California

Wandering Wickershams

©Wandering Wickershams


			California 05

		8/28/05 We have been in sunny southern CA since about July 20. Eight days to move all our stuff in, see what was OK and what did not make it in one piece, decide to be OK with it and move on. We are happily moved in to our cozy condo and find that we use the pool and jacuzzi almost daily, especially on hot days after a long ride.


	We have moved in and are settled!


	Visiting with Judee's sons, their wives' and our grandchildren has been a real treat. We have had the opportunity to baby-sit both Zack [14 mos.] and Cory [3.5 yrs.] We are zipping into their lives and leaving again, sad. Maybe they will join us on the road somewhere, we will surely ask.

Cory and Judee at the park.

Cory with mom, Theresa & dad, Murray

The Zacker hanging ten.

9/1/05 Where are we riding these days, check out the pics below......




			Santa Ana River Trail




			Huntington Beach Trail


			Santigo Canyon Road



		California's disappearing wealth

9/6/05 Today we got our second rabies shot and will get our last shot on the day we leave, the 20th as we ride out of town! These shots cost about $1,000 for the series of three for us both! WOW! According to the nurse who administered them to us at the county health department they are the most expensive serum they provide and that is at their cost. We also found out about getting started on malaria meds once we get to the mainland of Mexico. I know you have heard enough about our medical travails.... so

We have moved Judee's mother to southern CA.and the trip went much better than we expected. She is a trooper and as we flew over the Grand Canyon she reminded Judee of their earlier family visits. On arrival we had a great dinner at a restaurant next to the runway and watched many planes land. We then took Juan to her assisted living home, got her settled in and left for our home. As we entered the condo the phone rang and when we answered, answered demanded that we "get her out of here!".

She was confused and angry, kicking and hitting us when we arrived today..... took much redirection and a long walk to calm her down. All her things were packed, pictures off the walls, one broken with Judee's picture ripped out.... we have been through this before and know it will work itself out in time. Today she thought we had dropped her off in Mexico. Probably, due to the large number of Hispanic staff at the facility. When we left all was OK, pictures and clothes back where they belonged.

We are both getting more excited with less than two weeks left.... many ups and downs. Saying goodbye AGAIN to our children and their families, our friends both here and Ohio and our families.

I am working with a friend to be our web master while we are on the road. We may have to change how we are using the web site to keep all posted, but will let you know as this evolves.

I have not shared pics of our new digs here in southern CA, so here goes....




	Welcome to our condo




	Why are we leaving paradise?

9/11/05 Twelve days to LAUNCH, but who is counting! Great news Gary Stonum has agreed to sign on to the support team as our Web Master! What a relief to me, now I have one less thing to worry about. Dick & Betsy Jones [our tandem partners on numerous European trips] are also support team members sending us supplies as needed. It takes a team to get this tandem adventure on it's way. Other team members include Marilyn Stonum who is minding our condo, Sharon Kump is collecting our snail mail and all our family members and friends who are supporting Judee's mother.

We continue to work on our travel and health insurance issues. Boy is that stuff expensive! Hopefully this will be resolved this week.

See the pics below to see what we look like LOADED!






		Are we loaded for BEAR or what?

Ready to go, September 20

Last rabies shot

Hiker-biker site

9/21/05

MILES 36 CUM 36
KILOMETERS 60 CUM 60

FROM San Clemente TO Cardiff-By-The-Sea

WEATHER Clear skies, sunny, high 70’s day, low 60’s night

TERRAIN – costal hills

We left San Clemente State Beach State Park after a six egg omelet of onions, cream cheese, coffee, and OJ. Tasty one pot breakfast! The Hiker-Biker site was empty except for us-$6 per night or $3 per person. The regular sites are $25 per night. Quite the deal except that you can stay only one night and must be out by 9 and can’t check in till 4:30pm.
Next we rode through Camp Pendleton where we heard both large artillery and small arms fire, many Marine troops all about. Yes, we are at war and these young people look dead serious.
On to Oceanside where we stopped for coffee and a snack at the yellow house on PCH. Warm sun, quiet, soft murmurs from the tables around us. Good food and drink, a nice respite. Back on the bike, through traffic, down the busy highway, passing the towns of Carlsbad [we took a loop through the old part of town-mid 50’s looking] then passed Leucadia, Encinitias, to San Elijo State Beach. We were early so went into town to the market to get dinner and breakfast fixins. Sat outside the market in the sun for about 45 mins. Then we to the local library to check on campgrounds in the San Diego area. The KOA maybe our next two day lay over before we head into Mexico on Sunday.
Over all, things are going OK, the bike is heavy and slow but we have had tail winds! Today the surprise was twice my right pedal spun off! Now it is very tight! We will see how it goes, new pedals maybe in my future soon.

Thus endeth the first leg, departing the US. For more, go to Baja California

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