I last left off on my visit to the East coast. Since then, I've continued my hike up the California coast, but it's been slow going. I spent several days hiking from Downtown San Diego to Camp Pendleton, covering around 50 miles. It was a pretty easy hike, usually along residential streets. The view of the homes while walking through the neighborhoods in La Jolla and Del Mar was amazing! I'm pretty sure that if I won the lottery, I'd find a home in one of those neighborhoods. My next leg of my trip will be a 20 mile hike across Camp Pendleton. Hoping to start that leg soon.
I've made a weeklong trip up to the San Francisco area since then, visiting some family members. I'm almost out of the limbo that was keeping me close to the San Diego area, and am looking at recommencing my travels. I was starting to get discouraged about having to couch-surf for the past several months, and started looking at purchasing a condo in the San Diego area. Not having a permanent place to call your own can be unsettling. My parents have been so kind in letting me stay with them while I'm in the Temecula area, and my daughter's friends let me stay at their home when I'm in San Diego. But I'm not one to hang around the house during the day, so I'm usually wandering around town with my belongings in the back seat of my truck. My days have been filled with workouts, Starbucks visits in downtown San Diego, and salsa dancing at night. Still loving the retired life!
Currently, I'm in Texas. My cousin Joe passed away unexpectedly last Monday, and I was honored to be able to carry him to his resting place. We were the same age, only 2 weeks apart. We grew up together, and he and I would hangout whenever I would visit Beeville, Tx. I can remember the many times during our childhood, teenage years, and adulthood that we spent together. Playing hide & seek as kids, shooting pool with my brothers and cousins as young teenagers during the summer, talking about girls, cars, and our futures as older teenagers. He was like my own brother, and I'll miss him.
Joe Carrizales was a well respected police officer in Beeville, Texas. He worked as a process server, and was well known in town. High school football is big in Texas, and Joe and his brother both played all four years. It seemed as though everyone in town knew Joe; everytime we'd go somewhere, he'd introduce me to another one of his friends and acquaintances.
His reputation was solid. Always seen with a smile, everyone knew him as a nice guy who was ready to help. His memorial and funeral services were standing room only. I don't think that I'd ever seen such a large gathering of police, sheriffs, active duty and retired military personnel in one place. Most of the officers and deputies were in uniform, and there were even several Texas Rangers in attendance. The procession to the cemetery was a mile long, with firetrucks, police and sheriffs vehicles, and the Patriot Honor Guard as part of the escort.
I stayed for a couple of days after Joe's funeral and spent it with his family. I pray for their peace during their healing process.
I'm back on the road now and spending a couple of days in Corpus Christi, enjoying the weather here and looking for some good BBQ. I'm planning on trekking through Texas for a little while; I've heard things about the Austin music and food scene, and I need to find a salsa dance club in San Antonio before I go through salsa withdrawals.
Will keep in touch.
