The Virgin Voyage

March 19-23, 2024

San Onofre Beach, California

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As I turn the page to the next adventure of this so-called life, I am gearing up for retirement in 2025. My wife and I usually discuss plans for what we will do after I retire as she continues to chip away at the peak of her successful work career.

As a military retiree, proud and humbled by all the indefinite benefits and privileges, and I have always felt at home inside a military installation. It all starts at the military gate, where they (the gate guards) still render respect and courtesy to my retired rank from the Navy.

Over the years of traveling the Interstate 5 freeway in Southern California along the coast

between Oceanside and San Onofre, I have always wondered what it's like camping on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Fast-forward forty-two years, and here I am on this sandy beach of San Onofre. I found myself blogging and, simultaneously, relaxing and reflecting on life from this hidden gem, a secluded military recreation area at Camp Pendleton, California.

How did I get here?

My wife, Elizabeth, likes the contemporary lifestyle and is very passionate about art, from

homes, automobiles, different music genres, and crafts. Overall, this affects our lifestyle. I have always considered her the byproduct of the 1950s and 60s generations. And when it comes to travel trailers, nothing beats the sleek-looking AIRSTREAM trailers. She has the taste and knack for that, for sure. Airstreams are unlike any other RVs. It is an iconic riveted aluminum travel trailer passed down from generation to generation. My main concerns are performance, safety, and comfort. Her main concerns are the aesthetic, time-treasured look and feel. The 22-foot Bambi; we purchased two months ago fits both of our likings. With attractive savings offered by the dealership and the design of the Bambi model we were eyeing, the Bambi became ours.

We are still deciding what to name our Airstream. Suggestions are welcome.

Because Elizabeth and I have yet to experience towing a travel trailer, there is a lot of effort to prepare and gear up for our first camping trip, from the YouTube videos to reading all safety instructions online. To get our feet wet, we wanted to take baby steps to introduce maneuvering but keep ourselves within a 100-mile radius of home. And so, San Onofre was the first choice.

The big day! (The Virgin Voyage of our Bambi).

Our first day was exhausting because we didn't know what to expect. It was daunting, from figuring out which key to which to remembering what was essential. Despite some knowledge of what to pack and bring and all the helpful advice and tips from my colleague (Anthony Tasca), my wife and I found ourselves on a mission. My experience during my younger days on active duty towing jets in the military was sufficient and beneficial enough to maneuver the Bambi, especially when backing the trailer on the spot. I didn't need the millennial suggestion of backup cameras and other so-called help gadgets. My driving skills are best suited to my experience, and I felt comfortable that way. 

The trailer installation was uneventful due to my wife's preparation. Grey, Black, and freshwater hookups are just that, and we had no problem understanding what goes where. In other words, the trailer sewage system is easy to learn through online tips and similar resources.

Our first night sleeping in the trailer was not only great, but it was super awesome. Our trailer queen-size bed was very comfortable, and of course, having the luxury of hearing ocean waves in the background made it even more relaxing and cozy. 

My new adventures and hobbies are here.

Nothing beats waking up with the smell of fresh hot coffee brewing and the sound of the ocean waves inside our Bambi trailer. Elizabeth is cooking breakfast, and I'm just fazed by what I see. So far, I like this new adventure, and we intend to do more.

We feel that this size will be just right for our purposes...although already admitting to some 'Airstream Envy' when seeing a slightly large trailer! What have is great and we are so thankful for everything we have.

My wife and I are accustomed to being constantly on the move, always moving from one point to another, being nimble and quick-thinking, quick-moving. In this scenario, there is no next place to get to. We are here.

We are here to enjoy, just ... being ... here. Let's sit and watch the dolphins swim by, and oh! Look at that surfer ride that wave!

Chit-chat with a neighbor and go on a leisurely walk, observing the waves, the light, the clouds, and the sky…what the weather might bring today. This is what it's all about!