I enjoy an adventure. I like to read about others’ adventures. I like to watch documentaries of adventure. I am a closet big wave surfer and high altitude climber. I like to be in the middle of adventure.

On March 16th I left San Diego to adventure north. After spending time in Oxnard, California, and Point Mugu, getting the last of the rig repairs completed I headed north. Destination, Whidbey Island, Washington. On an adventure, I seldom go right to the beginning of the new experience. I decided to give myself time to wander through California, Oregon and finally Washington.

The Oceano Sand Dunes are located south of Pismo Beach. The Dunes area is recognized by scientists, conservationists, government agencies, and the public as the finest, most extensive coastal dunes remaining in California. The Preserve offers rare opportunities for on-the-sand activities—you can camp on the beach and in the open dune area, go horseback riding, and drive right on the beach. In fact, it’s the only California State Park that allows vehicles to do so (four- or all-wheel drive recommended). I did not camp on the beach. The fee to be towed if one gets stuck in the sand is quite a bit. I camped in a private campground that allowed direct access into the dunes.

This is my third visit to the dunes. I know I will return again and again. There is something special about standing in the middle of these rolling dunes and seeing no one except the little animal tracks at my feet. These dunes are what I expected every desert to look like when I was a child.

Being close to Hollywood, several movies have been filmed here. The most noted one is “The Ten Commandments”. When filming was complete, rather than dismantling the set, it was coved with sand and left. According to an article in the LA Times, “Hollywood discovered Guadalupe Dunes decades ago“, pieces of this set continue to be found by amateur and professional sleuths.

I found the dunes attractive for the opportunity to take photos in the ever-changing light. The light was shifting moment by moment. It would have been easy to take a photo of one object again and again. the light changed before my eyes.

This is a place I know I will return to again and again. And if you are wondering….The dunes are packed hard so walking is easy in most places. Be ready for that soft spot though.

I pushed myself north a bit faster than I would have liked but I knew there was an empty house in need of attention at my final destination.

I did take a few days off to visit with two close friends, Mary & Wanda, who have created their bubble. All three of us have been vaccinated. It felt safe to visit. What does one do when there is no room in the house to sleep? I slept in my rig on a quiet street in Medford, Oregon. Oh but I had access to a bathroom to shower. Sweet.

It has been almost a year since I have visited anyone closely except Ward and Cynthia, part of my bubble. It was good to see other people who I knew were consciously taking care of themselves. Mary introduced me to her new E-bike. Oh my goodness I could do some damage with that. It was fun to ride. For now I will stick with my road bike.

Since I left the bay area it had been rainy and gray. When I got on the ferry to Whidbey it was gray and a short time later I drove off the ferry into the sun. About forty-five minutes later I arrived at my temporary home for the next two months.

It has not remained sunny. On Sunday the weather changed, a cold front came through. There was hail. There was the wind. The temperature dropped. Then Monday arrived and the sun has been out ever since. I was told that I have seen the worst of the weather.

I am beginning my adventure on Whidbey Island. I will be here until mid-June. I have been exploring beaches and taking photos-lots of photos. I will add a link to the photos with my next blog post. I am adjusting to being solo again. It gets pretty quiet without anyone to talk to. It is life and I am slowly settling in. The view and the outdoors are helping assuage the quiet.

My adventure on Whidbey Island is just beginning. I hope you will come along for the ride, walk, hike,…

Today I am thankful for people who entrust me to care for their home. Today I am thankful for a cozy home with an amazing view. Today I am thankful for the opportunities that are offered to me. Today I am thankful for recognizing opportunities.