Imaginary Mike: San Diego

 

San Diego. Night time temperatures have driven me south once again. In the time of the Plague, this lovely area is not so open to exploration. Museums are closed. Even beaches are subject to closures due to Covid. The zoo remains open, and is attractive to me in part due to memories of visiting in the company of my grandparents. That was long ago, and I was quite young, then. Still, memories remain, and the zoo is a must-see.

Even with restrictions, there are many communities in this region to visit. Temperatures are good as far east as Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Quartzsite remains just a bit cold, so a few weeks wandering the southernmost regions of California will be fine.

There is no hurry to reach the BLM lands of Arizona surrounding Quartzsite. That winter haven is fine for extended stays, since a van dweller can park for free for up to fourteen days in each location, and there are many such areas surrounding Quartzsite. 

That, however, is in the future. With plenty of books and craft supplies, those weeks will be quiet and relaxing. For now, exploring what remains open is the adventure. 

Imaginary Mike: Lompoc

 

    The journey continues. Lompoc is essentially central to the location I would frequent at this time of year on a real journey. Cambria would be the northernmost town, with Santa Barbara the southernmost. Vandenberg Air Force Base is a point of interest in the area. Who knows, a launch may occur during my visit. That would be something to observe.

    Buellton is another. Depending on levels of restriction determined by the plague, it might be possible to stop by for some split pea soup. Nearby Solvang is also interesting to me, but again the plague casts a shadow over tourist destinations. This is a time to play things very much by ear. 

    Not too far from Solvang, in the elevated lands above Santa Barbara, is Lake Cachuma. Not a bad looking place to spend some time, as long as the weather provides for decent night temperatures and daytime temperatures not too hot. Dropping down to Santa Barbara is an attractive option. Beaches and oceanside living is appealing. 

    With a visit to the Disneyland Resort definitely off the table this year, the next few weeks will probably involve a slow cruise along the coast as far south as San Diego. That area is running a bit warm, still, as is our ultimate goal of Quartzsite. Slow migration is just fine. Follow the weather. See what can be found.

    This is a time when food trucks and street food provide the best options for feasting. Food adventuring may be challenged by the plague, but the landscape is altered without being absolutely destroyed. While indoor visits to museums and similar venues is probably best postponed to another year, outdoor options can be explored with greater diligence.

    With the flexibility of not having to be anywhere in particular at any particular time, the life of a well healed hobo is quite appealing. Lompoc is not a terrible place around which to orbit.