FOR THAT'S OUR WORLD. First of all I apologize to all of you who are getting whiplash from my back-and-forth postings as we virtually wander back and forth along the route of our roadtrip. We are currently in Arizona; moving along in our unhurried way in real life. (And when it comes to blogging, we are obviously moving even more slowly.)
In contrast to our travels along the Washington/Oregon coast, we didn't stop for every picture opportunity in California -- and, in fact, we got off the beautiful coast highway and drove the dopy freeway part of the way. Not our favorite way to travel, but, believe it or not, we do want to get to Florida before it's time to turn around and come back!
And because we love it so much and because we saw some wonderful birds there, I have another post about it for tomorrow.
________________ After we left the coast and got on the freeway, we stayed one night in Bakersfield. This is sort of the beginning of Southern California, in my mind anyway, because it is here that the LA smog starts showing up. (I guess it's really Bakersfield smog, because there is a lot of industry and industrial agriculture and oil wells there.) We stayed a couple of days in Arcata on Humbolt Bay, one of our long-time favorite places.
So it's not the most wonderful city in the world, but Orange Grove RV Park is great -- and one where we've stayed many times over the years. This picture is from a previous trip -- the oranges that grow in each spot weren't quite ready for picking yet. Even though we live in Florida part of the year and see a lot of orange trees now, I still think it's a huge bonus to have fresh free oranges at your RV spot. And we still enjoy seeing people excited about taking pictures of the trees -- people with Canadian, Oregon, Washington licenses. We felt the same way when we first started stopping here!
This picture is from a few years ago -- she still looks the same ... I look older! Next, we visited my Aunt and cousins in Long Beach. At 103, my Aunt still keeps up with politics and current events. And she also loves to tell stories about the amazing history she has lived through. A visit is always a delight.
I wish I were better at taking pictures of people. Here, as in Oregon and Washington, when we're with family and friends, I am so busy talking (and hopefully listening) and eating and playing games, that pictures are the last thing on my mind. As a result, there are way too many wonderful people whom we spent wonderful time with who are completely missing in photo albums and the blog. Next time I vow to do better.
And so that was our world last week as we journeyed on through Southern California and into Arizona, where we spent a long weekend in Yuma -- just because it was the weekend and we needed a few days to recoup and, last but not least, do the laundry and clean the inside and outside of our little home on wheels.
I'd like to follow you, Sallie ! Your trip seems to be so interessant and beautiful ! RV park with orange trees is a treat !
Your aunt seems to be a very nice people too. What a great adventure when you live a so long life !
Posted by: Annie-France | November 28, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Lovely photos from your travels. I love following your trip!
Posted by: Inger-M | November 23, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Fresh squeezed OJ must be one of life's top 100 joys (and there are a gazillion!) Dopey freeway is right... I avoid them at all cost, but understand the occasional need to get on down the road. You're looking great and don't believe for a second that you'd now look older. Lucky you to share DNA with a cool centenarian. Keep on truckin' Sallie!
Posted by: Francisca | November 22, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Oh, those orange trees are a sight for sore eyes now that we are n November and it's grey.
Posted by: Lady Fi | November 22, 2011 at 01:01 AM
Reading you say a fresh plucked orange made my mouth water. :)
Your Aunt is 103 - how marvelous! She's a lovely lady and so is her niece. :)
Happy Thanksgiving Sallie - wherever it finds you!
Posted by: Carletta | November 21, 2011 at 09:27 PM
How wonderful it would be to just pluck an orange, Sallie. I love to hear of and see your travels and, you know, we all have to get on the interstates of life once in awhile. What a blessing it must be to visit with your aunt.
Posted by: Penny | November 21, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Your aunt amazes me, Sallie. Imagine being 103 and still with it. The dog is beautiful, too. (I have a soft spot for big yellow dogs.)
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Posted by: Kay L. Davies | November 21, 2011 at 05:38 PM
That citrus tree is awesome...I have traveled in California but only a smidge of it...so much to see there. I hope you have a continued safe trip...
Posted by: sondra | November 21, 2011 at 04:45 PM
You two amaze me. Your always on the go and visiting along the way. I'm exhausted just reading all that you do, Sallie. I love that you take the time to keep in touch with Family and Friends.
Safe journey and Happy Thanksgiving.
Pam
Posted by: Pam | November 21, 2011 at 03:41 PM
You always seem to have great road trips, Sallie, and I know you'll be glad to be back in Florida for the winter! It is indeed fun to follow your adventures! Love your pics for the day! Wishing you and beautiful Thanksgiving with all the blessings of the season!
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Kirkwood | November 21, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Sounds like fun!
Posted by: Kathiesbirds | November 21, 2011 at 02:28 PM
It sounds like a lovely road trip, Sallie. the California coastline is pretty, but I guess the highway is faster. It is great you got to see your Aunt and cousins. Before you know it, you will be in Florida enjoying the Florida oranges. Great photos.
Posted by: Eileen | November 21, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Glad you're moving along!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | November 21, 2011 at 01:54 PM
It's wonderful to see your adventures unfold... I really am so jealous...
Posted by: Andrew | November 21, 2011 at 01:45 PM
If you stopped at every photo op. along the California coast, you be there a year. I think it's about 900 miles. I like this post because I can identify with it. I used to spend a lot of time in Arcata and Eureka and I spent most of my life in Long Beach and worked there at one place for 37 years. We're in our RV at this very moment. We're up in the mountains near Julaian Ca for a couple of weeks at a place called KQ Ranch. We consider it our home away from home. If we're not at our actual house or on the road, we are usually here. Enjoy your adventures!
Posted by: pat | November 21, 2011 at 12:28 PM
It's fun hearing about your travels and sounds like a fun variety of places. Great to be able to visit family.
Posted by: Carver | November 21, 2011 at 11:51 AM
It's fascinating following your road trip-using Google and its maps too. Thank you for bringing it all to life!
Posted by: Hazel | November 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I have wondered where you were on this journey. I love that you are sharing as you go. Since I am planted at the moment, I can travel vicariously through you!
Posted by: Krystal | November 21, 2011 at 10:29 AM
i admit, the orange trees would be a delight for me too!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | November 21, 2011 at 09:45 AM
It sounds like a great road trip, and I'd want to take photos of orange trees because they're very exotic to me. Nice shots!
Posted by: Al | November 21, 2011 at 09:37 AM