A Flat Tire on the Los Angeles Freeway

 

Last week, on my way up to Wrightwood, I got a blow out on the freeway.  I had allowed plenty of time to get there, but didn't anticipate a nail puncturing my tire.  As the steering wheel started to wobble, I put on my right blinker, turned on my hazard lights, and slowly pulled over to the shoulder. 

I was thankful that I had charged my cell phone that morning.  Both dogs were in the backseat, so I knew Jacques would be protective of us.  (It just comes naturally to him.)  I phoned Auto Club, and they told me that they were shorthanded.   They estimated that it would take forty minutes while for a driver to arrive. They suggested I call 311.  

As I was on the phone, a large white truck pulled up behind me.  It was CalTrans.  A smiling driver approached my window.  Jacques began barking violently.  I calmed him down, and the man stepped in back of my vehicle, giving us psychological space.

Because I had a spare tire in the trunk, the driver was able to remove the wheel, pump some air into my spare tire, attach it, and we were back on our way.  There was no charge.  I felt incredibly lucky to have such a helpful service during rush hour in LA.  I thanked him profusely and left a glowing review when I arrived home.

Are you prepared if you were to get a flat tire on the freeway?  I was glad that I didn't make the trip at night.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  Posts may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

Taking Amtrak's Pacific Coast Starlight Train Overnight From Seattle to Burbank

 

After spending the night at The Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, I devoured a savory breakfast in their downstairs restaurant.  The front desk arranged for a cab for me to the train station.  We arrived early and I sat on an old wooden bench in the lobby.  I was excited to board the next train headed to Los Angeles: The Pacific Coast Starlight.

In order to qualify for the cheapest rate, I had reserved a roomette several months in advance, through an Amtrak agent.  It was still pricey, (over $700.00, versus a cheap economy flight at $59.00.)  Sitting in Business Class or Coach would have been far more reasonable.   I wanted to have a bed, though, and to experience seeing the California coast from the train.  The trip took two full days and one night.  

The meals were delicious.  I had the first lunch delivered to my room, and ate the others in the dining car.  I enjoyed chatting with the travelers at my table about their trip.  One man had moved from England to Thailand, and spent most of his retirement planning trips and on the road.  He had just found out that his train to San Diego was inoperable, and was booking a bus.  They were repairing the tracks further South, including the Meto North line.  

Our train arrived in Los Angeles thirty minutes ahead of time!  I got off at Burbank Airport station.  In the future, I would probably get out at Van Nuys Station, which has a waiting room with an attendant.  There is also a luggage cart that will pick you up if you need assistance.  It's well lit, and many customers park their cars there and take the Fly Away Bus to LAX.

All in all, it was a very smooth and pleasant trip.  The view of the sunset in Santa Barbara was spectacular-a highlight of the journey.  I found it a little difficult to sit for so long, but was able to lay down, since I had reserved a roomette with bunk beds.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  Those 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.

Do You Get Seasick on Cruises?

 

Normally, I do not get seasick when I am enjoying a cruise.  This last Alaskan trip, however, was an exception.  The second night of our journey we hit some rough seas.  My stomach felt like it was dropping.  "Uh oh," I thought.  Since I had eaten a hearty breakfast and lunch, I skipped dinner and laid flat on my back in my bed.  As long as I was in that position, I didn't feel like I was going to vomit.  I went to bed early, and slept soundly.  

The next morning, I made a beeline for the gift shot and purchased some acupressure wrist bands for motion sickness. I also grabbed a box of medicine for seasickness.  I took one of the tablets as soon as I returned to my room, and placed the bracelets over my pulse points.  The relief was instantaneous!

The next morning, my kind room steward told me that the halls had been empty the previous night.  Apparently, many of the other passengers felt like I did.  The rest of the cruise was smooth sailing on calm waters.  I was still glad that I had bought those remedies, though.  I will pack them with me next time.

How about you? Do you ever get seasick or experience motion sickness on car and train rides?

Thank you for your comments; they add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  Those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the articles here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Photos From My Alaskan Cruise On NCL

 

I just returned from a glorious Alaskan cruise through the inside passage on the Norwegian Sun.  It was a mysterious and spiritual place.  I could also sense the danger, though.  The area is so remote.  There was something eerie about it.  I read about John Muir's adventures there in the 1800's as we sailed through the landscapes.  I found the book at the ship's library; it was in the trade section.  I always catch up on my reading when cruising.  I finished three books!

These trees looked so healthy and majestic.  All of that rain provides them with plenty of water and nutrients.  I had a balcony room, so I was able to enjoy nonstop views and scenery.  I spent a considerable amount of time up in the observation lounge.  It was the perfect place to relax. I sank into the comfortable couches and enjoy the panoramic views as we glided through the water.  This is also where we had our knitting group.  What a fun group of ladies that was.  We sat together and enjoyed chatting and cappuccinos. 

This is my dinner mate, Angela.  We met in one of the lounges, listening to our favorite onboard band, InOvation.  They were fabulous!  

My friend Richard Ambrose and the General Manager sent some lovely gifts to the room: a large fruit basket, a bottle of wine, and a tray of chocolate covered strawberries.  I felt so spoiled.  Richard is the Vice President of Entertainment. 

Hannah treated me to a dinner for two and a bottle of wine in one of their high-end specialty restaurants.  We wined and dined at Cagney's Steakhouse.  The service was impeccable, and the meal was divine.  too full to finish, I brought the luscious seven-layer chocolate cake back to my room, and enjoyed it for the following two days.  

We started and ended our cruise in Seattle.  This was the view from my balcony.  I took a ride on the Monorail and browsed through the items at Nordstrom's Rack.  

I met with my friend Sherry for dinner at The Mayflower Hotel.  She and I both danced at MGM, and she now resides in Seattle.  We devoured the food at Anacapa.  It was fabulous!  The hotel is an old building from the 1920's that has a lot of charm and character.  

Thank you for your comments; they add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  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.