Something fun. Excursion number 4! We set out yesterday morning to a “Meet in the Middle” Volkswagen get together at Nojoqui Falls Park on the Central Coast.

Fantastic and WINDY day; Shoving the aerodynamically challenged box on wheels all over the road.
But the get-together that drew hundreds of VWs of all ilks and sizes was truly a joy. It was like meeting dozens of long lost family.

Michelle had just come to a highly agitated state when we arrived and a couple came up with their wonderful dogs and I told the woman Michelle would love a hug. She held her for at least five minutes until Michelle calmed down and then she and her husband, who run a VW fan group, stayed with us and provided an extra hand. I was moved.

Towards the end of the gathering, Michelle was so communicative, so aware. She responded “yes” when I said, “Wasn’t this fun?” Not common.

Mo, of course, made friends with everyone except the border collie in a bar in Ojai who lunged at the big boy and drenched his family in beer. Oops. They laughed it off, also kind, giving people.

Then off to Ojai, dog encounter and then Wheeler Gorge to bed down for the night. The Hostess asked if she could pick a site for me and I told her that Michelle would be loud for a bit so she might want us away from others if possible. She gave us 32 which is perched on a small rise above a lovely stream and there was No One in sight!

Then, in the middle of the night the rains came and we started home and were nearly broadsided by a rock the size of a beach ball. Winds, driving rain and… snow waiting for us at home.

Quite the adventure! Michelle was a dream. I think the sound or feel of the bus must really hit a deep chord of happiness.