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 High flying Canadian Driving through Los Angeles to me is quite the stressful event, with a 34+ foot trailer in tow. Traffic is incessant and heavy at all times of the day, but a bit less so later in the evening. Consequently, we timed our journey across the top of the city for 9pm last night and it still took us 3 hours to span the distance between Ventura on the northwest side of the city through to the eastern boundary of Riverside with a constant flow of fast-moving vehicles. Extremely low on diesel, we managed to find a fuel stop that allowed us to park our rig for the night. We were both done and completely drained. I truly can’t imagine ever living in LA, having to deal with the traffic issues they have. Thank goodness we never hit rush hour. Let me tell you, towing a long trailer gives one new meaning to driver awareness of ones surroundings, options and capabilities.
 Perris Valley Wind Tunnel With a fresh outlook (and a huge sigh of relief), we made the short trek to Perris Valley, hoping to park our Airstream at the dropzone for the next 3 or 4 days whilst exploring LA and yogaFLIGHT in Beverly Hills. We settled in to our own little area tucked away quietly with other seemingly deserted RVs. A hot shower was dearly appreciated. And not having had Internet for the last 5 days, I was happy to hunker down at the dz’s ‘Bombshelter‘, catching up with friends and family via email and facebook on their lovely hi-speed Wifi connection. This blog badly needed updating!
It was kind of cool to see the Canadian Skyhawks training here in Perris. Kind of felt like home, with all the Canadian flags flying above our heads (the Team canopies are one huge Maple Leaf!).
When you find yourself in the middle of perfection, breathe it all in and savour the moment. For with each ebb and flow of the casting of sand, you will find that perfection exists everywhere, and yet elsewhere. And that the freedom to define is as beautiful as each breath you build your present moment upon, with every shadow that you sculpt.
RV There Yet??
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tsNZwj8wmg[/youtube]
 Vehicle love before hitting the road  It was a debate until the end …. should we or shouldn’t we? Highway 1 is one of the most spectacular coastline drives ever, or so I think, in comparison to my many years of travelling. slaDE~ has never had the privilege of exploring south of Monterey on California State Route 1. And I so wanted this to be our opportunity. But sometimes, common sense must prevail over emotion, and we chose to drive Hwy 101 instead, the ‘scenic alternative’. Quite beautiful in it’s own right, but not quite the twisting, mountainous, switchback style of the infamous route. And THIS was indeed the point of our decision. After experiencing difficulties in climbing the Grapevine pass (and thus being towed to Bakersfield), I was nervous at the thought of finding ourselves stuck in the same situation, albeit this time, in a mightier, tightier space. We are extremely grateful for having had the experience of Hwy 1 north of Monterey, and will someday return to drive the southern coast, without our trailer in tow.
 Anjalique and Lucy  slaDE~, Uncle Pete and sKY:: Sometimes goodbyes can be so challenging …. and leaving Northern California, for me, has always been like leaving a part of my heart behind. This moment in time appears to be no different as I spend the day silently preparing for the crux of my being to be divided once again. The saying of ‘Leaving one’s heart in San Francisco’ is no joke! I can relate ….
But not only is it the culture, nature’s environment, the planetary consciousness and spirituality that draws me like a lover to the west coast, it’s the friends who have emblazoned themselves like a tattoo on my being. And for this, I am forever grateful.
 Seacliff Beach Pier
  There’s nothing like exploring that semblance of a long lost home base that has held such a vivid space in my dreams. Monterey Bay an the surrounding area will always be one of my favourite places on earth … and to return here in exploration with my husband (slaDE~ has never visited the dreamy aquarium!) is especially a treat. The weather was outstanding and literally breathtaking. The sun hovered behind wispy clouds of fog which ebbed and flowed like the tide against the coastal edge, peeking through seductively only to fully reveal itself once the temperatures had risen. Our friend Pete somehow managed to magically provide a complimentary pass to the Aquarium … we’re so blessed by his gracious traveler’s altruism.
Playful Otters, lumbering stunning Jellyfish, the wavering Kelp Garden, the open excited feedings, miniature Seahorses, waddling penguins, mammoth Tuna fish … some of the best exhibits here at the Bay’s conservatory and research institute.
After our amazing spa experience in Calistoga yesterday, we ended up staying in the high hills of Berkley with our new friends Caran and Mark (Caran was in our ‘Heart to Hand’ workshop this past weekend), and their humongous 4 dogs.
 The Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset  Cool 3D metal art Apart from me forgetting my laptop at the spa (HOW does one do that??!), we had a spectacular evening enjoying a gourmet meal followed by the opening of Canada’s Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Although I might be a tad biased, these were by far the best opening ceremonies that I have ever witnessed! Especially proud to be a Canadian at this moment in time. Amazing how these Games can bring together the world in harmonious sporting spirit.
Because of my forgetfulness (in the haze of yesterday’s bliss I forgot to be mindful of our stuff!), slaDE~ and I had to return to Calistoga to pick up the laptop which I had left behind in the Ladies locker. Arghhhhhh …. sorry honey. I really messed up. Luckily I have a fairly patient and forgiving husband! On the positive side, we managed to get one more dip in the Indian Springs mineral pool (geyser fed = hot tub warm). Oh how I loved bobbing and floating without a care with 3 noodles meticulously placed for optimum mindless suspension. 
Alas, we had a deadline to make … we were signed up for a Valentine’s acro yoga workshop with Tyler Blank and Ashley Apple. It was really spectacular to experience the beauty of yoga inversions like we teach through the eyes of another instructor. And Ashley’s raw chocolate was fabulous. What a yummy Valentine’s experience! Oh how I love San Francisco. The city and it’s vast opportunities for adventurous and spiritual exploration will be sadly missed.
 Petrified Forest  Before setting off to Calistoga for a relaxing day at the Indian Springs Resort and Spa, we had to offer our host Scott a chance to experience yogaFLIGHT. This is what part of our adventure is all about, introducing our brand of yoga to the world and our skydiving friends! After another successful convert to the therapeutic healings of yogaFLIGHT, we set off, winding through the Petrified Forests surrounding Calistoga, weaving our way to the days magical recluse of healing and solitude. Bliss.
The price of a half hour massage had me wince (just a teensy bit), but wanting to experience this unique opportunity fully, we both succmbed to the luxuries offered, and splurged on the full package deal of a massage, mud bath and mineral pool plunge. Not certain as to how slaDE~ would enjoy the mudbath experience, I was anxious to hear all about his volcanic ash encounter.
 A warm mineral bath awaits : We first had a massage (preluded by a full-on steam blast to heat up the muscles) before being submerged from neck to toes in warm volcanic mud.
 Mud bath for sKY! I expected to sink into the dark cavern of mud when I first laid atop the warm mass, but instead, had to be buried, like sand at the beach that molded around my body in a super warm embrace. 20 minutes of decadence unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before.
After rinsing off the clay in the mineral warm showers, I was then immersed in a huge tub of lukewarm geyser water, rich in minerals and salts, hydrating myself fully with cold cucumber water drinks throughout the 15 minute soak. This was followed by a moist steam room to seal in the healing benefits of the treatment, and then I was encased in dry towels for 20 minutes to cool down and drift away, with cucumber slices placed on my eyelids. After we stepped back to earth, we spent the bulk of our afternoon relaxing poolside by the Indian Springs Olympic sized mineral pool (which is maintained at a temperature of 102 degrees in the winter, 92 degrees in the summer). As their website states: “The warmth of the water makes this a healing bathing experience — soak, rest and then soak some more.” Oh how true! All I can say is WOW. This was one of my most luxurious days of pampered healing ever. Highly recommended on the bucket list of life.
  I can’t remember the last time that I began drinking before noon. Well today, I was well on my way to full-on inebriation before the mid-day lunch rush. Scott, our winery tour guide, drove us to three tasty wineries, starting with a sampling of the sparkling beverages at the Ironhorse Vineyards. Clouds and low-lying fog shrouded the views of Sonoma County, but as soon as the sun emerged, one could see Mount St. Helena in the distance. The sparkling wines here are considered world class (served at the White House!) and our hostess Lisa was more than generous in her servings of the bubbly (and tastings of a $120 bottle of Pinot Noir) ….. she is the ultimate Wine Club Hostess! Next we made our way to WOW – White Oak Winery. I fell in love with the wine-filled chocolates.  And believe it or not, the more I drank, the less drunk i was as the day progressed. Perhaps because we made a pit-stop at a burrito bus before the 2nd vineyard??  Our final destination was to Quivira Winery, featuring organic and biodynamic wines. I was actually quite surprised that the quality of taste between these and conventional grape-made wines was non-existent. Nonetheless, Bob served us up (a bit stingy compared to other wine hostesses!) some tasty treats. I had reached my edge and was ready to savour an alcohol-free evening with my beloved, our host Scott and his lovely girlfriend Rachel.
  Yay, we managed to wake up this morning in time for 6am meditation. What a brilliant way to start the morning of our departure. Exciting day today …. the weather is spectacular and clear, and we’re weaving our way up the coastline towards the wine country. 9 years ago, I completed my Private Pilot’s License in Sonoma, and this will be the first time I’ve returned since then. How fabulous!!! I’m excited beyond words. This time in my life was so incredibly memorable and special, difficult and challenging. I was just out of a 5 year relationship with my beloved friend Randy (who is no longer with us on this Earth, and is sadly missed), and I was searching for meaning, independence and knowledge. Who knew that I’d return here such a changed and complete person? And better yet, with the love of my life. Doesn’t get much better than this!
The drive up to Guerneville along Highway 1 was incredible! The winding steep roads were awe-inspiring. Throughout the drive, I was grateful that we hadn’t explored this route with our 35 foot trailer in tow. The trouble we might have had makes me wince at the thought! And yes, this had to be one of my favourite drives yet on this journey. Spectacular …. so grateful for the digital camera!
  Arriving at our host’s family cottage was a treat to behold. The two giant redwood trees guarding the driveway left me breathless at the thought of hugging these gentle giants. And Scott, ever the amazing entertainer, made us a delicious eggplant parmesan meal paired perfectly with some divine red wines that had me hankering for water at midnight. Yummy but Ouch!
  For the third day in a row, we’ve managed to miss our 6am morning meditation because we overslept the alarm on our new cell phone. Perhaps we are so used to slaDE~s other cell alarm (5 years of consistent 4 snooze breaks before departure from bed) that we’re unable (or unconsciously unwilling?) to adapt to this new gadget’s waking methodology. Tomorrow I’m using my watch as a backup, as that will be our last morning opportunity for meditation in the Temple with Sanskrit chanting and auspicious reflection. At 6:15am, I bolted out of bed, but interrupting a meditation session 15 minutes late is not kosher, and I stumbled back to bed to dream bizarre dreams about my Grandparents home and life on the farm. For me to remember a dream 12 hours after strange and unusual. Waking to an alarm seems so foreign on this Airstream journey. To wake up naturally is divine and a necessity in my books.
I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon wedding in the garden. Such a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary. Mother Earth grounds me beyond any other phenomenon in my world. I will forever be the tree hugging sort it seems!
 More yogaFLIGHT with new friends and an amazing Laughter Yoga class topped the end of our stay with finesse and beauty. The key to true happiness? Laugh, laugh, laugh often. Throw in the spice of love, daily body inversions and bountiful sleep and nourishment, and eternal youth is your answer.
Did you know that it’s a “scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.” Fascinating! Dee our instructor told us that children laugh up to 300 times per day. As an adult, we average 15 times per day. What’s happening between our youth and adulthood? Time to take life less seriously and look to laugh until we split our seams. Who cares about laugh lines. I’d rather be healthy, happy and radiant with laughter than worried by the obscure egotism of mouth wrinkles. Why not wear my life story on my face …. the mark of a life well lived!
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