Personal space in a public place? hahahaha

Wow, I still can't get over our day yesterday, it was just so right in so many ways. Well today is the last day of September, it's almost kind of like the ending to a long chapter...the Summer Chapter of our book! Last night when we parted ways with J & J, we headed up to a new place to sleep. We were going to go to "the place where the RV's sit on the side of the road" but as we drove by slowly to investigate, it looked pretty jam packed and it was dark and we didn't feel like messing with it so we headed to another spot that we had as back-up. It worked out perfectly for sleep, peace and quiet. Since we headed off to sleep way earlier than usual we woke up way earlier than usual, so we drove back to Shaver Lake. I have to say being self-contained is much easier, especially when you just want to get up and move! We drove back down to the lake and since we were the first ones there (it was only 8:15 a.m.) we were able to get the primo spot on the rocks to be level all day, instead of cocked at an awkward angle like yesterday.

[caption id="attachment_1149" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Leveled up[/caption]

It was super peaceful, there were skiers on the glass water and I even fed the ducks...one duck turned into five. I love ducks!! Savannah acts likes she's tough and she's gonna get 'em but as soon as she hits the water, she turns around...she's so funny.

[caption id="attachment_1150" align="aligncenter" width="300"] So graceful[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1151" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Not a wasteful duck![/caption]

Look at Savannah in the next picture, she is so focused on the bread and wondering why she isn't getting any! Silly baby! And why do I look like Casper the Ghost!? haha

[caption id="attachment_1152" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ducks!![/caption]

 After my duck feeding frenzy I made COFFEE!!!!! There is nothing like being on a peaceful beach in the early morning hours with noone there with a pipin' hot cup of REAL coffee with REAL creamer in your hand...it's perfect.

Today is Sunday so with that we were bound to get people around us and being the magnets that we are to "rude" people these days (although everyone just tells us it's California) we were definitely going to get some traffic! It started out with a couple of (big) fishermen guys in a paddle boat, they were funny to watch, then the couple with the 4 wiener dogs that were "just a delight" (not), then a houseboat that came to shore to party along with a jetski and lots of people.

[caption id="attachment_1154" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Paddle Pals[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1155" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sunday Funday[/caption]

It was all good, we don't mind people... just mind our space and it'll be cool. The "nice" couple's dogs kept wanting to come check out our spot, probably due to the sammies I was making and Savannah is just so fun to play with, the girl was NOT having it although I told her they were fine...she didn't like that! And although she didn't want her dogs coming into our space, she sure didn't mind her husband doing it! He had 4 fishing poles set up in the sand, one of which was almost right in front of where we were...where I was feeding the ducks not long ago. He then had to come into our space and sit in our camp and fish on the rocks in front of the van for about an hour...ummmm, sure come on over, you don't have enough sharp hooks in the water already so we can't go in...come into our space, into our bubble, we love to look at your big fat red shirt while gazing out at the lake....Noooo problem. (Now I know this is a public place but I think we are of a handful of people that actually still respect personal space...so annoying.)

[caption id="attachment_1156" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Thanks! You're special sir![/caption]

Whatever...

I didn't let it ruin my day...just a few minutes of it! heehee I did however meet a super nice guy and his daughter that were from Madera, they were just up for the day. It was funny I was washing all of our silverware in the sand (sand= abrasive!) and his dog ran over to me and almost knocked me into the water...big dog, he came running over to grab him. He probably thought it was funny to see some chick washing her silverware in the lake! I don't care, it was the best idea I had all day! haha

After all of the lake shenanigans we decided to pack it up a little earlier today than yesterday to get a good resting spot for the night. We ended up going to "Meditation Point" (the first camping spot Bob & Miss Cherry camped at). It was just as beautiful as we remembered it AND no one was there so yay for us!

[caption id="attachment_1157" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Meditation Point[/caption]

Now that we are in a spot for the night I am making pa-shgetti for dinner...just waiting for the noodles to boil and then we'll probably just take it easy...no T.V. reception or internet in this spot.

What will tomorrow hold for us crazy bohemians?

PEACE 

 

Just a bunch of dirty hippies

We're awake to a new day. The temperature is dropping but still beautiful, almost everything is packed in the van, we are almost outta here! There is a feeling of accomplishment in the air as we get going today. We came up here to work and get stuff done...we have done just that. Along the way we have also made some great friends with fun and everlasting memories. It's definitely changing into Fall but it's been a great Summer!

We decided to take one more walk through our amazing Summer Home for thank you's and good-bye's...this land has been more than awesome to us! We walked over to the "new knoll" that we never moved over to and talked about staying there if we were to come back again. As we were strolling, chatting and taking it all in one last time we spotted "Wendy" in a new spot so we walked over to say a morning hello to Jenn & Johnny.

We sat and talked with them for a bit, talking about a million places we could go from here. They are like our very own information kiosk in the woods! haha They're awesome! There was talk about meeting up at Shaver Lake but we still had a lot to get done, so no plans, but if there was time left in the day...why not!? And we know Savannah won't have a problem with that...as long as her new 'boyfriend' Johnny is there...

[caption id="attachment_1129" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Such a whore![/caption]

We got back to the van and broke out into major work mode. We tied up all of the loose ends from yesterday, repacked some things and two hours later we were ready to rock 'n' roll!

[caption id="attachment_1130" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Driving away[/caption]

We had a bunch of garbage to dump and some things to return to people but we were still able to get everything into Joon Van and get on with our day! It was weird to see the spot vacant of all of our 'crap', no bags, no kitchen, no lulu lounge, no chairs, no 'Bug hunting...just the woods, just as it was before we got here in July.

[caption id="attachment_1131" align="aligncenter" width="300"] That's just weird[/caption]

We said our good-byes to SoulRaven & Bob. Miss Cherry had also jumped ship and had left a couple of days ago...and yes, we got to say good-bye to her. After dumping trash and refreshing our water we figured we would go meet up with J & J at the lake, it was still pretty early in the day and it was soooo beautiful...Let's go!!!

[caption id="attachment_1132" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Aye thar' maties![/caption]

We had a great rest of our day, totally relaxing, stress-free and with great friends. How much better can you get? Even though it's a nice temperature outside (nice enough to wear your 'kini) the water is still pretty chilly so we just chilled outside in the sand and in Wendy. Wendy is the ultimate beach van, almost like it's made to be on the sand! We played with the dogs...Rain is such a goof with her sticks and this time I think she was playing with an entire tree!

[caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Silly girl[/caption]

As the day went on, much fun was had; a million and one conversations, suntanning, sunburning, juggling, laundry, fetching, pictures, goofing, laughing, watching horses, watching the boats, Sweetarts, hunting dogs...lots of memories being made.

[caption id="attachment_1134" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Double Trouble[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Me & my girlfriend![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hunting Weirdos[/caption]

 Jenn & I had been talking about showers during the day. I said if she went in, I'd go in...or we could go together (into the lake)...she wasn't going for it, a little too chilly! She said that Trish told her there were quarter showers around here somewhere and she had tried to find them a week ago but never found them. Of course, we had to go on an adventure to try to find them again! Even though the sun was just beginning to set we started on our million mile hike! haha Okay it wasn't that long but it might as well have been. We walked in the sand, in the silky mud, up rock walls, down rock walls, through campsites...by the end of this we could be tour guides to the entire Shaver Lake area! As we were walking through the silky mud field Jenn spotted 7 Deer, they were just chillin', so calm and beautiful. I love moments like that.

[caption id="attachment_1137" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Lucky 7[/caption]

As we walked and laughed ourselves silly we saw numerous wood carvings of mostly Bears and Eagles, a big fish cleaning station, truckers that don't wave (how rude), campers sitting by the campfire, and asphalt that seemed like it was never going to end!

[caption id="attachment_1138" align="aligncenter" width="225"] "We're at your bears, come pick us up!"[/caption]

 We finally arrived at the Ranger Station or front entrance to the campsite we had been walking in...er, staying in, haha. We told the guard that we had heard a rumor that there were quarter showers around here somewhere! After a little schmoozing...okay, lying about being campers there, he took a map out and showed us where to find them.

[caption id="attachment_1139" align="aligncenter" width="300"] NOT my blood! Gross![/caption]

Where do you think they were? At the fish cleaning station that we saw as soon as we hit asphalt from sand! Figures, right!? We got a hell of a lot of exercise though. We turned back to walk in the exact direction that we just came from, also a good thing we didn't have to walk farther due to the sun really starting to sink behind the trees. We finally found the hidden showers....after a little bit of investigation. I really think they try to hide them from you.

[caption id="attachment_1140" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Horror Movie or Real Life?[/caption]

Wow, what an amazing feeling; hot, well semi-hot for me, showers with running water so you can wash ALL of the soap out of your hair. It was quite glorious!

As we walked back to the boys on the beach, the sun had definitely set and the dazzling Full Harvest Moon was shining with all of her beauty and was starting to dance on the water of Shaver Lake.

[caption id="attachment_1141" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Love this time of the month![/caption]

What a perfect ending to a perfect day. We are fully packed, stocked and out of Tai Shan. We spent the last day here at the lake with our awesome friends. We are getting to witness the Full Harvest Moon together on this amazing lake in the California mountains. Everything is right, right now. I feel like things are just starting for us and how crazy that tomorrow is just a few hours away and we really don't know what's going to be waiting for us when we get up in the morning. If we wanted a life of adventure I think I have to tell myself that we have found it!

Sleep tight ya'll

 PEACE

Going to try to put a video on here...not sure if it will work. I hope it does...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xu1jdk_94-packing-and-leaving-tai-shan_travel

 

 

Sorting out our somber day

Today feels a bit somber. We have made the big decision and have decided to take our travels to the next level and move on. We think right now we may just pack up our campsite and move around Shaver Lake or go down to Fresno, take care of some stuff and then leave...we're not sure but we know we are leaving this spot within the next day or two. So that leaves us with a lot to do all of a sudden! We have been in this spot for about 3 1/2 months, we are very spread out...this has become our home! We have a "kitchen", tons of stuff we have accumulated although I don't know how, clothes over here, shower stuff over there, more stuff every where! Oy vey! We are taking everything just as it comes to us, there's no rush, we will do this the right way for us.

[caption id="attachment_1115" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lots to do[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1116" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Where to start[/caption]

 Well, first things first for me... I HAD to vacuum. I tried to vacuum last week but J' wanted me to wait. I think he was crazy or something because that's something that just gets my panties all up in a bunch is having dirt on your feet when you get in the van...umm gross. I was finally able to vacuum and "mop" the floors and it felt soooo good! Now I could focus on the inside of the van. I would stock the pantry with the canned food that's been sitting in boxes/milk crates outside this whole time...that is a daunting task, it's like Jenga in a way!

[caption id="attachment_1117" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Silly Stocker[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1118" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Success![/caption]

As I was stocking the pantry (that took forever to do), J' took over the back of Joon Van. He was making space for the heater, propane, tools, Claramae and a million other things. He did a really great job too!

[caption id="attachment_1119" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Before[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1120" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Waaaaay after[/caption]

 Even though it turned into a long (somber) day it was a really great day. We were able to get so much done, it was actually very cleansing. Mother Earth even gave us one more last beautiful sunset at this spot along with a glimpse into what her full moon will be like tomorrow!!!

[caption id="attachment_1121" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Thank you[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1122" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Almost there![/caption]

So...what will tomorrow hold? We have no plans and not knowing is half the fun! Wish us well on the next leg of our journey. I'm sure it will be just as much of a surprise to us as it will be to you! haha

[caption id="attachment_1123" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Good-night[/caption]

PEACE

 

The Winds of Change are Upon Us

The days are getting "shorter". It gets dark earlier every night. The weather is getting cooler each day. It's definitely changing around us. We welcome the change but we also feel a different energy in the air that is strong to us, for us to also make a change. We took a morning walk, hand in hand with coffee in the other and we talked about the change in energy.

[caption id="attachment_1097" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Huntin' Bug[/caption]

 On our walk we decided it was time for us to move on, we have some business to take care of and it's just time. We walked over to all the camps and told everyone that we would probably be gone by Tuesday or Wednesday. It was sad to say our first good-byes but we are friends and friends always meet again some time some place. So it will be good-bye for now...not forever. Jenn totally surprised me with a box of Sweetarts as well....isn't she just a Sweetheart❣It wasn't even on their list! haha

[caption id="attachment_1100" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Best sweetarts I had all day![/caption]

We hung out for a bit had some lunch in the van and even woke up poor Savannah from her Beauty Nap while eating some potato chips!

[caption id="attachment_1101" align="aligncenter" width="300"] You rang?[/caption]

We were talking about still moving over to the "new spot"...maybe...?? So we got ready and walked it again to see if the van could make it. It really is open and pretty over there with much different views but still great.

After spending a good amount of time here we thought we would explore more of the trails around us while we were still here...and it was light out. We took off into the forest, just checking everything out that we came across. It was a little 'stressful' to me just because you never know what you are going to run into in the woods (of course we're prepared but it's still a 'foreign' place).

[caption id="attachment_1103" align="aligncenter" width="225"] We're in deep[/caption]

 We walked about 3-4 different trails. We walked the trail behind our camp, where the dead-end is. We came up on the most beautiful rocks and trees, it was awesome to have this right here in front of us... and to think this was here the entire time. It wasn't the easiest walk ever but definitely not the hardest.

I like that we can walk in four different directions and see such an array of things. I also always love being able to walk in the direction of Joon Van. She is definitely home and there is always a safe feeling when you see her again.

[caption id="attachment_1106" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Home sweet Home[/caption]

PEACE

Preparation can be fun!

Lately there has been a certain difference in the air. J' has been working just as hard but less. It's been nice to have him out of the van and experience more with him and he also gets to see the beauty of everything around us...really take it in!

[caption id="attachment_1082" align="aligncenter" width="300"] So clear today[/caption]

In between gazing at our beautiful view, spending time with my lover and a couple of walks I was able to catch up on my nails. I was really excited to get the gun metal grey off and my new (dollar store) red on my ticklers (hands). I had quite the mess when I dove into my mani bag...the black and gun metal had melted all over the other bottles. I cleaned it up with nail polish remover, threw those two away and luckily the new red was in my other bag! I ❤ LOVE ❤ this color!!

[caption id="attachment_1084" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Smooth & Silky[/caption]

I took one of my dresses and made it into a shirt instead because the length hit me in a weird spot and I figured I'd probably wear it more if it were a comfy shirt... that took a while!

[caption id="attachment_1086" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Domestication at it's best![/caption]

Closer to the end of the day, J' and I took a walk to stretch our legs and enjoy the late afternoon together. We walked and found a few spots that would be ideal for us with the sun moving behind the trees just a little more each day. We walked and talked and scoped it out, maybe it would become our new spot. We figured it might be good for us to pack everything up and move, even if it's just a 1/4 mile away...good practice since we're so spread out right now. A lot to talk about and consider but after our walk today I feel a change comin' on!

[caption id="attachment_1087" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Wide Open spaces ♫[/caption]

 PEACE