I left from Sumas, WA which is on the Canadian border. This week I landed 6 miles from the Mexico border, outside of San Diego. That’s pretty much border to border!

The ride from San Francisco to San Diego was fun, beautiful, interesting, and frustrating!

I got to see my river sister (Lisa) in Santa Cruz. Lisa, Matt, and I shared a boat on the Grand Canyon eariler this year. They are fabulous people, whom I feel so lucky to call my friends. They are both pilots, ski, bike, hike……you get the idea. They are just plain COOL!

Then, onward down Hwy 1. Wow, it’s just stunning! Hard to imagine the humanity that awaits near LA while traveling this coastal route. It’s meandering, quiet, and beautiful.

I did stop a lot to take in the beauty.

And, of course there is wildlife. These big fatties were fun to watch as they rolled, flopped, and flipped in the sand.

Then, I was in stop-and-go traffic for nearly 75 miles through LA – on a Sunday, at noon. Ugh. How do people do that regularly!!??

Then, San Diego. What a nice clean, beautiful city! I really like this place. Not too big, not too small, not too many homeless folks. I found a cute boutique hotel to stay in while a few last items are being done to my van.

I am hedging my bet for no breakdowns in Mexico. (fingers crossed) The shop here has been beyond great. Jose only works on VW’s, has done so for 30 years, and owns two VW’s himself. How fortunate to find him!

For Thanksgiving, I will be Boondocking near the beach. I plan to do a 5K in Balboa Park and then hit the water for some SUP’ing. Not too shabby. I have some more mail to scoop up before I head to “Calixeco” to cross the border with David and Leea on the 30th. They have been kind enough to let me caravan down the Baja Penninsula with them.

Almost to Mexico! Just a few more days. Y’all have a great Turkey Day! I’ll be thinking of how thankful I am for you!