It’s officially a trend. For the third time, I’m back at my friend Carolyn’s place in LA. Unlike last year, when it was cold and rainy, it’s warm and sunny this visit — at least, for now. After this weekend the weather is supposed to be cool and damp for the following week, at least according to the long-term forecast. But for now, I’m enjoying it. So is Lister. I think Carolyn’s backyard is one of his favorite places in all of our travels.
On the way here, I made a detour to Rich Solar’s office in Ontario (California, not Canada). I had no problem returning the 250-watt panel that I can’t use and got a full refund. All’s well that ends well, though I shouldn’t have had to bring it back myself or pay the value of the panel itself in shipping. But it’s done, and what I have now works.
Yesterday’s exciting adventure was new glasses, of all things. I’ve been seeing just fine, but my old frames were on their last legs. Over the past few days, poorly timed with the KLX300 press launch, one of the lenses started popping out. I was able to put it back in, and desperately hoped this wouldn’t happen while I was riding and lose the lens forever. It didn’t, so rather than push my luck further I took care of this immediately when I got to LA. Being LA, not only was I able to get right in for the exam I needed (it’s been four years since my last one), I was even able to get new glasses the same day. LensCrafters isn’t the least expensive way to go, but as a nationwide chain, I can, and have, gotten service and repairs anywhere I go. My eyes are in great shape, with perfect retinas, and my vision has actually improved a little bit with age. The best news was that even though I turn 50 next week, I still don’t need bifocals! I can still see the computer screen just fine, and I don’t mind taking off my glasses to read my phone.
While in civilization I also got a new pair of shoes. Hiking boots were on the list as well, since I worry about twisting and damaging my feet (again) on the uneven desert surface. But back in Quartzsite, Dalane, remembering that my shoe size is a perfect 10, spotted a pair of hiking boots, in my size, in good shape, just sitting by the dumpster. This is a common way for people to give away items they don’t want to throw away. She grabbed them for me, so I don’t need to buy any. There are a few other odds and ends I want to pick up while in civilization, and I will do a full grocery shopping run on my way out of the city.
I need to take advantage of the great weather for some motorcycle rides while I’m here. I haven’t yet because the new glasses were more important, but I did take the bike for all my errands. It’s much easier than driving the van and trailer, especially because the whole attitude about motorcycles is different here, specifically the legality of filtering through traffic. It’s not only allowed, it’s expected. It’s the best way to get around. Of course, once outside the city, the riding becomes absolutely phenomenal through the canyons.
First, though, some work. I have some editing to do, and I need to work on writing my Kawasaki KLX300 review. The photos from the press launch came through yesterday, making me and the bike look good, so all that’s left is for me to put words to them. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.
Smokey Da Van 