Meanderings Of An Abject Fool

Had a great morning at Telo but had to keep going south. South means heat and camping spot had little to offer including a lack of cool. It was late had to get journal updated and wanted it with comfort.

Hotel cheap and had a bed. What more could I ask for? Gas nearby if close to six bucks so I stopped.

Phone obviously too hot and breakfast calling. Sit down inside and let the food do its job and prepare phone for doing its job.

Groovy drive excluding the closer I get the heat going up as well.

Alyssa from the general store advised to get gallons of water for drive to thermometer it’s very long water is key just in case.

She also said I wouldn’t like this one but it’s important. No matter how much I want to don’t turn on ac as it will heat up engine and perhaps slow down or even stop the car hence extra water. No problem was my reply “I just had a pass in northern CA—she stopped me with “Sedona Pass?”

“Yes” said I

“You should be fine that’s the bane of my existence. It’s the steepest road in USA. It’s only an average of 10 which is still horrible but has parts that are 26% grade! That’s not a pass that’s a gravel ladder. “

It’s de rigueur for me to wake up early but after pee o’clock (midnight) I had a square and was hit with a wall of heat a dry one but still A WALL. The only remote in my cabin was for AC. It’s the only amenity I need. After packing wasted no time and left. So my phone wouldn’t overheat…it did 3 times. Heading to a BLM campground near Barstow which takes its merchandising of Route 66(all rights reserved) seriously.

Out o Death Valley still stupid hot!!!! Found campsite not a person or a lost soul in site.

Not wanting to be mirdered just for being available. Leave early again and head to Joshua Tree National Park

I

A gas station burrito and 6ish gas, I won’t ever run out-best laid plans. Short drive today arrived at campsite too early and had little difficulty navigating through the Yucca but I’m at a new home again.

I woke after a text from Wendy. With time difference it was 4 on west coast clock. Her second text apologized for the hour of first. While not awake I was on that edge all night. Anxious yes but anxiety no. Never really asleep but once fully awake not tired and excited for the future events.

My friend Pat had truly been a wonderful host. We had several great meals I got to see many if not most of the standouts in the extremely walkable town and yes a shower two days in a row! The only problem with a walkable town is not the walking but doing so with head down eyes only on a phone it seems such a waste and of course there’s the occasional opportunity to get run over.

Awake showered and finally checking traffic patterns as things here get crowded and do so quick.

Tardiness I’ve always considered rude and have always done my best to not be. There is one method I’ve found to never be late and have not once have seen it fail and it’s simple. It’s absolutely impossible to be late if you’re always early. Try it you can’t flummox this it works every time. There have been times when I’m less than a hundred yards from an appointment with 20 minutes to go before it’s scheduled. That’s perfectly acceptable and I’ve always got a book to keep me occupied in the meantime.

The drive was over and due to Monday traffic I was only 30 minutes early. This meant I could get bout a chapter in one of the book I’m currently reading on the history and importance of the pencil.

Bout 15 till appointment I could wait no longer I want the car. Failing that I at least want to see the car to ride in the car.

This was a surprise indeed. I’ve never really thought about YouTube fame and social media. Drew from Tailosive network at least in a limited way was/is famous. I’d been watching truckloads(ha) of videos on electric cars since I started taking care of parents during Covid. I’ve seen most content creators especially those interested in the Telo and Aptera. Problem being while they share most of my interests at least concerning the cars most are generally and genuinely bad. No concept of trimming the fat, little to do with any preparation, and a a lack of professionalism.

I had mentioned to Drew the problem with most of these were either too vitriolic or were sycophantic. He then mentioned he was a fanboy like many. I hadn’t thought of it before but he was correct he was a fanboy not hiding his admiration for both my proposed vehicles. Why did I hold him apart then? After our meeting I thought and decided while digging both vehicles he explained why in rational, cogent manner. It was his professionalism that stood out. Took time to make a decent presentation not just gushing on about things he knew little about. Editing, research, deliberation et al this is professionalism. This is why I was happy to speak with him.

First time for test ride in the prototype. Like all, changes will be made for production and I think for the better.

Back to test drive. Truck easy in and out in spite of small size. Admittedly I’m no Goliath but many have been in and saw no issues. I certainly didn’t.

Great access to all necessary, great dash which I’m sure will be upgraded for production. This is what engineers do.

We take for a spin and I was asked what do you want power or just regular round town? How bout bit of both. Told me to put head/ neck against the neck rest I assumed to get me thinking of some sort of aviation g force effect. It certainly worked that thing is torquey as hell. Quick and grippy. Huge responsive off line. It also does excellent in the more useful driving round town. Nothing wasted indeed.

The big notice for me is the utility. While speaking with Drew that word was front and center from both of us. It seems to me they designed it for using all space available. Not in a wasteful faux manor. Purposeful and lean I imagine them throwing out idea after idea as they didn’t have enough purpose. I think of the term gild the lily..it’s considered something extra even especially if it serves no purpose…think of gold plating a toilet.

For those things not able to throw out due to some design engineering necessity it seems they look to dual purpose. The perfect example being the monster under the bed. Lots of space there and no way not to have it. It a smallish truck so they repurposed that empty space for more storage. Again nothing wasted.

I’m thinking hoping this brings back an old idea. The right to repair again comes that word UTILITY. Telo is a right to repair company and so is Aptera. Newer vehicles have software that prevents proper repair unless done by them at your cost and their convenience. For all intents and purposes they own your vehicle you just rent with huge down payment and pay for all repairs that they tell you are needed. I’m thinking the subscription economy is another nail in the coffin that will be a sort of techno feudalism. We are short sighted and this is to our detriment.

I told him I’ve my car camping plans. He dug as he does the same and again the word utility popped up.

I’m thinking on the road (me) or round town. Especially large urban areas where space is limited it’s kinda, don’t wanna say perfect, but it does fit many molds and does so extremely well.

To Telo I had a great day my truck is reserved. Don’t let my impatience sway your thinking, but damnit can I have yesterday?

Left Drew after he gave me some swag stickers hoodie blah blah and I left my water bottle. Not a concern as I’ll pickup when I pickup Telo.

With the weather getting warmer, so much so my phone had to cool down twice, it seems like the perfect time for a trip to Death Valley. Thanks to all at Telo in particular to Louise (she got me in door and can’t be thanked enough) and Drew,knowledgeable, witty, and most importantly seems to agree with me, for giving me an impressive peek. Please HURRY.

Early riser again and thank all proper I do. It’s still chilly when I wake which means so is car. I plugged in destination and it kept going to hwy 108 better known at least by me as Sonara Pass, one of the highest passes in country at 9600 feet it is the steepest road in the country with a max gradient of 26 percent. Of course you can call it the more accurate if a bit wordy “ what were you thinking once even accidentally was more than enough you buffoon now please wipe sweat from palm and brow and find a better way. “

After approximately 15 minutes I got better directions however that is relative. At 45 minutes longer and less steep still had a fairly long pass in the mix. Short of going states out of the way you were going through a pass no matter.

Drive was fine gas was up to six bucks a gallon but no lack of stations always a good thing that cuts anxiety to a minimum. The pass was over quickly and was on to Bay Area to on Monday see folk about my truck.

When you hit Bay Area the whole fog stereotype is accurate and at this time exacerbated by a warehouse fire that I’m told has been burning for several months.

Google Maps a quick failure while driving down highway it’s constantly telling me to make a U-turn and exit the parking lot. Perhaps AI and algorithms will fail in the end after all we are the ones programming it.

I get to Pats house where everything singular thug including the fridge is bigger than my apartment. After living in a tent/car a milk crate would also seem an extravagance.

First is Mexican food always a favorite in particular breakfast which this local joint serves all day and it sure as heck wasn’t started by any gringo such as Glen Bell. Accents for all but they speak one more language than most do so we can be impressed.

After that and after yesterdays pass it’s time for Jiffy lube for much needed oil/fluids change and a break check completed and all good. Surprisingly at least to me no rotors needed turning and brakes in good shape.

Tomorrow’s another day with a car wash a preliminary jaunt to Telo corporate office as I despise tardiness and am very excited bout my visit. I will not be late.

Surprise Frontera grill has a taqueria in town and it’s probably going to be Mexican again. This not a settlement as Rick Bayless has always been a favorite chef of mine and brings me back to Saturdays in Chicago and a regular meal at his original restaurant.

Full day planned shower, more Mexican, a practice run, laundry and not least laying out itinerary for next stop I’m thinking Death Valley in a couple so I can get picture of the really hokey thermometer/tourist trap that tells you a hat made of ice isn’t necessarily a bad idea.

56 miles from Yosemite and a good camp with showers near reservoir, hello mayflies, not crowded and due to a rather large disappointment the perfect spot.

Bright and early as per usual today was going to be my long hike day at least the Mist trail and perhaps some of the Muir as well. The following day was to be shorter hike and check out welcome center. After that sleep to prepare for a visit with Pat she’d just a hop skip and jump from camp and the Telo after all gotta see folk about car. I mean it is the purpose not the only but for me important.

Per the net, parking is not great and best to start early. That in my case is no problem. dark when I head out and few cars.

Up and down round and round again and again I’m starting to understand “as the crow flies” but I’m not sure they get up this high. Stop by nearest town after my fuel tank shows only 1/4 tank left I hate that but this was closest one after leaving camp. Full tank less anxiety and I start seeing it.

Finally it happens I arrive. Give the gate my America the Beautiful pass and driver’s license and I’m through in the park… and waiting for line to move and waiting and yup waiting. Admittedly it a large park but approximately 45 minutes later I’m now fairly close to parking and I’ve gone perhaps a mile. Chances are I’ve missed the opportunity to get the great parking about 1 mile from trailhead but at this point I have no choice and can’t turnaround so I continue.

I image what happened to me happened to someone else only much earlier. How much earlier about the time I arrived. Entering the parking lot not only are there no spots there’s no anything. People have made their own spots not concerned with the area others in the area or any form of logistics whatsoever. I’m inching way through the narrow path through the lot when a car starts right in a spot in front of me. The driver frantic to leave immediately goes missing me by inches, I would later do the same thing and I’m sure this scenario plays out often and throughout the day.

In any case I lock up and I’m walking bout mile mile and half to trailhead.

Before getting to the heart of the matter here’s early trail pictures with little comment. It will be coming soon enough.

Okay the pretty out of the way let’s see the truth of it. In first picture you’ll notice the trail I loosely use that term. Much like the reservoir path in my current(excluding car and tent) it’s more like a golf cart road than a trail. Perhaps it changes I never made it that far and if I did I doubt it.

So I’m following those ahead, it’s more like a long line to a sporting event than a hike. Actually it’s the very antithesis of hike.

I get bout 2 miles in on the same concrete and I noticed many taking photos not of the landscape but of each other. Then I heard it. Two perhaps 20 somethings maybe late teens are talking and taking photos. When one says to the other “ you need to go back to car and get that tight half shirt you’re gonna look great on your page” while in background there’s an enormous wall of granite barely noticed.

That’s it for me I thought and turned around and headed back.

Frustrated and yes Crestfallen (choose your own word for the mixture of depression and surprise ) I’m going back to car.

It’s not over on way back down weaving through the throng of people I see a perhaps 50 year old extremely jacked man with no shirt and a baby on his back who screams to his 20 something girlfriend or whatever to get a shot of him and the baby on the wall he jumps up on and she takes a picture.

I’m a mile from car and couldn’t get there fast enough. I decide once there I’m going to go to visitor center and get that out of way as I’m feeling like not coming back tomorrow. It’s more of a Walmart than a park center selling everything possible I’m sure a kitchen sink as well. I buy usual sticker and run to car.

It takes an hour to leave park I fill up again I’m not getting low on gas again. I leave it to Google Maps (big mistake) to take me home..big mistake they don’t take elevation into the equation.

Google sent me up and down Sonora Pass the second largest pass in California at 9600 ft. During the trip through Wyoming Montana Idaho I’d see a max gradient of 5 maybe 7%. At one point this hit 25%!!! Excluding me I only saw bikers on pocket rockets going way faster than a reasonable dare devil would. Evil Knievel wouldn’t barrel house it down this pass at those speeds.

As I would find out about 1k feet from top my little car that couldn’t sent signal saying slowing down as car overheating. Pulled into on of the turnarounds let it cool and hit top and down from there. Hairpin turns all the way down. Ten miles to top with an elevation gain of 9600 ft!!!!

Hindsight funny at the time not so much camp sleep wake up and write this.

Mexican and Telo coming.

Campgrounds getting more expensive and harder to find. Often times for even a single person it’s more than a not cheap hotel without luxury of bed, shower, and WiFi for loading. You’ll notice I made no mention of television easily one of best things about this trip is my complete lack of knowledge of current events. It’s not one I thought of but has turned out at its worst rather liberating.

I did find a campground far enough away that I could stay for a night for 20 bucks.

Redwoods a trifle disappointing and didn’t stay long instead moving on to the best drive I’ve had. Avenue of the Giants.

Takes a bit to get through the drive not due to length perhaps 35 miles but because you are constantly stopping or someone in front of you is.

Don’t know bout you but I’ve seen the pictures and heard the tales about the tree you can drive through. Problem is I found very little the parks don’t mention it at all. You’d kinda think they wood so I assumed it was long gone or not in use due to size of SUVs.

Drove most of the day and with no reservations, which have to get months in advance I took a cheap motel 6. The problem with the reservations at park is time. I’m not sure when I’m going to arrive which is kinda the fun.

Second hotel for me on trip and that turns out fine. I get to take all stuff out of vehicle rearrange it much more goodly, shower, shave, privacy and on occasion a bed does not suck.

Yosemite is on the horizon tomorrow. This means other things as well. Family friend Pat is taking me in for a couple (nother shower and good Mexican food. Then there’s of course me going to see folk about a car. On Monday after Yosemite I get to visit and test drive a Telo HOORAY!!!!

Big hike tomorrow.

My mouth feels very good especially considering being on the road with my road naivety but all has turned out extremely well.

Woke as usual and did a solid food thing all groovy. Started early with short hike a did yesterday still beautiful but no surprises. Wouldn’t know till later I should have stopped.

Groovy day in 70’s perfect day perhaps to extend my 2nd hike. Been doing less so blood don’t pump so much. Since mouth feeling groovy I decided to test her out.

Went to the namesake Crater Lake looked around saw plenty of paved well marked routes and took one. Oops!!!

Lotsa vistas all within easy hops to parking lot this is how the trail reels you in.

So far not bad quite nice really plenty of pictures because it that easygoing and

serene.

I’m beginning to feel like I’m a treadmill to up. Thanks to reality I get change in scenery or I probably would be. I’m getting close to the halfway point as I’m starting to see and say hello to those on the way down.

There’s a family up there and the son does me a favor. He’s making snowballs and ask for a pelting. He obliged. Why ask for that? When will I get the chance to get hit by snowballs in June again?

Back down the mountain again when I see others coming up I feign politeness and step aside. Not for the thanks but for the rest. Selfishness confused for decency it works for me.

I can now tell getting close to down. Much like ever park I’ve been in the closer you get to bottom civilization starts creeping in.

On way to car on trail saw a couple getting ready to go from concrete to gravel. She was wearing a sundress and high heel boots! Either better or more foolish than myself. Back to camp shower shave and a wholesome dinner of macaroni salad and of course sleep…the sleep of the exhausted.

I blame yogi for all this. Jelly stone park!!! Never having been to a national park till a bit ago the only one you ever hear of is Yellowstone. As I’ve clearly stated before Yellowstone blows. Too many people all of which lack the civility of an influencer looking for likes and you and I are told it’s the stuff. Don’t waste your time. Yesterday was Mount Rainier today I drove to Crater Lake both absolutely amazing with a great staff and beautiful hikes. Hell the drive over was better than the national theme park.

This was just the baby step today. Tomorrow the big day where I’ll start early, as opposed to what, and do big one to Crater Lake. From what I’ve seen pictures won’t do justice…they never do.

Woke as usual. Nothing here open at my hour. Had some chunky tuna and while tasty after a few bites I’m getting concerned about dentistry. It’s enough for my hike and I’ll do scrambled eggs after. still went to town and got bills caught up.

Doing whatever this is solo obviously has upside especially the solo part but the biggest downside I can see is also solo part but for completely different reasons. I’ve already mentioned needing someone else for pictures while driving as I’m likely to go off cliff, hill, mountain et al. I see people and excluding me they are all traveling in groups. Each person has a job. Be that tent setup, cooking, going to town to pay bills or if a child run a round and scream. Or if a teenager go hide in bathroom and try to text and get likes on how boring everything is here.

Except for the last two I gotta do em all. Food, tent, bills and no matter what I’m getting no likes.

After cleaning up camp and a good dry shave I needed real breakfast. The park service has a an inn and little restaurant that serves breakfast. Currently working the non crunchy diet which means 3egg omelette (kinda) and cheese with more salt than usual for its mouth benefits. I gargle with salt water and now I top my Na with NaCl. After time for another hike as groovy as 1.

Starting to rain, everything has a down side but sounds very soothing not in a repetitive keeping the beat way more of a disjointed improv bebop thing. I’m cleaning up camp getting rid of trash so I may wake up early and on to crater lake.

Extremely quiet peaceful perfect for a good sleep. Pee o’clock still exists so did that round 3 but after checking mouth(not bloody) I took my pills read for a bit and didn’t really wake to 7.

Took care of all things morningish. Carefully brushed teeth with new soft toothbrush designed for kids, put on real clothes and paid park ranger as they were leaving on my arrival.

Have plenty of gas but taking no chances so drove to nearest get more and check supplies.

Back at camp I readied myself for a good hike. Not long(to much blood flowing I gotta be careful) but with great views and fairly simple.

Got my list night before from madam ranger it had all groovy short ones.

That trek a trifle sketchy as a nearby hiker said I agreed and followed a different path. One more welcoming to invasive species like my butt.

Going on a bit and I heard it. In the woods you might ask. Of course you heard something it is no vacuum. This wasn’t a bird or a branch. This was an animal large and guttural….maybe. A yeti this ain’t Tibet. Sasquatch, like the yeti they don’t exist perhaps a bear or moose the latter oddly being more dangerous probably not don’t trust the subjective. But I’m not finding out evolution beats stupidity on occasion.

Wanted to hit American land with no choice of going through Canada It does sound peculiar but there’s a place Point Roberts Washington. It hangs to side of Washington but like a discarded limb it’s not connected. One must go through Canada no choice in the matter.

It’s the only place in this situation so being nearby why not.

It was what happens at customs asked if fruits firearms and drugs. As for the drugs I said prescription only. Extremely polite and curious bout my journey we exchanged niceties and on my way to home country America.

Arriving at us customes the agent looks at me tells me pull over in designated spot and get out taking only phone wallet and passport.

Gave them to customs clerk and was handed them back after brief glance. She asked where last park and the next I showed pictures it was fun till not.

Back came Barney Fife wanting I assume to flex his authority. “You living in your car?” Yes for now I said continuing “I’m hitting all-he cut me off”I’m talking right now. You homeless ?” “No as I was saying and is on license in your possession I live in Missouri and am on a trip-“ interrupting again “I don’t care he can pass” the clerk gave me a look that showed her sympathy and again on my way.

The campground was, as is my usual choice, FCFS many had already done so and I was SOL at least I got to do it and with a bad taste in my mouth from American customs I was now going back to America proper.

Canadian customs on way back a breeze checked computer and said “You were just here? Doing the Point Roberts thing eh” “Yes” I replied. “Hope it was fun have good day”

On my way stopping again at US customs. New guard same lack of civility. “Why so quick? Picking up a package maybe?” “No campground full I’m on way to next park Mt Rainier “. You bringing any thing back?” “Just what I came with” “pull over we’re gonna have to search”. “Of course “ I could’ve called him obtuse or some such thing but not sure if he’d understand, discretion being the better part of valor, and not wanting to spend anymore time here than necessary I decided to hold my tongue.

After the usual firearm drug fruit questions I was allowed to return to home country. I did not sing a lee Greenwood song.

I’m going be staying here 3 nights. Oodles to see, hike, do, and tooth rehab going well. It’s a great place to take extra day.

Off to see the rangers.