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. 

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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.

Kind and Encouraging Drivers

 

Today as I was pumping my way on my bicycle up the hill after a trip to the lake, three separate men offered me encouragement.  One gave me the thumbs up sign.  It seems that many men really like trailers.  The Burley Travoy that I have won an award in Europe.  It's an excellent design.  Mine has market bags that hook onto it; they fit on the dolly perfectly.  My mom bought them for me, when she was still alive.  They were expensive, but have been totally worth it.  I'm sure she's happy that I'm using them so frequently.  She always bought the extras with her purchases, and I'm starting to see why.

As I was pushing myself to make it up the incline, two cars needed to pass each other on our narrow mountain road.  I pulled off to the shoulder to let them pass.  The first young man said, "You are such an inspiration..."  He was really sincere.  I thought that was so sweet.  I have been pushing my body very hard lately, especially with the kayaking.  It feels healthy to get the muscles toned and strong again.

The next driver apologized to me for my having to stop to let them by... I could tell he knew I needed the momentum to keep going uphill.  It's not his fault, passing is tight with two cars squeezing by each other.  I laughed and explained that it was no problem, and that my sandal had slipped off my heel.  Both men seemed athletic, and I could tell they  knew about bike riding.  I am surprised that I don't see more adults on bikes here.  Many of the young boys ride small motorcycles.  I guess people are just used to driving their cars.  I think a lot of it has to do with stuff, too.  We carry an amazing amount of equipment  with us to the beach, the lake, and to campsites.

Another lady on my street asked me about the "neat contraption" I was pulling, too.  It's a shopping cart that snaps onto the back of my bicycle.  I told her that it really saves me money on gas.  I love leaving the car at home, and enjoy the intense exercise and fresh air as I cycle around town.  Gas has shot  up to over four dollars a gallon here in Clifornia.  Yikes!  I only drive if I have to, and combine my trips.

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A New Coffee Table

 

One of the reasons I love vintage and antique furniture is that the pieces are smaller and crafted to last a lifetime.   I just purchased a coffee table for my den.  I had been setting my tray of java, half and half, sugar, and a spoon on a bench that came with the cabin.  I kept wishing for a coffee table like my parents had when we were young.

I found exactly what I was looking for at one of our local shops.  It has has beautiful, dark, wooden curved legs, with roses carved into the wood.  The top is an oval piece of grey and white marble.  I just love it.  My grandparents had marble steps that led up to their front door at their home in San Francisco, and it always made me gasp...the smoothness and richness of the stone filled me with awe.

I picked up a few birdhouses at the vintage shop as well, and hung them around the garden for decoration.  A pair of quail has been visiting my front yard every day.  I leave water for them in the tiny stone  birdbath.  Recently,  I've only seen one of the pair, so I'm hoping that the female is sitting on her eggs.  

It's back to swimming and sunbathing at the lake each day.  I love the routine.  Today I rode my bike there.  It's so healing to immerse yourself in the  refreshing, cold water.  All of the kids that hang out at the country club are so friendly and happy.  It's heartwarming to see everyone's smiles again.  What a  wonderful place Wrightwood is  for children to grow up; they are surrounded by nature.

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First Day on the Oru Beach Kayak-Fabulous!

Today I took my new kayak to a local lake for its first excursion.  I had practiced putting assembling it at home, inside the cottage.   I was so sore and tired after dismantling  it, that I didn't have the energy to attempt using it at the lake.  It will take a few times to break in and become less stiff.

Today, after spending the morning watering my pine and oak trees, I packed up a beach bag with a homemade  quesadilla for lunch, and headed to the water.  I reviewed the how to video on Youtube before I left.

  I placed my California Adventure Pass on the rearview mirror.  That way you don't have to pay for day use.  They are valid for one year.  I carried the lightweight kayak down to the water from my shaded parking spot. 

I unfolded the kayak, and began buckling the straps, and inserting the pieces.  An excited Asian man ran up to me.  "Do you want help?" he asked.  I accepted.  He was thrilled to see how all the pieces fit together.   This foldable kayak is a great  conversation starter.  He spoke very little English, but we were in sync.  I think he is from Korea.  I will have to ask him.

I explained a few of the details, and we worked quickly and easily together.  He had about five family members with him, all women.  They were very friendly and helpful.  One lady offered me an egg salad sandwich.  I thanked her, and took  half of one with me.  

The kayaking was a blast!  I was amazed at how lightly and smoothly it glided across the water.  I could have stayed out there all day.  It's so much fun.  The paddle gave me great speed.  It really opens your heart, too.  The views of the pine trees and mountains were spectacular.   As I skimmed across the water back to where I had launched, my new friend came running towards me with a bottle of water.  I thanked him, and told him that I had packed a bottle of water in my supply bag.

When I debarked, he must have noticed that I was having a bit of trouble using my knees to break down the boat.  He came over and helped me.  He had a rag in his hand, and was wiping the sand off of the bottom.   He was such a kind and eager helper.  It was really touching.  (especially with all of the violence Asians have been facing in our country recently.)  

He carried the kayak back to my car for me.  The lady with him asked me if it was expensive.  "Yes," I answered.  "A hundred dollars?" she guessed.  "Over a thousand,"  I answered.  It was worth every penny.  I think I will be kayaking daily.  It's such a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the water and nature.  

As we were packing up, one of the women wanted to know if I planned to come back tomorrow.  "Yes," I responded.  "What time?" she inquired.  When I told her my schedule, she said with a smile, "He will be here to help you."  They are so sweet.  I am looking forward to seeing them again.  

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A New Kayak and a Visit to the Campground

 Yesterday my fold up kayak from Oru arrived.  I was very excited to receive it.  I watched the instructional video, and carefully read the manual.  It has a drawing of a woman and her dog in the kayak.  Reminds me of Lula.  I was able to assemble it in my living room fairly quickly.  It takes a lot of muscle.  My arms were really sore this morning.  I think I will get used to it...I hope.

The design is like origami.  It's quite sophisticated.  I also ordered four solar lights, a paddle,  floaties, and a backpack to carry the boat to and from the water.  Everything seems to be very well made.  I am excited to get out on the lake and start paddling.  It's time to research the best marinas and locations.

I drove up to Table Mountain campground this morning and visited my neighbor.  She had a choice spot  there.  She is able to watch the sunrise in the morning, and enjoy  the sunset at night.  She had everything set up beautifully.  I was very impressed.  Her location actually reminds me of where I live.  I think I like staying in the cabin just as well as I would like sleeping in a camper.  There's something about the comforts of home that I love.  My soft couch, hot water heater, well stocked kitchen, and chaise lounge are all things I would probably miss.  I do enjoy cooking outdoors, though.  

I ran into some friends at the lake today.  We chatted for a while.  It's wonderful to be enjoying the sunshine and water again.  Summers in California are so fabulous!  How are you doing?

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Invited to a Campsite

Today I ran into one of my neighbors on my way home from swimming and sunbathing at the lake.  She told me that she has a campsite reserved nearby, and invited me to visit.  I put it on my calendar.  I am so excited!  I plan to bring my bicycle, as it's near one of my favorite bike paths.   The views are glorious, especially at sunset.  She has a fantastic camper with pop-ups.  Being outside is a great way to socialize.  I still wear a mask, but am looking forward to the adventure.

I have never been camping, but I did visit another friend of mine at her campsite once, in Lake Tahoe.  It was so much fun!  She's from Australia, and was staying there in a tent, with her son.  I remember cooking over an open fire.  Being outdoors is such a part of the Aussie  lifestyle.  It's part of mine, too.  Lake Tahoe is an exquisite location.  We were doing "Sugar Babies" together there at  the time, at Harrah's.  

Being up at the cabin feels like glamping.  I see trees everywhere, from all the windows.  The air is fragrant with pines and lilacs, and the birds are singing.  For me, having a kitchen, bathtub, and sauna makes it very comfortable and luxurious.  Now that's it's warmer, we can walk to the lake and take a swim.  The air mattress is getting regular use, the sunscreen that smells of delicious honey is slathered on, and I even started soaking in the jacuzzi.  The jets are powerful,  and the heat feels fabulous!  I just love the lazy days of late spring and summer.  

Have you been enjoying any warm weather where you are?  

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.  

Met a PCT Hiker Today

 

Today while I was running Lula alongside my bicycle on the Walkydog, I ran into a smiling, radiant woman wearing a hat.  She was walking a cinnamon colored dashhound mix.  The dog had long hair, and an intelligent, expressive face.  She told me that she is sixty, and is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail!  (For those who don't know, the PCT runs all the way from Mexico to Canada.) It takes months to complete.  She is doing it solo.  

I was so impressed,  That's something that I've always imagined doing.  I told her that I'd read all the books about it, and really admired her.  I asked her if she was scared.  "No," she replied.  "I  just stay aware as I do when going to the grocery store at night."  I asked her if she had done a lot of camping, and she nodded.   

I commented that she looked very stylish for a hiker.  They are usually dusty, and lugging these huge backpacks.  She laughed and told me that the woman who owns the cabin where she is staying let her shower, do laundry, and that she also lent her some clothes.  Her eyes were flashing with joy and adventure.  I could see that she was very spiritual.

A little further down the road I ran into one of my neighbors who was out on a walk.  I asked her how she was enjoying her retirement.  She answered  that she had just returned from driving from the West coast to the East coast on her own, staying with different friends along the way.  I smiled, nodded, and told her that she looked very happy and jazzed.  I think we all love adventure.  These women both enjoy their own company.  We are all exploring new ways of traveling.

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