And it is… After being here for a little over a month, October 20th was the first full rain day we experienced, and California desperately needed the rain. I don’t have many quirks about working here, but the dusty conditions are not favorable. Oddly they state that the redwoods are in a temperate rain forest, but it’s hard to believe. Felton, CA., only averages 36 inches of rain a year, whereas the national average is 38 inches. When I look at the rainfall for previous years, the Santa Cruz area has only averaged 21 inches of precipitation. The redwoods have adapted to their surroundings by growing taller to absorb moisture from the fog in the mornings, but this adaption has been going on for thousands of years. Talking about trees, I also never thought that these trees would change how you live, but they do. They have a very calming nature when the weather is calm, although you have to keep your eyes open for the “widow makers” when the wind blows. The widow makers are the dead branches way up high, and you don’t want to be under one when one falls. Another uniqueness about the redwoods is you only get a minimal amount of full sunshine. I like the consistent, not too hot temperature, so I could not ask for a better location. It is cool enough to wear a sweatshirt or jacket in the mornings, and by afternoon, it averages 65-70 degrees outside. The weather has been fantastic for the time we have been here and makes it challenging to find negative things to say. I guess there will be times that I will miss the four seasons, but I am also not someone who will search for snow. I also know, come mid-January, when the temperatures are at a high of 30 degrees on the east coast, I will be thankful for this opportunity.
They say, “Love what you do and call it work.” I want to give it a little more time before saying I love my job, although I am pleased to make this lifestyle change. The one thing about work camping is that you live where you work, so you have to separate yourself more from the job on your days off. It was the one flaw I did when I had the gunshop, and it burned me out over time. The responsibilities are way less with this job than owning a business, but it is also harder to break away. Living where you work does have many pluses and enjoyments, like connecting with folks who stay here. You hear their stories or fall in love with their pets. The overall lifestyle change is still setting in, and nothing about it has been shocking except for not having a Walmart close by, but that is minor. We all have been adjusting to it pretty well, and even the dogs are changing, although they still like to bark at everyone that walks by. We haven’t done a lot of exploring, but what we have seen has been very scenic and breathtaking. The other day we took a ride up the coast and stopped at Pigeon Point lighthouse, which was so visually, you could sit there for days soaking up the ocean and the view. The landscape here is probably the most shocking, with only having to go a couple of miles to see a complete change of scenery, unlike anywhere else. California, in general, has a lot to offer and see; unfortunately, you’re reminded of the California political environment every time you drive by a gas station or have to buy groceries. I am just glad to have the smart car because we recently filled the truck with diesel that cost us 100 bucks to fill, and that was at the cheapest gas station in Santa Cruz.
With our feet planted, it feels good to relax. Living life still might not be perfect, but it sure is better…