Walkabout...

 

I had no idea.  Apparently, this term (see the title) is offensive when used by non-Aboriginal people.  A "walkabout" (as I've always used it, and according to the Urban Dictionary) is: a spontaneous journey through the wilderness of one's choosing, to satisfy one's 'itchy feet,' a need to be elsewhere."

These days, my walkabouts are short in duration and distance.  Today, Joan walked with me - down to see the Pacific Ocean, and to a small market a few blocks away.

She did not accompany me yesterday when I went to the beach.  Well, sort of a beach - there is some sand, but a lot of rocks.  So, I guess it depends on your perspective.  South Beach on San Juan Island is a rocky shoreline, where you need a jacket, even in the summer;  South Beach in Miami is sandy, warm, and lots of bikinis.  A bit nippy this morning here in Oceanside, so I wore a jacket instead of my bikini.  But, Joan got to see what I saw late yesterday afternoon...

 The water looks a bit rough.  No problem, 'cause I wasn't going in, anyway.  But, it is pretty to see the ocean and to hear the surf.

To get to the beach from our van is a short walk - out of the RV park, through a small city park, and there you are.  On the way back, Joan stopped to enjoy a park bench...

 Well, except for some creepy old guy getting her photo.

From there, we walked to the main road, then a couple blocks further to a nearby grocery market that was described to me by the person who checked us in yesterday as: "Small, but mighty."  A good description; it was smaller than the neighborhood grocery store where I grew up, but it had the essentials.  We picked up a few things, and on the walk back, we stopped at a coffee shop for a couple pastries to take back to the van.

I took off my jacket when we got back to the van, and enjoyed a chocolate croissant outside... to keep the crumbs out of the van.  I was glad to get back inside and out of that cool breeze.  But, before coming in, I did get a photo of one of the trains that passes just feet outside the RV park...

 You walk under the train track to get to the beach.  And, I kinda enjoy the sound of the train as it goes by; rather quietly (for a train) with a ringing bell.

We debated whether to unhook the van and drive around today.  Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy, so a better day for a drive than a walk.  We'll see.  There are no planned activities.

It is pretty quiet today in the RV park: quite a few departures, leaving plenty of empty sites.  We heard some doors slamming last night after dark - another Class B pulled into the site next to us.  And then this morning, they unplugged and took off.  Our speed is a bit slower than that these days.  ;-)  After our walkabout, we may take an afternoon nap... something we can't seem to find time for at home.