…stories from behind the Redwood Curtain…

 

The girls and I set out on our almost 3000 mile adventure excited and slightly anxious about the possibilities.  We were really going for it.  Doing it! This was the first time I drove all the way, from East “coast” to West coast.

My first cross country road trip was in my early 20’s when I drove to Tucson Az.  I lived there for a few years, in the 1990’s, only to return to Pa.  Some unfortunate events happened in Tucson…my Celica was crashed (no fault of my own), my beloved Husky, Azsha, was stolen. I fell into a depression and needed a “hug” from Pa.  I returned to my support system in order to regroup.

The first leg of our trip was smooth.  I felt strong, confident, and ready for the lessons that surely awaited.  Then we hit the Nebraska crosswinds.  They blew us around, only exacerbated by the BIG Rigs zooming by.  I was white knuckling the steering wheel.  It took about 1 and 1/2 days of white knuckling to get through…my hands were tingling as a result of my tight grip.  Then we entered Wyoming.

The lessons/feelings from Wyoming were meaningful.  I was anxious about hauling my camper uphill for fear of injuring my 4Runner.  I love my truck.  Wyoming was full of hills. I overcame that fear quickly.  My truck is strong! I was also anxious about my camper freezing.  Wyoming tested that with 20 degree, real temp, and 15 degree wind chill.  ( My deepest gratitude to my friends who I reached out to in a panic.  Grateful for you and supporting me with suggestions for prevention of freeze) We didn’t freeze!  Wyoming was also full of an overwhelming “heaviness” a sorrow that brought tears to my eyes.  The moment we crossed into Wyoming, my heart felt heavy.  As we stopped at the rest areas, I read the plaques that stated one perspective of the history surrounding that area.  The heaviness stayed with me the entire drive through Wyoming.  It was profound and meaningful.

We made it to Utah!  The Sorrow and Heaviness from Wyoming was relieved.  Utah is gorgeous!  I didn’t get too many pics, but this is one from the rest stop.

We arrived at our destination, in Northern California.  After a twisting, turning, tight squeeze on highway 36.  For those of you who don’t know of this highway,  it takes you through the Redwoods with only inches to seperate you from disaster.  When the speed limit sts 30mph around the corners…BELIEVE IT!!

I had fantasized and romantisized all of the things I wanted to do while in California! I didn’t get to do any of them.  I worked on the farm.  However, the girls and I were able to get to the “Lost Coast” and walk in the Redwoods for our ritual Halloween nature walk.  It was the first time I have seen the Pacific Ocean, in person.

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(sorry about the video, I couldn’t figure out how to edit it so the first few seconds were proper view)

It was dark in the Redwoods, and the pics didn’t turn out.  Believe it when I tell you, they sung us a song.  It was incredible.

My time on the farm led me to cross paths with some new friends that enriched my life!  We laughed, we cried, we shared intimate stories, and encouraged each other.  It was refreshing to be around people who were filled with positivity.  People encouraging others, wanting them to succeed.  Sharing doable solutions to problem solve.  Creating an enviornment conducive to living our authentic selves.  This experience shifted my perception.

I didn’t make the money I had hoped to and I was stuck.  What do I do!!?? How do I move on from here??  Money ruled my life for so long.  I’ve been without money before, then had enough, now I was back to no money. California was a bust, as far as money expectation. However; the spiritual growth surrounding not only my time in California but also in the driving there, and my personal quest/journey… was worth more.  Although, as you will read, I didn’t recognize my spiritual growth until later in the story…So was California a BUST?…I’d say, no.

I reached out to a dear friend in Arizona, made a plan, and we were off…

My dear friend had a tragic death in the family and needed time/space to process and grieve.  My other option, in Az, had a bout of Parvo on the ranch.  Blessed that her boy pulled through, we needed to figure something else out.

Without any money and MY personal network exhausted…I was in a panic!  I was consumed with anxiety.  What was I going to do!!??  I reached out to a beloved friend and my parents.  With their generosity and support I was able to clear my head and think.  We were in Quartzsite Az when we got word of our need to adapt our plan.  My instinct was to go back to Pa, for a hug.  It was a pattern.  Then I remembered my growth from conversations with friends in California.  If you want something different…then do something different!  I’m resourceful, employable, skilled in many different things, and in Quartzsite.  Quartzsite Az is a popular destination for RVer’s to spend the Winter.  It’s about to get very busy around here.  Many seasonal job opportunities and plenty of places to “land”.

BLM land is everywhere around here.  That’s land, out in the desert that’s free to camp for up to 2 weeks.  Then you have to move only 50 feet away to stay for another 2 weeks if you like, or go to another area.  The culture of RV life is well supported out here.  The girls and I spent the night in Palm Canyon.

This was the view from our camp site.  The picture doesn’t really capture the real life beauty or feeling.  I was able to think clearly and make a plan for action.

I stopped by a long term visitor BLM land area hoping to dump my grey/black water tanks, in my camper, and fill my potable water tank.  I spoke to a lovely couple at the greeters booth.  Although I was not able to complete my tasks there, they directed me to a place called the “Pit Stop” where I could.  I told them a little about my story.  Then they told me about a place very close to the Pit Stop that might need some help.  I was on my way…

The Pit Stop was GREAT! Then I was following “the magic”… stopped at the Main St Eatery.  It’s a diner/laundromat/RV park all in one.  Talked to the owners and they hired me on the spot! Also gave me a good deal to land in the RV park with FULL HOOKUP!  I can walk to work.  I mostly work at the diner.  I have the option to work at the landromat if I need more hours.  They also provide showers, for the public.  I’ve met some really good people here.  I’ve had a chance to listen to some of their stories.  We cross paths with people for a reason.  I enjoy listening and learning.

The girls in I are spending the Winter in warm, Quartzsite Az.  This personal journey is enriching my soul!  I feel so powerful, enlightened, and in love with myself.  We are really doing it.  The Universe has given me everything I need to be successful, now I just need to believe in myself, follow the magic, and trust!

…a deeply felt THANK YOU to all who follow along, support, and encourage us on this personal journey.  Gratitude to the Universe…I’m in a learning curve, shifting my perception, reading/noticing/honoring the signs.  Looking around, observing the beauty/nature, practicing nuturing myself…giving the attention to me I deserve…Blessings to everyone that you give yourself the nurturing you need to live your authentic self.