June 12, 2013--Windmills, Lunch at the ocean, a trip to dog beach, and tacos from Taco Mesa

June 12, 2013--lost odometer readings.

         Got up, washed up, packed up, and got out of Indio. NOT my favorite place in the world. However, I did watch The Mummy Returns last night after getting back from Carroll and Herb's and after giving Guayo a big ol' bath!  I love the guy who plays the Nomad leader of the desert tribes with the tattoos on his face....grrrrr!!!  I might even put up with the desert if he was in my tent!  But other than that didn't sleep too well. Slept in the recliner next to the window which I opened a couple of inches so I could hear if anyone was messing with the truck or Teardrop.  Plus was next to the A/C unit, so every time it came on or went off the noise awakened me. Oh the joys of sleeping in a not-so-great motel. The recliner was good though...I wasn't as worried about bed bugs!!! None of this bothered Roy nor Guayo...they both slept like rocks. 
        Outside of Palm Springs is a pass that is filled with wind turbines and also solar arrays. What a great use of the winds that constantly flow through the pass, and of the desert sun.

      My contention...not a single building should be built in AZ from this day forward that does NOT include photo-voltaic panels to offset the cost and use of electricity. It's ridiculous that millions of homes are out there with absolutely no form of alternative energy, mine included. But these turbines are not ones that would be useful in ones back yard. They are HUGE.  We once saw a truck/trailer rig carrying one of the propellers and were absolutely astounded as to how big it was,but also sure it was one of the smaller ones. I love seeing them and wondering about them....what kind of data are they getting from them? Is there a little room at the base of the props at the top of the poles where there's equipment or can people go up there, or does everything go to some computer somewhere?  I'm just not sure, but I find them fascinating. And many people object to them as they say they are ugly. I don't think so!  I think they are majestic. 
          When we finally got across the desert and started into the hills of the inner coast areas, we could feel and smell the difference. Temps dropped from 109 to 71...paradise!  We took the highway cutoff directly to Hwy 1, Pacific Coast Highway, PCH so I could see the ocean as soon as possible.  Roy was hungry, so we stopped at the beach in Newport Beach,

unpacked some cheese, crackers, boiled egg, soda, and had a tailgate picnic. Two people stopped to check out the Teardrop...it's an on-going theme so far. We had to leave abruptly though as no bathroom was in the vicinity, so we headed to Huntington Beach and Jason's house. Pulled into the Piper residence with the whole gang in waiting. Zach, Mitch, Jenn, Ruth and Jason were all there to greet us. Could not believe how must Zach and Mitch had matured...not little boys any more. At least not chronologically or physically, but OMG, they are still crazy boys!  And Huntington Beach is just as gorgeous as ever....what I wouldn't give to live here where things grow, don't freeze,don't shrivel up from the heat...too beautiful to believe.  But alas, too expensive too!
          After we brought out things inside, we headed out toward Dog Beach as just had to get to the sand and surf.  We turned Guayo off his leash, and he began running and jumping and carrying on....I'm sure he remembered from two years ago. It was so great to see him enjoying it so much. 

 
         After a short jaunt on the beach, we went back to Jason's, and we all went out and picked up food at Taco Mesa. I had a calamari taco....have vowed to eat as much fish and seafood as possible on this trip!  Roy has Al Pastor taco, and we shared chips and guacamole.
 
The others had their favorites, as this healthy fast food place is one of those they frequent. It's very cool the great way they have it painted and decorated too. 
          So we have at least arrived at the ocean, I have properly anointed my toes in sand and sea water, have smelled the salt air and am being rejuvenated.  Tonight, a good rest, and tomorrow begins the photographing of the light houses. A new wrinkle in the travels...Roy has decided to document really outstanding bathrooms along the way...whether that be in a positive or negative way of being outstanding. SO we have changed the road trip to Loos and Lighthouses