A Visit With John, Ellyn and Milan in Mexico

The other day I decided to venture out to meet John and Ellyn in Mexico.  I "met" John a few years ago on my space and we became pen pals.  I was instantly taken by his writing and after seeing a few videos he posted, I figured he was the real life "dude" from the Big Lebowsky, even though I know he gets that a lot. I meet a lot of nice folks on the internet and it's always fun to meet them in person after talking for a while to see how they are in real life.  John and Ellyn are exactly how I imagined...about as real as you can get.

They live on a house right on the water about 35 minutes from the border.  They don't have electricity, but do have propane and water.  They refer to their housing community as the "camp" and everyone knows each other very well.  John and Ellyn are entertainers with a traveling show so you might have seen them at your local fair or at the San Diego zoo where Ellen is "Dr. Zoolittle."

I didn't bring Max along for the ride, but I brought my cousin, Wendy.  I love it when I throw out a crazy idea and people say yes.  I told Wendy that I wanted to go to Mexico to meet an online friend that I've never met and she said "ok" without question.

What I like most about them is that they are energetic about everything.  You can talk about all subjects and they will have a story and will give their opinion without hesitation.  I felt right at home with them and love the life they both lead.  They follow their passion and do what they love.

I told a few people about going to Mexico to meet a stranger and most people worried that I would be ok.  I didn't think twice about it.  Of course there are many reasons to be afraid to meet strangers or travel to another country to do so, but that's the exciting part about it.  I didn't stay long on this trip, but I plan to go back again to soak up the experience of living at their "camp." Wendy and I were treated like family and Ellyn cooked the best meals!

It was also interesting to see that we were about the only tourists in town.  I will blog about that in another post but for now, here are some photographs to give you an idea of what life is like for Ellyn, John and their dog Milan.  I look forward to catching one of their performances soon.

Ocean Breeze Airstream Dreams

It's been on my mind.  A lot.

I am getting ready to leave again to wander the country and ever since I stepped into an airstream for the first time a few weeks ago, I can't seem to get it off of my mind.  They are so beautiful and shiny!  I love my little teardrop trailer, "trailie" but standing up in my favorite Ocean Breeze International Airstream 16 foot trailer is something I won't soon forget.  I love it.

I think it would be great to own a beautiful piece of land where I can set up vintage trailers and Airstreams so people can come and live the trailer life for the weekend, a week or a month.  No need to own one, just have a similar dream of living in one and to give it a try.  Each trailer would have a different theme to it.  I've seen a few parks around that are like this but I think there is always room for more!  Ahhh, that would be a wonderful life.

Some people dream of living in large homes with nice cars and clothes but for me, living in a trailer somewhere beautiful would do it for me.  Better yet, a trailer can take you to many places that are beautiful.  Wherever you can park!

I am going to roam around in my tent this year and will continue thinking about my dream.  I know that similar people have the airstream dream and I know of one who made her dream a reality.  When I wrote about my experience traveling with the ladies and their airstreams, I received a letter from Jennifer that read:

"I love your photography, and wanted to let you know what happened after you posted those amazing photos of Airstreams a few weeks ago. They've had quite an effect on my husband's and my life!

I first saw that set of photos on a Saturday morning, while my hubby was out on a long bike ride. I was not only blown away by your amazing photography, but was reminded of how much I LOVE Airstreams.

My main thought was, "Someday…." And then I thought, "Why someday? Why not now?!" I couldn't think of a good reason why not. And I could think of a long list of reasons why an Airstream is actually the perfect thing for us, right now. When my husband got home, I suggested we drive to the closest Airstream dealer (an hour away). Fortunately he was totally game, and we went that afternoon.

                                                   

Flash forward three weeks: We are now the proud owners of a 19' Airstream, as well as a new truck to tow it with! I am SO psyched and cannot wait to hit the road with it. We're going to start out with weekend trips first, but hope to do a long trip this summer as well.

And it all began because of your photos! I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the inspiration. And I think maybe the Airstream dealer owes you a commission. :-)"

Good for you Jennifer!  Way to go!  Let's all get out there and realize our dreams, no matter what they are.  Time is the only thing we are losing.  Anyone have a campground for sale?