Elsie’s Third Post

Posted on July 27, 2015 by JanetA

Hey everyone, Elsie here. I am one traveling kitty. Since my last post I have traveled around the east coast of the United States and now I am in another country, Canada. No one even asked to see my passport, whatever that is. They asked Janet for hers.

I have been in and out of different houses since I posted last and I still think I like the Roadtrek best. I have been in it so long it feels like home. I like sleeping under the blankets during the day. I am now getting brave enough to come out while Janet drives and lay on the floor next to her. On my bravest days I ride on the dashboard and look out the window. Sometimes it gets lonely under the blankets.

The Camp on Moxie Lake

We spent about five days with Janet’s friend Missy and her husband in Maine. It was on a big body of water and that water still makes me nervous. I spent the day in the RV and then in the evening Janet would bring me inside the camp house. I am not sure if I liked this. Everything was strange and Missy has a bird, Mango that squawks a lot, and it is loud. What is that bird saying?

The one thing I found in the house that made me happy was another bed with blankets to crawl under. I liked it under there. Mango wasn’t quite as loud.

loon

Missy is a photographer and so is Janet. Every time these birds called loons came around the two of them went nuts. They ran for their cameras and headed to the woods to take a zillion photos. What’s the big deal about loons anyhow? They make weird sounds. It kept Janet happy though, so it must be OK.

I also met a little critter that looked good for eating. He was very bold. I know him as chippie, but he is really a chipmunk. He came right up to me. It surprised me so much I didn’t react except to stare at him. That night I dreamt of catching him and playing with him. Sigh, it was too late by the time I dreamt that. I hope to see more chippies in my travels.

Now Janet and I are on our own. We are settling back into the routine of stopping once a day so I can go outside, somewhere where it is quiet. When we stopped today a funny critter watched us. It didn’t move at all. I think it was a stuffed rabbit. It was just hanging in the trees.

Today I found something I really liked. I rolled in it. It smelled like cat mint.

When things make me nervous hanging behind Janet’s leg is a good idea.

Me taking a stroll at lunch.

Ah, rolling

We have camped in some nice places. The other night we were on Cobscook Bay in Maine. After a nice evening walk on the leash we got back and there were a bunch of mosquitos in our RV. Janet did not seem too happy about that. I decided to help her out and jumped around after those little buggers until there were none left. It was fun to help out. After all, we are a team.

Tonight we are camped on the Bay of Fundy. The town is St Martins. There is a funny intermittent noise out there. Janet says it is a light house. I am not sure what that is but the sound is soothing.

My adventure is continuing. I am glad Janet brought me along. I am not sure if I would do this all the time but I like being with Janet and I am seeing more than most kitties see in their whole lifetime. I must be special. Janet calls me the princess. I like to think I am.

Friends

Posted on July 23, 2015 by JanetA

When I add a post to my blog I am never sure where it will go. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to say and other times I have no idea until I sit down to type the post up. There are times that my mind wanders and I take me and all of you off on an unknown adventure.

Missy and Janet Enjoying Moxie

I have just returned to civilization after spending five days with my friend Missy and her husband, Dan on Moxie Lake out in the woods of Maine. Having extremely limited access to the digital age was truly a vacation.

Missy and I have been friends for many years. Even though we live 3000 miles apart when we are together we seem to easily pick up where we left off.I always feel that is a sign of true friendship. It was good to have five days to catch up, laugh and explore together. Missy and I love to take wildlife photos. We spent quite a bit of time watching and photographing the loons that frequent the cove next to the camp.

When we left camp this morning it was hard to leave. I feel safe and loved and secure when I am with people that care about me. It is hard to leave that for the unknown. From now on I am on my own and traveling into new territory as I drive north up the down east coast of Maine. I am heading for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Friends are a continuing important part of my existence. Since Jim died I have recognized how important my friends are to me. Their ongoing support and encouragement help push me forward to explore the next chapters of my life.

Right now six of my friends have very willingly taken on the task of taking care of my house and yard so I could comfortably get into my RV and travel and explore. I appreciate these friends so much for their effort and kindness. I would like to share with you a little of these six incredible women.

Nancy and Janet

Nancy is the coordinator of the house sitting project. She even found an on line calendar so that the six of them could sign up on the calendar for the days they wanted to check on the house. Nancy and I have been friends for close to 30 years. We have had our ups and downs but we always have remained strong friends. She feels like my sister. We both have a love of native plants. We see each other often and share a lot of our intimate thoughts with each other. I am so glad we met and have been friends for all these years.

Phyllis

Phyllis and I used to work together as nurses. I quit after 25 years but Phyllis remained a nurse for much longer and is now happily retired. One of her passions is to walk the 3 day, Susan G Komen walk for the cure. She has done these walks all over the United States. We usually find a day each week to walk and have breakfast, one of my favorite meals to eat out. She has very unselfishly supported me. After Jim was diagnosed with metastatic cancer all I had to do was call her and she would be there, even at 2 in the morning. It is good to have a friend who I can always lean on if need be.

Janet in the Desert

Janet and I met dancing. We have been friends for many years. We also share the same passion for native plants and her yard is exceptional. Janet and I walk together, go to the movies and much more. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. Janet loves to English Country Dance and Contradance. She often is traveling to dance. Her unending support of me has been treasured.

Raquel

Raquel house sat for me and took care of Miss Elsie two years ago while I traveled in my Roadtrek. She and I have become friends over the past couple of years. I enjoy having her down the block. I can stop in and visit whenever I want. We never seem to run out of conversation. Raquel is a beautiful artist. She is a costumer for the local theaters in San Diego. Her work is amazing. I am glad we met.

JoAnn is a new friend. I met her through Nancy. I don’t know her well. I enjoy her company and hope when I return we can do more together. She has house sat for me and Miss Elsie the cat really likes her. She lives down the street from me and so it is convenient for her to swing by the house. What I like about JoAnn is that she is easy to converse with. I feel we have some common interest. She is going through her own life transition and I am glad that I am part of this transition time.

Janet and Beth

Beth is my massage therapist, healer and friend. Although we don’t do much outside of her office we have grown close over the years. I appreciate her insight and her joy of self discovery. I appreciate that she takes the time to listen to me and support me. She supports me in all ways, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Beth loves to dance and she has the most amazing singing voice. I appreciate her gentle and insightful way and her commitment to self growth and friendship.

Aren’t these the most amazing women? And they are my friends. I feel so honored to know each one of them. Friends are important in my life. I never forget that. It is because of their loving support that Elsie and I are adventuring around the United States and Canada. Each day I give thanks to them.

As my journey continues I will tell you cool things I see along the way but I also will share with you from time to time some of these amazing people that are in my life.

Tomorrow I journey north. I am looking forward to seeing new things and await new adventures along the way.

Serendipity

Posted on August 12, 2014 by JanetA

Serendipity – the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. I have been contemplating this word and it’s meaning for the past couple of months.

In late June of this year my friend, Nancy and I traveled to northern California to camp in my class B RV for a week. I don’t remember what brought this word into play on this trip, yet it was a discussion that came up in conversation several time over that week. I like the sound of this word. There is a bit of a mystery in it and it makes me think of magic in my everyday life.

On the drive out to the coast we drove through the town of Booneville and there was an International Music Festival in process. Nancy made the comment “this is serendipity”. We debated whether to stop and because of the lateness of the hour we decided to keep driving. This makes me realize that I don’t have to act on a moment in time and maybe it is more important to acknowledge it and know that I can act upon it if I want to.

The other 2 moments that occurred on this holiday had to do with people.

We spent a day with the Nature Conservancy hiking on a private ranch. By word of mouth we discovered that one of the couples that hiked with us own the Westport Hotel and Old Ablaone Bar, in the very small town of Westport, CA. They have stated a tradition of having Saturday afternoon high tea. Serendipity happened and we went for tea. There were five of us who met at the pub and had a delightful tea and afternoon conversing with very interesting folks. And the pub and hotel were just charming. So if you ever find yourself north of Mendocino on a Saturday afternoon. Stop for tea at the Old Abalone Bar. I guarantee you will enjoy it.

Tea with Friends

Tea at the Old Abalone Pub

Westport Hotel

The last night we were on the northern coast we stayed at Gualala Point Regional Park. As we drove into the campground I looked off to my right and thought that the person setting up their camp looked familiar. A short time later, Nancy I met up with Mary and John. Mary worked with Jim and I have know her for many years. It was so good to see them. John was abalone diving. I had my first guests for dinner in my cute little RT. Nancy I made salad and soup and Mary and John brought the abalone and wine. it was such a delightful evening. For me it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Hiking back into Gualala Point regional park.

Serendipity adds just that little something extra to a special moment in time. Would I have still said that I had a great trip if the two events noted above had not occurred? Certainly. Did these two events add to the magic of the trip? Certainly.

I believe that serendipitous moments happen almost every day of our lives, whether we are in our own backyard or on holiday. I need to take the time to notice them and acknowledge them. Last weekend Nancy and I put the kayaks in the water for the first time since Jim’s death. Although we managed fine, with the help of a step ladder, to get the kayaks on the roof when we arrived at our put-in spot, a man just showed up to help us get them off the roof. Serendipitous? I think so, and it was a lovely encounter with another human being, who had a very good handshake.

I am now paying a bit more attention to those moments when they arise. I look forward to them and find my life is just a wee bit better because of them. I think I would like to start a serendipity movement, asking people to wake up and notice those moments that make our lives a bit more exciting and valuable.

Our kayaks, not on the bay but I wanted to share a photo of them with you. Jim & I made them.

What are some of your serendipitous moments? I would love to hear about them.

Delighting in the day.

Alaska Follow-up, Glaciers & Mountains & Ice Caves

Posted on March 31, 2014 by JanetA

Mount Rainier, WA from the plane

If you have been following this blog, you know, that about 2 weeks ago I went to Alaska. It was great. As I reflect back on this trip, it was kind of a gutsy thing to do. I flew there on a whim, to meet a woman I had never met, and travel with her for a week. This could have turned out three ways; 1. We meet and click and have a terrific time. 2. We meet and get along OK but we will never be in touch again. 3. We meet, dislike each other on site and wonder how the heck we are going to get through the week. I am happy to report it was #1.

Machu Pichu

Jane and I had more things in common than we knew. We knew we had the deaths of our husbands in common (though each adventure into this arena is very different) and we both own small, very cute Roadtrek Agile SS’s (RV’s) and we love to travel. What we found out is that the last trip that Jim and I did together, May 2012, was a 15 day tour of Peru. Jane is going on the same trip, with the same company, this May. Small world.

Chena Hot Springs

We traveled together for a week, starting our trip in Fairbanks, AK at Chena Hot Springs. There are no bad hot springs in this world. Some are just better than others. This one was terrific. We had a very short walk from our room to these very nice outdoor springs. And since we were there we could use them any time we wanted. Not bad. It also did not hurt that the rest of the resort was exceptionally nice as well. Nice rooms, good dining and many trails to get lost on. I was hoping for a good Aurora Borealis sighting but it was just so-so. Now that being said, since I never see one in southern CA, it was great. I was expecting colors and waving lines across the sky and that just did not happen. I did, however, see them.

Ice Sculpture

The adventure continued to Fairbanks to see the International Ice Carving Competition. It was so warm that day (42 degrees F) that the sculptures were beginning to melt and the organizers were praying for colder weather. It was really interesting and amazing to see these sculptures. How do they do that? I am not sure. The sculptures came from all over the world to compete in this competition. It was a marvelous thing to see.

Dall Sheep

The next part of the adventure was by rail. We boarded the Alaska RR in the morning and traveled for 12 hours south to Anchorage. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was breath-taking at times. This RR travels down through the Mountains along the edge of Denali National Park. I love mountains. One of the fun facts about this train is that if they see Dall Sheep or Caribou they stop the train so we can get our pictures and observe the wildlife. They did twice on this trip and it was to see the animals mentioned above. Now that is my kind of trip. I just love nature.

Ice Cave

We spent a part of a day in Anchorage, and then flew to Juneau, AK. This is Jane’s home. It is the capital of AK and one of its larger cities. The one full day I spent there I went with one of her renters, Marshall to see the Ice Cave under Mendenhall Glacier. This was the culminating event of the trip. We hiked across a frozen, glacial lake over a section of the Mendenhall Glacier and into the ice cave. It was as if I was in a National Geographic special. I have never seen anything like it. It was even made more special because Marshall and I and one other person were the only ones there. It was one of those unique moment’s in time. It was snowing like crazy which only added to the mystery of it all. I would encourage anyone to go and see an ice cave. It was amazing.

Baby Glacier

Janet With Mendenhall Glacier

Jane was a great tour guide. She had planned the whole trip and it ran like clock work. This is the kind of guide anyone needs. I enjoyed her company and we talked a lot because we had a lot to learn about each other in a short time. It was not forced, just very natural and easy. I hope that we continue being long distance friends and if she is ever traveling the lower 48, I would be delighted to meet up with her and go camping in those cute little RV’s.

Ice Cave

If you would like to view all the photos from this trip click this link.

Alaska Photos

One of the hardest things when traveling is getting sick. I came home with a whopper of a cold. After a week of sniffling around the house I am back to a level of normal. I am not always sure what normal is but I am in there somewhere. I love going away. It helps me get out of my normal life and open up to adventure and experience. I find that in the grief process this helps me so much to lighten up and not have to make decisions, even if it is just for a week. I continue to feel my heart very close to the surface of my life. I am glad it has remained there although that presents its own challenges at times.

I thank all of you for your continuing support. I love that if I don’t post for a while I start getting Facebook or e-mail messages asking about my adventures. It makes me feel cared about. For all of you I am grateful that you are in my life, every moment of the day.

Camping the Big Sur Coast & Friendship.

Posted on March 1, 2014 by JanetA

along the Big Sur Coast

Sometimes I get caught up in my day to day events and feel they are so important and I don’t take the time to be thankful or grateful for this moment in time. Then I find out a friend of mine is fighting for her life and it throws everything back into perspective again. I thought I would take some time out of my morning chores and business and be thankful for this day, my health and remember those who struggle. I decided to write on the blog. After all, it is called “Journeys of Thankfulness”. Although my trip last summer is over, my journey into gratefulness is not.

Janet & Diane at Point Loma

Two weeks ago my friend Diane, from Vermont (remember her helping me to drive across the covered bridges of VT and NH?), decided to escape the cold and the snow and head west to visit me in sunny southern CA. Funny how friends show up at the right times in my life. I have been mostly content with life now, although still missing Jim so much at times. I have been stressed a bit about life and then Diane shows up. People seem to arrived just when I need the company and a boost. I love friends. It is so good to have them in my life.

Beach Kind of Morning

Right after Presidents Day we decided to pack up the RV and drive north to the Big Sur Coast of CA. I have done a lot of traveling alone and I really enjoy it yet it is so much fun to have a good travel companion. Diane and I have had our adventures over the years, backpacking the Rockies is one, and now we continue to find more to do together. The weather was perfect, the scenery grand and the company magnificent. And through all of the activity it also was relaxing. I think I might have sold Diane on RV camping as well.

I had to throw in a photo of a Sea Otter, They are so cute.

One of the best things about long time friends, no matter how far apart we are, we pick up right where we left off the last time we talked or saw each other. And so we did. It was a marvelous 5 day trip of remembered times and creating some new moments along the way. We hiked into the hills, slept among the redwoods, and wandered the beaches and it was so much fun. I don’ think I have laughed so much since before Jim died. I guess I had forgotten how serious I have become sometimes. I need to stop this, really. It is good to have friends who can help you remember to lighten up (and the elephant seals mating on the beach helped too).

I want to thank Diane for coming to visit. It is good to get out of my normal routine and remember how special the world is. I am an adventurer and I love to explore the natural world, books, knowledge, my internal growth and the wisdom of others. It is good to take time to remember and value what I have. I am glad I stopped this morning to remember all of person-kind and value what I have in this day. Today I am thankful.

Today I will call a friend and let them know I remember them and thank them for loving me. Here is to good friends.

Diane & Janet Toasting Friendship & a Perfect Holiday on the Big Sur Coast.

If you would like to see all the photos from this trip here is the link.

Journeys of Thankfulness

I Am Still Here

Posted on January 16, 2014 by JanetA

Janet in The Slot
Ready for desert season

Wow. I just realized how long it has been since I have posted. Where does the time go? Well we all know where it goes. Life is busy and sometimes I procrastinate. there always seems like there is something that needs to be done first. I am back and my journey continues.

I made it through the holidays. I don’t do much celebrating and haven’t for years. I like the holiday lights and the music. Many years ago I gave up giving gifts. It certainly took some of the stress away. I have to admit I am glad that the holidays are behind me.

Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona

Christmas found me traveling with a group to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. I love to drive distance. I find it a great time to be reflective let my imagination run wild. Riding for 13 hours across the California desert with a group of people was a whole different story. Our morning started early and we got to Sedona around 8:30 in the evening. Whew, long day. The saving grace was that we stayed in the same hotel for the whole 4 nights we were there. It was fun to spend Christmas day on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. At the end it was again a long drive back to southern California.

Here is what I learned from this trip. Even though I have enjoyed the last 13 years of travel, I am done. I am done with stressing about these trips. I am done being tired and not sleeping during the trip. I am truly done with people evaluating me. What does this mean…well, I retired from AFC Vacations last Friday. If I make a commitment to do an over-the road trip now it will be because I really love where I will be going with each company that asks me to do a trip. Change continues to be the theme of my life.

I am still working locally as a tour guide. I love doing the close-to-home work. After 6 hours I can go home to my quiet house and yard. Miss Elsie is waiting. I can get a good night sleep. Life is good.

one of my accomplishments, a new berry lattice

For the last few days I have been thinking about the phrase “random acts of kindness”. I love reading about people who give unselfishly, often at a moments notice, frequently without waiting for thanks or acknowledgement. Not only do the recipients feel good and special but so does the giver. I also feel good after hearing of these moments in time. Then I began to wonder about why we can’t give ourselves those special moments. Would it feel the same? Sometimes I feel like I want to thank myself or acknowledge my own job well done. It is good to take the time for each of us to feel good about ourselves by acknowledging ourselves. I know that each time I accomplish something around the house that Jim would have done, I feel so warm and special and happy. Usually there is no one around to say good job well done, so I say it to myself and I allow myself to feel warm, proud and happy. Even months later when I remember that moment it still feels good. It is a little harder, I feel, to figure out how to give myself a random act of kindness. Even as I write this I am not sure how to do that. This will require a little more thought. What a fun thing to think about.

Sharon & David with David Jr, Judith and Taylor. September 2014

For those of you who have been following me I want to end this post by giving you an update on my friends in Southern Utah, Sharon and David. At the first of the year my long time friend, David finished this earthly journey. He had been sick for some time and after a short time on hospice he moved on. It has been a unique and hard experience for all of us who loved him so. He lived a long and good life and was a mentor to many, including myself. I am so glad that I had a good visit with him when I visited in September. I value him in so many ways and he will be missed. Sharon is doing OK. She has a very strong community of friends to support and love her. And her adult children are amazing. I have been honored to know him for more years than I can count. I ask you to wish him well wherever he is now. Soon it will be time for me too load up the Roadtrek and go visit Sharon.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Roadtrek Versus Chicago

Posted on September 5, 2013 by JanetA

Driving into Chicago

Wow, a week ago I was in Vermont. Yesterday afternoon I drove into Chicago. What has happened here? Yes, I am traveling west. I am missing the big open spaces and feeling the urge to move towards home.

Pauline, Nugget at the brink of Salmon Falls

Where have I been? I spent 2 nights on Lake Ontario camping in a huge camping park. I have found that owning a small Class B RV immediately adds you to a group of devoted followers. Pauline has been following my blog and invited me to meet her at her camp in Pulaski, NY. I met her and her hubby, Harris and Nugget the dog. I was shown around the small town of Pulaski. This town is known for fishing fresh water salmon. We did an easy hike into Salmon Falls. A few nice features about this area is its proximity to the 1000 Islands, the Finger Lakes and the Canadian border (1 1/2 hrs north).

From New York I headed south and west. I camped for a night in a cornfield in NY state. This night I became a full time RVer using all my bathroom facilities for the first time. I will not say more. LOL

Tripp & Brittany

I traveled to Ohio to visit my niece, Brittany and her husband, Tripp. Tripp has started his first job as an assistant Presbyterian Minister in Granville which is just outside Columbus, Ohio. Brittany is successfully employed at another Presbyterian Church in Columbus. I did not know my two nieces when they were growing up. I have had the opportunity to get to know them as adults. I enjoy both of their company very much. Britt and I explored Granville. On Sunday morning while they both worked I got on a bike and did a 12 mile ride through the country-side and explored the Dennison College Campus. What a delightful town this is. We also attended the local polo matches and had the opportunity to stomp the divots. Remember that scene in “Pretty Woman”? I am thankful to have relationships with both of these ladies. I am glad I finally got to know them. They have been lovingly supporting me and Jim with e-mails and cards and prayers. I am glad they are in my life.

Polo in front of the Bryn Du Mansion

Pretty Women Stomping the Divot

I was concerned about driving my RT into the big city. with some encouragement from my good friend, Helen I finally braved it and drove into Chicago during rush hour. This was not good planning on my part. Even then, it was manageable. When I got Rogers Park I drove down and alley and successfully parked my RV behind the building and even found a plug to keep my house battery charged.

Here are my tips for driving a small RV into a big city.

Pick a lane and stay in it. Don’t change lanes until you have to.
Driving down a Chicago alley
Be nice. If there is a merge area slow down even more and let people in. I purposely let a motor scooter in so the driver was not behind this huge vehicle. I have a scooter and trust me everything looks big.
Be assertive not aggressive.
Watch the signs so you don’t have to turn where you don’t want to. Get out of those right turn lanes.
Remembering it takes longer to stop, I made sure there was enough road space between me and the vehicle in front.
if I was too close to a light that was changing I just continued to move along with many others.
Go with the flow.
Take pictures out the window when sitting at a stop light. (wish these posts had smiley faces)
Be Courageous. This saying has been up on the wall of our house since Jim got diagnosed with metastatic cancer. It is now in the Roadtrek. It Is often a good reminder to me.

My adventures, so far have been large and small. What I do find is, that with a plan, a little bit of courage and a great sense of adventure I am up for almost anything. If I am nervous about something it helps to talk with someone. If no one is around making a plan, remembering to breath and just taking one step forward will get me to my destination, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

One time Jim and I had taken our snowshoes to Palm Springs. Yes that is right, Palm Springs. We took the tram to the top of San Jacinto Peak and went snow shoe hiking at 10,000 feet. The trail we decided to hike was steep, with sections of it being very steep. We started pointing to a tree a little way up the trail and made it our goal to reach that tree. When we arrived we looked toward another tree further up the trail and that was our next goal. By dividing it into small, manageable pieces we finally made it to the top of a saddle. after that when something would come up that was challenging or difficult, our motto became “just one tree at a time”. I have remembered that motto often over these past three plus years.

Today, I am thankful for my friends and fellow readers of this blog for their loving support and interest in this journey.

Snowshoeing at the Top of The Tram

Journeys of Thankfulness

Embracing Life, Traveling in my RV, Feeling Grateful

Tag Archives: small class B RV

Elsie’s Third Post

Friends

Serendipity

Alaska Follow-up, Glaciers & Mountains & Ice Caves

Camping the Big Sur Coast & Friendship.

I Am Still Here

Roadtrek Versus Chicago

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