Posts Tagged ‘rv’

Power Outage

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Woke up this morning to the near-frozen vinyl floors beneath my feet and the crisp air hitting my body like a wall of great force. I quickly jumped back under the covers, wondering why the hell it was so cold. The joys of RV-ing have truly commenced.

Apparently, at some point last night the auxiliary battery died- causing the heat to shut off. Even after reading the owner’s manual, the cause of my glacial awakening goes unknown.

It is now nearly 1pm and I have refused to get up from bed for anything but to brush my teeth and grab a bowl of cereal. Oh, and to turn the heat back on. The radio is on Jill Fm, the “diva on the dial” playing everything from Backstreet Boys to the Moody Blues. Can’t figure out exactly what this “diva” is thinking with such a compilation.

Maybe this afternoon I’ll let the awning out, I can throw down a blanket outside, and grill some habanero and chicken bratwurst while taking in some sun. The campground we’re stay at- the O’Neill Regional Park- has horse trails, bike paths and hiking trails along the river and make for great ambiance.

I’ll also be nursing my bruised rib back to health…youch!

Until next time,

Mia

RV-ing The Trabuco Canyon

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

The relentless traffic only further encouraged my anticipation. After heading south on the 405 to the 133 to the 241 and then through the narrow Trabuco Canyon, we found the perfect spot for the RV. The O’Neill Regional Park in the Santa Margarita Mountains boasted huge oak trees and grasslands that span more than 3,000 acres.

Our camp spot was partly shaded and looked over the Arroyo Trabuco (better known as Trabuco River). I couldn’t wait to eat. Note to self: Skipping breakfast before a road trip is not the best idea.

After recuperating from the bratwurst-induced food coma, we took the bikes out for a trail ride on the rocky shores of the Trabuco River. We trekked up a steep mountain filled with shoulder-high weeds and dry brush in search of a view of the entire canyon only to find ourselves at the edge of a highway.

Apparently we hadn’t travelled far enough east to avoid urban disturbances.

More tomorrow.

Why Road Trips Are a Great Segue

Monday, December 28th, 2009

RV_Road_TripThe New Year is quickly approaching and I can’t help but post about how I’m starting this year anew, how there are so many things I wish I had a chance to do in 2009 and that there are so many things I hope to achieve in 2010. And as much as I’m sure you’d love to read another cliche new year’s post about making the most of this lovely transition from one year to the next, I’d like to steer clear of all things cliche and give you my own two cents.

For the past 3 years I have spent the holiday season (usually December 27th- January 3rd) on some sort of road trip or travel and have found it to be a great time to get away from all things comfortable and see things from a different perspective upon my return.

Road trips before the new year give you time to reflect on all that has happened in the last year and mentally prepare to return home with a new perspective. This year’s holiday road trip was spent in the U.S. for once, visiting Yuma, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona. The vast deserts and multicolored sunsets have provided me with the respite that I had been needing in order to sum up the events of 2009.

It’s also nice to get out of your element. We are, by nature, creatures of habit and by stepping away from all that is normal in our lives, we are allowed to see more clearly the things we seek to change or improve in our lives.

Now, I may be biased- seeing as there is obviously a direct connection with travel and my career- but I truly believe that  returning to your home creates a nice segue into the new year.