Saturday 17 November 2012

Remembering A Journey Down The West Coast.


As I continue to regain and reinforce my positive focus, I thought you might like to read one of my very early posts.  This post from November 24, 2007, brings back some profound inspiration.  Makes me understand, no matter what barriers come my way, I can climb over them and realise how much I have to be grateful for.

                                              From Lions Gate To Golden Gate






The year was 1972, two weeks before Christmas. This would be my second trip to California in the space of six months. I just knew this would be another great adventure in my life.

In the early summer of '72 I had travelled from Vancouver to San Francisco on a Greyhound bus. Upon my arrival in that great northern California city, this wide-eyed eighteen year old prepared himself for a wonderful, multi-cultural experience. Here I was, in San Francisco! Wow!  It looked just like it did on television. Cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, the winding roads, the very steep hills, and of course, Alcatraz.

I spent a few days in that great city, absorbing all the sights and sounds of the bustling community. Being of an exploring nature, I found myself back at the Greyhound bus depot. I purchased a ticket for Lake Tahoe, which is located on the California, Nevada border. It was there that I met a a very friendly California family. We got along so well, that I arranged to stay with them for Christmas. They lived in a small town near San Francisco named San Pablo. Ah yes, it would be Christmas in California. This brings me neatly back around to my opening paragraph.

So now it is nearly Christmas in the year 1972. My long journey south from Vancouver to San Francisco, a distance close to a thousand miles, was going to be an even greater adventure than my first trip. For this time, an even wider-eyed nineteen year old was going to drive there in his first car. Yes indeed, I headed off down Interstate 5 in my '64 Plymouth Valiant. Fingers crossed, my pride and joy would get me there safely. 

Well, somehow, I did make it. Driving through some of America's great towns and cities. I travelled through Seattle, home of Bill Gates, home of Boeing, home of Jimi Hendrix, home of that legendary band "Nirvana". I moved on through the beautiful city of Portland Oregon. Soon I would be in California. Soon I would see my friends in San Pablo.

Over the next two weeks, I would have some of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was an action-packed time. I social-networked with loads of people. I had a fantastic time, heck I even went snow-skiing for the first time ever. Skiing was a rather strange concept. I mean it was like suddenly strapping on a pair of size 107 shoes on your feet. It took some getting use to. I recall being covered in snow, lying on the ground and staring up at the sky. I look back on that very special, very different Christmas with warm, fond memories. Yet one memory of that California Christmas has left me with a profound sense of caring for those not as fortunate as myself.

On Christmas Day, that wonderful family that I was staying with had a Christmas tradition that I will never forget. That morning we drove off to the grandmother's house. She lived in a city named Oakland, which is located across the bay from San Francisco. Her home was in an Oakland ghetto.

Yet despite my anxious perceptions of a ghetto and the stigma attached to such places, all I felt was warmth and kindness. This was a proud lady, living in a place she chose to stay in. This was a lady, whose fair skin was part of the minority in the neighbourhood. Somehow, it didn't matter. 

I was introduced to her friends and neighbours. They were part of a community that knew all too well what being underprivileged meant. The adversity that they endured seemed to unite these folks in making their lives that little bit better. Seldom have I experienced such community spirit. I left that ghetto in Oakland, with inspired perceptions. Despite the trouble and strife that was so much a part of their world, they never gave up on being positive towards each other. That day, that special Christmas Day, I was honoured to be among such caring, genuine people.

So from the Lions Gate Bridge, in that great Canadian city of Vancouver, to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, I had travelled down the west coast of North America. Somehow, despite the frantic driving methods of the Californians, my 1964 Plymouth Valiant survived. As I reached the Canadian border and went through Customs, I knew my journey was almost over. It turned out to be a journey of self-discovery.  I have been truly blessed with some powerful memories.  What a positive focus.

50 comments:

  1. You saw some amazing sights. I live on the East Coast, and the West Coast is so different. So many beautiful places and a coastline as opposed to a beach. And sounds like you met some great people along the way.

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  2. Hi Alex,

    Indeed I did. Amazing sights and experiences that have defined my life. The East Coast and the West Coast, each a treasure in its own way. Thank you, Alex.

    Have a great weekend.

    Gary

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    1. How many countries have you visited? I've lived in three and visited a dozen.

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    2. Hi Alex,

      I had to think about that one. Let me see, I have lived in two countries, Canada and England. I have visited ten countries or eleven, if you include a one hour stopover in Iceland :)

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  3. What a beautiful experience. It is good to remember those times when you are feeling down. You have inspired me to do the same. Sometimes those with the least are the happiest. Peace.

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    1. Hi middle child,

      It was a beautiful experience and touched the heart of a teenager. During our times of torment and turmoil, I try to recall such moments and remember how much I truly have. May your kind spirit continue to embrace inspiration. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
      With admiration and respect, Gary.

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  4. I am so glad you posted that. That would be the same time I made a similar trip in my little hatch back.

    Only I wnet from Utah to Coeur d'Alene then over to Seattle, and on down the west coast ending in San Francisco.

    Memories....Wonderful Sweet Memories.

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    1. Hi Vickie,

      Oh wow and I'm delighted it brought back such magical and wonderful sweet memories. Makes me want to head over and do that drive again. Of course, remembering which side of the road to drive on :)

      Have a real cool weekend.

      In kindness, Gary

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  5. Just went back and read you previous post. I love knowing that I am not the only one who just spills their thoughts on paper.

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    1. Hi middle child,

      Thank you for the follow up comment. I think it's good therapy and you know that I shall continue to be of support and encouragement to you. Please take care of YOU.

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  6. I have yet to see these things. Anyway, I was like seven in 1972.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. Hi shelly,

      I reckon you have seen some sights in your time. And what's with the typo? Looking at your photo, I would reckon you were like seven in '1992'.

      Hugs to you and please can you make that British chocolate, thank you.

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Gary

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  7. This is the first time I read this post, my friend. I don't think you and I had known of each other's blogs back then. Of course, I didn't start blogging, myself, until the end of 2007.

    You describe your adventure with a sense of wonderment and you place a high value on what you experienced in California with that family. the determination to get to your destination and more- as you rightly should do. It sounds like you learned some valuable lessons about humanity, survival and caring for one another, Gary. Love the pics of the Golden Gate Bridge and the car. That's one hell of a trip you went on during your age, at the time. Very cool.

    I know you're going through some tough times, my friend and I hope everything gets better for you, sometime soon. I keep in mind what you're going through and keep wishing you well,
    Gary. Take care,

    Kelly

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    1. Hi Kelly,

      Thank you for reading this reposted article. No, we didn't know each other back then and with the negative distractions hanging around me, I thought a posting such as this might bring back a renewal of my gratitude for what I have.

      It sure was an amazing and profoundly wondrous time in my life. The lessons from those early days have been ingrained in my mind and upon reflection, it seems like only yesterday. I was very proud of doing such a trip on my own at such a young age.

      Your kind words of empathy are always cherished. I thank you for that and I visualise a better time for you, for me, for all of us. Thank you, my good buddy.

      Gary

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  8. What a great trip that was! Some people are so inspiring just by being who they are and rejoicing in what they have - rather than what they don't have. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Hi Jemi,

      It was a great trip in so many ways. You, my dear friend, have eloquently summed up what I noted on that journey. Have a wonderful weekend, Jemi.

      Gary

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  9. Wow, you sure were an adventurous traveler at a young age, weren't you? And it sounds like you learned a lot more during those travels than mere geography.

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    1. Hi Susan,

      I had many an adventure at an early age. I had a wandering spirit that has been dormant for a few years. Time to try and get back out there for another adventure. I learnt life isn't just about where you live, but what's written in your heart. Thank you, Susan.

      In peace and kind wishes, Gary

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  10. A Valiant! The first car I drove! haha!
    In my experience the poor have such care and dignity with each other in a community but the rich- well, do not. There's a strength required when you're poor, a character development, that you don't need when you're monied.
    Wonderful story, Gary.
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hi Laura,

      Oh yes, welcome to the Valiant club. Yep, a push button automatic! :)

      So true what you say. What I was blessed to be a part of on that Christmas Day in Oakland, revealed humanity and a community spirit and its most genuine and caring. That moment was one of the most positive defining moments in my life.

      Thank you, Laura.

      A peaceful weekend to you.

      Gary
      x

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  11. What a wonderful, inspiring trip you had. My daughter lives about 1 1/2 hours away from San Francisco. She was traveling with her boyfriend on the west ooast and their car broke down in Santa Cruz, CA and that is where they have stayed for the past 20 years. It is very different from the east coast and the people are so friendly and neighborly, just like you found out.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      Thank you and it's hard to believe that was almost forty years ago. Your daughter and her boyfriend. If one has to have a car break down, one heck of a nice place to have it break down. I find most folks are friendly and neighbourly to me. Perhaps, thanks to that West Coast experience, people realise my hopefully pleasant demeanour. Thank you, Arleen.

      In peace and good wishes, your way, Gary

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  12. What a wonderful experience. I love San Francisco, I visited in 2010 and in the early 90's. The feeling of driving over the bridge and seeing the bay - awesome. The family you met sound great too, it is these experiences that stay with us for a lifetime.

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    1. Hi Suzanne Furness,

      Me also. San Francisco is one of my favourite cities and if I lived in America, it would be right up there with being my first choice. That family that I met in Lake Tahoe made me so very welcome in their San Pablo home. Thank you, Suzanne.

      Enjoy the weekend.

      Gary

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  13. Hi Gary .. what a great adventure - and an amazing family inviting you in and opening their hearts and door to you - no wonder you treasure those memories.

    Ah the youth of having one's first car and setting out .. I did that once I got to South Africa in 1978 ... older than you and not my first car - yet just set out in my orange beetle ... and went everywhere much to everyone's horror. No I didn't drive up into Rhodesia/Zimbabwe as it was ... I wrote a long letter home about that journey .. hand written in those days ..

    Lovely to read this 'old post' .. it will never be an old one - lovely memories ... lots of thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      Ah yes, a fresh-faced teenage lad had one heck of an awesome time with that family. A memory to savour.

      I'm sure, despite everyone's horror, you were thrilled and perhaps a little nervous while driving around in South Africa in your orange beetle. I do so hope you meant a Volkswagen :)

      Thanks for reading this archived posting that yes, is just as poignant now as it ever was. Take good care, Hilary.

      In kindness, Gary

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  14. Experiences like yours help to remove the hand drawn lines on the globe.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Ah yes, we are all citizens of the earth. All different and all equal. Thank you, Delores.

      May your weekend be peaceful and positive.

      Gary

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  15. I bet that was an awesome trip. I've always thought traveling Route 66 would have been a blast too. Life goes by so darn fast, eh, Gary? In 1972 I was driving a silver 69 AMX with a black racing stripe from the back over the top and down the hood. There was no backseat! Haha. Thought that'd make you smile!

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      It was awesome, a bit scary at times, especially in California where a number of drivers seemed intent on frightening the heck out of me. I could see you driving on Route 66 with Bob Dylan serenading you. "Would you get hip to this kindly tip
      And go take that California trip. Get your kicks on Route 66."

      Fast indeed, eh. And here we are, forty years later and still dreaming of the next adventure down the highway of hope.

      Oh, look at you. I only had a 1968 AMC Javelin, which a buddy of mine was using and used the side of a cliff near Britannia Beach, as a brake. Luckily, he was okay. My poor Javelin was written off and ICBC gave me the full value of the car. Your 69 AMX sounds like a really neat car. No backseat, eh. More room for um...ignore me, eh!

      Thank you, Joylene.

      Have a peaceful weekend in BC.

      Gary

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  16. Hi Gary:
    I love your story. It is so captivating to keep the memories that fill us the true beauty of life. Wonderful. I have also driven down coast from Vancouver to San Francisco to Los Angeles. My friend and I had such a fun time, meeting up with strangers who soon became friends, and enjoying the open road with tunes playing and not a worry in the world. Thanks for sharing your story!!!!
    Writing you from a once stormy Victoria to a now quiet and cloudy city on the West Coast,
    Many blessings to you,
    Suzanne

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    1. Hi Suzanne Bean,

      Thank you and I'm glad you loved this story. I had a hunch that you would relate to this.

      What's really good here is that it brought back your own magical times with your friend and those strangers who became friends. Open road, music for the mood and the sense of freedom.

      Wishing you a calm weather weekend in Victoria. Victoria, a shining jewel on magical Vancouver Island :)

      Thank you for sharing your story, Suzanne.

      In peace and blessings, your way, Gary

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  17. I am so glad you had that experience. Those were truly the good days for my country. The old adage of 'you can never go home again' is true. I would not want you looking to re-experience those days now. Which, coincidentally, I dealt with on my blog tonight.

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    1. Hi lotta joy,

      They were good days and your country still has many a decent folk who realises the ideals of sharing and caring.

      I experience the now. The experience of the past has helped shape me and the now will shape how I live in the future. As you will know, I have read your blog and as per usual, points to ponder. As for me, I'm keeping my moustache and have folks mistake me as some dude from one of those 1970's porno flicks! Yes, I'm kidding...

      Have a peaceful weekend.

      Gary

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  18. Hi Gary.
    I find it interesting that so many on here began blogging around 2007. Moving on... I remember reading this and it's always been a treasure; thanks for re-posting it. I never tire of your sharing the barriers we cross to express and receive love.

    Take care. :)

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    1. Hi Dixie,

      Yes, I'm sure you are correct. I know that my blog started out as part of a blogging 'library' back in early 2007.

      Thank you for thinking this posting was a treasure. It was a journey of love and the removal of perceptions that distorted the real truth.

      Going through such a tough patch right now and reposting such articles helps me get the momentum back. Thank you, Dixie. And remember, you are a treasure :)

      Gary

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  19. wow five years of blogging. That is a long time. I thought the story was going to end with you getting arrested at customs at the border for bringing something illegal back, like some fruit.

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    1. Mr Powered Toast Dude,

      Yep, five and a bit years of blogging. Time to get some sleep. Not exactly arrested, but I do remember the time I was headed over into the US of A from Blaine, Washington and the American customs guys thought it would be good fun to rip out the inside of my car. Gosh, y'all...

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  20. Hi Gary,
    What an inspiring journey you had. I'd love to go to the States myself and get to visit such places and meet such interesting and inspiring folk. Unfortunately, I seem rarely to get beyond Burslem! Anyway, I hope things are OK, and I'm sure that looking back on such events in your colourful life helps in getting back your positive focus.
    Very Best Wishes,
    David.

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    1. Hi David,

      It was a most inspiring journey. I think the Americans deserve you. Go teach them how to spell in proper English. Seriously, beyond Burslem, there is a world of awe, gosh n' wonder.

      Things aren't going very well. Having such a tough time getting a medical report from a doctor. I have contacted my clinic four times and now, just as time is running out, I might be able to see my own doctor. Have to phone on Friday for a possible next Tuesday appointment. The unfair stress you, myself and many others have been subjected to.

      Anyway, while I'm struggling to focus, this positive focus archived posting instils some hope for a better future. You take care and talk to you soon.

      Gary

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  21. wow, to remember so well what you did years back...what a memory! i've visited san francisco several times and it is beautiful there!

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    1. Hi Tammy,

      It was like it was yesterday. I would love to go to San Francisco again. "Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...." :)

      Thank you, Tammy.

      In kindness, Gary

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  22. That was a fine remembrance and a worthy agenda. You were a long distance from home and people are warm and cheerful no matter where you are. It's always a pleasure to make new friends ....... just as it was when we became friends.

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    1. Hi Manzanita,

      Oh how true. Mostly, as I know you know, we forward out friendly vibes and those vibes are returned in kind. How delightful to see you, my friend :)

      Gary

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  23. The ability to go back in time to pick out times of happiness is special and important. There is always good times to fall back on.

    Ray

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    1. Hi Ray,

      Absolutely, good sir. During times of doubt and loss of confidence, reflecting back on the lessons I learnt, invigorate me for a better future. Thank you, Ray.

      Good times, your way, Gary

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  24. Well colour me stupid! I had no idea that San Francisco is in California. I don't know where I thought it was, just somewhere on the east coast. I used to watch a TV series called The Streets of San Francisco, it was a cop show with Karl Malden and Michael Douglas and even then I never bothered to find out exactly where San Fran. was.

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    1. Hi River,

      Oh yes, San Francisco is on the west coast in the State of California. I am very familiar with that show. Another show filmed in San Francisco was "Ironside" starring that fine Canadian actor, Raymond Burr. Yes, the same dude who was "Perry Mason". Anyway, when I was driving around the city, I saw the building that Ironside was filmed in. Yay! :)

      Thank you, River.

      Gary

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  25. That's a wonderful story!

    Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)

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    1. Hi The Golden Eagle,

      Thank you and it was my pleasure to share such an experience. All the best and happy writing, my young friend :)

      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.