Skipper Sails: So we write

So we write about our journey, to share that when you jump into the cold water--things seem to grow out of it. While there have definitely been moments--like when I saw a flock of older folks coming out of the Fry's parking lot we were napping at in Yuma--the question floats through the mind -- who is our community now? Why is there no one like us, this parking lot is full of oversized RVs and the only thing for miles is sand and asphalt.

Have we fallen into the "retiree" category ? Are we just content with seeing, but not doing? We're now just on the Silk Road into the sunset, alls good and Rosie!

Well, not quite. Romantic and all, but while we can use our bodies, explore them, the dimensions, float, wander unknowingly miles into the ocean...and think once we've returned to shore, or maybe even, the next day-- we were way out there! But why not float way out there, when you have the means to return?

So we did and drove on up to Escondito California. Many thanks to Lynn, Laurie, and the awesome things they have have going for them in San Diego. Make sure to visit Art Produce on University ave if traveling through.

We are here now, on a beautiful permaculture ranch, the Sky Mountain Institute. A fellow by the name of Alden has been kind enough to clear out a space for our trailer for the time being. After erecting a cloud of dust and thrusting the trailer and vehicle in reverse up the dirt driveway, we settled into our comfy little abode and began decompressing from action of the city.

Alden is working on some extremely fascinating projects here, collecting rainwater through a few different techniques, settling ponds, roof catchment, and hoodoo structures. He's finding ways to use the water around his property that would of otherwise just wasted off down the streets or eroded other landscapes. Today we moved a few tons of clay from the bottom of pond (it's currently dry, no snorkels this time) to a nearby earth bag dome structure that he's been working on. Without going into to much detail, it's a modern, simplified way of building adobe or ram earthed style structures. The bag acts as a form, as opposed to heavy and less appropriate technology based structures. The only imported item is the bag itself. A book on the subject is Earthbag Building by Kaki Hunter & Donald Kiffmeyer.

So far, our travels have taken us to some great places. It's a true blessing to be able to give back to the communities that we pass through. We hope it continues this way and our luck with crossing paths with such remarkable folks carries on! And on!