When I was in Turkey and posting my photos on social media, one of my friends asked me how it felt to be there. How does it feel to be there and in these ancient places?
I have continued to ponder that question as I have been driving north for the summer.
TurkyieCroatia
Each day was filled with emotions, awe, and wonder. I was surprised how much I remembered from books I read and from my school education, regarding ancient world history. I didn’t know that those educational memories were still in my file cabinet (my brain). Wonders never cease.
When our guide would tell us that we were standing on ruins that were built in the year 300 AD, it was hard to even grasp that date except with amazement. There was wonder when I was told that I was walking on the Roman Road. “The Roman Road”?!? Oh, and lest I forget, the Roman Aqueduct. And then there was the whole story of the Trojan Horse and Troy. The Odyssey Comes Alive.
Biblical and Muslim history followed me throughout the two and a half weeks in Turkey. The Mosques were fascinating. One museum we were in had hair from Mohammed’s beard. His Beard!
I was traveling with a small group of people from around the United States and Canada. Many had traveled together on previous trips. Mary and I were new to this group of wanderers. It was interesting for me to travel with others when I am often alone in my travels. They were an enjoyable group of people. I found I had to adjust to being around people most of the time. It can be a bit overwhelming.
Thankfully, I was traveling with someone (Zee) who also needed time out from all the people and activities. We gave each other space and were able to create opportunities to be alone. It worked out well.
Below is a 12-minute slideshow from my time traveling in Europe. Enjoy.
When we arrived in Croatia, the history was a bit different yet no less fascinating and amazing. It was definitely a summer playground for the many Europeans I encountered in our travels to the islands in the Adriatic Sea.
Castles and walled cities and a wild history of battles and takeovers that dated back thousands of years continued to fascinate me. I had a little more time to explore the natural side of things, spending a day at Krka Falls and e-biking on one of the islands in another National Park. It felt good to be back in the woods and by the water.
There are all the normal words to describe feelings. At times, seeing so many new and ancient things was overwhelming. It is hard to really understand this ancient history in my day-to-day existence on this planet. All this history is included in my history and the history of mankind.. Without all of that historical background, I would not be where I am today. It is about spirit, awe, and wonder. I am so glad I had another trip of a lifetime.
Today I am thankful for the opportunities that come my way. I am thankful to be able to say yes and step out of my comfort zone to explore. I believe that travel wakes me up in an unusual way. I feel more alive, centered, and ready for the moment.
One more Croatian Island to go. After leaving Hvar, we moved on to Korčula, another unique Croatian town and Island. I felt like I had walked into the movie set for The Lord of the Rings. True towers, a drawbridge, battles from the ramparts, pirates, and more.
Compared to Hvar and several other places I visited, Korcula was quiet. There were tourists there, but not in the numbers I had seen in many of the other parts of Croatia.
Korčula has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by Stone Age finds from Vela Spila near Vela Luka, now part of the Vela Luka Culture Center’s collection. In the 4th century BC, the Greeks founded a colony on Korčula and called it Korkyra Melaina or Black Korčula. Under their rule, the island was called Korkyra Nigra. The attribute “Melaina” or “Nigra” this beautiful island owes precisely to the lush Mediterranean vegetation, primarily forests of holm oak and pine.
The island of Korčula is almost completely connected to Pelješac by the Pelješac canal. The town of Korčula is among the most beautiful and best preserved medieval towns on the Croatian coast and in all of the Mediterranean, and is justly referred to as “Little Dubrovnik.” It still has the appearance it had at the turn of the 16th century – the same stone towers, walls, and the same fishbone structure of the streets.
Korčula’s town planners took into consideration both functionality and perfect harmony with nature – the streets are lined so that the refreshing wind from the west can pass, while the cold winter winds from the northeast (called bura) are blocked.
We started our exploration of Korcula with a walking tour of the “Old Town”. Old town, of course, means within the fortress walls. Our guide was very informative. The creation of this town was planned well.
The steps are a later creation. There used to be a drawbridge where the steps are today. If the enemy came, they drew up the bridge. If you enlarge the photo by clicking on it, you can see the holes in the tower where the ropes were for the drawbridge.
The streets of Korčula’s Old Town are designed in a brilliant geometric herringbone pattern. Built in the Middle Ages by the Venetians, this layout acts like natural air conditioning, controlling the wind and the sun to keep the town comfortable.
How the Herringbone Design Works
Central Spine: A single main street divides the old town, running straight along the top of the island’s ridge.
Western Streets: The streets on the town’s western side are laid out in straight lines. This lets the refreshing summer breeze, called the maestral, blow straight through the town and cool the houses.
Eastern Streets: The streets on the eastern side are slightly curved. This curve blocks the fierce, cold winter winds, known as the bura, from rushing through the city and freezing the homes.
Other unique features of this town are included below.
Hidden Plumbing: The houses are built in long, parallel blocks. The fronts of the houses face the streets, while the backyards and wastewater canals were cleverly hidden in the middle of the blocks.
Narrow and Shaded: The side alleys are incredibly narrow. This provides deep shade during the hot summer months, ensuring the sun never hits the ground directly.
Stepped Alleys: Because the town sits on a small hill, almost all the side streets use steps to help you climb up and down easily.
Arches Across the Alleys: You owned a small home. If you wanted to expand and acquired the home across the street, an arch was built to connect the kitchens.
The Kitchens & Bathrooms: To prevent fires, the kitchens were on the top floor. The bathrooms were on the first floor.
The Street of Thoughts: There is one notable street running along the southeastern wall, without any steps. Local history says it was called the “Street of Thoughts” because walkers did not have to stare at their feet to watch for stairs.
Korcula Old Town, Within the Walls
Unique in its design, the system still had some flaws. The town was once home to close to 1,000 residents. They lived there for protection and community. Today, approximately 300 live within the city walls. Why? Look how narrow the streets are. No cars can come into these streets. That means you have to carry everything in and out of the walled city. There are steps everywhere; only one street has no steps.
While we were exploring the old city, we climbed the bell tower at the Korcula Cathedral. The stairs were not for the weak of heart. The view from the top was breathtaking. I hoped the bells did not ring while I was up there.
Climbing the Cathedral Tower.
The StairsMary Going Down
One evening we went to the west side of the walled city to have dinner and see the sunset. People seem to do that a lot here. It was not disappointing.
Sunset View
On the second full day, we took the ferry, a 35-minute ride, to the island of Mljet. One of Croatia’s National Parks is on the island. With a bit of trepidation, along with Mary, I rented an E-bike to bike the park. After a few practice runs up and down the main street, I was ready to go.
Mljet National Park is a large area that borders two saltwater lakes. The Lakes stretch for about 4 kilometers. Right in the middle of the Large Lake, there is a small island/islet, Melita (Sveta Marija), with a large building of the former Benedictine monastery, erected there in the 12th century. The monastery’s building is now a café/restaurant. The small island is connected by boats that sail there from both sides of the Lake.
Miljet National Park.
Old World SwallowtailCommon Brimstone Butterfly
The Benedictine Monastery is now a restaurant. You flag them from the mainland, and they send a boat over to pick you up. It was early, so we pushed on.
There was a small steep bridge we needed to cross with our bikes. Up, Up. Down, Down. Have I told you how heavy E-bikes are? Our very own angels showed up. They easily lifted the bikes up and down while Zee and I followed behind.
The bridge is fairly new. At one point, Tito moved to the island with the Monastery. He tore down the original bridge to gain full access to the ocean and bring in supplies. After he left, the new bridge was built.
The National Park was cool, quiet, and unhurried. It took us about 3 hours to bike the park. I enjoyed stopping and looking at all the Butterflies on the thistle and lavender.
Upon our return to the ferry port, we found a cool place in the shade, met this lovely woman from Switzerland, and chatted until the ferry returned us to Korcula.
Today we say farewell to the islands and return to the mainland. Back to the big city, Dubrovnik. Well, not quite the big city, as Dubrovnik has approximately 40,000 residents. I am not quite done exploring yet. We have two full days to explore before returning to Istanbul and the flight stateside. Oh, what a trip it has been.
Moving on is what one does on a tour. It amazes me that I used to lead these. It is much better to be a passenger and look out the window.
After we left the ruins at Ephesus we started to head to the junction of the Agean and Mediterranean Seas. The next few days found us on the Mediterranean Coast. The water is so blue and the sky is so blue and all the limestone formations made the colors more vivid.
Riding across the Taurus Mountains to arrive at the Sea.
The Mediterranean Sea
We stayed in the town of Kas for two nights.
One afternoon we went to a “ghost town” The Ghost Town Kayakoy village in Turkey stretches along the hillside. In the XVIII century Greeks arrived here from Dodecanese Islands and founded a town here , it’s name was Levissi. In this quite a large town with about 3.500 homes the Greeks lived for centuries. In 1923 when the city had about 6,000 Greeks the “population exchange” was started between Greece and Turkey the Greeks were forced to leave the town. Kaykoy Ghost Town in Turkey was recognized as one of the World TOP 10 Ghost Towns according to National Geographic – a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration.
Following the Kayakoy history after the departure of the Greeks the Levissi city was renamed in a Kayakoy by name of a nearby valley – Kaya Cukuru (pothole from Turkish) and vacant houses were populated with Muslims that came from Macedonia. However the Macedonians did not like Kayakoy Turkey and they left the village – Kayakoy village became the largest abandoned Greek village of Asia Minor and it is called Kayakoy Ghost Town or Kayakoy Village.
Now Kayakoy Ghost Town in Turkey is open-air museum with about 500 preserved houses and three churches
Kayykoy
Upon Arrival in Kas we had a chance to see a small Hellenistic theater. Antiphellos was a small settlement and the port for Phellos, the much larger Lycian town further north in the hills. The small Hellenistic theatre, 500m west of Kaş’ main square, could seat 4000 spectators and is in good condition. It was built in the 1st century BC and restored 300 years later, probably after the great 141 AD earthquake. There’s a good view of Kaş from the top tier of seating.
Finally we had a full day on the water. After a beautiful drive through the mountains we arrived at a small village on the Mediterranean Sea. We boarded a boat and went to explore more ruins and go swimming in the most beautiufl blue water I ahve yet to see.
Puffer FishMe swimming in the Sea
This area also had the ruins of a city that sunk into the sea after several earthquakes.
Located along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, the Sunken City of Kekova offers a unique glimpse into the past, where history and nature beautifully intertwine. Originally built on Kekova Island, this ancient city was a thriving harbor town before it met a tragic fate. Earthquakes and invasions led to the submersion of much of the city, leaving behind a fascinating underwater site. Dolchiste: A Glimpse into the Past Once a modestly bustling harbor town, Dolchiste was home to shipbuilders, merchants, and fish sauce producers. In the 2nd century, a massive earthquake struck, submerging much of the town into the sea. Though the city was rebuilt, it was abandoned after Arab invasions. What remains today is a fascinating blend of submerged and terrestrial ruins, collectively known as the Sunken City of Kekova. The Sunken City Today
The day ended with a climb to a castle, where the view was stunning. There were tombs and sarcophagi scattered among the hills
Simena Castle, also known by its Turkish name ‘Kalekoy’ meaning ‘castle village’, is located on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast in the Kekova Region between the modern town of Kasand Antalya, the province’s capital city. Once a notable Lycian settlement, the castle remains largely intact upon a hill overlooking the Gokkaya bay. Villagers have made their homes on one side of the ancient site and a handful of local restaurants can be found next to a small harbour, offering the daily seafood catches. It’s an interesting mix of old and new as locals have managed to build their modern lives while still maintaining the rich historical sites. To the west a series of rock-cut tombs are scattered across the slopes of the castle, you can walk down from Simena Castle and take a look inside.
Today I am leaving the coast and we are driving into another area of Turkey, Cappadocia.
I will see you all soon. Next post coming up. Wait for it.
In 1903 the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, became the official state flower of California. The California poppy is commonly seen blooming in the spring and summer. It flowers along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. This makes the plant a highly recognizable symbol of California. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.
I have been asked many questions since I began my full time RV Lifestyle. Where is your favorite place? Are you going back to….? When will you choose where to live? What has been your best day ever.
There are many Best Days Ever. They can big days or little days, big events or little events. Best days ever make my heart sing no matter the size or event.
Last week I had my Latest Best Day Ever. A good friend of mine, Phyllis, and I decided to take a road trip. We drove four hours north to see the poppy fields in bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. We drove into the Poppy Preserve in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday.
As I was still in a boot, (post heel surgery) walking and hiking was limited. We walked out on a paved trail. It allowed us to see over the Antelope Valley and enjoy all those beautiful orange flowers. But wait…there were many other flowers as well that helped those California Poppies pop even more.
What flowers grow among the California Poppies?
Goldfields: Yellow flowers that often carpet the fields alongside the poppies.
Owl Clover: Purplish-pink flowers.
Creme Cups: White, cup-shaped flowers.
Lupine: Ranging from dwarf to taller purple spikes.
Lacy Phacelia: Purple-blue flowers.
Coreopsis: Yellow sunflowers.
Red Stem Filaree: Small pink-purple flowers.
After spending the night in Lancaster, California we went back to the poppy fields the next morning. We never made it to the reserve. We discovered good dirt roads surrounded with poppy fields and many other kinds of flowers. We never resist a challenge. So, we took Phyllis’s Prius onto the dirt roads. We immersed ourselves in the flowers of the Antelope Valley.
I am a photographer so how could this post not include a video of my most current Best Day Ever. It is 7 minutes long. There is a slight pause between the first and second piece of music. Don’t leave too soon. And you can click on any photo in the blog and it will enlarge the photo. You can get more eye candy that way. Enjoy the Slideshow.
As most know I am a traveler and wanderer. I look for places outside. I look for wildlife to keep my camera busy. I have been stationary for almost six weeks. I have been getting itchy to move. I knew going into this heel surgery that the healing process is long. And I have been good giving myself the time to heal. I know that getting out was good for this wandering woman
I love nature. It always has the ability to surprise me. I knew I would see poppies. I did not realize how absolutely charmed and enthralled I would be among the fields of blossoms. It was so wonderful to spend the day looking at flowers and a few birds. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me so happy. It made me decide that this was one of my Latest Best Day Ever.
And a big shout out to Phyllis. It is always so wonderful to have a friend who is willing to go along on a last minute adventure.
Today I am thankful for the big wide open outdoors. There is always something new to find and explore and be in awe over.
In 1903 the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, became the official state flower of California. The California poppy is commonly seen blooming in the spring and summer. It flowers along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. This makes the plant a highly recognizable symbol of California. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.
I have been asked many questions since I began my full time RV Lifestyle. Where is your favorite place? Are you going back to….? When will you choose where to live? What has been your best day ever.
There are many Best Days Ever. They can big days or little days, big events or little events. Best days ever make my heart sing no matter the size or event.
Last week I had my Latest Best Day Ever. A good friend of mine, Phyllis, and I decided to take a road trip. We drove four hours north to see the poppy fields in bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. We drove into the Poppy Preserve in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday.
As I was still in a boot, (post heel surgery) walking and hiking was limited. We walked out on a paved trail. It allowed us to see over the Antelope Valley and enjoy all those beautiful orange flowers. But wait…there were many other flowers as well that helped those California Poppies pop even more.
What flowers grow among the California Poppies?
Goldfields: Yellow flowers that often carpet the fields alongside the poppies.
Owl Clover: Purplish-pink flowers.
Creme Cups: White, cup-shaped flowers.
Lupine: Ranging from dwarf to taller purple spikes.
Lacy Phacelia: Purple-blue flowers.
Coreopsis: Yellow sunflowers.
Red Stem Filaree: Small pink-purple flowers.
After spending the night in Lancaster, California we went back to the poppy fields the next morning. We never made it to the reserve. We discovered good dirt roads surrounded with poppy fields and many other kinds of flowers. We never resist a challenge. So, we took Phyllis’s Prius onto the dirt roads. We immersed ourselves in the flowers of the Antelope Valley.
I am a photographer so how could this post not include a video of my most current Best Day Ever. It is 7 minutes long. There is a slight pause between the first and second piece of music. Don’t leave too soon. And you can click on any photo in the blog and it will enlarge the photo. You can get more eye candy that way. Enjoy the Slideshow.
As most know I am a traveler and wanderer. I look for places outside. I look for wildlife to keep my camera busy. I have been stationary for almost six weeks. I have been getting itchy to move. I knew going into this heel surgery that the healing process is long. And I have been good giving myself the time to heal. I know that getting out was good for this wandering woman
I love nature. It always has the ability to surprise me. I knew I would see poppies. I did not realize how absolutely charmed and enthralled I would be among the fields of blossoms. It was so wonderful to spend the day looking at flowers and a few birds. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me so happy. It made me decide that this was one of my Latest Best Day Ever.
And a big shout out to Phyllis. It is always so wonderful to have a friend who is willing to go along on a last minute adventure.
Today I am thankful for the big wide open outdoors. There is always something new to find and explore and be in awe over.
“I talk about him because I’m proud. I talk about him, because he deserves to be remembered. I talk about him, because even though he’s not physically with me, he’s never far from my mind. I talk about him because he’s part of me, a part that I could never ignore or disown. I talk about him because I love him still, and I always will. Forever. Nothing will ever change that.” I Talk About Him/Scribbles & Crumbs
On October 9, 2012, Jim, my husband entered the hospital for the last time. Neither of us knew that he would not leave and come home. Neither of us thought that the end of his life was around the corner. Neither of us knew.
Thirteen years ago on October seventeenth my husband of 21 years died. He entered the hospital the day before his birthday. Almost two weeks later, he died the day after my birthday. Yes October is a emotionally mixed month for me.
Oh, and wait a minute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that some people who have had breast cancer are dedicated to this month. I thank them for that. I, though from the beginning of having breast cancer in 2010 have wanted nothing to do with this month. I don’t want pink anything. I want to move forward without the celebration and thinking of myself as a survivor. I want to live.
Welcome to October Always an action packed emotional month.
It seems strange to think it has been thirteen years since Jim’s death. Sometimes it seems like it has been that long. Other days, it feels like it was yesterday. Sigh.
I spent most of my younger adult life thinking that I was going to be single my whole adult life. I made it to 38 and then Jim showed up and my life changed forever.
Each year I take time to remember Jim in writing, in thought and in love.
Jim & me dancing Contra Dance
Many relationships were made and dismantled on the dance floor of the New England Contra Dance community. If you have never tried this form of folk dance I suggest you try it. It is so much fun and it is certainly a way to meet people and make friends. And, oh the music! One night, this tall blue-eyed man showed up. That ended the idea of being single for the rest of my life.
Scottish Country Dance Ball
Jim followed me to other dance communities. He became a fine Scottish Country Dancer. We ballroom danced and chose to try several other forms of dance in communities around San Diego. It was fun. He did a mean waltz and polka. It was so much fun to have a dance partner.
The connection was strong and within a year we were a couple. I moved from San Diego in the fall of that year. I became a traveling nurse with Albuquerque as my destination. He didn’t want a long distance relationship. I said “How do you know if you don’t try it?”
Four months passed. Jim and I made several trips between Albuquerque, NM and San Diego, CA. I returned to the west coast and Jim. We moved in together and became a life couple. Was he my soul mate? I don’t know. I do know that even if it wasn’t perfect it was pretty darn close. From the moment we started to date we were close.
Everything was shared. Each month I would hike into the mountains to contemplate whether this was still a relationship I wanted. He would roll his eyes and waved me off. I would come back for another month. When I asked him if he had any doubts. He looked me in the eyes and said no. Eventually the monthly journeys move to every six months and then every year. I continued to hike and contemplate this wonderful relationship once a year until his death.
I have always been an explorer and adventure traveler. He joined me.
We took the train to Oregon. We climbed old growth Douglas Firs. and camped in the top of the trees. Did you know that there are no mosquitoes 25 feet above the ground? Since we were camped over 100 feet off the ground we were never bothered by those pesky little creatures.
Tree Climbing & Tree Sleeping
One year we kayaked the Nā Pali Coast off the coast of Kauai. The only way to see this coast is by helicopter or boat. On one of the short kayaks, we sailed through the air on the backside of a wave. Other travelers kept saying, “this doesn’t look good.” It wasn’t but oh the fun. We survived. When we finally kayaked the 15 miles down the Nā Pali coast, we went into caves. We greeted sea turtles swimming by. We got to see firsthand this amazing and remote coast.
Another Hawaii trip found us inner tubing through the sugar cane fields and kayaking the rivers on Kauai. This and the Big Island were our favorites places to visit in the 50th state.
On Tour of the Galapagos Islands
Other adventures included Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We Winter Camped and snowshoe hiked in Yellowstone National Park. We camped and explored Canyon de Chelly in Arizona by horseback. Jim had never been on a horse in his life. When a friend invited us to join her for a long weekend in Alaska. We enjoyed a long weekend of cross country skiing, yoga, and contra dancing. Always dancing. We explored our country, the outback and the cities.
Due to Jim’s love of astronomy we finally saw the total solar eclipse over Angkor Wat in Cambodia. During the summer months, the California desert becomes too hot. He would load all his astronomy equipment in the car and we headed to the desert. We camped in the remote areas of Anza Borrego State Park. There, we would stare at the heavens and talk into the early hours of the morning. The key to summer visits is to arrive after 5 pm. Be ready to leave by nine in the morning. Even in the summer the evenings are cool and pleasant. And…there is no one else out there.
Then there was the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Jim and I hiked it a couple of times. The real life changer happened when we decided to take a river raft adventure. It lasted 15 days with friends from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.
Looking out at the Mighty Colorado
At first Jim wasn’t sure he wanted to go. It was too long. What would he do if he got bored? I made one phone call to a long time friend, Sharon, who had rafted the canyon several times. After his conversation with her, he hung up and we made reservations. After that trip we always talked about “Before Grand Canyon” and “After Grand Canyon”.
This is a description of some of our travels. There were so many more adventures than listed here. We were always looking for the next new adventure. It was such a great experience to have someone to share the unique and normal with.
Now I carry on alone but not really. I carry remembrance of him and our life with me. I move forward toward the next adventure. And I carry the joy of those 21 years with me as I grow and change and remember. Some people have said that I should let him go and move on. I am not sure what letting him go means. How can I do that? Those 21 years changed my life. They made me grow into the person I am today. I carry my growth with me always.
I continue to adventure by myself. My friend in our soft adventures is gone. I wonder sometimes how different my life would have been if he was still here today. Yes, I have no doubt I would still be with him. I would still be taking the hike into the mountains every year. I would watch as he waved me off. And then another year would unfold.
Today I am thankful for Jim, for our positive and wonderful relationship. I am thankful to move forward and be so much more than before I met him. Today I am thankful for Jim and all those years of adventure and wonder.
A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.
A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.
After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north toPismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.
I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.
For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”
WoodyRocky
I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Sloughis about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.
Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium andCannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.
I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.
Otter in the Elkhorn Slough
If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.
After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.
Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.
Just south of Vancouver BC is a point of land known as Point Roberts. Point Roberts is surrounded on three sides by water. It is bordered by Canada to the north. It is part of Washington state and the United States. The only way to get there is by car crossing the International Border or by private plane or boat.
On a sunny early summer morning I decided to visit Point Roberts. I drove from Richmond (south of Vancouver). I crossed the International Border and spent a late morning and afternoon touring this unique area of the United States.
Point Roberts was created in the mid-19th century. At that time, the United Kingdom and the United States settled the Pacific Northwest American-Canadian border dispute. They resolved the issue with the Oregon Treaty. The two parties agreed that the 49th parallel would define The boundary between their respective territories. The small area that incorporates Point Roberts is south of the 49th parallel.
During the 1858 Fraser gold rush, prospectors from Victoria, BC attempted to avoid tax collection. They briefly settled Point Roberts. Their settlement was called Robert’s Town. It consisted of six wooden buildings, including a store and saloon. It lasted less than a year.
In 1949, there was talk about Point Roberts seceding from the U.S. and joining Canada. In 1973, a drought that caused the wells to run dry created tensions between Point Roberts’s U.S. and Canadian residents. The Americans threatened to cut off the Canadian residents’ water supply. They also hung up signs saying “Canadians Go Home.” This was unless the Canadian municipality of Delta agreed to supply water. An agreement was signed on August 28, 1987. It requires the Point Roberts Water District to buy raw water each year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Roberts was acclaimed as the “safest place” for avoiding coronavirus. This was due to its isolation from the mainland United States and Canada. The very low case numbers also contributed to this reputation. Limited access to the rest of the United States and Canada was a factor. Additionally, border closures into Canada kept the case numbers very low.
As the pandemic worsened in both countries. In 2020, a study found that Point Roberts had lost 80 percent of its business. It also lost hundreds of seasonal residents. This was a result of the pandemic and border shutdown. The area was described as a “ghost town” by the local chamber of commerce director. It had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of September 2020.
The Port of Bellingham set up a temporary ferry in August 2020. It connected Point Roberts to the mainland. The Canadian government waived its mandatory COVID testing requirements for Point Roberts residents in 2021. The decision followed negotiations with Washington state. The border was fully reopened for non-essential travel in August 2021 and the ferry service ceased the same month.
The City of Delta installed a chain-link fence at the end of English Bluff Road in 2025. This was done to deter accidental crossings. An elderly man accidentally walked into Point Roberts. The fence was poorly received by local residents and at least one Delta council member demanded its removal.
The Marina
Approximately 1300 people live in the 5 square mile area of Point Roberts. The big attraction is the nature and the wildlife. Point Roberts has it all. The community has a golf course, a marina and two restaurants.There are four parks and coastal beaches to explore.
Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre park on the Salish Sea and my first stop. Park amenities include a boardwalk, picnic areas,playground, trails, boat launch, and 30 campsites for weekend of camping. I chose to walk the beach trail to gaze out on the water. I hoped for whales but a seal was all I saw.
Mt Baker from Lighthouse Park
On a beautiful day I saw Mt Baker on the mainland, in Washington State. The beaches are like the beaches in Washington, Plenty of drift wood was scattered along the beach. The beaches are rocky and wild.
Monumet Park
This park is known for “Border Marker Number One”. It is the western most border marker between the U.S. and Canada. The park is a canopied forest of cedar and fir trees.
Lily Point Marine Reserve Park
Lily Point Marine Reserve spans 275 acres of forested upland and beaches. It is known for its towering sandstone bluffs. When beach-side, pilings can be seen running out into Boundary Bay. These pilings are remains from the Alaska Packers Association cannery. This cannery once operated here in the late 1800s.
Maple Beach
This beach is a popular spot for beach combing and swimming. It sits on the northeastern corner of Point Roberts. It is known for its sandy beaches and tidelands. At low-tide the tidelands stretch for a mile or more.
After a morning and early afternoon exploring I stopped for lunch at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. The food was good and the view from outdoor seating was exceptional as I looked out over the Salish Sea.
Somewhere along my travels I read about Ollie-Otter’s Baker Box. I decided I needed to go find this interesting local landmark. There is a cottage bakery there Ollie-Otter’s Bakery is in a cottage behind the bakers box on the curb side. There were wonderful goodies waiting to be bought.
The Hungry Hound Barkary had a small box next to the street side bake box. This business is owned by Ollie Friedman. Ollie may have some growing to do but he has big dreams.
This is what is written on the sign in the photo.
“Hi I am Ollie. I own the Hungry Hound Barkary. Yep I’m 11 but I have BIG dreams. Someday I want to be an astronaut and work for NASA. To make that happen I need coding classes. So to raise money I’m taking over the dog treat business. Thanks for stopping and supporting my dream. I hope your pup enjoys the retreats.”
If you would like to support Ollie’s Dreams here is the link to his Go Fund Me Page. Ollie’s Path to NASA. I believe, much like my husband did, that it is important to support these young people no matter their dreams.
After a lovely morning and afternoon, I approached the International Border. I crossed back into Canada for a few more nights. Before I made my way back to the United States.
I enjoy exploring the unknown. I definitely would return to Point Roberts again. I could easily see camping there and taking a leisurely tour of the area.
I am grateful for my friends. They guide me to unusual places. This year I can add Point Roberts to places that are unique.
I have not been very faithful to this blog lately. I have been traveling and enjoying experiences. Lately, people ask me where I am. I decided that it is time to let you in on my current spring and summer plans.
I drove north through Oregon and Washington, visiting friends along the way. It was nice to catch up with friends as I continued to Whidbey Island, WA.
I spent two summers house sitting for good friends on Whidbey. They went off camp hosting in the beautiful wilds of this country. I took care of their lovely home overlooking Puget Sound. Night after night the sunsets never let me down.
I met this little brown song sparrow while I was there, Birdy Boy. We have maintained a friendship over time and distance. We met on the deck in 2021. I have never had a friendship with a bird before. I returned in 2022. There he was, still waiting to resume our friendship. We picked up where it had left off the year before. Two years later, 2024 I returned and there he was just like I had never left. This year I spent two nights with Sandy and Jim and, yes, Birdy Boy. He greeted me with singing. He hopped onto my feet, knees, arms, and hands. He sang away and caught me up on the past year. I am amazed that this has persisted over time and distance. My heart delights in this unique friendship.
Oh Canada
May 20th I crossed the border into Canada. It was a quick and clear crossover. I was welcomed. Then, I set off to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. I will be spending the next few months here. First stop was a beautiful campground near Victoria, Pedder Cove. I managed to slip into the water and kayak in this beautiful bay. I love all the hidden bays of the northwest.
Two days later I met up with 40 other Roadtreks at Sooke River Campground. Not a Rally, a Meetup ensued. For three nights and four days we gathered as a group and enjoyed each others company. I even found people to kayak with. It was fun to be around all the positive energy of a group of people. I reconnected with those I had met before and met new friends along the way. It was a good weekend and I am glad I encouraged myself to join up with this group of people.
Since the weekend I have been island hopping in the South Gulf Islands. Pender Island was a small outdoorsy island. When you go to Pender you look for things to do outdoors. I planned to put the kayak in the water. Instead, I hiked to the high summits on North and South Pender. Neither hike was long. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter, incline does. It is nice to know I still can do these climbs. I am thrilled to see the wonders at the end of the ascent.
My campground on Salt Sorings Island.
Salt Springs Island. was a much larger island. There are more people here, including many artists. People come to this island for the art. I managed to attend the Saturday Market. It was not a farmers market as much as it was an arts and crafts market. Did I find things to buy? Yes.
This past year I joined an organization,Trusted Housesitters. Starting this week, I will be taking care of two kitties, Stanley and Sitka. I’m house-sitting near Qualicum Beach, close to halfway up the island on the east side. It is a beautiful area. The best part is that I have a good friend who is a fellow photographer and lives there. Guess what we will be doing?
I am still new to this idea of house-sitting for people I don’t know. So the jury is still out on how much I will be choosing to do this. I am still deciding if this is a good fit for me. I like the idea of staying in one area for a more extended time. This way, I can explore more in depth and get to know the area. Maybe I will join a yoga class and have other opportunities to explore the local area.
Some of you have asked where I am. If you have been wondering, this is my current update on my spring and early summer plans. I followed the weather north. I enjoy meeting up with friends and like minded travelers. I like exploring the unknown.
Today I will meet up with the family that I will be cat sitting. The next day the owners leave for a cross Canada trip. I get the kitties and a home to nestle in for a few weeks.
I am thankful for my continuing adventurous spirit. I am thankful that I push myself to explore the unknown. I am thankful for family and friends. Even if they question my sanity, they continue to support me and my life choices.
Since the third week in April EmmyLou and I have been driving north for the late spring and summer. Where am I going? I am back in the land of ferries. The Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island.
What is pulling me back to this area again? First stop is Sooke River Campground and a meet-up with Roadtrek (my rig) owners. These Rallies are fun. It is a good way to meet like minded people and enjoy a long weekend together.
I have a cat sitting gig for two weeks in Qualicum Beach. This community is about halfway up the east side of the island. Much of my summer is unknown, and I am good with that. There is so much to explore in western Canada. I am not sure where my summer will lead me.
Since my seventieth birthday I have been on a mission. What to do with the rest of my life. I never felt a lot of the common age markers, (30, 40, 50) really affected me. But my seventieth rolled in strong.
I have been getting my papers in order. As a solo older woman I have begun to think of living alternatives. How do I want to live? Do I want to live in a community? What does that all look and feel like for me.
Community has an appeal to me as I have discovered in my current lifestyle I get lonely. I miss a stable sense of community. This will certainly will be one issue that will pull me off the road, full time.
I have visited a few 55 and up communities over the past years. I went mainly because I have friends that live in these communities. They enjoy them and are involved while living independently in their own homes. Classes, trips, groups, travel are often included in this life style choice.
I have been to one Continuing Care facility in Washington, a year ago. It was interesting but not a place that I think I would be interested in, at least not now.
One community, Enso Village was on my way north in Healdsburg, California. I have followed this community since its early planning stages. I decided to arrange an appointment to see it as I moved north. It was quite an interesting place and not inexpensive. It initially was introduced by the Zen Center in San Francisco. It is now affiliated with the Kendal Corporation and is the first Kendal community on the west coast.
“Kendal began in the late 1960s. A committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) sought “a better way in retirement.” Their search was based on Quaker values. The first community opened in 1973.
The Kendal Corporation began in 1989 and is an aging services leader providing support and skills to the Kendal System. Since then, new Affiliates have either been developed from the ground up or have chosen to become a Kendal Affiliate. The Kendal Corporation supports a System that is structured on what is called a federal model. Each Affiliate is locally owned and managed with its own independent board of directors, as each Affiliate is independently operated. The Kendal Corporation and the System afford access to tools and practices that empower and support.
The Kendal System stays true to its roots. It continually evolves to meet the needs of residents, staff and wider society. This combination of tradition and innovation creates an environment that fosters learning, community and integrity.
Kendal communities are designed to meet different needs and tastes. They range from park-like campuses in small college towns to apartment living near metropolitan areas. No matter the site, all share a commitment to lifelong learning, community service and wellness. They offer optional financial plans to meet individual needs. They also supply higher levels of care as residents’ circumstances change.
Several communities offer a continuum choice of moving directly into higher levels of care if needed. Others specialize in higher levels of care. One offers primarily an independent living option and another is a life plan at home model.”
Is this model of living for me? At the moment I am not sure. When the last units are full I will put myself on the wait list. It is an interesting choice not to be ruled out. Most people move into these places and love them. Some move in and leave again but that appears to be the minority.
I am also interested in another community model known as Co-Housing. These are more multi-generational housing with a community model in mind. Some of these are very specific so it is important to investigate these communities well before committing to one. The ideal way for me to try out these communities would be to rent a unit. Rentals are hard to find.
Before i can commit to the community models I feel like I need to envision the rest of my life. Not the small things, but how do I see myself living. What is important to me? I want to see how I would feel living in these environments.
I have tended to see some of these communities as a place where I will live and die. The dying part is macabre. Especially with the progressive care model my emotional mind sees it as a place where I wait to die. Now I know that is not what people that live there do. I need to encourage change in this scenario in my mind, to a place to live. So far I have not been one hundred percent successful in changing this. I am nevertheless willing to see these places as an optional lifestyle.
Another choice is to stay living independently in my own home, condo, flat, etc. Some people do live this way. They are quite comfortable being on their own. They have help come into their homes when they need it. I am not sure this is the best choice for me. I believe that socializing with other people will become more important for my mental health as I age.
I am exploring what I want to do with this next chapter of my life. I am also thinking and sorting through my options. I did not expect these life choices before Jim, my husband died. We had each other. Now I want to investigate my options so I can make informed choices, both mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
My life adventure continues. There is no need to make a decision today or tomorrow. But, I do see myself making a choice in the not too distant future. It is time to change it up once again.
Today I am thankful for confusion that will eventually lead to clarity. Today I am thankful for the choices I have to consider. Today I am thankful for my little RV that offers me a home on my current path.
