I left my clear, bright SoCal valley one morning a few days ago to once again attempt a trip to the north, and as soon as I crested the grade out of the moisture-deficient valley, boom, heavy rain began. For hours I battled a dumping so heavy it was difficult to see cars in front of me. Then, when the rain ceased, I passed through the area of the recent Santa Monica fires, the scent of smoke still strong in the air, the hills turned to charcoal. Sobering.
As I made my way further north, I revisited Santa Barbara, where, 45 years ago, I traded a ragtop VW for a plane ticket to Hawaii. Later, I spent the night in the near-perfect (and correspondingly expensive) town of San Luis Obispo. I left my hotel early in the morning (it was very cold, and I realized I am going to have it hard in Norway) to walk a few miles to the lively and beautiful downtown.
I imagine living there.
A few more miles north, I dropped into a winery where I tasted many wines, and then bought many wines, you know, as host gifts.
I then spent a few days in Oakland visiting family; we accidentally witnessed the community Christmas tree lighting at Jack London Square. Oakland has a lot to offer, but it’s a bit rough for me. On my way still north, I cruised the small town of Crockett where I lived decades ago, and was nearly overcome by feelings of lost chances. This was sobering in a different flavor.
Eventually I made it to Sonoma, more family visits, and daily hikes. In Bodega, we were met by a bitingly cold wind that sliced at my ears and made eyes water so much I couldn’t see; yet another hint of what might come in Norway. Thankfully we found a warm, lovely, nearly-deserted beach to walk on for hours, and then tromped through a forest of stately redwoods.
California is something else.
One follow-up to my previous post: back in Palm Springs I met someone who feels kinship with coyotes, calling them “elegant gentlemen.” But she added, “That is until you see them catch their live dinner.”
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos. You may have noticed I find beauty in vegetables . . .
Live all you can; it’s a mistake not to.
Luv the cauliflower! Beautiful pics, as always… I too often feel very nostalgic about my previous life in California… the life I traded in for my notes from the jungle… can’t wait to hear about Norway! Totally Fav!
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As always Virginia, thank you so much. My favorite was the tomatoes!
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Beautiful pics as usual. When is Norway?
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Thank you so much, Karen. Norway is tomorrow! (12/6, but I arrive in Oslo on 12/7)
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Safe trip. Will be checking the blog for your fab pics and entertaining description of your adventures.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Karen.
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I guess I’m one of many, many who used to live in California–thanks for helping us revisit it. I eagerly await your report of the cold vs. beauty in Norway. I was there once in July, and it was plenty cold and snowy on the top of a mountain we visited.
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You are welcome – thanks for listening! I’m enjoying a balmy 2C here in Bergen . . .
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