The People You meet along the way - Makes the Journey Great

It has been 2 weeks now as a traveler and I am reflecting already on so many wonderful meetings.  First off would like to give thanks to Ayrin Fante  & her son Gio who hosted me for 4 months while I stayed in Mar Vista, CA... and gave me time to prepare for this Great Adventure. Living a 10 minute drive from the ocean was such a blessing and being surrounded by Ayrin's apothecary of essential oils was highly uplifting. I now use her oils to give blessings to those who come to me for healing's.  

Ayrin Fante in Playa Dey Rey, CA

I also had several nights stay with Therese Hartmann, who is a Mortgage broker in Ojai with a heart of gold.  She has done her fair share of travels from visiting her Guru in India to cycling the Camino trail in Spain. She also reminded me that some of the most deep spiritual guru's & teachers are working in regular jobs hidden from the public eye of recognized saint or celebrated zen yoga master.  Each person walks their own path to enlightenment and how that looks is entirely a unique and individual experience.  If you are lucky you will find the gems in the crowd.

 Therese & Sedonah at The Ojai Retreat, Ojai, CA

Another gem I met along the way is Cheyenne.  She is a true traveler been living this type of lifestyle for 27 years.  She started hiking with a back pack - just as Peace Pilgrim, never asking for food or shelter but was always taken care of.  When you are a traveler as I am it is always good to have friends who have traveled a similar path... so you can reach out for inspiration when needed.

Cheyenne & Sedonah in Ojai Westridge Market

 Such a happy, joyful and youthful woman who has fully embraced the path that means the most to her... the path of free spirited life.

The other things you learn on the trail of life as a traveler is the tricks of the road.  Met a man today who is full time on his bike with a small trailer on wheels.  He says his bed is under the stars wherever he lands.  Parks with lots of trees have too many bugs so he prefers to stay closer to the ocean breezes.  He used to live out of his car, and his suggestion for that was a battery operated fan - well worth the money on hot summer nights.

New friend and fellow traveler Anya - she has a home base in Ojai  for the time being, but in her heart she is a traveler too.  We connected instantly with our kindred spirits.  WE both love to create art & have a deep connection to nature where we feel most at peace.

Ania - Spirit Nature Angel

Where to eat?  This is a question you have to look at.  Eating at restaurants every night can be costly. Today I found an incredible resource - large health food stores usually have Food/Salad Bars.  Lazy Acres, which is a chain store has by far the best and freshest I have ever seen.   Highly recommend this one even if you are a local - great way to eat for anyone who is not interested in cooking. It's variety will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.  

And the journey continues....