Departure

We send our love to our young friend Cara who gave us this wonderful poem as a gift to send us on our way.

California! they cried, with a westward ho glint

and visions of gold in the hills. So they went

in a turtle—a big one, with tires and legs—

for moving and sleeping through long travel days.

They installed all new handles for moving around

and a ramp so the wheelchair could get to the ground;

they stocked up the pantry and fired the stove

and installed a small modem for wireless rove;

they tested the beds—pocket, hanging, and seat—

that slept six (if none kicked) for the friends they might meet.

Thus provisioned and prepped, steering wheel pointed west,

they headed their turtle for coast manifest.

Leaving our home and cat in the capable hands of our sitter Shannon we rolled off down the hollow west to the coast. In tow the wheelchair trailer with one of Julia's many rides "the little red pony". The Viva was full of food and refreshments. The target this day, Balmorhea.

At the last minute we added some special cargo. Dick Schlenk called to chat before we left. When learning of our route he asked if we could bring his wife Carol with us to Balmorhea.
Carol bought us lunch at her favorite Junction, TX BBQ stand. Lum's is off the highway but worth the extra time. Old school meat market style service. Pork loin is great.

We arrived in time for a sunset session of birding. I sight the rare and elusive Julia or perhaps she sights me.