“See these lines on my face?
They’re a map of where I’ve been
And the deeper they are traced
The deeper life has settled in
How do we survive
Living out our lives?
And I would not trade a line
Make it smooth and fine
Or pretend that time stands still
I want to rest my soul
Here where it can grow without fear
Another line, another year
I’m still standing here”
~Janis Ian
Soundtrack for a Sunday Morning…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqI_60KzWvc
After getting fully stocked up on propane, water, food and other supplies, Matt and I moved up the hill and parked in my “regular spot” across from Bonnie. I’ve stayed here many times in winters past. It felt like coming home. Matt took a nap and by the time he woke up the wind was howling. I didn’t see him for the rest of the night. Upon waking Sunday, he was not having a good day (his puppy had pooped in his bed and made a shitty mess in Matt’s van). He soon packed up to go into town and do laundry. We were to both go our separate ways after I picked up a package at the post office which had been delayed due to the snowstorms hitting most of the country, but Matt decided that after doing laundry he would head down to the Colorado river (just a mile or so from here) and find a spot by the water. He’ll be heading east in a few days and I’ll be heading west. I choked back tears as he left. We’ve camped together for 3 months, and I’ve become used to his presence and our rituals together.
That being said, I am ready to move on. I’ve never spent so much time with one person on the road, and as much as I loved it, I know I am in need of some alone time. My spot overlooking the asphalt plant will be a good buffer before leaving soon to head toward Joshua Tree National Park. I stay every year on the BLM land just south of the park. I’m looking forward to being there and recharging my batteries.
On Monday I completed my 73rd orbit around the sun and with gratitude, started on my 74th. There have a few rough spots along the way, but all in all, it’s been a good ride so far and I’ve managed to not only survive whatever’s thrown at me, but to also thrive. Bonnie took me out to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate, and I got not only an amazing meal, but the best fortune ever:
I accept.
The week was warm with temps in the upper 70’s and reaching 80 one day. Mostly sunny, so my solar panels were happy and I had abundant electricity. Cosmo and I visited Bonnie every morning and hung out and took walks before sunset. It was a pleasant, easy week. I’ve been waiting for a package with a new wi-fi system. It got stuck in Minnesota due to bad weather for 4 days and then FedEx delivered it to the wrong address. My friend Deborah recovered it, and mailed it back to me. I expect it here on Monday, and once I pick it up, I head west.
Lessons From The Road: I find myself very antsy this week. In a calm and spacious spot, I’m anxious to move on. Next stop is BLM land just south of JTNP. And as anxious as I am to get there, I’m already planning beyond to my “vacation” at Fountain of Youth near the Salton Sea, and even beyond that, to Holtsville Hot Springs. Part of it is that I’m craving water. HOT water and lots of soaking in hot tubs. But part of it is just not being able to settle back into a sedentary lifestyle. Since October, I did things all day most every day with Matt. We made excuses to get in his side-by-side and go get water, then later to go into town again to pick up snacks, or just ride around in the desert. Go, go, go. And now? Sit. My lesson is to learn to be calm again. To take in the silent desert, the beautiful sunsets (yup, they get more and more spectacular every day).
There’s no need to rush life. It’s passing by quickly enough. I need to remind myself not to miss the present because I’m focusing on what may be in the future.
That’s all I got
Love you like a dog
See you down the road,
Scott