Meridian Magazine

25 August 2015

San Clemente 2015

We've been milking the Explorer for all that we can. Last year we just wanted to be able to drive it one more time to San Clemente. Well, we made it again this year. But, just barely. We passed 200,000 miles in the area of Meadow, Utah on the way down to California. Right in the area of Norco the AC went out. We toyed with getting it fixed in San Clemente. But, didn't like the quote. So we drove it back home without AC. Well hey, it's been done before. We just used a lot of ice and a spray water bottle to keep ourselves coolish, and ample doses of WD-40 on the compressor. I guess we kinda took a chance because within the week after arriving back home the compressor seized and the serpentine belt broke. We put another $1000 into the car and now we have to drive it for another year or so. We won't be trying to take it down to San Clemente though.

With my shoulder still quite weak and sore from my recent bike accident, I tried to go surfing. But, it was too strenuous. I also tried some SUP. But, the only board at the shop I went to was 9 feet. Plenty of buoyancy. But, not nearly as stable as I need evidently. Fielding tried as well. I kept trying. But, each time I had to climb back on the board my shoulder was that much more sore.

The water in San Clemente this year was very consistently warm. It is better to go later in August or even into September for water temperature. The tides were also predominately lowish, which is nice for a couple of reasons. It gives more room on the beach.

Poppa did pretty well. But, probably won't be going anymore.

In keeping with the tradition of foreign cats, there was a fat black and white cat next door to Mr. Lui's apartment. He was wary of us though. I tried to coax him in. But, he retreated.

I did some bodysurfing and had some good fun. But, as I age I can tell that I have to be ever more cautious of getting myself into trouble. I don't have the strength, stamina, or breath that I used to. Oh, to be young again.

Cassano's pizza is now Beachfire pizza and they have changed their sauce. We think they put balsamic vinegar in it. Not really to my liking. They are probably trying to distinguish themselves from the Crab Pot's pizza.

We enjoyed Church meetings at the Forster Ranch ward. Very nice people and they did very well on their services and their lessons. Saw Karen Campbell and family. Others I know were out of town.