Truck Toys

Some folks decorate their trucks with stickers and mudflaps and decals and stripes. There are taillight covers in the shapes of Dodge Rams or Chevy bowties. These toys customize your vehicle so you can always find it Today I saw the ultimate truck toy--Eyelashes! And these were not simple eyelashes they were huge long 5 inch eyelashes. In addition they sported diamonds for eyeliner. I've never seen this Truck toy before!

Before the Storm

A storm is just off the coast. We are hoping it will bring some much needed rain. However, right now, the temperature is 70 and while the skies are gray, it does not feel wintery. I wonder what that means?

Traffic Jam

It was a busy morning at the boat launch There was a big party barge, a small party barge, and two small boats all trying to go in the water at the same time. The parking lot was filled with trucks and their empty boat trailers. I don't know why. The holiday weekend was over on Monday. Of course the weather has been spectacular. I have a hard time imagining getting up early to go fishing while some folks have a hard time imagining getting up early to go for a walk.

The "North" Pole

Everything in the Park looks like it belongs. The cabins are log. The yurts are canvass. The signs are rustic. The buildings are painted in earth-tones. Nothing seems to "stick out" or says "I don't belong here." But for one thing. There is a bright blue pole. I call it the "North Pole" for lack of a better name. It is in the middle of the Park and I have no idea why it's there. From one side it looks like any other 4 foot pole made from culvert-type material. From another angle the pole reveals a secret. It has a hatch with a lock. When I walk by the pole I always wonder what is under the hatch. Why is it protected with a lock? Do you have any ideas!?

Pretty Morning

Rowing and Reflections

There are at least two things I look forward to seeing when I walk in the morning: reflections and rowers.

Reflections only happen when the water is dead-still. The sky does not have to be clear, but the reflections are better when the sky is bright blue. Reflections are magical and fleeting. They can be erased with just the slightest puff of a breeze. Yesterday was one of those days when all the conditions were perfect.

Then, there are the racing sculls plied by the UCSB rowing team. Every morning they practice on the cold water. The cry of the coxswain calling the beat--the synchronized splash of the oars--two very distinctive sounds. I rarely see the rowing team, as they are leaving by the time I start my walk, but they were running late. I have no idea when they "hit" the Lake, but it's before 6 AM.

Just two of the many treats that await me as I walk in the Park. There are many more too.

Meet Harvey

I've written about Harvey before. He's an old friend of mine at the Park. In case you don't remember, Harvey is a goose with a broken wing. He cannot fly but that does not stop him from wandering around the Park. He's a very good walker and of course he swims. I don't know how long he has been at the Park, but I've seen him for the last 10 years! Geese can live a long time.

I've been told, he was "married" when he first arrived...but some idiot shot his mate and he's been alone ever since. Geese mate for life, and he's being true to his lady. It also might be hard to find a partner if you cannot fly. He has a bit of an attitude, but I think he has earned it.

You can see Harvey most days walking in the marina followed by a flock of ducks. Every year he adopts the ducklings and shows them the ways of the "wild" Park. Many of the ducklings never leave the Park, so Harvey has a retinue of friends.

I like this old goose. He's a real survivor.

Frost on the "Pumpkin"

Yesterday morning it was so windy I only walked 1.3 miles. What a difference a day makes! This morning it was calm and clear and cold. The puddles were frozen. Tops of RVs were covered with ice. Leaves had sparkles on them from the ice. And I walked 2.86 miles -- much nicer weather for walking.

Ain't She Sweet?

Yesterday we saw this little beauty. I think she's a Model A Ford--I have no Idea how old she is, but I do know she's a sweet little thing. She was parked next to "new" cars and I was amazed at her diminutive size. I also liked the details like the yellow spokes, the black "belt," running boards and a rumble seat! The Ford logo has not changed as the one on my one-ton pickup looks the same.

I wonder if car-makers could make a modern day version of this little beauty? I think it would sell! It's definitely cuter than the Yaris we rent a few weeks ago!

P.S. My friend Earl says Model A Fords were made between 1928 and 1931. That car is between 82-85 years old. She's in excellent shape for an octogenarian.

Orange Trees too

Not all the trees are oaks. For some strange reason there are a few orange trees in the park ( it is Southern California afterall). The trees are not cared for, and the fruit is bitter. Nevertheless the fruit persists.

Trees

Take a walk among the trees.

Sign of the Times--Mark 2

I love finding unusual signs. The sign below is located by a handicapped parking place. It says if you do not have the appropriate permission to park in the spot, your car will be towed away. All of that makes sense. Then it tells you where to find your car after it has been towed away. It also is generous enough to give you a telephone number to call. Do you see the problem?

Clean Air

Tonight we saw The Lorax..a Dr. Seuss animated movie with a message. The message is a good one...save the trees. The movie however is only so-so. I don't recommend it.

On the other hand, we must be doing something right as the trees in the Park are covered with Spanish Moss or Old Man's Beard. That's a good thing. The moss only grows where the air is clean. Below is one of our mossy trees. They look like they have been decorated with a shaggy garland.

Sign of the Times

Here's a scary sign. That's the price of gasoline in the Park. On the outside its not so expensive.

At The Lake

We have made our annual migration to southern California. It's warmer and sunnier here than in the north (or in WY).

This year the park has a new "snowbird" rate. Our RV had to "pass" a physical inspection then we were allowed to fill out some paperwork (vehicle registration and driver's licenses were required) in order to become official snowbirds. I'm proud to say we qualified, so we will be staying at least 30 days. (That's the minimum length of stay required for snowbird rates.)

The park looks much as it did last year. I inspect it every morning as I walk the miles of trails and paths located within the park. I love walking the park about 7:30 AM. Not too many people are out and about. The air is crisp and clean. The trees seem greener. The birds are easy to see...but most of all, the lake is beautiful in the morning sunlight.

Woody sez---

Happy New Year! 2013!