Travelin' Man

Are you a Bob Seger or a Ricky Nelson fan? They both have lyrics about a travelin' man. Not coincidentally, they both focus on women they had known and left. I have traveled a lot, lived many places, some more than once. But my wandering had a lot more to do with periodically changing my life than it did with running to or from various women. Some might disagree.

Here is a laundry list of where I have done my laundry over the decades.

1948 Detroit, MI.
1949-65 Dexter, MI.
1965-69 Kalamazoo, MI.
1970-71 Somerville, MA.
1971-72 Ann Arbor, MI.
1973-75 Hell, MI.
1975-78 Hermosa Beach, CA.
1979-80 Palos Verdes, CA.
1981-82 Redondo Beach, CA.
1983-1990 Hermosa Beach, CA.
1991-1999 San Francisco, CA.
2000-2005 Ann Arbor, MI.
2005-2009 Las Vegas, NV.
2010-2015 Berkeley, CA
2016-2020 The Villages, FL. & Ann Arbor, MI. (semi-snowbirding)

Starting in the late 90s, there were several periods of undomiciled living where I gave up my condo, house or apartment and traveled to and from friends and family. Since 2015, undomiciled has been my permanent condition. Everything I own fits into my car with room to spare. After all what does a writer need except a laptop and some place to be or to be leaving.

I have even written a book about my meandering ways - Undomiciled: How to be the Perfect Long-Term Houseguest. Seeking a publisher.

Road Trip #3: Rawlins, Wyoming

Google Maps is being cranky, click the minus sign in the lower right corner.

Rain, rain, rain and a couple of rainbows. Wish I could magically send all of this moisture out West to the snow pack in California. Today I got myself close enough to Colorado that I can cruise in tomorrow and get on with some personal medical investigation. Full report to follow. Right now it's time for back stretching and a hot shower followed by back exercises and opiates.

Day 15 (Sept. 27th): 525 miles (trip to date: 1400 miles)
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Road Trip #2 -- Elko, Nevada

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Day 14 (Sept. 26th): 500 miles (trip to date: 875 miles)


On the road again after two weeks near Mt. Shasta. A most interesting visit with a fire evacuation, a flood via melting glacier and finally the first rain of the season. I arrived to 90+ degrees and the barest Mt. Shasta anyone has seen in many years, hence the melting glaciers. But on my final day the rain clouds cleared to reveal snow down to the tree line. More white than locals have seen in three years. Hopefully, a beginning to a wet winter.

To avoid more interstate time, I meandered through the high desert of Eastern Oregon. Morning temperatures hovered in the high 30s with lots of tule fog in the low valleys. But tonight I find myself back on the interstate. Ah well, this too shall pass. Somewhere in Utah or perhaps Wyoming tomorrow evening before arriving in Colorado on Sunday.

On a slightly sour note. I have abandoned my plans to drive the Northern I-90 route to Minnesota. New medical information requires a stopover in Colorado. So I am once again traversing I-80, a highway I have driven too many times and had hoped to avoid. I will get to see my friend Tina in Boulder, so there are compensations.