SONORA, CALIFORNIA LAY OVER

Sept. 29^th:   Spent the day checking out the small towns of Jamestown and Sonora.  Well, Sonora is not that small anymore.  My favorite store was a bank turned into an old time candy store.  Donna and Rob are preparing to leave for Spokane tomorrow.  Our journey together is about to end.  They are very tired after a month of traveling in some very challenging situations. 

Sept. 30^th:   Donna, Rob and I said our goodbyes with tears barely held at bay and set out in opposite directions.  With all their medical issues I couldn't help but wonder if I would see them again.  I pray and believe my angels will protect them as well.  

First on my agenda was to locate a repair shop in Sonora open on Sunday morning who could weld a new part for my trailer – the part that is now residing in a canyon somewhere.   My angels were busy today: giving me reassurance as my only family (other than my children) pulls out to go home; find an RV shop with a welder and open on Sunday, and then there was Eden and Jeannie Ligsey who just happened to be home.

The day is again in the high 90's and I have some time to spare while the trailer is being repaired.  I decide to call Eden who lives in Sonora.  Eden was a classmate in elementary and high school but Jeannie, unfortunately for me, went to a different school and I did not remember her.

I had just joined my high school Facebook page when I learned of Eden's trip to the east coast returning home just before I departed for my trip traveling west.  We chatted a bit and he encouraged me to call if ever I came to Sonora.

I was hot and miserable by the time my trailer was fixed.  Eden insisted that I stop by his house for a visit since my next stop was only a few hours away, Sequoia National Park.  I had not seen Eden in 50 years but that did not matter to Eden or Jeannie.  They welcomed me into their home with all the hospitality due royalty.  We started to chat effortlessly reminiscing about the past.  Eden had kept track of many classmates which gave me a head start on the reunion scene.  The temperature outside continued to rise and they convinced me not to go to Sequoia because of the heat and offered their home to Molly and I for the night.  Oh my god, a real bed, hot shower and air conditioning!  Fortunately, their driveway was long enough to accommodate my rig – and yes, he backed in the rig, not me.  

So, I bagged the Sequoia segment of my journey (I had seen some sequoias in Yosemite) and spent a couple extra days in the bay area with friends.  Eden and Jeannie recommended a park to stay at in Morgan Hill that was perfect and only 30 minutes from in Sunnyvale.  I needed that break more than I knew and Eden and Jeannie provided just what I needed at just the right time.  I will always remember their kindness and hospitality.  More angels indeed!  See you next week at the reunion.

                                         

Eden and Jeannie Ligsey