Newport Beach, CA. April 29th - May 1st

We're back in California! I'm writing this as we spend a few days at Newport Dunes RV Resort. It's literally 10 minutes from our home. In the area, this resort gets talked about like it's the greatest place. The resort is fine but it still has dirt sites, and that's a big issue with me. Yes, it has a concrete patio but the sites are so tight that you have to put half your tires on the patio and the others in the dirt. With slides out and windows open you can talk to your neighbor in a normal voice and they'll hear you just fine. On a positive note, it has a beach, pool, hot tub, restaurant (nothing special), bar, lots of activities, and some grass areas. Quite a few full-time residents. Just keeping it real - it wouldn't make the top 20 of places we've stayed, but I did like this picture of the moon over the bay.

Now let's talk about our living situation. I didn't mention this when we started this adventure, but we rented our home to a wonderful family that lost their home in the Pacific Palisades fire last year. Their 4-year daughter went to pre-school in the morning and by that night she had lost her home, her grandparents home, her school, library, parks, everything! Brutal! When we met them, we all knew our home was right for them and they were right for our home. Honestly, it was heart-warming to feel like we were doing something so helpful for this family. We also knew that our home would be well taken care of, and it was helpful for us to have the extra income. Win-Win!

A year later, the family is still dealing with insurance and everything else that goes with losing an entire neighborhood. Their new house is no where close to being built. So...Remember, back in December when we left the RV in Florida, and flew home for the holidays? We rented a smaller home not far from ours, and it worked out well for us and the girls. So, we're gonna rent that house again and let the family continue to rent our home through the end of 2026. Once again, win-win!

On a different subject, I've been reluctant to mention it because I didn't want to jinx it, but our weather has been pretty damn good for the past three months. That means that pesky leak that had frustrated me for months as been a non-factor. 😎👏 Made it home and now I can take as much time as necessary to find it and fix it!

We've been busy with lots of logistics since we've been back in town, so only the one picture with this post. But here's one of Stella and Rita just before we left Motorcoach Country Club.

Tomorrow we'll put Betty in storage and, by the time I write my final post of this journey, I'll be sitting on the couch at our short-term home. I don't have a damn clue what I'm gonna write, but it'll probably be filled with emotions so stay tuned.