In the early 1980s, a seemingly ordinary road trip to Southern California turned into an unforgettable adventure when an elephant decided to make a statement by sitting on the hood of our camper. This is the story of that incredible journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
It was either 1981 or 1982, and we had decided to visit some friends in Southern California. Traveling wasn't something we did often, not because we didn't enjoy it, but because we couldn't afford it. Living in Phoenix, Arizona, where summer temperatures can soar to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, made the idea of driving 500-600 miles even less appealing. However, our good friends Janice and Andy had been urging us to visit since they moved to California due to Andy's job transfer. Jane and Janice were inseparable during the seven years they lived just two houses down from us, and our kids played together almost every day.
Jane convinced me that this was the year to visit our friends. I arranged time off from work, and we set off for California in our trusty camper during the last week of August. We took the southern route to San Diego, stopping several times to stretch our legs and enjoy the journey. We arrived in San Diego around 5 PM and spent a couple of nights at a lovely RV park near the water. We enjoyed two days exploring SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo before heading up the freeway to Costa Mesa, where the Mariners lived. The days were warm with a cool breeze, and the nights were absolutely delightful. Jane slept soundly after walking through both parks for 8 to 10 hours, but I struggled to adjust to the coastal air.
On the fourth day, while driving north between San Diego and Los Angeles, we noticed a drive-through animal park. Jane insisted we check it out. The park was fascinating, with animals roaming freely. We drove from one section to another, waiting for each gate to open, allowing us to see different animal groupings. Some animals walked freely, while others lounged in the sun or shade. We could stop, take pictures, and take our time exploring the park. It was a unique experience compared to the zoo.
At each gate, there were clear warnings to keep our hands inside the windows, keep them rolled up, and avoid honking the horn. Unfortunately, a car of young adults ahead of us was trying to provoke the large cats. They taunted the lions, hoping to get their attention, but the animals mostly ignored them.
However, Mr. Elephant had had enough. He slowly made his way toward our cars. The young couples ahead of us either saw him coming or got bored and left just in time. But we were stuck between the elephant and the cars behind us. We rolled up our windows and watched as Mr. Elephant approached our camper, raised his trunk slightly, gave a slight nod, and then sat on our hood. "Oh my goodness, what do we do now?" Jane exclaimed. I was at a complete loss. The elephant made his statement, then stood up and moved on without any fanfare. A couple of tons on our hood left quite an impression.
I was initially concerned about the radiator, but once we were outside the park, there was no indication of any leaks. We pulled up to the office, and the staff was very apologetic. Both the park and we made a few calls to our insurance companies, and within an hour, we were back on our way to Andy and Janice's.
As we pulled onto the San Diego freeway heading north, we hadn't gone more than three miles when a car about four cars ahead of us got impatient and tried to switch lanes without noticing the car next to them. This resulted in a three-car pile-up that we narrowly avoided. After ensuring everyone was okay, we noticed cars starting to drive onto the shoulder to get around the crash site. We decided to follow them since we were tired and running late after the delay at the park. What we didn't notice was that the camper involved in the accident also left the scene before any Highway Patrol arrived.
This journey was filled with unexpected events, from an elephant sitting on our hood to narrowly avoiding a freeway accident. It was a trip we would never forget, and it reminded us of the unpredictable nature of travel.
Thank You Greg, I Think I'll go Hit Some Balls!
Greg Norman may not have won the jub but he made a difference and it was fun to watch...
Understanding the Iraqi Experience: Insights from a Recent Immigrant
In a world where understanding diverse cultures is more crucial than ever, the stories of individuals from conflict-ridden countries like Iraq are particularly poignant. These narratives not only highlight the struggles faced by the people in these regions but also their aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future. A recent conversation with Meda, an Iraqi woman who resettled in the United States, sheds light on the complex realities of life in Iraq amidst ongoing violence and societal upheaval.
Is life over when you turn 60
When you see what others are doing when getting close to or passing the age of 60 it should tell you that 60 is not getting old...
