Travels With Charlize....a trans US journey

[Charlize]

Well we did see bear skat around the cabin in Yosemite but old faithful will have to wait for another year if we get to Yellowstone. Fortunately the bear didn't decide to come into the van as we slept there. We have spent the last few days with an old cis female friend who had never met me as a female. She and her father were wonderful and kind. She grew up on the edge of Yosemite and took one look at El Capitan and could tell us where the climbers were. They were dressed in red and looked like chiggers on a wall of stone. Today we headed south and then east into the Mohave Desert. We are spending the night in a motel , getting a shower, depilating my legs and watching a bit of TV. It feels good heading home but each day brings new wonders and things to see.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

I hope you will see the sunrise in the Mohave.

Friendly suggestion: No matter what type of skat it is, try not to step or wheel in it.

Huggs,

Joann

[Charlize]

Joann the woman i was staying with as well as being beautiful is a naturalist. She just picked up the skat and checked out the undigested berries. Another bit seemed different and was apparently from a big cat as it was held together by cat hairs and they groom just like domestic cats. She leads back packing trips for the Sierra Club a cool kid. I was happy that she and her father could accept me since my transition. I actually did see the sunrise over the barren hills. it had actually sprinkled during the night and the roads were almost wet. The clouds just made the sight more beautiful and breakfast was good too. The drive through the Mohave was tough due to heavy crosswinds but we're in Holbrook near the petrified forest and painted desert. Tomorrow we'll see that and head into New Mexico after a few more 7000+ ft climbs. What a trip every time i start to get bored the terrain or the weather changes. This chick is having fun.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

:D :D

I had forgotten about the crosswinds in the Mohave. This happens when you're calendar challenged.

Of course they would be more pronounced in the Sprinter.

Enjoy the Petrified forest and the Painted desert.

Huggs,

Joann

[Charlize]

Yesterday was a journey through the petrified forest and the painted desert before driving on rt 40 to Albuquerque. Before we entered the parks we went shopping for some rock collections for our grandchildren. We got a couple of little cards with pretty little stones glued to them. I lusted after a silver and turquoise belt buckle but i have trouble spending money on myself. The pieces of petrified wood were beautiful but also way too expensive. You are not allowed to collect in the park. We had read about a store that owned land next to the park where they mined and sold petrified wood. We found the place but it was just a deserted shack. There was a phone # and we called. I must admit to being a bit worried as a car came out of a nearby junk yard. An older woman got out with a large guy. Gulp, we are way out in the desert with these folks. Ended up making friends and talking about recovery from addiction and farming. Best of all i traded a bottle of maple syrup for a 100lb beautiful piece. So much fun. Best of all she says put it in the car for the ladies. We have more ballast for cross wind situations now and some wood to have by the house that won't rot.

Hugs,

[Guest MostlySwell]

"Wood for the house that won't rot." That's hilarious, Charlize.

If you're still looking for interesting rocks for the kids, try Mama's Minerals in Albuquerque. (I used to live down the road from them.) http://www.mamasminerals.com

And, a place I loved in Santa Fe, which has Zuni fetishes of all price ranges, including very inexpensive, is Keshi. http://www.keshi.com I lived in Albuquerque for a few years and in Santa Fe for 10+. I'd suggest Keshi over Mama's Minerals, but that might just be my own personal preference.

Fred

[Carolyn Marie]

Charlize, we were in N.M. in the summer, and it's a lovely place. I can recommend one local diner that serves fantastic, authentic New Mexican food. Mary & Tito's Cafe, 2711 Fourth Street, NW. We went for breakfast. If you haven't had New Mexico red or green chile, just be careful. It's good, but it's really spicy! Any place you go, the first question they'll ask you is, "red or green?"

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

We're in Memphis but we are on a bit of a tool. A month of being away from home has been great and i can't believe all the things we saw. I also found a new confidence in myself. A great trip overall but once we turned east in NM we've been on a roll through the states. If i can keep up the pace i'll be petting my cat on Thursday night.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Cyndee]

There's no place like home, there's no place like home....

[Charlize]

If i could click my heels together i'd be home but these slippers are going to have to use the gas (diesel) pedal. I am sorry that i didn't get to visit some of the folks from here i would have loved to see but hopefully they will forgive me knowing that i'm also not traveling alone.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Mickey]

Charlize!! Welcome to my hometown!! I do hope you have a great time here in our fair city. I would love to be able to meet y'all some where for lunch while you're in town.

[Charlize]

Spent the night in Bristol PA after seeing three states in one day for the second day. Today with luck i'll be home. I must admit to feeling a bit burned out. I miss many of the activities i usually have at home. Depending on road conditions and my condition i should be able to make my trans* AA meeting.

One of the nicest things is that the time is right again. We passed another hour yesterday. Things get a bit odd while changing time zones and having daylight savings as well. Arizona is the oddest in that it doesn't seem to use daylight savings unless you are on Navaho lands. All too much for a Jersey girl.

I look a bit the cowgirl however with a long jean skirt and a nice western cut broadcloth blouse. Best of all is the beaded belt i picked up at a tribal store north of the Grand Canyon. I've already gotten some compliments on it.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Cyndee]

Miles of smiles !

[Charlize]

Home and a great night's sleep with a busy day today. Mountains of male. I got sample ballots for both him and me. I'll have to straighten that out but i almost would try to pass as a male to get a second vote even though i fear it wouldn't be enough. I went to my first real time AA meeting tonight at a GLBT meeting and saw one of our members there. I really enjoy those folks and after them watching and helping me come out and transition they have a better understanding than most in the cis but gay community. Oddly one of the guys said as we left the meeting that in some places in the west trans people wouldn't loose their jobs if they admitted they were crazy. What? Where did that come from? It was a wonderful (in a literal sense) journey. Thanks to all that have posted and to our members across this amazing country.

Back to work now?

Hugs,

Charlize

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome home, Charlize. I suppose it is true that home is where the heart is, after all. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with all of us. It was fun, as well as an education.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie.

[Guest]

Welcome home Girl.

I am really happy you made it home safely.

I am finally able to stop reading that you are packing your wife.

Huggs,

Joann

[Michelle 2010]

Welcome home sweetie. Time to put away the ruby red slippers and get back to reality... Chores to do, Auntie Em to help, settle in for a long winters night, sigh...

Hugs

Michelle

[Guest Mia J]

Glad you are home safe and refreshed. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. It was wonderful.

Mia

[gennee]

Welcome home, Charlize. I loved reading your posts about your travels. It's wonderful to be able to travel around the country. It's equally wonderful that you have a place waiting for you.