That was Dusty Springfield in the early 60’s. Does anyone else remember?
For me today it’s just Needles. Needles, California. It sounds like…..an uncomfortable place, doesn’t it? Would you want to live in a place called Needles? It might be good if you owned a fabric store….
But let me start at the beginning.
We leave earlier than usual because we have farther than usual to drive today. First I tackle the Tehachapi Mountains. They make me happy because of all the windmills there. I love that so much wind energy is captured there…such a wonderful energy source. And I just like the word. Tehachapi. 🙂
Then as I’m driving I realize that it was one year ago today that I purchased Wandering Spirit from Doug and Peggy and drove back home with her across those same mountains! There was a big difference though. It was cold…about 40 degrees that morning…and rainy and very windy!
Today was none of those. My only problem was that since I left at 7:30 and was heading southeast the sun was in my eyes.
Coming out of the mountains the Mojave desert lies before me. It looks nothing like the stereotypical desert; covered with small scrubby plants of greens and gold, and surrounded with mountains….layers of mountains of such varying sizes and shapes and subtle colors that it takes my breath away. It’s beautiful!
The sky is blue and the temperature is in the high 80’s, a far cry from my baptism-by-fire drive near here a year ago. After about 200 miles the dogs begin to get anxious and antsy, and so do I. We have had enough riding and driving for today but we Need to get to Needles.
Finally we arrive and it’s in the mid 90’s. I plug in the electric, make sure we are level and hurry us into the comfort of WS’s air conditioning. Oh the comforts of home! We nap and relax until nearly 6pm, when we finally stick our noses outside and find the early evening more bearable. We take a walk and play in the dog run before we come back home for some dinner.
Now we sit under the stars. The air is balmy and there is a soft breeze. I can’t say it’s quiet here because Hwy 40 isn’t far off and there are many trucks passing by. Beyond that are the railroad tracks but at that distance I enjoy hearing one train after another. Route 66 is right in front of me but traffic there is rare.
The funny thing though…and this really does make me laugh….I’m parked right across from some permanent residents here…a nice older couple who in the spirit of the season have already put up their Halloween decor…..and get ready, because here it is….
Happy Halloween everyone! Yikes! 🙂
Wandering Spirit 
Happy Anniversary on the start of your new life with Wondering Spirit…you lead a life many can only dream of.
Thanks Diana! It’s really strange that I was crossing those same mountains in the other direction a year later.
Yes I am so thankful that I am able to do this. It’s huge in my life to actually be living this dream of mine. Really huge.
YIKES is right. My “Halloween” decorations consist of ONE solar pumpkin sidewalk light and a pink t-shirt that says “You can’t scare me, I have grandkids!”. Displays like that are one reason we avoid RV parks.
:-). I totally understand Halloween decorations at home in the neighborhood, but gosh, in an RV park? And they were flashing too! :-)))
Wow I bet U reckon that happen quick – if u can eliminate the getting ready part – well I spent the day fiddling with a blog of my own – what a frustrating achievement (I hope) that has been so if u would like to have a peek it is lesalp.blogspot.com.au I would appreciate your feedback – even though I am travelling from, My LOUNGE ROOM LOL Cheers for now. ……
Hi Leslie, I want to check out your blog but in not finding it with the above address. Could you check and see if it’s correct? Hey there can be lots to say, no matter about the lounge room! 🙂
I was able to copy the url, paste it into my browser and get it to open – just be sure you get the .au at the end. That’s actually important.
Leslie, it will be fun checking on a different point of view.
Ahh, I Am glad u could see it – I fiddled with it heaps trying to make it make sense. My daughter was giving me encouragement now she wants me to drive around taking pic’s. We will see – MAY NEVER leave MLR (MY LOUNGE ROOM) LOL cheers. …
Then again, maybe you will leave your MLR! You may get inspired! 🙂
Ok I’m going to try again…
I love your description of the Mojave desert. I’ve always wondered what it was like! (And now I have to go to google earth to see where theTehachapi Mountains and Needles are!) I feel like I’m on this journey with you~
I took pictures but they just do it no justice. The beauty I saw make me long to know how to paint.
You are on this journey with me Deb, and for that I am grateful!
I like the name! Not needles, ouch!!
The city is named after some nearby mountain range. They are very pokey, picky looking mountains!
Yowza, those neighbors went crazy with the decorations (dern old people..lol) I’m enjoying riding along with you via your blog.
Hi BuckeyePatti, to have you along for the ride! Yes the Halloween decor gave me a chuckle, and a few sighs as the flashing light reflected through my blinds….but to their credit they didn’t leave them on all night. 🙂
So…are you from Ohio?
I’m a hop, skip and a jump near Columbus 🙂 Go Buckeyes!!
Wow Patti, you get around girl! Enjoy!
How exciting to be celebrating your one-year anniversary with Wandering Spirit! I’m still in the prep/waiting stage – hopefully next year I can start the real search for a second home.
The time will go fast Cari!
Yes it’s the one year anniversary of buying her but I didn’t really start traveling until this August. Us till then it was all planning and dreaming. Never too soon to start that part! 🙂