Pacific Coast Travelin'

Down the Pacific Coast and then Back to Pleasanton for Thanksgiving!

About two weeks ago, I set out on an adventure to go down Highway 1 and see the spectacular California coast. I loved the stunning views and the warm beaches. I was lucky to experience some great weather.

After Bob and Lynn's house, I went (and stayed in state beach campgrounds or did some driveway surfing) in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Oxnard. I met my first van lifer, Deb and her dog Tucker. She has a sweet little set up in her van and we got to talk a little when I stopped in Monterey for the night. That same day, I saw a dad fishing at the water's edge and trying hard not to hook one of his kids running around him. I took myself to lunch that day and had a fabulous lobster roll. There were otters swimming around just to make my day at Cannery Row a bit more special.

It was all beautiful, but there are challenges in finding places to stay on the fly. Not always knowing where I'll land, it was tough for Calamity and me some nights. At Morro Beach, the young girl at the kiosk heard my plea for help in finding a place and gave me one...even though the campground was "full" - they keep a few on the side for special circumstances and I was fortunate to be one of them. Nice. The next day, Petey, one of my traveling companions, took a nap in the van with the beach in the background. 

I thought this trip was going to take me all the way to San Diego, but instead, I needed this trip to see how I got along on the road. Shorter trips and coming home to Jenn and boys may be what happens next. I'm working hard at becoming "Laurie 2.0" as you know. Healing and processing are more work than I ever anticipated and I'm going to slow my roll, take it one day at a time, and still be the adventurer in my camper van...just in short bursts for now. I'll be hanging out with Jenn and the boys for Thanksgiving. My next adventure will be posted and I thank all of my family and friends for supporting me, loving me and wishing me the very best as I pursue personal growth in a way I never anticipated. 

I may not be ready for a cross-country trip again, but I'll be adventuring in my own way and at a pace that meets the needs of this woman's journey and her trusty van, Calamity Jane.


















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