We’ve been in the Bay Area for 1 month helping friends but what is so amazing is that in order for us to do this, other friends have helped us! They say it takes a village and it truly does! One couple has allowed us to park in their lower driveway. Another family has loaned us a car. Two families have allowed us to shower and do laundry at their place. Another person helps pickup mail at the mailbox. People have offered for us to stay at their place while they are on vacation! Others, to use spare rooms. We are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity everyone has extended to us. We could never repay or express our gratitude for all this help. We feel so blessed for all this help and support.
The view looking out into the trees.
On a funny note…we’ve learned a few things about being without a home.
- Libraries are your friends! They have WiFi, AC and bathrooms but they close at a normal hour. A real bummer for night owls!
Don’t pass up a flushing toilet – ever!
Being night owls in Cupertino is a bust…Your choices are the Donut Wheel or Paul and Eddie’s. Not sure either has WiFi.
Hospitals are open all night. They have free WiFi, tables and AC but the parking may cost you a bit.
Showers are a challenge. It’s difficult to find public showers. If you’re a member of a gym you’re set but other than that, you’re county parks or friends are your best bet. Bring quarters (not so much for the friends)!
Cell reception in Cupertino is some of the worst we’ve experienced in our travels! Voice mails arrive hours later. Text messages arrive whenever you hit a pocket of good reception.
Problems we’ve (mostly Terry) solved while hanging around:
LEVELING THE RV: We lost (Peggy left them at a campground) the wooden boards we use when we level the RV on gravel/soft dirt so Terry re-built them.
REFRIGERATOR: The refrigerator has been acting up since we left June 1st. Terry found that the ventilation on the top of the frig was blocked by insulation so he fixed it. He also added fans to move the air. The people (us) who installed the last refrigerator didn’t do it properly :-)
WIFI: Most RV campgrounds have poor WiFi. Terry found several inexpensive antennas that help improve the reception…Starbucks here we come!
WEDDING CLOTHES: Our son is getting married in October while we are still on our trip. We left in such a rush that we didn't have clothes or were missing “parts”. While being back, we’ve managed to assemble clothes we’ll wear so we’re both looking forward to celebrating this event and are excited to gain a new daughter-in-law and her family!
On the roof of the RV working on the refrigerator.