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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JUNE 2023 9 by Bev Splitgerber, Resident "Go WEST young man" (or woman) …the quote we have so often heard. Well, I did it — over 60 times, (I've lost count)… the big trek from Michigan, and then Wisconsin, to California. It was 1948, age four. Dad had vacation days and drove us out on Route 66 (it began in 1926, paved in 1938) for a two and a half week trip. That was the first time I ventured west to see grandparents in Alhambra who had moved out from Wisconsin. The second time was three years later to see them again. My third time was by train at 21 to tour, with mom, the many sights including first times at wineries (Fresno and Napa). Little did I know then that I'd be married six years later, and hubby, Wayne, and I would travel over 57 times via various routes and paths to CA, even flying about 15 years too, often twice a year (Christmas and summertime). We'd pack the car and later the RV's, grab the fur babies, and head off to see National Parks, mountains, valleys, lakes, old motels, gas stations, tourist traps, quaint villages, cities, shops, — collecting treasures along the way. Sometimes we'd drive the 2,200 miles twice a year. It was a way of life, for us… lots of long bumpy roads, but smooth sailing/ gentle winds found their way to us too. We started our journeys in 1979 when my sister and her husband moved to Visalia. My parents followed in 1980. Wayne and I would pass the time listening to favorite songs on a "reel to reel" tape recorder. As technology changed, our favorite tunes took their residence on 8-tracks, cassettes, walkman, Mp3 players, CDs, and now SiriusXM. Also, while Wayne drove, early trips found me watching soap operas on a small portable TV with a cigarette lighter plug. We even spent a few years on a CB (Citizen Band radio) talking to truckers along the way — where were the Smokeys hiding? What was the weather like ahead? How is the traffic on that highway? Where were the better roads? etc. It really was fun to pass the time talking to them about so many topics. Our handles were Blue Jay and Canaryroads, who was who… This current new trip for us, to an eastern suburb of Nashville, is probably our last trip "from" California, beginning a new Del Webb Lake Providence experience in Mt Juliet. But, we will never forget YOU — the special people, cherished friends, and great neighbors at SDV. We've enjoyed 15 grand years here, loved it, and will miss it and all of you immensely. I often recall a profound statement I once heard on an old TV western: "Always look ahead, never look back — always move forward, never stand still… and never ever be sad for what's over, be glad you had such happiness." Good advice for us all. Many blessings to all of you as you continue your own ventures… Ventures to California Ventures to California

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