Another Year

Posted on October 10, 2016 by JanetA

Jim

Year number four. Today would have been Jim’s 64th birthday. Four years ago he was in the hospital for the last time. I keep thinking that this time of the year will get easier. Each year a new challenge presents itself at this time of the year. This year it is a really big one. What do I do when this trip down the coast is over? Right now I do not know.

I like to take this time of the year to reflect on Jim and what he meant in my life and what he means in my life now. I try not to get maudlin and as each year passes, it gets a bit easier to reflect with love and humor and gratitude for being in such a complete relationship.

Jim sharing Big Red with K-2 Kitty

I am not sure if he would have enjoyed what I am doing now. He was a home body. He liked going away and exploring. He also loved coming home. Home meant a lot to him. He liked to fix things and make things and sit in his big red chair and read. I am not sure how he would feel about being on the road full time. I am not always sure how I feel about this new lifestyle either.

After Jim died I set up a scholarship in his name at Grossmont College. He was an administrator and counselor at the college for close to twenty five years. He loved working in a college. He enjoyed the staff and the students. Being involved with the college was an important part of his life. Sometimes he was frustrated but over all he really enjoyed his work. He liked to see students achieve and move on in life.

Jim at Work

Since this scholarship was started I have been invited to the breakfasts they have for the students who have won the scholarship for the current semester. At first I thought that these events would be boring. I have found them to be just the opposite. These students who win the scholarships are the hope of our future. They are focused and determined and want to achieve. Each semester the applicants need to write an essay on why they are applying for this scholarship.

The Jim Fenningham Memorial Scholarship is split. One semester it is awarded to a student in the Fine Arts. Jim was a dancer, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Scottish Country Dancing and more. While he was going through his masters program he was involved with several theater groups. I have some wonderful photos of this time in his life.

The second semester it is given to a student in the Social Sciences. Jim spent most of his work career supporting students. As a counselor and the Dean of Counseling he supported his staff of counselors to find some unique ways to help students achieve their dreams. He was proud of his staff and his students. I was proud of him. It was so good to live with someone who had passion.

If you click the link below it will take you to the essay of the student who was awarded the scholarship this fall.

The Essay

With the anniversary of Jim’s passing I like to remind all of you my faithful and not so faithful readers that I am still attempting to make this scholarship a perpetual one. To do this I need to raise $25,000. I have raised over $9000 yet I still have a ways to go. If you would like to donate to help me achieve this goal I will deeply appreciate it. No amount is too small.

There are two ways to donate. You can write a personal check made out to FGGC. and mail it to the address below. It is a tax deductible donation. The information is below.

The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020-1799

Tax Deductible Contributions per section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS Code; EIN 45-2692818

The other way to donate is to click on the Go Fund Me picture on the left side of my Blog. It will take you to the Go Fund Me Site I set up for this scholarship. You can also click here and it will take you to the Go Fund Me site as well.

This is a gentle plea. I am not always comfortable asking for donations, yet I know that some of you would like to help and it is the end of the year. Please know that I accept each of the donations with deep and heartfelt gratitude.

Now I venture off into year four. I am still trying to figure it out, whatever it is. I am so grateful for having twenty one years with this lovely man. I miss his still and yet I find I can smile more now when I remember him. The tears are less often. Maybe it is true that grief softens over time.

Ask me tomorrow.

Friendship

Posted on October 3, 2016 by JanetA

This month, October is always a marker month for me. First, it was when I was born. The real marker for me, however, is this is the month that Jim, best friend and husband for twenty one years died from cancer.

As I approach the date of his last admission to the hospital and then his death, I think it will get easier as time passes, yet, each year as this month rolls around, I find myself once again thinking of Jim and the events that came to pass. I know it has changed my life, yet I am not always certain how. There are the basic real life changes.

I am single, widowed, or something in that range.
I have to figure out how to do everything on my own or at least contact the right people to help.
I sold my house in July and currently, am full timing it in my Roadtrek.
I don’t have someone to talk to whenever I want. It has made me reach out to my friends more yet I miss the easy companionship we had.
Learning to cook and eat for one has been an interesting challenge for me. It is not as much fun for me to create a meal for one.

There are many other challenges that could be included here. I think you get the gist of it.

I have been thinking about Jim’s and my friends as this month has rolled in. I am so thankful to so many of them. Without their help and kind, loving support my walk through grief would be very different.

I have been thinking a lot of a good friend of Jim’s, Doug. For the entire time I have known Jim, Doug was a presence in our lives. I heard many Doug and Jim stories from Jim over the years. When we got married Doug and his former wife paid for our honeymoon to San Francisco. We had wonderful personalized tour of San Francisco with Doug and Lisa. They met us at the San Fransisco airport with a car rental and off we went into the city for four days. It was a delightful time.

At our important events Doug was there. The event I remember the most was around Jim’s death. Four days before he died, the phone rang in the hospital room and it was Doug. I thought he was still in the Los Angeles area. He asked if we wanted company and we both said, of course. Then he announced he was in the hospital lobby and up he came.

Doug spent the final four days of Jim’s life with me and him. There was nothing that was too little that he wouldn’t do for Jim. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for me. Doug was a firm presence for me to hold onto as we progressed through those four days. When I wasn’t there, Doug was. He and Jim talked and laughed and remembered times. They also caught up one more time on each other’s lives. When Jim died, Doug was there in the room as a witness to this important event as well. There could not have been a better friend and I want to honor that in this posting.

He remained in San Diego for a few days to make sure that I had my feet underneath me. When he drove back to LA and his life it was with the final words, “if you need anything, just call”.

After Jim died the Doug and Jim stories continue. I received an e-mail from Doug about a year or so ago, sharing with me the phone call Jim and Doug had the day that Space Shuttle blew up. It was a very intimate moment between two good friends. I have no doubt that this deepened and secured their friendship. I was going to share the e-mail with you, here but I cannot find it. Of course.

This is what friendship is about. We can laugh and share the good times, yet it is the sharing of the intimate and in your face painful times that marks those special and meaningful friendships in ones life. It is not often you find that friend who you can laugh, cry and share with over many years. Some may never find the depth of friendship that was shared by Jim and Doug.

Jim was fortunate, very fortunate to have such a friend as Doug. Doug, I think would reciprocate that thought and feeling.

I have never needed to call but I do stay in touch by e-mail and Facebook. Doug travels the world with Nancy, his partner of many years. He leads a full and diverse life. I am glad that I continue to be a part of it even on the periphery.

Today I am thankful for the presence of Doug in Jim’s life and in mine. I benefit from their friendship. It helps keep Jim alive to me and reminds me, once again, how special our relationship was.

Today I am grateful for Doug. Doug-Thank you.

Bridges-Love Those Bridges

Posted on September 28, 2016 by JanetA

Delaware Memorial Bridge

I have seriously fallen in love with bridges. I have always loved them, but now I have arrived at the point where I want to take a picture of each one I see. I have refrained. It is hard.

I grew up in Delaware, the second smallest state in the nation. They have some really beautiful and giant bridges. The Delaware Memorial Bridge comes to mind. It is a double span suspension bridge that crosses the Delaware River. When I was young I knew crossing that bridge meant we were on our way to the “Jersey Shore”.

Crossing the St George bridge in southern Delaware, was the first time I saw a sign, offering a phone number to call if you were afraid to drive your car across the bridge. Someone else did the driving for you. I suppose the person making that phone call would be cowering in the back seat as they rode the length of the span.

A really interesting bridge is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. You ride above the water then below the water, doing this 3 times above and 2 times under the Chesapeake Bay. The tunnels allowed ships safe passage into the bay. I have ridden it once. It was fun and interesting.

Driving across the Golden Gate, late July-Take note the fog.

Then I moved to California. The first time I saw the Golden Gate and the Oakland Bay bridge, it was love at first site. They are so majestic and grand.It is still a thrill driving or bicycling across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is not unusual for that bridge to be covered with fog.

Crossing into Vancouver

Now I am in the northwest and have once again renewed my love for bridges. As we drove across the Columbia River, on I-5 going north, I kept asking Cat to take photos. I was so excited. We arrived in Vancouver and crossed another beautiful bridge just as it was getting dark.

Astoria-Megler Bridge

Progressing down the coast I have been crossing one beautiful bridge after another. The bridges in Oregon begin with the Astoria–Megler Bridge and continue down the coast to California. These bridges were designed and built by Conde B. McCullough. McCullough combined Romanesque arches, Egyptian obelisks, gothic piers, and Art Deco designs with the state-of-the-art and cutting-edge technologies of the day. In 2005, 11 of these coastal bridges were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are beautiful, functional bridges and so much fun to cross.

Rocky Creek Bridge–1927

Siuslaw River Bridge–1936

Yaquina Bay Bridge

Approaching Center Span. Yaquina Bay Bridge

Remember, as you see these bridges, Cat and her pups have crossed each one by bicycle. I drove the Astoria-Megler Bridge three times so I could snap a few quick photos of her. It helped that they were doing construction on the bridge, so everyone either had to stop or slow down. It was not a hardship to cross it that many times. I absolutely enjoyed each drive.

McCullough Memorial Bridge (Coos Bay)–1936

Today, as I crossed the McCullough Memorial Bridge (Coos Bay)–1936, I knew I had to tell you of these beautiful structures. For this bridge loving woman I have been in my glory riding down the 101, crossing one beautiful bridge after another.

I love all bridges, This is a foot bridge on a hike I did at Cape Lookout.

Friends & Wine Anyone?

Posted on September 17, 2016 by JanetA

Last Monday I took a break from the coast and route 101.

Have you ever had one of those forever friends? You know the ones I mean, you may not be in touch for years, but suddenly, one day you are back in touch. Not too long after that an opportunity arrises to be able to get together and catch up. It is like yesterday. I have one of those friends in Corvallis, Oregon.

Last Monday after I made sure Cat was good to go, I departed the coast, drove one hour inland (east) and met up with Kat and her husband Charlie. We figured 2003 was probably the last time the two of us physically saw each other. It has been almost that long since we have spoken. Thanks to Facebook and her daughter (we are FB friends) Kat and I got in touch. The first phone call was hours long.

I spent this past week in their home. Elsie and I had the downstairs apartment. I think Elsie was glad for a bit more room and so was I. Initially I was suppose to leave and head back to the coast, today. By the second day of our visit, we both realized we needed more time. I extended my stay until a week from today.

Kat, Charlie & Janet

I am having so much fun. Kat is a spinner and loves to explore genealogy. With hikes mixed in we have been catching up. One day we spent immersed in my family’s genealogy. She has promised to help me dye some wool and go home with my own yarn. It is so much fun. I am also enjoying Charlie, her husband. We all get along very well and I am so glad to be back in her company. It is truly a delight. I am getting to see a part of Oregon that was not on my itinerary.

There was one glitch in the plans, in regards to spending a second week. This Sunday they have family coming into town to spend the night. I have my sweet little Roadtrek the RV. This afternoon I took off to go camp for the next two nights.

I am a member of Harvest Hosts. They are an organization that works with different attractions all over the United States. For my $49/year I can call ahead to different attractions (vineyards, farms) and spend the night. Tonight I am at Emerson Vineyards in Monmouth, Oregon. I am camped behind the barn for the night with Miss Elsie the Cat. It is so nice here. I am out in the country. It is quiet. While it is raining outside I am sitting inside writing this blog.

Tom, owner of Emerson Vineyards

Emerson Vineyards is a small family run business. I have met Tom the owner and investor. He is very laid back and nice. Not only is he knowledgable about the wines he also was a wealth of information on the local area. I went to a wine tasting this afternoon and now have 3 bottles of wine and a bottle of yummy port sitting on my countertop. I like this type of camping.

I am so glad to know I have friends, similar to Kat all over the United States and Canada. Often my visits coincide with my need to be social and be in other’s company. My visit with Kat is very well timed. We have known each other for so long, there is an ease between the two of us. We share a history and it makes it easy to be in her company. Right now I am enjoying that ease.

Today I am thankful for organizations such as Harvest Hosts that add adventure to my life.

Today I am very thankful for my forever friends. They bring such joy to my life. Today I am thankful.

Changing the Situation

Posted on September 16, 2016 by JanetA

Sometimes travel is easy. At those times I sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. There are moments in travel that are hard, things don’t go right and the trip becomes a struggle. I believe the term is “Roadblock”.

Riding down the coast with Cat has had moments of each. The ride itself has been comfortable and the sights have been rewarding and awe inspiring. Cat’s days are long and often she is tired when arriving at camp. It is hard for her to want to interact and be social. Sometime I have been lonely on this trip and I long for the socialization at the end of the day. These two separate daily events have made it hard for both of us.

About 2 weeks ago we decided that staying together each day might not be the healthiest thing for us. A friend of mine reminded me, it is important to remember that this is a situation that Cat and I have chosen to take on. We can change the situation anytime we want. We decided to try a different approach to our current situation. After a few different experiments on how we could make things work smoother, Cat is now riding unassisted. That means she is carrying her tent, sleeping bag and all her gear with her on her bike. I am there if she needs me and I am somewhat paralleling her ride down the coast. We touch base by text every few days to make sure this is working for her and myself. So far, it is working well. As Cat has gotten stronger and increased her mileage, she has become more independent. It feels, to me, like a natural progression.

Paralleling each other has given me the time to explore more at my leisure. I can pick my campsites and stay a few days or more. This has allowed me to relax more and not feel like I always need to be on top of where we stay the next night. It has given Miss Elsie the Cat a few dog free nights in a row. I think that is a good thing for her.

Friendships are fragile. They need to be taken care of on a daily basis or even more frequently. The hardest thing to do sometimes is to communicate with others. I have found on this trip that often when things have gotten stressful between the two of us, it is a result of miscommunication. Our friendship is new, we have not known each other long. It takes practice and time with other human beings to learn how to communicate well. We are a work in progress.

I travel alone, now that Jim has died. He and I traveled together, frequently. We had our moments of miscommunication. It wasn’t always stress free. Most of the time, though, we did communicate well. It was usually smooth and easy and supportive. The longer we were together the easier and smoother it became.

Now that I am alone again I have to learn how to communicate with others again. It is not an easy process. We as humans are fragile and can be broken pretty easily, at times. We are also resilient and can pick up the pieces and move on again. This combination of fragility and resilience is what makes friendships worth the effort. This is why Cat and I keep adjusting our situation as we move down the 101. We are not ready to give up on the trip or our friendship.

Sometimes it is worth the effort one puts into a situation. This whole adventure with Cat continues to allow me to grow and define who I am as a human being on this planet. It is giving me the opportunity to find my strength to learn how to communicate freely and openly with another human being and hold my ground. And, if this situation doesn’t work then it is OK to change it again.

Posted on September 6, 2016 by JanetA

Hi everyone, Miss Elsie the Cat here. I finally got Janet’s permission to post to my fan club.

This little house on wheels must be a permanent thing. Janet doesn’t mention going home. This must be home. I am still adjusting to this. I miss my outdoor space. Janet tries hard to give me time out. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I also have to be on a leash. What’s with that? I remember last summer I had to be on one. It really isn’t that bad, I just don’t want Janet to know it.😏

Have I told you that there is are two dogs traveling with us? They seem OK but I am keeping my eye on them both. I don’t think any cat should trust dogs too much. When they ride in the Roadtrek with me they are either in a small green thing called a Playhouse or up front. So far this has worked out. I still keep my eye on them because I have to be ready.

One morning I was outside on my leash and the dogs came by. I ran for the bushes. Thank goodness for those big green things. I blew my tail up larger than it has ever been before. I was ready to “mean business” if I had to. Thankfully Janet and Cat kept us apart.

Cat, another human, keeps coming in and out of my new home. I am not sure about her. She smells like those two dogs. She keeps trying to be friends, my eyes get big and I am not quite sure about her. I did celebrate our arrival into Oregon with the two humans. They had champagne, I took one sniff of it and decided the it wasn’t for me. Now if it had smelled like fish….

Rolling

I have done some traveling, for a little kitty. I will have to make a list sometime of all the places I have been. As long as Janet is around I am pretty good with that. I like when I go outside and smell interesting things in the grass. I think it must be like catnip because I get down and roll and roll. I also like the dirt and sand to roll in, too.

Birds fighting over fish

I am still not sure of all the water and the people and the animals around. I like watching the birds. They are quick and it makes them fun to watch. One day I saw some seagulls fighting over something in the water. Janet says it was food. They were squawking and fighting.

Janet and I seem to spend more quality time together in this small house on wheels. I like that. I like it when she sprays my scratching pad with cat nip. At night while she sleeps I play with the small super balls she bought for me. I would like to say, I hope I don’t keep her up but, I am a cat, so I really don’t care too much. Maybe if she is up, we can play.🙃

Time to get back to what is important. I think it is time for a nap under the sheepskin, after I check on those two dogs.

To the Sheepskin

Art as a Way of Healing

Posted on August 27, 2016 by JanetA

What makes travel interesting is the people I meet along the way, the locals who bring to life the area I am traveling through.

Friday I finally got on my bike and went for a ride

On the Trail to Westport

. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. Camp had been set up. I decided to ride to the small fishing town of Westport, check it out and return to the camp later in the day. The best part of this ride was finding the path that followed the Pacific coast into town.

After settling over a cup of tea and reading I started the return ride. It is always nice to have the wind at my back on the way home.

On my way into town I noticed an interesting vehicle, so to speak, on the right side of the road. I promised myself, when I returned I would stop there and take a few photos. On the return trip I did just that, stopped to take a photo or two.

Christopher & his Traveling Studio

Just as I pulled off the road, a man came out to say hello. Meet Christopher Bollen. He is an artist. He has been practicing art since he was young. He started as a pen and ink artist and then progressed his way to watercolors. I could stop here and you would know him as an artist, yet there was much more to this man.

When he first came out and spoke with me, he recited a poem.

He has been an artist most of his life. After returning from Vietnam, art helped him conquer PTSD. When he decided to attempt to become a working artist, he chose a neighborhood Seattle and knocked on doors offering to depict homes in framed drawings for $100 each. He had seven commissions the first week.

Christopher told me he took an art class at a community college. He went to one class and never went back and still passed the course.

His traveling art studio was designed and built by him. His home was simple and plain but inviting and well laid out. He raised two children as a single parent. His son now runs his own business on the same property, Barrett’s Gym. He is a personal trainer. He and his father built the gym. It is private and not open to the public.

At one point in his prolific career he owned nine galleries. He was well known in the Seattle area for his pen and ink drawings of local scenes. He opened up his traveling art studio and would travel and paint. Everyone was welcome into his studio.

Now he paints for himself, focusing on miniature watercolors. None are for sale. His goal is to paint a thousand paintings for his children’s legacy. He knows what his paintings are worth. What a creative idea.

When I finally made it into his studio I was taken. His art is beautiful and varied. He worked exclusively for eight years in pen and ink before branching out into watercolor art.

When I told him I was a watercolor artist who has not painted since Jim died, he told me this is the time I need to paint, not for others but for myself. Painting is lonely and grief is a great time to start. He asked me if I felt guilty for Jim’s death. When I said emphatically, no, his response was “good”. He told me to pick up a brush and start. Record my history.

He decided that Cat and I are on a pilgrimage, each one different yet one with a common goal. It is not always an easy one, yet at the end of the day we need to lay down our differences and recognized we are in this together.

I stopped by this morning to thank him for his time and to give him one of my cards. I left with two watercolor prints.

A most amazing man, indeed. I am glad I stopped. I am glad I stayed. I am glad to have met him and maybe not today but soon, I will pick up a brush and begin.

Pondering My Way Down the Olympic Peninsula

Posted on August 24, 2016 by JanetA

Ruby Beach, Olympic Peninsula

I have been on the Olympic Peninsula for the past several days. At the most Cat and I are moving south in increments of 25-35 miles per day. It is strange to be moving so slowly and it is still something I am getting used to.

Sometimes it feels like time is almost standing still. I feel like I am moving slowly through my day. I have a lot of time to ponder, big issues, small issues, issues in general. More specifically I have time to address my issues. Sigh.

Selling my home was a big step for me. It is one I do not regret. I knew I needed to move from there and it was time. I feel a bit lost. I am certainly hoping for some sort of “Ah-Ha” moment on this trip. I don’t care if it is big or small.

Shortly after Jim’s death, I met a man, who’s partner died over 12 years ago. He had been moving about since that time. He had traveled all over the world, never once returning to the home they shared. It was shut up and waiting. Shortly before I met him, he had returned to their home for the first time. He was honest with me and told me that he had been running from grief, responsibility and more. He had been having fun, experiencing many things in his distant travels. He had been running from his grief.

When I sold my house I wanted to be sure that I was not running from my grief. I wanted to be responsible for my life. Since Jim’s death I wanted to make sure that I was not running from all that had happened in my life. Yet, here I am, wondering if I too, am not running from my grief and my responsibility to figure out what is next. Is it OK to be running from grief? Well maybe a little. Maybe the important part of this whole topic, right now, is to acknowledge and be aware that this is happening. Probably the most important thing is not to be too hard on myself. It is OK to be human and fallible.

Cat and I are getting along well, mostly. I feel we are still negotiating on becoming a team. We work well together. As I have been traveling with her, old issues have surfaced for me. Long standing issues. Long, long standing issues (self worth). It may be why I feel a bit sad and out of sorts today. I am still figuring out life. And some days, well, it kind of sucks. I know better than to wallow for long though and in an hour or so or by tomorrow morning I will pick myself up and feel better and move on.

I am enjoying seeing this part of the world. it is beautiful and different than other places I have been. I love the misty ocean in the mornings and the beautiful clear lakes. The rain forest has been amazing, although not very wet since we have been here. The Big Leaf Maples are often shrouded in moss. Everything speaks of moisture even when not present.

Quinault Lodge

Well, enough wallowing time. I am sitting in a beautiful lodge on Lake Quinault. Tomorrow I think we will leave the Olympic National Park and head south on the 101. it is a long day for Cat, 40 plus miles. Elsie and I will travel with ease early in the day and then set up camp. I will have time, then to explore.

What would help me is to have my family and friends remember me. I am only and e-mail or phone call away. It is because of my huge base of support that I am able to be out there in the world.

Today I am thankful for every single person that I know. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Dreaming

Posted on August 13, 2016 by JanetA

Everyone has dreams, big or small. Dreams are important to the dreamer.

My dream was to trek in Nepal. Back in the late 80’s that dream came true as I hiked for 19 days in the Solu-Khumbu region of Mount Everest. It was a life changing experience for me. For many years after that trek I spoke of events before Nepal and after Nepal.

Riding the River

About ten years ago Jim and I did a 15 day river raft down the Grand Canyon. It too was a life altering experience and really fun. It certainly was another dream that found fruition. We often spoke of events before Grand Canyon and after Grand Canyon.

Cat & her Canine Companions

I would like to introduce you to my friend and fellow adventurer, Cat. I first met Cat when she was biking across the United States. She was towing her dogs and all her gear and was hoping to make it to the east coast. Unfortunately the trip ended in New Mexico. Not one to be defeated, she bought a travel trailer and now she and her pups call it home.

Cat is about to begin one of her dreams. She is bicycling, with her two dogs, the Pacific Coast Route from Vancouver, BC to Mexico. You can follow her blog by clicking the link below.

The Silver Hooligan and Her Hounds

Cat is not without some physical issues, yet she is determined to complete this route. Because she was concerned about riding the route alone, she asked if Miss Elsie the cat and I could be her “sag wagon”. The timing was perfect as I really wasn’t sure what to do after the house sold.

I met up with Cat a couple of weeks ago. We camped for four nights in Crescent City, CA. A day later we met up in Medford, Oregon. She joined the adventures of Mary and me, exploring the Medford and Ashland area.

Two days ago we left Mary and Medford behind and began the journey north to Vancouver. It was a long drive through some beautiful country. We crossed the border last night and after a drive through the city of Vancouver, camped outside the city. Today the adventure began. While Cat biked the 10 miles to the port, Elsie and I moved the Roadtrek to the Ferry.

The Team

What is my part of this adventure? I am not entirely sure. Here is what I consider to be the many facets of my part in this epic adventure.

Make sure that Cat and her dogs stay safe while out there riding.
I am carrying her tent and other supplies. She will be hauling a lighter load.
Making sure that she is hydrated and that we both eat healthy.
I have medical supplies on board if she needs them.
Create a place to rest, when she needs a break.
Elsie and I are her cheering section, routing her on. “Go Cat, Go!”
I have my bike with me. I plan to ride and meet her some days. We can then ride in to our camp for the night, together. That will be really fun.
Enjoying each other’s company on her rest days.
I am sure this will be a continuing role of discovery as we develop a routine.

While she is bicycling I will have the opportunity to discover new places. My camera will not be far behind. I will share highlights of this epic adventure as it unfolds. Our goal is to be at the Mexican border by late October.

Crossing on the Ferry.

Today we traveled by ferry to Vancouver Island. Cat covered about 16 miles today. We are staying in a lovely campground right on Nanaimo Bay (Horseshoe Bay). it is a beautiful site. Tomorrow while Cat rides I will have the chance to explore the area between our camp tonight and the camp tomorrow night.

It is an honor and a privilege to be invited to share someone else’s dream. I love the fact that I can meander along short stretches for a whole day. It makes it fun to come into the campground and share experiences with Cat at the end of the day.

Tonight I am grateful for Cat. Her adventure is giving me direction. I felt a little loss after the house sold. Now I have a purpose and it is fun to watch someone else dream unfold.

Elsie, A Little Cat Exploring a Big World

Posted on August 10, 2016 by JanetA

Elsie on the road Again

Wow has my life changed. One minute I am in my house and the next minute Janet and I are in the Roadtrek, and living in her friend’s driveway. I knew for a while, something wasn’t right. The furniture started to disappear, everything in the house was getting spiffed up and then, just like that the house is gone and I am on-the-road with Janet.

I am glad Janet is a constant in my life. I am just a little kitty (under 6 pounds) and change is a bit overwhelming for me. Where did the house go? Why am I in the trek? Where are we going? Why?

I am a traveling kitty. Last summer I rode in this magic, mobile home for four whole months. I experienced many things and saw so much that was new. I am at it again.

Janet made sure that some of my favorite things were in this little home. I still sleep under my sheepskin every day. I have toys, and my food and treats. Even my catnip is here. Janet remembers to comb me. I like that a lot. At night I curl up next to her and sleep. Life is not too bad. Oh, I almost forgot my favorite string to play with is also in my current home.

The first part of the trip, once we left San Diego, was up the coast (I am not sure what that means but it seems to involve water and sand). The water scares me a little bit but the sand is really kind of cool. I love to roll in it.

My private patio

Staying in peoples homes seems to be a part of travel. The first home we stayed in was big. Janet and I had our own suite. My favorite part of that house was the private french doors to our own patio. I felt safer when no one was around. I could go in and out. There was a lot to explore and if I got nervous I could run inside.

I have seen big trees, Janet says they are redwoods. I can’t imagine trying to climb one of those. It might take me weeks to get to the top. I wonder what is up at the top. I guess I will just have to imagine it.

Elsie & the Bird

At one of the campsites I got a close up view of a little bird. I think it wanted me to come out and play. It may have been taunting me. It sat just outside the Roadtrek and looked in. It might have been a good meal. Janet gives me yummy food from a can and I don’t have to work for it. I guess that little birds will continue to taunt me.

We spent about a week somewhere called Crescent City. It was in those big tall trees. I thought it was going to be peaceful but then this woman, Cat showed up. I immediately liked her. How could you nor like person with the name Cat? I think I have seen her before. Right after I saw her, two dogs showed up. I know I have seen them before. They make me really nervous. I am suspicious they aren’t going away too soon.

Now I am somewhere called Oregon. There are a lot of trees and it is green. I don’t know what happened but all of a sudden I moved into house #2, with a cool back yard. Mary seems to be in charge here. She tries to be my friend but I am just a bit wary. I don’t know why we are here. It is kind of a nice break from the little home I travel in. Janet and I have a nice room and it is upstairs. It is private. When things make me nervous I run for the stairs.

I am suspicious that this nice home is not going to last. Change seems to be in the air. I am going to keep a close eye on things. In the meantime I am getting braver and exploring this house before it disappears.

Journeys of Thankfulness

Embracing Life, Traveling in my RV, Feeling Grateful

Another Year

Friendship

Bridges-Love Those Bridges

Friends & Wine Anyone?

Changing the Situation

Art as a Way of Healing

Pondering My Way Down the Olympic Peninsula

Dreaming

Elsie, A Little Cat Exploring a Big World

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