Friday, September 23, 2011

A COLD AND WET RAINY BAYFIELD DAY REMINDED ME OF JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

DSC_0660

ALL OF TONIGHT’S PHOTOS ARE FROM IN AND AROUND JULIAN, CALIFORNIA……..AND MY LAST TRIP THERE WAS TO THE CEMETERY IN SEARCH OF MARSHAL SOUTH

DSC_0029 DSC_0030

The steady rain which came in the night pretty well stayed all day.  The furry guys were following me around like crazy first thing this morning so I knew they were needing a break.  Off to Goderich we went in the pouring rain.  They held the fort while I popped into Wal-Mart for a few things.  Just so happens they have a McDonald's in there so I got a Sausage and Egg McMuffin to go and split it with the bums in the parking lot.  I recently mentioned that Kelly & I never eat out much and a commenter wondered about my trips to McDonald's with the guys and if that it counted as eating out.  Well, technically yes but really, no.

DSC_0014

HISTORIC JULIAN HOTEL

Our cold and wet rainy day reminded me of an artsy little town 4,235 feet up in California’s  Cuyamaca Mountains.  We have been there three times over the years and every time we are there it is.....cold and raining.  All of today's photos are from historic JULIAN located just one hour east of San Diego.  Last time we were there I was in search Marshal South's final resting place.....and I found it.

DSC_0015 DSC_0016

NOW, HERE’S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF………..WINDOW SHOPPING

Somehow I missed FREIGHTLINER'S trip to Cape Breton on Canada's east coast a few weeks ago.  No narrative but they do have some nice photos of the Cabot Trail and stops along the way.  Kinda neat to see the tide going out around a rock formation and then people walking where high tide had just been.  I did that Cabot Trail with just me and my old Volkswagon camper back in 86.  That whole east coast of Canada is another beautiful place in it's own right.  Did Prince Edward Island as well but did not make it to Newfoundland. 

DSC_0028

Sure seems to be a big 'fracas' going on over some recent changes to Facebook.  Still sort of looks the same to me but then again I am not a big Facebook user.  Other than my blog being automatically posted in there and checking what a few friends are up to each day, neither Kelly or I have a big interest in all the 'hoop-la' connected with Facebook.  Neither one of us have any interest whatsoever in all that game stuff etc.  Not saying these are bad things but it's just different strokes for different folks.  In a recent post I blogged about my interests shifting and some of that shift seems to be away from a lot of this kind of stuff.  Years ago the interactive social sites would have interested me, but that was years ago.  Kelly feels the same way so I think we will just stay at the comfort and uncomplicated techno level where we are and enjoy life as we can handle it:))DSC_0026

AND YES, JULIAN IS WELL KNOWN FAR AND WIDE FOR IT’S DELICIOUS APPLE PIES 

I see a lot of buzz around about the new Google+ social site.  I did manage to stumble my way in there and leave a comment Wednesday but that might be about as far as I go with it.  I will keep it open though with the light on just in case I feel the need to ring somebody up and say, “hey, how’s it going eh.”  The format looks and seems to operate a lot like Facebook from what I can tell.  It's basically another socially interactive site and as I've said, those kinds of sites just don't push my buttons anymore.  If I am going to communicate with someone I still much prefer to do it through email.  I do have a Twitter account but have always asked myself...why!!  My computer interests are evolving but where they are evolving to I'm not sure.  But, I do know where they are evolving from.  Maybe I am just looking for, and hoping to come across, something with a little more meaningful substance to it.  At this point I have no idea what that might be.

DSC_0027

I still enjoy writing my daily blog for the most part but I do have my days when I get a little shaky about it.  From emails I have received now and again I know other bloggers go through the same thing.  I have had days where I picked up my cameras, put them back in my camera bag and stuck the bag back into the far reaches and darkened confines of my bedroom closet thinking, that's it, no more blogging.  I'm finished!!  But, regardless of how frustrated I become with myself at times, I am always drawn back to the keyboard each night. 

I keep a close eye on our Sitemeter and figure when the daily number of hits on our site begins to steadily drop, that will tell me interest in our Bayfield Bunch blog has finally run it's course and come to an end.  That will be the time to cut it loose and let it go.   There are a lot of new and upcoming great blogs and bloggers out there so there will never be a shortage of RV blogs for people to read.  I will continue blogging about our trip this winter but when we get home next March I really have to seriously, seriously, sit myself down and think this whole blogging thing through again and decide if, 'enough has finally become enough.'   Or, just pack it in for the summer until we are on the road again.  We’ll see.  Question is, if one likes writing, photography and traveling, where does one go after the blogging era comes to an end.  I am keeping my mind open for new ideas:))

DSC_0031

DSC_0035 DSC_0040DSC_0032

And, for some mighty fine photos from a Gal who knows her way around a camera, be sure to check out Levonne's blog at A CAMP HOST'S MEANDERINGS: AN RV ADVENTURE  Great header photo............

DSC_0005

DSC_0008 DSC_0010

IMG_0390

OUR LAST DRIVE TO JULIAN FROM BORREGO SPRINGS WAS VERY SCENIC…. HERE, KELLY CATCHES AL UNDER A RAINBOW PHOTOGRAPHING A RAINBOW 

GROANER'S CORNER:((  As migration approached, two elderly vultures doubted they could make the trip south, so they decided to go by airplane.
When they checked their baggage, the attendant noticed that they were carrying two dead raccoons. "Do you wish to check the raccoons through as luggage?" she asked.
"No, thanks," replied the vultures. "They're carrion."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.

-Until one has loved an Animal, their soul remains un-awakened.

OUR PICASA PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.

12 comments:

  1. Groan! One of the places Craig has expressed a desire to see is the northern coast of Canada.

    Of course, first we have to get out of the driveway!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My husband went up to our trailer in Julian today, which is an hour away from our house here in San Diego. He belongs to the San Diego Astronomy Association, who are having a BBQ and star party on their property east of Julian off HWY 8 (supposed to be darker skies there). I decided not to go to the trailer with him because.....it's raining! However, this time it's hot and rainy. Please send some of your fallness this way. I love your photos. You even found some buildings that I have yet to see. I just might have to go on up tomorrow to see what I can see. Rain or no rain.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hear you on the whole facebook google+ thing. I haven't linked my blog to FB because I really don't want my high school peeps or long lost family members to creep me there, LOL! If they can't talk to me on FB then they surely don't need to know what I'm doing on daily basis on my blog. That's why I'm dragging my feet and haven't joined google+ yet.

    As for blogging...I love it! Love having one and love reading them. Especially my RV and Knitting friends! I don't think you should quit blogging but maybe just blog once a week. Anyway that's my 2 cents!

    Great pics as usual...thanks! Cheers! ~M

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm tired of blogging, at least until I do something memorable, like traveling. I still want to keep a journal, so I'm creating another blog that is just for me - at least I don't think it will be obvious to anyone else. That way when I say something that is bound to ruffle the feathers of at least half the readers, it won't!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Instead of quitting, perhaps you'll consider writing your deeper reflections on life that you've mentioned you're uncomfortable relating. It doesn't have to end, but everyone reaches turning points where refocusing can be helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. "Question is, if one likes writing, photography and traveling, where does one go after the blogging era comes to an end."

    That is indeed the question of the day. I like all three but if I have no outlet for those interests, then what do I do with my experiences. If you figure out an answer I hope you share it. In the meantime, please know there are many people out here who really enjoy both your photos and your writing style - oh, and your travels too .

    ReplyDelete
  7. facebook... google+ ..what ever happened to a good old conversation??..as for blogging..I am just not feeling very interesting at the moment..good for you for being out there Al!..taking pictures and writing about your day!!
    moving day is on tomorrow for our beloved daughter!..wonder if it will be a blog worthy day?..

    ReplyDelete
  8. You can always take a hiatus from blogging. Everyone deserves a vacation now and then. I don't know anyone who works every single day. Your blog is something I look forward to at the end of my day= the photos and stories are always great.

    Don't burn out on us. Take a vacation from blogging when the need feels right.

    Happy trails on your new journey to the Southwest.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Al, I don't think you could stop even if you wanted to at this point. LOL, not being facetious. Good blogging is an art form and we all know what good art does for people. So thank you for sharing your humor, photos and point of view. As for FB, it's a gossip/rumor mill.

    Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your blog is one of the highlights of my day. I learn so much from your blogs. You help us plan our side trips when we arrive in the southwest. We now have Julian on our list for this winter and would not have discovered it without your blog.

    Yesterday was very much a do-nothing-interesting day and I didn't blog. Why not take a day off when you feel like it. Your not on anyone's payroll, you know.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey, why don't you just back off the daily blog and make it twice a week..I did,and I don't feel nearly as pressured to produce. Actually, before our blog, I kept a journal when we traveled. I copied our Alaska journal and gave it to each of our kids for Xmas one year..same with our first Texas RV trip. Why don't you write a book of your life experiences...and make copies for your friends and family..Only one problem with that..if you are like me, you would likely piss someone off:-))

    ReplyDelete
  12. As always I really enjoy your photos and your blogging. I know what you mean about the social sites. I have a facebook account, but tend not to visit it very much....

    ReplyDelete