Ventured Out to Ventura Harbor

 Today I packed a lunch and drove out to Ventura Beach with Lula.  I found a parking spot in the residential area near the pier.  I hooked up Lula to the Walkydog, and we rode along the bike path, admiring the waves and the water.

After crossing under pier, I pulled over to a bench and we sat and watched the surfers.  While Lula snacked on a dog biscuit,  I ate my quesadilla that I had prepared at home and packed in tupperware.  I gave Lula some water, took a few gulps myself,  and then we walked down onto the rocks.   Listening to the ocean and feeling the energy of the sea was hypnotic and calming.

After putting the bike on my bike rack and getting Lula settled into the  backseat of the car, I drove South on the 101 and exited at Telegraph.  From there I found Ventura Harbor.  As I was putting together my Oru Kayak, a skeptical man exiting the boat ramp  eyed me.  "Interesting,"  he commented.  He seemed sarcastic and dubious.  Once the kayak was assembled, I went to the parking lot and retrieved Lula.  

The man was still at the boat ramp.  "That's too much weight," he told me, as I was urging Lula to board.  "It holds 275 pounds," I answered.  His energy shifted.  "Did you design it?" he asked me.  "No," I told him.  "I kayak every day, in a lake," I added.  I could tell that he didn't think I was very experienced.

"It's an incredible design," he admitted.  "It cuts across the water really fast," I told him, enthusiastically.  

"I wish there was some way I could help," he offered, as I coaxed Lula in the boat and clumsily got in with her.  "Thanks!" I said, and pushed off the shore with the paddle.  Lula laid down lazily and rested her head on the edge of the top.  People on the other side of the harbor waved and made a fuss over her and how cute she looked.  She really is like a Disney dog.  We had a fabulous paddle together.  

It's so much easier when Lula is laying down in the kayak than when she is sitting.  If she leans to the side, (which she sometimes does,)  it could cause us to topple. "NO!" I told her sharply when she started to peer over at a fish or something distracting.  I praised her effusively each time she flattened her body on the bottom of the boat.  She got the idea.  It helped that she was tired from running alongside my bicycle, earlier.  One of the girls commented about how relaxed she was.  

We will practice again soon.  A yearly pass is $150.00, and I think it will be well worth it for us.  Today it cost $13.00 to park for the day.  How is your summer going?

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Happy Kids

 

Yesterday I drove down to Marina del Rey to enjoy kayaking through the marina.  I parked the car, paid my $10.00 at the self pay station, and placed the receipt on my dashboard.  I carried my Oru kayak, th paddle, and beach bag out to the water's edge.  It's a short walk, and since my fold up kayak only weighs 24 lbs., it's pretty easy.

A woman and her husband watched me set it up on the sand.  She asked me if I minded her asking some questions.  I was happy to oblige; I love telling people about this kayak.  She explained  that she had purchased an inflatable kayak on Amazon, but that it popped while she was inflating it.  She returned it and bought a plastic kayak from Sam's Club.  She said that it's heavy, and she doesn't like how it cuts through the water.  They weight about 90 lbs.  Her  friend told her that it's worth it to spend more money.  I agreed.  I told her that I just love mine, and especially appreciate how lightweight and portable it is.  I can  throw it in the backseat of my car and it stores well in my cottage.  

I paddled around, admiring all of the beautiful boats, and studying their names.  They seem to be from all over: Corona, Catalina, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, San Diego, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and more.  I could look at them all day.  They are all so unique and artistic.  The photo above in Long Beach.

I chatted with a man in a green inflatable kayak.  "Aren't you afraid it will pop?" I questioned.  I realized after saying it that it was probably kind of rude. "No," he replied.  He feels it will last a few years, and that then the salt will weaken the material.  He told me that he lives in a one bedroom apartment, and loves how compact his is for storage and driving to the beach.  

I met another lady in a tandem kayak with her grandson.  They were from Beverly Hills.  She was relaxed and smiling, enjoying the sunshine, views, and family time.  We talked about how pleasant it would be to live there, on a houseboat. 

As I headed back to shore, a sweet little boy eagerly called out to me from the kayak he was sharing with his mother.  "I thought I wasn't going to like it," he admitted.  "But, he continued, "I saw a DOG, and it was eating a FISH!  I love it!"  He was so enthusiastic and friendly.  I laughed and encouraged him.

After laying on the warm sand  in the sun for a while, and  munching on an orange and a piece of cherry pie, I packed things up, reluctantly.  It was so relaxing there, but I knew I needed to get back on the 405 and beat the traffic home.  

After cleaning and folding up the kayak, I passed the mother and daughter from the family with the little boy.  "Wow!" she exclaimed, when she saw my folded up version of the boat. She sounded like she was from Norway.   "That is incredible!" her daughter cried out, in amazement.  I agreed with her, smiled, waved, and got back in my car to drive home.  The traffic was thick and heavy at the 5 North, but worth it.  I felt a deep sense of contentment and relaxation from the kind people and relaxing time on the water.

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My First Podcast

 

One of the dancers from "Hello Hollywood, Hello!" asked me to do an interview for her podcast, "Bluebells Forever," last month.  It was released today.  It's called, "Never Stop Learning."  You can listen to it it on Apple podcasts, or google Bluebells Forever podcast with Stephenie Lawton to find it.  It should be under June 17th 2021.  https://linkpodcasts.apple.com/.../bluebells.../id1513513525...

We live in an amazing time with technology that is available.   The interview was given on Zoom.  I initially resisted downloading the software, but have thoroughly enjoyed every meeting that I've attended.  It is so fun to see my old friends' faces and to hear their voices and laughter.  We are all older, but somehow still the same, on a soul level.

How are you doing in this heat?  It was 110 degrees in Canyon Country.  Wow!  Palm Springs hit 118 degrees, and I heard on the radio that it was 125 degrees in Death Valley.  (hence the name.)  I have the bathtub filled with cold water, and have been taking a dip in the lake or the tub throughout the day.  I hope you are staying cool and comfortable.  Be careful of heat exhaustion; it can creep up on you.   I just watered the trees in my forest, and they are giving off lots of fresh oxygen.  

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Making Fitness Part of Your Lifestyle

Today, after swimming, I stopped and chatted with a woman who had just worked out at the gym.  She was tall, with long grey hair, and  excellent posture.  You could tell that she worked out regularly.  "I'm 83," she told me.  I was so impressed!  She uses the weight machines every day.  I am meeting more and more seniors who are strong, fit, and disciplined.  They all make exercise a habit, and  seem happy, at ease, and self assured.

"I was watching you swimming; that's good exercise.  Is the water cold?" she asked.  "Yes, but I like it," I answered, enthusiastically.  I find hydrotherapy invigorating.  After doing my laps,  it feels wonderful to relax in the sun, enjoy a few snacks, and then slather on some sunscreen."  I like to absorb some vitamin D for the first half hour or so.    

I hopped on my bicycle and pedaled  back home.  Several neighbors waved to me from their cars as we  headed up the hill and around the bend.  Living in a walkable town is a great opportunity to leave the auto at home when running errands or taking  short trips.  It also helps the businesses, who may need the extra parking spaces for customers.  

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Ventured Out to Kayak at Pyramid Lake in California

 Today I drove up the 5 North towards Bakersfield.  I turned off at Smoky Bear exit to  the boat ramp for Pyramid Lake.  I had my Oru Beach kayak in the back seat.  I had stopped off earlier at Big 5 to buy a red life vest and a dry bag.  There were many big rig trucks climbing up the grapevine, which made me nervous.  I took a breath and focused on the water.

The people working at the park were extremely friendly and helpful.  I didn't realize it would cost $20.00 to use the lake with your own kayak, so I was a little short on cash.  Fortunately, the nice lady there  took my  debit card.  

It was windy, and the boat inspector warned me to be careful.  They have a sheriff's station with a boat that patrols the lake.  I carried my kayak to the boat ramp, and set it up.  This was my first time on such a large body of water.  I had been practicing and building up my strength at a smaller lake, near my cabin.  Using that is free, since I have an Adventure Pass.  

This location was much more intimidating.  The lake is huge, and very deep in places.  355 feet, according to my research.  I had read about drownings, so I wanted to be careful and extra cautious.  I met a couple of other kayakers who had rented theirs, and said hello to a fisherman who had a boat with pedals and a motor.  I saw him later as we were leaving.  He is able to transport his small boat in his van by putting the seats down-fascinating!

One of the sheriffs drover up to me on my lunch break and complimented me on my strength.  I don't think they expected someone my size to be able to handle the force of the wind on the water.  We had a great chat.  I used floaties in my kayak to keep it from sinking, in case water got in the boat.  I think I had watched too  many Youtube videos about ominous kayaking accidents.  I wanted to cover all of my bases.  It was warm today, but I think my next investment will be a wet suit for when the water is colder.  It's exciting to discover new places in LA to swim, bike, and paddle. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

Suze Orman's Ultimate Retirement Guide

Replacing the Faucets and Hot Water Heater

 

Today I replaced the kitchen faucet and hot water heater.  I decided to buy a Bradford brand for the water heater, since they are the best quality, and last the longest.  I asked the plumber to choose a faucet that he thought would be well made, durable, and not need to be replaced quickly.  I would rather spend more money up front on excellent materials, than have to pay for another visit from a plumber, and all of the other expenses of replacing something that isn't well made.

The first thing I did was take a bath, then did a load of laundry.  The sun is hot, and it is drying the clothes and towels quickly on the line.  I stopped at a local fruit stand yesterday, and picked up some fresh blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.  They are so sweet and delicious.  My rhubarb is nearly ready to harvest.  I am slowly reaching my goal of having enough fruit from my trees to feed myself all year.  There are still blood oranges in the bins of my fridge.  The last harvest was huge!  They keep well, too.

The birds started to peck at the apricots on my tree before I got to them, so I stripped the tree, and placed the fruit carefully on the kitchen counter.  In just one day, the apricots had gotten soft and turned sweet.  They are such a delicious fruit, and grow so easily in California.  I love their flavor.

It's time to polish the furniture and clean my washing machine.  The older I get, the more I see that less clutter makes your life easier and happier.