In La La Land

After a fun weekend hanging out with the Bay Area Johnston’s, it was time to hit the road. Time to visit LA friends before starting the return trip.

Stopping off at a charging station is typically someplace near a restaurant or gas station. But on the way down highway 5, I found a test concept facility in Kettleman City. There had to be about 40 bays, with solar panel roofs, a cafe with vending machines. They were peddling merch too, which is hard to find in a COVID world. Picked up a snazzy Tesla hoodie.

Now, highway 5 is far from scenic—lots of farming and feedlots. I wanted to be on the PCH. So, I made a right turn to see Santa Barbara and drive the 1 to LA.

A long time ago, I had driven along the PCH through Monterey and Carmel; it would have been a gorgeous drive from San Francisco to LA. Maybe next time. So much of this trip is about seeing things and going places where I’ve never been.

I suppose you haven’t made it “officially” cross country until you feel the sand between your toes. I pulled over to Zuma beach – wish I had picked one of the beaches with the surf vans set up, but they were super crowded. (#nocovid)

The surf beaches were super crowded too – which may have been due to California locking down the state again that morning – everyone wanting to get one last wave in. The regular beaches weren’t that bad in terms of “social distancing,” but then again, it was a Monday.

I roll into LA, charge up the car in Santa Monica, and start looking for a host gift for my friend who is putting me up for a couple nights – feeling like wine is the right thing. I find a wine specialty shop, however when I get there they are doing curbside pick up only. Ugh, not sure what I want, I move on.

Oh, look a Trader Joe’s! Pullover hops out, mask on, let’s see what they have. Okay, so if you think this is a story about grocery shopping, well, no…

I have my hostess gift in hand and head out. It was great to see my old friend and her son. We prepare to go to dinner when I realized I couldn’t find my wallet. Ugh!!!

For the next 12 hours, I am checking the transactions on my accounts. I’ve never lost my wallet before, so I decided to be safe and start locking out the cards. Now I am concerned that I need to drive back across the country without a driver’s license. Ugh!!!

Finally, I can call Trader Joe’s, and sure enough, I dropped my wallet next to the register. I suppose I was concerned with the COVID procedures and not wanting to be late; I didn’t realize my wallet was missing. There aren’t many things more concerning than realizing that you don’t have money or a driver’s license to get home.

I’ve had a great time catching up with an old friend. I am having breakfast with another old partner in crime tomorrow before heading to Joshua Tree. Not sure what this place is all about aside from the U2 album. We will see…