Moving north up the California Pacific coast from Morro Bay, the rocky shores of Monterey Peninsula would become an ideal place to “kill time” before checking into our next Air B&B destination in Aptos, California. Having little incentive in “playing tourist” to visit the famed Cannery Row/Monterey Aquarium today, we instead embraced moments of spontaneous discovery as we drove slowly along the beachside shoreline. I would thus capture several of these moments in closeup camera range.

TV SHOW IN TAPING PROGRESS

Passing Lover’s Point Park, a large crowd had formed to watch the taping of “Big Little Lies”, a popular HBO series. These pictures captured my sense of the visitors excitement in watching the anticipated arrival of stars Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern, in contrast to the tedium of watching the film crew/cast extras lazily standing around. How odd that so many involved in the show seemed oblivious to the surrounding buzz surrounding them.

Parking at a desolate headland near Point Pinos Lighthouse for a picnic lunch, I spotted some mule deer munching grass on a nearby golf course unafraid of my human presence as I approached them for closeup photos. Nearby seagulls then posed eagerly for me in hopes I would throw them a sandwich morsel.

Being curious to walk along these irregular, rocky shores and tide pool formations, an exciting maze of rock shapes and colors captured my photo interest. Mindless searching for the perfect rock became a pleasurable way to “pass the time.”

The arrival of spring along this weatherbeaten shoreline of Pacific Grove State Marine Park sparked my interest today as brightly colored colored wildflowers bloomed amidst cool, ice grass formations. Returning now to the town center , I spotted a magnificent red bougainvillea cradling the front porch of a rustic home.

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” – Henry Miller

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike”(John Muir)

Why do Ruth and I return to past visited destinations on our road trip travels? Beyond the scripted allure of slick marketing for tourist friendly destinations, Buddhistic images from our yoga practice have motivated us to seek places of inner harmony and peace. In the ensuing paragraphs, I thus reveal why booking our 5th extended stay in this quaint , Central California town provides such positively uplifting experience we so desire.

I first must consider how the natural beauty of Morro Bay and surrounding environs remain a memorable sight on every occasion we visit. To the west, a towering, volcanic rock mystically stands over a foggy and overcast harbor. At this Morro Rock, I observe a bird watching paradise of nesting sea gulls and ferns terns…. while sea otters and harbor seals playfully surface in the surrounding waters. To the south and east, green pastures sprout spring flowers blossomed in a gentle rise to the coastal mountains beyond. This Alps- like appearance of rustic hinterland shelters the busier, urban communities of the San Luis Obispo Valley below. To the north lies an open beach expanse of rocky crags hugging majestic shoreline points leading to the famous, cliffside stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.

The relaxed feel of the town center itself, also stands out to please my emotional longings. Strolling along Morro Bay Boulevard, my wife pops into the local bead store to browse sale offerings. I can now sit quietly in the adjoining garden to witness a slow dripping waterfall and exotic plant sanctuary. On the street, I can admire a procession of classic American cars as they cruise downhill to the bay. How enlightening to realize that driving could be made enjoyable away from the daily rut and routine of the daily commute on a busy highway. At night, we watch a contemporary film at a one -screen cinema house where popcorn and Milk Duds snacks cost less than the movie. To end our day, we return to our funky retro, Air B&B apartment for a daily workout routine and silent meditation thus celebrating the simple pleasures we experienced that day.

In addition, I continue to find great enjoyment in feeding hungry seagulls near Morro Rock each day. A sizable flock of ravenous birds typically follows me as as I tightrope the rocky coastline to obtain suitable feeding sites. I have even trained some of the them to perform aerial theatrics to obtain their precious bread morsel. Imagining their freedom to fly at will now, my inner child” of free play at these times feels exhilarating.

As Morro Bay becomes more tourist friendly, some inevitable changes of youthful gentrification can now be observed. The bustling presence of the Yoga Center and marine life aquarium are gone, many “mom and pop” restaurants have closed, and parking spots have become increasingly hard to find. Yet we remain deeply attracted to the inner serenity experienced in this fog-shrouded town with a mystical rock by a blissful bay.

A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet (Orson Welles)

As Ruth and I continued our 2018 road trip toward coastal California,we entered a land of nostalgic, movie set paradise. Imagine cruising through small town America reminiscing of a 1950 scene of vintage cars, drive in cafes, and mom and pop motor motels. We felt like we had stepped into a scene from the movie, American Graffiti. Picture a dusty western town where horse-bound cowboys tie up their trusting horses to enter a saloon or country dry goods store. Enter a smoky and dimly lit cafe. Sit quietly on a bar stool where old wagon wheels, rusted trellises, and country piano tunes capture your attention. Feel the loneliness emanating from an abandoned amusement park that subtly reveals its physical remnants of a glorious past. Several road trip excursions following this time travel theme are thus described below.

ROUTE 66 – KINGMAN, ARIZ.

Arriving the valley of Kingman from the high plateau of Northern Arizona, conspicuous signs for the Route 66 corridor captured our immediate attention. Arriving at the historic Kingman Powerhouse, an extensive collection of artifacts there revealed the historical importance of Route 66 as a trade route, railroad corridor, and more recently America’s first paved auto path for tourists traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles. Adjacent to the museum, a brief glance at an iconic steam locomotive along the tracks provided further evidence of Kingman’s crossroads importance in American History. Strolling along Route 66 now, we spotted Mr. D’z Diner and its quirky ambience of 1950s drive-in culture.. Our Caesar salad lunch order, however, provided a much healthier option than the expected traditional. hamburger, french fries and milkshake indulgence there.

PARAMOUNT RANCH/OLD PLACE CAFE – AGOURA HILLS,CA.

On a busy Easter weekend in Southern California, a hike in the seemingly remote Santa Ana mountains would provide a relaxing excursion close by our three night accommodation with friends in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Walking along the easy , Paramount Ranch Trail, we noted that this area has been occupied more busily than expected as an authentic western town backdrop for TV/movie productions. I would learn Paramount Pictures had leased the area in 1923 as a working ranch, beginning an era of film production that continues through today. Bob Hope starred there in Caught in the Draft (1941), Sandra Bullock had a leading role in The Lake House (2006), while more recent television productions included The Mentalist, Weeds, and Hulu’s Quickdraw (2013-2014). A few miles by car from our western town walk, we would park nearby a densely packed, saloon bar known to be frequented by the Hollywood rich and famous: the Old Place Cafe,I would also discover that celebrity guests visited regularly at this unpretentious cafe over the years including Steve McQueen, Ali McGraw, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Sean Penn, Peter Strauss, Sissy Spacek, Twiggy, Robert Blake, Goldie Hawn, Jack Lemmon, Larry Hagman and Jackson Browne.

PETER STRAUSS RANCH – AGOURA HILLS,CA.

Across from the Old Place Cave, our sojourn into film set imagination would now continue in a steep walk along the Peter Strauss Trail. In the 1950s and 1960s, amusement parks sprouted everywhere in Southern California. Many of them tragically went defunct when Disneyland opened in Anaheim. The Strauss site we hiked along today was once purchased and developed into such a fairyland, featuring what was at the time the largest pool on the West Coast. Visible remains that were spotted along our hilltop views of the area included the “Fairytale Land” sign, the faint outline of a baseball diamond, and “Lake Enchanto,” which people used for swimming and fishing,and rowing.

“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice” (Ayn Rand)

Immersed In Luck’s Lure Of Cool Vegas Nights
Like Iron On Magnet Feast Neon Blissed Sights
Pull Slots Then Roll Dice Most Yearn Cash Flow Obsess
While Easy Pay Credit Will Clean Up Chance Mess

Like Iron On Magnet Strip Captures Curious Mind
As Players Can Ponder Escape Daily Grind
In This Oasis Of Sin There’s No Time To Find Sleep
As Desperate Gamblers Fear Loss Of Luck Weep

Seek More Than Gain Glitter Spring Blooms Bountiful Sights
Stroll Bellagio Garden Sense Pure Tulip Delights
In Such Floral Perfection Cleanse Mind’s Worries Away
Know Immaterial Passion Keeps Greed Firmly At Bay

Springtime Contentment Flows From Bonsai Zen Spirit
Find True Fortune Within It’s Time You Should Hear It

“There is nothing more precious to a parent than a child,
and nothing more important to our future than the safety of our children.” (Bill Clinton)

My wife and I combine over fifty years of challenging teaching experience in the public education system of South Florida. We have both seen our fair share of hostile student behavior play out unpredictably in the classroom. Thus it would be no surprise that we would be excited to detour our road trip agenda to attend the “March For Our Lives”protest against school gun violence in Flagstaff, Arizona. How sad it seemed as we passed a local gun shop in town gloriously advertising a weapons sale that day.

On a cold and blustery Saturday afternoon,a large and age diverse crowd would gather near City Hall Square for this spirited yet peaceful rally. Observing an atmosphere of warm friendliness and common unity as we entered, we picked up protest signs/buttons and exchanged stories with early arrivals. A large poster displaying photos of the student victims of the recent Stoneman Douglas tragedy would move me to tell others that I had in fact taught in close proximity to this school at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale. Many I spoke to then also expressed vehement opposition to arming teachers as a practical solution to the problem.

The rally would now begin with passionate speeches by local adult citizens and high school students in the Flagstaff community. The message of deep concern for child safety was very clear from the start as each speaker impressively related their own gun violence experiences. Citing statistics from the National Safety Council that school gun violence has reigned out of control recently (ie. 17 school shootings occurred in schools since Jan.19, 2018), they concurred that a new wave of political action would most readily solve this problem. A long moment of silence would follow in reflective meditation followed by a call for each attendee to share with strangers standing nearby a personal story about what motivated them to choose to attend this march today. The hour long rally would then end with an orderly march of attendees through downtown.

We are proud that we took the time out of our road trip to stand proudly in Flagstaff for revolutionary change in America’s current political system. As we continue our journey, we look forward to volunteering our time for progressivism in the San Francisco Bay Area at the April 14 March for Science. I look forward to hearing from my blog readers any additional ideas for humanistic activism.

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”
(Aristotle, The Philosophy of Aristotle)

My burst of positive thoughts in the third week of our road trip began on my birthday in Phoenix, Arizona. Enjoying a Cactus League baseball game on a cool, sunny day in the front row of the left field grandstand, I noticed a surge of exaltation run through my mind/body then. My favorite team, the Cleveland Indians, would go on to score sixteen runs, and improbably we would catch a prized baseball thrown into the stands on a wild throw from the outfield. Biting into my greasy, foot long hot dog, I could only think how enjoyable this lazy afternoon felt rather than being obsessed on the unhealthy calories I was investing at the time.

Driving I-17 into higher elevations toward our next destination, Sedona, Arizona, the towering grandeur of flat mesas surrounding me continued to enhance my mood. At that time, I visualized this aura as my energy gas tank being topped off with a fresh supply of positive energy at each passing curve in the road. Upon arriving in Sedona, I felt a festive, Christmas-like atmosphere as we walked contentedly on a cold evening through the deserted shopping district downtown to celebrate my birthday at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

On our tour of India last spring, I learned that Hindus believe spiritual energy emanates from within. How fitting then that the next morning I would experience an enhanced calmness of mind as I walked along this stark , desert countryside observing the natural beauty of jagged red rocks and sharp spiked cacti. Upon observing the stunning backdrop of odd angled energy vortexes in the distance, a euphoria of peace and love would motivate me to complete the entire distance of the Fay Trail without complaint. There would thus be no need to worry today of aching knees, a weak bladder, or the possibility of encountering snakes or bears in the area.

Sedona would also serve as fertile ground for self meditation on this visit. Climbing steeply to Amitabha Peace Park, we lingered at sacred sites of Buddhistic offering and then stopped opposite a grand statued Stupa for more deeper reflection. With eyes turned to the west at sunset each day of our visit, Sedona’s glorious mountainside colors would come vividly alive to continue my floodgate of amazing positive aura images. I felt truly humbled to be alive in this unfolding of such stunning natural beauty in the present moment then.

Living in a rural setting exposes you to so many marvelous things – the natural world and the particular texture of small-town life, and the exhilarating experience of open space. (Susan Orlean)

In the second week of our latest American road trip, we entered Texas. Our intended itinerary in this immensely distanced state would take us through the major hubs of Dallas and San Antonio, and then west for over 1000 miles to El Paso. On past road trips to these destinations, we would rarely venture off Interstate 35 and 10, as the 85 mile legal speed limits on each highway would expedite ease of travel. In 2018, however, we decided to veer off on backroads to visit Texas Hill Country and the Big Bend National Park. In doing so, we discovered the unique amenities and friendly feel of small town Texas.

Llano – Population 3,422

Texas barbecue which showcases fresh cuts of ribs, sausage, brisket, and chicken reigns proud in Texas. Being eager to find a reputable bbq spot for lunch, we discovered Cooper’s Old Time Pit Barbecue In Llano. In this rather unpretentious looking cafe, we would politely mingle with meat loving Texans and enjoy a sumptuous meal of pork ribs, cole slaw, and baked beans. We would particularly savor the overpowering smell of the smoking pits as we patiently watched our personally selected cuts of fresh meats cooked in front of us on the hot grill. Sitting at a long, picnic table, we also would find ample time to relax in this informally friendly atmosphere after a long driving day on the road.

Kerrville – Population- 23,434

Texas Hill Country exists as an easily accessible day trip from San Antonio or Austin. As Spring Break would be in full swing there on this road trip visit, we booked a two night stay further south in Kerrville, hoping to distance ourselves from the expected tourist chaos. At the Museum of Western Art and Riverside Nature Center, in Kerrville, we chatted amiably with several art/nature volunteers. They would convince us that this small town actually attracted a thriving retirement community who enjoyed a variety of sophisticated interests.

Fredericksburg- 11,382

As a popular tourist town in Texas Hill Country Fredericksburg retains a Victorian feel of Main Street America in the late 19th century. Being immensely popular at Spring Break time, we correctly anticipated human gridlock conditions there. Thus we opted to simply take a leisurely walk downtown to “window shop” and “stretch our legs” a bit. Popping in and out of art galleries, popcorn shops, and clothing boutiques, Fredericksburg would perhaps deserve a more extensive visit from us in future travels.

Alpine- Population 5,095

There are no towns in close proximity to remote Big Bend National Park. Realizing our need to have easy access to Interstate 10, Alpine would conveniently serve as a two night stopover base for our upcoming excursion. Nearby our motel, we discovered the Museum of the Big Bend,where we would learn important details about the geology/history of the Big Bend environs. Rising early the next morning, we witnessed the spectacular aura of sunrise color over the surrounding mountains. Feeling positively energized, we then undertook our one hundred mile journey south through high desert to Big Bend National Park. Sizing up our road options at the Visitor Center, we opted to drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which would end with breathtaking overlooks of the Rio Grande along the cliffside, Santa Elena Trail. Next Stop: Sedona, Arizona.

 

“After a hurricane, comes a rainbow” (Katy Perry)

Many people consider Biloxi, Mississippi to be a “snake bitten area of doom. Due to its vulnerable, Gulf Coast location, Biloxi has fallen in the direct path of at least six, destructive hurricanes since the 1900s. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s Category 5 winds, destroyed over 90% of the existing structures in the Biloxi area. Our visit to this weather-ravaged city in early March would thus reveal widespread proof of this hurricane’s catastrophic wrath there. Sadly, we observed that wide swaths of new open space had been created along the beachfront leaving only scattered remnants of past site structures to the visible eye. Furthermore, a series of historic markers would eerily show where stately mansions along the shoreway had been blown away in the storm.

Yet battered Biloxi would retain its appeal to us as a convenient tourist stopover on this road trip with its enticing combination of resort lodging options, affordable dining spots and pedestrian friendly shorelines. Arriving from Interstate 10 in mid-afternoon, Sunday, we would book a two night stay at Harrahs Hotel/Casino. We noted then that this hotel had been rebuilt since the Katrina devastation into a smaller, more intimate version of the original hotel on the same site. Self parking our vehicle within 100 yards of the hotel lobby entrance, we soon felt fortunate that our hotel room would spectacularly overlook the Gulf of Mexico. Crossing an elevated boardwalk from the hotel to the beach, finding outdoor, dinner seating at the “Blind Tiger Cafe” would enable us to experience Biloxi’s spectacular, sunset views. For added appeal, the weather had remained cool/clear and would continue for the duration of our visit.

Crossing to the mainland the next morning, we discovered a local breakfast spot, Buzzy’s Cafe in nearby Ocean Springs, where we engaged in extended conversations with the friendly manager about cultural/historical tidbits of the surrounding area. Interestingly, we learned from him that this tiny village was among the five, oldest communities remaining in the U.S.today. In late morning, we then ventured to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Preserve, for a curious attempt at local birdwatching on a flat, savanna wooded trail. Although we sighted no cranes today, experiencing serenity from such nature’s silence would be truly appreciated. Our second day would conclude with a late afternoon, scenic drive through Biloxi proper. As we then observed that many homes remained standing or had been rebuilt,it became clear that Biloxi would rise again as a thriving community.

If you decide to visit Biloxi by car, I recommend you take the more scenic, State Road 90 for arrival along the coastline. Watch out for high protruding curbs around street corners and deep potholes on beach access turnoffs. If you are staying in New Orleans, Biloxi lies less than one hour east. It’s definitely worth a side trip visit.