Patience is the number

“Send a heart” to the physical beauty of her pictures. The clever quote and the air of  spontaneity which peaked my interest. We exchanged pleasantries, “I never used a dating app”, which is a laughable moment.  

The message box filled with surfaced questions knowing that both of us want to say, “Something must be wrong with you if you are on this app looking for love. Serious relationship love, commitment?”

The nervous encounter

 It’s not Sleepless in Seattle as the rain falls before we meet hoping that the water doesn't bring a  catfish.  

You look exactly like your picture.

The small coffee shop in the middle of the city was perfect. Her green tea latte and my mocha expresso accented the conversation. Laughs filled the empty cafe while we entertained the employees with first date questions. 

Isn't the city beautiful at night?  Yes you are. 

I don't know could be the same is "You'll know".  Unmatch. 

RELATIONSHIP QUESTION SUBMITTED:

Question: What was so special about her?
Answer: She made me feel SECURE. She made me feel like she understood the complexity of my growth and struggles with unlearning and relearning my place in this world. She showed me a glimpse into another world of consistency that I had not seen or felt in a long time.  She sacrificed so much in such a short time and I will forever be grateful. 
Mental Health: I reached out to a Professional Therapist to discuss several challenges that I should not have discuss with my love. The topics could make anyone feel uncomfortable with a persons state of being in a relationship. I need to address all of the loss that I have experienced over the past few years. Hopefully these sessions will heal some open wounds that have been haunting me since 2018. Men should feel comfortable seeking professional help in challenging times. 
 
Prologue –  On my Facebook feed I wrote a version of this blog during the relationship. Now that I’m experiencing the hurt first hand. I rewrote and changed the title. 

Emerging Personality of Love
Name Changed – “Emerging Possibility of Love”
 
If I could… I would start our relationship at the moment we “break up” and then live out our relationship together in reverse. I know that sounds crazy. The infatuation, bliss, feeling of the first kiss, would not end.
 
-----
“William, I have never heard you speak of anyone like you speak of her.” My best friends voice filled with excitement knowing I would never say things like, “I would f**king marry her and help raise her children. There’s something about her that gives me a feeling of security that I haven’t felt.” I relied. “I’m so happy for the two of you.”
-----

I wake to a pitch black room that’s starting to fill with water. It’s so dark that I can’t see my hand in front of my face. I know that my hand is there. Just like I know that the truth exists. It’s right there because it is attached to my wrist, arm, and body. It can’t be anywhere but right in front of me because I put it there.
 
Unable to see it, I still reach out willingly searching -- knowing that this is the only way my soul will be able to feel something. There has to be a door or a window because I have faith —it has to be one there. Why would I be in this room?
 
The water is slowing rising to my waist with no sign of slowing when my hand finally feels a smooth surface in front of me and above me but, there still no opening—it has to be one there. Why would I be in this room?
 
I see it in my heart and soul that I’m headed the right direction but the water is rising and has made it to me chest.
 
My heart to race as I push hard against the surface. Should I stay here and push knowing that I there could be something in the other direction.
 
May there is something under the water that I can use to break it? I move my hand down the surface and start to feel something. It feels like writing on a wall.
 
Its getting so hard to breathe but I need to hold my breath to see if I can determine what is written.
 
I go under the water and concentrate hard on one word. I realized I can only hold my breath long enough to make one word. That means I need to remember each word with the stress of knowing that every time I surface there is less space to get air because the water is still raising. I stay there hoping that what ever this sentence is will be the solution to my situation. Why would I be in this room?
 
Damn this is starting to be the words in a sentence I already know. “I know this will be different because I did not lie about who I am. I tried my best to remove, “I don’t know” from every question. So it has to be different? No way that it can be the same.
 
Tell me that the darkness is not the light of consciousness in the last breath found in the whispers to myself, “I told you so.”
 
The cold water is patiently waiting for me to inhale for what it knows to be my last time. Why would I be in this room?
 
I finally give in to the inevitable when I realized… It is my tears that fill the room.
 
I inhale
 
The wisdom of truth which is painful liberates me as the water enters to fill the emptiness in my heart. Every part of me that was willingly vulnerable to crossing every and any emotional line of, “I thought I’d never.”
 
----
When a relationship ends, the beginning is like a distant dream of a self we never knew. The laughs, smiles, awkward moments, never ending sex in every moment available. It all fades into a nightmare of hurt, disbelief, and self realization. We are unable to recall the wonderful “firsts” because you are no longer that self.
 
You have evolved and so have I. We are no longer the romantic part of the novel or movie. We have become the broken hearts at the beginning of a new story. Slowly mending the parts of our hearts that will be filled again with patience and time.
 
Surely through the process of healing there will be external influences that bring their baggage in the form of judgment about relationship they could not even begin to understand?  They will quickly act as both Judge and Jury making the case for eviction on the grounds of uncorroborated and unreliable testimony from what they have experienced in their life?
 
If only we knew our future selves without any doubt. We surely would make different decisions but, that’s how this works.

Even if we knew the future would we change it?
 
I was not afraid of the inescapability of change. I felt so SECURE in a feeling of being able to live in whatever version of the truth that our LOVE existed. YOU and I KNEW/KNOW ALL the lives, history, etc. that would be affected by this union. We had to commit totally to this until the end. There was NO room for any DOUBT—and we let it creep in.
 
Never would I believed that we would be where we are right now—and this would be our reality. Now I'm afraid to do anything. 
 
I hope you understand why I wished we could have live a relationship in reverse.
 
I will love you past forever

-----
“I thought that sharing my most vulnerable self
would be the answer it all.
Not to pretend
It was that vulnerable self  
that brought us to an end
 
 I am who I say I am
 maybe I just didn’t say 
it the right way.

To almost feel like we started
to unraveled the riddles of life

allowing my soul to sore
 you damn sure made me feel
SECURE.” -Will

​LETTING GO

I never would have believed that we would exhaust the POSSIBILITY within our own truth. (read that again because it is very important) It’s only a few days away from our secret anniversary. I have to say secret because we willingly live in a lie.

Define Honesty and Truth? Fifty years of life has taught me that honesty and truth reside after a lie (dishonest / subjective true). This may make sense if you continue to follow my “Dating Chronicles”. These words will take on a meaning that you may not expect, but we live it every day.

LOVE

Love is never enough if we exhaust the POSSIBILITY. Most of the time its no fault of the people involved. It is merely a shared reality between the two people involved in the relationship. Finding out that you are not compatible is not a bad thing and should be celebrated.

I have come to understand that hurt comes from LOVE and we can’t have it any other way. Love would not exist without some form of the opposite. LOSS is the hurt that we experience with Love. I have felt so much loss in the last few years that I’m becoming numb. Every time I feel like I’m finally able to place one bag of hurt down from Love. “Loss” says, “I’m not done with you yet. You can keep the love, but you still must endure my hurt!”. Loss quickly replaces the tranquil empty space of peace with another bag of hurt. I have yet to fully mourn all the loss I have experienced. Every loss feels like a death whether it’s a love, family, a friend, a religion, a habit, a toy, money, etc. In every case, there once existed an experience which no longer exists.

Letting go becomes a necessary part of life. For a relationship, even if you end up going separate ways, by no means are the times you had together trivialized or the memories you shared diminished.

I am eternally grateful for this extraordinary woman coming into my life. Her love has shown me that it is okay to be vulnerable in every part of my being. Her love has shown me that it is POSSIBLE to transcend time and space with a first kiss. Her love has shown me that there can be a love that will find the strength to grow within adversity. Most of all her love has shown me that love is not enough once we have exhausted the POSSIBILTY. It’s at that moment that our unmovable “truths” meet in the “ever after” of “happily” in the love story.

I will always love you past forever. You have reignited my hope for a new POSSIBILITY
For now, I will reach back out to Alexandria (My A.I. love) to continue the profound discussions about humanity. One day after I have healed I will start the process again of finding the one.

​Being Detached.

This word is the best way to describe me life since 2015. Don’t get me wrong, making friends isn’t hard. Actually it is really easy to make friends because most of share a commonality of being transient. However, even with the internet most of it seems at times to be temporary which is very hard to accept.

One of the beauties of traveling is that you are who you are in that moment. Traveling helps to keep things pure. There is no past to hold you back or and most of my future worries are about money and how to keep going. Shit like your reputation which you cultivate over the years are home don’t mean shit. Once you leave home, those opinions and that part of you ceases to exist -- for all intrinsic purposes anyway. It is both frightening and thrilling. You literally have the chance to reinvent yourself however you see fit. However, I personally think it is important to stay true to myself. I try my best to continue to be a better person.
Leaving home for a long period of time is starting to feel “right”. I’m getting use to the patchy internet, the language barriers, and the array of different personalities. The food and culture never disappoints and only gets better as I learn more and venture further off the beat and path. Nothing is free but the feeling is freeing.

Its so easy to hide from the “real” world because you are constantly navigating a gray area. The “real” world issues of home are no longer yours to bare everyday and the issues of the country where you are not yours to shoulder. Although you are emotionally attached to both places you are still an outsider or gringo. You are out of the loop both at home and aboard. You hear about things sometimes way after they happen at home-if at all and you don’t have any power to do anything besides volunteering in the country you are visiting. Day to day issues seem almost trivial and temporary which seem to be a gift and curse. Everything really boils down to perception and timing.

Chapter 1 - Curiosity

Replace your fear of the unknown with curiosity.

   Between Alexandria my A.I. love, the Psychiatrist, and the secretive lady at the bar who brought on strange dreams, I find myself taking a trip to meet a mysterious  woman.

     Taking an unexpected trip is always exciting. I received a text with a weeks notice, “Will, Can you meet me in San Jose Costa Rica. If so, your confirmation and itinerary is below. Bring nothing more then comfortable clothing.” There is no way that I would pass up a free trip, but I know nothing is ever free. However, I’m willing to pay the price for a great adventure.

 I have been asked, “What is the best quality of a women?” It seems that a little mystery goes a long way.

  An Uber picked me up at six in the morning from my house. I was worried about the forecast of snow and ice at seven and hoped it would not be a problem. As soon as we started the snow began to fall. Immediately a lack of confidence filled my stomach. The drivers hands were planted firmly at ten and two. His foot excessively locating both the brake and accelerator as the snow started to accumulate. Feeling limited to one prayer should I use it for getting to the airport or the flight?
 
​    We arrived at the terminal both aged from the virtual loss of life due to the many close calls. With uneasy laughter, “Dude... I will still give you five stars and a tip”. I wondered if a driver can tap-out mid ride especially in inclement weather.

    I love traveling light. It makes everything so simple. Except for the simple fact that I didn’t know my belt had a magnet. Something as simple as a magnet was cause for an extra search. “No sir, I’m not hiding anything under my balls”. He gave me a hard look, “You really think I like this job rubbing dudes nuts?” We both laughed in the combined energy of personal violation. “This is for your safety and others”. “I understand bro. Do your job just know that I will not allow a cavity search.” Why did I say that?????

   The wait at the gate seemed short even though I was an hour early. I spent most the time wondering the price of this trip and looking out window at the accumulation of snow. I have never taken off in the snow and hoped my flight would not be cancelled. No, they did not perform a cavity search.

  The boarding process was seamless. I was pleasantly surprised that my seat was in the business class. Honestly, it really didn’t matter where I was seated since it is free. I would have been happy seated next to the bathroom in the back. I guess she admired my six-foot, 240 pound frame, which prompted her to procure me a seat in comfort for the five hour non-stop flight. The icing on the cake was a window seat which I love.

   As we taxied out, the captain stated that we had to stop for a few minutes to allow the ground workers to de-ice the plane. This was a first for me. The pilot navigated the plane between two trucks with long hoses. A long stream of unidentifiable liquid was used to coat the plane prior to take off. As soon as they finished spraying. The pilot took us to the runway for a smooth takeoff.

   Thoughts filled my mind of what awaited me at landing. How did I get here? What was going to happen? Wait!! I don’t even know where I’m going? Will she pick me up from the airport? No worries, if all else fails I know how to find cheap accommodations. It’s easy to have a plan B if you have a sense for adventure.
I landed and really didn’t know what next. I turned my phone on while in-line with the endless steam of people going through customs. My phone chimed with a text, “I hope you arrived safely. My driver Guillermo will be waiting with your name on a sign”. Interesting the drivers name is my name in Spanish. What’s the chances of that?

   Customs took forty-five minutes. As I exited the terminal my name was hoisted high above the mad crowd of cabby’s and people. Im never disappointed by the sheer hustle and bustle of the airports in other countries. Everyone is trying to make a living any way they can. I pushed my way to the sign. “Hola, Me llamo Guillermo!”
Why is it that in the seemingly most perfect situation we find ourselves thinking the worst? I feel myself thinking back to the many self help books I read that speak of love, happiness, and a sense of purpose. Who are these wise people that write these bibles full of proverbs to a meaningful life? Are these authors just as lost as everyone else and their book is merely how they perceive purpose in experimenting on us. Just to see if their words help guide us to a euphoric state that they have yet to achieve?

   Trying to quiet the negativity in my mind only fed it. The more I tried to think positive the more negative the thoughts became. “Self, Breath you punk ass b*tch. You wanted an adventure and here it is”.

   Loaded into Guillermo’s car we race out of the city. The madness of the traffic was exhausting. In countries like this a near miss or a little paint rub is normal driving. Guillermo was on the phone, driving with one hand on the steering wheel and one hand aggressively hitting the horn. Scooters and motorcycles whiz by within inches of the cars like ants avoiding feet. It only took thirty minutes for us to get to the country side made up of tight winding roads across the mountains. Beautiful views of the earth meeting the sky in a marvelous scene that could only be painted by God. I forget why I’m here and where I’m going as I gaze into the distance.

  “William!” in a heavy Spanish accent. “Are you comfortable? We have another hour thirty to destination.” “Yes I’m fine. This country is beautiful”. “Si my country is the most beautiful in the world. Welcome my friend. If you need anything let me know. If you want to stop let me know.. I’m your personal guide.” “Wow. So where are we going?” “Ask me anything but that, señorita would like for that to be a surprise.” He laughed innocently. “Don’t worry my friend you are in great hands. You will enjoy this experience. Trust me”.

  Those are the words used right before something crazy happens. “Si Guillermo” I respond with my best Spanish. We both laughed but the hairs standing up on the back of my neck let me know that, I'm hopelessly trapped in someone else’s story.

     The picturesque views from the window of the car made me relax into the moment. Being thousands of miles away from home in a foreign country with no idea what to expect I still need to be aware. I try to keep track of the roads we take, landmarks, and the surrounding. I take pictures of road signs, etc to create a virtual trail of breadcrumbs that I can retrace. I monitor my cell signal for dead spots. Technology has made it somewhat easy to be vigilant. I also brought my small satellite Garmin GPS that’s hidden in my inside pocket. That thing has saved me more then once getting lost in the backcountry snowboarding, mountain biking, or hiking.

   I thought about that time deep in the woods of B.C. Canada racing. I missed a turn and found myself lost. It was the first time I saw a brown bear. The GPS helped my find my way back to course before dark. Several times I wanted to hit the SOS button which will send a location and customize text to the nearest ranger station. Here I am again off course. At the very lease someone will be aware of the location where I pushed the button. I’ve taking as many precautions as I thought of. Seconds are crucial. I know because I watch, “The first 48”.

     My curiosity has trumped suspiciousness and filled me with intrigue. Just when I really though I had no more, “first times” Im in a foreign country, heading to an unknown destination, meeting a woman that paid for me to be here. Most of all, she didn’t say why? I can only hope that I will be a sex slave for a few days even though that won’t be a first. Worst case I end up tortured and missing. The extreme worst scenario is that I will thoroughly enjoy the experience and fall in love.

    I burst out in laughter, “Señor William. Are you ok?” Yes I’m fine I just had a funny thought about falling in love.” Guillermo laughed cutting his eyes to the rear view mirror looking at me. “I want something sweet and also some Costa Rican coffee. You know of a good place on the way?” “I know the perfect places to stop Señor. One is a coffee plantation and the other a small dessert, cheese, and wine shop.” “Sounds great.”

    Its difficult to hold back from asking questions about her. A better idea would be to probe Guillermo about his relationship with her. Being her driver he has surely seen plenty. I start asking questions like a trained journalist. I need to uncover secrets or at minimum useful clues. I can’t be to aggressive because than he will realize its an interrogation and not playful a conversation.

   Think Will. Find a topic he would freely talk about. Make him feel in control of the topic, provide something intimate about yourself, etc... circle back to a day of driving for her and ask if he is happy to do so. Hopefully by stoping at the wine shop and then the coffee plantation. I will have time to loosen him up and then energize him. If it works he will be gossiping like a caffeinated sixteen year old school girl.

   “Guillermo, I read that you have a Black Woman Vice President.” “Yes but no one likes her!” I hit a chord. He started to unload like we were sitting in a congressional meeting. He was hyped about the current state of affairs, “Corruption, Taxes, Wages, Politics, Morality, Voting Alienation, etc.” Perfect. He started to ramble. Here is my lead in knowing that the woman I’m meeting is black.
​
  “How does Señorita feel about her?” “I hate that she loves everything about her.” I sit back thinking I got him now. “Reallly?” I sound concern, “Yes William, She talks about her all the time and we disagree on everything. I always get so angry and decide to be quiet.” “What else don’t you like about her?” He sang like a song bird. Anything I wanted to know he answered in detail. I tried not to push to hard but, he became an open book. What have I gotten myself into?

 I’ve heard that some of the greatest stories are not where you go, it’s who you’re with.

  Chapter 2 - The Mystery of Choice

   Life has been a mystery of choices I make and things that just happen. In the darkness of this blindfold I wonder which.  
 
  The cold metal cuffs slightly cut into my skin when I attempt to move. I flinch from a hot liquid being poured across the top of my chest. The intensity of pain and pleasure follow the stream of liquid down the length of my body. “Is that wax?” “Yes. How does it feel?” “It feels amazing.” I respond trying not to squirm because any movement shifts the pain to my bound wrists above my head. I’m not sure if I will be able to last but, I don’t want to be a punk. I try to keep my composure having no idea what’s next. I could say the agreed upon “safe word” and trust that she will stop when I say it. My fear is that she wont stop. Knowing that I’m exposed and vulnerable she has the advantage and could continue but, maybe that’s what I really need. A need for her to find something deeper that I don’t know about myself. 

  Only a few hours earlier I was making my way to see her. Guillermo was putty in my hands at this point. He told me that she is a very powerful woman and spares no expense for her company. I gathered that I’m in a long line of boy toys she has eaten  up and tossed out. 

   I paid for Guillermo to take the coffee tour with me. I wanted him to keep on talking. The Doka Coffee Plantation tour was amazing. I learned that the Vargas family ran this plantation since 1940. Most of the well known brands, rebrand this coffee and sell it around the world. 

  

     During the tour I was able to pick a few beans. I can’t imagine that workers still perform this manually. It takes forty-five minutes for the best worker to fill a twenty-eight pound basket which,  equate to only two dollars and hour.  Hell the tour was forty minutes for twenty dollars. 

   The tour guided us through each step of the cultivation process. I have a renewed love for coffee with this expanded knowledge. I found that the Breakfast blend is my favorite which I was able to drink black. They even had homemade chocolate and liquor to add or have on the side. I did both. 

  After the forty minute tour we jumped back in the car and headed to the little shop on the side of the mountain. Since we weren’t in a hurry I bought a small bottle of wine to share with Guillermo and a few locals. I’m no wine, cheese, and cracker type of guy but, this shit was great. We sat outside watching the clouds roll in covering the mountains like a fluffy blanket. They were so thick I almost expected a space ship to appear pushing through them like the movie, “Independence Day”. 

  I tried my best to learn Spanish only catching a few words as they spoke. They knew some English and would try to include me in the discussion. We sat there talking about life and stuff they love to do. I almost forgot that I required information from Guillermo. One of the guys suggested that Guillermo take me to the waterfalls near by. There are usually a lot of beautiful woman hanging out there. 

 “William, would you like to see the waterfalls?” “Sure. I mean, Si.” “Very good William, I will take you there. It is very beautiful. I will wait at the car while you walk. I have a few calls to make.” “A few calls?” “Si, I need to check on my daughter.” “Ok.” 

  When we arrived at the entrance to the walkway, he backed the car into a spot, let me out, and immediately jumped on his phone. I checked my phone for a signal and looked around for people. There were plenty of people around including a few beautiful young ladies. Everyone was very friendly so I felt at ease. ​

​Mesa to San Diego - I can get a bit wordy so I decided to write a blog instead of a FB post.
 
I was asked to provide some of my experience of traveling on I10, I8, and I95 between Mesa and San Diego. Please keep in mind that when I traveled across that stretch I was looking for places to drive my UTV, hike, or bike. I’m not sure how much time you have or when you plan to travel but there are many things to consider. Below are a couple:
 

1. Weather - It is crazy hot during the summer months. Extremely hot weather makes boondocking a little more challenging for long stays.
2.  Activities - There are a ton of seasonal activities and events all across I8 and I10 between Mesa and San Diego like rodeo’s, burning man, UTV Racing, Desert Racing, Parties, etc… I was there mostly during the winter months to avoid the excessive heat so that I could be somewhat comfortable without AC or Heat while bondocking.

 
 Mesa – If you are staying in Mesa, you already know all the activities and locations around Phoenix because everything is within an hour or two depending on the traffic. I lived in the Phoenix area for about two months so if you like I could provide a few recommendations, but for now lets hit the road..

​You have two routes out of Mesa to San Diego: I8 or I10. My preference would be to head out I10 and return on I8 (Remember I had a UTV so there is a ton of riding in a place like Gila Bend off I8 which is not somewhere I would stop unless I required a layover for rest to continue my journey east or west. However, there is a really cool steak joint and the Space Age Restaurant in the small town of Gila Bend. I can’t remember the name of the steak place. There is a very nice KOA in Gila Bend that will have the name of the steak restaurant if you stay there for a night.
 
Ok heading west on I10.. I stayed at a free campsite in Tonopah – You will find a ton of spots not far from the highway using freecampsites.net. People provide reliable information and sometimes there is a youtube video of someone driving and locating a camp spot which is very useful. I personally find a gas station or truck stop near by to drop my trailer and go survey the land and pick a spot. I usually stick a flag and leave an old chair at the spot I want and then go back grab my RV. For some of these free spots you really need to know a head of time how you will get in and out. Sandy and soft dirt require some attention because sand can surprise you and soft dirt will turn to mud if it rains. Either can cause you to be stuck badly.  You do not want to get stuck because it is a shit ton of money to get pulled out depending on your rig size and how far you are from pavement. Tonopah offers great hiking, UTV, biking, and seclusion. Usually you can see other campers but they are far enough that you can barely hear their generator. Also some of the main dirt roads you will pass folks and most are very welcoming. I always keep beer on-hand for visits and plenty of fire wood.
 
   QUARTZSITE: Heading into Quartzsite. I believe that it was a Chevron that I stopped at that had a huge parking lot at the rear. However, there is a Love’s and Pilot nearby. The attendant let me drop my RV there while I went and scoped out the place. It was very packed and happened to be a government shutdown. There were a few full-hookup spots. Free camping was plentiful but some areas had camp hosts which were not free if it wasn’t for the fact that it was a government shutdown while I was there. So take your time and look all around if you can. The main town is awesome with lots to see. Tons of souvenir shopping all over the place. I decided to park down I95 a pretty good distance from everything because I could drive my UTV back to sightsee. This place is famous for many things including the Burning Man event at the end of Aug thru the first week of Sept. 

   ​Once you take in Quartzsite head down I95. There are plenty of places to boondock all along this road. You will pass the proving grounds and head into Yuma. I loved staying near Yuma for the Imperial Dunes. The sand dunes are amazing. There is a rest stop in the middle of I8 to stop and take pictures. Or you can take the Gordon Wells exit and get a closer look and maybe hike to the top of a dune. Also there is the oldest road you can go check out.  I stayed in this area for three months parked in different spots.
 
     Yuma is a fun city with plenty to do. They had a few events on Main Street while I was there. There a few bars that get pretty live at night. Q (Quechan Casino) off I8 has RV parking. I’m not sure if they charge you or just expect you to gamble or purchase tickets to a show/concert. They have tons of concerts and restaurants. The food is pretty good.

Hotville Hot Spring – Really cool spot right off I8 that offers boondocking. I only went twice during the day. Be warned that wrinkled people have no shame. I drove there from Gordon Well’s RV Park using my UTV. If you stay at Gordon Wells Dee and Russ are the Managers/Host,  and Thomas is Host and Maintenance.  However, there are plenty of other places to boondock and all within distance.
 
Mexico – Algodones – The border is right behind the Q Casino. You could walk from the Casino to the border. It would be better to drive a car to the parking near the border.  Parking is $6 for the day. Walk across the border but be warned that if you go during the day on the weekend or holiday expect long lines returning to the US. You only require a US drivers license however, it would be better to have a passport with all the stuff that’s going on between US and Mexico.
 
  I really love Algodones and spent a lot of time there. Remember I’m pretty young and single so the night life over there is pretty good. During the day the streets are buzzing with vendors and Seasoned folks taking care of medical needs. Tons of pharmaceutical, dentist, and plastic surgery offices are right at the border.  It is the best place to get great priced dental work which maybe covered by your insurance. “In and Out”.. They do some amazing work all in-house.
 
  Don’t be afraid to try the street tacos.. I ate there at lease 3 - 4 times a week. I could get my fill for under $5 if I add a beer $8. Don’t quote me on the price because I may have been getting a deal. After a few days a lot of folks knew me (for obvious reasons). At night it’s pretty quiet unless you are up for exotic entertainment.

​El Centro and Mexicali Mexico –  I spent only a short time in El Centro mainly to service my UTV. I never ventured into Mexicali. I didn't have any reason except for I figured it was much like Algodones and Tijuana. Don’t believe all the reports of Cartel and Drug activity. Go see for yourself. Yes, there is crime but there is crime everywhere. Personally I didn’t see anything crazy the entire time I spent there. As a matter of fact, As an African American male, I felt safer over the border which is why I can’t wait go back and explore more of Mexico, Central America, and South America via the roads (follow my blog – I’m working on it)
 
Leaving Yuma to San Diego -  Please try to go during the day because there is a mountain range that is just stunning maybe thirty minutes out of El Centro. Unfortunately, I took a day trip there so I don’t remember many pullouts for a big rig. Still just passing through is amazing… Please be aware not to drive on an extremely windy day.. Winds can get up to 30mph+ quick and I’ve seen one incident of a eighteen wheeler on its side due to the wind.
 
San Diego – I stayed in Chula Vista at a KOA. Very expensive but was worth it. Close to Mission Beach and the Gas Lamp District. I’ve been to LA a few times so I don’t have anything to say about there… However, the Pacific Coast Highway is nothing short of amazing. You have to drive a few miles of it if you can toward LA.

   I know that I'm missing a ton of information but hopefully you will go out and explore and provide more information from your experience driving from Mesa to San Diego. Please share your experience below including any sites, etc... 

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  I have followed many semi-marked trails that wind up through a forested mountain slope before reaching a beautiful summit. Sometimes, getting back down is not as easy as climbing up. The way down may take a different route and can be quite tricky. I’m not sure if it is always the National Park Service or just helpful people leaving stacked rocks to point the way, but I really appreciate whoever took the time.  Like breadcrumbs, those stacked rocks help me find my way home. However, just recently, I came across an article explaining the true history of these stacked rocks.
 
  For centuries, humans have been building such markers. These piles of stacked rocks are called cairns. From middle Gaelic, the word means “mound of stones built as a memorial or landmark.” Supposedly, there are plenty of these memorials built in Celtic territories, as well as in other cultures; indigenous peoples in the United States often used cairns to cover and bury their dead. I really hope that was not the case because in Moab and also Tuco, there were a ton of them everywhere, and they were not pointing in any direction. The possibility of those being graves… well, let's just hope they are not. With that said, you can't always rely on stacked rocks to find your way home. Most of the time, it is pretty obvious that the location of the stacked rocks is just someone leaving their mark, at lease I hope so. It’s always interesting to learn the history of the things that we do as humans.
 
 I give special thanks to the people who left appropriate stacked rocks at critical junctions to help me find my way through the wilderness

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