*as Seen in North Canton Living Magazine November 2022
Northern California Part One
2009
I squinted against the glare of the bright California sun as I navigated the narrow Oakland street. I was lost. Searching for a Walmart that existed only on my map. Spotting an open parking lot, I pulled over and reassessed. I couldn’t find the store and it was getting late in the day. I had been moving since 5 am; the 7-hour flight, taxis, and rental of the small camper all meant I was mentally and physically exhausted. I decided to postpone the shopping and head north like I intended for a week exploring the northern California coast camping on the beach and among the majestic redwoods. If only I could find the highway.
I was post heart surgery, post chemo, and my cancer was finally classified as “no evidence of disease.” This was my week in nature to heal mentally, emotionally, and physically. A week to myself to prove I could manage on my own after the multiple knocks over the last few years. I was excited and nervous to manage a small camper on my own. Little did I know that it would spark a life of travel. My origin story.
I opened the GPS app for directions to my first camping spot. It would be an easy two-hour drive up the highway just north of San Jose. Surely there would be a grocery between here and there.
I eased onto the eight-lane highway trying to lean into the aggression needed for the snarled traffic. Three lanes curved left over the San Francisco-Oakland Bridge and one small lane ran straight. No signage. Boxed in I turned west as the GPS announced belatedly to take the exit east. Too late. Sighing I merged down to one lane to pass through the toll.
I pulled up to the building to see a resigned woman state in a flat voice “15 dollars.” Sighing again I passed her the cash and as I waited for my change with a hundred cars stacking behind me I asked her “I missed my turn. I don’t want to go into the city. Where can I turn around.”
In her flat voice, she stated “Just ahead at Yerba Buena Island.” I forged ahead crossing the first bridge and then exiting at Yerba Buena Island. I turned myself around and headed back to Oakland hoping the GPS would catch up to my new direction.
It didn’t.
I was back where I started and entering the highway again. Determined to not miss the exit, I ignored the GPS and watched. Again I was boxed in and unable to make the lane switch. Frustrated, I merged to the one lane and found myself by the toll booth.
“15.”
“I was just here.”
She looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “I couldn’t make the exit for the traffic. I don’t want to go through San Fran. Do I need to pay again?”
“15.”
Sighing I handed over another twenty and waited for my change. Again I navigated to Yerba Buena Island and headed back to Oakland. This time I was determined to avoid the exit and from the east lanes take the north exit.
Nope. I found myself back turning around for the third time and reentering the highway.
Again I couldn’t exit and was back at the toll booth.
“15.”
“No,” I stated with tears trickling down my cheeks. I was hungry, exhausted, and beginning to think I wasn’t ready for a week on my own. The thought of returning the camper and checking into a hotel was in the front of my mind.
“It’s 15 each and every time you cross my booth for the size of your vehicle.”
I wearily handed her the money. My vacation stash dwindling rapidly.
“I can’t do this. I’m done. It’s only the first day.” I muttered.
Her shoulders slumped as she paused with the money in her hand. “Listen,” she said handing me back the twenty. “You need to be more aggressive with the exit. Signal, stop and wait for an opening. Just bully your way in. That’s what it takes somedays.”
I looked at her with my eyes wide open and gratitude shining through.
“Thank you,” I stated with deep sincerity. So again I turned around at Yerba Buena Island and again, I found myself merging north. This time I took her advice and with a little determination and a lot of fear I bullied my way to the appropriate lane.
Three hours later I was parked at the first campsite with a full refrigerator and belly. I was hooked.
What I Learned
Go for it.
Stay flexible. Store hours change; locations close; highways are under construction so stay flexible and open to change.
While staying flexible is important, having a Plan B and Plan C is important. Know what is around you and be ready to change plans.
It’s important to have maps that are downloaded and on paper. Don’t rely on connectivity.
I am stronger than I ever imagined.
Before You Go
Try it before you buy it. RV rental options are plentiful. Rent before you invest in an expensive rig and the lifestyle. Think long and hard about how you want to live the lifestyle – are you a large Class A 40 footer only booking the luxury campgrounds? Do you need the family Class C to accommodate the stuff that comes with kids? Empty nesting couple with a desire for downsizing? Try it out and think it through.
There are Facebook groups for any type of travel you can imagine. I participate in a few solo women’s travel groups that I find enormously helpful. The community and resources help with the big decisions. It’s nice to know I am not alone.
Most important, follow your passion and enjoy the ride.