalade came rushing into the IHOP and nearly clipped me. I thanked him for saving my life and commented on what the emergency was and he joked about the bad drivers in Vancouver where he was from. Saved by a Canadian!
All in all a lovely day, no miles on the car but plenty on the feet

Oct 11, 2014 – I got my kicks…..

TriumphGal

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October 12, 2014

Woke up to a glorious and fresh morning in Flagstaff. We all got ready and were on the road by 8ish. Can you tell I’m hanging with the Newtons? I want this for my place

they headed off for Anaheim which should be about 6.5 hours away. I planned to explore and joked that even if it took me 11 hours I’d see them at our hotel which we booked last night and had our fingers crossed was ok. I spent half an hour or so cruising around Flagstaff. It is so pretty and has a lovely University with the Lumberjacks being their team

I drove up to Lowell Observatory but it didn’t open until 9 and I was itching to get going

Louise and I finally found our unfenced spot to end the movie but decided we still had too much to see

I was following Route 66 and stopped at this lumberjack and a nice man on. Ladder at Granny’s suggested Wicked Coffee. It turned out to be a drive-thru and was so good

at one point during the trip this fortune I had gotten last year blew off and I just found it along the seat so took a picture and stuck it back there. It blew away a few minutes later. It I think it already came true

My plan for the day was to go on and off I-40 following the Historic Route 66 for as long as possible. The next sign after Flagstaff was through William. Well I’m telling you it is fabulous. The best I saw for spiffed up era conscious presentation.

There is also the Grand Canyon Railway Museum and the coolest Zipline ever!

Next stop was Ash Fork where I followed this sign to the back entry of the Museum and Visitors Centre

They were technically closed but the man let me in and his wife gave me a route map. I told her what I had experienced in NM and that it seemed Arizona really did up Rt 66. She said that I was about to be on the longest remaining continuous stretch of 158 miles to the California border. Map in hand, off I went

These replica signs were all along this stretch and later I would see some faded originals too

Next was Seligman, where I gassed and oiled…. Good thing!

Peach Springs wasn’t much but it was the inspiration for Radiator Springs in Cars. I was still giggling when I passed through as I told Colin the night before it was where it was filmed and he paused for a moment and kindly pointed out it was animated.

Hackberry General Store was in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by bikes and cool cars out for a run.

I spoke to a man whose accent matched his Bonneville and he had flown in to Chicago, rented the bike and was dropping it off in LA. I mentioned wanting to do that in England and he said I could cover it all in less time than his stretch. He was hurting though as he’d dropped the bike at slow speed in mud and twisted his left ankle which made for painful shifting.

The museum at Kingman was very informative and the lady there gave me a map to show how I could go to Oatman, swing up to Laughlin (just because) and back to Needles.

The drive to Oatman was beyond description. Well worn, cliff hanging road with a 15-25 mph speed limit. This was not a problem as it is one long winding climb and I wasn’t sure if me or Audrey was going to overheat first. So worth it though, stunning scenery and a great adventure. I just find it impossible to imagine wagon training it though

Oatman was…. Crazy old west

The choice to boot up to Laughlin just so I could see it was not so smart. I had to pass through cities, stopped at lights sweltering as it was over 30 degrees and by the time I reached Needles I had heat stroke and was beginning to brown out.

I hung out in the cool of a gas station chatting for a while and drinking powerade… Drove for a ways and pulled over to power nap and then on my way into the setting sun with still 4.5 hours on interstates!

I don’t know why I am not interested in crazy street racing video games as I apparently rock it in real life. If you can imagine me, in wee car in dark, no GPS or co-pilot, trying to watch all signs, remember all exits and left or right, dodging semis and people in a bigger hurry than I… Well guess what I was ultimately lead by my Duck love. I saw a sign shining like a beacon in the night…. Honda Centre and knew I was home

I made it to the hotel just before 9! Felt like doing a happy dance. That was one very long amazing day. Colin and Wendy were at Tower of Terror and I can see it from our room. Turns out Colin and I made a good choice to stay here. I still can’t believe what I can Tetris into my trunk, and that wasn’t all!

I just got settled when they threw fireworks for me! And after 1505 Km in two days I deserved it, even Louise was worn out

Oct 10 – more goodbyes and Route 66

TriumphGal

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October 11, 2014

Oh the Tetris game I played at packing while wonderful Celia prepared an incredible breakfast for us all. Her friend Denny came and even had to bring his own chair there were so many of us.

It is Craig’s 65th today so we celebrated him, and friends from around the continent

Bailey is so sweet, she wanted to be a part of it too

many photos were taken and hugs given before the Canadians took off with promises to stop in Santa Barbara at Craig and Lorraine’s

I also hope to see Mike and Colleen in Portland if they get home before I pass through but I got an email from my Mom that I have to deal with apartment issues before I fly home so we shall see. My car did not want to warm up and I was afraid she was broken but she must not have liked the torrential rain, high altitude and being parked a lot this week as she started to purr again on the highway. I did take salmon to my new friends and it was challenging to connect as I didn’t realize I wouldn’t have service out there. I did find Vallun and give it to him. He was very happy and wants to send me a blanket but I said just to pay it forward. It made me happy to share. I finally got south of Albuquerque at 3 pm and wound my way on and off Route 66 it is not a clear trail anymore. I enjoyed what I saw although some of it was sad due to the failed economy of places being bypassed by I-40

As the sun was nearly gone I saw a large falling star or meteorite and I got a text the C and W had trouble finding a room in Flagstaff so I could share with them. So grateful to these dear friends.

I told them I had driven all the way with the top down after the first hour of grey skies and they were shocked as they hit torrential rains again. What a difference 2.5 hours behind them made! Our room is funky but fine and we searched high and low to finally book a cheapish spot outside Disneyland for next three nights! Woot, Carsland, here We come

Oct 9 – try try again

TriumphGal

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October 10, 2014

The day began with a text from Colleen to call her hotel room. I did and they patched me to the wrong room, thank goodness Colin answered! Mike and Colleen came and picked me up and we headed toward the Turquoise Trail stopping at San Marcos Café & Feed

Mike and Colleen are a hoot to go anywhere with. She and I are similar in our desire to capture odd and beautiful and he just makes it happen. “Mike, stop! Turn around!” Was heard often.

Cerrillos was beautiful and odd. We met a man who explained that the plants were a type of Morning Glory that were highly poisonous and gave hallucinations and crazy dreams even if you put them under your pillow.

then we stopped at a cool store with an uncool owner.

he was grumpy but we bought something so he’d let us take pictures

next was where Wild Hogs was filmed, very cool town with funky people too

Colleen collects rocks so while she was off buying expensive ones I picked her out a pretty free one

the diner was built for the movie and is merch shop now, yuck. This was the way to the bottom of the chairlift on the other side of the tram we took

and then we were finally at the goal. I had discovered Tinkertown through Roadtripper. It is one mans hobby that turned into something wow. When he died young his widow kept it going. We met her and she signed books we bought about her brothers sail around the world. Turns out she knows people my family know in Kodiak Alaska!

many things involved dropping in a quarter or pushing a button for lights and animation

This looks like some teachers I know!

We made a plan to get picnic supplies and meet the two couples at Fiesta for the Glowdeo which would happen if it didn’t rain

We had a great visit and ate together but the rain came so it was cancelled. I met a bus driver from Maryland who filled me in about Route 66 and then a lovely family from San Felipe Pueblo. We had amazing conversation and they really were eager to have some salmon as they had only had some bought from Walmart. They wanted to give me a blanket she made if I would bring them some but I told them I didn’t think I had time to go their way tomorrow. We exchanged numbers just in case.

The others left and the three of us stayed for the fireworks

We headed back to Santa Fe to wrap up the night laughing with our friends over Hendricks Gin and Tonic with cucumber…so good!

What a day!

Seriously had it entered and managed to delete… Will catch up tomorrow…

TriumphGal

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October 10, 2014

argh…..

Oct 8 – And then there were 8!

TriumphGal

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October 9, 2014

Craig and Lorraine arrived late last night from Santa Barbara and we all congregated once more at Celia’s home.

The plan for the day was the Taos area so we all jumped into two vehicles and headed out

passing Camel Rock on the way and stopping in Chimayo which was glorious.

There was a delightful Father there who was 96 years old and he said he had planted all the trees there and they grew but not him. I bought his biography which he signed after we talked

The entire place was peaceful and beautiful

Chimayo had a few options but we kept going

We stopped at Centinela Traditional Arts where I bought a beautiful wrap and a Chimayo style woven table runner

We took the High Road to Taos scenic byway and it was beautiful this time of year

Our friends followed along and we stopped in town for lunch together

I had the SW Spud, wow….

and then we were given half an hour to walk around before heading out.

In Taos was where I found the perfect shot of my nemesis

I wanted so much more time there but it was not to be… Glad I had opportunity though. The next stop was the Taos Pueblo

A Pueblo is a Reservation for First Nations people and I thought it was an attraction but it was an actual reserve turned into one with 15 families still living there. At first I was highly uncomfortable but then realized it was a living.

all throughout the village were little studios with art work, jewelry and food. This tableau was assisted by a lovely woman who’s middle name is Louise

I so enjoyed the talking to people part and picked up a few items along the way

a couple people today even knew where Bella Bella is and many wanted to know more about Heiltsuk People. I was proud to share about my home.

I resisted the smell of fry bread cooking all the way to the end and then had to indulge. It was just starting to rain as we left and headed for the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. When we arrived I picked up a rock and gave it to Colleen, telling her it was to save time as she has been gathering them along the way. We laughed and then walked along to start giggling as we saw all the good rocks under a Colleen Barrier

On the way back through town I caught a few things I had missed on the way through and we stopped at a Historical Marker.

We headed back to Celia’s and everyone ordered Chinese take-out. Colleen and I went to Walgreens so I could get some lip protection as mine had gotten lost today and I picked up some Hendricks Gin and tequila.

everyone was trying to make a plan for tomorrow but it is complicated by unstable weather possibilities. I feel bad for the Woodman’s as they have missed out on so much! Sure is nice to see them though. That’s it for now…..

	TriumphGal on 10-21-25 embarkation day
	Lorraine Woodman on 10-21-25 embarkation day
	Geraldine OSullivan on 08-01-24 poor critter
	Ritish Sharma on 10-31-23 Happy Halloween
	Changes hoped for by… on A life well lived

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