2017-06-10 The Odyssey Begins – Leaving Irvine

It finally happened. Saturday, June 10 came and went and we are officially on our 4 month odyssey across and around the United States.

The week before was spent doing final packing and loading (Phil), and giving and grading final exams (Lynda). VCHS graduation was Friday night, June 9, and now Lynda is officially and finally retired!

Other last minute items have been completed:

Some weeks ago I finally confirmed what I had long suspected, but could never verify until now: Yes, you do need a special Driver License in California to tow a travel trailer (or fifth wheel trailer) over 10,000 lbs. So I dutifully made my appointment at DMV, and took the written tests to get my “Learners Permit”, and then I made my appointment to take the behind-the-wheel driving test. I felt like I was 15 again…

On Tuesday, with the assistance of dear friend (and properly-licensed) Dale Cram, I pulled the Airstream to Fontana, CA, where we found the largest spread of concrete I have ever seen at a DMV office. I went through filling out more forms, the pre-check, the pre-trip inspection, the low speed maneuvers of backing and parking around red cones in the giant concrete lot, and then we hit the road. Right turn, left turn, around the block, onto the freeway, off the freeway, pull over to let the ambulance pass, and back to the DMV. I passed with flying colors, and I was issued a Class A (non-commercial) Driver License, which permits me to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer up to 15,000 lbs. (The Villa weighs just 10,500 lbs…)

The rest of the week, as Lynda finished her school work, I was shopping, doing laundry, making lists, sorting lists, and gathering the last minute items we needed to pack. (We had done most of the major packing on Memorial Day weekend…)

So after a few last minute preparations on Saturday morning, and after good-bye hugs to John (and Yan), Paul, and Vicki we hit the road. We had an uneventful drive to Kingman, Arizona, where we spent our first night in a simple RV park. Celebratory adult beverages were consumed, and an enjoyable time was had by all.

These are pictures of leaving Irvine. Our son John (with service dog Yan) is a chemistry professor at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, who lives with us. My brother Paul and his wife Vicki (see their website here…) are perpetual travelers who are staying with John for these 4 months.