(no subject)

[zyzyly]

let's see.......

I'm back from my amazing little camping trip. So much seen and experienced in 5 short days--I don't even know where to begin. I'll leave most of it until tomorrow or the next day.

On Monday I was in a coffee shop in some small town, looking at the map, and trying to decide where to go next. I picked out a spot that seemed good and looked for it in my old camping guide. I found it, and was surprised to find some notes written by Arlina in the margin. I cried a little when I saw her handwriting, so unexpected.

We had been there before--in 1997--on a trip we took to prepare for a longer trip into the southwest. We always wanted to go back there but could never remember where it was. She had made notes about some of the camp spots she liked. I stayed in one of them. She was right--it was a great spot, right next to the river.

That was kind of the way of things. I didn't decide where to go until I had broken camp and was back on the road. I kind of knew the general direction and some of the stuff I wanted to see, but just left it to the day to show me where was next.

Along the way I ran into a guy who was taking pictures in the same place I was--Navy Beach on Mono Lake. We were circling the beach in opposite directions, and eventually we met and talked for a moment. He and I had the exact same camera and lens. He has taken the summer off and is traveling around in his van. He has a website where he posts pictures and writes about his journey. He just got back from an extended trip across Canada. His name is Mike.

I never felt lonely all the time I was out in the wilderness. It wasn't until I ended up in San Luis Obispo, and was walking through a street fair, surrounded by people, that I really felt alone.

I got home yesterday, and once again the house felt empty. I wonder if there is going to be a time when I go away for a while and just decide not to come back. Probably not, but I do begin to picture a time when I want to live somewhere else.

After I posted about my cat dilemma, my sister stepped in and solved the "who's going to watch the cats and stuff" question that had been bugging me about the extended trip, so it looks like it is a go. I'm home for about a week and a half, and then it is off to points north and east. As with this trip, I have a general direction in mind, but nothing specific planned except for the retreat that I have already paid for in a town outside Toronto. There are people and things I want to see along the way, but beyond that I will simply go where the road leads me.

Comments

[fulguritus.livejournal.com]

if you come through austin let me know.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I will.

[fulguritus.livejournal.com]

how cool!
safe journeying!

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

I never felt lonely all the time I was out in the wilderness. It wasn't until I ended up in San Luis Obispo, and was walking through a street fair, surrounded by people, that I really felt alone.

:-) i really understand this.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

At one with nature, but alone in a crowd.

[vereorc.livejournal.com]

May both the journey and the destination help you find what you need.

[gutbloom.livejournal.com]

Sounds great.

I can't wait to read the updates from your longer trip.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to read them either--too bad I have to wait for me to write them.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

i like reading about your trips. it seems to me they're a very good thing.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

they seem to be a good thing. It surprises me, though, how little I like being home anymore.

[theodicy.livejournal.com]

I feel more hopeful just reading about them. Thanks.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

thank you for reading!

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

:)

I am sorry we keep missing one another.
Will you be going through Vancouver and the islands?
I am really, really hoping you are.
There is a small group of islands just off Vancouver called the Gulf Islands in which you can connect to from Vancouver Island. I was going to suggest that at some point in a persons lifetime they really ought to see Long Beach and that perhaps the smaller islands such as hornby or denman can be done as a day trip.

Anyway I hope we can connect to talk about your journey. I am so thrilled to hear you felt less alone in nature. It is the place I feel closest to God, amongst the trees or by a water fall- tucked in with all that grandfather moss and slanting sunshine.

Happy Sunday Mike.

[gracegiver]

You give inspiration to the wanderlust side of my personality. And you found yourself on this last venture! You're such a blessing to me.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm glad!

[greyfaced.livejournal.com]

Quite a journey you have ahead. It sounds amazing, and I'm sure you'll make the best of it. If you make it towards Boston, let me know!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

It is possible that i will make it to boston--probably toward the latter part of august, but the future is so hazy!

[greyfaced.livejournal.com]

Be forwarned - it gets quite humid - but it does make for some cool thunderstorms! Also, August is meteor shower month, and although you can't really see them too well from the city, you're a 1-2 hour drive from Maine/New Hampshire and the sight is unreal!

[vereorc.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, and I've noticed I think three photos of your left foot now. Is your right foot jealous? :-)

"Do not let the right foot know what the left foot is doing"

[myasma.livejournal.com]

Interestingly enough (at least to me), I have a whole file full of left foot pictures. It started out as a way to check my camera settings, and took on a life of its own.

It's the same thing with yellow cars--I have a whole bunch of them too.

[lavidamd.livejournal.com]

It is too interesting that you should write about San Luis Obispo. The relative of mind that fought in the Civil War had two sons. I am a descendant of one son. The descendant of the other son lives in San Luis Obispo. I've never met him. His name is Leo.

[poetdan.livejournal.com]

Where near Toroto? Orangeville?