Road Trip With Bruce

I don't know how we ever got anywhere before Waze. We’d write down directions and then decipher the scribble while simultaneously trying not to not crash.

Waze is my friend. I use it even when I know exactly where I’m going. It’s a crutch. Not good for my brain muscles but helpful when there’s no one riding shotgun … like on a road trip up the coast.

We’re getting ready to do a staged reading of SNIPPED and while the music is being notated my work is done. I’ll have an idle week on my hands and I’m not good at sitting still AND my cousins are having a birthday party for my 92-year-old Aunt up north. Perfect. Here I come.

I’ve been meaning to listen to Tunnel of Love in entirety. I do it once a year. Here’s my chance.

It’s 107. I leave in such a spur I don’t check my water. Or my Oil. Or my tires tires. God be with me. My father would not be happy.

I finish my audio book on the way to Cambria. Sweet town. Spend the night.

I podcast up to Carmel where the sand is like snow. I’m convinced no two “oceans” look alike. I’m happier staring at them than going in them. Ever since Jaws. Spend the night.

In college I’d drive from Long island to U of M. But more currently it’s a hop skip to the grocery store or a 20 minute jaunt to a session. So this is an adventure for me. No bell to answer. No egg to fry.

In Monterey, the seagulls sound like they do in Big Little Lies. How could one not take note? I am drawn to water. I’m happiest near water. I grew up near water.

I need my dose of 70s. Timestamp vibes. Hello SiriusXM. Watcha got? “Anticipation.” Best Carly Simon song ever. I wonder if I’m really with you now or just chasing after some finer day.

Oh boy.

Why isn’t Waze coming thru the dash like she always annoyingly does? No one changed any settings. Sometimes Smart Phones are so dumb!

Spend another night in Grass Valley visiting a friend and then in Oakland with my cousin who next day tests positive and I’m like uh oh … I’m so outa here. Sadly I’m gonna miss the party but I spend a half hour with my Aunt outside her Half Moon Bay house. She might be 92 but she is all there.

I’m off. Heading south. I’m gonna power through this time. Gee It’s cooling off.

Strips of tires on the road. I wonder if one of those will soon be mine. I’m in the middle of nowhere. If I break down here I’m fucked.

Ok Bruce. It’s time to save me. Take me through that “Tunnel of Love.”

You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above

If you want to ride on down, down in through this tunnel of love

Who writes like that? Bruce.

He’s the ultimate road trip soundtrack. Always singing about going somewhere. A long walk home. Being Born to Run. Thunder Road. Humans, even the ones who are content with their lives, are in pursuit in their fantasies. I can’t imagine ever not being in pursuit of something. I think I’d die.

The San Luis reservoir. Jesus. It’s gorgeous. I kinda forgot it existed.

I stop for coffee. I fill up. I do downward dog in a parking lot. Get back on the road.

When you’re alone. You’re alone. Thanks for reminding me, Bruce. I’m starting to miss people. I love my solitude but it doesn’t take long to get lonely. I phone a friend. People sure need People.

I think about the Brilliant Disguises we all present and how writing about them helps us find ourselves. It takes a lifetime. We’re all just scared and lonely riders. Admit it!

We're going to start losing another generation of legends. I don't know why I think about that but I do. 😳

Two miles from home Waze starts chiming in from the dash. Quite randomly. A ghost in my Phone. “Welcome home,” she doesn’t say. But she should cause she supposed to be so smart.

I’m happy to be home. My butt is fucking killing me.

It’s good to step away from your life. Your purpose. Your routine. Take in the beauty and the ugly outside the boundary of Your Bubble. Re-connect with an artist who can accompany you on that journey. Walk with you out on the wire.

Happy travels everyone. I hope you get to the place you really want to go. Drive safely!

Love this place and this view @oceanfronthotel Miramar Beach, Half Moon Bay

And check out this tune. You won’t be sorry.

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