The Snowbird Exodus

• I was up extra early this morning. I've got travelling on my mind. Three more days and I will join the exodus of snowbirds from the Golden Village. My route options are all mapped out, including a list of highway exits that have gas stations, McDonald's, RV parks and, just in case the weather is really crappy, roadside hotels. While I do plan to spend a few nights at truck stops relying on my batteries and on-board water supply, I assure you I won't be ending a long day’s drive by scrambling outside in the rain to dump my tanks or hook up the fresh water, sewer and electrical connections. With the weather continuing to be as crazy as it is, simple rain would be a bonus. (Mental note: get new windshield wipers.)

• Punctuated by last-minute happy hours, hugs, handshakes and variations on the phrases “keep in touch”, “see you next year” and “travel safe”, many snowbirds have already started their northbound migration. Yesterday there was a line-up at the clubhouse of folks wanting to settle their accounts and get assigned to the departure “pull-through” sites that will allow hooking up their towed vehicles before bed-time in anticipation of a next day early-morning departure. Those headed for non-coastal provinces and states are having their rigs winterized before leaving Southern California since they are headed into the lingering nastiness of what is now being labeled “this historic winter".

• Tornadoes, winter blizzards, the volcano eruption in Alaska and record-breaking floods are plaguing the US and Canada. There have been reports of several small earthquakes here in Southern California but nothing I've felt. The predicted return of the Santa Ana winds that force motorhomes off the road has failed to materialize. Although the days here are getting warmer, the desert climate means a drop of twenty to thirty degrees at night. Early morning furnace blasts continue but by 9 a.m. the furnace is off, the windows are open and the fans are doing their best to stave off the escalating heat of the day.

• As if on cue to signal the end of the snowbird season, spectacularly scented orange blossoms on the tree outside my door have surrounded the last piece of hanging fruit.

• Another countdown is on as I anticipate the next phase of my own historic journey.