Three Rivers is nearly at the top of my list as far as "fond memories", small town settings and beautiful surroundings. We were so busy taking in all the sights that we weren't too concerned about our lack of TV or internet (we had the jetpack which used all our data so... no Netflix for us), however not to be able to check in with family proved difficult plus there were e-mails to catch up on. To remedy this, we drove into Visalia (pop. 128,000) where we found a Starbucks with free wi-fi. The dogs were with us so we sat outside on a corner but still within wi-fi reach. Phone calls were made and e-mails answered all within in an hour but that was all we could handle. Had Three Rivers affected us in a way that the noise of foot traffic and cars were too much? I believe so as we couldn't wait to pack up the dogs and head back to our fifth-wheel by the creek, under the trees. In town that afternoon we stopped at the renowned candy store
The next morning, I was walking Gracie and had to dispose of the "poop bag" in the bear resistant trash can when an elderly gentleman said to me "I can't believe you can lift the top of that"! He was walking his dog and we struck up a nice conversation about his military duty in the Marines with tours in the Korean War and World War 11. He shared how he met his wife and talked about the book he published. We talked for awhile and I was so intrigued by this lovely man, that I told him Perry and I would stop by later to purchase his book. He and his wife live full time in a double trailer along the river. His name is Clancy and his wife, Gail.
A few hours later we walked along the creek until we spotted a home with a screened in porch just as he described. Prior to our visit, Clancy wanted to warn us his wife had Alzheimer's in the event she seemed confused. Without apprehension we knocked on the door and were warmly greeted by Clancy's equally delightful, counterpart Gail. Having our undivided attention, we listened to his interesting life long stories, admired Gail's needlepoint and admired Clancy's paintings and beautiful baskets he weaves out of pine needles. They invited Perry and I to stay for a glass of wine but told them we would take them up on their offer when we got back from town. Jokingly, Clancy asked us to bring back some chocolate from Reimers and how could we say "no" to our new, delightful friends? Is it because my Mom would have been 86 the next day and being around them made me miss my own parents? It's hard to say but I'm better off for having known them if only for a day! We were to return to hear more stories and a couple hours we did just that and shared a glass of wine. Gail did show some signs of Alzheimers such as reminding me of the year she gave me the necklace around my neck. Of course I went along with it and Clancy told us she couldn't remember us being there earlier in the day. We hugged them as we left after promises to keep in touch and Clancy said he'd join us in the morning for coffee at our place before we left Three Rivers.
The next morning, I felt sad to leave my dear friend Clancy, but yet it was time to move on to Paso Robles for a little wine tasting. I was excited to get there knowing we'd be seeing our son, David, his girlfriend, Taylor and our daughter, Kaylyn.
THOUGHTS ON OUR FIRST TWO MONTHS OF RV TRAVELING FULL TIME!
Selling our house, leaving our adult children and our jobs and deciding to take on the exciting idea of traveling full time has been just that.....exciting! The places we have been so far and the people we have already met is an indication of what the next year will bring! It was easier than I thought to leave a rather large home and live in a lovely but SMALL fifth wheel. I'd like to list a few thoughts.
1. We're spending LOTS of time together and though we do almost everything together, we also respect each others need for privacy or just "alone" time!
2. The days of showering with full water pressure are over and quick (lather up, rinse off) showers are the new thing! Side note.....Perry chooses to use the RV park showers because he likes the larger space and "full-flow"!
3. No washer/dryer in the fifth-wheel which means I collect quarters to visit the RV laundry facility once a week. Don't care for laundry but it has to get done!
4. I've learned to do with less. Fewer clothes, shoes, make-up......it's simplified things quite a bit.
5. Cooking and cleaning dishes are simplified. We like to cook but we use food that's on hand and shop when needed. We do enjoy eating out and well....using paper plates (no dishwasher)!
6. There is no garbage disposal ...minor inconvenience but no big deal.
7. There are no monthly bills to pay (mortgage, utility, etc.)
8. We have met so many nice, friendly people of all ages who are full time RVers.
9. The beautiful places in California we've seen in two months have given me a new love and respect for this state.
10. The people we've met along the way have made this trip (so far) well worth it! It's a big, beautiful country and we hope to see as much as we can over the next year!
Next..........Voting, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, NAS Point Mugu and Thanksgiving!
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| Clancy and Gail |
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| Clancy, Gail and their dog "Pooch" |
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| Our quiet spot in Three Rivers |
